bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved reference genome uncovers novel sex-linked regions in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Fraser Bonnie A. , Whiting James R. , Paris Josephine R. , Weadick Cameron J. , Parsons Paul J. , Charlesworth Deborah , Bergero Roberta , Bemm Felix , Hoffmann Margarete , Kottler Verena A. , Liu Chang , Dreyer Christine , Weigel Detlef
Published: August 2020

Theory predicts that the sexes can achieve greater fitness if loci with sexually antagonistic polymorphisms become linked to the sex determining loci, and this can favour the spread of reduced recombination around sex determining regions. Given that sex-linked regions are frequently repetitive and highly heterozygous, few complete Y chromosome assemblies are available to test these ideas. The guppy system (Poecilia reticulata) has long been invoked as an example of sex chromosome formation resulting from sexual conflict. Early genetics studies revealed that male colour patterning genes are mostly but not entirely Y-linked, and that X-linkage may be most common in low predation populations. More recent population genomic studies of guppies have reached varying conclusions about the size and placement of the Y-linked region. However, this previous work used a reference genome assembled from short-read sequences from a female guppy. Here, we present a new guppy reference genome assembly from a male, using long-read PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing (SMRT) and chromosome contact information. Our new assembly sequences across repeat- and GC-rich regions and thus closes gaps and corrects mis-assemblies found in the short-read female-derived guppy genome. Using this improved reference genome, we then employed broad population sampling to detect sex differences across the genome. We identified two small regions that showed consistent male-specific signals. Moreover, our results help reconcile the contradictory conclusions put forth by past population genomic studies of the guppy sex chromosome. Our results are consistent with a small Y-specific region and rare recombination in male guppies.
Theory of genetic oscillations with external noisy regulation
Authors: Negrete Jose , Lengyel Iván M. , Rohde Laurel , Desai Ravi A. , Oates Andrew C. , Jülicher Frank
Published: August 2020

We present a general theory of noisy genetic oscillators with externally regulated production rate. The observables that characterize the genetic oscillator are discussed, and it is shown how their statistics depend on the statistics of the external regulator. We show that these observables have generic features that are observed in two different experimental systems: the expression of the circadian clock genes in fibroblasts, and in the transient and oscillatory dynamics of the segmentation clock genes observed in cells disassociated from zebrafish embryos. Our work shows that genetic oscillations with diverse biological contexts can be understood in a common framework based on delayed negative feedback system, and slow regulator dynamics.
Light stimuli and circadian clock affect neural development inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dapergola Eleni , Menegazzi Pamela , Raabe Thomas , Hovhanyan Anna
Published: August 2020

Endogenous clocks enable organisms to adapt their physiology and behavior to daily variation in environmental conditions. Metabolic processes in cyanobacteria to humans are effected by the circadian clock, and its dysregulation causes metabolic disorders. In mouse andDrosophilawere shown that the circadian clock directs translation of factors involved in ribosome biogenesis and synchronizes protein synthesis. However, the role of clocks inDrosophilaneurogenesis and the potential impact of clock impairment on neural circuit formation and function is less understood. Here we demonstrate that light stimuli or circadian clock causes a defect in neural stem cell growth and proliferation accompanied by reduced nucleolar size. Further, we define that light and clock independently affect the InR/TOR growth regulatory pathway due to the effect on regulators of protein biosynthesis. Altogether, these data suggest that alterations in growth regulatory pathways induced by light and clock are associated with impaired neural development.
Determination of the amount of insecticide picked up by mosquitoes from treated nets
Authors: Kristan Mojca , Lines Jo , Kaur Harparkash
Published: August 2020

Background

Insecticides used in vector control mostly rely on vectors being exposed through contact with treated surfaces, yet little is known about the amount picked up by the insect. Measuring this amount is relevant not only for determining the actual doses that are lethal to the mosquito, but also for understanding effects on the physiology and vector competence of mosquitoes. Insecticides at sub-lethal doses can affect both parasites developing inside mosquitoes and mosquito microbiota, hence it is important to understand the processes by which parasites are exposed to insecticide inside the insect. These doses will inevitably depend on the amount of insecticide that mosquitoes pick up when they come into contact with treated nets.

Methods

Three to five days old non-blood fed femaleAnopheles coluzziimosquitoes were exposed to a long-lasting insecticidal net (PermaNet 2.0 containing 55 mg/m2deltamethrin), using a wire ball frame, for 0.5-5.0 minutes. Our in-house developed colorimetric test was used to visually detect the amount of deltamethrin on different parts of the mosquito (legs, heads, thoraxes, abdomens) following exposure to the net. The amount of insecticide picked up by mosquitoes from the net over a range of exposure times was measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD).

Results

The colorimetric test, designed to only detect the type 2 pyrethroids (i.e deltamethrin, α-cypermethrin and λ-cyhalothrin) on fabrics (e.g. ITNs) and sprayed walls, was successfully used for the first time to detect deltamethrin on mosquitoes following exposure to the net. The confirmatory HPLC-DAD analysis determined that after 2 min exposure up to 12 ng of deltamethrin adhered to mosquitoes following exposure to PermaNet 2.0 (mean = 5.2 ng/mosquito, SE = 1.9) and that the final dose depends on the length of exposure time.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of a screening (type 2 pyrethroid colorimetric test) and a confirmatory test (HPLC-DAD) to determine the amount of insecticide that adheres to mosquitoes on contact with treated surfaces. This has implications for a precise lethal dose determination and detection of specific insecticide that causes the greatest mosquito mortality in circumstances where mixtures of insecticides may be used to maximise effectiveness of interventions.
Membrane composition and lipid to protein ratio modulate amyloid kinetics of yeast prion protein
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arnab , Sannigrahi Achinta , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: August 2020

Understanding of prion aggregation in membrane environment may help to ameliorate neurodegenerative complications caused by the amyloid forms of prions. Here, we investigated the membrane binding induced aggregation of yeast prion protein Sup35. Using the combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) at single molecule resolution and other biophysical studies, we establish that lipid composition and lipid/protein ratio are key modulators of the aggregation kinetics of Sup35. In the presence of zwitterionic membrane, Sup35 exhibited a novel biphasic aggregation kinetics at lipid/protein ratio ranging between 20:1 and 70:1 (termed here as the Optimum Lipid Concentration, OLC). In ratios below (Low Lipid Concentration, LLC) and above (ELC, Excess Lipid Concentration) that range, the aggregation was found to be monophasic. In contrast, in the presence of negatively charged membrane, we did not observe any bi-phasic aggregation kinetics in the entire range of protein to lipid ratios. The toxicity of the aggregates formed within OLC range was found to be greater. Our results provide a mechanistic description of the role that membrane-concentration/composition-modulated-aggregation may play in neurodegenerative diseases.
Suppress me if you can: neurofeedback of the readiness potential
Authors: Schultze-Kraft Matthias , Jonany Vincent , Binns Thomas Samuel , Soch Joram , Blankertz Benjamin , Haynes John-Dylan
Published: August 2020

Voluntary movements are usually preceded by a slow, negative-going brain signal over motor areas, the so-called readiness potential (RP). To date, the exact nature and causal role of the RP in movement preparation have remained heavily debated. One important open question is whether people can exert conscious control over their RP, for example by learning to suppress it. If people were able to initiate spontaneous movements without eliciting an RP, this would challenge the idea that the RP is a necessary stage of the causal chain leading up to a voluntary movement. We tested the ability of participants to control the magnitude of their RP in a neurofeedback experiment. Participants performed self-initiated movements and after every movement they were provided with immediate feedback about the magnitude of their RP. They were asked to find a mental strategy to perform voluntary movements such that the RPs were as small as possible. We found no evidence that participants were able to to willfully modulate or suppress their RPs while still eliciting voluntary movements. This suggests that the RP might be an involuntary component of voluntary action over which people cannot exert conscious control.
Specification of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic circuits in the developing mouse brain
Authors: Madrigal Verdú M. Pilar , Jurado Sandra
Published: August 2020

Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) support sex-specific and context-appropriate social behaviors. Although alterations of these systems underlie the appearance of neuropsychiatric disorders, their formation and developmental dynamics remain largely unknown. Using novel brain clearing techniques and 3D imaging, we have reconstructed the specification of oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic circuits in the developing mouse brain with unprecedented cellular resolution. A systematic quantification indicates that OXT and AVP neurons in the hypothalamus display distinctive dynamics, but also share common features as a high cellular plasticity from embryonic to early postnatal stages. Our findings reveal new insights into the appearance and consolidation of neuropeptidergic systems in the developing CNS which is a critical step to unveil brain formation and function.
Single-molecule studies of conformational states and dynamics in the ABC importer OpuA
Authors: Tassis Konstantinos , Vietrov Ruslan , de Koning Matthijs , de Boer Marijn , Gouridis Giorgos , Cordes Thorben
Published: August 2020

The current model of active transport via ABC importers is mostly based on structural, biochemical and genetic data. We here establish single-molecule Förster-resonance energy transfer (smFRET) assays to monitor the conformational states and heterogeneity of the type-I ABC importer OpuA fromLactococcus lactis.We present data probing both intradomain distances that elucidate conformational changes within the substrate-binding domain (SBD) OpuAC, and interdomain distances between SBDs or transmembrane domains. Using the methodology, we studied ligand-binding mechanisms as well as ATP and glycine betaine dependences of conformational changes. Our study expands the scope of smFRET investigations towards a class of so far unstudied ABC importers, and paves the way for a full understanding of their transport cycle in the future.
Acat1gene KO restores TGN cholesterol deficiency in mutant NPC1 cells and expands mutantNpc1mouse lifespan
Authors: Rogers Maximillian A. , Chang Catherine C.Y. , Maue Robert A. , Melton Elaina M. , Peden Andrew A. , Garver William S. , Huang Mitchell M. , Schroen Peter W. , Chang Ta-Yuan
Published: August 2020

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is a neurological disorder with no cure. NPC proteins deliver cholesterol from endosomes to other compartments including trans-Golgi network (TGN) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) is a resident ER enzyme that converts cholesterol to cholesteryl esters for storage. Here, we report the surprising finding that in a mutantNpc1mice,Acat1-deficiency delayed the onset of weight loss and declining motor skill, prolonged lifespan, delayed Purkinje neuron death, and improved hepatosplenic pathology. Furthermore, syntaxin 6, a cholesterol-binding t-SNARE normally localized to TGN, is mislocalized in mutant NPC cells. However, upon ACAT1 inhibition this mislocalization is corrected, and increase the level of a few proteins further downstream. Our results imply that ACAT1 inhibition diverts a cholesterol storage pool in a way that replenished the low cholesterol level in NPC-deficient TGN. Taking together, we identify ACAT1 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target for NPC treatment.
Evolution of multiple postzygotic barriers between species of theMimulus tilingiicomplex
Authors: Sandstedt Gabrielle D. , Wu Carrie A. , Sweigart Andrea L.
Published: August 2020

Species are often defined by their ability to interbreed (i.e., Biological Species Concept), but determining how and why reproductive isolation arises between new species can be challenging. In theMimulus tilingiispecies complex, three species (M. caespitosa,M. minor, andM. tilingii) are largely allopatric and grow exclusively at high elevations (>2000m). The extent to which geographic separation has shaped patterns of divergence among the species is not well understood. In this study, we determined that the three species are morphologically and genetically distinct, yet recently diverged (<400kya). Additionally, we performed reciprocal crosses within and between the species and identified several strong postzygotic reproductive barriers, including hybrid seed inviability, F1 hybrid necrosis, and F1 hybrid male and female sterility. In this study, such postzygotic barriers are so strong that a cross between any species pair in theM. tilingiicomplex would cause nearly complete reproductive isolation. We consider how geographical and topographical patterns may have facilitated the evolution of several postzygotic barriers and contributed to speciation of closely related members within theM. tilingiispecies complex.
Bioorthogonal red and far-red fluorogenic probes for wash-free live-cell and super-resolution microscopy
Authors: Werther Philipp , Yserentant Klaus , Braun Felix , Grussmayer Kristin , Navikas Vytautas , Yu Miao , Zhang Zhibin , Ziegler Michael J. , Mayer Christoph , Gralak Antoni J. , Busch Marvin , Chi Weijie , Rominger Frank , Radenovic Aleksandra , Liu Xiaogang , Lemke Edward A. , Buckup Tiago , Herten Dirk-Peter , Wombacher Richard
Published: August 2020

Small-molecule fluorophores enable the observation of biomolecules in their native context with fluorescence microscopy. Specific labelling via bioorthogonal tetrazine chemistry confers minimal label size and rapid labelling kinetics. At the same time, fluorogenic tetrazine-dye conjugates exhibit efficient quenching of dyes prior to target binding. However, live-cell compatible long-wavelength fluorophores with strong fluorogenicity have been difficult to realize. Here, we report close proximity tetrazine-dye conjugates with minimal distance between tetrazine and fluorophore. Two synthetic routes give access to a series of cell permeable and impermeable dyes including highly fluorogenic far-red emitting derivatives with electron exchange as dominant excited state quenching mechanism. We demonstrate their potential for live-cell imaging in combination with unnatural amino acids, wash-free multi-colour and super-resolution STED and SOFI imaging. These dyes pave the way for advanced fluorescence imaging of biomolecules with minimal label size.
Historical genomics reveals the evolutionary mechanisms behind multiple outbreaks of the host-specific coffee wilt pathogen Fusarium xylarioides
Authors: Peck D. , Nowell R. W. , Flood J. , Ryan M. J. , Barraclough T. G.
Published: August 2020

1

Nearly 50% of crop yields are lost to pests and disease, with plants and pathogens locked in an amplified co-evolutionary process of disease outbreaks. Coffee wilt disease, caused by Fusarium xylarioides, decimated coffee production in west and central Africa following an initial 1920s outbreak. After successful management, it later re-emerged reaching two separate epidemics by the 2000s on arabica coffee in Ethiopia and robusta coffee in east and central Africa. Here, we use genome sequencing of six historical culture collection strains spanning 70 years to identify the evolutionary processes behind these repeated outbreaks. The robusta population arose from the initial outbreak, whilst the arabica population is divergent and emerged independently. The two populations evolved similar pathologies by separately acquiring different effector genes horizontally via transposable elements from other Fusarium taxa, including F. oxysporum. Thus, historical genomics can help reveal mechanisms that allow fungal pathogens to keep pace with humanity’s efforts to resist them.
AtHDA15 attenuates COP1viatranscriptional quiescence, direct binding, and sub-compartmentalization during photomorphogenesis
Authors: Alinsug Malona V. , Deocaris Custer C.
Published: August 2020

Light is an essential environmental cue that determines the overall growth and development of plants. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the light signaling network are obscured by the epigenetic machinery where reversible acetylation and deacetylation play crucial roles in modulating light-regulated gene expression. In this paper, we demonstrate that HDA15 represses COP1, the master switch in the light signaling network, by deacetylation, protein interaction, and sub-compartmentalization.hda15T-DNA mutant lines exhibited light hyposensitivity with significantly reduced HY5 and PIF3 transcript levels leading to long-hypocotyl phenotypes in the dark while its overexpression exhibited elevated HY5 transcripts and short hypocotyl phenotypes.In vivoandin vitrobinding assays further show that HDA15 directly interacts with COP1 inside the nucleus modulating COP1’s repressive activities. Crossinghda15-t27 withcop1-4mutants resulted in short-hypocotyl and dwarfed phenotypes, reminiscent ofcop1-4mutants suggesting COP1 is epistatic to HDA15. Although light signals the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of HDA15, the presence of COP1 triggers its nuclear localization. A working model is presented elucidating the concerted interplay between HDA15 and COP1 under light and dark conditions.
SARS-CoV-2 infection, neuropathogenesis and transmission among deer mice: Implications for reverse zoonosis to New World rodents
Authors: Fagre Anna , Lewis Juliette , Eckley Miles , Zhan Shijun , Rocha Savannah M , Sexton Nicole R , Burke Bradly , Geiss Brian , Peersen Olve , Kading Rebekah , Rovnak Joel , Ebel Gregory D , Tjalkens Ronald B , Aboellail Tawfik , Schountz Tony
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) emerged in November, 2019 in China and rapidly became pandemic. As with other coronaviruses, a preponderance of evidence suggests the virus originated in horseshoe bats (Rhinolophusspp.) and likely underwent a recombination event in an intermediate host prior to entry into human populations. A significant concern is that SARS-CoV-2 could become established in secondary reservoir hosts outside of Asia. To assess this potential, we challenged deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) with SARS-CoV-2 and found robust virus replication in the upper respiratory tract, lungs and intestines, with detectable viral RNA for up to 21 days in oral swabs and 14 days in lungs. Virus entry into the brain also occurred, likely via gustatory-olfactory-trigeminal pathway with eventual compromise to the blood brain barrier. Despite this, no conspicuous signs of disease were observed and no deer mice succumbed to infection. Expression of several innate immune response genes were elevated in the lungs, notably IFNα, Cxcl10, Oas2, Tbk1 and Pycard. Elevated CD4 and CD8β expression in the lungs was concomitant with Tbx21, IFNγ and IL-21 expression, suggesting a type I inflammatory immune response. Contact transmission occurred from infected to naive deer mice through two passages, showing sustained natural transmission. In the second deer mouse passage, an insertion of 4 amino acids occurred to fixation in the N-terminal domain of the spike protein that is predicted to form a solvent-accessible loop. Subsequent examination of the source virus from BEI Resources indicated the mutation was present at very low levels, demonstrating potent purifying selection for the insert during in vivo passage. Collectively, this work has determined that deer mice are a suitable animal model for the study of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, and that they have the potential to serve as secondary reservoir hosts that could lead to periodic outbreaks of COVID-19 in North America.
Selfing is the safest sex forCaenorhabditis tropicalis
Authors: Noble Luke M. , Yuen John , Stevens Lewis , Moya Nicolas , Persaud Riaad , Moscatelli Marc , Jackson Jacqueline , Zhang Gaotian , Chitrakar Rojin , Baugh L. Ryan , Braendle Christian , Andersen Erik C. , Seidel Hannah S. , Rockman Matthew V.
Published: August 2020

Mating systems have profound effects on genetic diversity and compatibility. The convergent evolution of self-fertilization in threeCaenorhabditisspecies provides a powerful lens to examine causes and consequences of mating system transitions. Among the selfers,C. tropicalisis the least genetically diverse and most afflicted by outbreeding depression. We generated a chromosomal-scale genome forC. tropicalisand surveyed global diversity. Population structure is very strong, and islands of extreme divergence punctuate a genomic background that is highly homogeneous around the globe. Outbreeding depression in the laboratory is caused largely by multiple gene drive elements, genetically consistent with maternal toxin/zygotic antidote systems. Driver loci harbor novel and duplicated genes, and their activity is modified by mito-nuclear background. Segregating drivers dramatically reduce fitness, and simulations show that selfing limits their spread. Frequent selfing inC. tropicalismay therefore be a strategy to avoid drive-mediated outbreeding depression.
Paradoxical nature of dynamic capabilities research: a content analysis of literature
Authors: Wójcik Piotr
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the current study is to identify the nature, scope and locus of and to systematize, the conceptual contradictions existing in dynamic capabilities research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a content analysis literature review of 86 papers on dynamic capabilities published between 1997 and 2019, using two databases – EBSCO and Web of Science/Knowledge databases. To structure the review, Smith and Lewis's (2011) categorization of organizational tensions is adopted.

Findings

First, the findings of this study suggest that DCs not only are shaped by a tension between efficiency and flexibility but also are built upon a large number of contradictory aspects, represented by organizing, performing, belonging and learning paradoxes. Second, the analysis identifies defensive and active responses to these tensions, with the former prevailing in the dynamic capabilities view literature. Both kinds of responses may facilitate or hinder organizational change. Third, it was found that while the literature has focused predominantly on organizing and learning paradoxes, the linkage between these categories remains under-researched.

Originality/value

This study makes three contributions. First, it identifies the scope (i.e. number), locus (analytical level) and nature (paradox categories and sub-categories) of DC-related paradoxes and responses to paradoxical tensions. Second, it shows that the nature and locus of conceptual contradictions are more complex than conceptualized in prior studies, going beyond the contingency and ambidexterity argument of how to deal with DC-related paradoxes. Third, it seeks to extend Di Stefanoet al.'s (2014) proposition of integrating paradoxical views on different DC-related aspects. The idea of “audio console” introduced in this study highlights the interrelation of paradoxes between the categories and across analytical levels.
Soft skills development in entry-level internal auditors: perspectives from practising internal auditors, students and facilitators in South Africa
Authors: Steyn Johannes Cornelius
Published: August 2020

Purpose

literature and research internationally indicate a lack of sufficient facilitation of soft skills development in entry-level internal auditors (internal audit graduates upon entering the workplace), although it is essential for entry-level internal auditors to be able to apply soft skills effectively. The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent to which these international views and findings on soft skills development are evident in South Africa according to practising internal auditors, students and facilitators. Comparisons are also drawn between the perceptions of practising internal auditors, students and facilitators.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling was used, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an interview survey with quantitative analysis.

Findings

In general, the results concur with the literature in terms of the lack of sufficient facilitation and the importance of soft skills development in entry-level internal auditors in South Africa for all three groups. Significant differences were also found between some of the perceptions of practising internal auditors, students and facilitators.

Practical implications

This study benefits internal audit employers, students and facilitators because soft skills are an in-demand graduate attribute and the application of alternative teaching–learning activities to develop students' soft skills also promotes deep learning through student engagement.

Originality/value

The identification of the 21 soft skills categories from the literature, which should be developed in entry-level internal auditors, has not been researched before as well as the perspectives of students and facilitators in South Africa on soft skills development.
Customers' contamination concerns: an integrative framework and future prospects for service management
Authors: Hazée Simon , Van Vaerenbergh Yves
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Customers might become concerned about getting contaminated and adapt their behavior accordingly, which is of critical concern for service managers. The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, this paper synthesizes the extant body of research within psychology and marketing into an integrative framework that helps understand the current state of knowledge on contamination. Second, this review summarizes evidence-based managerial recommendations on how to deal with customers' contamination concerns. Third, this paper provides guidance for future research by proposing several ways in which those concerns might influence service management.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts an integrative literature review of over 30 years of psychology and marketing research on contamination concerns.

Findings

The paper reviews physical and metaphysical contagion models, the situational cues that may activate customers' contamination concerns, the psychological mechanisms that underlie the relationship between contamination and customer outcomes and the individual characteristics that influence customer sensitivity to contamination cues. Moreover, this review identifies actions that service managers can take to prevent customers' contamination concerns. Finally, still much has to be learned about how organizations should deal with fear of contamination by the time a next pandemic breaks out.

Originality/value

This paper develops an integrative framework that serves as a structured knowledge map onto the contamination phenomenon and paves the way for future service research.
Biology and personality: a mathematical approach to the body-mind problem
Authors: Mico Joan Carles , Amigó Salvador , Caselles Antonio , D. Romero Pantaleón
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the body-mind problem from a mathematical invariance principle in relation to personality dynamics in the psychological and the biological levels of description.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between the two mentioned levels of description is provided by two mathematical models as follows: the response model and the bridge model. The response model (an integro-differential equation) is capable to reproduce the personality dynamics as a consequence of a determined stimulus. The invariance principle asserts that the response model can reproduce personality dynamics at the two levels of description. The bridge model (a second-order partial differential equation) can be deduced as a consequence of this principle: it provides the co-evolution of the general factor of personality (GFP) (mind), the it is an immediate early gene (c-fos) and D3 dopamine receptor gene (DRD3) gens and the glutamate neurotransmitter (body).

Findings

An application case is presented by setting up two experimental designs: a previous pilot AB pseudo-experimental design (AB) pseudo-experimental design with one subject and a subsequent ABC experimental design (ABC) experimental design with another subject. The stimulus used is the stimulant drug methylphenidate. The response and bridge models are validated with the outcomes of these experiments.

Originality/value

The mathematical approach here presented is based on a holistic personality model developed in the past few years: the unique trait personality theory, which claims for a single personality trait to understand the overall human personality: the GFP.
Development of a cereal-based product using residual Moringa oleifera Lam. seed powder biomass and pseudo-plastic behavior of the dough mixtures
Authors: Paz Renata D. , Landázuri Andrea C. , Vernaza María Gabriela
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to promote the use of residual moringa seed powder (RMSP) for the enhancement of cereal-based products. RMSP is usually discarded after seed-oil extraction. This work also promotes zero-waste and rheological approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

In search of novel and sustainable food products with high nutritional value, cold-pressed Moringa oleifera Lam. seeds residue (RMSP) was used for incorporation in muffin formulations. Wheat flour was partially substituted (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% and 9%) by RMSP. Sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and iron (Fe) contents were quantified through atomic absorption spectrometry; protein, through the Kjeldahl method followed by AACC Method 46–13.01; and, fat content, by a modified version of AACC Method 30–25.01a. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey tests were performed to determine significant differences between formulations at 95% reliability using Minitab® software. Furthermore, simple viscosity studies of the dough mixture were carried in a Brookfield DV-III Ultra Rheometer; Matlab® curve-fitting tool was used for obtaining the best non-Newtonian equation that modeled experimental data. Subsequently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of non-Newtonian fluids along a segmented pipe were carried out in Comsol Multiphysics® software to depict the importance of modeling non-Newtoning fluids for downstream processes.

Findings

RMSP significantly (p < 0.0001) increased protein and Fe content for the 7% and 9% formulations; it dramatically changed Na and Ca content in all formulations, while fat remained constant.

Social implications

The development of this type of product is an opportunity for communities that grow and harvest moringa as well as for food industries which can take advantage of moringa by-products for several subsequent processing.

Originality/value

For the first time, it was found that dough formulations with RMSP presented a pseudo-plastic and thixotropic behavior. In addition, the use of lignocellulosic by-products such as RMSP incorporates an added value to food products. In this case, it was demonstrated that moringa seed residue enhanced nutritional value to muffins and provided coagulant/flocculant action, which is essential during dough preparation.
Numerical study of heat transfer characteristics in positional wire and arc additive manufacturing
Authors: Yang Dongqing , Xiong Jun , Li Rong
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to fabricate inclined thin-walled components using positional wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) and investigate the heat transfer characteristics of inclined thin-walled parts via finite element analysis method.

Design/methodology/approach

An inclined thin-walled part is fabricated in gas metal arc (GMA)-based additive manufacturing using a positional deposition approach in which the torch is set to be inclined with respect to the substrate surface. A three-dimensional finite element model is established to simulate the thermal process of the inclined component based on a general Goldak double ellipsoidal heat source and a combined heat dissipation model. Verification tests are performed based on thermal cycles of locations on the substrate and the molten pool size.

Findings

The simulated results are in agreement with experimental tests. It is shown that the dwell time between two adjacent layers greatly influences the number of the re-melting layers. The temperature distribution on both sides of the substrate is asymmetric, and the temperature peaks and temperature gradients of points in the same distance from the first deposition layer are different. Along the deposition path, the temperature distribution of the previous layer has a significant influence on the heat dissipation condition of the next layer.

Originality/value

The established finite element model is helpful to simulate and understand the heat transfer process of geometrical thin-walled components in WAAM.
Stopover refuelling, movement and departure decisions in the white‐throated sparrow: The influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors during spring migration
Authors: Beauchamp Andrew T. , Guglielmo Christopher G. , Morbey Yolanda E.
Published: August 2020

Differential migration timing between sex or age classes is an example of how migratory movement strategies can differ among subgroups within a population. However, in songbirds, evidence for intrinsic differences in en route migratory behaviour is often mixed, suggesting that the local environmental context may play a role in accentuating or diminishing patterns.

We evaluated how multiple intrinsic and extrinsic variables influenced refuelling rates, local movement behaviour and departure decisions in the white‐throated sparrowZonotrichia albicollisduring spring migration. This species exhibits a unique genetically based plumage dimorphism, providing a unique class of individual in which to evaluate patterns and processes of differential migration, in addition to sex, age and migration distance.

At a migratory stopover site, plasma metabolite analysis was used to quantify individual variation in stopover refuelling rate. In after second year adults, automated and manual radio telemetry was used to quantify daily activity timing, daily movement distances, stopover duration and departure time. Arrival timing to the stopover site was determined using capture data. Non‐breeding and previous breeding/natal latitude were determined using analysis of hydrogen isotopes in claws and feathers.

Males arrived at the stopover site 11 days on average before females, but no difference in migration timing was observed between plumage morph or age classes. After second year, adults with more southern previous breeding latitudes arrived at stopover earlier, whereas second year birds making their first return migration arrived at stopover in an inverse relationship to non‐breeding latitude. Stopover refuelling rate did not differ between ages, sexes or plumage morphs, and daily departure probability of adults was higher under warmer temperatures and favourable tailwinds. White‐striped morphs moved greater distances during stopover, initiated daily activity earlier in the morning and departed for migration earlier in the evening than tan‐striped morphs.

Our results show that while individual phenotype can influence some aspects of local stopover‐scale movement behaviour, evidence for differential stopover behaviour was weak. Differential migration timing is unlikely to result from intrinsic differences in en route refuelling rate and departure decisions, especially because the latter is strongly influenced by meteorological conditions.
A novel concept for treatment and vaccination against Covid‐19 with an inhaled chitosan‐coated DNA vaccine encoding a secreted spike protein portion
Authors: Tatlow Dean , Tatlow Corinne , Tatlow Scarlet , Tatlow Savanah
Published: August 2020

A novel concept in DNA vaccine design is the creation of an inhaled DNA plasmid construct containing a portion of the coronavirus spike protein for treatment and vaccination. The secretion of a spike protein portion will function as a competitive antagonist by interfering with the binding of coronavirus to the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The secreted protein binding to the ACE2 receptor provides a unique mechanism of action for treatment to all strains of coronavirus in naïve patients, by blocking the ACE2 receptor site. An inhaled plasmid DNA vaccine replicates the route of lung infection taken by coronavirus with transfected cells secreting spike protein portions to induce immunity. Unlike most DNA vaccines with intracellular antigen presentation through MHC I, the current vaccine relies on the secreted proteins presentation through MHC II as well as MHC I to induce immunity. Lung specific production of vaccine particles by inhaled plasmid DNA is appealing since it may have limited systemic side effects, and may induce both humoral and cytotoxic immunity. Finally, the ease and ability to rapidly produce this plasmid construct makes this an ideal solution for managing the emerging threat of coronavirus.
Cities, Creativities and Urban Creative Economies: Re‐descriptions and Make+Shifts from Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Mbaye Jenny , PRATT ANDY C.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this symposium is to examine the situation of the creative economy in cities—specifically cities of sub‐Saharan Africa. In this introduction we set out the case for the need to ‘re‐describe’ the (much derided) phenomenon of the creative city. This task requires clarification of what is understood in academe and policy communities by the term ‘creative economy’, the pronounced growth of this sector, particularly in the global South, and its particular urban character. Secondly, in the face of conceptual and policy confusion we argue for the actually existing, and growing, importance of the urban creative economy. Thirdly, with this ground clearing achieved, we seek to frame, and focus on, the emergence of new research on the urban creative economy. Finally, we use the evidence from the symposium contributions to argue for a reformulation of the creative economy within African sub‐Saharan urbanization.
Identity Building Through Mediation by African Tailors
Authors: Vilarinho Sofia , Christiaans Henri
Published: August 2020

In contemporary African cities, dressing well and wearing exclusive garments has become crucial for people in search of identity, distinction and individuality. The research presented in this article, situated at disciplinary intersections of cultural studies, fashion practices and sustainability, provides a case study of African tailors conducted in Maputo and Lisbon, with a special focus on identity building of African immigrants in Portugal. However, the role of tailors in this acculturation process has been ignored in the consumption approach to creative cities. This study is therefore also a reaction to the mainly Western world of regular couture, and to ‘creative city materials’ that focus on consumption. Instead, we emphasize the importance of African tailors who de facto shape urban experiences—visually incrementing practices—that are fundamental to the comprehension of sartorial culture, while we also allude to the complex intersections between local and global markets. In the first part of this article we describe a semi‐ethnographic study among tailors in Maputo and Lisbon. The second part presents a participatory action approach that entailed developing an educational programme for African tailors where culture and creativity meet. This programme empowered tailors to tap into their cultural knowledge on tailoring and their awareness of community identity. In our study we argue that the idea of creative cities and their creative economy should be approached from a cultural perspective, by building awareness of the importance of local creative classes instead of focusing on importing those classes.
Caesarean section in the second delivery to prevent anal incontinence after asymptomatic obstetric anal sphincter injury: the EPIC multicentre randomised trial
Authors: Abramowitz L , Mandelbrot L , Bourgeois Moine A , Tohic AL , Carne Carnavalet C , Poujade O , Roy C , Tubach F
Published: August 2020

Objective

To determine whether planned caesarean section (CS) for a second delivery protects against anal incontinence in women with obstetric anal sphincter lesions.

Design

Randomised trial.

Setting

Six maternity units in the Paris area.

Sample

Women at high risk of sphincter lesions (first delivery with third‐degree laceration and/or forceps) but no symptomatic anal incontinence.

Methods

Endoanal ultrasound was performed in the third trimester of the second pregnancy. Women with sphincter lesions were randomised to planned CS or vaginal delivery (VD).

Main outcome measures

Anal incontinence at 6 months postpartum. Secondary outcomes were urinary incontinence, sexual morbidity, maternal and neonatal morbidities and worsening of external sphincter lesions.

Results

Anal sphincter lesions were detected by ultrasound in 264/434 women enrolled (60.8%); 112 were randomised to planned VD and 110 to planned CS. At 6–8 weeks after delivery, there was no significant difference in anal continence between the two groups. At 6 months after delivery, median Vaizey scores of anal incontinence were 1 (interquartile range 0–4) in the CS group and 1 (interquartile range 0–3) in the VD group (P = 0.34). There were no significant differences for urinary continence, sexual functions or for other maternal and neonatal morbidities.

Conclusions

In women with asymptomatic obstetric anal sphincter lesions diagnosed by ultrasound, planning a CS had no significant impact on anal continence 6 months after the second delivery. These results do not support advising systematic CS for this indication.

Tweetable abstract

Caesarean section for the second delivery did not protect against anal incontinence in women with asymptomatic obstetric anal sphincter lesions.
Predictors of Older Adult Adherence With Emergency Department Discharge Instructions
Authors: Benjenk Ivy , DuGoff Eva H. , Jacobsohn Gwen C. , Cayenne Nia , Jones Courtney M. C. , Caprio Thomas V. , Cushman Jeremy T. , Green Rebecca K. , Kind Amy J. H. , Lohmeier Michael , Mi Ranran , Shah Manish N.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Older adults discharged from the emergency department (ED) are at high risk for adverse outcomes. Adherence to ED discharge instructions is necessary to reduce those risks. The objective of this study is to determine the individual‐level factors associated with adherence with ED discharge instructions among older adult ED outpatients.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from the control group of a randomized controlled trial testing a care transitions intervention among older adults (age ≥ 60 years) discharged home from the ED in two states. Taking data from patient surveys and chart reviews, we used multivariable logistic regression to identify patient characteristics associated with adherence to printed discharge instructions. Outcomes were patient‐reported medication adherence, provider follow‐up visit adherence, and knowledge of “red flags” (signs of worsening health requiring further medical attention).

Results

A total 824 patients were potentially eligible, and 699 had data in at least one pillar. A total of 35% adhered to medication instructions, 76% adhered to follow‐up instructions, and 35% recalled at least one red flag. In the multivariate analysis, no factors were significantly associated with failure to adhere to medications. Participants with poor health status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31 to 0.98) were less likely to adhere to follow‐up instructions. Participants who were older (AORs trended downward as age category increased) or depressed (AOR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.17 to 0.85) or had one or more functional limitations (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41 to 0.94) were less likely to recall red flags.

Conclusion

Older adults discharged home from the ED have mixed rates of adherence to discharge instructions. Although it is thought that some subgroups may be higher risk than others, given the opportunity to improve ED‐to‐home transitions, EDs and health systems should consider providing additional care transition support to all older adults discharged home from the ED.
Activation of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptors and skilled reach foraging
Authors: Vestlund Jesper , Bergquist Filip , Licheri Valentina , Adermark Louise , Jerlhag Elisabet
Published: August 2020

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists, such as exendin‐4 (Ex4), liraglutide and dulaglutide, regulate glucose homeostasis and are thus used to treat diabetes type II. GLP‐1 also contributes towards a variety of additional physiological functions, including suppression of reward and improvement of learning. Acute activation of GLP‐1R in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, an area essential for motivation, reduces the motivation to consume sucrose or alcohol when assessed in a simple motor task. However, the effects of repeated administration of the different GLP‐1R agonists on behaviours in a more complex motor task are unknown. The aim was therefore to investigate the effects of repeated Ex4, liraglutide or dulaglutide on the motivation and learning of a complex motor tasks such as skilled reach foraging in the Montoya staircase test. To explore the neurophysiological correlates of the different GLP‐1R agonists on motivation,ex vivoelectrophysiological recordings were conducted. In rats with an acquired skilled reach performance, Ex4 or liraglutide but not dulaglutide reduced the motivation of skilled reach foraging. In trained rats, Ex4 infusion into NAc shell decreased this motivated behaviour, and both Ex4 and liraglutide supressed the evoked field potentials in NAc shell. In rats without prior Montoya experience, dulaglutide but not Ex4 or liraglutide enhanced the learning of skilled reach foraging. Taken together, these findings indicate that the tested GLP‐1R agonists have different behavioural outcomes depending on the context.