bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to drive the productivity of the food security crop cassava
Authors: Ceballos Isabel , Mateus Ivan D. , Peña Ricardo , Peña-Quemba Diego Camilo , Robbins Chanz , Ordoñez Yuli M. , Rosikiewicz Pawel , Rojas Edward C. , Thuita Moses , Mlay Deusdedit Peter , Masso Cargele , Vanlauwe Bernard , Rodriguez Alia , Sanders Ian R.
Published: November 2019

The unprecedented challenge to feed the rapidly growing human population can only be achieved with major changes in how we combine technology with agronomy1. Despite their potential few beneficial microbes have truly been demonstrated to significantly increase productivity of globally important crops in real farming conditions2,3. The way microbes are employed has largely ignored the successes of crop breeding where naturally occurring intraspecific variation of plants has been used to increase yields. Doing this with microbes requires establishing a link between variation in the microbes and quantitative traits of crop growth along with a clear demonstration that intraspecific microbial variation can potentially lead to large differences in crop productivity in real farming conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), form symbioses with globally important crops and show great potential to improve crop yields2. Here we demonstrate the first link between patterns of genome-wide intraspecific AMF variation and productivity of the globally important food crop cassava. Cassava, one of the most important food security crops, feeds approximately 800 million people daily4. In subsequent field trials, inoculation with genetically different isolates of the AMFRhizophagus irregularisaltered cassava root productivity by up to 1.46-fold in conventional cultivation in Colombia. In independent field trials in Colombia, Kenya and Tanzania, clonal sibling progeny of homokaryon and dikaryon parental AMF enormously altered cassava root productivity by up to 3 kg per plant and up to a 3.69-fold productivity difference. Siblings were clonal and, thus, qualitatively genetically identical. Heterokaryon siblings can vary quantitatively but monokaryon siblings are identical. Very large among-AMF sibling effects were observed at each location although which sibling AMF was most effective depended strongly on location and cassava variety. We demonstrate the enormous potential of genetic, and possibly epigenetic variation, in AMF to greatly alter productivity of a globally important crop that should not be ignored. A microbial improvement program to accelerate crop yield increases over that possible by plant breeding or GMO technology alone is feasible. However, such a paradigm shift can only be realised if researchers address how plant genetics and local environments affect mycorrhizal responsiveness of crops to predict which fungal variant will be effective in a given location.
Peptidoglycan sensing prevents quiescence and promotes quorum-independent growth of uropathogenicEscherichia coli
Authors: DiBiasio Eric C. , Ranson Hilary J. , Johnson James R. , Rowley David C. , Cohen Paul S. , Camberg Jodi L.
Published: November 2019

The layer of peptidoglycan surrounding bacteria provides structural integrity for the bacterial cell wall. Many organisms, including human cells and diverse bacteria, detect peptidoglycan fragments that are released as bacteria grow. UropathogenicEscherichia coli(UPEC) strains are the leading cause of human urinary tract infections (UTIs) and many patients experience recurrent infection after successful antibiotic treatment. The source of recurrent infections may be persistent bacterial reservoirsin vivothat are in a quiescent state and, thus, are not susceptible to antibiotics. Here, we show that multiple UPEC strains require a quorum to proliferatein vitrowith glucose as the sole carbon source; at low density, the bacteria remain viable but enter a quiescent, non-proliferative state. Of all clinical UPEC isolates tested to date, 35% (51/145) enter this quiescent state, including archetypal strains CFT073 (from classic endemic lineage ST73) and JJ1886 (from recently emerged, multidrug-resistant pandemic lineage ST131). We further show that quorum-dependent UPEC quiescence is prevented and reversed by small molecules, called proliferants, that stimulate growth, such as L-lysine, L-methionine, and peptidoglycan (PG) stem peptides, including an isolated PG pentapeptide fromStaphylococcus aureus.Together, our results indicate that (i) uptake of L-lysine and (ii) PG peptide sensing by UPEC modulate the quorum-regulated decision to proliferate and further demonstrate that PG fragments are important for intra- and interspecies signaling in pathogenicE. coli.
Dual Roles of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Lens in Cavefish Eye Degeneration
Authors: Ma Li , Ng Mandy , van der Weele Corine M. , Yoshizawa Masato , Jeffery William R.
Published: November 2019

Astyanax mexicanusconsists of two forms, a sighted surface dwelling form (surface fish) and a blind cave-dwelling form (cavefish). Embryonic eyes are initially formed in cavefish but they are subsequently arrested in growth and degenerate during larval development. Previous lens transplantation studies have shown that the lens plays a central role in cavefish eye loss. However, several lines of evidence suggest that additional factors, such as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which is morphologically altered in cavefish, could also be involved in the eye regression process. To explore the role of the RPE in cavefish eye degeneration, we generated an albino eyed (AE) strain by artificial selection for hybrid individuals with large eyes and a depigmented RPE. The AE strain exhibited an RPE lacking pigment granules and showed reduced expression of the RPE specific enzyme retinol isomerase, allowing eye development to be studied by lens ablation in an RPE background resembling cavefish. We found that lens ablation in the AE strain had stronger negative effects on eye growth than in surface fish, suggesting that an intact RPE is required for normal eye development. We also found that the AE strain develops a cartilaginous sclera lacking boney ossicles, a trait similar to cavefish. Extrapolation of the results to cavefish suggests that the RPE and lens have dual roles in eye degeneration, and that deficiencies in the RPE may be associated with evolutionary changes in scleral ossification.
Classical and controlled auditory mismatch responses to multiple physical deviances in anaesthetised and conscious mice
Authors: O’Reilly Jamie A. , Conway Bernard A.
Published: November 2019

Human mismatch negativity (MMN) is modelled in rodents and other non-human species to examine its underlying neurological mechanisms, primarily described in terms of deviance-detection and adaptation. Using the mouse model, we aim to elucidate subtle dependencies between the mismatch response (MMR) and different physical properties of sound. Epidural field potentials were recorded from urethane-anaesthetised and conscious mice during oddball and many-standards control paradigms; with stimuli varying in duration, frequency, intensity, and inter-stimulus interval. Resulting auditory evoked potentials, classical MMR (oddball – standard), and controlled MMR (oddball – control) waveforms were analysed. Stimulus duration correlated with stimulus-off response peak latency (p < 0.0001). Frequency (p < 0.0001), intensity (p < 0.0001), and inter-stimulus interval (p < 0.0001) correlated with stimulu-son N1 and P1 (conscious only) peak amplitudes. These relationships were instrumental in shaping classical MMR morphology in both anaesthetised and conscious animals, suggesting these waveforms reflect modification of normal auditory processing by different physical properties of stimuli. Controlled MMR waveforms appeared to exhibit habituation to auditory stimulation over time, which was equally observed in response to oddball and standard stimuli. These observations are not consistent with the mechanisms thought to underlie human MMN, which currently do not address differences due to specific physical features of auditory deviance. Thus, no evidence was found to objectively support the deviance-detection or adaptation hypotheses of MMN in relation to anaesthetised or conscious mice.
Effects of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis on human sperm motility and chemotaxis
Authors: Wang Chen , Huang Jiepin , Ding Ling , Huang Ruohan , Dai Luru , Zhou Wenhui
Published: November 2019

Mammalian spermatozoa undergo a series of functional changes in the female genital tract before they can fertilize oocytes. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in these complex biological events. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms on the modulation of chemokines on spermatozoa still need to be elucidated. CXCL12, a chemokine, has been widely studied in leukocyte migration and. Here we found that CXCL12 was existent in human cumulus cells and follicular fluid and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 were co-expressed on human spermatozoa. We investigated the effects of CXCL12 on various biological functions of human sperm and which receptor plays a dominant role in these processes. We found that CXCL12 could promote human sperm chemotaxis, motility, penetration in the mucus, acrosome reaction and Ca2+ influx through CXCR4 rather than CXCR7. In addition, the simplified physical model reasonably explained the change of sperm velocity under the influence of CXCL12 concentration gradient, which was identical to their physiological motion patterns.
Functional 3D architecture in an intrinsically disordered E3 ligase domain facilitates ubiquitin transfer
Authors: Murphy Paul , Xu Yingqi , Rouse Sarah L. , Matthews Steve J. , Penedo J Carlos , Hay Ronald T.
Published: November 2019

Post-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin represents a widely used mechanism for cellular regulation. Ubiquitin is activated by an E1 enzyme, transferred to an E2 conjugating enzyme and covalently linked to substrates by one of an estimated 600 E3 ligases (1). RING E3 ligases play a pivotal role in selecting substrates and priming the ubiquitin loaded E2 (E2~Ub) for catalysis (2,3). RING E3 RNF4 is a SUMO targeted ubiquitin ligase (4) with important roles in arsenic therapy for cancer (4,5) and in DNA damage responses (6,7). RNF4 has a RING domain and a substrate recognition domain containing multiple SUMO Interaction Motifs (SIMs) embedded in a region thought to be intrinsically disordered (8). While molecular details of SUMO recognition by the SIMs (8–10) and RING engagement of ubiquitin loaded E2 (3,11–15) have been determined, the mechanism by which SUMO substrate is delivered to the RING to facilitate ubiquitin transfer is an important question to be answered. Here, we show that the intrinsically disordered substrate-recognition domain of RNF4 maintains the SIMs in a compact global architecture that facilitates SUMO binding, while a highly-basic region positions substrate for nucleophilic attack on RING-bound ubiquitin loaded E2. Contrary to our expectation that the substrate recognition domain of RNF4 was completely disordered, distance measurements using single molecule Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) and NMR paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) revealed that it adopts a defined conformation primed for SUMO interaction. Mutational and biochemical analysis indicated that electrostatic interactions involving the highly basic region linking the substrate recognition and RING domains juxtaposed those regions and mediated substrate ubiquitination. Our results offer insight into a key step in substrate ubiquitination by a member of the largest ubiquitin ligase subtype and reveal how a defined architecture within a disordered region contributes to E3 ligase function.
The non-swapped monomeric structure of the arginine-binding protein from Thermotoga maritima
Authors: Smaldone Giovanni , Ruggiero Alessia , Balasco Nicole , Abuhammad Areej , Autiero Ida , Caruso Daniela , Esposito Davide , Ferraro Giarita , Gelardi Edoardo L. M. , Moreira Miguel , Quareshy Mussa , Romano Maria , Saaret Annica , Selvam Irwin , Squeglia Flavia , Troisi Romualdo , Kroon-Batenburg Loes M. J. , Esposito Luciana , Berisio Rita , Vitagliano Luigi
Published: November 2019

Domain swapping is a widespread oligomerization process that is observed in a large variety of protein families. In the large superfamily of substrate-binding proteins, non-monomeric members have rarely been reported. The arginine-binding protein from Thermotoga maritima (TmArgBP), a protein endowed with a number of unusual properties, presents a domain-swapped structure in its dimeric native state in which the two polypeptide chains mutually exchange their C-terminal helices. It has previously been shown that mutations in the region connecting the last two helices of the TmArgBP structure lead to the formation of a variety of oligomeric states (monomers, dimers, trimers and larger aggregates). With the aim of defining the structural determinants of domain swapping in TmArgBP, the monomeric form of the P235GK mutant has been structurally characterized. Analysis of this arginine-bound structure indicates that it consists of a closed monomer with its C-terminal helix folded against the rest of the protein, as typically observed for substrate-binding proteins. Notably, the two terminal helices are joined by a single nonhelical residue (Gly235). Collectively, the present findings indicate that extending the hinge region and conferring it with more conformational freedom makes the formation of a closed TmArgBP monomer possible. On the other hand, the short connection between the helices may explain the tendency of the protein to also adopt alternative oligomeric states (dimers, trimers and larger aggregates). The data reported here highlight the importance of evolutionary control to avoid the uncontrolled formation of heterogeneous and potentially harmful oligomeric species through domain swapping.
Inexpensive robotic system for standard and fluorescent imaging of protein crystals
Authors: Handzlik Dakota , Larson Eric T. , Munschy Erika , Obmolova Galina , Collin Delphine , Craig Timothy K.
Published: November 2019

Protein-crystallization imaging and classification is a labor-intensive process typically performed either by humans or by instruments that currently cost well over $100 000. This cost puts the use of crystallization-trial imaging outside the reach of most academic laboratories, and also start-up biotechnology firms, where resources are scarce. An imaging system has been designed and prototyped which automatically captures images from multi-well protein-crystallization experiments using both standard and fluorescent imaging techniques at a cost 28 times lower than current market rates. The machine uses a Panowin F1 3D printer as a base and controls it using G-code commands sent from a Python script running on a desktop computer. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to enable users to control the machine and facilitate image capture, classification and editing. A 488 nm laser diode and a 525 nm filter were incorporated to allow in situ fluorescent imaging of proteins trace-labeled with a fluorophore, Alexa Fluor 488. The instrument was primarily designed using a 3D printer and augmented using commercially available parts, and this publication aims to serve as a guide for comparable in-laboratory robotics projects.
An iridium complex with an unsupported Ir—Zn bond: diiodido(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)bis(trimethylphosphane)iridiumzinc(Ir—Zn) benzene hemisolvate
Authors: Taullaj Fioralba , Lough Alan J. , Fekl Ulrich
Published: November 2019

The title compound, [IrZnI2(C10H15)(C3H9P)2]·0.5C6H6 or [Cp*(PMe3)2Ir]-[ZnI2] (Cp* = cyclo-C5Me5) was obtained and characterized as its benzene solvate [Cp*(PMe3)2Ir]-[ZnI2]·0.5C6H6. The bimetallic complex in this structure contains the Lewis-acidic fragment ZnI2 bonded to the Lewis-basic fragment Cp*(PMe3)2Ir, with an Ir—Zn bond distance of 2.452 (1) Å. The compound was obtained by reacting [Cp*(PMe3)IrI2] with 2-Ad2Zn (2-Ad = 2-adamantyl), resulting in the reduction of the IrIII complex and formation of the IrI–ZnII adduct. The crystal studied was a twin by non-merohedry with a refined BASF parameter of 0.223 (1).
1,4-Bis(2-nitrobenzyl)piperazine
Authors: Crundwell Hugh I. , Grimmett Rhiannon I. , Crundwell Guy , Westcott Barry L.
Published: November 2019

The title compound, C18H20N4O4, was synthesized via the base-assisted reaction of piperazine and 2-nitrobenyl bromide in toluene: the complete molecule is generated by a crystallographic inversion centre in the solid state.
The relationship between factors that contribute to support and future intentions in relation to a major sporting event
Authors: Camacho David Parra , Alonso Dos Santos Manuel , Duclos Bastias Daniel
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the influence of enthusiasm, fair social distribution of costs and benefits and the quality of the information received through the media in the support for holding sporting events and in future intentions of the Football Copa America held in Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

Through partial least squares structural equation modelling, two samples from two host cities (Concepción=373; Viña del Mar=267) are analysed.

Findings

Enthusiasm, the perception of the fair distribution and the quality of the information positively influence the support for sporting events and the future intentions. In the same way, the quality of the information positively influences enthusiasm and fair social distribution. Significant changes were observed between the two cities in the relationships between the quality of the information and the variables of future intentions and enthusiasm and between this variable and those of support and the future intentions of the residents.

Research limitations/implications

The convenience sampling limits the extrapolation of the results.

Practical implications

An adequate management of the quality of the information, social justice and enthusiasm can contribute to forming a social representation of the event that determines the backing or the behaviour of the citizens.

Social implications

Examination of the negative perceptions that cause bad feeling amongst the population receives a mega-event.

Originality/value

The contribution of theoretical evidence about possible data can determine the social backing and the behaviour of the residents in welcoming a major sporting event.
Consumer value creation through WhatsApp use
Authors: Cruz-Cárdenas Jorge , Guadalupe-Lanas Jorge , Zabelina Ekaterina , Palacio-Fierro Andrés , Velín-Fárez Margarita , Staniewski Marcin Waldemar
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand in-depth how consumers create value in their lives using WhatsApp, the leading mobile instant messaging (MIM) application.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the perspective of customer-dominant logic (CDL) and uses a qualitative multimethod design involving 3 focus groups and 25 subsequent in-depth interviews. The research setting was Ecuador, a Latin American country.

Findings

Analysis and interpretation of the participants’ stories made it possible to identify and understand the creation of four types of value: maintaining and strengthening relationships; improving role performance; emotional support; and entertainment and fun. In addition, the present study proposes a conceptual model of consumer value creation as it applies to MIM.

Practical implications

Understanding the way consumers create value in their lives using MIM is important not only for organizations that offer MIM applications, but also for those companies that develop other applications for mobile phones or for those who wish to use MIM as an electronic word-of-mouth vehicle.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the first to address the topic of consumer behavior in the use of technologies from the perspective of CDL; this perspective enables an integrated qualitative vision of value creation in which the consumer is the protagonist.
Contested knowledge: changing practices in origin-food communities
Authors: Mariani Mariagiulia , Cerdan Claire , Peri Iuri
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how communities engaged in the valorisation of origin food through Geographical Indications (GIs) and Slow Food Presidia can be resilient to changing conditions and able to innovate their practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the concept of “community of practices” (CoP) to explore the learning processes occurring in three origin cheese initiatives located in France and Morocco.

Findings

Learning processes surpass the border of the governing body and encompass competitors and consumers. Discrepancies between what is codified and what is done lead to a dynamic redefinition of both specifications and communities. Such initiatives are frameworks for envisioning possible futures emerging from controversies.

Originality/value

This paper compares two localised agrofood systems initiatives (GIs and Slow Food Presidia), based on evidence from two European and an African cases. The analytical frame of “CoP” sheds light on the underestimated dynamic effect of controversies on knowledge.
New tool for stock investment risk management
Authors: Sun Yi , Jin Quan , Cheng Qing , Guo Kun
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new tool for stock investment risk management through studying stocks with what kind of characteristics can be predicted by individual investor behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on comment data of individual stock from the Snowball, a thermal optimal path method is employed to analyze the lead–lag relationship between investor attention (IA) and the stock price. And machine learning algorithms, including SVM and BP neural network, are used to predict the prices of certain kind of stock.

Findings

It turns out that the lead–lag relationships between IA and the stock price change dynamically. Forecasting based on investor behavior is more accurate only when the IA of the stock is stably leading its price change most of the time.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this paper is that it studies China’s stock market only; however, different conclusions could be drawn for other financial markets or mature stock markets.

Practical implications

As for the implications, the new tool could improve the prediction accuracy of the model, thus have practical significance for stock selection and dynamic portfolio management.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first few research works that introduce individual investor data into portfolio risk management. The new tool put forward in this study can capture the dynamic interplay between IA and stock price change, which help investors identify and control the risk of their portfolios.
Predicting three dimensions of police officer stress: does rural or urban setting matter?
Authors: Wu Guangzhen , Wen Ming
Published: November 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the disparities in stress between rural and urban police officers in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected from a national police university in China in 2017. In total, 608 Chinese police officers were surveyed representing those attending in-service training program in the university.

Findings

Results showed that rural police officers exhibited a higher level of somatization compared to their urban counterparts, whereas no rural–urban differences were detected for other stress dimensions – anxiety and depression. Additionally, this study suggests that perceived constraints in resources and training partially mediate the observed rural–urban disparities in somatization.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on a convenient sample of Chinese police officers, which restricts the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

To reduce stress among police officers, China needs to make more investments in resources and training programs in its rural policing.

Originality/value

A review of literature reveals that studies comparing police stress between rural and urban areas are rare. Additionally, China, as the largest developing nation in the world, remains under-studied with respect to stress among its police officers.
Afraid to leave the house: issues leading to social exclusion and loneliness for people with a learning disability
Authors: Tilly Liz
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Tackling social exclusion, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness, is an important current issue. People with a learning disability have a right to be full members of their communities, yet often experience social exclusion. Community connections play a key role in people developing reciprocal relationships. It is therefore important to know the barriers to full inclusion. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds on an inclusive research project exploring these issues (Mooney et al., 2019) and aims to place that study’s main findings in a broader academic, policy and practice context.

Findings

Whilst there is a wide range of literature about social exclusion, lack of friendships and loneliness experienced by people with a learning disability, there is a gap in knowledge regarding some of the specific social barriers that prevent wider social inclusion, and therefore opportunities to make and keep friends.

Originality/value

This paper relates the findings of an inclusive research project to the current literature. It identifies the social barriers that limit community involvement and draws on the experience of people with a learning disability to find possible ways forward.
A Review of Bomb Pulse Dating and its Use in the Investigation of Unidentified Human Remains
Authors: Johnstone‐Belford Eden Centaine , Blau Soren
Published: November 2019

In cases where there is limited antemortem information, the examination of unidentified human remains as part of the investigation of long‐term missing person's cases is a complex endeavor and consequently requires a multidisciplinary approach. Bomb pulse dating, which involves the analysis and interpretation of 14C concentration, is one technique that may assist in these investigations by providing an estimate of year of birth and year of death. This review examines the technique of bomb pulse dating and its use in the identification of differentially preserved unknown human remains. Research and case studies implementing bomb pulse dating have predominantly been undertaken in the Northern Hemisphere and have demonstrated reliable and accurate results. Limitations were, however, identified throughout the literature. These included the small sample sizes used in previous research/case studies which impacted on the statistical significance of the findings, as well as technique‐specific issues. Such limitations highlight the need for future research.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Pacific Southwest City: Maternal and Child Characteristics
Authors: Chambers Christina D. , Coles Claire , Kable Julie , Akshoomoff Natacha , Xu Ronghui , Zellner Jennifer A. , Honerkamp‐Smith Gordon , Manning Melanie A. , Adam Margaret P. , Jones Kenneth Lyons
Published: November 2019

Background

There are limited data on the characteristics of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their mothers from the general population in the United States.

Methods

During the 2012 and 2013 academic years, first‐grade children in a large urban Pacific Southwest city were invited to participate in a study to estimate the prevalence of FASD. Children who screened positive on weight, height, or head circumference ≤25th centile or on parental report of developmental concerns were selected for evaluation, along with a random sample of those who screened negative. These children were examined for dysmorphology and neurobehavior and their mothers or collateral sources were interviewed. Children were classified as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (pFAS), alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), or No FASD.

Results

A total of 854 children were evaluated; 5 FAS, 44 pFAS, 44 ARND, and 761 No FASD. Children with FAS or pFAS were more likely to have dysmorphic features, and 32/49 (65.3%) of those met criteria for neurobehavioral impairment on cognitive measures with or without behavioral deficits. In contrast, 28/44 (63.6%) of children with ARND met criteria on behavioral measures alone. Mothers of FASD children were more likely to recognize pregnancy later, be unmarried, and report other substance use or psychiatric disorders, but did not differ on age, socioeconomic status, education, or parity. Mothers of FASD children reported more drinks/drinking day each trimester. The risk of FASD was elevated with increasing number of drinks/drinking day prior to pregnancy recognition, even at the level of 1 drink per day (adjusted odds ratio 3.802, 95% confidence interval 1.634, 8.374).

Conclusions

Data from this general population sample in a large urban region in the United States demonstrate the variability of expression of FASD and point to risk and protective factors for mothers in this setting.
The Identification of Pretreatment Trajectories of Alcohol Use and Their Relationship to Treatment Outcome in Men and Women With Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Stasiewicz Paul R. , Bradizza Clara M. , Ruszczyk Melanie U. , Lucke Joseph F. , Zhao Junru , Linn Braden , Slosman Kim S. , Dermen Kurt H.
Published: November 2019

Background

Few studies have focused on behavioral changes that occur prior to entering treatment for an alcohol use disorder (AUD). In 2 studies (Psychol Addict Behav, 27, 2013, 1159; J Stud Alcohol, 66, 2005, 369), pretreatment reductions in alcohol use were associated with better treatment outcomes. Identifying patterns of pretreatment change has the potential to inform clinical decision making.

Methods

This study sought to identify pretreatment change trajectories in individuals seeking outpatient treatment for AUD (N = 205) using finite mixture modeling based on changes in number of days abstinent per week (NDA).

Results

The analysis identified 3 pretreatment trajectory classes. Class 1 (High Abstinence—Minimal Increase; HA‐MI) (n = 64; 31.2%) reported a high level of pretreatment NDA with minimal change during an 8‐week pretreatment interval. Class 2 (Low Abstinence—Steady Increase; LA‐SI) (n = 73; 35.6%) reported a low level of pretreatment NDA followed by a steady increase beginning 2 weeks prior to the phone screen. Class 3 (Nonabstinent—Accelerated Increase; NA‐AI) (n = 68; 33.2%) reported no or very low levels of pretreatment NDA but demonstrated an increase following the phone screen. With regard to within‐treatment change, Class 1 demonstrated the least and Class 3 demonstrated the most change in NDA. From baseline to 6‐month follow‐up, Class 3 added 2.31 abstinent days per week, Class 2 added 0.69 days, and Class 1 added 0.63 days. The increase in NDA for Class 3 was significantly different from the other 2 classes; however, Class 3 reported fewer overall days abstinent at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Study results have clinical and research implications including recommended changes to treatment protocols and research designs. Understanding the impact of pretreatment trajectories of alcohol use on within‐treatment and posttreatment outcomes may provide important information about adapting treatment to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Litter‐dwelling beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) can survive in clear‐cutting during subsequent soil ploughing
Authors: Tamutis Vytautas , Sklodowski Jaroslaw
Published: November 2019

A 2‐year study of litter dwelling beetles was conducted in different mature pine stands and clear‐cuts in Lithuania using the litter sifting method. We hypothesized that clear‐cutting and subsequent ploughing would increase species diversity and the abundance of beetles, and also would encourage the immediate appearance of early‐successional beetle species replacing late successional species in the clear‐cuts.

We did not confirm a hypothesis regarding increase in the number of species and abundance of beetles in clear‐cuts.

Our hypothesis regarding the immediate appearance of early successional species and disappearance of late‐successional species in clear‐cuts was confirmed.

We also revealed that subsequent soil ploughing in clear‐cuts did not accelerate this process, which was linked to the possibility of late successional species surviving in the undisturbed spaces between the strips of ploughed soil.

The present study shows that late‐successional forest litter‐dwelling coleopteran species of old pine forests have a better chance of survival in a ploughed clear‐cut, at least in northern Europe, than has been reported in other studies.
Helping the “couch potato”: A cognitive dissonance approach to increasing exercise in the elderly
Authors: Cooper Joel , Feldman Lauren A.
Published: November 2019

In this manuscript, we present the results of the research that employs a technique inspired by the cognitive dissonance theory to increase older adults’ intentions to exercise. The failure to engage in physical activity is at the root of many psychological and physical ailments, from depression to diabetes. This is especially true of older adults for whom sedentary behavior is increasingly common. The current work reports the results of an experiment and a preliminary study that adopted the hypocrisy paradigm of dissonance to motivate increased behavioral intentions to exercise. Elderly participants volunteered to generate strong arguments in favor of engaging in physical exercise. As predicted by the dissonance theory, when urged to recall times in the past in which they had chosen not to exercise, participants increased their intention to exercise in the future and became more positive about the importance of exercise in their lives. Participants who only advocated for greater exercise but were not made aware of their past transgressions did not show increases in behavioral intentions. The results were interpreted as evidence for the effectiveness of a social psychological theory on a significant social problem.
Life in the lumen: The multivesicular endosome
Authors: Gruenberg Jean
Published: November 2019

The late endosomes/endo‐lysosomes of vertebrates contain an atypical phospholipid, lysobisphosphatidic acid (LBPA) (also termed bis[monoacylglycero]phosphate [BMP]), which is not detected elsewhere in the cell. LBPA is abundant in the membrane system present in the lumen of this compartment, including intralumenal vesicles (ILVs). In this review, the current knowledge on LBPA and LBPA‐containing membranes will be summarized, and their role in the control of endosomal cholesterol will be outlined. Some speculations will also be made on how this system may be overwhelmed in the cholesterol storage disorder Niemann‐Pick C. Then, the roles of intralumenal membranes in endo‐lysosomal dynamics and functions will be discussed in broader terms. Likewise, the mechanisms that drive the biogenesis of intralumenal membranes, including ESCRTs, will also be discussed, as well as their diverse composition and fate, including degradation in lysosomes and secretion as exosomes. This review will also discuss how intralumenal membranes are hijacked by pathogenic agents during intoxication and infection, and what is the biochemical composition and function of the intra‐endosomal lumenal milieu. Finally, this review will allude to the size limitations imposed on intralumenal vesicle functions and speculate on the possible role of LBPA as calcium chelator in the acidic calcium stores of endo‐lysosomes.
A meta‐analysis to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for Dupuytren's disease
Authors: Park Tae Hwan , Kim Dongha , Lee Young‐Seok , Kim Sung Young
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to determine novel candidate genes for Dupuytren's disease by performing a meta‐analysis. We identified 261 genes (111 up‐regulated and 150 down‐regulated) that were consistently expressed differentially in Dupuytren's disease across the studies. We performed functional enrichment on total sets of the identified 261 genes and confirmed that most of the genes were closely related to common processes of diseases in general. From the integrated studies of the gene‐correlation network and the protein–protein interaction network, we identified three functional modules in the gene co‐expression network and four hub gene clusters in the protein–protein interaction network that shared the same genes and represented similar biological functions, implying that the seven groups identified in the systematic analysis of these two networks might be involved in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's disease. This work demonstrates potential in developing experimental and clinical strategies for understanding and treating Dupuytren's disease.
Application of Generalized Regression Neural Network in Predicting the Performance of Natural Convection Solar Dryer
Authors: Sridharan M.
Published: November 2019

The performance evaluation of a natural convection solar dryer is a complex one because of the transient and non-linear nature of atmospheric conditions. In this comparative study, a smart neural network -based tool was developed for estimating the performance of such a transient nature solar dryer. For this purpose, a series of experimental studies are conducted through four successive days and compared with the generalized regression neural network (GRNN) modeling. GRNN architecture proposed in this study consists of three inputs (time duration, irradiance, and ambient temperature) and four outputs (drying chamber temperature, the mass of moisture removed, drying rate, and dryer efficiency). Such generalized regression neural network architecture was trained, tested, and validated with real-time experimental variable data sets. The results of the GRNN model are in good agreement with experimental results. The overall accuracy of the proposed GRNN model in predicting the performance is 96.29%.
From Idea to Production: A Retrospective and Longitudinal Case Study of Prototypes and Prototyping Strategies
Authors: Hansen Camilla Arndt , Özkil Ali Gürcan
Published: November 2019

This study explores the value of visualizing the prototyping activities in a new product development process from idea to production. Through a case study of a hardware startup, we present a retrospective and longitudinal study of their prototyping processes, from early idea to the introduction of several product generations to market. We call the visualization technique ProtoMapping, and we use the qualitative and quantitative data captured by the ProtoMap to understand how prototyping strategies change over the course of product development processes. Specifically, we focus on the prototyping of parallel concepts, iterations of concepts, manufacturing processes used for prototypes, prototype media, prototype tests, as well as prototyping of isolated or integrated systems. On the basis of this longitudinal analysis, we present a number of insights that were possible to uncover with ProtoMapping. We observe how parallel prototypes of isolated systems can be used to explore the solution space and later be synthesized into prototypes for integrated systems. Furthermore, we understand how the need to scale up production can lead to increased prototyping activities, as several parts of a product must be redesigned. This study illustrates the utility of a retrospective visualization approach and serves as the first step in formulation of generalized guidelines for prototyping strategies in holistic product development.
A Geometry Generation Framework for Contoured Endwalls
Authors: Wood Liam E. , Jones Robin R. , Pountney Oliver J. , Scobie James A. , Rees D. Andrew S. , Sangan Carl M.
Published: November 2019

The mainstream, or primary, flow in a gas turbine annulus is characteristically two-dimensional over the midspan region of the blading, where the radial flow is almost negligible. Contrastingly, the flow in the endwall and tip regions of the blading is highly three-dimensional (3D), characterized by boundary layer effects, secondary flow features, and interaction with cooling flows. Engine designers employ geometric contouring of the endwall region in order to reduce secondary flow effects and subsequently minimize their contribution to aerodynamic loss. Such is the geometric variation of vane and blade profiles—which has become a proprietary art form—the specification of an effective endwall geometry is equally unique to each blade row. Endwall design methods, which are often directly coupled to aerodynamic optimizers, are widely developed to assist with the generation of contoured surfaces. Most of these construction methods are limited to the blade row under investigation, while few demonstrate the controllability required to offer a universal platform for endwall design. This paper presents a geometry generation framework (GGF) for the generation of contoured endwalls. The framework employs an adaptable meshing strategy, capable of being applied to any vane or blade, and a versatile function-based approach to defining the endwall shape. The flexibility of this novel approach is demonstrated by recreating a selection of endwalls from the literature, which were selected for their wide range of contouring approaches.
Impact evaluation of a social protection programme paired with fee waivers on enrolment in Ghana’s National Health Insurance Scheme
Authors: Palermo Tia M , Valli Elsa , Ángeles-Tagliaferro Gustavo , de Milliano Marlous , Adamba Clement , Spadafora Tayllor Renee , Barrington Clare
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The study aimed to understand the impact of integrating a fee waiver for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) with Ghana’s Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) 1000 cash transfer programme on health insurance enrolment.

Setting

The study was conducted in five districts implementing Ghana’s LEAP 1000 programme in Northern and Upper East Regions.

Participants

Women, from LEAP households, who were pregnant or had a child under 1 year and who participated in baseline and 24-month surveys (2497) participated in the study.

Intervention

LEAP provides bimonthly cash payments combined with a premium waiver for enrolment in NHIS to extremely poor households with orphans and vulnerable children, elderly with no productive capacity and persons with severe disability. LEAP 1000, the focus of the current evaluation, expanded eligibility in 2015 to those households with a pregnant woman or child under the age of 12 months. Over the course of the study, households received 13 payments.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcomes included current and ever enrolment in NHIS. Secondary outcomes include reasons for not enrolling in NHIS. We conducted a mixed-methods impact evaluation using a quasi-experimental design and estimated intent-to-treat impacts on health insurance enrolment among children and adults. Longitudinal qualitative interviews were conducted with an embedded cohort of 20 women and analysed using systematic thematic coding.

Results

Current enrolment increased among the treatment group from 37.4% to 46.6% (n=5523) and decreased among the comparison group from 37.3% to 33.3% (n=4804), resulting in programme impacts of 14 (95% CI 7.8 to 20.5) to 15 (95% CI 10.6 to 18.5) percentage points for current NHIS enrolment. Common reasons for not enrolling were fees and travel.

Conclusion

While impacts on NHIS enrolment were significant, gaps remain to maximise the potential of integrated programming. NHIS and LEAP could be better streamlined to ensure poor households fully benefit from both services, in a further step towards integrated social protection.

Trial registration number

RIDIE-STUDY-ID-55942496d53af.
First clinical postmarketing experiences in the treatment of epilepsies with brivaracetam: a retrospective observational multicentre study
Authors: Menzler Katja , Mross Peter Michael , Rosenow Felix , Schubert-Bast Susanne , Willems Laurent Maximilian , Zahnert Felix , Immisch Ilka , Fuest Sven , von Podewils Felix , Kunz Rhina , Hirsch Martin , Mueller Tamara , Marquetand Justus , Winter Yaroslav , Langenbruch Lisa , Cicanic Michal , Beyenburg Stefan , Strzelczyk Adam , Knake Susanne
Published: November 2019

Objectives

Brivaracetam (BRV) is the latest approved antiepileptic drug and acts as a synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of BRV in the clinical setting.

Design

Retrospective, observational multicentre study.

Setting

We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients who received BRV in 10 epilepsy centres using a questionnaire that was answered by the reporting neurologist.

Participants

Data of 615 epilepsy patients treated with BRV were included in the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Efficacy regarding seizure frequency and tolerability of BRV were evaluated. Descriptive statistics complemented by X2contingency tests and effect sizes were performed.

Results

Overall, 44% of the patients had a decreased, 38% a stable and 18% an increased seizure frequency. 17% of patients achieved seizure freedom after initiation of BRV. The seizure frequency decreased in 63% of 19 patients with BRV monotherapy. 27% reported adverse effects, but only 10% of patients with monotherapy. Brivaracetam was significantly more often associated with decreased seizure frequency in levetiracetam (LEV) naïve patients (p=0.012), but BRV also led to a decreased seizure frequency in 42% of patients who had been treated with LEV before, including 17% of patients who were completely seizure free. Adverse effects under LEV improved in 62% and deteriorated in 2% of patients after the switch to BRV. At latest follow-up (mean±SD = 26.3±6.5 months), 68% were still on BRV.

Conclusions

The present study shows that results of the phase III studies on BRV match data from real life clinical settings. Brivaracetam seems to be a useful alternative in patients who have suffered adverse effects while taking LEV.
Factors associated with non-beneficial treatments in end of life hospital admissions: a multicentre retrospective cohort study in Australia
Authors: Carter Hannah Elizabeth , Lee Xing Ju , Gallois Cindy , Winch Sarah , Callaway Leonie , Willmott Lindy , White Ben , Parker Malcolm , Close Eliana , Graves Nicholas
Published: November 2019

Objective

To quantitatively assess the factors associated with non-beneficial treatments (NBTs) in hospital admissions at the end of life.

Design

Retrospective multicentre cohort study.

Setting

Three large, metropolitan tertiary hospitals in Australia.

Participants

831 adult patients who died as inpatients following admission to the study hospitals over a 6-month period in 2012.

Main outcome measures

Odds ratios (ORs) of NBT derived from logistic regression models.

Results

Overall, 103 (12.4%) admissions involved NBTs. Admissions that involved conflict within a patient’s family (OR 8.9, 95% CI 4.1 to 18.9) or conflict within the medical team (OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.4 to 17.8) had the strongest associations with NBTs in the all subsets regression model. A positive association was observed in older patients, with each 10-year increment in age increasing the likelihood of NBT by approximately 50% (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.9). There was also a statistically significant hospital effect.

Conclusions

This paper presents the first statistical modelling results to assess the factors associated with NBT in hospital, beyond an intensive care setting. Our findings highlight potential areas for intervention to reduce the likelihood of NBTs.