bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Prevalence of Neurocognitive Impairment in Aging People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: The ANRS EP58 HAND 55–70 Study
Authors: Makinson Alain , Dubois Jonathan , Eymard-Duvernay Sabrina , Leclercq Pascale , Zaegel-Faucher Olivia , Bernard Louis , Vassallo Matteo , Barbuat Claudine , Gény Christian , Thouvenot Eric , Costagliola Dominique , Ozguler Anna , Zins Marie , Simony Mélanie , Reynes Jacques , Berr Claudine
Published: July 2019

Background

There are limited data on the comparative prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in aging people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) and people not living with HIV.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of PLHIV randomly matched by age (±4 years), gender, and education with 5 HIV-uninfected individuals from the CONSTANCES cohort. PLHIV were fluent in French and sequentially included during routine outpatient visits if aged 55–70 years, with HIV viral load <50 copies/mL, and lymphocyte T-CD4 level ≥200 cells/µL in the past 24 and 12 months, respectively. The primary outcome was NCI as defined by the Frascati criteria. Multivariate normative comparison (MNC) and −1.5 standard deviations in ≥2 neurocognitive domains were secondary outcomes of NCI.

Results

Two hundred PLHIV were matched with 1000 controls. Median age was 62 years, and 85% were men. In PLHIV, the median T-CD4 lymphocyte level was 650 cells/µL, and median nadir T-CD4 lymphocyte level was 176 cells/µL. NCI was found in 71 (35.5%) PLHIV and in 242 (24.2%) controls (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25, 2.41). After adjusting for confounders, HIV remained significantly associated with NCI (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04, 2.16). Adjusted results were similar with NCI defined by MNC (ORMNC, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.13, 3.50) or −1.5 SD (OR−1.5, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.39, 3.62).

Conclusions

In this matched study of aging individuals, HIV was significantly associated with an increased risk of NCI after adjusting for major confounders. Results were confirmed with more stringent NCI classifications.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02592174.
The Health and Economic Burdens of Lymphatic Filariasis Prior to Mass Drug Administration Programs
Authors: Mathew Christopher G , Bettis Alison A , Chu Brian K , English Mike , Ottesen Eric A , Bradley Mark H , Turner Hugo C
Published: July 2019

Background

The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was launched in 2000 with the goal of eliminating lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem by 2020. Despite considerable progress, the current prevalence is around 60% of the 2000 figure, with the deadline looming a year away. Consequently, there is a continued need for investment in both the mass drug administration (MDA) and morbidity management programs, and this paper aims to demonstrate that need by estimating the health and economic burdens of LF prior to MDA programs starting in GPELF areas.

Methods

A previously developed model was used to estimate the numbers of individuals infected and individuals with symptomatic disease, along with the attributable number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The economic burden was calculated by quantifying the costs incurred by the health-care system in managing clinical cases, the patients’ out-of-pocket costs, and their productivity costs.

Results

Prior to the MDA program, approximately 129 million people were infected with LF, of which 43 million had clinical disease, corresponding to a DALY burden of 5.25 million. The average annual economic burden per chronic case was US $115, the majority of which resulted from productivity costs. The total economic burden of LF was estimated at US $5.8 billion annually.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the magnitude of the LF burden and highlight the continued need to support the GPELF. Patients with clinical disease bore the majority of the economic burden, but will not benefit much from the current MDA program, which is aimed at reducing transmission. This assessment further highlights the need to scale up morbidity management programs.
Underlying molecular alterations in human dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase deficiency revealed by structural analyses of disease-causing enzyme variants
Authors: Szabo Eszter , Wilk Piotr , Nagy Balint , Zambo Zsofia , Bui David , Weichsel Andrzej , Arjunan Palaniappa , Torocsik Beata , Hubert Agnes , Furey William , Montfort William R , Jordan Frank , Weiss Manfred S , Adam-Vizi Vera , Ambrus Attila
Published: July 2019

Human dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (hLADH, hE3) deficiency (OMIM# 246900) is an often prematurely lethal genetic disease usually caused by inactive or partially inactive hE3 variants. Here we report the crystal structure of wild-type hE3 at an unprecedented high resolution of 1.75 Å and the structures of six disease-causing hE3 variants at resolutions ranging from 1.44 to 2.34 Å. P453L proved to be the most deleterious substitution in structure as aberrations extensively compromised the active site. The most prevalent G194C-hE3 variant primarily exhibited structural alterations close to the substitution site, whereas the nearby cofactor-binding residues were left unperturbed. The G426E substitution mainly interfered with the local charge distribution introducing dynamics to the substitution site in the dimer interface; G194C and G426E both led to minor structural changes. The R460G, R447G and I445M substitutions all perturbed a solvent accessible channel, the so-called H+/H2O channel, leading to the active site. Molecular pathomechanisms of enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and impaired binding to multienzyme complexes were also addressed according to the structural data for the relevant mutations. In summary, we present here for the first time a comprehensive study that links three-dimensional structures of disease-causing hE3 variants to residual hLADH activities, altered capacities for ROS generation, compromised affinities for multienzyme complexes and eventually clinical symptoms. Our results may serve as useful starting points for future therapeutic intervention approaches.
Quinolizidine alkaloids are transported to seeds of bitter narrow-leafed lupin
Authors: Otterbach Sophie Lisa , Yang Ting , Kato Lucilia , Janfelt Christian , Geu-Flores Fernando
Published: July 2019

Toxic quinolizidine alkaloids in bitter narrow-leafed lupin seeds are not produced in the seeds but are transported to them, opening the possibility of transport engineering to improve lupin varieties.
The ABC transporter ABCG36 is required for cadmium tolerance in rice
Authors: Fu Shan , Lu Youshe , Zhang Xiang , Yang Guangzhe , Chao Dong , Wang Zhigang , Shi Mingxing , Chen Jiugeng , Chao Dai-Yin , Li Rongbai , Ma Jian Feng , Xia Jixing
Published: July 2019

OsABCG36 localized at the plasma membrane functions as an efflux transporter for Cd or Cd conjugates in the roots, and is involved in Cd tolerance in rice.
A set of AP2-like genes is associated with inflorescence branching and architecture in domesticated rice
Authors: Harrop Thomas W R , Mantegazza Otho , Luong Ai My , Béthune Kevin , Lorieux Mathias , Jouannic Stefan , Adam Hélène
Published: July 2019

A set of AP2-like genes regulate rice axillary meristem determination and evolved during the African and Asian domestications. These genes are new targets for crop improvement.
An alternative approach to modelling a cosmic void and its effect on the cosmic microwave background
Authors: Kim Do Young , Lasenby Anthony N , Hobson Michael P
Published: July 2019

We apply our tetrad-based approach for constructing spherically symmetric solutions in general relativity to modelling a void, and compare it with the standard Lemaître–Tolman–Bondi (LTB) formalism. In particular, we highlight the importance of considering the velocity as well as the density profile in constraining voids. We apply our approach to construct models for the void observed in the direction of Draco in the WISE–2MASS galaxy survey, and a corresponding cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature decrement in the Planck data in the same direction. We find that the present-day density and velocity profiles of the void are not well constrained by the existing data, so that void models produced from the two approaches can differ substantially while remaining broadly consistent with the observations. We repeat our analysis to construct void models for the CMB Cold Spot, but show that although a single void can account for the WISE–2MASS galaxy survey data, it is not capable of producing a CMB temperature decrement sufficiently deep to be consistent with Planck CMB data.
Haemodialysis withdrawal in Australia and New Zealand: a binational registry study
Authors: Chan Samuel , Marshall Mark R , Ellis Robert J , Ranganathan Dwarakanathan , Hawley Carmel M , Johnson David W , Wolley Martin J
Published: July 2019

Background

Withdrawal from dialysis is an increasingly common cause of death in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). As most published reports of dialysis withdrawal have been outside the Oceania region, the aims of this study were to determine the frequency, temporal pattern and predictors of dialysis withdrawal in Australian and New Zealand patients receiving chronic haemodialysis.

Methods

This study included all people with ESKD in Australia and New Zealand who commenced chronic haemodialysis between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2016, using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant (ANZDATA) Registry. Competing risk regression models were used to identify predictors of dialysis withdrawal mortality, using non-withdrawal cause of death as the competing risk event.

Results

Among 40 447 people receiving chronic haemodialysis (median age 62 years, 61% male, 9% Indigenous), dialysis withdrawal mortality rates increased from 1.02 per 100 patient-years (11% of all deaths) during the period 1997–2000 to 2.20 per 100 patient-years (32% of all deaths) during 2013–16 (P < 0.001). Variables that were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of haemodialysis withdrawal were older age {≥70 years subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 1.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66–1.89]; reference 60–70 years}, female sex [SHR 1.14 (95% CI 1.09–1.21)], white race [Asian SHR 0.56 (95% CI 0.49–0.65), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander SHR 0.83 (95% CI 0.74–0.93), Pacific Islander SHR 0.47 (95% CI 0.39–0.68), reference white race], coronary artery disease [SHR 1.18 (95% CI 1.11–1.25)], cerebrovascular disease [SHR 1.15 (95% CI 1.08–1.23)], chronic lung disease [SHR 1.13 (95% CI 1.06–1.21)] and more recent era [2013–16 SHR 3.96 (95% CI 3.56–4.48); reference 1997–2000].

Conclusions

Death due to haemodialysis withdrawal has become increasingly common in Australia and New Zealand over time. Predictors of haemodialysis withdrawal include older age, female sex, white race and haemodialysis commencement in a more recent era.
Physical modeling and validation of porpoises’ directional emission via hybrid metamaterials
Authors: Dong Erqian , Zhang Yu , Song Zhongchang , Zhang Tianye , Cai Chen , Fang Nicholas X
Published: July 2019

In wave physics and engineering, directional emission sets a fundamental limitation on conventional simple sources as their sizes should be sufficiently larger than their wavelength. Artificial metamaterial and animal biosonar both show potential in overcoming this limitation. Existing metamaterials arranged in periodic microstructures face great challenges in realizing complex and multiphase biosonar structures. Here, we proposed a physical directional emission model to bridge the gap between porpoises’ biosonar and artificial metamaterial. Inspired by the anatomical and physical properties of the porpoise's biosonar transmission system, we fabricated a hybrid metamaterial system composed of multiple composite structures. We validated that the hybrid metamaterial significantly increased directivity and main lobe energy over a broad bandwidth both numerically and experimentally. The device displayed efficiency in detecting underwater target and suppressing false target jamming. The metamaterial-based physical model may be helpful to achieve the physical mechanisms of porpoise biosonar detection and has diverse applications in underwater acoustic sensing, ultrasound scanning, and medical ultrasonography.
Differential behavioral, stress, and sleep responses in mice with different delays of fear extinction
Authors: Machida Mayumi , Sutton Amy M , Williams Brook L , Wellman Laurie L , Sanford Larry D
Published: July 2019

Study Objectives

Sleep, in particular rapid eye movement (REM), has been linked to fear learning and extinction; however, their relationship is poorly understood. We determined how different delays of extinction training (ET) impact fear-conditioned behaviors, changes in sleep, and stress responses.

Methods

EEG activity, movement, and body temperature in mice were monitored via telemetry. Following contextual fear conditioning (shock training [ST]), separate groups of mice were reexposed to the context at 24-hour post-ST (24h ET-1) and at 48-hour post-ST (48h ET-1). Post-ET sleep amount and sleep-associated EEG (delta and theta) activity were compared to baseline and to post-ST sleep. Freezing, locomotion, grooming, and rearing were monitored to determine effects of ET on fear behaviors. Body temperature immediately after ET was monitored to assess stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH).

Results

24h ET-1 and 48h ET-1 produced similar freezing and REM reductions, but dissimilar rearing activity and SIH. 24h ET-1 was followed by periods of suppressed REM-associated theta (REM-θ) activity, immediately after ET and during the subsequent dark period. Suppressed REM-θ was specific to sleep after 24h ET-1, and did not occur after ST, nor after 48h ET-1.

Conclusions

ET-1 at 24 and 48 hours after ST was associated with similar freezing and REM amounts, but with differences in other overt behaviors, in REM-θ, and in SIH. Freezing was not predictive of changes in other fear-associated responses. This study demonstrated that consideration of time delay from fear acquisition to extinction is important when assessing the relationships between extinction and behavior, sleep, and stress responses.
Predicting drug resistance evolution: insights from antimicrobial peptides and antibiotics
Authors: Yu Guozhi , Baeder Desiree Y. , Regoes Roland R. , Rolff Jens
Published: July 2019

Antibiotic resistance constitutes one of the most pressing public health concerns. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of multicellular organisms are considered part of a solution to this problem, and AMPs produced by bacteria such as colistin are last-resort drugs. Importantly, AMPs differ from many antibiotics in their pharmacodynamic characteristics. Here we implement these differences within a theoretical framework to predict the evolution of resistance against AMPs and compare it to antibiotic resistance. Our analysis of resistance evolution finds that pharmacodynamic differences all combine to produce a much lower probability that resistance will evolve against AMPs. The finding can be generalized to all drugs with pharmacodynamics similar to AMPs. Pharmacodynamic concepts are familiar to most practitioners of medical microbiology, and data can be easily obtained for any drug or drug combination. Our theoretical and conceptual framework is, therefore, widely applicable and can help avoid resistance evolution if implemented in antibiotic stewardship schemes or the rational choice of new drug candidates.
Association between myopia and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures in children
Authors: Lyu In Jeong , Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To investigate the characteristics of children with peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) and evaluate the risk factors associated with PHOMS.

Methods

This study included 132 eyes of 66 children with PHOMS and 92 eyes of 46 children without PHOMS (controls) who were assessed by disc enhanced depth image spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors associated with the presence of PHOMS.

Results

Among the 66 children with PHOMS, 53 patients (80.3%) had bilateral and 13 patients (19.7%) had unilateral PHOMS. The mean age of the PHOMS group was 11.7 ± 2.6 years and 11.4 ± 3.1 years in the control group. Mean spherical equivalent (SE) by cycloplegic refraction was −3.13 ± 1.87 diopters (D) in the PHOMS group and −0.95 ± 2.65 D in the control group. Mean astigmatism was 0.67 ± 0.89 D and 0.88 ± 1.02 D in the PHOMS group and the control group, respectively. Mean disc size was 1735 ± 153 μm in the PHOMS group and 1741 ± 190 μm in the control group. All eyes in PHOMS group had myopia of −0.50 D or less, except for an eye with +1.00 D. According to the univariable (odds ratio [OR] 1.59, P < 0.001) and multivariable (OR 2.00, P < 0.001) logistic regression analyses, SE decreased by 1 D was significantly associated with PHOMS.

Conclusions

PHOMS is associated with myopic shift in children. Optic disc tilt may be a mediator between myopia and PHOMS.
Characterizing co-occurring conditions by age at diagnosis in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Failla Michelle D. , Schwartz Kyle L. , Chaganti Shikha , Cutting Laurie E. , Landman Bennett A. , Cascio Carissa J.
Published: July 2019

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience a significant number of co-occurring medical conditions, yet little is known about these conditions beyond prevalence. We hypothesized that individuals with ASD experienced an increased burden of co-occurring conditions as measured by presence, frequency, and duration of visits related to co-occurring conditions. We expected that age of ASD diagnosis (early, <7; late, >7) would be associated with different co-occurring conditions. Medical record data were extracted from a large anonymized medical center database for 3097 individuals with ASD and 3097 matched controls. Co-occurring conditions were characterized using a novel tool (pyPheWAS) to examine presence, frequency, and duration of each condition. We identified several categories of co-occurring conditions in ASD: neurological (epilepsy, sleep disorders); psychiatric (mood disorders, adjustment/conduct disorders, suicidal ideation), and developmental. Early ASD diagnosis was associated with epilepsy-related conditions, whereas a later diagnosis was associated with psychiatric conditions. The early ASD diagnosis group had later first diagnosis of co-occurring psychiatric conditions compared to the late ASD diagnosis group. Our work confirms individuals with ASD are under a significant medical burden, with increased duration and frequency of visits associated with co-occurring conditions. Adequate management of these conditions could reduce burden on individuals with ASD.
Long-term reciprocal gene flow in wild and domestic geese reveals complex domestication history
Authors: Heikkinen Marja E. , Ruokonen Minna , White Thomas A. , Alexander Michelle M. , Gündüz İslam , Dobney Keith M. , Aspi Jouni , Searle Jeremy B. , Pyhäjärvi Tanja
Published: July 2019

Hybridization has frequently been observed between wild and domestic species and can substantially impact genetic diversity of both counterparts. Geese show some of the highest levels of interspecific hybridization across all bird orders, and two of the goose species in genusAnserhave been domesticated providing excellent opportunity for joint study of domestication and hybridization. Until now, knowledge on the details of the goose domestication process has come from archaeological findings and historical writings supplemented with few studies based on mitochondrial DNA. Here, we used genome-wide markers to make the first genome-based inference of the timing of European goose domestication. We also analyzed the impact of hybridization on the genome-wide genetic variation in current populations of the European domestic goose and its wild progenitor: the greylag goose (Anser anser). Our dataset consisted of 58 wild greylags sampled around Eurasia and 75 domestic geese representing 14 breeds genotyped for 33,527 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Demographic reconstruction and clustering analysis suggested that divergence between wild and domestic geese around 5,300 generations ago was followed by long-term genetic exchange, and that greylag populations have 3.2–58.0% admixture proportions with domestic geese, with distinct geographic patterns. Surprisingly, many modern European breeds share considerable (> 10%) ancestry with Chinese domestic geese that is derived from the swan gooseAnser cygnoid. We show that domestication process can progress despite continued and pervasive gene flow from the wild form.

Significance Statement

Reproductive isolation between conspecific wild and domestic populations is a cornerstone of the domestication process, yet gene flow between such wild and domestic populations has been frequently documented. European domestic geese and their wild progenitor (greylags) co-occur and can hybridize and we show that they represent a particularly persuasive case where wild and domestic populations are not isolated gene pools. Our study makes a first genome-based estimate of goose domestication, which up to now has mostly relied on archaeological findings and historical writings. We show ongoing gene flow between greylags and European domestic geese following domestication, but we also observe a surprisingly large contribution of Chinese domestic geese (a separate species) to the genetic make-up of European domestic geese.
Adaptation and convergence in circadian-related genes in Iberian freshwater fish
Authors: Moreno João M , Jesus Tiago F , Sousa Vitor C , Coelho Maria M
Published: July 2019

Background

The circadian clock is a biological timing system that improves the ability of organisms to deal with environmental fluctuations. At the molecular level it consists of a network of transcription-translation feedback loops, involving genes that activate (bmal and clock – positive loop) and repress expression (cryptochrome (cry) and period (per) – negative loop). This is regulated by daily alternations of light but can also be affected by temperature. Fish, as ectothermic, depend on the environmental temperature and thus are good models to study its integration within the circadian system. Here, we studied the molecular evolution of circadian genes in four Squalius freshwater fish species, distributed across Western Iberian rivers affected by two climatic types with different environmental conditions (e.g. light and temperature). S. carolitertii and S. pyrenaicus inhabit the colder northern region under Atlantic climate type, while S. torgalensis, S. aradensis and some populations of S. pyrenaicus inhabit the warmer southern region affected by summer droughts, under Mediterranean climate type.

Results

We identified 16 circadian-core genes in the Squalius species using a comparative transcriptomics approach. We detected evidence of positive selection in nine of these genes using methods based on dN/dS. Positive selection was mainly found in cry and per genes of the negative loop of the cycle, with 11 putatively adaptive substitutions mostly located on protein domains. Evidence for positive selection is predominant in southern populations affected by the Mediterranean climate type. By predicting protein features we found that changes at sites under positive selection can impact protein thermostability by changing their aliphatic index and isoelectric point. Additionally, in nine genes, the phylogenetic clustering of species that belong to different clades but inhabit southern basins with similar environmental conditions indicated evolutionary convergence.

Conclusions

Our results support that temperature may be a strong selective pressure driving the evolution of genes involved in the circadian system. By integrating sequence-based functional protein prediction with dN/dS-based methods to detect selection we also uncovered adaptive convergence in the southern populations, probably related to their similar thermal conditions.
Comparison of adopted and non-adopted individuals reveals gene-environment interplay for education in the UK Biobank
Authors: Cheesman Rosa , Hunjan Avina , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Ahmadzadeh Yasmin , Plomin Robert , McAdams Tom A. , Eley Thalia C. , Breen Gerome
Published: July 2019

Individual-level polygenic scores can now explain ∼10% of the variation in number of years of completed education. However, associations between polygenic scores and education capture not only genetic propensity but information about the environment that individuals are exposed to. This is because individuals passively inherit effects of parental genotypes, since their parents typically also provide the rearing environment. In other words, the strong correlation between offspring and parent genotypes results in an association between the offspring genotypes and the rearing environment. This is termed passive gene-environment correlation. We present an approach to test for the extent of passive gene-environment correlation for education without requiring intergenerational data. Specifically, we use information from 6311 individuals in the UK Biobank who were adopted in childhood to compare genetic influence on education between adoptees and non-adopted individuals. Adoptees’ rearing environments are less correlated with their genotypes, because they do not share genes with their adoptive parents. We find that polygenic scores are twice as predictive of years of education in non-adopted individuals compared to adoptees (R2= 0.074 vs 0.037, difference test p= 8.23 × 10−24). We provide another kind of evidence for the influence of parental behaviour on offspring education: individuals in the lowest decile of education polygenic score attain significantly more education if they are adopted, possibly due to educationally supportive adoptive environments. Overall, these results suggest that genetic influences on education are mediated via the home environment. As such, polygenic prediction of educational attainment represents gene-environment correlations just as much as it represents direct genetic effects.
Phylogenetic Tree-based Pipeline for Uncovering Mutational Patterns during Influenza Virus Evolution
Authors: Ivan Fransiskus Xaverius , Deshpande Akhila , Lim Chun Wei , Zhou Xinrui , Zheng Jie , Kwoh Chee Keong
Published: July 2019

Various computational and statistical approaches have been proposed to uncover the mutational patterns of rapidly evolving influenza viral genes. Nonetheless, the approaches mainly rely on sequence alignments which could potentially lead to spurious mutations obtained by comparing sequences from different clades that coexist during particular periods of time. To address this issue, we propose a phylogenetic tree-based pipeline that takes into account the evolutionary structure in the sequence data. Assuming that the sequences evolve progressively under a strict molecular clock, considering a competitive model that is based on a certain Markov model, and using a resampling approach to obtain robust estimates, we could capture statistically significant single-mutations and co-mutations during the sequence evolution. Moreover, by considering the results obtained from analyses that consider all paths and the longest path in the resampled trees, we can categorize the mutational sites and suggest their relevance. Here we applied the pipeline to investigate the 50 years of evolution of the HA sequences of influenza A/H3N2 viruses. In addition to confirming previous knowledge on the A/H3N2 HA evolution, we also demonstrate the use of the pipeline to classify mutational sites according to whether they are able to enhance antigenic drift, compensate other mutations that enhance antigenic drift, or both.
Plastic but repeatable: rapid adjustments of mitochondrial function and density during reproduction in a wild bird species
Authors: Stier Antoine , Bize Pierre , Hsu Bin-Yan , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: July 2019

Most of the energy fluxes supporting animal performance flow through mitochondria. Hence, inter-individual differences in performance might be rooted in inter-individual variations in mitochondrial function and density. Furthermore, because the energy required by an individual often changes across life stages, mitochondrial function and density are also expected to show within-individual variation (i.e. plasticity). No study so far has repeatedly measured mitochondrial function and density in the same individuals to simultaneously test for within-individual repeatability and plasticity of mitochondrial traits. Here, we repeatedly measured mitochondrial DNA copy number (a proxy of density) and respiration rates from blood cells of female pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) at the incubation and chick-rearing stages. Mitochondrial density and respiration rates were all repeatable (R = [0.45-0.80]), indicating high within-individual consistency in mitochondrial traits across life-history stages. Mitochondrial traits were also plastic, showing a quick (i.e. 10 days) down-regulation from incubation to chick-rearing in mitochondrial density, respiratory activity, and cellular regulation by endogenous substrates and/or ATP demand. These downregulations were partially compensated by an increase in mitochondrial efficiency at the chick-rearing stage. Therefore, our study provides clear evidence for both short-term plasticity and high within-individual consistency in mitochondrial function and density during reproduction in a wild bird species.
The novel borate Lu5Ba6B9O27with a new structure type: synthesis, disordered crystal structure and negative linear thermal expansion
Authors: Filatov Stanislav K. , Biryukov Yaroslav P. , Bubnova Rimma S. , Shablinskii Andrey P.
Published: July 2019

Single crystals of Lu5Ba6B9O27were obtained by cooling from a melt and polycrystals of the borate were prepared using a multi-step solid-state synthesis. The crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. The borate crystallizes in a new structure type in the monoclinic crystal system in space groupC2/c, with cell parametersa= 13.0927 (3),b= 9.9970 (2) andc= 20.4884 (4) Å, β = 106.827 (1)°,V= 2566.86 (9) Å3andZ= 4. It is described as a framework composed of rings consisting of vertex-sharing [BO3] triangles and [LuO6] octahedra. The Ba atoms are in the cavities of the framework. The structure is disordered: one of the B atoms is surrounded by six O atoms with partial occupancies of 0.5. The thermal properties of Lu5Ba6B9O27were investigated by thermal analysis and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction. Its thermal expansion is highly anisotropic. The negative expansion (contraction) is along thebaxis,i.e.parallel to the planes of the largest number of [BO3] triangles. The coefficient of negative linear expansion ranges from −1.42 (at 20°C) to −5.57×10–6 °C–1(at 1000°C). Thermal deformation of theacplane is described in terms of the theory of shear deformation of monoclinic crystals. The Lu5Ba6B9O27sample melts at 1170°C.
An exploration-enhanced elephant herding optimization
Authors: ElShaarawy Islam A. , Houssein Essam H. , Ismail Fatma Helmy , Hassanien Aboul Ella
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an enhanced elephant herding optimization (EEHO) algorithm by improving the exploration phase to overcome the fast-unjustified convergence toward the origin of the native EHO. The exploration and exploitation of the proposed EEHO are achieved by updating both clan and separation operators.

Design/methodology/approach

The original EHO shows fast unjustified convergence toward the origin specifically, a constant function is used as a benchmark for inspecting the biased convergence of evolutionary algorithms. Furthermore, the star discrepancy measure is adopted to quantify the quality of the exploration phase of evolutionary algorithms in general.

Findings

In experiments, EEHO has shown a better performance of convergence rate compared with the original EHO. Reasons behind this performance are: EEHO proposes a more exploitative search method than the one used in EHO and the balanced control of exploration and exploitation based on fixing clan updating operator and separating operator. Operatorγis added to EEHO assists to escape from local optima, which commonly exist in the search space. The proposed EEHO controls the convergence rate and the random walk independently. Eventually, the quantitative and qualitative results revealed that the proposed EEHO outperforms the original EHO.

Research limitations/implications

Therefore, the pros and cons are reported as follows: pros of EEHO compared to EHO – 1) unbiased exploration of the whole search space thanks to the proposed update operator that fixed the unjustified convergence of the EHO toward the origin and the proposed separating operator that fixed the tendency of EHO to introduce new elephants at the boundary of the search space; and 2) the ability to control exploration–exploitation trade-off by independently controverting the convergence rate and the random walk using different parameters – cons EEHO compared to EHO: 1) suitable values for three parameters (rather than two only) have to be found to use EEHO.

Originality/value

As the original EHO shows fast unjustified convergence toward the origin specifically, the search method adopted in EEHO is more exploitative than the one used in EHO because of the balanced control of exploration and exploitation based on fixing clan updating operator and separating operator. Further, the star discrepancy measure is adopted to quantify the quality of exploration phase of evolutionary algorithms in general. Operatorγthat added EEHO allows the successive local and global searching (exploration and exploitation) and helps escaping from local minima that commonly exist in the search space.
Influence of adhesion strength on cavitation erosion resistance of diamond-like carbon coating
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ji Weixi , Zhao Junhua
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The disbonding of DLC coating is a main failure mode in the high-speed cavitation condition, which shortens the service life of the bearing. This study aims to investigate influence of adhesion strength on cavitation erosion resistance of DLC coating.

Design/methodology/approach

Three DLC coatings with different adhesion strengths were grown on the 304 steel surfaces by using a cathodic arc plasma deposition method. Cavitation tests were performed by using a vibratory test rig to investigate the influence of adhesion strength on cavitation erosion resistance of a DLC coating. The cavitation mechanism of the substrate-coating systems was further discussed by means of surface analyses.

Findings

The results indicated that, the residual stress decreased and then increased with the increasing DLC coating thickness from 1 µm to 2.9 µm, and the lower residual stress can improve the adhesion strength of the DLC coating to the substrate. It was also concluded that, the plastic deformation as well as the fracture occurred on the DLC coating surface at the same time, owing to higher residual stress and poorer adhesion strength. However, lower residual stress and better adhesion strength could help resist the occurrence of the coating fracture.

Originality/value

Cavitation tests were performed by using a vibratory test rig to investigate the influence of adhesion strength on cavitation erosion resistance of the DLC coating. The plastic deformation and the fracture occurred on the DLC coating surface at the same time, owing to higher residual stress and poorer adhesion of coating. Lower residual stress and better adhesion of coating could resist the occurrence of the DLC coating fracture.
The dynamic simulation and experiment of bearing capacity of multi oil cushion static bearing with double rectangular cavities
Authors: Zhang Yanqin , Sun Jichang , Kong Pengrui , Kong Xiangbin , Yu Xiaodong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the bearing capacity of hydrostatic bearing during the change of film thickness under different working conditions and to improve the processing efficiency and precision of equipment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, Q1-205 double rectangular cavity hydrostatic thrust bearing is selected as the research object. The dynamic mesh method and ANSYS/FLUENT software are used to simulate the curves of oil film thickness and oil pressure under different operating conditions. Finally, the change of pressure in the oil cavity at different operating speeds under a certain inlet flow rate was tested through design experiments.

Findings

When the film thickness was thick, the maximum pressure in the oil cavity at different inlet velocities showed little difference. With a larger inlet flow, the maximum pressure in the oil cavity was higher. The pressure at the edge of the oil seal was linearly distributed. The oil pressure in the downstream side was greater than that in the counter flow side. When the working pressure was low, the pressure in the oil cavity slightly decreased with the increase of working speed. Moreover, the pressure loss at high speed was considerable.

Originality/value

Based on the lubrication theory, the mathematical model of the bearing oil film was set up. The bearing capacity equation of the hydrostatic cavity was derived. The double-rectangular-annular hydrostatic guides studied in this paper have not been reported in previous research literature and the method of dynamic mesh dynamic simulation of variable viscosity is seldom studied before. The bearing characteristics and the change of oil film thickness under different working conditions have been studied systematically and comprehensively. The theoretical analysis results are basically consistent with the experimental results.
Microstructural evolution and dynamic strain-hardening in friction-induced deformation layers of 30CrMnSi steel
Authors: Zhu Peng , Liang Shuang , Yang Yudan , Wei Xicheng , Wang Wurong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the correlation between wear behavior and microstructure evolution in friction-induced deformation layers (FDL) of 30CrMnSi steel, especially the role of strain-hardening induced by plastic deformation in FDL, which accordingly alters the wear behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Dry sliding friction and wear behaviors of the 30CrMnSi steel against quenched and tempered GCr15 steel were studied using a pin-on-disc tester. The microstructure, hardness and plastic deformation of FDL were investigated.

Findings

It was found that the evolution of microstructure and strain-hardening induced by plastic deformation were occurred in the subsurface. When the microstructure, hardness and depth of the plastic deformation layer (PDL) reached a relatively steady state, the friction process transformed into stable-state stage. The wear loss and depth of the PDL was in dynamic equilibrium at stable wear stage.

Originality/value

In this paper, the correlation among the microstructure evolution, the strain-hardening and wear behavior were systemically analyzed. This paper could provide a theoretical reference for optimizing the microstructure and strain hardening properties of tribo-pairs materials.
Research Watch: inclusion of people’s social networks can help when they experience psychosis
Authors: Holttum Sue
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine two recent papers on Open Dialogue, an approach for people experiencing psychosis that involves people’s social networks from the beginning, and aims to empower the service user and their network to develop a shared view of what is happening and what to do.

Design/methodology/approach

A search was carried out for recent papers on Open Dialogue.

Findings

One paper reported on outcomes after an average of 20 years for people treated with Open Dialogue approach compared with usual treatment in Finland. Outcome was statistically significantly better for people who received Open Dialogue. A second paper reported on interviews with 20 people who had received Open Dialogue approach 20 years earlier. Participants told stories of life events and circumstances that caused accumulating stress leading to the mental health crisis. They gradually came through by their own actions and support from others. This may reflect how Open Dialogue emphasises personal agency and social support.

Originality/value

These are the first two papers to report on longer-term follow-up after Open Dialogue treatment. They continue to support the suggestion that Open Dialogue can be more beneficial than usual treatment. By including and working with people’s social networks, Open Dialogue may be particularly efficient at mobilising people’s social resources and empowering their personal agency.
How interpretive and critical teacher-researchers in accounting infuse research into their lessons – a research note
Authors: Lemaire Célia , Paquin Pauline
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Teacher-researchers carry out two singular, demanding and time-consuming, activities: research and teaching. Some, convinced of the cross-fertilization of these two activities, try to introduce elements of their research into their courses. This intention becomes a major challenge for interpretive and critical teacher-researchers in accounting who cannot rely on textbooks, mostly oriented for the mainstream. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how those teacher-researchers proceed to infuse their research into their courses.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an exploratory qualitative study based on interviews.

Findings

The results show three typical profiles that correspond to three ways of infusing research into courses, and how these profiles can evolve and combine.

Originality/value

The identification of teacher-researcher profiles allows categorization of how they infuse their research into their teaching. By listing the constraints imposed on teacher-researchers intending to infuse research, proposals for ways to overcome the identified constraints that hinder the cross-fertilization of research and teaching are suggested. The paper also reexamines the status of teachers-researchers in accounting who address a critical approach in their teaching.
Use of diverse diagnostic criteria for acquired apraxia of speech: a scoping review
Authors: Molloy Jessica , Jagoe Caroline
Published: July 2019

Background

There is a growing body of evidence that speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention is effective in improving communication ability for individuals with non‐progressive acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). However, there is no universally agreed diagnostic standard for AOS, and diverging opinions on its diagnostic features. This has led to claims that diverse diagnostic criteria may be used to select participants for AOS research studies. These claims raise concerns for evidence‐based practice in AOS but have yet to be systematically investigated.

Aims

To determine the presence, nature and extent of diversity in the diagnostic criteria for non‐progressive AOS used in both published studies and clinical practice internationally.

Methods & Procedures

The study used a scoping review methodology that followed the 2005 framework of Arksey and O'Malley and included a consultation exercise in the form of an online survey of international SLTs. The scoping review included 157 studies involving participants with acquired AOS, published between 1997 and 2017. There were 264 respondents to the online survey of SLTs, with a completion rate of 72%. Respondents came from 15 countries and had varying levels of clinical experience.

Main Contribution

This study found that no common set of diagnostic criteria for AOS was used universally across research and practice. Although the diagnostic criteria used to select participants with AOS were reported explicitly in most studies, they varied from study to study. Some studies used directly conflicting criteria. Use of specific diagnostic criteria in studies was influenced by year of publication but not by location. There was a trend towards increasing consistency in diagnostic criteria in recent years. Compared with the research, the survey revealed relatively greater consistency among SLTs on the speech features considered indicative of AOS, although the SLTs who responded to the survey showed variation in how diagnostic criteria were combined into sets. Use of specific diagnostic criteria was not associated with SLTs’ location or experience. There were differences between the diagnostic criteria for AOS used most commonly in research studies and those selected most commonly by SLTs in the survey. These findings have implications for the generalizability of AOS research to clinical practice, as well as implications for effective research synthesis.

Conclusions & Implications

The claim that research and practice in the field of AOS is characterized by the use of diverse diagnostic criteria is supported by this scoping review. The findings support the need to develop a universal consensus standard for AOS diagnosis to ensure consistency across research and clinical practice.
Comparative studies of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in animal longevity: Technical pitfalls and possibilities
Authors: Munro Daniel , Pamenter Matthew E.
Published: July 2019

The mitochondrial oxidative theory of aging has been repeatedly investigated over the past 30 years by comparing the efflux of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) from isolated mitochondria of long‐ and short‐lived species using horseradish peroxidase‐based assays. However, a clear consensus regarding the relationship between H2O2 production rates and longevity has not emerged. Concomitantly, novel insights into the mechanisms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) handling by mitochondria themselves should have raised concerns about the validity of this experimental approach. Here, we review pitfalls of the horseradish peroxidase/amplex red detection system for the measurement of mitochondrial ROS formation rates, with an emphasis on longevity studies. Importantly, antioxidant systems in the mitochondrial matrix are often capable of scavenging H2O2 faster than mitochondria produce it. As a consequence, as much as 84% of the H2O2 produced by mitochondria may be consumed before it diffuses into the reaction medium, where it can be detected by the horseradish peroxidase/amplex red system, this proportion is likely not consistent across species. Furthermore, previous studies often used substrates that elicit H2O2 formation at a much higher rate than in physiological conditions and at sites of secondary importance in vivo. Recent evidence suggests that the activity of matrix antioxidants may correlate with longevity instead of the rate of H2O2 formation. We conclude that past studies have been methodologically insufficient to address the putative relationship between longevity and mitochondrial ROS. Thus, novel methodological approaches are required that more accurately encompass mitochondrial ROS metabolism.
The clinical and therapeutic challenge of treating older patients in clinical practice
Authors: Roller‐Wirnsberger Regina , Thurner Bettina , Pucher Christian , Lindner Sonja , Wirnsberger Gerhard Hubert
Published: July 2019

Due to the demographic shift complex care management of older multimorbid patients with changing functional capacities has become core clinical business for many stakeholders in western health care systems. It is the aim of the mini‐review to summarise evidence to be translated into clinical practice for pharmacists and medical doctors and interested readers. The review is based upon a comprehensive literature review in PubMed and EMBASE from 2000 to 2018 and grey literature. Interprofessional exchange and discussion among stakeholders from geriatric medicine and the International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology during a meeting in Graz, Austria 2018, led to the narrowing of the review addressing complex care needs of geriatric patients. In this mini‐review, attention is drawn to a comprehensive therapeutic goal setting according to evidence‐based guidelines: clinical, disease‐related care aspects, functional capacities, evaluated by comprehensive geriatric assessment, and patient's wishes and perspectives as main drivers for personalised complex care of geriatric patients.