bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bergmann’s rule and Allen’s rule in two passerine birds in China
Authors: Fan Liqing , Cai Tianlong , Xiong Ying , Song Gang , Lei Fumin
Published: September 2019

Background

Animals that live at higher latitudes/elevations would have a larger body size (Bergmann’s rule) and a smaller appendage size (Allen’s rule) for thermoregulatory reasons. According to the heat conservation hypothesis, large body size and small appendage size help animals retain heat in the cold, while small body size and large appendage size help them dissipate heat in the warm. For animals living in seasonal climates, the need for conserving heat in the winter may tradeoff with the need for dissipating heat in the summer. In this study, we tested Bergmann’s rule and Allen’s rule in two widely-distributed passerine birds, the Oriental Magpie (Pica serica) and the Oriental Tit (Parus minor), across geographic and climatic gradients in China.

Methods

We measured body size (body mass and wing length) and appendage size (bill length and tarsus length) of 165 Oriental Magpie and 410 Oriental Tit individuals collected from Chinese mainland. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess variation patterns of body size and appendage size along geographic and climatic gradients.

Results

Oriental Magpies have a larger appendage size and Oriental Tits have a smaller body size in warmer environments. Appendage size in Oriental Magpies and body size in Oriental Tits of both sexes were more closely related to the climates in winter than in summer. Minimum temperature of coldest month is the most important factor related to bill length and tarsus length of male Oriental Magpies, and wing length of male and female Oriental Tits. Bill length and tarsus length in female Oriental Magpies were related to the annual mean temperature and mean temperature of coldest quarter, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, Oriental Magpies and Oriental Tits followed Allen’s rule and Bergmann’ rule respectively. Temperatures in the winter, rather than temperatures in the summer, drove morphological measurements in Oriental Magpies and Oriental Tits in Chinese mainland, demonstrating that the morphological measurements reflect selection for heat conservation rather than for heat dissipation.
High-Fat Overfeeding Impairs Peripheral Glucose Metabolism and Muscle Microvascular eNOS Ser1177 Phosphorylation
Authors: Parry Siôn A , Turner Mark C , Woods Rachel M , James Lewis J , Ferguson Richard A , Cocks Matthew , Whytock Katie L , Strauss Juliette A , Shepherd Sam O , Wagenmakers Anton J M , van Hall Gerrit , Hulston Carl J
Published: September 2019

Context

The mechanisms responsible for dietary fat-induced insulin resistance of skeletal muscle and its microvasculature are only partially understood.

Objective

To determine the impact of high-fat overfeeding on postprandial glucose fluxes, muscle insulin signaling, and muscle microvascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) content and activation.

Design

Fifteen non-obese volunteers consumed a high-fat (64%) high-energy (+47%) diet for 7 days. Experiments were performed before and after the diet. Stable isotope tracers were used to determine glucose fluxes in response to carbohydrate plus protein ingestion. Muscle insulin signaling was determined as well as the content and activation state of muscle microvascular eNOS.

Results

High-fat overfeeding impaired postprandial glycemic control as demonstrated by higher concentrations of glucose (+11%; P = 0.004) and insulin (+19%; P = 0.035). Carbohydrate plus protein ingestion suppressed endogenous glucose production to a similar extent before and after the diet. Conversely, high-fat overfeeding reduced whole-body glucose clearance (–16%; P = 0.021) and peripheral insulin sensitivity (–26%; P = 0.006). This occurred despite only minor alterations in skeletal muscle insulin signaling. High-fat overfeeding reduced eNOS content in terminal arterioles (P = 0.017) and abolished the increase in eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation that was seen after carbohydrate plus protein ingestion.

Conclusion

High-fat overfeeding impaired whole-body glycemic control due to reduced glucose clearance, not elevated endogenous glucose production. The finding that high-fat overfeeding abolished insulin-mediated eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation in the terminal arterioles suggests that impairments in the vasodilatory capacity of the skeletal muscle microvasculature may contribute to early dietary fat-induced impairments in glycemic control.
Uterine Fluid Proteins for Minimally Invasive Assessment of Endometrial Receptivity
Authors: Kasvandik Sergo , Saarma Merilin , Kaart Tanel , Rooda Ilmatar , Velthut-Meikas Agne , Ehrenberg Aivar , Gemzell Kristina , Lalitkumar Parameswaran Grace , Salumets Andres , Peters Maire
Published: September 2019

Context

Clinically used endometrial (EM) receptivity assays are based on transcriptomic patterning of biopsies at midsecretory endometrium (MSE) to identify the possible displacement or disruption of window of implantation (WOI) in patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF). However, biopsies are invasive and cannot be performed in the same cycle with in vitro fertilization embryo transfer, while uterine fluid (UF) analysis is considered minimally invasive and can immediately precede embryo transfer.

Objective

To determine whether UF proteome can be used for WOI monitoring and whether it would highlight the etiology of RIF.

Patients

Paired early secretory endometrial (ESE) and MSE UF samples from six fertile control women for discovery, and an additional 11 paired ESE/MSE samples from controls and 29 MSE samples from RIF patients for validation.

Results

Using discovery mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics we detected 3158 proteins from secretory phase UF of which 367 undergo significant (q < 0.05) proteomic changes while transitioning from ESE to MSE. Forty-five proteins were further validated with targeted MS, and 21 were found to display similar levels between control ESE and RIF MSE, indicating displacement of the WOI. A panel of PGR, NNMT, SLC26A2 and LCN2 demonstrated specificity and sensitivity of 91.7% for distinguishing MSE from ESE samples. The same panel distinguished control MSE samples from RIF MSE with a 91.7% specificity and 96.6% sensitivity.

Conclusion

UF proteins can be used for estimating uterine receptivity with minimal invasiveness. Women with RIF appear to have altered MSE UF profiles that may contribute to their low IVF success rate.
Apolipoprotein L9 interacts with LC3/GABARAP and is a microtubule-associated protein with a widespread subcellular distribution
Authors: Thekkinghat Arvind A. , Yadav Kamlesh K. , Rangarajan Pundi N.
Published: September 2019

Mouse Apolipoprotein L9 is a 34-kDa phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)-binding protein. The gene is present only in mouse and rat genomes; hence it is taxonomically restricted. To understand why, it is essential to uncover details about its functions in cellular processes. Here we show that ApoL9 interacts with the proteins of the LC3 and GABARAP subfamilies, which are key players in macroautophagy. In vitro binding studies show a strong association with GABARAP, and in amino-acid starved cells it preferentially interacts with lipidated LC3B, likely by binding to its PE moiety through its lipid-binding domain. On treatment with autophagy inhibitors bafilomycin A1 and chloroquine, ApoL9 is found near swollen mitochondria and on lysosomes/LAMP1-positive compartments. However, ApoL9 itself does not seem to be degraded as a result of autophagy, suggesting that it is not an autophagy cargo receptor. Deletions in a putative transmembrane region between amino acids 110 and 145 abolish PE-binding. In addition, ApoL9 can redistribute to stress granules, can homooligomerize, and is a microtubule-associated protein. In short, its distribution in the cell is quite widespread, suggesting that it could have functions at the intersection of membrane binding and reorganization, autophagy, cellular stress and intracellular lipid transport.
Inducible SMARCAL1 knockdown in iPSC reveals a link between replication stress and altered expression of master differentiation genes
Authors: Pugliese Giusj Monia , Salaris Federico , Palermo Valentina , Marabitti Veronica , Morina Nicolò , Rosa Alessandro , Franchitto Annapaola , Pichierri Pietro
Published: September 2019

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia is an autosomal recessive genetic osteochondrodysplasia characterized by dysmorphism, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, nephrotic syndrome and frequently T cell immunodeficiency. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of the disease; however, the mechanism by which SMARCAL1 mutations cause the syndrome is elusive. Here, we generated a conditional SMARCAL1 knockdown model in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to mimic conditions associated with the severe form the disease. Using multiple cellular endpoints, we characterized this model for the presence of phenotypes linked to the replication caretaker role of SMARCAL1. Our data show that conditional knockdown of SMARCAL1 in human iPSCs induces replication-dependent and chronic accumulation of DNA damage triggering the DNA damage response. Furthermore, they indicate that accumulation of DNA damage and activation of the DNA damage response correlates with increased levels of R-loops and replication-transcription interference. Finally, we provide evidence that SMARCAL1-deficient iPSCs maintain active DNA damage response beyond differentiation, possibly contributing to the observed altered expression of a subset of germ layer-specific master genes. Confirming the relevance of SMARCAL1 loss for the observed phenotypes, they are prevented or rescued after re-expression of wild-type SMARCAL1 in our iPSC model. In conclusion, our conditional SMARCAL1 knockdown model in iPSCs may represent a powerful model when studying pathogenetic mechanisms of severe Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia.
Chemically induced neurite-like outgrowth reveals a multicellular network function in patient-derived glioblastoma cells
Authors: da Silva Barbara , Irving Bronwyn K. , Polson Euan S. , Droop Alastair , Griffiths Hollie B. S. , Mathew Ryan K. , Stead Lucy F. , Marrison Joanne , Williams Courtney , Williams Jennifer , Short Susan C. , Scarcia Margherita , O'Toole Peter J. , Allison Simon J. , Mavria Georgia , Wurdak Heiko
Published: September 2019

Tumor stem cells and malignant multicellular networks have been separately implicated in the therapeutic resistance of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain cancer in adults. Here, we show that small-molecule inhibition of RHO-associated serine/threonine kinase proteins (ROCKi) significantly promoted the outgrowth of neurite-like cell projections in cultures of heterogeneous patient-derived GBM stem-like cells. These projections formed de novo-induced cellular network (iNet) ‘webs’, which regressed after withdrawal of ROCKi. Connected cells within the iNet web exhibited long range Ca2+ signal transmission, and significant lysosomal and mitochondrial trafficking. In contrast to their less-connected vehicle control counterparts, iNet cells remained viable and proliferative after high-dose radiation. These findings demonstrate a link between ROCKi-regulated cell projection dynamics and the formation of radiation-resistant multicellular networks. Our study identifies means to reversibly induce iNet webs ex vivo, and may thereby accelerate future studies into the biology of GBM cellular networks.
Perturbed mitochondria–ER contacts in live neurons that model the amyloid pathology of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Martino Adami Pamela V. , Nichtová Zuzana , Weaver David B. , Bartok Adam , Wisniewski Thomas , Jones Drew R. , Do Carmo Sonia , Castaño Eduardo M. , Cuello A. Claudio , Hajnóczky György , Morelli Laura
Published: September 2019

The use of fixed fibroblasts from familial and sporadic Alzheimer's disease patients has previously indicated an upregulation of mitochondria–ER contacts (MERCs) as a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Despite its potential significance, the relevance of these results is limited because they were not extended to live neurons. Here we performed a dynamic in vivo analysis of MERCs in hippocampal neurons from McGill-R-Thy1-APP transgenic rats, a model of Alzheimer's disease-like amyloid pathology. Live FRET imaging of neurons from transgenic rats revealed perturbed ‘lipid-MERCs’ (gap width <10 nm), while ‘Ca2+-MERCs’ (10–20 nm gap width) were unchanged. In situ TEM showed no significant differences in the lipid-MERCs:total MERCs or lipid-MERCs:mitochondria ratios; however, the average length of lipid-MERCs was significantly decreased in neurons from transgenic rats as compared to controls. In accordance with FRET results, untargeted lipidomics showed significant decreases in levels of 12 lipids and bioenergetic analysis revealed respiratory dysfunction of mitochondria from transgenic rats. Thus, our results reveal changes in MERC structures coupled with impaired mitochondrial functions in Alzheimer's disease-related neurons.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
COMMD1 and PtdIns(4,5)P2 interaction maintain ATP7B copper transporter trafficking fidelity in HepG2 cells
Authors: Stewart Davis J. , Short Kristopher K. , Maniaci Breanna N. , Burkhead Jason L.
Published: September 2019

Copper-responsive intracellular ATP7B trafficking is crucial for maintaining the copper balance in mammalian hepatocytes and thus copper levels in organs. The copper metabolism domain-containing protein 1 (COMMD1) binds both the ATP7B copper transporter and phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate [PtdIns(4,5)P2], whereas COMMD1 loss causes hepatocyte copper accumulation. Although it is clear that COMMD1 is localized to endocytic trafficking complexes, a direct function for COMMD1 in ATP7B trafficking has not yet been defined. In this study, experiments using quantitative colocalization analysis reveal that COMMD1 modulates copper-responsive ATP7B trafficking through recruitment to PtdIns(4,5)P2. Decreased COMMD1 abundance results in loss of ATP7B from lysosomes and the trans-Golgi network (TGN) in high copper conditions, although excess expression of COMMD1 also disrupts ATP7B trafficking and TGN structure. Overexpression of COMMD1 mutated to inhibit PtdIns(4,5)P2 binding has little impact on ATP7B trafficking. A mechanistic PtdIns(4,5)P2-mediated function for COMMD1 is proposed that is consistent with decreased cellular copper export as a result of disruption of the ATP7B trafficking itinerary and early endosome accumulation when COMMD1 is depleted. PtdIns(4,5)P2 interaction with COMMD1 as well as COMMD1 abundance could both be important in maintenance of specific membrane protein trafficking pathways.
Annexin A5 regulates surface αvβ5 integrin for retinal clearance phagocytosis
Authors: Yu Chen , Muñoz Luis E. , Mallavarapu Mallika , Herrmann Martin , Finnemann Silvia C.
Published: September 2019

Diurnal clearance phagocytosis by the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a conserved efferocytosis process whose binding step is mediated by αvβ5 integrin receptors. Two related annexins, A5 (ANXA5) and A6 (ANXA6), share an αvβ5 integrin-binding motif. Here, we report that ANXA5, but not ANXA6, regulates the binding capacity for spent photoreceptor outer segment fragments or apoptotic cells by fibroblasts and RPE. Similar to αvβ5-deficient RPE, ANXA5−/− RPE in vivo lacks the diurnal burst of phagocytosis that follows photoreceptor shedding in wild-type retina. Increasing ANXA5 in cells lacking αvβ5 or increasing αvβ5 in cells lacking ANXA5 does not affect particle binding. Association of cytosolic ANXA5 and αvβ5 integrin in RPE in culture and in vivo further supports their functional interdependence. Silencing ANXA5 is sufficient to reduce levels of αvβ5 receptors at the apical phagocytic surface of RPE cells. The effect of ANXA5 on surface αvβ5 and on particle binding requires the C-terminal ANXA5 annexin repeat but not its unique N-terminus. These results identify a novel role for ANXA5 specifically in the recognition and binding step of clearance phagocytosis, which is essential to retinal physiology.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Yank: the time derivative of force is an important biomechanical variable in sensorimotor systems
Authors: Lin David C. , McGowan Craig P. , Blum Kyle P. , Ting Lena H.
Published: September 2019

The derivative of force with respect to time does not have a standard term in physics. As a consequence, the quantity has been given a variety of names, the most closely related being ‘rate of force development’. The lack of a proper name has made it difficult to understand how different structures and processes within the sensorimotor system respond to and shape the dynamics of force generation, which is critical for survival in many species. We advocate that ∂/∂t be termed ‘yank’, a term that has previously been informally used and never formally defined. Our aim in this Commentary is to establish the significance of yank in how biological motor systems are organized, evolve and adapt. Further, by defining the quantity in mathematical terms, several measurement variables that are commonly reported can be clarified and unified. In this Commentary, we first detail the many types of motor function that are affected by the magnitude of yank generation, especially those related to time-constrained activities. These activities include escape, prey capture and postural responses to perturbations. Next, we describe the multi-scale structures and processes of the musculoskeletal system that influence yank and can be modified to increase yank generation. Lastly, we highlight recent studies showing that yank is represented in the sensory feedback system, and discuss how this information is used to enhance postural stability and facilitate recovery from postural perturbations. Overall, we promote an increased consideration of yank in studying biological motor and sensory systems.
Tissue-specific telomere dynamics in hibernating arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii)
Authors: Wilbur Sara M. , Barnes Brian M. , Kitaysky Alexander S. , Williams Cory T.
Published: September 2019

Hibernation is used by a variety of mammals to survive seasonal periods of resource scarcity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) released during periodic rewarming throughout hibernation, however, may induce oxidative damage in some tissues. Telomeres, which are the terminal sequences of linear chromosomes, may shorten in the presence of ROS, and thus the telomere length of an individual reflects the degree of accrued oxidative damage. This study quantified telomere length dynamics throughout hibernation in arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii). We hypothesized that telomere dynamics are tissue-specific and predicted that telomere shortening would be most pronounced in brown adipose tissue (BAT), the organ that directly supports non-shivering thermogenesis during arousals. We used qPCR to determine relative telomere length (RTL) in DNA extracted from liver, heart, skeletal muscle (SM), and BAT of 45 juvenile and adult animals sampled either at mid- or late hibernation. Age did not have a significant effect on RTL in any tissue. At mid-hibernation, RTL of juvenile females was longer in BAT and SM than in liver and heart. In juvenile females, RTL in BAT and SM, but not in liver and heart, was shorter at late hibernation than at mid-hibernation. At late hibernation, juvenile males had longer RTL in BAT than juvenile females, perhaps due to the naturally shorter hibernation duration of AGS males. Finally, BAT RTL at late hibernation negatively correlated with arousal frequency. Overall, our results suggest that, in a hibernating mammal, telomere shortening is tissue-specific and that metabolically active tissues might incur higher molecular damage.
Self-Propelled Autonomous Mg/Pt Janus Micromotor Interaction with Human Cells
Authors: Kong Lei , Rosli Nur Farhanah , Chia Hui Ling , Guan Jianguo , Pumera Martin
Published: September 2019

Magnesium (Mg)-based micromotors have attracted considerable attention as they are capable of moving in water and human blood plasma without external fuels. It has also been demonstrated that they have potential for drug delivery in mouse stomach. However, their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity to human cells have yet to be studied. Therefore, we performed cytotoxicity study of Mg/Pt Janus micromotors with human lung carcinoma epithelial cells (A549), human breast cancer cells (MCF-7), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293), human liver carcinoma cells (HepG2) and human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). The highest concentration of micromotors tested, 200 µg mL−1, drastically induced a high toxic effect on the cells and reduced the cell viability to below 60%. This shows while Pt/Au nanomachines were found to be safe previously, this is not the case of the Mg/Pt micromachines.
Screening is not associated with reduced incidence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM); an ecological study of 23 European countries
Authors: Kenyon Chris
Published: September 2019

Background: Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance has motivated a reassessment of if intensive screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of these infections in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the country-level correlation between the intensity of self-reported sexual transmitted infection (STI) screening in MSM (both anal and urethral screening, taken from a large internet survey of MSM) and the incidence (taken from ECDC surveillance figures) and prevalence (taken from a literature review of studies estimating prevalence in MSM attending STI clinics) of gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Results: The intensity of both anal and genital screening was found to be positively associated with country level gonorrhoea incidence rates (rho 0.74; p=0.0004; rho=0.73; p=0.0004, respectively) and Ct incidence rates (rho 0.71; p=0.001; rho=0.78; p=0.0001, respectively). No associations were found between anal or genital screening intensity and Ng prevalence in clinic populations (Table 2).

Conclusions: We found no evidence of a negative association between screening intensity and the prevalence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in MSM. Randomized controlled trials are urgently required to evaluate if the high antimicrobial exposure resulting from intensive screening programmes is justified.
Recent advances in vasoactive intestinal peptide physiology and pathophysiology: focus on the gastrointestinal system
Authors: Iwasaki Mari , Akiba Yasutada , Kaunitz Jonathan D
Published: September 2019

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a gut peptide hormone originally reported as a vasodilator in 1970, has multiple physiological and pathological effects on development, growth, and the control of neuronal, epithelial, and endocrine cell functions that in turn regulate ion secretion, nutrient absorption, gut motility, glycemic control, carcinogenesis, immune responses, and circadian rhythms. Genetic ablation of this peptide and its receptors in mice also provides new insights into the contribution of VIP towards physiological signaling and the pathogenesis of related diseases. Here, we discuss the impact of VIP on gastrointestinal function and diseases based on recent findings, also providing insight into its possible therapeutic application to diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Targeting viral entry as a strategy for broad-spectrum antivirals
Authors: Mazzon Michela , Marsh Mark
Published: September 2019

The process of entry into a host cell is a key step in the life cycle of most viruses. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in our understanding of the routes and mechanisms of entry for a number of these viruses. This has led to the development of novel broad-spectrum antiviral approaches that target host cell proteins and pathways, in addition to strategies focused on individual viruses or virus families. Here we consider a number of these approaches and their broad-spectrum potential.
Can Reputation Discipline the Gig Economy? Experimental Evidence from an Online Labor Market
Authors: Benson Alan , Sojourner Aaron , Umyarov Akhmed
Published: September 2019

Just as employers face uncertainty when hiring workers, workers also face uncertainty when accepting employment, and bad employers may opportunistically depart from expectations, norms, and laws. However, prior research in economics and information sciences has focused sharply on the employer’s problem of identifying good workers rather than vice versa. This issue is especially pronounced in markets for gig work, including online labor markets, in which platforms are developing strategies to help workers identify good employers. We build a theoretical model for the value of such reputation systems and test its predictions on Amazon Mechanical Turk, on which employers may decline to pay workers while keeping their work product and workers protect themselves using third-party reputation systems, such as Turkopticon. We find that (1) in an experiment on worker arrival, a good reputation allows employers to operate more quickly and on a larger scale without loss to quality; (2) in an experimental audit of employers, working for good-reputation employers pays 40% higher effective wages because of faster completion times and lower likelihoods of rejection; and (3) exploiting reputation system crashes, the reputation system is particularly important to small, good-reputation employers, which rely on the reputation system to compete for workers against more established employers. This is the first clean field evidence of the effects of employer reputation in any labor market and is suggestive of the special role that reputation-diffusing technologies can play in promoting gig work, in which conventional labor and contract laws are weak.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information science.
Explaining Heterogeneity in the Organization of Scientific Work
Authors: Rahmandad Hazhir , Vakili Keyvan
Published: September 2019

Prior studies of academic science have largely focused on researchers in life sciences or engineering. However, while academic researchers often work under similar institutions, norms, and incentives, they vary greatly in how they organize their research efforts across different scientific domains. This heterogeneity, in turn, has important implications for innovation policy, the relationship between industry and academia, the scientific labor market, and the perceived deficit in the relevance of social sciences and humanities research. To understand this heterogeneity, we model scientists as publication-maximizing agents, identifying two distinct organizational patterns that are optimal under different parameters. When the net productivity of research staff (e.g., PhD students and postdocs) is positive, the funded research model with an entrepreneurial scientist and a large team dominates. When the costs of research staff exceed their productivity benefits, the hands-on research approach is optimal. The model implies significant heterogeneity across the two modes of organizing in research funding, supply of scientific workforce, team size, publication output, and stratification patterns over time. Exploratory empirical analysis finds consistent patterns of time allocation and publication in a prior survey of faculty in U.S. universities. Using data from an original survey, we also find causal effects consistent with the model’s prediction on how negative shocks to research staff—due to visa or health problems, for example—differentially impact research output under the two modes of organization.
Price and Service Competition in a Tourism Supply Chain
Authors: Jena Sarat K. , Meena Purushottam L.
Published: September 2019

The tourism supply chain literature has predominantly focused on price-sensitive demand and ignored the service-sensitive demand issue. In competitive practice, both price- and service-sensitive demand play a significant role for tourists in selecting a tour package. In this paper, the authors discuss a case in which two tour operators compete on price and service to offer tour packages and serve the customers through a common local operator. The authors develop a mathematical model for a tourism supply chain under three scenarios: (i) a decentralized scenario, (ii) an integrated-channel scenario, and (iii) a global scenario. The results show that the tourism supply chain generates more profit when there is competition compared with when there is no competition. Furthermore, the results show that coordination among supply chain members with surplus sharing contracts improves the overall tourism supply chain profit compared with the decentralized scenario.
The Influence of Blended Learning Model Based on Problems of Physical Learning Achievements by Students of Class X Science in SMA 6 Denpasar Academic Year 2017/2018
Authors: Utami Ni Putu Nadia Nikki , Santyasa I Wayan , Suswandi Iwan
Published: September 2019

Learning achievement is the result achieved by someone after doing the learning process. One of the factors that influence learning achievement is the use of the learning model. This study aims to know the differences in achievement of students learning to use problem-based blended learningmodels and traditional blendedlearning. This study uses a quasi-experimental method of "non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design." The study population is all class X IPA with a total of 6 classes or 210 people. The sample consists of 3 classes or 107 people.Student learning achievement data were analyzed by descriptive analysis and ANOVA one-way (α= 0.05). The results of this study reveal that there are differences in student achievement due to the learning model. Higher learning achievement was achieved by problem-based blended learningmodels (F = 264.307; α<0.05). The LSD test results showed that the learning achievement of students in the MBLBM group was higher than MBL, the learning achievement of the MBLBM group was higher than that of MPK, and the learning achievement of the MBLBM group was higher than that of MPK.
Predicting diabetic foot ulcer infection using the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: a prospective study
Authors: Altay Fatma Aybala , Kuzi Semanur , Altay Mustafa , Ateş İhsan , Gürbüz Yunus , Tütüncü Emin Ediz , Şentürk Gönül Çiçek , Altın Nilgün , Şencan İrfan
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To investigate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be used in the early stage risk assessment and follow-up in diabetic foot infection

Methods:

Over a five-year study, NLR values on admission and day 14 of treatment were matched with their laboratory and clinical data in a cohort study. Patients were followed-up or consulted in several clinics or polyclinics (infectious diseases).

Results:

Admission time NLR was higher, in severe cases as indicated by both Wagner and PEDIS infection scores (severe versus mild Wagner score NLR 6.7 versus 4.2; p=0.04; for PEDIS score NLR 6.3 versus 3.6; p=0.03, respectively). In patients who underwent vascular intervention (12.6 versus 4.6; p=0.02); amputation indicated (9.2 versus 4.1; p=0.005) and healed afterwards (6.9 versus 4.3; p<0,001), when matched with others. NLR was also found to be correlated with duration of both IV antibiotic treatment (r=0.374; p=0.005) and hospitalisation (r=0.337; p=0.02). Day 14 NLR was higher in patients who underwent vascular intervention (5.1 versus 2.9; p=0.007) when matched to others.

Conclusion:

Patients with higher NLR values at admission had more severe diabetic foot infection, higher risk for amputation, need for long-term hospitalisation and aggressive treatment. However, they also have more chance of benefit from treatment.
Treating drug-resistant wound pathogens with non-medicated dressings: an in vitro study
Authors: Rippon Mark G. , Rogers Alan A. , Westgate Samantha
Published: September 2019

Objective:

To assess the in vitro antimicrobial performance of a non-medicated hydro-responsive wound dressing (HRWD) on the sequestration and killing of wound relevant microorganisms found on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list.

Methods:

Suspensions of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were placed on petri dishes. Dressings were each placed on top, incubated for 30 minutes and then removed from the inoculated petri dish. The surface of the dressings previously in contact with the bacterial suspensions were placed directly onto a tryptone soy agar (TSA) plate and incubated for 24 hours. Dressings were then removed from the TSA plate and the level of bacterial growth on the plates was assessed. Sequestered microorganism viability was assessed using LIVE/DEAD viability kits and visualisation by epifluorescence.

Results:

Our results indicated that HRWDs sequester and retain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and MRSA within the dressing. Non-medicated HRWDs containing bound PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide, HRWD+PHMB) killed the microorganisms sequestered within the dressing matrix.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that non-medicated HRWD+PHMB is an effective against WHO priority pathogens and promoting goal of antimicrobial stewardship in wound care.
Practitioner Implementation of Communication Intervention With Students With Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Andzik Natalie R. , Cannella-Malone Helen I.
Published: September 2019

This study evaluated the effects of a pyramidal training approach that used an expert trainer who taught teachers how to train their paraeducators. Three special education teachers were taught to train four paraeducators to provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to initiate (OTI). A multiple baseline design across participants was used to evaluate the rate and fidelity that paraeducators provided OTI and least to most prompting strategies with students. Rates increased from 0 to an average of .58 per minute. Fidelity of implementation increased from 0% to an average of 94.5%. Maintenance data were recorded for three paraeducators. Schools should consider using this cost- and time-effective training model with staff.
Trend Change in the Intellectual Disability Nursing Home Census From 1977 to 2004
Authors: Landes Scott D. , Lillaney Nikita
Published: September 2019

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 was expected to reduce inappropriate residential placements of persons with intellectual disability (ID) in nursing homes. Utilizing the nationally representative 1977, 1985, 1995, and 2004 National Nursing Home Surveys (NNHS), we estimate trend change in the ID nursing home census pre- and post-OBRA. We find a marked decrease in number and percentage, and a shift in the age distribution of the ID nursing home census, most pronounced between 1985 and 1995. We contend that these trend changes, concurrent with growth in the overall nursing home population, provide empirical evidence that policy changes that occurred during the OBRA enactment period were successful in reducing inappropriate residential placements of persons with ID in nursing homes.
Resolution and its Enhancement in Imaging
Authors: Milanfar Peyman
Published: September 2019

We present a definition and analysis of the concept of resolution and its enhancement in imaging based on statistical detection and estimation. We also present an overview of the problem of Super-resolution in imaging, which (similar to notions in MIMO communications) involves the reconstruction of high resolution images from a collection of ”diverse” views of the same scene captured either in the presence of relative motion between the sensor and the scene (synthetic aperture), or with multiple nearby cameras (real aperture).
Correcting Color Images for Stray-Light Effects by Computationally Solving an Inverse Problem via Selected-Ordinate Image (SORI) Processing
Authors: Jansson Peter A. , Bitlis Burak , Allebach Jan P.
Published: September 2019

Even small amounts of stray light adversely affect digital-camera color fidelity. We correct camera images by using a particular generalized point-spread function normalization and shift-variant convolution that is much faster than Fourier-based methods.
Imaging with Aperture Synthesis Radio Telescopes in the presence of Direction Dependent effects
Authors: Bhatnagar S. , Cornwell T.J. , Golap K.
Published: September 2019

We describe in this paper results from our work so far on developing algorithms to solve for, and fast application of direction dependent effects while imaging with interferometric radio telescopes.
Phase Recovery and the Ambiguity Function
Authors: Testorf Markus
Published: September 2019

Various techniques for determining phase information are interpreted in terms of the ambiguity function. It is shown that this facilitates the comparison of different methods and promotes the development of novel phase retrieval schemes.
Transitional Hybrid Skeletal Muscle Fibers in Rat Soleus Development
Authors: Larson Lauren , Lioy Jessica , Johnson Jordan , Medler Scott
Published: September 2019

Skeletal muscles comprise hundreds of individual muscle fibers, with each possessing specialized contractile properties. Skeletal muscles are recognized as being highly plastic, meaning that the physiological properties of single muscle fibers can change with appropriate use. During fiber type transitions, one myosin heavy chain isoform is exchanged for another and over time the fundamental nature of the fiber adapts to become a different fiber type. Within the rat triceps surae complex, the soleus muscle starts out as a muscle comprised of a mixture type IIA and type I fibers. As neonatal rats grow and mature, the soleus undergoes a near complete transition into a muscle with close to 100% type I fibers at maturity. We used immunohistochemistry and single fiber SDS-PAGE to track the transformation of type IIA into type I fibers. We found that transitioning fibers progressively incorporate new myofibrils containing type I myosin into existing type IIA fibers. During this exchange, distinct type I-containing myofibrils are segregated among IIA myofibrils. The individual myofibrils within existing muscle fibers thus appear to represent the functional unit that is exchanged during fiber type transitions that occur as part of normal muscle development:
VAMOS FALAR SOBRE GÊNERO?: UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA SOBRE A INSERÇÃO DA TEMÁTICA NO CURSO DE PEDAGOGIA DAS FACULDADES INTEGRADAS DE ITARARÉ (FAFIT)
Authors: Ramos Edimauro
Published: September 2019

Este artigo se norteia a partir de um relato de experiência oriundo de um trabalho acadêmico desenvolvido no curso de Pedagogia das Faculdades Integradas de Itararé (FAFIT), do interior de São Paulo. Com o objetivo de adentrar nas discussões de gênero e Educação, o presente trabalho, o qual também se embasa na revisão bibliográfica, busca contextualizar o parecer dos acadêmicos ao estabelecer contato e debater sobre a temática no curso de Pedagogia da instituição, o qual não abrange em sua ementa nenhuma disciplina que abre espaço para tal pauta na formação acadêmica.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Gênero. Pedagogia. Formação.
CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES MINISTRAM AULAS SOBRE GÊNERO NA UNIVERSIDADE: EXPERIÊNCIA PEDAGÓGICA E CONSTITUIÇÃO DO SUJEITO
Authors: Altmann Helena , Mariano Hugo Romano
Published: September 2019

O artigo apresenta e analisa a experiência de formação em nível superior na área de gênero, sexualidade e educação, conduzida na disciplina de graduação intitulada “Corpo, Gênero e Sexualidade”, ministrada na Faculdade de Educação Física da Universidade Estadual de Campinas. As análises partem de uma atividade pedagógica específica da disciplina, que consiste na participação de crianças e adolescentes ministrando aulas sobre gênero e sexualidade, apresentando projetos por eles desenvolvidos dentro da sua própria escola. A escola adota a metodologia Freinet, garantindo centralidade aos estudantes no processo formativo. As intervenções foram realizadas em 2017 e 2018, quando estudantes do Ensino Fundamental 1 e 2 apresentaram às universitárias e universitários conteúdos relacionados ao gênero. A partir das apresentações das crianças e adolescentes, pudemos inferir que seus interesses sobre à temática do gênero dizem respeito à demandas próprias daquilo que os constitui enquanto sujeito, que no espaço escolar se organiza como um fazer crítico diante das relações estabelecidas nos processos de normatização, subordinação e sujeição na sociedade como um todo.
A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of monitoring patients with diabetes mellitus using individual blood glucose meters with function of transmitting measurements via gsm channel or via the internet
Authors: Fedyaeva Vlada K. , Zhuravlev Nikita I. , Galeeva Zhanna A.
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND: In recent years, there has been an active introduction of telecommunication technologies in various spheres of scientific and practical knowledge, including medicine. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common chronic non-communicable diseases requiring constant monitoring of the patients condition. For telemedicine monitoring of patients with DM, glucose self-monitoring devices with the option of transmitting patients measurements via GSM channel or via the Internet have been developed.
AIM: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of telemedicine observation of patients with DM using individual glucose self-monitoring devices with option of transmitting patients measurements via a GSM channel or via the Internet.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publications about clinical trials were searched in PubMed. The search, selection and evaluation of the methodological quality of clinical trials were carried out by two independent researchers. Clinical trials were included in the review if the clinical efficacy of remote monitoring of patients with DM using individual glucose self-monitoring devices with the option of transmitting the results of measurements taken by the patient via a GSM channel or via the Internet was evaluated in comparison with traditional observation methods.
RESULTS: As a result of the systematic search, 10 original randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with different methodological quality were selected. It was found that the use of remote technologies for 12 months does not affect the level of glycated hemoglobin, however, it allows to increase the frequency of achieving individual therapeutic goals in patients with type 2 DM. In addition, it was found that the use of remote technologies allows to reduce the frequency of outpatient visits of patients with type 2 DM, but does not reduce the length of hospitalization and the frequency of an emergency calls of these patients.
CONCLUSION: Thus, evidence was obtained of the potential therapeutic benefits of remote observation of patients with diabetes based on data from foreign clinical studies. Based on the results obtained, a Russian clinical trial of this medical technology can be recommended.
The effect of vanadium compounds on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders
Authors: Sidorova Yuliya S. , Skalnaya Margarita G. , Tinkov Aleksey A. , Mazo Vladimir K.
Published: September 2019

At this stage in the development of nutriciological science, it has not been established if biologically active substances are essential to the human body; however, an explanation of the physiological role of minor biologically active substances is necessary to clarify the qualitative composition of Nutrioma. Of particular interest is the transition metal, vanadium. Adding vanadium to the diet of animals with induced or genetically determined type 2 diabetes mellitus normalizes glucose and blood insulin levels, reduces insulin resistance, promotes β-cell regeneration, and has a beneficial effect on lipid metabolism. Clinical studies of the effectiveness of vanadium are not convincing, in most part, because of their insufficient duration. The review briefly discusses the main mechanisms of the action of vanadium compounds. Therapeutic doses of vanadium compounds may overlap with toxic doses. Organic vanadium compounds could be used in significantly lower doses. The main problem with the possible use of vanadium compounds in antidiabetic therapy is the balance between their beneficial effects and the connected risks of side effects.
Uma entrevista com Carlo Marassi
Authors: Marassi Carlo , Spitz Alice , Janson Guilherme , Faber Jorge , Miguel José Augusto Mendes , Brandão Roberto
Published: September 2019

Carlo Marassi desde muito cedo conviveu com a Odontologia, por meio de sua mãe, Dra. Zelna Marassi, alguém que, com certeza, muito o ensinou sobre o que é ser apaixonado pela profissão. Após cursar a graduação na Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, partiu para São Paulo para se especializar em Ortodontia na USP-Bauru, sempre se destacando por seu desempenho diferenciado. Logo após terminar sua pós-graduação, lecionou por 15 anos na Unigranrio. Em 2011, fundou a empresa Marassi Treinamentos, onde oferece cursos avançados para os colegas ortodontistas. No campo editorial, atuou como editor-chefe na Revista Clínica de Ortodontia Dental Press e hoje é editor emérito da mesma revista. Ao longo dos anos, tornou-se importante referência no uso dos mini-implantes, assunto que teve oportunidade de apresentar em inúmeros cursos nacionais e internacionais. Suas aulas são sempre impecáveis, precisas, ricas em conteúdo e embaladas em um enorme didatismo, que o transformou em um dos maiores palestrantes do país. A mais recente paixão tem sido a Ortodontia Digital, desenvolvendo fluxos de trabalho com scanners intrabucais e impressoras 3D. Muito interessado em tecnologia, é a ele que recorro quando quero saber de algum novo equipamento ou qualquer gadget que eu esteja precisando. Ao lado da esposa Patrícia, companheira de toda uma vida e competente colega de profissão, trabalha também em uma moderna clínica odontológica no Rio de Janeiro, em uma rara conjunção de um grande clínico e um brilhante professor. Pai carinhoso e dedicado de Hugo e Nicolle, forma essa linda família, que adora esquiar pelos quatro cantos do mundo. Na entrevista a seguir, os leitores terão a oportunidade de conhecer um pouco mais sobre a experiência e conceitos desse mestre. Para mim, Dr. Carlo Marassi é sinônimo de gentileza, capricho, talento, determinação e, sobretudo, é capaz de nos inspirar a fazer uma Ortodontia cada vez melhor.

José Augusto Mendes Miguel (coordenador da entrevista)
Meu Herbst quebrou. O que devo fazer?
Authors: André Cristiane B.
Published: September 2019

"O protrator mandibular (propulsor) chamado Herbst é utilizado há décadas; contudo, são comuns várias intercorrências durante o tratamento, como a dilaceração das bandas, o rompimento da solda de prata, ou mesmo o próprio Herbst, que acaba se fraturando. Com isso, seu uso sempre foi moderado: embora seus resultados sejam muito bons, a quantidade de intercorrências desanimava a todos. Dessa forma, vou descrever os cinco pontos essenciais para a redução da taxa de quebras." [...]
Método de orientação do crânio composto em posição natural da cabeça, com base em registro fotográfico
Authors: Ferraz Flávio Wellington Da Silva , Mello Thaís Samarina Sousa Lopes , Betiatto Daiane , Lemos José Benedito Dias , Cardoso Mauricio , Melotti Fernanda
Published: September 2019

INTRODUÇÃO: o planejamento em cirurgia ortognática evoluiu nos últimos anos, para melhorar as possibilidades de tratamento e a previsibilidade dos resultados. OBJETIVO: o objetivo do presente trabalho é relatar um novo método de transferência da posição natural da cabeça, obtida em registros fotográficos, para imagens dos tecidos moles da tomografia computadorizada, para orientação espacial do crânio composto. MÉTODOS: será descrita a metodologia de aquisição de fotografias e das imagens tomográficas obtidas, e como é feita a transposição da posição natural da cabeça entre elas. O crânio composto do planejamento foi obtido por meio de tomografia computadorizada multi-slice e escaneamento intrabucal. A orientação do crânio composto foi feita por meio da eleição de pontos anatômicos equivalentes em ambas as imagens. CONCLUSÕES: esse é um método válido e seguro, sendo baseado na confiabilidade da posição natural da cabeça para análise diagnóstica e planejamento.