bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motoneuron-derived Activinβ regulates Drosophila body size and tissue-scaling during larval growth and adult development
Authors: Moss-Taylor Lindsay , Upadhyay Ambuj , Pan Xueyang , Kim Myung-Jun , O’Connor Michael B.
Published: June 2019

Correct scaling of body and organ size is crucial for proper development and survival of all organisms. Perturbations in circulating hormones, including insulins and steroids, are largely responsible for changing body size in response to both genetic and environmental factors. Such perturbations typically produce adults whose organs and appendages scale proportionately with final size. The identity of additional factors that might contribute to scaling of organs and appendages with body size is unknown. Here we report that loss-of-function mutations in Drosophila Activinβ (Actβ), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, lead to production of small larvae/pupae and undersized rare adult escapers. Morphometric measurements of escaper adult appendage size (wings, legs), as well as heads, thoraxes, and abdomens, reveal a disproportional reduction in abdominal size compared to other tissues. Similar size measurements of selected Actβ mutant larval tissues demonstrate that somatic muscle size is disproportionately smaller when compared to fat body, salivary glands, prothoracic glands, imaginal discs and brain. We also show that Actβ control of body size is dependent on canonical signaling through the transcription-factor dSmad2 and that it modulates the growth rate, but not feeding behavior, during the third instar period. Tissue and cell-specific knockdown and overexpression studies reveal that motoneuron derived Actβ is essential for regulating proper body size and tissue scaling. These studies suggest that, unlike in vertebrates where Myostatin, and certain other Activin-like factors act as systemic negative regulators of muscle mass, in Drosophila Actβ is a positive regulator of muscle mass that is directly delivered to muscles by motoneurons. We discuss the importance of these findings in coordinating proportional scaling of insect muscle mass to appendage size.
Calcium dobesilate reduces VEGF signaling by interfering with heparan sulfate binding site and protects from vascular complications in diabetic mice
Authors: Njau Florence , Shushakova Nelli , Schenk Heiko , Wulfmeyer Vera Christine , Bollin Robin , Menne Jan , Haller Hermann
Published: June 2019

Inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a therapeutic option in diabetic microangiopathy. However, VEGF is needed at physiological concentrations to maintain glomerular integrity; complete VEGF blockade has deleterious effects on glomerular structure and function. Anti-VEGF therapy in diabetes raises the challenge of reducing VEGF-induced pathology without accelerating endothelial cell injury. Heparan sulfate (HS) can act as a co-receptor for VEGF. Calcium dobesilate (CaD) is a small molecule with vasoprotective properties that has been used for the treatment of diabetic microangiopathy. Preliminary evidence suggests that CaD interferes with HS binding sites of fibroblast growth factor. We therefore tested the hypotheses that (1) CaD inhibits VEGF signaling in endothelial cells, (2) that this effect is mediated via interference between CaD and HS, and (3) that CaD ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model by VEGF inhibition. We found that CaD significantly inhibited VEGF165-induced endothelial cell migration, proliferation, and permeability. CaD significantly inhibited VEGF165-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and suppressed the activity of VEGFR-2 mediated signaling cascades. The effects of CaD in vitro were abrogated by heparin, suggesting the involvement of heparin-like domain in the interaction with CaD. In addition, VEGF121, an isoform which does not bind to heparin, was not inhibited by CaD. By applying proximity ligation assays to endothelial cells, we show inhibition of interaction in situ between HS and VEGF and between VEGF and VEGFR-2. Moreover, CaD reduced VEGF signaling in diabetic kidneys and ameliorated diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy, suggesting CaD as a VEGF inhibitor without the negative effects of complete VEGF blockade and therefore could be useful as a strategy in treating diabetic nephropathy.
Health Conditions Associated with Overweight in Climacteric Women
Authors: Marques Maria Suzana , Freitas Ronilson Ferreira , Araújo Veloso Popoff Daniela , Piana Santos Lima de Oliveira Fernanda , Rodrigues Moreira Maria Helena , Araújo Drummond Andreia Maria , Schmidt França Dorothéa , Nogueira dos Santos Luís Antônio , de Siqueira e Rocha Marcelo Eustáquio , Brant Rocha João Pedro , Brant Rocha Maria Clara , Santos Figueiredo Brito Maria Fernanda , Prates Caldeira Antônio , Maria Borborema Fabiana Aparecida , Santos Viviane Maria , Santos Brant Rocha Josiane
Published: June 2019

This study aims to investigate the association between health conditions and overweight in climacteric women assisted by primary care professionals. It is a cross-sectional study conducted with 874 women from 40 to 65 years of age, selected by probabilistic sampling between August 2014 and August 2015. In addition to the outcome variable, other variables such as overweight/obesity, sociodemographic, reproductive, clinical, eating and behavioural factors were evaluated. Descriptive analyses of the variables investigated through their frequency distributions were performed. Then, bivariate analyses were performed through Poisson regression. For the multiple analyses, the hierarchical Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with overweight/obesity in the climacteric period. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 74%. Attending public school (PR: 1.30 - 95% CI 1.14 - 1.50), low schooling (PR: 1.11 - 95% CI 1.01 - 1.23), gout (PR: 1.18 - 95% CI 1.16-1.44), kidney disease (PR: 1.18 - 95% CI 1.05 - 1.32), metabolic syndrome - MS (PR: 1.19 - 95% CI 1.05 - 1.34) and fat intake (PR: 1.12 - 95% CI 1.02 - 1.23) were considered risk factors for overweight. Having the first birth after 18 years (PR: 0.89 - 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97) was shown to be a protective factor for overweight and obesity. The presence of overweight and obesity is associated with socio-demographic, reproductive, clinical and eating habits.
The small GTPase Rab11F represents a molecular marker within the secretory pathway required for the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis
Authors: Nounurai Prachumporn , Densow Holger , Bednarz Hanna , Niehaus Karsten
Published: June 2019

The nitrogen-fixing root nodule is generally derived through a successful symbiotic interaction between legume plants and bacteria of the genusRhizobium. A root nodule shelter hundreds ofRhizobia, which are thought to invade into the plant cells through an endocytosis-like process despite the existence of turgor pressure. Each invadingRhizobiumis surrounded by the peribacteroid membrane to form the symbiosome, which results in the higher acquisition of host membrane materials. In this study, we show the localization of Rab11F, a RabA6b homolog with the large Rab-GTPase family, which was highly expressed in root nodules ofMedicago sativaandM. truncatula. Rab11F-labeled organelles accumulated the membrane specific dye FM4-64 and were sensitive to Brefeldin A by forming aggregates after treatment with this drug. By co-localization with the cis-Golgi marker, GmMan1-mCherry, Rab11F-organelles formed tri-colored organelles, whereby Rab11F was located to the opposite side of GmMan1-mCherry indicating that Rab11F-labeled structures were localized within the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In root nodules, Rab11F was localized transiently at the infection thread-covering membrane on the side of infection droplets and the peribacteroid membranes. The symbiosome acquires Rab11F during the entry process and differentiation. However, the symbiosome did not recruit Rab11F after cessation of division. In conclusion, thelegumeplant seemed to use a specialized secretion pathway from the TGN, which was marked by Rab11F, to proliferate the symbiosome membrane.
Risk factors associated with loss of hepatitis B virus surface antibody in patients with HBV surface-antigen negative/surface antibody positive serostatus receiving biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatic diseases – a nested case-control study
Authors: Hung Ming-Hui , Tien Ya-Chih , Chiu Ying-Ming
Published: June 2019

Objectives

To elucidate risk factors for loss of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antibody (anti-HBs) in patients with rheumatic diseases and HBV surface-antigen negative/anti-HBs positive (HBsAg−/anti-HBs+) serostatus during biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment.

Methods

This nested case-control study prospectively enrolled patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis/psoriasis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who were treated with biologic DMARDs from January 2013 to September 2017. The analytic sample included patients with HBsAg−/anti-HBs+ serostatus. Anti-HBs titers were monitored, and cases defined as anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL during follow-up. Cases were matched one-to-all with controls with anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL on the same event date and equivalent durations of biologic DMARDs treatment. Between-group characteristics were compared and risk factors for anti-HBs loss elucidated by conditional logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among 189 enrolled patients, 15 cases were matched with 211 controls. Risk factors associated with anti-HBs loss in multivariate analysis were low baseline anti-HBs titer (adjusted risk ratio = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93–0.99) and chronic kidney disease (adjusted risk ratio = 26.25, 95% CI 1.85–372.35). All cases had baseline anti-HBs titer <100 mIU/mL, and none developed HBV reactivation upon losing anti-HBs.

Conclusions

In addition to low baseline anti-HBs titer, chronic kidney disease is also an independent risk factors associated with loss of anti-HBs in patients with HBsAg−/anti-HBs+ serostatus who receive biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatic diseases.

Significance

Given that loss of anti-HBs precedes HBV reactivation and that the use of biologic DMARDs is increasingly widespread nowadays, understanding those who are at risk of loss of anti-HBs is an important and practical clinical issue.

Innovation

In addition to low baseline anti-HBs titer, chronic kidney disease is also an independent risk factors associated with loss of anti-HBs in patients with HBsAg−/anti-HBs+ serostatus who receive biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatic diseases.
Vector competence of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes for Mayaro virus
Authors: Pereira Thiago Nunes , Carvalho Fabiano Duarte , De Mendonça Silvana Faria , Rocha Marcele Neves , Moreira Luciano Andrade
Published: June 2019

Newly emerging or re-emerging arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are important causes of human morbidity and mortality nearly worldwide. Arboviruses such as Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and West Nile virus (WNV) underwent an extensive geographic expansion in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. In the Americas the main vectors, for DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV, are mosquito species adapted to urban environments namely Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, whereas the main vector for WNV is the Culex quinquefasciatus. Given the widespread distribution in the Americas and high permissiveness to arbovirus infection, theses mosquito species might pose an important role in the epidemiology of other arboviruses normally associated to sylvatic vectors. Here, we test this hypothesis by determining the vector competence of Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus to Mayaro (MAYV) virus, a sylvatic arbovirus transmitted mainly by Haemagogus janthinomys that have been causing an increasing number of outbreaks in South America namely in Brazil. Using field mosquitoes from Brazil, female mosquitoes were experimentally infected and their competence for dissemination and transmission for MAYV was evaluated. We found high dissemination rate for MAYV in Ae. aegypti (57.5%) and Ae. albopictus (61.6%), whereas very low rates were obtained for Cx. quinquefasciatus (2.5%). Concordantly, we observed that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus have high transmission ability (69.5% and 71.1% respectively), conversely to Cx. quinquefasciatus that is not able to transmit the MAYV. Notably, we found that very low quantities of virus present in the saliva (undetectable by RT-qPCR) were sufficient and virulent enough to guarantee transmission. Although Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes are not the main vectors for MAYV, our studies suggest that these vectors may play a significant role in the transmission of this arbovirus, since both species showed high vector competence in laboratory conditions.

Author summary

The present study showed that Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitoes have high vector competence for MAYV, in laboratory. In contrast, Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were shown to be refractory to MAYV. Regarding the viral dilution and nanoinjection, higher detection sensitivity was observed after virus nanoinjection into naïve mosquitoes, indicating that only a few viral particles are required to infect mosquitoes, and these particles may not be detected by RT-qPCR before the nanoinjection procedure.
Development of a potent and protective germline-like antibody lineage against Zika virus in a convalescent human
Authors: Gao Fei , Lin Xiaohe , He Linling , Wang Ruoke , Wang Han , Shi Xuanling , Zhang Fuchun , Yin Chibiao , Zhang Linqi , Zhu Jiang , Yu Lei
Published: June 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV) specific neutralizing antibodies hold a great promise for antibody-based interventions and vaccine design against ZIKV infection. However, their development in infected patients remain unknown. Here, we report on the dynamic development of a potent and protective ZIKV-specific human antibody ZK2B10 initially isolated from a ZIKV convalescent individual using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The unbiased repertoire analysis showed dramatic changes in many families of heavy and light chain variable regions. However, lineage tracing of ZK2B10 revealed limited somatic hypermutation throughout the 12 months since the onset of symptom. In particular, NGS-derived germline-like somatic variants neutralized and protected mice from lethal challenge of ZIKV without detectable cross-reactivity with Dengue virus (DENV). Site-directed mutagenesis identified two residues within λ chain, N31 and S91 that are essential to the functional maturation. The dynamic features unveiled here will assist us to better understand the pathogenesis of ZIKV infection and inform rational design of vaccines.

Author summary

Recently emerged ZIKV is associated with severe neurological complications such as Guillain–Barré syndrome in adults and congenital microcephaly in newborns. No ZIKV-specific therapeutics or vaccines are currently available. We and others have identified a number of neutralizing antibodies capable of protecting experimental animals from ZIKV infection. However, the development of these potent antibodies during ZIKV natural infection remains unknown. Here, we report on the longitudinal analysis of one such antibody ZK2B10 using next-generation sequencing (NGS), bioinformatics and functional analysis. We found that the ZK2B10 germline-like antibodies possess strong neutralizing activity in vitro and impressive protectivity against lethal ZIKV infection in vivo. These findings suggest that the potent and protective antibody response against ZIKV can be generated within relative short term with high germline identity which provide great hope and promise for successful vaccine development against ZIKV.
Unknown geometrical constraints estimation and trajectory planning for robotic door-opening task with visual teleoperation assists
Authors: Xing Hongjun , Xia Kerui , Ding Liang , Gao Haibo , Liu Guangjun , Deng Zongquan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enable autonomous door-opening with unknown geometrical constraints. Door-opening is a common action needed for mobile manipulators to perform rescue operation. However, it remains difficult for them to handle it in real rescue environments. The major difficulties of rescue manipulation involve contradiction between unknown geometrical constraints and limited sensors because of extreme physical constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

A method for estimating the unknown door geometrical parameters using coordinate transformation of the end-effector with visual teleoperation assists is proposed. A trajectory planning algorithm is developed using geometrical parameters from the proposed method.

Findings

The relevant experiments are also conducted using a manipulator suited to extreme physical constraints to open a real door with a locked latch and unknown geometrical parameters, which demonstrates the validity and efficiency of the proposed approach.

Originality/value

This is a novel method for estimating the unknown door geometrical parameters with coordinate transformation of the end-effector through visual teleoperation assists.
A novel active balance assistive control strategy based on virtual stiffness model of XCoM
Authors: Guo Wei , Qiu Shiyin , Zha Fusheng , Deng Jing , Wang Xin , Chen Fei
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a novel balance-assistive control strategy for hip exoskeleton robot.

Design/methodology/approach

A hierarchical balance assistive controller based on the virtual stiffness model of extrapolated center of mass (XCoM) is proposed and tested by exoskeleton balance assistive control experiments.

Findings

Experiment results show that the proposed controller can accelerate the swing foot chasing XCoM and enlarge the margin of stability.

Originality/value

As a proof of concept, this paper shows the potential for exoskeleton to actively assist human regain balance in sagittal plane when human suffers from a forward or backward disturbing force.
Efficiency evaluation of structural nonlinear analysis method based on the Woodbury formula
Authors: Li Gang , Jia Shuo , Li Hong-Nan
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a theoretical comprehensive efficiency evaluation of a nonlinear analysis method based on the Woodbury formula from the efficiency of the solution of linear equations in each incremental step and the selected iterative algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this study employs the time complexity theory to quantitatively compare the efficiency of the Woodbury formula and the LDLT factorization method which is a commonly used method to solve linear equations. Moreover, the performance of iterative algorithms also significantly effects the efficiency of the analysis. Thus, the three-point method with a convergence order of eight is employed to solve the equilibrium equations of the nonlinear analysis method based on the Woodbury formula, aiming to improve the iterative performance of the Newton–Raphson (N–R) method.

Findings

First, the result shows that the asymptotic time complexity of the Woodbury formula is much lower than that of the LDLT factorization method when the number of inelastic degrees of freedom (IDOFs) is much less than that of DOFs, indicating that the Woodbury formula is more efficient for local nonlinear problems. Moreover, the time complexity comparison of the N–R method and the three-point method indicates that the three-point method is more efficient than the N–R method for local nonlinear problems with large-scale structures or a larger ratio of IDOFs number to the DOFs number.

Originality/value

This study theoretically evaluates the efficiency of nonlinear analysis method based on the Woodbury formula, and quantitatively shows the application condition of the comparative methods. The comparison result provides a theoretical basis for the selection of algorithms for different nonlinear problems.
Managing “a little bit unsafe”: complexity, construction safety and situational self-organising
Authors: Sherratt Fred , Ivory Chris
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unpack the shared understandings of safety held by workers on large UK construction sites using a complexity lens, and so provide empirical support for the inclusion of situational self-organising within construction site safety management systems (SMS).

Design/methodology/approach

A social constructionist epistemology supports the discourse analysis of talk (semi-structured interview and conversational), text (SMS and documentation) and visual (safety related signage) data collection from five large (+£20 m) UK construction sites.

Findings

Construction workers readily understand safety to be an emergent phenomenon with the complex system that is the construction site. Contemporary safety management approaches struggle with this complexity, yet there is the potential to mobilise situational self-organising on sites to improve safety in practice.

Research limitations/implications

Epistemological foundations mean no claim is made to generalisability as perceived by traditional positivistic parameters. The data are limited to large (+£20 m) UK construction sites; however, underlying construction management systems are common to the industry as a whole and can find fit with practitioner experiences and other empirical academic work from both the UK and other countries.

Practical implications

Situational self-organising of safety management within the construction workforce is proposed as a key contribution to a relevant, dynamic and effective SMS.

Originality/value

Data are analysed from a social constructionist perspective and considered through a complexity lens. This approach unpacks these data in an original way to seek synergy with existing adaptive safety approaches, specifically situational self-organising and make recommendations for practice.
Designing a framework of power procurement for a power distribution utility: a case study
Authors: Das Debadyuti , Kumar Virander , Bardhan Amit Kumar , Kumar Rahul
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The study aims to find out an appropriate volume of power to be procured through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), the volume to be sourced from the power exchange through day-ahead and term-ahead options and also a suitable volume to be sold at different points of time within a day, which would finally lead to the optimum cost of power procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has considered a Delhi-based power distribution utility and has collected all relevant data from its archival sources. A stochastic optimization model has been developed to capture the problem of power procurement faced by the distribution utility, which is modelled as a mixed integer linear programming problem. Sensitivity analyses were carried out on the important parameters including hourly demand of power, unit variable cost of power available through PPAs, maximum back-down percentage allowed under PPAs, etc., to investigate their impact on daily cost of power under PPAs, daily cost of power under day-ahead and term-ahead options, daily sales revenue and also the net total daily cost of power procurement.

Findings

The findings include the appropriate volume of power procured from different suppliers through PPAs and from the power exchange under day-ahead and term-ahead options and also the surplus volume of power sold under the day-ahead arrangement. It has also computed the total cost of power purchased under PPAs, the cost of power purchased from the power exchange under day-ahead and term-ahead options and also the revenue generated out of the sale of surplus power under the day-ahead arrangement. In addition, it has also presented the results of sensitivity analyses, which provide rich managerial insights.

Originality/value

The paper makes two significant contributions to the existing body of power procurement literature. First, the stochastic mixed-integer linear programming model helps decision makers in determining the right volume of power to be purchased from different sources. Second, based on the findings of the procurement model, a power procurement framework is developed considering the dimensions of uncertainty in power supply and the cost of power procurement. This power procurement framework would aid managers in making procurement decisions under different scenarios.
Overcoming the social problems faced by contemporary Acehnese through the social political role of Acehnese clerics (Muslim scholars)
Authors: Jamil Tengku Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to critically understand and find out the socio-political role of the Acehnese ulamas (Muslim scholars) in solving and coping with social issues faced by contemporary Acehnese society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in the province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, especially in the districts of Aceh Utara, Pidie, Aceh Besar, Aceh Selatan and Aceh Timur. The locations were chosen based on the consideration of the objective conditions that many ulamas were dwelling and could easily be found in these areas. Besides, the locations are historically believed as the origins of the Acehnese that are so diverse. In addition, a large number of social problems frequently arose within those regions. The subjects of this research study were a number of community determined by purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for the data collection in this research were observation, in-depth interview and library study; and interpretative understanding was also used to analyze the data.

Findings

The existence of the Acehnese ulamas represents the government’s recognition to word the traditional institutional in Aceh. However, some people think that institutions are used by the government to exploit ulama as the mediator between the government and the society. For the Acehnese ulamas, the institution could be used to consolidate their power for the benefit of the people.

Originality/value

The various theories discussed are considered the framework and guidance for this study, especially in terms of data collection and data analysis. The new theories and relevant references will also possibly be added to the following study.
UAE Islamic banking promotional strategies: an empirical review
Authors: Muhammad Abid Mahmood , Basha Mohamed Bilal , AlHafidh Gail
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop, measure and empirically validate the promotional techniques adopted by Islamic banks and the effect of these methods on consumer interest in Islamic banking products and services in the UAE (United Arab Emirates).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through 250 questionnaires distributed randomly to customers of five leading UAE Islamic banks and, following outlier analysis, the final sample size was reduced to 205, representing a sample of 82% of polled respondents. Multiple regression analysis was used on four key factor determinants that contributed towards the customers’ attitude in determining the most influential promotional strategies adopted by the Islamic banks.

Findings

The study found that the promotional strategies adopted by the UAE Islamic banking sector are having a significant impact on customer attitude towards Islamic banking products and services. The use of mass media has been partially successful, while the use of social media as a promotional tool is predicted to further enhance competitiveness for the UAE Islamic banking industry.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to five leading UAE Islamic banks and a specified set of promotional techniques nevertheless its findings have potential implications and can be extended and validated through studying the customers’ attitude towards promotion techniques used by Islamic banks in the GCC and MENA regions.

Originality/value

This paper adds value to the limited research on modern marketing and promotional strategies adopted by UAE-based Islamic banks and while regionally specific, it is valuable in its potential application to the Islamic banking sector in the entire GCC and MENA region.
Managing new and remanufactured products with remanufacturing degree under patent protection
Authors: Cao Xiaogang , Wang Xianjia , Wen Hui
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a two-period model, including an original manufacturer, a retailer and a third-party remanufacturer, in which the products manufactured by the original manufacturer are patent-protected and the remanufacturing degree of remanufactured products influences the purchasing decisions of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the decisions of the original manufacturer, the retailer and the third-party remanufacturer of two periods, using Stackelberg game and obtains the equilibrium solutions of the three parties.

Findings

The study finds that consumers’ focus degree to the remanufacturing degree has a negative correlation with the equilibrium unit patent-licensing fee, the retail price of remanufactured products, the remanufacturing degree of remanufactured products and the wholesale price of new products in the first period, but has a positive correlation with the retail price of new products in the second period.

Originality/value

(1) Consumers’ focus degree to the remanufacturing degree has a negative correlation with the equilibrium unit patent-licensing fee, the retail price of remanufactured products, the remanufacturing degree of remanufactured products and the wholesale price of new products in the first period, but has a positive correlation with the retail price of new products in the second period. (2) The remanufacturing action efficiency of the third-party remanufacturer has a positive correlation with the equilibrium unit patent-licensing fee, the retail price of remanufactured products, the remanufacturing degree of remanufactured products and the wholesale and retail prices of new products in the second period.
GEP-based predictive modeling of breathing resistances of wearing respirators on human body via sEMG and RSP sensors
Authors: Chen Yumiao , Yang Zhongliang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Breathing resistance is the main factor that influences the wearing comfort of respirators. This paper aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using the gene expression programming (GEP) for the purpose of predicting subjective perceptions of breathing resistances of wearing respirators via surface electromyography (sEMG) and respiratory signals (RSP) sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a physiological signal monitoring system with a specific garment. The inputs included seven physical measures extracted from (RSP) and (sEMG) signals. The output was the subjective index of breathing resistances of wearing respirators derived from the category partitioning-100 scale with proven levels of reliability and validity. The prediction model was developed and validated using data collected from 30 subjects and 24 test combinations (12 respirator conditions × 2 motion conditions). The subjects evaluated 24 conditions of breathing resistances in repeated measures fashion.

Findings

The results show that the GEP model can provide good prediction performance (R2= 0.71, RMSE = 0.11). This study demonstrates that subjective perceptions of breathing resistance of wearing respirators on the human body can be predicted using the GEP via sEMG and RSP in real-time, at little cost, non-invasively and automatically.

Originality/value

This is the first paper suggesting that subjective perceptions of subjective breathing resistances can be predicted from sEMG and RSP sensors using a GEP model, which will remain helpful to the scientific community to start further human-centered research work and product development using wearable biosensors and evolutionary algorithms.
Building democratic citizenship competencies in K-5 economics through analysis of popular culture
Authors: Casey Erin M. , Casey Jay H.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Development of economic understandings fosters the growth of democratic citizenship competencies. Elements of popular culture should be recognized for the influence they have on children’s economic decisions. Children should learn of the concept of popular culture to regulate its effect on their habits and understand how it has shaped the lives of people throughout history. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a C3 inquiry investigation, this study explored if students from fifth grade to kindergarten could be engaged in higher-level thinking about economic concepts through the analysis of elements of popular culture in historical primary sources and then continue that analysis into popular culture of their own lives. Analyses of students’ discussions during each stage of the study provide descriptive statistics and themes to reveal understandings.

Findings

Results imply that children can successfully engage in document analysis and creation of accurate present-day popular culture artifacts and that children in second grade and above were subsequently influenced in their economic understandings about spending and saving money from popular culture analyses. Children in first grade and kindergarten were not successfully able to express these deeper connections, which may be explained by cognitive theory offered for this age range.

Originality/value

This research offers a unique way of combining the analysis of historic and present-day primary sources in order to understand the influences popular culture can have on economic-based behaviors. Novel approaches, which use the C3 framework to engage students in higher-order thinking of social studies disciplines, will help build stronger democratic citizenship competencies in children.
Nemolizumab in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: An exploratory analysis of work productivity and activity impairment in a randomized phase II study
Authors: Mihara Ryosuke , Kabashima Kenji , Furue Masutaka , Nakano Miwa , Ruzicka Thomas
Published: June 2019

Atopic dermatitis negatively impacts work productivity. This study investigated the impact of nemolizumab on work productivity and activity impairment in adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled by topical treatments in a two‐part, phase II, randomized control trial. The Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis questionnaire was an exploratory end‐point. Part A was a 12‐week, placebo‐controlled study in which patients received s.c. nemolizumab 0.1, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg every 4 weeks or 2.0 mg/kg every 8 weeks. Part B was a 52‐week extension in which all patients received active treatment. A total of 138 patients had Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis data; 104 were employed at baseline. At week 12, patients receiving nemolizumab every 4 weeks showed greater mean (standard error) Work Productivity and Activity Impairment – Atopic Dermatitis improvement (score reduction) from baseline versus placebo: Percent Work Time Missed (0.1, 0.5 or 2.0 mg/kg vs placebo): –4.0% (3.9%), –1.7% (4.2%) and –1.6% (4.2%) versus 4.9% (4.5%); Percent Impairment While Working, –15.8% (6.0%), –24.1% (6.5%) and –34.3% (6.4%) versus –16.5% (7.1%); Percent Overall Work Impairment, –16.3% (6.0%), –23.1% (6.5%) and –34.5% (6.3%) versus –16.6% (7.1%); and Percent Activity Impairment, –13.4% (5.3%), –23.5% (5.3%) and –41.9% (5.5%) versus –10.9% (5.7%). Improvements were sustained through week 64. Nemolizumab‐treated patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis reported improvements in Work Productivity and Activity Impairment through week 64.
Remnant forest in Costa Rican working landscapes fosters bird communities that are indistinguishable from protected areas
Authors: Karp Daniel S. , Echeverri Alejandra , Zook Jim , Juárez Pedro , Ke Alison , Krishnan Jaya , Chan Kai M.A. , Frishkoff Luke O.
Published: June 2019

The outcome of the ongoing biodiversity crisis depends on the capacity of the Earth’s wildlife to persist in working landscapes. Yet, the species that occupy working landscapes are often distinct from those in protected areas, with a large group of “sensitive species” thought to rarely venture into human‐dominated landscapes. As governments have committed to restoring degraded lands world‐wide, determining whether and how working landscapes can be restored to benefit sensitive species remains a major challenge.

We surveyed Neotropical birds across Northwestern Costa Rica in protected areas, farms and forests embedded within working landscapes. We analysed community composition to understand how gradients of forest cover, fragmentation and regional precipitation determine how conserving (or restoring) tropical forests in working landscapes could safeguard entire communities, especially sensitive species with limited ranges.

We found agricultural sites maintained relatively high bird diversity but hosted very distinct communities from those found in protected areas. The average range size of species found in agricultural communities was double the size of species in protected areas. However, high forest cover sites in working landscapes housed bird communities with small range sizes that were equivalent to those in nearby protected areas, despite being twice as fragmented and significantly more disturbed.

The effect of local forest cover on bird composition was contingent on both landscape context and regional climate. When local forest cover increased in wetter regions and more forested landscapes, bird communities in working landscapes exhibited a stronger shift towards the assemblages found in protected areas. Specifically, we found that reforesting the wettest sites would increase similarity to protected areas fourfold compared to only a twofold increase in the driest sites.

Synthesis and applications. Despite experiencing much more fragmentation and degradation than protected areas, forests in Costa Rican working landscapes can maintain bird communities that strongly resemble those found in protected areas. This suggests that conserving or restoring forests in working landscapes, particularly within wetter regions and already forested landscapes, may safeguard bird communities when creating protected areas is infeasible.
Modelling the combined impact of interventions in averting deaths during a synthetic‐opioid overdose epidemic
Authors: Irvine Michael A. , Kuo Margot , Buxton Jane A. , Balshaw Robert , Otterstatter Michael , Macdougall Laura , Milloy M‐J. , Bharmal Aamir , Henry Bonnie , Tyndall Mark , Coombs Daniel , Gilbert Mark
Published: June 2019

Background and aims

The province of British Columbia (BC) Canada has experienced a rapid increase in illicit drug overdoses and deaths during the last 4 years, with a provincial emergency declared in April 2016. These deaths have been driven primarily by the introduction of synthetic opioids into the illicit opioid supply. This study aimed to measure the combined impact of large‐scale opioid overdose interventions implemented in BC between April 2016 and December 2017 on the number of deaths averted.

Design

We expanded on the mathematical modelling methodology of our previous study to construct a Bayesian hierarchical latent Markov process model to estimate monthly overdose and overdose‐death risk, along with the impact of interventions.

Setting and Cases

Overdose events and overdose‐related deaths in BC from January 2012 to December 2017.

Interventions

The interventions considered were take‐home naloxone kits, overdose prevention/supervised consumption sites and opioid agonist therapy

Measurements

Counterfactual simulations were performed with the fitted model to estimate the number of death events averted for each intervention and in combination.

Findings

Between April 2016 and December 2017, BC observed 2177 overdose deaths (77% fentanyl‐detected). During the same period, an estimated 3030 (2900–3240) death events were averted by all interventions combined. In isolation, 1580 (1480–1740) were averted by take‐home naloxone, 230 (160–350) by overdose prevention services and 590 (510–720) were averted by opioid agonist therapy.

Conclusions

A combined intervention approach has been effective in averting overdose deaths during British Columbia's opioid overdose crisis in the period since declaration of a public health emergency (April 2016–December 2017). However, the absolute numbers of overdose deaths have not changed.
In vitro antioxidation effect of Quercetin on sperm function from the infertile patients with leukocytospermia
Authors: Diao Ruiying , Gan Huimei , Tian Fuying , Cai Xueyong , Zhen Wanhua , Song Xiaolu , Duan Yong‐Gang
Published: June 2019

Problem

Quercetin has been shown to display intensive antioxidant activity against ROS‐mediated damage in chilled semen, and the effects and molecular mechanisms of Quercetin on sperm function in the infertile patients with leukocytospermia remain largely unknown.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from the infertile men with leukocytospermia (n = 56) and fertile men (n = 44). Computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA) was used to determine sperm motility before and after Quercetin incubation (10 μmol/L). Changes in H2O2, sperm mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), cytochrome B (Cty B), and NADH dehydrogenase 5 (NADH5) contents were measured. Furthermore, hyperactivated motility (HA) and acrosome reaction rates were detected after the stimulation by progesterone with or without Quercetin, respectively.

Results

Quercetin could significantly improve sperm motility from the leukocytospermic patients. The level of H2O2was significantly decreased in the supernatant of leukocytospermic patients after Quercetin treatment. The content of mtDNA in sperm was significantly decreased, whereas the contents of Cyt B and NADH 5 in sperm were significantly increased. Sperm hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction induced by progesterone were enhanced by Quercetin in sperm from the infertile men with leukocytospermia.

Conclusion

These data indicate Quercetin could display protective effects against oxidative damage on sperm from the infertile men with leukocytospermia.
Clinical and demographic predictors of repeat stone surgery
Authors: Iremashvili Viacheslav , Li Shuang , Best Sara L. , Hedican Sean P. , Nakada Stephen Y.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To identify the clinical and demographic predictors of repeat stone surgery.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed 1496 consecutive patients, aged > 18 years, who underwent stone surgery at our institution in the period from January 2009 to May 2017 and who had at least 12 months of postoperative follow‐up. We defined surgical recurrence as repeat surgery on the same renal unit or on the opposite renal unit if the original imaging did not demonstrate significant stones on that side. Characteristics associated with the risk of surgical recurrence in univariate Cox regression analysis were entered into a multivariate model.

Results

Most patients underwent ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy (83.0%). Approximately 60% of the patients had a personal history of stone disease and 50% were obese. Over a mean (median; interquartile range) follow‐up of 4.1  (3.9; 2.4–5.9) years, 24.5% of patients had surgical recurrence, with 82% of repeat surgeries performed for symptomatic nephrolithiasis. The factors associated with increased risk of surgical recurrence in the multivariate model were: age <60 years, female gender, malabsorptive gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, recurrent urinary tract infections, personal history of nephrolithiasis, renal stones and bilateral nephrolithiasis. The hazard ratios for these variables ranged within an interval of <0.5 (from 1.30 to 1.71).

Conclusion

We identified eight demographic and clinical factors associated with increased risk of repeat renal stone surgery. These factors could be combined as a numerical count that allows stratification of patients into low‐, intermediate‐ and high‐risk subgroups.
Roles of organic anion transporter 2 and equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 in hepatic disposition and antiviral activity of entecavir during non‐pregnancy and pregnancy
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Lu Shuanghui , Sun Dongli , Bai Mengru , Jiang Ting , Lin Nengming , Zhou Hui , Zeng Su , Jiang Huidi
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Entecavir (ETV), a first‐line antiviral drug against hepatitis B virus (HBV), has the possibility to be used to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission. The aim of present study was to clarify the mechanism of ETV uptake into hepatocytes and evaluate the alteration of ETV's hepatic distribution during pregnancy.

Experimental Approach

The roles of equilibrative nucleotide transporter (ENT) 1 and organic anion transporter (OAT) 2 in ETV accumulation and anti‐HBV efficacy were studied in human ENT1 or OAT2 overexpressed cell models and HepG2.2.15 cells, respectively; meanwhile, the liver‐to‐plasma ETV concentration ratios in non‐pregnant and pregnant mice were measured to evaluate the effect of pregnancy on ETV hepatic distribution.

Key Results

ETV was shown to be a substrate of ENT1 and OAT2. An ENT1 inhibitor significantly decreased the efficacy of ETV in HepG2.2.15 cells, while overexpression of OAT2 increased susceptibility of HBV to ETV. The liver‐to‐plasma ETV concentration ratios in pregnant mice were sharply reduced; whereas, the absolute concentration of ETV in the liver did not obviously alter in pregnancy. Although oestradiol and progesterone showed a concentration‐dependent inhibition on ETV accumulation both in hepatic cell lines and in primary human hepatocytes, a physiologically relevant concentration of oestradiol and progesterone did not affect antiviral activity of ETV.

Conclusions and Implications

OAT2 and ENT1 are the main transporters involved in the hepatic uptake and anti‐HBV efficacy of ETV. The concentration of ETV in the liver was not obviously altered during pregnancy, which indicates that dosage adjustment in pregnancy is not necessary.
Paradoxical effects of exercise on hippocampal plasticity and cognition in mice with a heterozygous null mutation in the serotonin transporter gene
Authors: Rogers Jake , Chen Feng , Stanic Davor , Farzana Farheen , Li Shanshan , Zeleznikow‐Johnston Ariel M. , Nithianantharajah Jess , Churilov Leonid , Adlard Paul A. , Lanfumey Laurence , Hannan Anthony J. , Renoir Thibault
Published: June 2019

Background and Purpose

Exercise is known to improve cognitive function, but the exact synaptic and cellular mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the potential role of the serotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SERT) in mediating these effects.

Experimental Approach

Hippocampal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and neurogenesis were measured in standard‐housed and exercising (wheel running) wild‐type (WT) and SERT heterozygous (HET) mice. We also assessed hippocampal‐dependent cognition using the Morris water maze (MWM) and a spatial pattern separation touchscreen task.

Key Results

SERT HET mice had impaired hippocampal LTP regardless of the housing conditions. Exercise increased hippocampal neurogenesis in WT mice. However, this was not observed in SERT HET animals, even though both genotypes used the running wheels to a similar extent. We also found that standard‐housed SERT HET mice displayed altered cognitive flexibility than WT littermate controls in the MWM reversal learning task. However, SERT HET mice no longer exhibited this phenotype after exercise. Cognitive changes, specific to SERT HET mice in the exercise condition, were also revealed on the touchscreen spatial pattern separation task, especially when the cognitive pattern separation load was at its highest.

Conclusions and Implications

Our study is the first evidence of reduced hippocampal LTP in SERT HET mice. We also show that functional SERT is required for exercise‐induced increase in adult neurogenesis. Paradoxically, exercise had a negative impact on hippocampal‐dependent cognitive tasks, especially in SERT HET mice. Taken together, our results suggest unique complex interactions between exercise and altered 5‐HT homeostasis.