bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissipative correlated dynamics of a moving impurity immersed in a Bose–Einstein condensate
Authors: Mistakidis S I , Grusdt F , Koutentakis G M , Schmelcher P
Published: September 2019

We unravel the nonequilibrium correlated quantum quench dynamics of an impurity traveling through a harmonically confined Bose–Einstein condensate in one-dimension. For weak repulsive interspecies interactions the impurity oscillates within the bosonic gas. At strong repulsions and depending on its prequench position the impurity moves towards an edge of the bosonic medium and subsequently equilibrates. This equilibration being present independently of the initial velocity, the position and the mass of the impurity is inherently related to the generation of entanglement in the many-body system. Focusing on attractive interactions the impurity performs a damped oscillatory motion within the bosonic bath, a behavior that becomes more evident for stronger attractions. To elucidate our understanding of the dynamics an effective potential picture is constructed. The effective mass of the emergent quasiparticle is measured and found to be generically larger than the bare one, especially for strong attractions. In all cases, a transfer of energy from the impurity to the bosonic medium takes place. Finally, by averaging over a sample of simulated in situ single-shot images we expose how the single-particle density distributions and the two-body interspecies correlations can be probed.
Hyperspectral environmental monitoring
Authors: Zdravcheva N D
Published: September 2019

The report has made a critical analysis of modern hyper-spectral methods and their importance for the realization of reliable and effective control of the state of natural resources. The spectral characteristics of some objects and the creation of spectral libraries are examined. Attention is paid to the principles, ways and means of obtaining the hyper-spectral images, their specifics and characteristics, the trends in their development and their use in solving different socio-economic and scientific-applied tasks in the field of environmental monitoring. It also analyses its organization with a view to the effective use of complex data supplied by space, aviation and ground-based sources.
Reinfection With the Hepatitis C Virus in Men Who Have Sex With Men After Successful Treatment With Direct-acting Antivirals in Germany: Current Incidence Rates, Compared With Rates During the Interferon Era
Authors: Ingiliz Patrick , Wehmeyer Malte H , Boesecke Christoph , Schulze Zur Wiesch Julian , Schewe Knud , Lutz Thomas , Baumgarten Axel , Simon Karl-Georg , Hueppe Dietrich , Rockstroh Juergen K , Mauss Stefan , Christensen Stefan ,   European AIDS Treatment Network (NEAT) Study Group,   German Hepatitis C Cohort (GECCO) Study Group
Published: September 2019

Background

Micro-elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) includes treatment in populations at risk of ongoing HCV transmission, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) or people who inject drugs (PWID). We analyzed the HCV reinfection incidence rates of participants in the German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO) and compared our data to previous findings from the interferon era.

Methods

Patients with HCV reinfections in the multi-centric GECCO cohort were compared to patients in whom no reinfection occurred. The HCV reinfection incidence rate in MSM was also compared to the incidence rate in the interferon era (using data from the European Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Treatment Network [NEAT]).

Results

Between January 2014 and April 2018, 48 HCV reinfections occurred in 2298 individuals (2%), with 2346 cured HCV episodes. The median time to reinfection was 500 days (range 16–1160) and the overall HCV reinfection incidence rate was 1.89 per 100 person-years (py; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–2.48). In a multivariate analysis, the transmission risk in MSM was the only independent risk factor of HCV reinfection (odds ratio, 39.3; 95% CI, 4.57–334.40; P = .001). The incidence rate in MSM was 9.02 (95% CI, 6.48–12.26) per 100 py, compared to 1.14 per 100 py in PWID (95% CI, .56–2.09). The incidence rate for a first HCV reinfection in MSM was similar in the direct-acting antiviral era, compared to the interferon era, with a hazard ratio of 1.05 (95% CI, .64–1.74; P = .831).

Conclusions

HCV reinfection remains a frequent finding among MSM in Germany. In addition to behavioral interventions, early HCV treatment and retreatment should be implemented for this subgroup to prevent HCV transmission.
RNA Helicases from the DEA(D/H)-Box Family Contribute to Plant NMD Efficiency
Authors: Sulkowska Aleksandra , Auber Andor , Sikorski Pawel J , Silhavy D�niel , Auth Mariann , Sitkiewicz Ewa , Jean Viviane , Merret R�my , Bousquet-Antonelli C�cile , Kufel Joanna
Published: September 2019

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) is a conserved eukaryotic RNA surveillance mechanism that degrades aberrant mRNAs comprising a premature translation termination codon. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent RNA helicase up-frameshift 1 (UPF1) is a major NMD factor in all studied organisms; however, the complexity of this mechanism has not been fully characterized in plants. To identify plant NMD factors, we analyzed UPF1-interacting proteins using tandem affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry. Canonical members of the NMD pathway were found along with numerous NMD candidate factors, including conserved DEA(D/H)-box RNA helicase homologs of human DDX3, DDX5 and DDX6, translation initiation factors, ribosomal proteins and transport factors. Our functional studies revealed that depletion of DDX3 helicases enhances the accumulation of NMD target reporter mRNAs but does not result in increased protein levels. In contrast, silencing of DDX6 group leads to decreased accumulation of the NMD substrate. The inhibitory effect of DDX6-like helicases on NMD was confirmed by transient overexpression of RH12 helicase. These results indicate that DDX3 and DDX6 helicases in plants have a direct and opposing contribution to NMD and act as functional NMD factors.
Pretreatment Exercise-induced Hypoalgesia is Associated With Change in Pain and Function After Standardized Exercise Therapy in Painful Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hansen Simon , Vaegter Henrik B. , Petersen Kristian K.
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH), a measure of descending pain inhibitory control, has been found hyperalgesic in subgroups of painful knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. The effect of standardized exercise therapy (ET) on clinical pain intensity in KOA has been demonstrated. However, the prognostic value of EIH in KOA patients completing an ET program has not been investigated. This study investigated the prognostic value of EIH on pain relief following ET in KOA patients.

Materials and Methods:

In 24 painful KOA patients (Numerical Rating Scale, 0 to 10 ≥3), EIH was assessed as change in pressure pain threshold after 2-minute “lateral raises” before and after ET in this observational study. In addition, temporal summation of pain, clinical pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS], and PainDETECT Questionnaire) were assessed before and after ET. The KOOS-4 is defined by the KOOS subscale scores for Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, and Quality of Life and was used as the primary outcome.

Results:

Following ET, all clinical pain scores improved (P<0.01) but no changes in pressure pain threshold, temporal summation of pain, or EIH were found (P>0.05). Linear regression models identified pretreatment EIH (β=0.59, P<0.005) and PainDETECT Questionnaire (β=0.57, P<0.005) as independent factors for relative change in KOOS-4 after ET (adjusted R
2=46.8%).

Discussion:

These preliminary and exploratory results suggest that patients with a high EIH response before a standardized ET program may be associated with a large improvement in pain after treatment. This measure may potentially help clinicians as a prognostic tool for outcome prediction following ET in KOA patients.
Retrospective Assessment of Desmopressin Effectiveness and Safety in Patients With Antiplatelet-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage*
Authors: Feldman Elizabeth A. , Meola Gregory , Zyck Stephanie , Miller Christopher D. , Krishnamurthy Satish , Cwikla Gregory M. , Darko William , Jennings Shane , Sullivan Ross , Seabury Robert
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Current international guidelines offer a conditional recommendation to consider a single dose of IV desmopressin (DDAVP) for antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage based on low-quality evidence. We provide the first comparative assessment analyzing DDAVP effectiveness and safety in antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Setting:

Single tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients:

Adult patients taking at least one antiplatelet agent based on presenting history and documented evidence of intracranial hemorrhage on cerebral CT scan were included. Patients were excluded for the following reasons: repeat cerebral CT scan not performed within the first 24 hours, noncomparative repeat cerebral CT scan, chronic anticoagulation, administration of fibrinolytic medications, concurrent ischemic stroke, and neurosurgical intervention. In total, 124 patients were included, 55 received DDAVP and 69 did not.

Interventions:

DDAVP treatment at recognition of antiplatelet-associated intracranial hemorrhage versus nontreatment.

Measurements and Main Results:

Primary effectiveness outcome was intracranial hemorrhage expansion greater than or equal to 3 mL during the first 24 hospital hours. Primary safety outcomes were the largest absolute decrease from baseline serum sodium during the first 3 treatment days and new-onset thrombotic events during the first 7 days. DDAVP was associated with 88% decreased likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage expansion during the first 24 hours ([+] DDAVP, 10.9% vs [–] DDAVP, 36.2%; p = 0.002; odds ratio [95% CI], 0.22 [0.08–0.57]). Largest median absolute decrease from baseline serum sodium ([+] DDAVP, 0 mEq/L [0–5 mEq/L] vs [–] DDAVP, 0 mEq/L [0–2 mEq/L]; p = 0.089) and thrombotic events ([+] DDAVP, 7.3% vs [–] DDAVP, 1.4%; p = 0.170; odds ratio [95% CI], 5.33 [0.58–49.16]) were similar between groups.

Conclusions:

DDAVP was associated with a decreased likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage expansion during the first 24 hours. DDAVP administration did not significantly affect serum sodium and thrombotic events during the study period.
Diabetes Insipidus After Discontinuation of Vasopressin Infusion for Treatment of Shock
Authors: Ferenchick Hannah , Cemalovic Nail , Ferguson Nadia , Dicpinigaitis Peter V.
Published: September 2019

Objectives:

Vasopressin has achieved common usage for the treatment of catecholamine-requiring and catecholamine-resistant shock. Diabetes insipidus is a syndrome characterized by excretion of abnormally large volumes of dilute urine. To date, very few reports of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion have been published; the majority of previous reports describe neurosurgical patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the occurrence rate of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion among patients treated with vasopressin infusion for shock.

Design:

Retrospective analysis of electronic health records of patients receiving continuous vasopressin infusion for the treatment of shock within a 5-year period (2012–2016).

Setting:

Medical, surgical, and cardiothoracic ICUs within one academic medical center.

Patients:

One-thousand eight-hundred ninety-six patients received vasopressin infusion for the treatment of shock.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

The occurrence rate of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion was 1.53% among all patients. Sixteen of 29 patients with diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion had undergone cardiothoracic intervention, such as coronary artery bypass graft and valve replacement surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and placement of ventricular assist devices. No neurosurgical patients were identified in our cohort. In a control group of patients receiving norepinephrine but not vasopressin infusion for treatment of shock, criteria for diabetes insipidus were observed in two of 1,320 subjects (0.15%).

Conclusions:

Despite a paucity of published reports, diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion appears not to be a rare phenomenon, and is likely to be encountered by intensivists who regularly employ vasopressin for the treatment of vasoplegic shock. Previous reports consisted predominantly of neurosurgical patients. Our findings demonstrate the occurrence of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion among patients with septic shock as well as vasoplegic shock after cardiothoracic intervention. The mechanism of diabetes insipidus after discontinuation of vasopressin infusion remains to be elucidated but may involve transient downregulation of V2 receptors induced by exposure to supraphysiological doses of vasopressin.
Evaluation of Efficacy, Safety, and Satisfaction Taking Deferasirox Twice Daily Versus Once Daily in Patients With Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia
Authors: Karimi Mehran , Haghpanah Sezaneh , Bahoush Gholamreza , Ansari Shahla , Azarkeivan Azita , Shahsavani Amin , Bazrafshan Asghar , Jangjou Ali
Published: September 2019

Objective:

Deferasirox is a once-daily oral iron-chelation agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in November 2005. The authors aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of patients regarding twice-daily dose of deferasirox in patients with thalassemia who are resistant to once-daily regimen.

Methods:

In this historical cohort multicenter study, 34 patients with beta-thalassemia major resistant or intolerant to once-daily dose of deferasirox (35 mg/kg/d) were investigated in 2016. Patients were registered at 3 thalassemia referral centers in Shiraz, southern Iran and Tehran, the capital of Iran. All patients were followed for 1 year and monitored by regular physical examination, laboratory data, serum ferritin levels, and heart and liver T2 magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:

Mean age of thalassemia patients was 25.6±8.1 (8 to 40) years, including 22 female individuals and 12 male individuals. Serum ferritin levels significantly decreased during the study period (2021±955 at baseline vs. 1228±894 at the end of the study, P<0.001). Liver T2 magnetic resonance imaging of the patients demonstrated a significant improvement during the study. 73.3% of patients showed normal values at the end of study compared with 28.1% at the baseline (P<0.001). Drug side effects were reported only in 2 patients (5.8%) including 1 patient with abdominal pain and 1 with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions:

It seems that deferasirox can be used with increased dose and twice daily with acceptable efficacy in unresponsive or intolerant thalassemia patients to once-daily dose. Close monitoring of the patients is necessary to detect and manage any possible adverse events.
Colonic Adenocarcinomas Harboring NTRK Fusion Genes
Authors: Lasota Jerzy , Chłopek Małgorzata , Lamoureux Jennifer , Christiansen Jason , Kowalik Artur , Wasąg Bartosz , Felisiak-Gołąbek Anna , Agaimy Abbas , Biernat Wojciech , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Centonze Giovanni , Chmielik Ewa , Daum Ondrej , Dubová Magdalena , Dziuba Ireneusz , Goertz Sebastian , Góźdź Stanisław , Guttmejer-Nasierowska Anna , Haglund Caj , Hałoń Agnieszka , Hartmann Arndt , Inaguma Shingo , Iżycka-Świeszewska Ewa , Kaczorowski Maciej , Kita Paweł , Kołos Małgorzata , Kopczyński Janusz , Michal Michal , Milione Massimo , Okoń Krzysztof , Pęksa Rafał , Pyzlak Michał , Ristimäki Ari , Ryś Janusz , Szostak Blażej , Szpor Joanna , Szumiło Justyna , Teresiński Leszek , Waloszczyk Piotr , Wejman Jarosław , Wesołowski Wojciech , Miettinen Markku
Published: September 2019

This study was undertaken to determine the frequency, and the clinicopathologic and genetic features, of colon cancers driven by neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase (NTRK) gene fusions. Of the 7008 tumors screened for NTRK expression using a pan-Trk antibody, 16 (0.23%) had Trk immunoreactivity. ArcherDx assay detected TPM3-NTRK1 (n=9), LMNA-NTRK1 (n=3), TPR-NTRK1 (n=2) and EML4-NTRK3 (n=1) fusion transcripts in 15 cases with sufficient RNA quality. Patients were predominantly women (median age: 63 y). The tumors involved the right (n=12) and left colon unequally and were either stage T3 (n=12) or T4. Local lymph node and distant metastases were seen at presentation in 6 and 1 patients, respectively. Lymphovascular invasion was present in all cases. Histologically, tumors showed moderate to poor (n=11) differentiation with a partly or entirely solid pattern (n=5) and mucinous component (n=10), including 1 case with sheets of signet ring cells. DNA mismatch repair–deficient phenotype was seen in 13 cases. Tumor-infiltrating CD4/CD8 lymphocytes were prominent in 9 cases. Programmed death-ligand 1 positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells and focal tumor cell positivity were seen in the majority of cases. CDX2 expression and loss of CK20 and MUC2 expression were frequent. CK7 was expressed in 5 cases. No mutations in BRAF, RAS, and PIK3CA were identified. However, other genes of the PI3K-AKT/MTOR pathway were mutated. In several cases, components of Wnt/β-catenin (APC, AMER1, CTNNB1), p53, and TGFβ (ACVR2A, TGFBR2) pathways were mutated. However, no SMAD4 mutations were found. Two tumors harbored FBXW7 tumor suppressor gene mutations. NTRK fusion tumors constitute a distinct but rare subgroup of colorectal carcinomas.
In vitro activity of Erythrophleum ivorense extract against the promastigote stage of cutaneous Leishmania parasite, a member of Leishmania (Mundinia) enriettii complex isolates from Ghana
Authors: Anning Alberta Serwah , Kwakye-Nuako Godwin , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Mosore Mba-Tihssommah , Asare Kwame Kumi
Published: September 2019

Background. Cutaneous leishmaniasis causes physical disfigurement and impairment on affected individuals, however, little attention has been paid to it eradication. The situation of this neglected disease is complicated with the expansion of the non-human pathogenic Leishmania enriettii complex causing infection in humans. We have previously shown that the extract from Erythrophleum ivorense has leishmanicidal activity against promastigote stages of the L. enriettii complex isolate from Ghana and L
eishmania
donovani. The extract of E. ivorense has shown to have anti-inflammatory, wound-healing ability, antiallergic, antimalarial and antischistosomal activity. However, the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required for leishmanicidal activity against the emerging human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates is not clear.

Aim. To test for the concentration threshold of E. ivorense extract required to obtain ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of human pathogenic L. enriettii complex isolates from Ghana.

Method. The ethanolic leaf extract of E. ivorense was serially diluted and tested against the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex. Parasite inhibition was measured at 590 nm using a spectrophotometer after staining parasites with trypan blue. To select the threshold concentration for maximum inhibition of the promastigote stage of the L. enriettii complex, the concentration cut-off statistic was used.

Results. The MIC of E. ivorense extract for L. enriettii promastigote inhibition was 62.3 μg ml−1. The highest promastigote inhibition was observed at 72 h.

Conclusion. We show that a MIC of 62.3 μg ml−1 of E. ivorense leaf extract exhibits an ideal leishmanicidal activity against the promastigote stage of L. enriettii complex isolates.
Satellite DNA landscapes after allotetraploidisation of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) reveal unique A and B subgenomes
Authors: Heitkam Tony , Weber Beatrice , Walter Ines , Ost Charlotte , Schmidt Thomas
Published: September 2019

If two related plant species hybridise, their genomes are combined within a single nucleus, thereby forming an allotetraploid. How the emerging plant balances two co-evolved genomes is still a matter of ongoing research. Here, we focus on satellite DNA (satDNA), the fastest turn-over sequence class in eukaryotes, aiming to trace its emergence, amplification and loss during plant speciation and allopolyploidisation. As a model, we usedChenopodium quinoaWilld. (quinoa), an allopolyploid crop with 2n=4x=36 chromosomes. Quinoa originated by hybridisation of an unknown female AmericanChenopodiumdiploid (AA genome) with an unknown male Old World diploid species (BB genome), dating back 3.3 to 6.3 million years. Applying short read clustering to quinoa (AABB),C. pallidicaule(AA), andC. suecicum(BB) whole genome shotgun sequences, we classified their repetitive fractions, and identified and characterised seven satDNA families, together with the 5S rDNA model repeat. We show unequal satDNA amplification (two families) and exclusive occurrence (four families) in the AA and BB diploids by read mapping as well as Southern, genomic and fluorescentin situhybridisation. AsC. pallidicauleharbours a unique satDNA profile, we are able to exclude it as quinoa’s parental species. Using quinoa long reads and scaffolds, we detected only limited evidence of interlocus homogenisation of satDNA after allopolyploidisation, but were able to exclude dispersal of 5S rRNA genes between subgenomes. Our results exemplify the complex route of tandem repeat evolution throughChenopodiumspeciation and allopolyploidisation, and may provide sequence targets for the identification of quinoa’s progenitors.
The Intestinal Microbiota Contributes to the Control of Highly Pathogenic H5N9 Influenza Virus Replication in Ducks
Authors: Figueroa Thomas , Bessière Pierre , Coggon Amelia , van der Woude Roosmarijn , Delverdier Maxence , Verheije Monique H. , de Vries Robert P. , Volmer Romain
Published: September 2019

Ducks usually show little or no clinical signs following highly pathogenic avian influenza virus infection. In order to analyze if the gut microbiota could contribute to the control of influenza virus replication in ducks, we used a broad-spectrum oral antibiotic treatment to deplete the gut microbiota before infection with a highly pathogenic H5N9 avian influenza virus. Antibiotic-treated ducks and non-treated control ducks did not show any clinical signs following H5N9 virus infection. We did not detect any difference in virus titers neither in the respiratory tract, nor in the brain and spleen. However, we found that antibiotic-treated H5N9 virus infected ducks had significantly increased intestinal virus excretion at day 3 and 5 post-infection. This was associated with a significantly decreased antiviral immune response in the intestine of antibiotic-treated ducks. Our findings highlight the importance of an intact microbiota for an efficient control of avian influenza virus replication in ducks.

IMPORTANCE

Ducks are frequently infected with avian influenza viruses belonging to multiple subtypes. They represent an important reservoir species of avian influenza viruses, which can occasionally be transmitted to other bird species or mammals, including humans. Ducks thus have a central role in the epidemiology of influenza virus infection. Importantly, ducks usually show little or no clinical signs even following infection with a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus. We provide evidence that the intestinal microbiota contributes to the control of influenza virus replication in ducks by modulating the antiviral immune response. Ducks are able to control influenza virus replication more efficiently when they have an intact intestinal microbiota. Therefore, maintaining a healthy microbiota by limiting perturbations to its composition should contribute to prevention of avian influenza virus spread from the duck reservoir.
Genetical engineered lung cancer cell for analyzing Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition
Authors: Kiełbus Michał , Czapiński Jakub , Kałafut Joanna , Woś Justyna , Stepulak Andrzej , Rivero-Müller Adolfo
Published: September 2019

Cell plasticity, defined as the ability to undergo phenotypical transformation in a reversible manner, is a physiological processes that also exert important roles in disease progression Two forms of cellular plasticity are epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its inverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). These processes have been correlated to the poor outcome of different types of neoplasias as well as drug resistance development. Since EMT/MET are transitional processes, we have generated and validated a reporter cell line. Specifically, a far-red fluorescent protein was knocked-in in-frame with the mesenchymal gene markerVIMENTIN(VIM) in H2170 lung cancer cells. The vimentin reporter cells (VRCs) are a reliable model for studying EMT and MET showing cellular plasticity upon a series of stimulations. These cells are a robust platform to dissect the molecular mechanisms of these processes, and for drug discoveryin vitroand in the futurein vivo.
Design and optimization of a cell-free atrazine biosensor
Authors: Silverman Adam D. , Akova Umut , Alam Khalid K. , Jewett Michael C. , Lucks Julius B.
Published: September 2019

Recent advances in cell-free synthetic biology have spurred the development ofin vitromolecular diagnostics that serve as effective alternatives to whole-cell biosensors. However, cell-free sensors for detecting manmade organic water contaminants such as pesticides are sparse, partially because few characterized natural biological sensors can directly detect such pollutants. Here, we present a platform for the cell-free detection of one critical water contaminant, atrazine, by combining a previously characterized cyanuric acid biosensor with a reconstituted atrazine-to-cyanuric acid metabolic pathway composed of several protein-enriched bacterial extracts mixed in a one pot reaction. Our cell-free sensor detects atrazine within an hour of incubation at an activation ratio superior to previously reported whole-cell atrazine sensors. We also show that the response characteristics of the atrazine sensor can be tuned by manipulating the component ratios of the cell-free reaction mixture. Our approach of utilizing multiple metabolic steps, encoded in protein-enriched cell-free extracts, to convert a target of interest into a molecule that can be sensed by a transcription factor is modularly designed, which should enable this work to serve as an effective proof-of-concept for rapid field-deployable detection of complex organic water contaminants.
Micronutrient intake and prevalence of micronutrient inadequacy among women (15-49 y) and children (6-59 mo) in South Kivu and Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Authors: Moumin Najma A. , Angel Moira Donahue , Karakochuk Crystal D. , Michaux Kristina D. , Moursi Mourad , Sawadogo Kossiwavi Améwono Ayassou , Foley Jennifer , Hawes Meaghan , Whitfield Kyly C. , Tugirimana Pierrot L. , Bahizire Esto , Akilimali Pierre Z. , Boy Erick , Green Tim J.
Published: September 2019

Iron biofortified beans and carotenoid enriched cassava are proposed as a solution to combat iron and vitamin A deficiencies, respectively, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). To inform the need for biofortified foods we conducted a survey in 2014, in two provinces of the DRC, South Kivu and Kongo Central. Unexpectedly, women of reproductive age (WRA; 15-49 y) and their children (6-59 m) had a low prevalence of biochemical iron and vitamin A deficiency, based on ferritin and retinol binding protein, respectively. However, to better understand the lack of biochemical deficiency of these nutrients we examined the prevalence of inadequate intake for these and other select nutrients. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour recalls (with repeats) among 744 mother-child dyads. In WRA the prevalence of inadequate iron intakes was 32% (10% bioavailability). The prevalence of inadequate vitamin A intakes was low in South Kivu (18%) and negligible in Kongo Central (1%). The prevalence of inadequate iron intake was 74% in infants (6-11 m) and ~22% in the older children (12-59 months). There was a high prevalence of inadequate zinc intake in women and children (i.e. 83% WRA) consistent with our findings of a high prevalence of low serum zinc in the same sample. Dietary data here corroborate the low prevalence of biochemical vitamin A deficiency but not iron. However, any change to the supply of red palm oil would dramatically reduce population vitamin A intakes, thus a carotenoid enriched cassava program may be beneficial as a safety net measure. Additionally, iron biofortified beans may be warranted given the high rates of dietary inadequacy and uncertainty around the validity of iron biomarkers. Crops biofortified with zinc also appear warranted. We caution that our findings cannot be extrapolated to the entire Congo where diverse agro-ecological landscape exist or when political and environmental shocks occur which challenge food production.
Ecological stoichiometry and adult fat reserves suggest bet-hedging inDrosophila melanogasterdevelopment
Authors: Krama Tatjana , Krams Ronalds , Jõers Priit , Munkevics Māris , Trakimas Giedrius , Luoto Severi , Eichler Sarah , Butler David M. , Merivee Enno , Must Anne , Rantala Markus J. , Contreras-Garduño Jorge , Krams Indrikis
Published: September 2019

The elemental composition of organisms relates to a suite of functional traits that change during development in response to environmental conditions. It may be a part of a phenomenon known as ‘developmental programming’, which hypothetically creates phenotypes that are better adapted to their environments. However, associations between developmental speed and elemental body composition are not well understood. We compared body mass, elemental body composition, food uptake and fat metabolism ofDrosophila melanogasterOregon-R male fruit flies across the time gradient of their larval development. The results showed that flies with intermediate and rapid developmental speeds were heavier than slowly developing flies. Slowly developing flies had higher body carbon concentration than rapidly developing and intermediate flies. Rapidly developing flies had the highest body nitrogen concentration, while slowly developing flies had higher body nitrogen levels than flies with intermediate speed of development. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio was therefore lower in rapidly developing flies than in slow and intermediate flies. Feeding rates were lowest in the slowly developing flies. The amount of storage fats was highest in the intermediate group. This means that the growth of rapidly developing flies is not suppressed by stress and they actively convert the food they consume into growth with less emphasis on storage build-up, suggesting bet-hedging in the larval development. In contrast, flies in the intermediate developmental group had the greatest fat reserves which optimize fitness under many climatic conditions. Low food intake may slow down development and the accumulation of body fat reserves in slowly developing flies. However, at the cost of slower growth, their phenotype conceivably facilitates survival under higher stochasticity of their ephemeral environments spoiled by metabolic waste due to high density of conspecifics. Overall, this study suggests that bet-hedging may be a common developmental strategy in fruit flies to cope with environmental uncertainty.
Early loss of Scribble affects cortical development and interhemispheric connectivity resulting in psychomotor dysregulation
Authors: Ezan Jerome , Moreau Maité M. , Mamo Tamrat M. , Shimbo Miki , Decroo Maureen , Richter Melanie , Peyroutou Ronan , Rachel Rivka , Tissir Fadel , de Anda Froylan Calderon , Sans Nathalie , Montcouquiol Mireille
Published: September 2019

Neurodevelopmental disorders arise from combined defects in processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and commissure formation. The evolutionarily conserved tumor-suppressor protein Scribble (Scrib) serves as a nexus to transduce signals for the establishment of apicobasal and planar cell polarity during these processes. Human SCRIB gene mutations are associated with neural tube defects and this gene is located in the minimal critical region deleted in the rare Verheij syndrome. In this study, we generated brain-specific conditional cKO mouse mutants and assessed the impact of the Scrib deletion on brain morphogenesis and behavior. We showed that embryonic deletion of Scrib in the telencephalon leads to cortical thickness reduction (microcephaly) and alteration of interhemispheric connectivity (corpus callosum and hippocampal commissure agenesis). We correlated these phenotypes with the identification of novel roles for Scrib, both cell- and non-cell-autonomous, on neuronal migration and axonal guidance respectively. Finally, we show that Scrib cKO mice have psychomotor deficits such as locomotor activity impairment and memory alterations. Altogether, we show that Scrib is essential for early brain development and that the outcomes of its brain-specific disruption support a direct or indirect participation of Scrib to neurodevelopmental pathologies.
Pharmacogenetic variants associated with off-target adverse drug reactions are mostly predicted to be benign
Authors: McConnell Hannah , Field Matthew A , Andrews T. Daniel
Published: September 2019

Tools that predict the functional importance of genetic variation almost always rely on sequence conservation across deep evolutionary divergences as a primary discriminator. However, sequence conservation information is misleading when predicting the functional importance of pharmacogenetic variants related to off-target adverse drug reactions. Sequence conservation is largely maintained by evolutionary purifying selection, which has not been relevant for most drugs until very recently, especially for off-target effects. Here, we use a simple classification criteria to identify variants with off-target pharmacogenetic effects from the PharmGKB database. We show that off-target pharmacogenetic variation is predicted mostly to be benign by all state-of-the-art prediction tools we tested. Hence, off-target pharmacogenetic variants are overwhelmingly invisible to all predictive methodologies currently employed. Very different analytical approaches will be needed to address this important problem.

Author Summary

When a personal genome sequence is obtained for a given person, the sequence is compared to the human reference sequence to identify where it differs from the genome of that person. One application of this information is that it may identify how a specific person may react to particular drugs. However, when computationally predicting the functional importance of a genetic variant, the tools used rely heavily on sequence conservation information to make their prediction. From an evolutionary point of view, the use of drugs to treat diseases is a very recent activity – and one that has not had time to cause certain variants to either be selected for or removed from the population. This produces a blind-spot for tools that predict variant functional effects, especially for drugs with off-target interactions that may produce unanticipated effects.
Activity manipulation of an excitatory interneuron, during an embryonic critical period, alters network tuning of theDrosophilalarval locomotor circuit
Authors: Giachello Carlo N. G. , Fan Yuen Ngan , Landgraf Matthias , Baines Richard A.
Published: September 2019

As nervous systems develop, activity perturbations during critical periods can lead to permanently altered network function. However, how activity perturbation influences individual synapses, the network response and the underlying signalling mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we exploit a recently identified critical period in the development of theDrosophilalarval locomotor circuit to show that activity perturbation differentially affects individual and identified synaptic pairings. Remarkably, we further show that activity-manipulation of a selective excitatory interneuron is sufficient to fully recapitulate the effects induced by network-wide activity disturbance; indicative that some neurons make a greater contribution to network tuning. We identify nitric oxide (NO)-signalling as a potential mediator of activity-dependent network tuning during the critical period. Significantly, the effect of NO-signalling to network tuning is dictated by the prior activity state of the network. Thus, this study provides mechanistic insight that is currently lacking into how activity during a critical period tunes a developing network.
Monitoring progress in “quality education” in the European Union – strategic framework and goals
Authors: Pleśniarska Aleksandra
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the most important initiatives and the strategic framework of the European Union (EU) supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This paper also presents an overview of the progress towards the 4th Sustainable Development Goal (quality education) mainly in tertiary and adult education in the EU context.

Design/methodology/approach

The adopted research method includes a literature survey, a study of law regulations and strategic documents of the EU and their critical analysis. The main axis of empirical investigation is a comparative analysis. Thematic scope of the analysis embraces indicators such as tertiary educational attainment, employment rate of recent graduates and adult participation in learning.

Findings

The results of the comparative analysis confirm the diversity between Member States in achieving the goals of sustainable development. Overall positive trends in the development of quality education can be observed in the EU. However, the gender gaps in tertiary educational attainment and in the employment rate of recent graduates have been widening. Moreover, the EU is not on track to meet its 2020 benchmarks for adult participation in learning.

Originality/value

The paper systematizes knowledge of initiatives of the EU for sustainable development and supplements it with a comparative analysis in the field of statistical data, which allows for a better understanding of the state and the prospects of implementing the idea of quality education at the EU level.
Impact of investor sentiment on decision-making in Indian stock market: an empirical analysis
Authors: P.H. Haritha , Uchil Rashmi
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between the factors influencing investors sentiment and investment decision-making (DM) of the individual investors. This paper proposes a unique conceptual framework that incorporates the herding, market and awareness factors that are leading to investor sentiment (IS) and decision-making process of the individual investors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has conducted a questionnaire-based survey to collect data from 875 individual investors through the convenience sampling method. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the relationship between factors, namely, market effect, herd behavior, media, social interaction and advocate recommendation that influences IS and DM.

Findings

The present study found that market effect and herding are the most significantly influencing factors of investors sentiment. Among the sources of awareness, the internet has the lowest influence when compared to media, social interaction and advocate recommendation.

Practical implications

This study will help individual investors to avoid the problems faced while making an investment decision. The study could help investors to select a suitable investment aid and avoid repeating expensive errors, which arise due to investors’ sentiment. It is recommended to increase the awareness regarding investors’ sentiment among individuals, so as to increase their understanding about the financial settings and to make them confident while investing. The present study also sheds light upon the behavior of Indian individual investors so that policymakers can take appropriate measures to provide the proper guidance. Policymakers can conduct awareness campaigns to increase investors’ knowledge on the market condition and to enhance proper investment DM among them.

Originality/value

To best of the authors’ knowledge, previous studies have focused on limited factors at a time. The present study has investigated how factors influencing investors sentiment, namely, market factors (MF), herding as well as awareness would influence investment DM among individual investors in India. The influence of these factors has never been studied simultaneously in the context of Indian individual investors’ DM.
Instagram fashionistas, luxury visual image strategies and vanity
Authors: Jin S. Venus , Ryu Ehri
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Luxury fashion brands harness the power of Instagram and fashionistas for strategic brand management. This study aims to test interaction effects among luxury brand posts’ Instagram source type (brand versus fashionista), visual image type (product-centric versus consumer-centric) and consumers’ characteristics (vanity, opinion leadership and fashion consciousness) on brand recognition and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative 2 (source type: brand versus fashionista) × 2 (branded visual image type: product-centric luxury versus consumer-centric luxury) between-subjects online experiment (N males = 195 and N females = 182) was conducted by recruiting participants from MTurk.

Findings

Logistic regression analyses indicated two-way interaction effects between sources and visual images on brand recognition. Brand recognition was higher for product-centric images when the source was the fashionista, whereas brand recognition was equivalent regardless of the image type when the source was the brand. Logistic regression and multiple regression analyses revealed the moderating effects of sources and visual images on the association between consumer traits and branding outcomes.

Practical implications

Meticulously choosing effective methods of showcasing branded content and persuasive luxury visual image strategies via Instagram is more important for fashionistas than for established brands in increasing brand recognition. Instagram fashionistas are more effective in increasing females’ brand trust through delivering product-centric visual images when targeting women with high vanity, opinion leadership and fashion consciousness. Brands as the Instagram profile source are more persuasive in increasing males’ brand trust through delivering product-centric visual images when targeting men with high vanity.

Originality/value

This experiment provides theoretical discussions and empirical findings about social media influencer marketing and managerial implications for Instagram-based luxury branding. This research revolves around the overarching theme of the interactive effects of multifaceted branded contents and market segments in social media influencer marketing environments.
Property valuation: the market approach optimised by a weighted appraisal model
Authors: Tajani Francesco , Morano Pierluigi , Salvo Francesca , De Ruggiero Manuela
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an innovative model that can be included within the market approach methods for property valuations. The algorithm takes into account the frequent high level of dissimilarity of the comparables selected for the assessment, thus providing for the use of appropriate similarity and reliability coefficients capable of weighing the data of the comparison sample with respect to the different degrees of similarity and reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model borrows the operative logics of the goal programming techniques, in order to identify the solution, the market value of the subject property and the implicit prices of the different influencing factors, since they are more reliable from the mathematical and empirical points of view.

Findings

The model has been applied to two case studies, relating to samples of residential properties located in the city of Naples (Southern Italy). The results obtained have outlined the high valuation performance of the developed appraisal model, capable of overcoming the applicability limits of classical market approach methods as well as providing solutions that are highly consistent with the expected empirical phenomena.

Practical implications

The research takes into account the growing need of both professionals and end users (banks, courts, public and private Entities, etc.) for valuation models that are easily repeatable and sufficiently objective. They are required in order to allow for the rapid verification of the elaborations carried out as well as to check the valuer’s appreciation of the contribution of the influencing factors in the market price formation. The outputs of the two applications developed have highlighted the ability of the proposed model to satisfy these market requests.

Originality/value

The proposed model can be easily implemented through a simple calculation program, with the mathematical structure elaborated allowing to overcome some application limits of the classical market approach methods. Furthermore, the introduction in the algorithm of appropriate similarity and reliability coefficients, capable of suitably weighting the data of the comparison sample, allows to widen the spatial horizon for the identification of the comparables as well as select properties characterized by a high level of dissimilarity. This makes it possible to apply the model in territorial contexts characterized by markets that are not excessively dynamic.
Kindred Spirits: Learning to Love Nature the Posthuman Way
Authors: Engelmann Sebastian
Published: September 2019

In times of ecological crisis Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) becomes more and more important. However, ESD mostly understands nature as a resource that must be catered to for securing the survival of mankind. This article criticises the anthropocentric foundation of ESD. Therefore, the article first introduces the concept of ‘making kin’ by Donna Haraway enriched with a critical discussion of subjectivity and agency by Judith Butler. Making kin describes a process that understands entities besides human beings as equal partners in action and symmetrical parts in networks of agents. Instead of understanding human subjects as the only nodes of power, Haraway grasps the social world as a string figure in which different knots are equally important for acting, living and dying together. Second, the article offers a re-reading of Bernhard Heinrich Blasche's text Naturbildung, focusing on the process of making kin implicitly sketched out in this text. The German text from the 18th century is evaluated with regard to its understanding of nature and interconnectedness of life-forms. I argue that Blasche's understanding of the human situatedness in an environment can be read as a predecessor to posthumanist understandings of nature, culture and agency. Finally, the paper connects the different threads and argues for a posthumanist understanding of love. Instead of love for the world, affectionate love in the world is not limited to human entities. A general understanding of love as the foundational principle of awareness, interconnectedness and situatedness is introduced that can enrich the discussion of pedagogical love.