bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host population diversity as a driver of viral infection cycle in wild populations of green sulfur bacteria with long standing virus-host interactions
Authors: Berg Maureen , Goudeau Danielle , Olmsted Charles , McMahon Katherine D , Thweatt Jennifer , Bryant Donald , Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A , Malmstrom Rex R , Roux Simon
Published: March 2020

Viral infections of bacterial hosts range from highly lytic to lysogenic, where highly lytic viruses undergo viral replication and immediately lyse their hosts, and lysogenic viruses have a latency period before replication and host lysis. While both types of infections are routinely observed in the environment, the ecological and evolutionary processes that regulate these different viral dynamics are still not well understood. In this study, we identify and characterize the long-term dynamics of uncultivated viruses infecting green sulfur bacteria (GSB) in a model freshwater lake sampled from 2005-2018. Because of the additional requirements for the laboratory cultivation of anaerobes like GSB, viruses infecting GSB have yet to be formally identified, leaving their diversity and impact on natural populations of GSB virtually unknown. In this study, we used two approaches to identify viruses infecting GSB; onein vitrobased on flow cytometry cell sorting, the otherin silicobased on CRISPR spacer sequences. We then took advantage of existing bulk metagenomes derived from Trout Bog Lake covering the 2005-2018 period to examine the interactions between GSB hosts and their viruses across multiple years and seasons. From our data, GSB populations in Trout Bog Lake were found to be concurrently infected with at least 2-8 viruses each, many of which were lysogenic viruses; one GSB host population in particular was consistently associated with two lysogens with a nearly 100% infection rate for over 10 years. We illustrate with a theoretical infection model that such an interaction can be stable over multiple years given a low, but persistent level of lysogen induction in host populations with already high infection rates. Overall, our data suggest that single GSB populations are typically infected by multiple viruses at the same time, that lytic and lysogenic viruses can readily co-infect the same host population in the same ecosystem, and that host strain-level diversity might be an important factor controlling the lytic/lysogeny switch.
Gene expression networks in the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel
Authors: Everett Logan J. , Huang Wen , Zhou Shanshan , Carbone Mary Anna , Lyman Richard F. , Arya Gunjan H. , Geisz Matthew S. , Ma Junwu , Morgante Fabio , St. Armour Genevieve , Turlapati Lavanya , Anholt Robert R.H. , Mackay Trudy F.C.
Published: March 2020

A major challenge in modern biology is to understand how naturally occurring variation in DNA sequences affects complex organismal traits through networks of intermediate molecular phenotypes. This question is best addressed in a genetic mapping population in which all molecular polymorphisms are known and for which molecular endophenotypes and complex traits are assessed on the same genotypes. Here, we performed deep RNA sequencing of 200 Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel inbred lines with complete genome sequences and for which phenotypes of many quantitative traits have been evaluated. We mapped expression quantitative trait loci for annotated genes, novel transcribed regions, transposable elements, and microbial species. We identified host variants that affect expression of transposable elements, independent of their copy number, as well as microbiome composition. We constructed sex-specific expression quantitative trait locus regulatory networks. These networks are enriched for novel transcribed regions and target genes in heterochromatin and euchromatic regions of reduced recombination, as well as genes regulating transposable element expression. This study provides new insights regarding the role of natural genetic variation in regulating gene expression and generates testable hypotheses for future functional analyses.
An optimum profile of a special pin fin: full solutions
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present an elegant exact solution in terms of elementary functions for a special pin fin without the classical length-of-arc approximation.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature distribution along the fin and the surface function, both being the functions of a shape parameter, is inversely proportional to each other. The specialty of the spine is such that its shape and temperature profile are linked for a given Biot number.

Findings

Exact formulas for the pin fin tip temperature, pin fin base heat transfer rate, surface area of the spine and thermal fin efficiency are also given.

Originality/value

Without the traditional arc length assumption, the pin fin is shown to be an effective extended surface to remove the excessive heat from the hot surface it is pinned to. Optimum pin fin dimensions leading to the maximum base heat transfer rate are also worked out for a specified fin volume.
Toward a new understanding of immigrant information behavior
Authors: Ndumu Ana
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Immigration dominates much of the current US sociopolitical discourse. The research on US-based immigrant information behavior, however, remains scant. To understand the role of information in immigration, this study explores information overload among Black immigrants in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

The researcher developed a literature-derived information overload scale to investigate participants' information access along with experiences and response to information overload.

Findings

Results suggest that participants experience information overload due to behavioral (e.g. the demands of needing, seeking, or using information), quantitative (i.e. volume or length), and qualitative (e.g. authority, diversity, or urgency) indicators. Most participants mitigate information overload by turning to intermediaries and filtering resources.

Research limitations/implications

The information overload scale can advance knowledge of the role of information in immigrant acculturative stress.

Social implications

LIS researchers and practitioners can utilize findings to foster social inclusion and well-being among immigrants.

Originality/value

Scholarship on immigrant information behavior must reflect the centrality of information in migration and how it shapes integration and acculturation.
The role of marketing communication mix on Korean customers' coffee shop brand evaluations
Authors: Kim Soon-Ho , Lee Seonjeong Ally
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study investigates relationships among components of the marketing communication mix, brand identification, brand image, brand love and brand loyalty. The focus of this study is advertisement spending, customers' attitudes toward the advertisement, monetary promotion and non-monetary promotion as marketing communication mix elements.

Design/methodology/approach

Proposed relationships are investigated with 683 previous coffee shop customers, based on a cross-section, online, self-administered survey in South Korea.

Findings

Results identify advertising spending, attitude toward the advertisement, monetary promotion, and non-monetary promotion play key roles in influencing brand identification; however, they do not influence brand image. Both brand identification and brand image further influence brand love on brand loyalty.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate the marketing communication mix elements in a coffee shop context.
An ethnographic study on leadership-as-practice in trauma simulation training
Authors: Vuojärvi Hanna , Korva Saana
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to discover how leadership emerges in a hospital’s trauma team in a simulated trauma care situation. Instead of investigating leadership from a leader-centric perspective, or using a metrics-based approach to reach generalizable results, the study aims to draw from post-heroic theories by applying leadership-as-practice and sociomaterial perspectives that emphasize the cultural-historical context and emergent nature of leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a Finnish central hospital through ethnographic observations of 14in situtrauma simulation trainings over a period of 13 months. The data consist of vignettes developed and written from field notes. The analysis was informed by the cultural-historical activity theory.

Findings

Leadership in a trauma team during anin situsimulation training emerges from a complex system of agencies taking place simultaneously. Contextual elements contributed to the goal. Clarity of roles and task division, strong execution of leadership at critical points, active communication and maintenance of disciplined communication helped to overcome difficulties. The team developed coordination of the process in conjunction with the care.

Originality/value

The study considers trauma leadership to be a practical phenomenon emerging from the trauma team’s sociomaterial context. The results can be used to develop non-technical skills training within the field of simulation-based medical training.
Role of artificial intelligence in operations environment: a review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dhamija Pavitra , Bag Surajit
Published: March 2020

Purpose

“Technological intelligence” is the capacity to appreciate and adapt technological advancements, and “artificial intelligence” is the key to achieve persuasive operational transformations in majority of contemporary organizational set-ups. Implicitly, artificial intelligence (the philosophies of machines to think, behave and perform either same or similar to humans) has knocked the doors of business organizations as an imperative activity. Artificial intelligence, as a discipline, initiated by scientist John McCarthy and formally publicized at Dartmouth Conference in 1956, now occupies a central stage for many organizations. Implementation of artificial intelligence provides competitive edge to an organization with a definite augmentation in its social and corporate status. Mere application of a concept will not furnish real output until and unless its performance is reviewed systematically. Technological changes are dynamic and advancing at a rapid rate. Subsequently, it becomes highly crucial to understand that where have the people reached with respect to artificial intelligence research. The present article aims to review significant work by eminent researchers towards artificial intelligence in the form of top contributing universities, authors, keywords, funding sources, journals and citation statistics.

Design/methodology/approach

As rightly remarked by past researchers that reviewing is learning from experience, research team has reviewed (by applying systematic literature review through bibliometric analysis) the concept of artificial intelligence in this article. A sum of 1,854 articles extracted from Scopus database for the year 2018–2019 (31st of May) with selected keywords (artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms, agent-based systems, expert systems, big data analytics and operations management) along with certain filters (subject–business, management and accounting; language-English; document–article, article in press, review articles and source-journals).

Findings

Results obtained from cluster analysis focus on predominant themes for present as well as future researchers in the area of artificial intelligence. Emerged clusters include Cluster 1: Artificial Intelligence and Optimization; Cluster 2: Industrial Engineering/Research and Automation; Cluster 3: Operational Performance and Machine Learning; Cluster 4: Sustainable Supply Chains and Sustainable Development; Cluster 5: Technology Adoption and Green Supply Chain Management and Cluster 6: Internet of Things and Reverse Logistics.

Originality/value

The result of review of selected studies is in itself a unique contribution and a food for thought for operations managers and policy makers.
Analysis of reservoir heterogeneity‐induced amplification effect on time‐lapse seismic responses of fluid substitution: A physical modelling study
Authors: He Yan‐Xiao , Wang Shangxu
Published: March 2020

Seismic wave propagation through a fluid‐saturated poroelastic layer might be strongly affected by media heterogeneities. Via incorporating controlled laboratory simulation experiments, we extend previous studies of time‐lapse seismic effects to evaluate the wave scattering influence of the heterogeneous nature of porous permeable media and the associated amplification effects on 4D seismic response characteristics of reservoir fluid substitution. A physical model consisted of stratified thin layers of shale and porous sandstone reservoir with rock heterogeneities was built based on the geological data of a real hydrocarbon‐saturated reservoir in Northeast China. Multi‐surveys data of good quality were acquired by filling poroelastic reservoir layers with gas, water and oil in sequence. Experimental observations show that reservoir heterogeneity effect causes significantly magnified abnormal responses to the fluid‐saturated media. Specifically, reflection signatures of the gas‐filled reservoir are dramatically deviated from those of the liquid fluid‐filled reservoir, compared with ones of the homogeneous media. By removing the influences unrelated to reservoir property alterations, 4D seismic estimates of travel‐time and frequency‐dependent characteristic are reasonably consistent with fluid variations. Nevertheless, strong 4D amplitude difference anomalies might not correspond to the regions where fluid variations occur. We also find that 4D seismic difference attributes are evident between oil‐ and water‐filled models, whereas significant between oil‐ and gas‐filled models. Meanwhile, rock physics modelling results reveal the predicted 4D seismic differences are obviously smaller than those calculated from seismic observations. The results in this paper, therefore, implicate that the effect of a reservoir's heterogeneous nature might be beneficial for hydrocarbons detection as well as monitoring small variations in pore fluids.
Stimulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Yamamoto Masaki , Zou Suo , Shimizu Shogo , Higashi Youichirou , Saito Motoaki
Published: March 2020

Excessive activation of the sympatho‐adrenomedullary system plays a pathogenic role in triggering and sustaining essential hypertension. We previously reported that, in normotensive rats, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered neuropeptides, corticotropin‐releasing factor and bombesin induced activation of the sympatho‐adrenomedullary system, and that brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors negatively regulated this activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of brain CB1 receptor stimulation on blood pressure and the sympatho‐adrenomedullary outflow in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), commonly used animal models of essential hypertension, and in Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) rats, normotensive controls of SHRs. In 18‐week‐old SHRs and WKY rats under urethane anaesthesia (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), SHRs exhibited significantly higher systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures and plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline, and a lower heart rate than WKY rats. Single administration of arachidonyl 2′‐chloroethylamide (ACEA, CB1 agonist, 1.4 µmol/animal, i.c.v.) significantly but partially reduced mean and diastolic blood pressures and the plasma level of noradrenaline in SHRs compared to vehicle (N,N‐dimethylformamide)‐treated SHRs. These ACEA‐induced reductions were abolished by central pretreatment with rimonabant (CB1 antagonist, 300 nmol/animal, i.c.v.), which alone showed no significant effect on blood pressures or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels of SHRs. On the other hand, ACEA had no significant effect on blood pressure or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels in WKY rats. These results suggest that stimulation of brain CB1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension accompanied by enhanced sympathetic outflow without affecting blood pressure under normotensive conditions.
The impact of diabetes on the association between alcohol intake and the risk of end‐stage kidney disease in the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Geng Ting‐Ting , Jafar Tazeen Hasan , Yuan Jian‐Min , Koh Woon‐Puay
Published: March 2020

Background

The relationship between alcohol intake and end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) risk is controversial. Moreover, while evidence has shown that the relationship between alcohol and atherosclerosis may be modified by diabetes, whether this applies to ESKD is unknown.

Methods

We examined these associations in the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a prospective cohort of 63 257 adults aged 45 to 74 years. Information on alcohol intake, diet, lifestyle factors, and medical history was collected at recruitment. We identified 1217 ESKD cases via linkage with the Singapore Renal Registry after a mean follow‐up of 17.5 years. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI of ESKD.

Results

Among the participants without diabetes at baseline, monthly to weekly drinking was associated with a decreased risk of ESKD (HR 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.87) compared to nondrinkers. In contrast, this association was attenuated and not significant among those with diabetes (HR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.58‐1.16; Pinteraction = .19). Comparatively, alcohol intake of ≥2 drinks per day was significantly associated with an increased risk of ESKD compared to nondrinkers among those with diabetes (HR 2.00; 95% CI, 1.14‐3.53) but not among those without diabetes (HR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.53‐1.56; Pinteraction = .01). The risk of ESKD among those with diabetes and who also consumed ≥2 drinks per day was increased by nearly 12‐fold compared to nondrinkers without diabetes (HR 11.6; 95% CI, 6.73‐19.9).

Conclusion

Low‐dose drinking is associated with a reduced risk of ESKD among individuals without diabetes. However, joint exposure to heavy drinking and diabetes is associated with a substantially higher risk of ESKD.
Differential correlation of serum BDNF and microRNA content in rats with rapid or late onset of heavy alcohol use
Authors: Ehinger Yann , Phamluong Khanhky , Darevesky David , Welman Melanie , Moffat Jeffrey J. , Sakhai Samuel A. , Whiteley Ellanor L. , Berger Anthony L. , Laguesse Sophie , Farokhnia Mehdi , Leggio Lorenzo , Lordkipanidzé Marie , Ron Dorit
Published: March 2020

Heavy alcohol use reduces the levels of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex of rodents through the upregulation of microRNAs (miRs) targeting BDNF mRNA. In humans, an inverse correlation exists between circulating blood levels of BDNF and the severity of psychiatric disorders including alcohol abuse. Here, we set out to determine whether a history of heavy alcohol use produces comparable alterations in the blood of rats. We used an intermittent access to 20% alcohol using the two‐bottle choice paradigm (IA20%2BC) and measured circulating levels of BDNF protein and miRs targeting BDNF in the serum of Long‐Evans rats before and after 8 weeks of excessive alcohol intake. We observed that the drinking profile of heavy alcohol users is not unified, whereas 70% of the rats gradually escalate their alcohol intake (late onset), and 30% of alcohol users exhibit a very rapid onset of drinking (rapid onset). We found that serum BDNF levels are negatively correlated with alcohol intake in both rapid onset and late onset rats. In contrast, increased expression of the miRs targeting BDNF, miR30a‐5p, miR‐195‐5p, miR191‐5p and miR206‐3p, was detected only in the rapid onset rats. Finally, we report that the alcohol‐dependent molecular changes are not due to alterations in platelet number. Together, these data suggest that rats exhibit both late and rapid onset of alcohol intake. We further show that heavy alcohol use produces comparable changes in BDNF protein levels in both groups. However, circulating microRNAs are responsive to alcohol only in the rapid onset rats.
Geo‐mapping of young people in residential aged care
Authors: Zail Joshua , Eastwood Kathryn , Bugeja Lyndal , Bassed Richard , Ibrahim Joseph E.
Published: March 2020

Objective

Reducing the need for permanent accommodation in nursing homes (residential aged care services) for young people is a major challenge in Australia and internationally. This study investigated the use of innovative geo‐mapping strategies to describe the geographical distribution of young people living in residential aged care services (RACS).

Methods

Geographic Information System software was used to generate 13 choropleth maps using data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Geographically specific characteristic descriptions of young people living in RACS were completed according to prevalence, remoteness, age (0‐49 years and 50‐64 years), sex, medical conditions and care requirements.

Results

These geospatial visualisations showed that regional areas were over‐represented for young people living in RACS and that the distribution has changed over the past decade. Many areas experienced increases in numbers, particularly in south‐eastern regional Australia.

Conclusion

Geo‐mapping provides useful information for the development of targeted programs and services.
Value of ultrasonography and the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis score in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis
Authors: Karapolat Banu
Published: March 2020

Background

The diagnosis of acute appendicitis is a clinical challenge. Clinical scoring systems and radiological examinations are used to assist in diagnosis.

Methods

We reviewed 106 patients between January 2016 and January 2018 who presented with right iliac fossa pain and underwent appendectomy. Their Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) scores were calculated and abdominopelvic ultrasonography (USG) was performed before they were operated with a prediagnosis of acute appendicitis. RIPASA scores and USG findings were compared to the histopathological results of appendectomy specimens.

Results

The histopathological examinations showed that all of the 100 (94.3%) patients whose RIPASA scores were 7 and more had acute appendicitis and the six (5.7%) patients whose scores were less than 7 had no appendicitis. When the appendectomy specimens of the 70 patients who had been diagnosed with acute appendicitis with USG were examined histopathologically, 69 (98.6%) patients were confirmed to have acute appendicitis. Acute appendicitis was found in 18 (81.8%) of the 22 patients whose appendixes could not be visualized with USG. Acute appendicitis was found in eight (88.9%) of the nine patients who had been reported normal with USG.

Conclusion

RIPASA scores should be calculated for all patients who are suspected of having acute appendicitis and for those with a RIPASA score of 7 and more, surgery should be highly recommended without USG.
Testing tumors from different anatomic sites for clonal relatedness using somatic mutation data
Authors: Ostrovnaya Irina , Mauguen Audrey , Seshan Venkatraman E. , Begg Colin B.
Published: March 2020

A common task for the cancer pathologist is to determine, in a patient suffering from cancer, whether a new tumor in a distinct anatomic site from the primary is an independent occurrence of cancer or a metastasis. As mutational profiling of tumors becomes more widespread in routine clinical practice, this diagnostic task can be greatly enhanced by comparing mutational profiles of the tumors to determine if they are sufficiently similar to conclude that the tumors are clonally related, that is, one is a metastasis of the other. We present here a likelihood ratio test for clonal relatedness in this setting and provide evidence of its validity. The test is unusual in that there are two possible alternative hypotheses, representing the two anatomic sites from which the single clonal cell could have initially emerged. Although evidence for clonal relatedness is largely provided by the presence of exact mutational matches in the two tumors, we show that it is possible to observe data where the test is statistically significant even when no matches are observed. This can occur when the mutational profile of one of the tumors is closely aligned with the anatomic site of the other tumor, suggesting indirectly that the tumor originated in that other site. We exhibit examples of this phenomenon and recommend a strategy for interpreting the results of these tests in practice.
Behind the scenes: Unpacking student discussion and critical reflection in lectures
Authors: Ludvigsen Kristine , Johan Krumsvik Rune , Breivik Jens
Published: March 2020

This study investigated the characteristics of peer discussions used to support formative assessment in lectures, facilitated by a student response system, in an undergraduate qualitative methods course for psychology students. The intent was to examine the characteristics of peer discussions in which student response systems are used to facilitate the practice of formative assessment lectures. The research was guided by the following research questions: (1) What patterns of talk can be identified in the discussions? (2) How do the students use subject‐specific vocabulary in the discussions? (3) How the students’ understanding of the subject matter displayed in these discussions? To examine the characteristics of peer interactions, 87 student discussions were recorded and analysed. The concept of exploratory talk was used as a lens to examine the discussions. In 68 of the 87 discussions, the students exchanged ideas and elaborated on their peers’ ideas and understanding of the concepts. In the remaining 25 discussions, the process of reasoning was less visible. The findings are relevant for teaching designs that aims to use digital tools to facilitate formative assessment.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Student response systems can support formative assessment and feedback in lectures.

The most common approaches used in research on student response systems to support formative assessment is questionnaires or interviews.

Few studies have provided detailed analyses of clicker‐supported peer discussions.

What the paper adds

Provides insights into the micro‐processes in clicker‐supported discussions.

Critically discusses the role of discussions facilitated by student response systems to support formative feedback in the classroom.

The paper contributes to scholarship in this field by drawing attention to the qualities of the activities created for formative assessment.

Discusses the validity of the inferences drawn from the use of student response systems in the classroom.

Implications for policy and practice

Analysis of discussions shows that there is not necessarily a correlation between aggregated answers and students' understanding. To ensure that valid inferences can be drawn from activities as a basis for feedback, the questions used and threats to the validity of possible inferences should be critically examined.
Frailty score of older patients with haematological malignancies: unsuspected role of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Thibaud Vincent , Piron Amandine , Bron Dominique
Published: March 2020

Frailty assessment in older patients with haematological malignancies is extremely beneficial in order to optimize treatment decisions and supportive interventions. A comprehensive geriatric assessment can provide a better understanding of the functional age than clinical judgement by evaluating several skills domains such as physical function, autonomy, comorbidities, nutrition, cognition, psychological status and social support. However, the use of a multidisciplinary geriatric assessment may fail to detect unsuspected vulnerability such as mild cognitive impairment among so‐called “clinically fit” patients. The objective of this paper is to update the current knowledge about predictive factors for toxicity and “frailty scoring” in older patients with haematological malignancies. The unsuspected major role of cognitive impairment and how to detect it will be emphasized.
Endogenous timing in the presence of non‐monotonicities
Authors: Hoffmann Magnus , Rota‐Graziosi Grégoire
Published: March 2020

The aim of this paper is to generalize the endogenous timing game proposed by Hamilton and Slutsky (Games and Economic Behavior, 1990, 2, pp. 29–46) by allowing the payoff or the marginal payoff of a player to become non‐monotonic with respect to the strategy of the opponent. We propose a taxonomy of the subgame‐perfect Nash equilibria based on the characteristics of the payoff functions proposed by Eaton (Canadian Journal of Economics, 2004, 37, pp. 805–29). We determine under which conditions of the initial payoff functions commitment has a social value and when the simultaneous‐move Nash equilibrium is commitment robust and discuss its Pareto efficiency.
Factors influencing the precision of species richness estimation in Japanese vascular plants
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Kusumoto Buntarou , Fattorini Simone , Kubota Yasuhiro
Published: March 2020

Aim

Estimating species richness from a series of samples is an important and widely debated issue in ecology and biodiversity conservation. Numerous tests of respective richness estimators gave insights into the precision, the limitations and the pitfalls of richness forecasting. However, few benchmark tests used almost complete empiric census data obtained at those spatial scales where richness estimation is most useful for conservation management.

Location

Japan.

Methods

We use an extraordinary dataset on the spatial distribution of Japanese plants containing complete information on the occurrence of each Japanese plant species at the 10 × 10 km2 grid cell level. We link the estimates of four estimators representing different theoretical approaches, Chao2, rarefaction, species–area relationships (SAR) and species abundance distributions (SAD), to environmental data using a fully nested sampling design.

Results

Chao2 and rarefaction behaved very similar in all tests and significantly underestimated true richness below 40% sampling fraction. SAR and SAD were less precise than Chao2 and rarefaction at higher sampling fraction but also less affected by low sample size. In general, SAD provided robust estimates over the whole range of sampling fraction and 67.4% of estimates ranged within the 10% error level. Higher species spatial turnover increased and high evenness in occurrence decreased the precision of the SAD estimator. Precision of the four estimators was largely unaffected by environmental variability but increased with increasing latitude.

Main conclusions

Our results strongly indicate that the pattern of Japanese plant species spatial distribution is sufficiently scale invariant for richness estimators to provide precise forecasting results at the country level. The simplest process to generate such a spatial distribution is ecological drift.
Self‐motion perception in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Halperin Orly , Israeli‐Korn Simon , Yakubovich Sol , Hassin‐Baer Sharon , Zaidel Adam
Published: March 2020

Parkinson's disease (PD), best characterized by its classic motor symptoms, also manifests non‐motor symptoms including perceptual impairments. Normal motor and perceptual brain functions interact continuously in an action–perception loop; hence, perceptual and motor dysfunction in PD are likely also intertwined. A vital skill in order to maintain balance, and to move around in the environment is the ability to perceive one's own motion in space (self‐motion perception). Self‐motion perception is a complex brain process, that requires the integration of information from visual (optic flow), vestibular (gravito‐inertial), and somatosensory senses. Yet, not much is known about self‐motion perception or multisensory integration in PD. In this review, we highlight the need to better study these important functions in PD. We review perceptual deficits in underlying functions required for adept self‐motion perception (visual, vestibular and somatosensory, as well as multisensory integration) and address how these might affect self‐motion perception and motor function in PD. We propose that dysfunction of central brain mechanisms, implicated in impaired visual, vestibular and somatosensory function, likely impact self‐motion perception in PD. Recent evidence suggests that visual and multisensory integration mechanisms of self‐motion perception are indeed impaired in PD. This can affect motor control, gait and balance. Future research is needed to better investigate this important topic. A better understanding of self‐motion perception and multisensory integration in PD may aid diagnosis and subtyping and may open new avenues for novel therapies to treat debilitating motor symptoms, including gait and balance impairment, using sensory augmentation devices or sensory retraining.
Rate of oral frailty and oral hypofunction in rural community‐dwelling older Japanese individuals
Authors: Kugimiya Yoshihiro , Watanabe Yutaka , Ueda Takayuki , Motokawa Keiko , Shirobe Maki , Igarashi Kentaro , Hoshino Daichi , Takano Tomofumi , Sakurai Kaoru , Taniguchi Yu , Kitamura Akihiko , Shinkai Shoji , Hirano Hirohiko
Published: March 2020

Objective

To clarify the rate of oral frailty and oral hypofunction in rural community‐dwelling older adults in Japan.

Background

Recently, the oral function of Japanese older adults has been evaluated multilaterally based on two concepts: oral frailty and oral hypofunction. Oral frailty is defined as a decrease in the oral function accompanied by a decrease in mental and physical functions. Oral hypofunction is a disease where the oral function is comprehensively decreased. However, their rates have not yet been elucidated.

Materials and methods

Oral frailty and oral hypofunction were evaluated in 679 older adults from rural areas. To investigate the differences in occurrence rates due to the evaluation methods, one of the subordinate symptoms of oral hypofunction, the reduced occlusal force, was evaluated based on both the occlusal force (main method) and the number of teeth (alternative method).

Results

The rate of oral frailty was 22.3% in men and 22.7% in women. The rate of oral hypofunction was 39.0% in men and 46.9% in women. The overall rate of oral hypofunction was 43.6% when the reduced occlusal force of oral hypofunction was evaluated using the main method and 46.4% when evaluated using the alternative method. The proportion of participants with decreased occlusal force, the number of present teeth, oral diadochokinesis, tongue pressure and masticatory performance increased with age in both men and women.

Conclusion

Among rural community‐dwelling older adults, the rate of oral frailty was 22.5% and that of oral hypofunction was 43.6%.
Antibody‐mediated complement activation in pathology and protection
Authors: Goldberg Benjamin S , Ackerman Margaret E
Published: March 2020

Antibody‐dependent complement activity is associated not only with autoimmune morbidity, but also with antitumor efficacy. In infectious disease, both recombinant monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies generated in natural adaptive responses can mediate complement activity to protective, therapeutic or disease‐enhancing effect. Recent advances have contributed to the structural resolution of molecular complexes involved in antibody‐mediated complement activation, defining the avid nature of participating interactions and pointing to how antibody isotype, subclass, hinge flexibility, glycosylation state, amino acid sequence and the contextual nature of the cognate antigen/epitope are all factors that can determine complement activity through impact on antibody multimerization and subsequent recruitment of complement component 1q. Beyond the efficiency of activation, complement activation products interact with various cell types that mediate immune adherence, trafficking, immune education and innate functions. Similarly, depending on the anatomical location and extent of activation, complement can support homeostatic restoration or be leveraged by pathogens or neoplasms to enhance infection or promote tumorigenic microenvironments, respectively. Advances in means to suppress complement activation by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), IVIG mimetics and complement‐intervening antibodies represent proven and promising exploratory therapeutic strategies, while antibody engineering has likewise offered frameworks to enhance, eliminate or isolate complement activation to interrogate in vivo mechanisms of action. Such strategies promise to support the optimization of antibody‐based drugs that are able to tackle emerging and difficult‐to‐treat diseases by improving our understanding of the synergistic and antagonistic relationships between antibody mechanisms mediated by Fc receptors, direct binding and the products of complement activation.
The Effect of Migrant Children on Migrant Mothers' Employment
Authors: Zhang Hui , Cao Xue , Yu Yi
Published: March 2020

More and more migrant parents choose to bring their children with them to their migration destination in China. Here, the data reported by China's Health and Family Planning Commission in 2017 are used to examine the influence of migrant children on migrant mothers’ employment. The results showed that migrant children have a negative effect on mothers’ employment and reduce wages of mothers who are work. In addition, considering migrant children’s age, we find that as it increases the burden of childcare is lighter; the probability of mothers’ participation in the labour market and receiving a high wage is higher. Furthermore, in terms of mothers’ characteristics, older age and better education, having a spouse or parents who migrated, longer migration history and an across‐provincial move have positive effects on migrant mothers’ employment.
Amphetamine‐type stimulant use among patients admitted to the emergency department behavioural assessment unit: Screening and referral outcomes
Authors: Gerdtz Marie , Yap Celene Y.L. , Daniel Catherine , Knott Jonathan C. , Kelly Peter , Innes Andrew , Braitberg George
Published: March 2020

Amphetamine‐type stimulant use, including methamphetamine, amphetamine, and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, is associated with a range of behavioural symptoms. Screening for amphetamine‐type stimulant use among people presenting to the emergency department with behavioural disturbance and referral to treatment has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of amphetamine‐type stimulant use among patients admitted to a behavioural assessment unit and report referral outcomes. A prospective observational design was used. Individuals who tested positive or self‐reported amphetamine‐type stimulant use were referred to the alcohol and other drug clinician. We measured the prevalence of amphetamine‐type stimulant use in saliva and by self‐report along with rates of referral. The setting was a behavioural assessment unit located within an Australian emergency department. Admitted adults were enrolled from July to December 2017. Those who tested positive or self‐reported amphetamine‐type stimulant use were provided with harm reduction advice and offered referral. Four hundred and seventy‐two tests were performed. Fifteen were excluded due to invalid results or redundant enrolment. Of the 457 individuals, 59% were male, with a mean age of 35 years (SD 13). Fifty‐three (11.6%, 95% CI: 8.9–15.0) tested positive for amphetamine‐type stimulants. Of those with a negative test, 44 (9.6%, 95% CI: 7.3–12.7) self‐reported amphetamine‐type stimulant use in the previous 24 hours. The prevalence of amphetamine‐type stimulant use was 21.2% (95% CI: 17.7–25.2). Most accepted referral to the alcohol and other drug clinician (85.6%, 95% CI 77.2–91.2). The emergency visit represents a window of opportunity for screening for amphetamine‐type stimulant use and initiating referrals.
Black ZrO2 synthesized by molten lithium reduction strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Zu Di , Wang Haiyang , Yang Tianzi , Wei Hehe , Sun Shuqing , Wu Hui
Published: March 2020

To promote the performance of metal oxides, introducing oxygen vacancies is an effective strategy. Oxygen vacancies can tailor the atomic arrangement and band structure, thus optimizing the physical and chemical properties of metal oxides. Herein, we prepared oxygen‐deficient black ZrO2 nanoparticles via molten lithium (Li) reduction. Massive oxygen vacancies were introduced into ZrO2 nanoparticles as well as defective disorder domains formed in ZrO2 lattice during the molten lithium treatment process. Benefitting from the defective structure, black ZrO2 with enhanced light absorption demonstrated increased photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate, which was ~5 times higher than that of pristine ZrO2. Moreover, molten lithium reduction provides a powerful way to not only implant oxygen vacancies to metal oxides but also extend their applications.
Increased IgA anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies in the periodontal inflammatory exudate of healthy individuals compared to rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Rahajoe Poerwati Soetji , de Smit Menke , Schuurmans Gerbrich , Raveling‐Eelsing Elisabeth , Kertia Nyoman , Vissink Arjan , Westra Johanna
Published: March 2020

Aim

To assess rheumatoid arthritis (RA)‐associated autoantibodies in the gingivocrevicular fluid (GCF) of RA patients and healthy controls with or without periodontal disease, as chronic mucosal inflammation in periodontal disease is hypothesized to contribute to the formation of these autoantibodies.

Materials and methods

Anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and their IgA isotypes were assessed in the serum and GCF of RA patients (n = 72) and healthy controls (HC, n = 151). The presence and levels of these antibodies were studied in relation to interleukin (IL)‐8 and periodontal disease.

Results

In contrast to the HC, the levels of ACPA and RF in the serum and GCF of the RA patients were strongly correlated (p < .0001). The HC with high levels of IgA‐ACPA (n = 27) also had significantly higher levels of total IgG, total IgA, and IL‐8 in the GCF than the HC with low levels of IgA‐ACPA in the GCF (n = 124). Periodontal inflammation and smoking were seen more frequently in the group with high levels of IgA‐ACPA compared to the group with low IgA‐ACPA.

Conclusion

The IgA‐ACPA in the GCF of HC may be associated with periodontal inflammation and smoking, and could be involved in the progression to RA.
Intracranial Hemorrhage in Older Adults: Implications for Fall Risk Assessment and Prevention
Authors: Shih Richard D. , Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: March 2020

This editorial comments on the article by Pedersen et al. and de Wit et al.
Termination of acute stress response by the endocannabinoid system is regulated through lysine‐specific demethylase 1‐mediated transcriptional repression of 2‐AG hydrolases ABHD6 and MAGL
Authors: Longaretti Alessandra , Forastieri Chiara , Gabaglio Marina , Rubino Tiziana , Battaglioli Elena , Rusconi Francesco
Published: March 2020

Acute environmental stress rarely implies long‐lasting neurophysiological and behavioral alterations. On the contrary, chronic stress exerts a potent toxic effect at the glutamatergic synapse whose altered physiology has been recognized as a core trait of neuropsychiatric disorders. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in the homeostatic response to acute stress. In particular, stress induces synthesis of endocannabinoid (eCB) 2‐arachidonyl glycerol (2‐AG). 2‐AG stimulates presynaptic cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor contributing to stress response termination through inhibition of glutamate release, restraining thereafter anxiety arousal. We employ mouse models of stress response coupled to gene expression analyses, unravelling that in response to acute psychosocial stress in the mouse hippocampus, ECS‐mediated synaptic modulation is enhanced via transcriptional repression of two enzymes involved in 2‐AG degradation: α/β‐hydrolase domain containing 6 (ABHD6) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). Such a process is orchestrated by the epigenetic corepressor LSD1 who directly interacts with promoter regulatory regions of Abhd6 and Magl. Remarkably, negative transcriptional control of Abhd6 and Magl is lost in the hippocampus upon chronic psychosocial stress, possibly contributing to trauma‐induced drift of synapse physiology toward uncontrolled glutamate transmission. We previously showed that in mice lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) increases its hippocampal expression in response to psychosocial stress preventing excessive consolidation of anxiety‐related plasticity. In this work, we unravel a nodal epigenetic modulation of eCB turn over, shedding new light on the molecular substrate of converging stress‐terminating effects displayed by ECS and LSD1.

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Partisan and bipartisan gerrymandering
Authors: Konishi Hideo , Pan Chen‐Yu
Published: March 2020

This paper analyzes the optimal partisan and bipartisan gerrymandering policies in a model with electoral competitions in policy positions and transfer promises. Party leaders have both office‐ and policy‐motivations. With complete freedom in redistricting, partisan gerrymandering policy generates the most one‐sidedly biased district profile, while bipartisan gerrymandering generates the most polarized district profile. In contrast, with limited freedom in gerrymandering, both partisan and bipartisan gerrymandering tend to prescribe the same policy.
Absence of Atg7 in the liver disturbed hepatic regeneration after liver injury
Authors: Römermann Dorothee , Ansari Nadiea , Schultz‐Moreira Adriana Rita , Michael Alina , Marhenke Silke , Hardtke‐Wolenski Matthias , Longerich Thomas , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Vogel Arndt , Buitrago‐Molina Laura Elisa
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

Autophagy is a critical process in cell survival and the maintenance of homeostasis. However, the implementation of therapeutic approaches based on autophagy mechanisms after liver damage is still challenging.

Methods

We used a hepatospecific Atg7‐deficient murine model to address this question.

Results

We showed that the proliferation and regeneration capacity of Atg7‐deficient hepatocytes was impaired. On the one hand, Atg7‐deficient hepatocytes showed steady‐state hyperproliferation. On the other hand, external triggers such as partial hepatectomy (PHx) or cell transplantation did not induce hepatocellular proliferation or liver repopulation. After PHx, hepatocyte proliferation was strongly decreased, accompanied by high mortality. This increase in mortality could be overcome by pharmacological mTOR inhibition. In accordance with hepatocyte hypoproliferation after damage, Atg7‐deficient hepatocytes failed to repopulate the liver in a hepatic injury model. Atg7‐deficient mice showed hepatic hypertrophy, transient cellular hypertrophy, and high transaminase levels followed by strong perisinusoidal/pericellular fibrosis with age. Their elevated modified hepatic activity index (mHAI) was almost exclusively due to apoptosis without any inflammation. These parameters were associated with variations in the triglyceride content and compromised lipid droplet formation after PHx. Mechanistically, we also observed a modulation of HGF, PAK4, NOTCH3 and YES1, which are proteins involved in cell cycle regulation.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the important role of autophagy in the regeneration capacity of hepatocytes. We showed the causative relationship between autophagy and triglycerides that is essential for promoting liver recovery. Finally, pharmacological mTOR inhibition overcame the impact of autophagy deficiency after liver damage and prevented mortality.