bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Ganglioside-Monosialic Acid in Taxane-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Su Yanhong , Huang Jiajia , Wang Shusen , Unger Joseph M , Arias-Fuenzalida Jonathan , Shi Yanxia , Li Jibin , Gao Yongxiang , Shi Wei , Wang Xinyue , Peng Roujun , Xu Fei , An Xin , Xue Cong , Xia Wen , Hong Ruoxi , Zhong Yongyi , Lin Ying , Huang Heng , Zhang Anqin , Zhang Lehong , Cai Li , Zhang Jinxin , Yuan Zhongyu ,   South China Breast Cancer Group
Published: May 2019

Background

Taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN) is a dose-limiting adverse effect. Ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) functions as a neuroprotective factor. We assessed the effects of GM1 on the prevention of TIPN in breast cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including 206 patients with early-stage breast cancer planning to receive taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy with a follow-up of more than 1 year. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive GM1 (80 mg, day −1 to day 2) or placebo. The primary endpoint was the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment Neurotoxicity subscale score after four cycles of chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints included neurotoxicity evaluated by National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Version 4.0 and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group neuropathy scale. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results

In 183 evaluable patients, the GM1 group reported better mean Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment Neurotoxicity subscale scores than patients in the placebo group after four cycles of chemotherapy (43.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 43.05 to 43.49 vs 34.34, 95% CI = 33.78 to 34.89; mean difference = 8.96, 95% CI = 8.38 to 9.54, P < .001). Grade 1 or higher peripheral neurotoxicity in Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v4.0 scale was statistically significantly lower in the GM1 group (14.3% vs 100.0%, P < .001). Additionally, the GM1 group had a statistically significantly lower incidence of grade 1 or higher neurotoxicity assessed by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group neuropathy scale sensory neuropathy (26.4% vs 97.8%, P < .001) and motor neuropathy subscales (20.9% vs 81.5%, P < .001).

Conclusions

The treatment with GM1 resulted in a reduction in the severity and incidence of TIPN after four cycles of taxane-containing chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer.
First- and Continuing-Generation Students, Substance Use, and College Graduation
Authors: Swisher Raymond R , Dennison Christopher R
Published: May 2019

Graduation from a four-year college is an important potential means of social mobility for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. For “first-generation” students, the path to a degree is often made more difficult by circumstances such as working long hours and living with parents, as well as an unfamiliar college environment. One concerning aspect of college life is the continuing prevalence of substance use, which has hampered graduation rates and led many universities to reconsider the impact that the party subculture has on student well-being. In this paper, we use data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health to examine differences in substance use (binge drinking, marijuana use, other illicit drug use) and four-year college graduation across unique combinations of students defined by college generation, work, and residential statuses. Consistent with previous qualitative studies into the class-specific consequences of the college party subculture, substance use is generally found to be higher among continuing-generation students who are not working nor living with their parents. In addition, substance use appears to have little consequence for the graduation prospects of these most traditional continuing-generation students. In contrast, substance use is negatively associated with graduation for most other groups, particularly first-generation students or those working long hours.
Does removal of work stress explain improved sleep following retirement? The Finnish Retirement and Aging study
Authors: Myllyntausta Saana , Salo Paula , Kronholm Erkki , Pentti Jaana , Oksanen Tuula , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari
Published: May 2019

Study Objectives

Relief from work stress has been hypothesized to explain improvements in sleep duration and quality following retirement, but this has not been confirmed with longitudinal studies. By using repeat sleep data, we examined the role of removal of work-related stressors in changes in sleep at retirement.

Methods

The study population consisted of 2,053 participants from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study. Participants’ sleep duration, sleep difficulties (difficulties falling asleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, waking up too early in the morning, nonrestorative sleep), daytime tiredness, and sleep loss due to worry were assessed using surveys conducted once a year before and after retirement (average number of repeat surveys 3.5 [range 2–5] per participant). We used Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to examine the associations between work-related stressors (job strain, low work time control, effort–reward imbalance, and organizational injustice) and changes in sleep at retirement.

Results

An increase in sleep duration and decrease in waking up too early in the morning, nonrestorative sleep, daytime tiredness, and sleep loss due to worry were observed shortly after retirement. No systematic associations across the work-related stressors and changes in sleep characteristics were observed. Higher number of work-related stressors before retirement was not associated with a greater magnitude of favorable changes in any of the postretirement sleep characteristics investigated.

Conclusions

This longitudinal study suggests that perceived sleep improves shortly after retirement and that these changes are mainly driven by factors other than relief from work stress.
Interleukin 33 Expression Induced by Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Macrophages
Authors: Ishihara Yasuhiro , Haarmann-Stemmann Thomas , Kado Norman Y , Vogel Christoph F A
Published: May 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in airborne particulate matter have been identified as a contributing factor for inflammation in the respiratory tract. Recently, interleukin-33 (IL-33) is strongly suggested to be associated with airway inflammation. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a receptor for PAHs to regulate several metabolic enzymes, but the relationships between AhR and airway inflammation are still unclear. In this study, we examined the role of AhR in the expression of IL-33 in macrophages. THP-1 macrophages mainly expressed IL-33 variant 5, which in turn was strongly induced by the AhR agonists 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and kynurenine (KYN). AhR antagonist CH223191 suppressed the increase in IL-33 expression. Promoter analysis revealed that the IL-33 promoter has 2 dioxin response elements (DREs). AhR was recruited to both DREs after treatment with TCDD or KYN as assessed by gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. A luciferase assay showed that one of the DREs was functional and involved in the expression of IL-33. Macrophages isolated from AhR-null mice expressed only low levels of IL-33 even in response to treatment with AhR ligands compared with wild-type cells. The treatment of THP-1 macrophages with diesel particulate matter and particle extracts increased the mRNA and protein expression of IL-33. Taken together, the results show that ligand-activated AhR mediates the induction of IL-33 in macrophages via a DRE located in the IL-33 promoter region. AhR-mediated IL-33 induction could be involved in the exacerbation and/or prolongation of airway inflammation elicited by toxic chemical substances.
Vaginoscopy “No Touch” Technique: A Feasible Alternative to Paracervical Block for in Office Hysteroscopy [34E]
Authors: Echeverri Natalia , Fiorentino Desiree G. , Ulker Ashley , Timmons Douglas B. , Ring Sarah , Carugno Jose Antonio
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION:

Hysteroscopy allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity. Traditionally, in office hysteroscopy is performed using a speculum and tenaculum to hold the cervix. However, the emergence of smaller diameter hysteroscopes along with the vaginoscopy no touch technique without the need of speculum or tenaculum has contributed for the procedure to be done in the office setting without the use of analgesia. This study reviews our experience of in office hysteroscopy using the vaginoscopy "no touch" approach.

METHODS:

Retrospective chart review of 22 in office hysteroscopies performed without analgesia using the vaginoscopy “No touch” technique from June 1, 2017 to January 31, 2018. Patients received 200 mcg of oral Misoprostol 30 minutes before the procedure. Data gathered included age, body mass index, prior vaginal deliveries, and pain during the procedure. Success was measured as the ability to enter the endometrial cavity and perform the expected procedure.

RESULTS:

The median age 45 SD ±10.0 and BMI of 26.9 SD ±4.4. Hysteroscopic indications were: 2 (9.1%) postmenopausal bleeding, 5 (22.7%) retained IUD, 7 (31.8%) for suspected polyp, 8 (36.4%) for abnormal uterine bleeding. Of the 22 procedures, 18 were successful completed (80%). The median pain on VAS scale reported immediately after the procedure was 3.8 SD ±0.8 All four of the unsuccessful procedures were in postmenopausal females, two of which due to severe cervical stenosis. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION:

In office hysteroscopies using the vaginoscopy “no touch” technique is a feasible and safe procedure. We recommend adopting this innovative, painless technique.
Increased Gastric MIBG Activity as a Normal Variant
Authors: Bai Xia , Wang Xuemei , Zhuang Hongming
Published: May 2019

Although increased MIBG activity in the colon is a well-described and well-known normal variant, elevated MIBG activity in the stomach is rarely seen. We describe increased 123I-MIBG accumulation in the stomach in a 13-year-old girl who had recurrent metastatic neuroblastoma. The activity appeared to be a new MIBG-avid lesion on the planar images. However, the SPECT/CT images revealed that the activity was inside the gastric lumen without anatomical abnormality. On a follow-up 123I-MIBG scan acquired 3 months later, the stomach no longer had elevated MIBG activity, while the other abnormal activity on prior study remained the same.
Mapping Transcription Factor Networks By Comparing Tf Binding Locations To Tf Perturbation Responses
Authors: Kang Yiming , Patel Nikhil R. , Shively Christian , Recio Pamela Samantha , Chen Xuhua , Wranik Bernd J. , Kim Griffin , Mitra Robi , McIsaac R. Scott , Brent Michael R.
Published: May 2019

Background

A transcription-factor (TF) network map indicates the direct, functional targets of each TF -- the genes it regulates by binding to their cis-regulatory DNA. Data on the genomic binding locations of each TF and the transcriptional responses to perturbations of its activity, such as overexpressing it, could support TF network mapping. Systematic data sets of both types exist for yeast and for human K562 and HEK293 cells.

Results

In previous data, most TF binding sites appear to be non-functional, so one cannot take the genes in whose promoters a TF binds as its direct, functional (DF) targets. Taking the genes that are both bound by a TF and responsive to a perturbation of it as its DF targets (intersection algorithm) is also not safe, as we show by deriving a new lower bound on the expected false discovery rate of the intersection algorithm. When there are many non-functional binding sites and many indirect targets, non-functional sites are expected to occur in the cis-regulatory DNA of indirect targets by chance. Dual threshold optimization, a new method for setting significance thresholds on binding and response data, improves the intersection algorithm, as does post-processing perturbation-response data with NetProphet 2.0. A comprehensive new data set measuring the transcriptional response shortly after inducing overexpression of a TF also helps, as does transposon calling cards, a new method for identifying TF binding locations.

Conclusions

The combination of dual threshold optimization and NetProphet greatly expands the high-confidence TF network map in both yeast and human. In yeast, measuring the response shortly after inducing TF overexpression and measuring binding locations by using transposon calling cards improve the network synergistically.
Structural basis of TFIIH activation for nucleotide excision repair
Authors: Kokic Goran , Chernev Aleksandar , Tegunov Dimitry , Dienemann Christian , Urlaub Henning , Cramer Patrick
Published: May 2019

Genomes are constantly threatened by DNA damage, but cells can remove a large variety of DNA lesions by nucleotide excision repair (NER)1. Mutations in NER factors compromise cellular fitness and cause human diseases such as Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), Cockayne syndrome and trichothiodystrophy2,3. The NER machinery is built around the multisubunit transcription factor IIH (TFIIH), which opens the DNA repair bubble, scans for the lesion, and coordinates excision of the damaged DNA single strand fragment1,4. TFIIH consists of a kinase module and a core module that contains the ATPases XPB and XPD5. Here we prepare recombinant human TFIIH and show that XPB and XPD are stimulated by the additional NER factors XPA and XPG, respectively. We then determine the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human core TFIIH-XPA-DNA complex at 3.6 Å resolution. The structure represents the lesion-scanning intermediate on the NER pathway and rationalizes the distinct phenotypes of disease mutations. It reveals that XPB and XPD bind double- and single-stranded DNA, respectively, consistent with their translocase and helicase activities. XPA forms a bridge between XPB and XPD, and retains the DNA at the 5’-edge of the repair bubble. Biochemical data and comparisons with prior structures6,7 explain how XPA and XPG can switch TFIIH from a transcription factor to a DNA repair factor. During transcription, the kinase module inhibits the repair helicase XPD8. For DNA repair, XPA dramatically rearranges the core TFIIH structure, which reorients the ATPases, releases the kinase module and displaces a ‘plug’ element from the DNA-binding pore in XPD. This enables XPD to move by ~80 Å, engage with DNA, and scan for the lesion in a XPG-stimulated manner. Our results provide the basis for a detailed mechanistic analysis of the NER mechanism.
Multimodal frequency representations are embedded in modality-defined cortical sensory systems
Authors: Rahman Shoaibur , Barnes Kelly Anne , Crommett Lexi E. , Tommerdahl Mark , Yau Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2019

Sensory information is represented and elaborated in hierarchical cortical systems that are thought to be dedicated to individual sensory modalities. This traditional view of sensory cortex organization has been challenged by recent evidence of multimodal responses in primary and association sensory areas. Although it is indisputable that sensory areas respond to multiple modalities, it remains unclear whether these multimodal responses reflect selective information processing for particular stimulus features. Here, we used fMRI adaptation to identify brain regions that are sensitive to the temporal frequency information contained in auditory, tactile, and audiotactile stimulus sequences. A number of brain regions distributed over the parietal and temporal lobes exhibited frequency-selective temporal response modulation for both auditory and tactile stimulus events, as indexed by repetition suppression effects. A smaller set of regions responded to crossmodal adaptation sequences in a frequency-dependent manner. Despite an extensive overlap of multimodal frequency-selective responses across the parietal and temporal lobes, representational similarity analysis revealed a cortical “regional landscape” that clearly reflected distinct somatosensory and auditory processing systems that converged on modality-invariant areas. These structured relationships between brain regions were also evident in spontaneous signal fluctuation patterns measured at rest. Our results reveal that multimodal processing in human cortex can be feature-specific and that multimodal frequency representations are embedded in the intrinsically hierarchical organization of cortical sensory systems.

Significance Statement

A hallmark of traditional brain organization models is the segregation of signals from the different senses in modality-dedicated brain regions. Recent evidence showing multimodal activity in brain regions thought to be dedicated to a single modality have challenged the traditional sensory cortex model. Notably, few studies have explored the feature-specificity of multimodal responses found in sensory cortex. Here, we used fMRI adaptation to identify parietal and temporal cortex regions which exhibited sensitivity to both tactile and auditory frequency information. These univariate results demonstrate that multimodal processing in sensory cortex can be feature-specific. Using the same data, though, we found clear evidence of modality-based cortical organization estimated from multivariate response patterns and spontaneous BOLD signal fluctuations. Thus, our results reveal an embedding of feature-specific multimodal processing in traditionally-defined cortical systems.
Homoploid hybridization signals due to ancestral subdivision: a case study on the D lineage in wheat
Authors: Jiang Yunfeng , Yuan Zhongwei , Hu Haiyan , Ye Xueling , Zheng Zhi , Wei Yuming , Zheng You-Liang , Wang You-Gan , Liu Chunji
Published: May 2019

Homoploid hybrid speciation has been reported in a wide range of species since the exploitation of genome sequences in evolutionary studies. However, the interference of ancestral subdivision has not been adequately considered in many such investigations. Using the D lineage in wheat as an example, we showed clearly that ancestral subdivision has led to false detection of homoploid hybridization signals. We develop a novel statistical framework by examining the changes in shared ancestral variations and infer on the likelihood of speciation due to genuine homoploid hybridization or ancestral subdivisions. Applying this to wheat data, we found that homoploid hybridization was not involved in the origin of the D lineage contrary to the now widely held belief. This example indicates that the significance of homoploid hybrid speciation is likely exaggerated. The underlying methodology developed in this study should be valuable for clarifying whether homoploid hybridization has contributed to the speciation of many other species.
Comprehensive genomic analysis reveals dynamic evolution of endogenous retroviruses that code for retroviral-like protein domains
Authors: Ueda Mahoko Takahashi , Kryukov Kirill , Mitsuhashi Satomi , Mitsuhashi Hiroaki , Imanishi Tadashi , Nakagawa So
Published: May 2019

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of mammalian germline cells. A large proportion of ERVs lose their open reading frames (ORFs), while others retain them and become exapted by the host species. However, it remains unclear what proportion of ERVs possess ORFs (ERV-ORFs), become transcribed, and serve as candidates for co-opted genes. Hence, we investigated characteristics of 176,401 ERV-ORFs containing retroviral-like protein domains (gag, pro, pol, andenv) in 19 mammalian genomes. The fractions of ERVs possessing ORFs were overall small (∼0.15%) although they varied depending on domain types as well as species. The observed divergence of ERV-ORF from their consensus sequences suggested that a large proportion of ERV-ORFs either recently or anciently inserted themselves into mammalian genomes. Alternatively, very few ERVs lacking ORFs were found to exhibit similar divergence patterns. To identify ERV-ORFs transcribed as proteins, we compared ERV-ORFs with various multi-omics data including transcriptome data, trimethylation at histone H3 lysine 36, and transcription initiation sites from 2,834 cell types, and found 408 and 752 ERV-ORFs, accounting for 2-3% of all ERV-ORFs, with high transcriptional potential in humans and mice, respectively. Moreover, many of these ERV-ORFs with transcriptional potential were lineage-specific sequences exhibiting tissue-specific expression. These results suggest a possibility for the expression of uncharacterized functional genes containing ERV-ORFs hidden within mammalian genomes. Together, our analyses suggest that more ERV-ORFs may be co-opted in a host-species specific manner than we currently know, which are likely to have contributed to mammalian evolution and diversification.
Heme minimizes Parkinson’s disease-associated toxicity by inducing a conformational distortion in the oligomers of alpha-Synuclein
Authors: Chakraborty Ritobrita , Dey Sandip , Paul Simanta Sarani , Sil Pallabi , Sengupta Jayati , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: May 2019

Aggregation of the intrinsically disordered protein alpha-Synuclein (α-Syn) into insoluble fibrils with a cross-β sheet amyloid structure plays a key role in the neuronal pathology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The fibrillation pathway of α-Syn encompasses a multitude of transient oligomeric forms differing in size, secondary structure, hydrophobic exposure and toxicity. According to a recent solid state NMR study, the fibrillating unit of α-Syn contains the core residues of the protein arranged into in-register parallel β sheets with a unique Greek key topology. Here, we have shown that the physiologically available small molecule heme (hemin chloride) when added at sub-stoichiometric ratios to either monomeric or aggregated α-Syn, arrests its aggregation in an oligomeric state, which is minimally toxic. Using cryo-EM, we observed that these heme-induced oligomers are ‘mace’-shaped and consist of approximately four monomers. However, the presence of a crucial twist or contortion in their Greek key structural architecture prevents further hierarchical appending into annular oligomers and protofilament formation. We confirm using a His50Gln mutant that the binding of heme onto His50 is crucial in inflicting the structural distortion and is responsible for the stabilization of the non-toxic and off-pathway α-Syn oligomers. We believe that this study provides a novel strategy of developing a therapeutic solution of PD, which has been elusive so far.
Thresholds for post-rebound SHIV control after CCR5 gene-edited autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Cardozo-Ojeda E. Fabian , Duke Elizabeth R. , Peterson Christopher W. , Reeves Daniel B. , Mayer Bryan T. , Kiem Hans-Peter , Schiffer Joshua T.
Published: May 2019

Autologous, CCR5 gene-edited hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation is a promising strategy for achieving HIV remission. However, only a fraction of HSPCs can be editedex vivoto provide protection against infection prior to autologous transplantation. The optimal transplantation conditions for achieving viral control in the absence of suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) are still unknown. We analyzed data from SHIV-1157ipd3N4-infected juvenile pig-tailed macaques that underwent autologous HSPC transplantation with and without CCR5 gene editing. We developed a mathematical model that recapitulates reconstitution of T cell subset counts and SHIV plasma viral loads in control and transplanted macaques. The model predicts that viral control can be obtained following ART treatment interruption (ATI) when: 1) levels of transplanted HSPCs are at least 10-fold higher than residual endogenous HSPCs after total body irradiation and 2) the fraction of protected HSPCs in the transplant achieves a threshold (73%-90%) sufficient to overcome transplantation-dependent loss of SHIV immunity. Under these conditions, if ATI is withheld until transplanted gene-modified cells engraft and reconstitute to a steady state, then spontaneous viral control is projected to occur immediately. Our results support strategies that 1) increase stem cell dose, 2) enhance potency of conditioning regimen, 3) elevate fraction of gene modified SHIV-resistant cells, 4) extend periods between HSPC transplantation and ATI with tracking of CD4+CCR5-cell recovery and / or 5) augment anti-SHIV immunity to achieve sustained SHIV remission.

One Sentence Summary

Autologous transplantation of ΔCCR5 HSPCs may induce post-ATI SHIV control when the gene-edited cell dose is sufficient to overcome SHIV immunity loss.
Niche complementarity among pollinators increases community-level plant reproductive success
Authors: Magrach Ainhoa , Molina Francisco P. , Bartomeus Ignasi
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Our understanding of how the structure of species interactions shapes natural communities has increased, particularly regarding plant-pollinator interactions. However, research linking pollinator diversity to reproductive success has focused on pairwise plant-pollinator interactions, largely overlooking community-level dynamics. Here, we present one of the first empirical studies linking pollinator visitation to plant reproduction from a community-wide perspective. We use a well-replicated dataset encompassing 16 plant-pollinator networks and data on reproductive success for 19 plant species from Mediterranean shrub ecosystems. We find that statistical models including simple visitation metrics are sufficient to explain the variability observed. However, a mechanistic understanding of how pollinator diversity affects reproductive success requires additional information on network structure. Specifically, we find positive effects of increasing complementarity in the plant species visited by different pollinators on plant reproductive success. Hence, maintaining communities with a diversity of species but also of functions is paramount to preserving plant diversity.
Analysis on the steady state performance of a multi pad externally adjustable fluid film bearing
Authors: Hariharan Girish , Pai Raghuvir
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the performance characteristics of an externally adjustable bearing with multiple pads in steady state conditions. The proposed adjustable bearing geometry can effectively control the hydrodynamic operation in bearing clearances by adjusting the pads in radial and tilt directions. These pad adjustments have a significant role in improving the bearing characteristics such as load capacity, attitude angle, side leakage, friction variable and Sommerfeld number, which will be analysed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

The adjustable bearing is designed with circumferentially spaced four bearing pads subjected to similar radial and tilt adjustments. Tilt angles are applied along the leading edges of bearing pads. A modified film thickness equation is used to incorporate the pad adjustments and accurately predict the variation in film profile. Finite difference approximation is adopted to solve the Reynolds equation and discretize the fluid film domain.

Findings

For negative radial and tilt adjustments, higher hydrodynamic pressures are generated in bearing clearances, which increases the bearing load capacity at different eccentricity ratios. From comparative analysis for different pad adjustments, superior bearing performance is observed for bearing pads under negative radial and negative tilt adjustments.

Originality/value

This research presents a detailed theoretical approach to analyse the performance capability of a four pad adjustable bearing geometry, which is not available in literatures. Improved bearing performances with negative pad adjustments can attract bearing designers to implement the proposed adjustability-bearing concept in rotating machineries.
Deformation modeling of remote handling EAMA robot by recurrent neural networks
Authors: Zhang Tao , Song Yuntao , Wu Huapeng , Handroos Heikki , Cheng Yong , Zhang Xuanchen
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Remote handling (RH) manipulators have been widely studied for maintenance tasks in fusion reactors. Those tasks always require heavy load, high accuracy and large work space for manipulators. Traditionally, the maintenance of fusion devices always depends on manual RH. With the development of calculating ability, the intelligent automatic maintenance makes it possible for a fusion device instead of the previous manual operation. As the flexibility of arm and the deformation of manipulator will cause problems, which are mainly inaccuracy and lower efficiency. This paper aims to study an effective way to promote the arm behavior to solve these problems.

Design/methodology/approach

By making use of the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak articulated maintenance arm as a platform, a series of experiments is designed to measure errors of kinematics and to collect the database of the flexible arm. Through studying the data and the arm structure, recurrent neural network (RNN) method was adopted to estimate the deformation of flexible arm and eventually compensate deformation in robot control to achieve higher accuracy.

Findings

By means of delicate RNN modeling, errors of kinematics have been reduced to a smaller order than the RH mode. This intelligent maintenance method will also reduce complexity of operations in maintenance.

Originality/value

This paper presents the use of an artificial intelligent algorithm to solve a nonlinear deformation problem of the flexible arm. The results demonstrate that it is efficient in dealing with this problem in fusion application. The RNN’s successful application has also shown that intelligent algorithms can be widely applied in fusion maintenance.
Inspiring organizational commitment
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Puhakka Vesa
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on physicians in the four public hospitals located in the October province (Egypt) in an attempt to explore the effect of responsible leadership on physicians’ affective, continuance and normative commitment with and without mediating the role of organizational inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 360 physicians were contacted and all of them received a set of questionnaires. After two follow-ups, a total of 240 responses were collected with a response rate of 66.67 percent. The authors used the χ2 test to determine the association between responsible leadership and organizational inclusion. Multiple regressions were employed to show how much variation in affective, continuance and normative commitment can be explained by responsible leadership and organizational inclusion.

Findings

The findings highlight a positive association between responsible leadership and organizational inclusion. Moreover, another positive association is also explored between organizational inclusion and affective, continuance and normative commitment. Furthermore, the statistical analysis proved that having an atmosphere of respect, equality and sameness in the workplace fosters the effect of responsible leaders on physicians’ affective, normative and continuance commitment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in HR management, cultural diversity and organization literature, in which empirical studies on the relationship between responsible leadership, organizational inclusion and organizational commitment have been limited until now.
Geochemical Constraints on the Origin and Evolution of Spring Waters in the Changdu‐Lanping‐Simao Basin, Southwestern China
Authors: QIN Xiwei , MA Haizhou , ZHANG Xiying , CHENG Huaide , HAN Jibin , LI Yongshou , MIAO Weiliang , HAI Qingyu
Published: May 2019

Chemical and isotopic data were measured for 51 leached brine springs in the Changdu‐Lanping‐Simao Basin (CD‐LP‐SM), China. The predominance of Cl and Na, saturation indices of carbonate minerals, and Na/Cl and Ca/SO4 ratios of ∼1 suggest that halite, sulphate, and carbonate are the solute sources. Integration of geochemical, δ18O, and δD values suggests that springs are mainly derived from meteoric water, ice‐snow melt, and water‐rock interactions. B concentrations range from 0.18 to 11.9 mg/L, with δ11B values of –4.37‰ to +32.39‰, indicating a terrestrial source. The δ11B‐B relationships suggest B sources of crustal origin (marine carbonates with minor crust‐derived volcanics); we did not identify a marine or deep mantle origin. The δ11B values of saline springs (+4.61‰ to +32.39‰) exceed those of hot (–4.37‰ to +4.53‰) and cold (–3.47‰ to +14.84‰) springs; this has contributed to strong water‐rock interactions and strong saturation of dissolved carbonates. Conversely, the global geothermal δ11B‐Cl/B relationship suggests mixing of marine and non‐marine sources. The δ11B‐Cl/B relationships of the CD‐LP‐SM are similar to those of the Tibet geothermal belt and the Nangqen Basin, indicating the same B origin. These differ from thermal waters controlled by magmatic fluids and seawater, suggesting that B in CD‐LP‐SM springs has a crustal origin.
Rapid Determination of Complete Distribution of Pore and Throat in Tight Oil Sandstone of Triassic Yanchang Formation in Ordos Basin, China
Authors: DU Shuheng , SHI Yongmin
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to investigate the complete distribution of reservoir space in tight oil sandstone combining casting slices, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), the pore‐throat theory model, high‐resolution image processing, mathematical statistics, and other technical means. Results of reservoir samples from the Xin'anbian area of Ordos Basin showed that the total pore radius curve of the tight oil sandstone reservoir exhibited a multi‐peak distribution, and the peaks appeared to be more focused on the ends of the range. This proved that pores with a radius of 1–50,000 nm provided the most significant storage space for tight oil, indicating that special attention should be paid to this range of the pore size distribution. Meanwhile, the complete throat radius curve of the tight oil sandstone reservoir exhibited a multi‐peak distribution. However, the peak values were distributed throughout the scales. This confirmed that the throat radius in the tight oil sandstone reservoir was not only in the range of hundreds of nanometers but was also widely distributed in the scale approximately equal to the pore size. The new rapid determination method could provide a precise theoretical basis for the comprehensive evaluation, exploration, and development of a tight oil sandstone reservoir.
Hearing loss in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Ajmani Sajal , Keshri Amit , Srivastava Rakesh , Aggarwal Amita , Lawrence Able
Published: May 2019

Aim

Several studies have described sensorineural deafness in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients while conductive hearing loss has been reported to be rare. In our study we have studied the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) among AS patients and its association with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) intake.

Methods

We studied 100 AS patients and 40 controls. HL was defined as pure‐tone thresholds greater than 20 dB (decibel) in at least two frequencies of the audiogram. Severity of HL was defined as given by World Health Organization. Clinical details and cumulative NSAID doses were noted.

Results

Ninety‐six of the 100 patients were male with mean age of 32 ± 12 years and mean duration of illness of 8.2 ± 6 years. Median Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) and cumulative NSAID dose were 3.5 ± 2.2, 2.75 ± 2, 3.7 ± 2.6 and 1202 ± 1290, respectively. Of the 48 with HL, 28 patients had bilateral HL. Twenty‐nine patients had pure conductive HL while 16 had mixed HL (components of both sensory and conductive) and 3 had pure sensorineural HL. HL was mild in 38 patients, and moderate to severe in 10 patients. The presence of HL was associated with higher age (P ≤ 0.05). Conductive HL was at low frequency (0.25, 0.5, 1 kHz) in 70% of cases. Sensorineural HL was at high frequency (4, 8 kHz) in 75% of cases. There was no association of HL with disease parameters such as BASMI, BASDI, BASFI or cumulative NSAID dose.

Conclusion

HL is common in AS. Conductive HL is more common than sensorineural HL. It is usually mild and occurs at low frequencies.
Adverse Health Outcomes in Offspring Associated With Fetal Alcohol Exposure: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Preclinical Studies With a Focus on Metabolic and Body Composition Outcomes
Authors: Akison Lisa K. , Reid Natasha , Wyllie Melissa , Moritz Karen M.
Published: May 2019

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in well‐characterized neurological, behavioral, and cognitive deficits in offspring. However, the effects on other health outcomes have not been comprehensively described. We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies investigating a broad range of health outcomes in offspring with PAE. This study specifically reports on outcomes related to metabolism and body composition. The literature was systematically searched across 4 electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Web of Science), resulting in 3,230 articles following duplicate removal. Titles and abstracts were reviewed against specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, with 242 articles meeting the criteria for full‐text assessment of eligibility. Articles with ineligible study type were removed (127) and articles added from reference lists (15) and an updated search closer to submission (9) for a total of 139 studies. Although 5 health domains were identified, here we focus on metabolism and body composition. Details of alcohol exposure, offspring demographics, and sample sizes were tabulated and quality of reporting assessed. Findings were summarized for body composition (percentage fat mass), physiological and molecular outcomes related to glucose metabolism, and outcomes related to lipid metabolism. There were 32 included studies (2 case–control, 1 prospective longitudinal cohort, and 29 preclinical). Studies had a range of alcohol exposures, both dosage and timing, although all clinical studies had heavy PAE and/or evidence of fetal alcohol syndrome in offspring. The preclinical studies provided evidence of glucose intolerance and/or insulin resistance; dyslipidemia and/or hypercholesterolemia; and increased adiposity in offspring with PAE. Due to the paucity of clinical studies, we recommend further studies be conducted to obtain a complete assessment of long‐term metabolic health outcomes in children and adults with PAE, particularly in those diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Transient synaptic potentiation in nucleus accumbens shell during refraining from cocaine seeking
Authors: Roberts‐Wolfe Douglas J. , Heinsbroek Jasper A. , Spencer Sade M. , Bobadilla Ana Clara , Smith Alexander C.W. , Gipson Cassandra D. , Kalivas Peter W.
Published: May 2019

Repeated exposure to drug‐associated cues without reward (extinction) leads to refraining from drug seeking in rodents. We determined if refraining is associated with transient synaptic plasticity (t‐SP) in nucleus accumbens shell (NAshell), akin to the t‐SP measured in the NAcore during cue‐induced reinstatement of drug seeking. Using whole cell patch electrophysiology, we found that medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in NAshell expressed increased ratio of AMPA to NMDA glutamate receptor currents during refraining, which normalized to baseline levels by the end of the 2‐hour extinction session. Unlike t‐SP observed in NAcore during reinstated drug seeking, neither dendrite spine head enlargement nor activation of matrix metalloproteases (MMP2/9) accompanied the increased AMPA:NMDA in NAshell during refraining. Refraining was also not associated with changes in paired pulse ratio, NMDA receptor current decay time, or AMPA receptor rectification index in NAshell MSNs. Our preliminary data in transgenic mice suggest that t‐SP may increase D2‐MSN inputs relative to D1‐MSN inputs.
The role of agricultural professionals in identifying, mitigating and supporting farming families during times of stress: Findings of a qualitative study
Authors: Stanley‐Clarke Nicky
Published: May 2019

Objective

The prevalence of suicidality within the farming community, especially during time of stress, is well documented. During 2016, the global milk prices fell, impacting the New Zealand dairy farm profitability and viability, as well as taking a toll on farmer well‐being. This article discusses the role of agricultural professionals as a support mechanism for farming families during times of stress and their ongoing contribution in recognising and mitigating stress on farmers.

Design

Qualitative, using thematic analysis.

Setting

North Island, New Zealand.

Participants

Dairy farming women, large animal veterinarians, farm consultants and members of rural support organisations.

Results

Thematic analysis demonstrated the following aspects: the value of the long‐term relationships between agricultural professionals and their clients; the duty of care agricultural professionals feel towards their clients; and the benefits of the planning and practical problem‐solving services offered by these professionals, especially in times of crisis.

Conclusion

Farmers prefer to use established relationships with agricultural professionals and focus on problem‐solving in times of stress. Agricultural professionals should therefore be included as part of any integrated approach to addressing farmer stress.
Assessing UNGC pharmaceutical signatories stakeholders using big data
Authors: Zilic Ivana , LaVan Helen , Cook Lori S.
Published: May 2019

This article aims to focus on how signatories versus nonsignatories in the U.S. pharmaceutical sector compare with respect to the internal and external stakeholders and principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). We seek to answer the question: Do signatories to the UNGC walk the talk better than nonsignatories as determined by a variety of published rankings and data? This research presents an innovative approach to the evaluation of UNGC signatories. It uses several objective and independent data sources to assess a matched group of signatories versus nonsignatories in the U.S. pharmaceutical sector. Signatory organizations in the same sector as determined by SIC codes were matched with nonsignatories on variables such as size and number of employees in U.S. pharmaceutical companies. Then both types of organizations were compared on the following data sources: Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies ratings, ratings by external stakeholders, ratings by employees, unionization data, financial measures, and annual reports to shareholders. Using nonparametric testing the research found there are differences between signatories and nonsignatories in the U.S. pharmaceutical sector for some of the external stakeholder measures and no differences were found for the internal stakeholder measures.
Inequality, Growth, Poverty and Lunar Eclipses: Policy and Arithmetic
Authors: Basu Kaushik , Subramanian S.
Published: May 2019

Alleviating poverty, mitigating inequality and achieving growth are all acknowledged goals of development, whatever the degree of success with which these goals might have been addressed in various economies of the world. Apart from questions of resolve and genuine commitment, what makes it hard to engage with these goals is that the pursuit of any one of them does not necessarily secure the ends of either or both of the other two. Such engagement requires a measure of conceptual clarity, an identification of normative priorities, and the deployment of carefully crafted policies that accommodate trade‐offs among competing goals. In particular, policies such as the single‐minded pursuit of growth as a panacea for all the difficulties of development appear to be misguided, and based on a faulty application of deductive reasoning to past experience. These issues are addressed here by attending to some elementary arithmetic revolving around the measurement of money‐metric poverty and inequality, and the decomposition of poverty changes into effects attributable to growth and distributional changes.
Glucose‐lowering medications and the risk of cancer: A methodological review of studies based on real‐world data
Authors: Bykov Katsiaryna , He Mengdong , Franklin Jessica M. , Garry Elizabeth M. , Seeger John D. , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: May 2019

Aim

To review the methodology of observational studies examining the association between glucose‐lowering medications and cancer to identify the most common methodological challenges and sources of bias.

Methods

We searched PubMed systematically to identify observational studies on glucose‐lowering medications and cancer published between January 2000 and January 2016. We assessed the design and analytical methods used in each study, with a focus on their ability to achieve study validity, and further evaluated the prevalence of major methodological choices over time.

Results

Of 155 studies evaluated, only 26% implemented a new‐user design, 41% used an active comparator, 33% implemented a lag or latency period, and 51% adjusted for diabetes duration. Potential for immortal person–time bias was identified in 63% of the studies; 55% of the studies adjusted for variables measured during the follow‐up without appropriate statistical methods. Aside from a decreasing trend in adjusting for variables measured during the follow‐up, we observed no trends in methodological choices over time.

Conclusions

The prevalence of well‐known design and analysis flaws that may lead to biased results remains high among observational studies on glucose‐lowering medications and cancer, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn from these studies. Avoiding known pitfalls could substantially improve the quality and validity of real‐world evidence in this field.
The power and efficiency of brood incubation in queenless microcolonies of bumble bees (Bombus terrestris L.)
Authors: Livesey Jennifer S. , Constable Caius , Rawlinson William G. , Robotham Alice M. , Wright Christopher , Hampshire Amy E. , Klark Emily G. , Borrows William A. , Horsell David , Cresswell James E.
Published: May 2019

1. Ground‐nesting colonies of bumble bees incubate their brood at > 30 °C if floral forage provides sufficient energy and the thermogenic power of the colony can counteract cool soil conditions. To explore the basis of incubation, the thermogenic power and sugar consumption of orphaned nests of bumble bee workers (microcolonies) were investigated under laboratory conditions.

2. This study tested experimentally the effect of variation in worker number (ranging from four to 12 adults) on a microcolony's capacity to regulate brood temperature and recover from acute cold exposure. Microcolonies were provided with ad libitum sugar syrup and minimal insulation and maintained at an ambient temperature of c. 25 °C. Energy conversion efficiency was estimated by comparing sugar consumption with the power required for artificial incubation. The joint energetics of foraging and incubation were modelled in wild colonies to explore the effect of colony size and landscape quality on thermoregulation.

3. The results showed that all sizes of microcolonies regulated brood temperature at c. 31 °C under laboratory conditions, which required 96 mW of thermogenic power. It was estimated that individual workers of B. terrestris generated an incubatory power of 35 mW. The smallest microcolonies had the highest conversion efficiency (57%), apparently because few workers were required for incubation.

4. Modelling indicated that small microcolonies of three to seven adult workers have the capacity for normal brood incubation in the wild, but that the minimum viable colony size increases as floral forage becomes poorer or more distant.

5. These preliminary findings suggest the feasibility of identifying the minimum conditions (forage quality, soil temperature, and colony size) necessary for brood incubation by queenright colonies in the wild.