bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Exposure to Adverse Psychosocial Work Factors and High Family Responsibilities as Related to Ambulatory Blood Pressure at Work: A 5-Year Prospective Study in Women With White-Collar Jobs
Authors: Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Brisson Chantal , Milot Alain , Vézina Michel
Published: January 2017

Objective

Accumulating evidence shows that psychosocial work factors of the demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models may contribute to increase blood pressure (BP). Women are more likely to be exposed to these psychosocial factors than men. Moreover, women spend twice as much time per week performing family responsibilities than men. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of the double exposure to psychosocial work factors and high family responsibilities in women with BP for a 5-year follow-up.

Methods

At baseline, the study sample was composed of 1215 working women. Psychosocial work factors were measured using validated scales. Family responsibilities were measured using items related to “the number of children and their age” and “housework and children care.” Ambulatory BP measures were taken every 15 minutes during a working day. Associations between psychosocial measures and BP were examined using analyses of covariance.

Results

Women with a double exposure to effort-reward imbalance and high family responsibilities had significantly higher BP means than women not exposed to these factors at baseline (diastolic: +2.75 mm Hg), at 3-year follow-up (systolic: +2.22 mm Hg and diastolic: +2.55 mm Hg), and at 5-year follow-up (systolic: +2.94 mm Hg and diastolic: + 3.10 mm Hg). No adverse effect on BP was observed for the double exposure to the psychosocial work factors of the demand-control model and high family responsibilities.

Conclusions

A double exposure to effort-reward imbalance at work and high family responsibilities might contribute to elevated ambulatory BP at work among women. BP elevations related to this double exposure may persist for several years.
Perceptions in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Bouhouche Lamyae , Rostom Samira , Idrissi Zineb Malouli , Bahiri Rachid , Hajjaj-Hassouni Najia
Published: January 2017

Objective

To compare perceptions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to those of their families regarding pain and subjective experience of the disease.

Methods

It was a monocentric study, including 120 RA patients (according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria). The questionnaires were developed during meetings of RA patients, rheumatologists, and methodologists while referring to the literature. The patient questionnaire comprised 22 items organized in 4 sections: pain, perceived experience of the disease, activity restrictions, and help received. Concordance among patients, family, and friends replies was evaluated using the kappa coefficient.

Results

The mean age was 42 ± 12 years with female predominance 110 (91.7%). The family member was usually the spouse (46.3%). Joint pain was described by patients as spontaneous (98.3%), unpredictable (95.9%), and variable (95.1%). RA had negatively affected work-related activities (100%), recreational activities (98.4%), family life (87.6%), relationships with friends (77.7%), sexual activities (50.4%), plans for having children (47.1%), and intimate relationships (46.3%). Concordance between patients and family perceptions was mediocre for pain severity (kappa: 0.3) and main joint-pain characteristics, excellent for majority items of experience of the disease (kappa > 0.80). Family tended to underestimate pain severity and to overestimate negative effects of RA on patient’s life.

Conclusion

We found a good agreement between patients’ and family members’ perceptions. It is essential that any family support be in accordance with patients’ needs. Our qualitative analysis objectified, in addition to a major physical impact of the disease, a negative psychosocial effect.
Study of Intrapatient Variability and Reproducibility of Quantitative Tumor Perfusion Parameters Evaluated With Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography
Authors: Lassau Nathalie , Coiffier Bénédicte , Faivre Laura , Benatsou Baya , Bidault Sophie , Girard Elizabeth , Asselain Bernard , Pitre-Champagnat Stéphanie , Koscielny Serge
Published: January 2017

Objectives

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) ultrasonography (US) is a functional imaging technique enabling quantitative assessment of solid tumor perfusion in metastatic patients treated with antiangiogenic therapies.

The objective of this prospective single-center study was to evaluate in real-life conditions (in routine clinical practice) the intrapatient variability and reproducibility of DCE-US parameters.

Materials and Methods

Each patient provided written informed consent and had 2 DCE-US examinations (preprandial and postprandial) at baseline, day 15, and 1 month after treatment initiation. Perfusion curves were recorded after Sonovue injections to determine 7 perfusion parameters. Dynamic contrast-enhanced US examinations were analyzed in pairs: preprandial and postprandial. Log transformed values were used to determine the variability of the pairs (within-subject coefficient of variation) and their reproducibility (Spearman correlation coefficient).

Results

We included 60 patients (23 colon cancers, 36 kidney cancers, and 1 breast cancer) treated with axitinib (26 patients), sunitinib (27 patients), and other antiangiogenic treatments (7 patients). The 60 patients included 38 men (63%) and 22 women (37%) with a median age of 62 (range, 25–82 years). Thirty patients had hepatic and 30 had extrahepatic target lesions. Data were analyzed for 128 pairs of DCE-US: 45 (baseline), 45 (day 15), and 38 (1 month). Preprandial and postprandial values were not significantly different. For area under the curve and area under the washout, the correlation coefficient between preprandial and postprandial values was 0.89; the associated within-subject coefficients of variation were 61% and 64%, respectively. However, the range of individual variations (postprandial value/preprandial value) was less than 2 logs for a range of parameter values of about 4 logs. Variability was independent of the metastatic site.

Conclusions

This study showed that area under the curve and area under the washout are the 2 most reproducible DCE-US parameters.
Prospective Outcomes of a Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program Including Vaginal Electrogalvanic Stimulation for Urinary, Defecatory, and Pelvic Pain Symptoms
Authors: Schmitt Jennifer J. , Singh Ruchira , Weaver Amy L. , Mara Kristin C. , Harvey-Springer Randina R. , Fick Felecia R. , Occhino John A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives

This study evaluated our experience after implementing a pelvic floor rehabilitation program including behavioral modification, biofeedback, and vaginal electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS).

Methods

This prospective cohort study evaluated outcomes of patients with pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary or defecatory dysfunction, pelvic pain/dyspareunia) who underwent pelvic floor rehabilitation. Patients received 4 to 7 sessions (1 every 2 weeks) including biofeedback and concluded with 30 minutes of vaginal EGS. Surveys assessed subjective changes in symptoms; success was evaluated using a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) at the final session (10 = most successful). Paired comparisons of responses at baseline and final treatment were evaluated.

Results

Ninety-four patients were followed up through therapy completion. Treatment indications included urinary (89.4%), defecatory (33.0%), and pelvic pain or dyspareunia (30.9%); 44.7% of patients had a combination of indications. Among women with urinary symptoms, the percentage reporting leakage decreased from 92.9% to 79.3% (P = 0.001), leakage at least daily decreased from 69.0% to 39.5% (P < 0.001), daily urgency with leakage decreased from 42.7% to 19.5% (P = 0.001), daily urgency without leakage decreased from 41.5% to 18.3% (P < 0.001), and median VAS rating (0 = not at all, 10 = a great deal) of daily life interference decreased from 5 to 1.5 (P < 0.001). The median success ratings were 8, 8, and 7 for treatment of urinary symptoms, pelvic pain/dyspareunia, and bowel symptoms, respectively.

Conclusions

An aggressive pelvic rehabilitation program including biofeedback with vaginal EGS had a high rate of self-reported subjective success and satisfaction and should be considered a nonsurgical treatment option in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Ultrasonographic Features of Female Urethral Diverticula: A Retrospective Study of 25 Patients
Authors: Wang Xia , Dou Chaoran , Yan Yulin , Bai Yun , Hu Bing , Ying Tao
Published: January 2017

Objectives

This article summarizes the ultrasonographic features of female urethral diverticula on biplane transrectal ultrasound (B-TRUS).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed with 25 consecutive women who were diagnosed and treated as having urethral diverticulum (UD) between January 2012 and March 2016. All the patients were preoperatively evaluated using B-TRUS. The number, location, configuration, size, and type of the UD on B-TRUS were assessed.

Results

Twenty-eight diverticula were found on B-TRUS. Twenty-two patients had single diverticulum, whereas the other 3 had double diverticula. The locations included proximal (14%), mid (46%), and distal (40%) urethra. In transverse section, the configuration presented as round or oval (46%), and horseshoe-like or circumferential (54%). The maximal diameter of the 28 diverticula ranged from 3 to 48 mm. The types contained simple UD (36%) and complex UD (64%). Color blood flow signal could be detected in the septa, cystic wall, and solid mass, whereas negative in other areas inside the UD.

Conclusions

Various sonographic characters of female UD could be observed during the evaluation, including single or multiple diverticula, different sites, diverse shapes, and septa, calculi, or neoplasm inside diverticulum, all of which could be clearly displayed on B-TRUS.
Relative Frequencies of Arteritic and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in an Arab Population
Authors: Gruener Anna M. , Chang Jessica R. , Bosley Thomas M. , Al-Sadah Zakeya M. , Kum Clarissa , McCulley Timothy J.
Published: January 2017

Background:

To evaluate the relative frequencies of arteritic and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) in an Arab population and to compare and contrast these findings with known epidemiological data from Caucasian populations.

Methods:

A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients diagnosed with AION at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between 1997 and 2012.

Results:

Of 171 patients with AION, 4 had biopsy-proven giant-cell arteritis (GCA). The relative frequencies of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in this Arab cohort were 2.3% and 97.7%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The relative frequencies of arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy differ between Arab and North American clinic-based populations, with giant-cell arteritis-related ischemia being much less frequent in Saudi Arabia.
Zika virus causes supernumerary foci with centriolar proteins and impaired spindle positioning
Authors: Wolf Benita , Diop Fodé , Ferraris Pauline , Wichit Sineewanlaya , Busso Coralie , Missé Dorothée , Gönczy Pierre
Published: January 2017

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes congenital microcephaly. Although ZIKV can impair cell cycle progression and provoke apoptosis, which probably contributes to disease aetiology through depletion of neural progenitor cells, additional cellular mechanisms may be important. Here, we investigated whether ZIKV infection alters centrosome number and spindle positioning, because such defects are thought to be at the root of inherited primary autosomal recessive microcephaly (MCPH). In addition to HeLa cells, in which centrosome number and spindle positioning can be well monitored, we analysed retinal epithelial cells (RPE-1), as well as brain-derived microglial (CHME-5) and neural progenitor (ReN) cells, using immunofluorescence. We established that ZIKV infection leads to supernumerary foci containing centriolar proteins that in some cases drive multipolar spindle assembly, as well as spindle positioning defects in HeLa, RPE-1 and CHME-5 cells, but not in ReN cells. We uncovered similar phenotypes in HeLa cells upon infection with dengue virus (DENV-2), another flavivirus that does not target brain cells and does not cause microcephaly. We conclude that infection with
Flaviviridae
can increase centrosome numbers and impair spindle positioning, thus potentially contributing to microcephaly in the case of Zika.
Rab1 interacts with GOLPH3 and controls Golgi structure and contractile ring constriction during cytokinesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Sechi Stefano , Frappaolo Anna , Fraschini Roberta , Capalbo Luisa , Gottardo Marco , Belloni Giorgio , Glover David M. , Wainman Alan , Giansanti Maria Grazia
Published: January 2017

Cytokinesis requires a tight coordination between actomyosin ring constriction and new membrane addition along the ingressing cleavage furrow. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying vesicle trafficking to the equatorial site and how this process is coupled with the dynamics of the contractile apparatus are poorly defined. Here we provide evidence for the requirement of Rab1 during cleavage furrow ingression in cytokinesis. We demonstrate that the geneomelette(omt) encodes theDrosophilaorthologue of human Rab1 and is required for successful cytokinesis in both mitotic and meiotic dividing cells ofDrosophila melanogaster. We show that Rab1 protein colocalizes with the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex Cog7 subunit and the phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate effector GOLPH3 at the Golgi stacks. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy and 3D-SIM super-resolution microscopy reveals loss of normal Golgi architecture inomtmutant spermatocytes indicating a role for Rab1 in Golgi formation. In dividing cells, Rab1 enables stabilization and contraction of actomyosin rings. We further demonstrate that GTP-bound Rab1 directly interacts with GOLPH3 and controls its localization at the Golgi and at the cleavage site.We propose that Rab1, by associating with GOLPH3, controls membrane trafficking and contractile ring constriction during cytokinesis.
The control of translational accuracy is a determinant of healthy ageing in yeast
Authors: von der Haar Tobias , Leadsham Jane E. , Sauvadet Aimie , Tarrant Daniel , Adam Ilectra S. , Saromi Kofo , Laun Peter , Rinnerthaler Mark , Breitenbach-Koller Hannelore , Breitenbach Michael , Tuite Mick F. , Gourlay Campbell W.
Published: January 2017

Life requires the maintenance of molecular function in the face of stochastic processes that tend to adversely affect macromolecular integrity. This is particularly relevant during ageing, as many cellular functions decline with age, including growth, mitochondrial function and energy metabolism. Protein synthesis must deliver functional proteins at all times, implying that the effects of protein synthesis errors like amino acid misincorporation and stop-codon read-through must be minimized during ageing. Here we show that loss of translational accuracy accelerates the loss of viability in stationary phase yeast. Since reduced translational accuracy also reduces the folding competence of at least some proteins, we hypothesize that negative interactions between translational errors and age-related protein damage together overwhelm the cellular chaperone network. We further show that multiple cellular signalling networks control basal error rates in yeast cells, including a ROS signal controlled by mitochondrial activity, and the Ras pathway. Together, our findings indicate that signalling pathways regulating growth, protein homeostasis and energy metabolism may jointly safeguard accurate protein synthesis during healthy ageing.
The mayfly nymphAustrophlebioides pusillusHarker defies common osmoregulatory assumptions
Authors: Dowse Renee , Palmer Carolyn G. , Hills Kasey , Torpy Fraser , Kefford Ben J.
Published: January 2017

Osmoregulation is a key physiological function, critical for homeostasis. The basic physiological mechanisms of osmoregulation are thought to be well established. However, through a series of experiments exposing the freshwater mayfly nymphAustrophlebioides pusillus(Ephemeroptera) to increasing salinities, we present research that challenges the extent of current understanding of the relationship between osmoregulation and mortality.A. pusillushad modelled 96 h LC10, LC50and LC99of 2.4, 4.8 and 10 g l−1added synthetic marine salt (SMS), respectively. They were strong osmoregulators. At aquarium water osmolality of 256 ± 3.12 mmol kg−1(±s.e.; equivalent to 10 g l−1added SMS), the haemolymph osmolality ofA. pusilluswas a much higher 401 ± 4.18 mmol kg−1(±s.e.). The osmoregulatory capacity ofA. pusillusdid not break down, even at the salinity corresponding to their LC99, thus their mortality at this concentration is due to factors other than increased internal osmotic pressure. No freshwater invertebrate has been previously reported as suffering mortality from rises in salinity that are well below the iso-osmotic point. Recently, studies have reported reduced abundance/richness of Ephemeroptera with slightly elevated salinity. Given that salinization is an increasing global threat to freshwaters, there is an urgent need for studies into the osmophysiology of the Ephemeroptera to determine if their loss at locations with slightly elevated salinity is a direct result of external salinity or other, possibly physiological, causes.
The confusion effect when attacking simulated three-dimensional starling flocks
Authors: Hogan Benedict G. , Hildenbrandt Hanno , Scott-Samuel Nicholas E. , Cuthill Innes C. , Hemelrijk Charlotte K. 
Published: January 2017

The confusion effect describes the phenomenon of decreasing predator attack success with increasing prey group size. However, there is a paucity of research into the influence of this effect in coherent groups, such as flocks of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Here, for the first time, we use a computer game style experiment to investigate the confusion effect in three dimensions. To date, computerized studies on the confusion effect have used two-dimensional simulations with simplistic prey movement and dynamics. Our experiment is the first investigation of the effects of flock size and density on the ability of a (human) predator to track and capture a target starling in a realistically simulated three-dimensional flock of starlings. In line with the predictions of the confusion effect, modelled starlings appear to be safer from predation in larger and denser flocks. This finding lends credence to previous suggestions that starling flocks have anti-predator benefits and, more generally, it suggests that active increases in density in animal groups in response to predation may increase the effectiveness of the confusion effect.
How do great bowerbirds construct perspective illusions?
Authors: Kelley Laura A. , Endler John A.
Published: January 2017

Many animals build structures to provide shelter, avoid predation, attract mates or house offspring, but the behaviour and potential cognitive processes involved during building are poorly understood. Great bowerbird (Ptilinorhynchus nuchalis) males build and maintain display courts by placing tens to hundreds of objects in a positive size–distance gradient. The visual angles created by the gradient create a forced perspective illusion that females can use to choose a mate. Although the quality of illusion is consistent within males, it varies among males, which may reflect differences in how individuals reconstruct their courts. We moved all objects off display courts to determine how males reconstructed the visual illusion. We found that all individuals rapidly created the positive size–distance gradient required for forced perspective within the first 10 objects placed. Males began court reconstruction by placing objects in the centre of the court and then placing objects further out, a technique commonly used when humans lay mosaics. The number of objects present after 72 h was not related to mating success or the quality of the illusion, indicating that male skill at arranging objects rather than absolute number of objects appears to be important. We conclude that differences arise in the quality of forced perspective illusions despite males using the same technique to reconstruct their courts.
A non-equilibrium formulation of food security resilience
Authors: Smerlak Matteo , Vaitla Bapu
Published: January 2017

Resilience, the ability to recover from adverse events, is of fundamental importance to food security. This is especially true in poor countries, where basic needs are frequently threatened by economic, environmental and health shocks. An empirically sound formalization of the concept of food security resilience, however, is lacking. Here, we introduce a general non-equilibrium framework for quantifying resilience based on the statistical notion of persistence. Our approach can be applied to any food security variable for which high-frequency time-series data are available. We illustrate our method with
per capita
kilocalorie availability for 161 countries between 1961 and 2011. We find that resilient countries are not necessarily those that are characterized by high levels or less volatile fluctuations of kilocalorie intake. Accordingly, food security policies and programmes will need to be tailored not only to welfare levels at any one time, but also to long-run welfare dynamics.
Climate and the distribution of cooperative breeding in mammals
Authors: Lukas Dieter , Clutton-Brock Tim
Published: January 2017

Cooperative breeding systems, in which non-breeding individuals provide care for the offspring of dominant group members, occur in less than 1% of mammals and are associated with social monogamy and the production of multiple offspring per birth (polytocy). Here, we show that the distribution of alloparental care by non-breeding subordinates is associated with habitats where annual rainfall is low. A possible reason for this association is that the females of species found in arid environments are usually polytocous and this may have facilitated the evolution of alloparental care.
Testing the adaptive radiation hypothesis for the lemurs of Madagascar
Authors: Herrera James P.
Published: January 2017

Lemurs, the diverse, endemic primates of Madagascar, are thought to represent a classic example of adaptive radiation. Based on the most complete phylogeny of living and extinct lemurs yet assembled, I tested predictions of adaptive radiation theory by estimating rates of speciation, extinction and adaptive phenotypic evolution. As predicted, lemur speciation rate exceeded that of their sister clade by nearly twofold, indicating the diversification dynamics of lemurs and mainland relatives may have been decoupled. Lemur diversification rates did not decline over time, however, as predicted by adaptive radiation theory. Optimal body masses diverged among dietary and activity pattern niches as lineages diversified into unique multidimensional ecospace. Based on these results, lemurs only partially fulfil the predictions of adaptive radiation theory, with phenotypic evolution corresponding to an ‘early burst’ of adaptive differentiation. The results must be interpreted with caution, however, because over the long evolutionary history of lemurs (approx. 50 million years), the ‘early burst’ signal of adaptive radiation may have been eroded by extinction.
Identification of internal properties of fibres and micro-swimmers
Authors: Plouraboué Franck , Thiam E. Ibrahima , Delmotte Blaise , Climent Eric
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we address the identifiability of constitutive parameters of passive or active micro-swimmers. We first present a general framework for describing fibres or micro-swimmers using a bead-model description. Using a kinematic constraint formulation to describe fibres, flagellum or cilia, we find explicit linear relationship between elastic constitutive parameters and generalized velocities from computing contact forces. This linear formulation then permits one to address explicitly identifiability conditions and solve for parameter identification. We show that both active forcing and passive parameters are both identifiable independently but not simultaneously. We also provide unbiased estimators for generalized elastic parameters in the presence of Langevin-like forcing with Gaussian noise using a Bayesian approach. These theoretical results are illustrated in various configurations showing the efficiency of the proposed approach for direct parameter identification. The convergence of the proposed estimators is successfully tested numerically.
The problem of missing terms in term by term integration involving divergent integrals
Authors: Galapon Eric A.
Published: January 2017

Term by term integration may lead to divergent integrals, and naive evaluation of them by means of, say, analytic continuation or by regularization or by the finite part integral may lead to missing terms. Here, under certain analyticity conditions, the problem of missing terms for the incomplete Stieltjes transform,

∫
0
a

f
(
x
)

(
ω
+
x
)

−
1

 
d
x

, and the Stieltjes transform itself,

∫
0

∞

f
(
x
)

(
ω
+
x
)

−
1

 
d
x

, is resolved by lifting the integration in the complex plane. It is shown that the missing terms arise from the singularities of the complex-valued function
f
(
z
)(
ω
+
z
)
−1
, with the divergent integrals arising from term by term integration interpreted as finite part integrals.
Whitham modulation theory for the Ostrovsky equation
Authors: Whitfield A. J. , Johnson E. R.
Published: January 2017

This paper derives the Whitham modulation equations for the Ostrovsky equation. The equations are then used to analyse localized cnoidal wavepacket solutions of the Ostrovsky equation in the weak rotation limit. The analysis is split into two main parameter regimes: the Ostrovsky equation with normal dispersion relevant to typical oceanic parameters and the Ostrovsky equation with anomalous dispersion relevant to strongly sheared oceanic flows and other physical systems. For anomalous dispersion a new steady, symmetric cnoidal wavepacket solution is presented. The new wavepacket can be represented as a solution of the modulation equations and an analytical solution for the outer solution of the wavepacket is given. For normal dispersion the modulation equations are used to describe the unsteady finite-amplitude wavepacket solutions produced from the rotation-induced decay of a Korteweg–de Vries solitary wave. Again, an analytical solution for the outer solution can be given. The centre of the wavepacket closely approximates a train of solitary waves with the results suggesting that the unsteady wavepacket is a localized, modulated cnoidal wavetrain. The formation of wavepackets from solitary wave initial conditions is considered, contrasting the rapid formation of the packets in anomalous dispersion with the slower formation of unsteady packets under normal dispersion.
Recycling of waste gasket rubber granules by bulk CuCl2and nano CuCl2: removal of Hg(II) ions by recycled rubber granules
Authors: Deivasigamani Kalpana , Nanjan Jayakumar , Mani Hari Prasad
Published: January 2017

Environmental problems arise due to the millions of tons of waste rubber that are thrown away in the natural environment. Management of this waste rubber is a big environmental challenge. So, a new, simple and cost-effective recycling method for obtaining recycled waste rubber should be developed. In this study, we found that waste gasket rubber can be desulfurized by means of bulk and nano-sized transition metal halides in the presence of solvents. The recycled product of desulfurized waste gasket rubber granules that is obtained can be used as the cheapest adsorbent in the removal of mercury(II) ions from aqueous solution. Comparative batch studies have been conducted to elucidate the adsorption efficiency of desulfurized rubber using bulk copper chloride and also using nano-sized copper chloride under optimum conditions with commercial activated carbon.
Support for the reproductive ground plan hypothesis in a solitary bee: links between sucrose response and reproductive status
Authors: Kapheim Karen M. , Johnson Makenna M.
Published: January 2017

In social bees, foraging behaviour is correlated with reproductive status and sucrose sensitivity via endocrine pathways. This association led to the hypothesis that division of labour in social insect societies is derived from an ancestral ground plan that functions to synchronize dietary preferences with reproductive needs in solitary insects. However, the relationship between these traits is unknown for solitary bees, which represent the ancestral state of social bees. We used the proboscis extension response assay to measure sucrose response among reproductive females of the solitary alkali bee (Nomia melanderi) as a function of acute juvenile hormone (JH) treatments and reproductive physiology. We also tested long-term effects of JH on reproductive development in newly emerged females. JH did not have short-term effects on reproductive physiology or sucrose response, but did have significant long-term effects on ovary and Dufour's gland development. Dufour's gland size, not ovary development, was a significant predictor of sucrose response. This provides support for the reproductive ground plan hypothesis, because the Dufour's gland has conserved reproductive functions in bees. Differing results from this study and honeybees suggest independent origins of division of labour may have evolved via co-option of different components of a conserved ground plan.
Tail regeneration after autotomy revives survival: a case from a long-term monitored lizard population under avian predation
Authors: Lin Jhan-Wei , Chen Ying-Rong , Wang Ying-Han , Hung Kuen-Chih , Lin Si-Min
Published: January 2017

Caudal autotomy in lizards has intrigued scientists for more than 100 years. Because of the relative lack of literature under natural conditions, the complicated association among field autotomy rate, real predation pressure, the long-term cost of tail loss, and the benefit of regeneration remains equivocal. In this study, we conducted a 7-year capture–mark–recapture (CMR) programme with a wild population of a sexually dichromatic lizard,
Takydromus viridipunctatus
. We used autotomy indexes and a contemporary bird census mega-dataset of four predatory birds as predictors to examine the association between tail loss and predation pressure. We further estimated the survival cost of tail loss and alleviation by regeneration under natural conditions through CMR modelling. We found that large and small avian predators affect lizard survival through the following two routes: the larger-sized cattle egret causes direct mortality while the smaller shrikes and kestrels are the major causes of autotomy. Following autotomy, the survival rate of tailless individuals over the next month was significantly lower than that of tailed individuals, especially males during the breeding season, which showed a decline of greater than 30%. This sex-related difference further demonstrated the importance of reproductive costs for males in this sexually dichromatic species. However, the risk of mortality returned to baseline after the tails were fully grown. This study indicates the benefit of tail regeneration under natural conditions, which increases our understanding of the cost–benefit dynamics of caudal autotomy and further explains the maintenance of this trait as an evolutionarily beneficial adaption to long-term predator–prey interactions.
Conspicuous plumage colours are highly variable
Authors: Delhey Kaspar , Szecsenyi Beatrice , Nakagawa Shinichi , Peters Anne
Published: January 2017

Elaborate ornamental traits are often under directional selection for greater elaboration, which in theory should deplete underlying genetic variation. Despite this, many ornamental traits appear to remain highly variable and how this essential variation is maintained is a key question in evolutionary biology. One way to address this question is to compare differences in intraspecific variability across different types of traits to determine whether high levels of variation are associated with specific trait characteristics. Here we assess intraspecific variation in more than 100 plumage colours across 55 bird species to test whether colour variability is linked to their level of elaboration (indicated by degree of sexual dichromatism and conspicuousness) or their condition dependence (indicated by mechanism of colour production). Conspicuous colours had the highest levels of variation and conspicuousness was the strongest predictor of variability, with high explanatory power. After accounting for this, there were no significant effects of sexual dichromatism or mechanisms of colour production. Conspicuous colours may entail higher production costs or may be more sensitive to disruptions during production. Alternatively, high variability could also be related to increased perceptual difficulties inherent to discriminating highly elaborate colours. Such psychophysical effects may constrain the exaggeration of animal colours.
Complete genomic characterisation of twoEscherichia colilineages responsible for a cluster of carbapenem resistant infections in a Chinese hospital
Authors: Zong Zhiyong , Fenn Samuel , Connor Christopher , Feng Yu , McNally Alan
Published: January 2017

The increase in infections as a result of multi-drug resistant strains ofEscherichia coliis a global health crisis. The emergence of globally disseminated lineages ofE. colicarrying ESBL genes has been well characterised. An increase in strains producing carbapenemase enzymes and mobile colistin resistance is now being reported, but to date there is little genomic characterisation of such strains. Routine screening of patients within an ICU of West China Hospital identified a number ofE. colicarrying theblaNDM-5carbapenemase gene, found to be two distinct clones,E. coliST167 and ST617. Interrogation of publically available data shows isolation of ESBL and carbapenem resistant strains of both lineages from clinical cases across the world. Further analysis of a large collection of publically available genomes shows that ST167 and ST617 have emerged in distinct patterns from the ST10 clonal complex ofE. coli, but share evolutionary events involving switches in LPS genetics, intergenic regions and anaerobic metabolism loci. These may be evolutionary events which underpin the emergence of carbapenem resistance plasmid carriage inE. coli.
Chromosome contacts in activated T cells identify autoimmune disease candidate genes
Authors: Burren Oliver S , García Arcadio Rubio , Javierre Biola-Maria , Rainbow Daniel B , Cairns Jonathan , Cooper Nicholas J , Lambourne John J , Schofield Ellen , Dopico Xaquin Castro , Ferreira Ricardo C , Coulson Richard , Burden Frances , Rowlston Sophia P , Downes Kate , Wingett Steven W , Frontini Mattia , Ouwehand Willem H , Fraser Peter , Spivakov Mikhail , Todd John A , Wicker Linda S , Cutler Antony J , Wallace Chris
Published: January 2017

Background

Autoimmune disease-associated variants are preferentially found in regulatory regions in immune cells, particularly CD4+T cells. Linking such regulatory regions to gene promoters in disease-relevant cell contexts facilitates identification of candidate disease genes.

Results

Within four hours, activation of CD4+T cells invokes changes in histone modifications and enhancer RNA transcription that correspond to altered expression of the interacting genes identified by promoter capture Hi-C. By integrating promoter capture Hi-C data with genetic associations for five autoimmune diseases we prioritised 245 candidate genes with a median distance from peak signal to prioritised gene of 153 kb. Just under half (108/245) prioritised genes related to activation-sensitive interactions. This includedIL2RA, where allele-specific expression analyses were consistent with its interaction-mediated regulation, illustrating the utility of the approach.

Conclusions

Our systematic experimental framework offers an alternative approach to candidate causal gene identification for variants with cell state-specific functional effects, with achievable sample sizes.
Phylogenomic Synteny Network Analysis Reveals an Ancient MADS-Box Transcription Factor Tandem Duplication and Lineage-Specific Transpositions
Authors: Zhao Tao , Holmer Rens , de Bruijn Suzanne , van den Burg Harrold A. , Schranz M. Eric
Published: January 2017

Conserved genomic context (or synteny) provides critical information for comparative evolutionary analysis, such as the inference of ancient polyploidy events, recurrent genomic rearrangements across species and gene ancestry. With the increase of sequenced and assembled plant genomes, we now have the opportunity to use synteny to analyze the dynamics of gene family expansion and contraction across broad phylogenetic groups. Here we present an integrated approach to organize plant kingdom-wide gene synteny networks usingk-clique percolation. As an example, we analyzed the gene synteny network of the MADS-box transcription factor family based on fifty-one completed plant genomes. We conclude from two massive gene clusters that one of the two Type II MADS-box gene clades evolved from an ancient tandem gene duplication likely predating the radiation of seed plants, which then expanded by polyploidy events and sub-functionalization. This gene clade now contains key regulators of major phenotypes of angiosperms including flower development. Moreover, we find lineage-specific gene clusters derived from transposition events. For example, lineage-specific clusters in the Brassicales containing genes that are well-known for their function in controlling flower morphology (AP3andPI). Our phylogenomic synteny network approach can be applied to any group of species to gain new insights into the evolution and dynamics of any set of genes.
Memory disrupting effects of nonmuscle myosin II inhibition depend on the class of abused drug and brain region
Authors: Briggs Sherri B. , Blouin Ashley M. , Young Erica J. , Rumbaugh Gavin , Miller Courtney A.
Published: January 2017

Depolymerizing actin in the amygdala through nonmuscle myosin II inhibition (NMIIi) produces a selective, lasting, and retrieval-independent disruption of the storage of methamphetamine-associated memories. Here we report a similar disruption of memories associated with amphetamine, but not cocaine or morphine, by NMIIi. Reconsolidation appeared to be disrupted with cocaine. Unlike in the amygdala, methamphetamine-associated memory storage was not disrupted by NMIIi in the hippocampus, nucleus accumbens, or orbitofrontal cortex. NMIIi in the hippocampus did appear to disrupt reconsolidation. Identification of the unique mechanisms responsible for NMII-mediated, amygdala-dependent disruption of memory storage associated with the amphetamine class may enable induction of retrieval-independent vulnerability to other pathological memories.
Cooperating or competing in three languages: cultural accommodation or alienation?
Authors: Gargalianou Vasiliki , Urbig Diemo , van Witteloostuijn Arjen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of using foreign languages on cooperative behavior in a prisoner’s dilemma setting. The cultural accommodation hypothesis suggests that people are less cooperative in English, associated with the Anglophone cultural cluster, than in French, which is – as is Belgium – associated with the more cooperative Latin European cultural cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

Choices are framed as pricing strategies in the context of duopolistic competition. In total, 422 Flemish-Belgium participants with English and French as foreign and Dutch as their native language played in one of three language treatments.

Findings

While the authors observe differences between the native and both foreign languages, which are moderated by gender, the authors do not find any difference in effects between the two foreign languages that are associated with different cultures. Extending cultural accommodation arguments, the data suggests an effect specific to the use of the two selected foreign languages.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to this literature by reporting an experimental test of cultural accommodation and alienation effects related to two foreign languages. The authors explore novel arguments, related to cognitive psychology and gender effects.
Cross-cultural research and positive organizational scholarship
Authors: Cameron Kim
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In view of the emphasis in cross-cultural research on negative factors such as cultural misfit, cultural distance, and the liability of foreignness, the purpose of this paper is to offer one explanation for why this is the case and highlight the advantages of giving at least equal emphasis to research on positive factors. Three propositions are offered to guide future cross-cultural research.

Design/methodology/approach

Summaries of empirical studies on the inherent inclinations of human systems toward the negative, as well as inclinations toward the positive, produce explanations for each of these biases and their implications for cross-cultural scholarship.

Findings

By prioritizing positive factors instead of negative factors, individuals and organizations perform at much higher levels than when the reverse is the case. Virtuous practices, in particular, are associated with positively deviant performance. Inasmuch as virtuousness is universally valued, its emphasis can address some of the liabilities of difference inherent in cross-cultural contexts.

Originality/value

The three propositions offered in the paper explain why negative biases exist, how positive biases provide an advantage to individuals and organizations, and highlight future directions for cross-cultural research. Social scientists have been challenged to help enable 51 percent of the world’s population to flourish by mid-century, and prioritizing positive cross-cultural phenomena is one prescription for achieving that objective.
TEHD analysis of a bidirectional thrust bearing in a pumped storage unit
Authors: Zhai Liming , Wang Zhengwei , Luo Yongyao , Li Zhongjie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze lubrication characteristics of a bidirectional thrust bearing in a pumped storage, considering the effect of the thermal elastic deformation of the pad and collar.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the fluid–solid interaction (FSI) technique to investigate the lubrication characteristics of a bidirectional thrust bearing for several typical operating conditions. The influences of the operating conditions and the thrust load on the lubrication characteristics were analyzed. Then, various pivot eccentricities were investigated to analyze the effects of the pivot position.

Findings

It is found that the effect of the radial tilt angle of the collar runner on the oil film is compensated for by the radial tilt of the pad. The central pivot support system is the main factor limiting the loads of bidirectional thrust bearings.

Originality/value

This paper has preliminarily revealed the lubrication mechanism of bidirectional tilting-pad thrust bearings. A three-dimensional FSI method is suggested to evaluate the thermal–elastic–hydrodynamic deformations of thrust bearings instead of the conventional method, which iteratively solves the Reynolds equation, the energy equation, the heat conduction equation and the elastic equilibrium equation.
Linear stability analysis of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing under turbulent lubrication with coupled-stress fluid
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Kumar Guha Sisir
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Several researchers have observed that to satisfy modern day’s need, it is essential to enhance the characteristics of journal bearing, which is used in numerous applications. Moreover, the use of Newtonian fluid as a lubricant is diminishing day by day, and the use of Non-Newtonian fluids is coming more into picture. Furthermore, if turbo-machinery applications are taken into account, then it can be seen that journal bearings are used for high speed applications as well. Thus, neglecting turbulent conditions may lead to erroneous results. Hence, this paper aims to present focuses on studying the stability characteristics of finite hydrodynamic journal bearing under turbulent coupled-stress lubrication.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the governing equation relevant to the problem is generated. Then, the dynamic analysis is carried out by linear perturbation technique, leading to three perturbed equations, which are again discretized by finite difference method. Finally, these discretized equations are solved with the help of Gauss-Seidel Iteration technique with successive over relaxation scheme. Consequently, the film response coefficients and the stability parameters are evaluated at different parametric conditions.

Findings

It has been concluded from the study that with increase in value of the coupled-stress parameter, the stability of the journal may increase. Whereas, with increase in Reynolds number, the stability of the journal decreases. On the other hand, stability increases with increasing values of slenderness ratio.

Originality/value

Researches have been performed to study the dynamic characteristics of journal bearing with non-Newtonian fluid as the lubricant. But in the class of non-Newtonian lubricants, the use of coupled-stress fluid has not yet been properly investigated. So, an attempt has been made to perform the stability analysis of bearings with coupled-stress fluid as the advanced lubricant.