bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent and Parent Experiences of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pediatric Chronic Pain: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Kanstrup Marie , Jordan Abbie , Kemani Mike K.
Published: September 2019

Pediatric chronic pain is common and can be related to reduced functioning in many domains for the young person and their parents. Existing psychological treatments such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have shown to be effective, but improvements are needed. Qualitative approaches can help improve our understanding of treatment processes and outcomes. The aim of the present qualitative interview study was to explore the lived experiences of young people and parents who had participated in ACT for pediatric chronic pain. Four young persons and four parents were interviewed, and data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three themes were generated, each comprising two subthemes: (1) ‘Warning system’, which included experiences from being offered this psychological intervention, and the alternative explanations provided for pain; (2) ‘Change and challenges’, which suggested the importance of the values-based work, and of individual adaptation; and (3) ’A common language’ in which the interaction with others and new ways to communicate around the pain experience were described. Findings highlight the importance of pain education, formulating and acting in line with personal values, and communication around the pain experience, as well as the need for developmental and individual adaptations of interventions.
Validation and Improvement of the WRF Building Environment Parametrization (BEP) Urban Scheme
Authors: Gohil Kanishk , Jin Menglin
Published: September 2019

The building environment parameterization scheme (BEP) is a built-in “urban physics” scheme in the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model. The urbanized College Park (CP) in Maryland state (MD) in the United States (US) covers an approximate land area of 14.8 km2 and has a population of 32,000 (reported by The United States Census Bureau, as of 2017). This study was an effort to validate and improve the BEP urban physics scheme for a small urban setting, College Park, MD. Comparing the WRF/BEP-simulated two-meter air temperatures with the local rooftop WeatherBug® observations and with the airport observations, systemic deficiencies in BEP for urban heat island effect simulation are evident. Specifically, WRF/BEP overestimates the two-meter air temperature by about 10 °F during clear summer nights and slightly underestimates it during noon of the same days by about 1–3 °F. Similar deficiencies in skin temperature simulations are also evident in WRF/BEP. Modification by adding an anthropogenic heat flux term resulted in better estimates for both skin and two-meter air temperatures on diurnal and seasonal scales.
Influence of the Hamaker Constant on the Value of the Critical Thickness of Foam Films
Authors: Ivanova-Stancheva Dilyana
Published: September 2019

The aim of the present study was to check the influence of the Hamaker constant (A(h)) on the calculated critical thickness of foam films. It was done by a comparison between the experimental data of the critical thickness and the theoretically obtained data with different values of (A(h)), which take part in the equations of Radoev, Scheludko, Manev, and Vrij. We calculated the latter for film thicknesses from 15 to 70 nm based on several equations. We used the experimental data of hcr (average value of critical thickness and measured once, in the place of a spot appearance) for foam films stabilized by non-ionic surfactant n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (C12G2) or by cationic surfactant n-dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (C12TAB), as measured by the interferometric method. The foam films were produced from solutions with surfactant concentration at CMC (Critical Micelle Concentration) in the presence of 0.1 M NaBr. For films of C12G2, the best correspondence was found between measured hcr (in the spot) and calculated ones by the RShM equation using effective A(h) (introduced by Coons et al.) or Vassilieff’s values, but with a correction for the added electrolyte. For films stabilized by C12TAB, a difference between the measured and theoretically calculated hcr was found, which was probably due to the nature of the surfactant. Nevertheless, this difference was smallest when calculated hcr values were obtained with data for Aeff (h) and Vassilieff’s A(h) constant, respectively.
Dielectric Properties of Chiral Ferroelectric Liquid Crystalline Compounds with Three Aromatic Rings Connected by Ester Groups
Authors: Das Malay Kumar , Barman Barnali , Das Banani , Hamplová Věra , Bubnov Alexey
Published: September 2019

The tilted ferroelectric SmC* phase of three structurally different series having three aromatic rings in the core structure connected by ester groups with different end alkyl chain lengths, all of which are derived from lactic acid, have been observed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Introduction of structural variations within the liquid crystalline compounds has led to the formation of chiral nematic N*, or the paraelectric orthogonal SmA* phase at higher temperatures. The dielectric spectra strongly depend both on the temperature as well as the specific molecular structure of the self-assembling compounds possessing the ferroelectric polar order. The results reveal a strong Goldstone mode in the ferroelectric SmC* phase with ~kHz relaxation frequency. In the SmC* phase, the real and imaginary parts of the complex permittivity increase up to certain temperature near the SmC*-N*/SmA* transition and then decrease with increasing temperature, perhaps due to the disruption of the molecular domains at the onset of the SmA*/N* phase transition. The dielectric strength attains a maximum value in the SmC* phase and then decreases near the SmA*/N* phase transition. The dielectric strength is also influenced by the lengths of the alkyl chain and the nature of the connecting unit of the constituent molecules. The relaxation time and the relaxation frequency are found to vary with the molecular structure of the studied ferroelectric compounds.
Value Premium and Technical Analysis: Evidence from the China Stock Market
Authors: Lam Keith S. K. , Dong Liang , Yu Bo
Published: September 2019

We find value premium in the Chinese stock market using a conventional buy-and-hold approach which longs the portfolio with the highest BM ratio and shorts the one with the lowest BM ratio. Based on the finding, we test a new strategy by combining the value premium effect and technical analysis. During the sample period (1995 to 2015), we trade the objective portfolio or risk-free asset according to the moving average timing signals, and we find excess return from such a zero-cost trading strategy. We perform various robustness tests and find that the excess returns remain significantly positive after adjusting for risks (on three factor models) and transaction costs. In general, we find that the combined trading strategy can generate significant positive risk-adjusted returns after the transaction costs.
Weight-Constrained Neural Networks in Forecasting Tourist Volumes: A Case Study
Authors: Livieris Ioannis E. , Pintelas Emmanuel , Kotsilieris Theodore , Stavroyiannis Stavros , Pintelas Panagiotis
Published: September 2019

Tourism forecasting is a significant tool/attribute in tourist industry in order to provide for careful planning and management of tourism resources. Although accurate tourist volume prediction is a very challenging task, reliable and precise predictions offer the opportunity of gaining major profits. Thus, the development and implementation of more sophisticated and advanced machine learning algorithms can be beneficial for the tourism forecasting industry. In this work, we explore the prediction performance of Weight Constrained Neural Networks (WCNNs) for forecasting tourist arrivals in Greece. WCNNs constitute a new machine learning prediction model that is characterized by the application of box-constraints on the weights of the network. Our experimental results indicate that WCNNs outperform classical neural networks and the state-of-the-art regression models: support vector regression, k-nearest neighbor regression, radial basis function neural network, M5 decision tree and Gaussian processes.
Transitioning Island Energy Systems—Local Conditions, Development Phases, and Renewable Energy Integration
Authors: Marczinkowski Hannah , Alberg Østergaard Poul , Roth Djørup Søren
Published: September 2019

Islands typically have sensitive energy systems depending on natural surroundings, but innovative technologies and the exploitation of renewable energy (RE) sources present opportunities like self-sufficiency, but also challenges, such as grid instability. Samsø, Orkney, and Madeira are in the transition to increase the RE share towards 100%—however, this is addressed in different ways depending on the local conditions and current development phases in the transition. Scenarios focusing on the short-term introduction of new technologies in the energy systems are presented, where the electricity sector is coupled with the other energy sectors. Here, both smart grid and sector-integrating solutions form an important part in the next 5–15 years. The scenarios are analyzed using the modeling tool EnergyPLAN, enabling a comparison of today’s reference scenarios with 2030 scenarios of higher RE share. By including three islands across Europe, different locations, development stages, and interconnection levels are analyzed. The analyses suggest that the various smart grid solutions play an important part in the transition; however, local conditions, sector integration, and balancing technologies even more so. Overall, the suggestions complement each other and pave the way to reach 100% RE integration for both islands and, potentially, other similar regions.
Flexibility Services to Minimize the Electricity Production from Fossil Fuels. A Case Study in a Mediterranean Small Island
Authors: Crainz Manfredi , Curto Domenico , Franzitta Vincenzo , Longo Sonia , Montana Francesco , Musca Rossano , Riva Sanseverino Eleonora , Telaretti Enrico
Published: September 2019

The design of multi-carrier energy systems (MESs) has become increasingly important in the last decades, due to the need to move towards more efficient, flexible, and reliable power systems. In a MES, electricity, heating, cooling, water, and other resources interact at various levels, in order to get optimized operation. The aim of this study is to identify the optimal combination of components, their optimal sizes, and operating schedule allowing minimizing the annual cost for meeting the energy demand of Pantelleria, a Mediterranean island. Starting from the existing energy system (comprising diesel generators, desalination plant, freshwater storage, heat pumps, and domestic hot water storages) the installation of solar resources (photovoltaic and solar thermal) and electrical storage were considered. In this way, the optimal scheduling of storage units injections, water desalination operation, and domestic hot water production was deduced. An energy hub model was implemented using MATLAB to represent the problem. All equations in the model are linear functions, and variables are real or integer. Thus, a mixed integer linear programming algorithm was used for the solution of the optimization problem. Results prove that the method allows a strong reduction of operating costs of diesel generators also in the existing configuration.
ERMOCTAVE: A Risk Management Framework for IT Systems Which Adopt Cloud Computing
Authors: Mackita Masky , Shin Soo-Young , Choe Tae-Young
Published: September 2019

Many companies are adapting cloud computing technology because moving to the cloud has an array of benefits. During decision-making, having processed for adopting cloud computing, the importance of risk management is progressively recognized. However, traditional risk management methods cannot be applied directly to cloud computing when data are transmitted and processed by external providers. When they are directly applied, risk management processes can fail by ignoring the distributed nature of cloud computing and leaving numerous risks unidentified. In order to fix this backdrop, this paper introduces a new risk management method, Enterprise Risk Management for Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation (ERMOCTAVE), which combines Enterprise Risk Management and Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation for mitigating risks that can arise with cloud computing. ERMOCTAVE is composed of two risk management methods by combining each component with another processes for comprehensive perception of risks. In order to explain ERMOCTAVE in detail, a case study scenario is presented where an Internet seller migrates some modules to Microsoft Azure cloud. The functionality comparison with ENISA and Microsoft cloud risk assessment shows that ERMOCTAVE has additional features, such as key objectives and strategies, critical assets, and risk measurement criteria.
Stability and Quality of Anthocyanin in Purple Sweet Potato Extracts
Authors: Chen Chin-Chia , Lin Chi , Chen Min-Hung , Chiang Po-Yuan
Published: September 2019

Because of the high nutritional value of anthocyanin in purple sweet potatoes (TN57), the stability and quality of anthocyanin in purple sweet potatoes during and after the processing were investigated in this study. First of all, the extraction methods with different parameters, such as temperature, time, solid-liquid ratio, pH value, and solvent were employed to get better extraction efficiencies. After that, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenz thiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) were used to evaluate the anti-oxidation ability of the extracts. Lastly, the thermal degradation kinetics and photodegradation were used to obtain important degradation factors including the content of anthocyanin residue, degradation index (DI), color parameters, reaction rate (k), and chromatic aberration (ΔE). We found that the extraction condition as using 60% ethanol with 1% citric acid under 80 °C for 40 min was optimal for purple sweet potatoes, which obtained antioxidant capacity as 333 μM TE DPPH, 376 μM TE ABTS+, and 593.6 μM TE ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The results indicate that the most important parameter for the stability of anthocyanin in the purple sweet potato extract (PSPAE) was the pH value rather than temperature. In addition, there was no significant difference in chromatic aberration between the light and dark storage conditions under 37 °C. Thus, PSPAE has the potential to be developed as health foods and drinks rich in anthocyanin.
Nutrient Properties and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance-Based Metabonomic Analysis of Macrofungi
Authors: Liu Dan , Chen Yu-Qing , Xiao Xiao-Wei , Zhong Ru-Ting , Yang Cheng-Feng , Liu Bin , Zhao Chao
Published: September 2019

Many delicious and nutritional macrofungi are widely distributed and used in East Asian regions, considered as edible and medicinal foods. In this study, 11 species of dried and fresh, edible and medicinal macrofungi, Ganoderma amboinense, Agaricus subrufescens, Dictyophora indusiata, Pleurotus sajor-caju, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus geesteranu, Hericium erinaceus, Stropharia rugosoannulata, Pleurotus sapidus, Antrodia camphorata, and Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Sing, were investigated to determine the content of their nutritional components, including proteins, fat, carbohydrates, trace minerals, coarse cellulose, vitamins, and amino acids. The amino acid patterns and similarity of macrofungi were distinguished through principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analyses, respectively. A total of 103 metabolic small molecules of macrofungi were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and were aggregated by heatmap. Moreover, the macrofungi were classified by principal component analysis based on these metabolites. The results show that carbohydrates and proteins are two main components, as well as the nutritional ingredients, that differ among various species and varied between fresh and dried macrofungi. The amino acid patterns in L. edodes and A. subrufescens were different compared with that of the other tested mushrooms.
Effect of Moist Cooking Blanching on Colour, Phenolic Metabolites and Glucosinolate Content in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis)
Authors: Managa Millicent G. , Remize Fabienne , Garcia Cyrielle , Sivakumar Dharini
Published: September 2019

Non-heading Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis) is a widely consumed leafy vegetable by the rural people in South Africa. Traditional blanching methods (5%, 10% or 20% lemon juice solutions in steam, microwave treatments and hot water bath at 95 °C) on the changes of colour properties, phenolic metabolites, glucosinolates and antioxidant properties were investigated in this study. Blanching at 95 °C in 5% lemon juice solution maintained the chlorophyll content, reduced the difference in colour change ∆E, and increased the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activities (ferric reducing-antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay). The highest concentration of kaempferol-dihexoside, kaempferol-sophoroside, kaempferol hexoside, and ferulic acid was noted in samples blanched in 5% lemon juice, at 95 °C. However, concentrations of kaempferol O-sophoroside-O-hexoside was highest in raw leaf samples. Supervised Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) and the UPLC-MS and chemometric approach showed the acid protocatechuoyl hexose unique marker identified responsible for the separation of the blanching treatments (5% lemon juice at 95° C) and raw leaves. However, other unidentified markers are also responsible for the separation of the two groups (the raw leaves and the hot water moist blanched samples) and these need to be identified. Blanching at 95 °C in 10% lemon solution significantly increased the glucosinolate sinigrin content. Overall blanching at 95 °C in 5% lemon juice solution can be recommended to preserve the functional compounds in Nightshade leaves.
Accumulation γ-Aminobutyric Acid and Biogenic Amines in a Traditional Raw Milk Ewe’s Cheese
Authors: Tofalo Rosanna , Perpetuini Giorgia , Battistelli Noemi , Pepe Alessia , Ianni Andrea , Martino Giuseppe , Suzzi Giovanna
Published: September 2019

The influence of calf (R1), kid (R2) and pig (R3) rennets on microbiota, biogenic amines (BAs) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) accumulation in raw milk ewe’s cheeses was evaluated. Cheeses were investigated at different ripening times for their microbial composition, free amino acids (FAAs), BAs and GABA content. Moreover, the expression of tyrosine (tdc) and histidine (hdc) decarboxylases genes was evaluated by quantitative Real Time–Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Microbial counts showed similar values in all samples. Pig rennet were cheeses were characterized by higher proteolysis and the highest values of BAs. The BAs detected were putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine, while histamine was absent. qRT-PCR confirmed this data, in fact hdc gene was not upregulated, while tdc gene expression increased over time in agreement with the increasing content of tyramine and the highest fold changes were detected in R3 cheeses. GABA showed the highest concentration in R2 cheeses reaching a value of 672 mg/kg. These results showed that the accumulation of BAs and GABA in Pecorino di Farindola is influenced by ripening time and type of coagulant. Further studies are required to develop starter cultures to reduce BAs content and improve health characteristics of raw milk ewe’s cheeses.
Characterization, Expression, and Interaction Analyses of OsMORF Gene Family in Rice
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Shen Lan , Ren Deyong , Hu Jiang , Chen Guang , Zhu Li , Gao Zhenyu , Zhang Guangheng , Guo Longbiao , Zeng Dali , Qian Qian
Published: September 2019

The multiple organellar RNA editing factors (MORF) gene family plays a key role in organelle RNA editing in flowering plants. MORF genes expressions are also affected by abiotic stress. Although seven OsMORF genes have been identified in rice, few reports have been published on their expression patterns in different tissues and under abiotic stress, and OsMORF–OsMORF interactions. In this study, we analyzed the gene structure of OsMORF family genes. The MORF family members were divided into six subgroups in different plants based on phylogenetic analysis. Seven OsMORF genes were highly expressed in leaves. Six and seven OsMORF genes expressions were affected by cold and salt stresses, respectively. OsMORF–OsMORF interaction analysis indicated that OsMORF1, OsMORF8a, and OsMORF8b could each interact with themselves to form homomers. Moreover, five OsMORF proteins were shown to be able to interact with each other, such as OsMORF8a and OsMORF8b interacting with OsMORF1 and OsMORF2b, respectively, to form heteromers. These results provide information for further study of OsMORF gene function.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiles of Late Embryogenesis-Abundant (LEA) Genes during Grain Maturation in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Datong , Sun Jing , Zhu Dongmei , Lyu Guofeng , Zhang Chunmei , Liu Jian , Wang Hui , Zhang Xiao , Gao Derong
Published: September 2019

Late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) genes play important roles in plant growth and development, especially the cellular dehydration tolerance during seed maturation. In order to comprehensively understand the roles of LEA family members in wheat, we carried out a series of analyses based on the latest genome sequence of the bread wheat Chinese Spring. 121 Triticum aestivum L. LEA (TaLEA) genes, classified as 8 groups, were identified and characterized. TaLEA genes are distributed in all chromosomes, most of them with a low number of introns (≤3). Expression profiles showed that most TaLEA genes expressed specifically in grains. By qRT-PCR analysis, we confirmed that 12 genes among them showed high expression levels during late stage grain maturation in two spring wheat cultivars, Yangmai16 and Yangmai15. For most genes, the peak of expression appeared earlier in Yangmai16. Statistical analysis indicated that expression level of 8 genes in Yangmai 16 were significantly higher than Yangmai 15 at 25 days after anthesis. Taken together, our results provide more knowledge for future functional analysis and potential utilization of TaLEA genes in wheat breeding.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring by a Mobile-Based Model in Chongqing, China: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Xiao Meng , Lei Xun , Zhang Fan , Sun Zhenxing , Harris Vanessa Catherine , Tang Xiaojun , Yan Lijing
Published: September 2019

Purpose: Increasing attention is being paid to the role of the intelligent self-management of hypertension under the context of increasing prevalence but limited medical resources. However, heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures has hindered the interpretation of research evaluating mobile health technologies for hypertension control, and little study of such technology has been performed in China. Objective: This was a feasibility study aimed to understand patient and medical practitioners’ acceptance and experience of a mobile-phone based platform for the management of hypertensive patients. Methods: The model used behavioral incentives for daily blood pressure measurement and physician-facing prioritization of patients based on level of blood-pressure control. Patients were enrolled by purposive sampling. The platform was used for two-week blood pressure monitoring through WeChat, which simulated our future app. Qualitative interviews with patients and providers were conducted in time. Results: Twenty hypertensive patients and two providers were enrolled and used the platform throughout the two weeks. Patients reported daily home blood pressure monitoring to be simple, feasible and increased their health awareness. Specifically, patients self-reported that reminders, the daily frequency and time of monitoring, and positive reinforcement were important for maintaining adherence. Providers reported that they could manage patients more quickly and accurately, but reasonable feedback information was needed to avoid excessive increases in workload. Conclusion: The adoption of mobile-based technology to monitor patient’s blood pressure may provide a practical solution for managing patients in Chongqing, China. Patient health education and enhanced app functionality could improve patient compliance and satisfaction while reducing provider workload.
What Has Been the Focus of Sugarcane Research? A Bibliometric Overview
Authors: Figueroa-Rodríguez Katia A. , Hernández-Rosas Francisco , Figueroa-Sandoval Benjamín , Velasco-Velasco Joel , Aguilar Rivera Noé
Published: September 2019

Sugarcane is one of the main crops worldwide, and it has an important impact on environmental issues. A bibliometric mapping analysis of the research on sugarcane was carried out, using data on the titles, abstracts, and keywords of articles published in leading journals and other peer-reviewed documents available in the SCOPUS database from 1858 to 2019 (27 August), and this was subsequently analyzed with the software VOSviewer. The three most important countries that publish research and were most-cited regarding sugarcane were Brazil, the USA, and India. The analysis of the co-occurrence of terms shows that the main research areas were sugarcane bagasse and terms related to bioenergy, and on a second level of relevance agronomy topics related to increasing crop yields. This first attempt to visualize the abundance of publications regarding sugarcane in their totality is in itself a good starting point for further scientific discussion.
Prevalence of Involuntary Environmental Cannabis and Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Multi-Unit Housing
Authors: Chu Alanna K. , Kaufman Pamela , Chaiton Michael
Published: September 2019

No research has examined the prevalence of involuntary cannabis exposure in the home within the context of multi-unit housing (MUH). The 2017 cycle of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor population RDD survey included measures of environmental cannabis smoke (ECS) and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) for Ontario, Canada. These ECS measures were defined for those who did not live in a detached dwelling self-reporting noticing any tobacco or cannabis smoke enter the home from a neighboring unit or from outside the building at least once in the past 6 months. Overall, 6.6% (95% CI: 4.5–9.5%) and 7.5% (9% CI: 5.4–10.4%) of the population reported being exposed to ETS and ECS in MUH respectively. Individuals exposed to ECS were single, had used cannabis in the past 12 months, and had lower household incomes. The prevalence of involuntary exposure to cannabis smoke is similar to exposure to tobacco smoke. Exposure correlates were primarily associated with characteristics of those who lived in MUH who tend to be members of more vulnerable populations.
Provincial Dietary Intake Study (PDIS): Prevalence and Sociodemographic Determinants of the Double Burden of Malnutrition in A Representative Sample of 1 to Under 10-Year-Old Children from Two Urbanized and Economically Active Provinces in South Africa
Authors: Senekal Marjanne , Nel Johanna H , Malczyk Sonia , Drummond Linda , Harbron Janetta , Steyn Nelia P
Published: September 2019

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic predictors of malnutrition in two urbanized economically active provinces (Gauteng N = 733, Western Cape N = 593) in South Africa. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was applied. Fieldworkers visited homes, measured children aged 1-<10-years old (N = 1326) and administered a questionnaire (mother/primary caregiver). In under-five year old children (N = 674) 21.6% were stunted [height-for-age z-score < −2 SD], 5.6 % underweight [weight-for-age z-score < −2 SD], 10.3% overweight (body mass index-for-age z-score) (BAZ)> +2 SD ≤ +3 SD] and 7.0% obese (BAZ > +3 SD). In 5–<10-year olds (N = 626) 6.7% were stunted, 6.8% underweight, 13.4% overweight and 6.8% obese. Stunting and overweight in the same child was present in 5.7% under-five year olds and 1.7% in 5–<10-year olds. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified having a mother with a post-grade 12 qualification (OR = 0.34) and having an obese mother (OR 0.46) as protectors and being in the under-five age group (OR = 3.73) as a risk factor for stunting. Being in the under-five age group was also a risk factor for a BAZ > 1 (OR 2.39), while being in the third wealth quintile was protective (OR = 0.62). Results indicate that stunting and overweight/obesity are still present at concerning levels, especially in the under-five age group.
Behavioral and Emotional Disorders and Transportation Noise among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schubert Melanie , Hegewald Janice , Freiberg Alice , Starke Karla , Augustin Franziska , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Zeeb Hajo , Seidler Andreas
Published: September 2019

Children and adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to environmental influences such as noise which can affect mental well-being. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of transportation noise on behavioral and emotional disorders in children and adolescents using a meta-analytic approach. Therefore, we searched four databases (Pubmed, Embase, PsychINFO, and PSYNDEX) and grey literature until February of 2019. We identified 14 articles from 10 studies examining the effect of transportation noise exposure on the mental health of children. These studies predominately used the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and mainly focused on schoolchildren and adolescents aged 9–10 years and 15–17 years in Europe. Three studies could be included in the meta-analysis. In sum, the odds for hyperactivity/inattention and total difficulties was significantly increased by 11% (Odds Ratio, OR = 1.11 (95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.04–1.19), respectively 9% (95% CI 1.02–1.16) per 10 dB road traffic noise. Thus, we obtained evidence for an effect of road traffic noise on hyperactivity/inattention and total difficulties, although we could consider few studies. Future studies are needed that use similar techniques to assess outcomes and exposures at schools and in homes. This would make it possible to conduct an individual participant data pooled analysis of the data.
U.S. Adolescent and Adult Women’s Experiences Accessing and Using Toilets in Schools, Workplaces, and Public Spaces: A Multi-Site Focus Group Study to Inform Future Research in Bladder Health
Authors: Camenga Deepa R. , Brady Sonya S. , Hardacker Cecilia T. , Williams Beverly R. , Hebert-Beirne Jeni , James Aimee S. , Burgio Kathryn , Nodora Jesse , Wyman Jean F. , Berry Amanda , Low Lisa K. ,   The Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium
Published: September 2019

The World Health Organization recognizes access to clean and safe toilets as crucial for public health. This study explored U.S. adolescent and adult cisgender women’s lived experiences accessing toilets in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. As part of the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium, we conducted 44 focus groups with female participants (n = 360; ages 11–93). Focus groups were stratified by age (11–14, 15–17, 18–25, 26–44, 45–64, 65+) and conducted across 7 geographically diverse U.S. sites from July 2017–April 2018. Using a transdisciplinary approach, we conducted conventional qualitative coding informed by our PLUS conceptual framework and used content analysis processes to identify salient themes. Across settings, toilet access was restricted by “gatekeepers” (i.e., individuals who control access to toilets). In contrast, self-restricting toilet use (deciding not to use the toilet despite biologic need to urinate) was based on internalized norms to prioritize school and job responsibilities over urination. In public spaces, self-restricting use was largely in response to lack of cleanliness. Across the life course, participants perceived gender disparities in the ability to easily access public toilets. Further research is needed to determine if and how these factors impact bladder health across the life course.
Job Satisfaction Mediates the Association between Perceived Disability and Work Productivity in Migraine Headache Patients
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Sarubbi Salvatore , Lamis Dorian A. , Rogante Elena , Canzonetta Valeria , Negro Andrea , Guglielmetti Martina , Sparagna Alice , De Angelis Valerio , Erbuto Denise , Pompili Maurizio , Martelletti Paolo
Published: September 2019

Migraine headache is the cause of an estimated 250,000,000 lost days from work or school every year and is often associated with decreased work productivity. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the relationship between perceived disability, job satisfaction and work productivity in patients affected by chronic migraineurs. Participants were 98 consecutive adult outpatients admitted to the Regional Referral Headache Centre of the Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome, Italy. Patients were administered the Italian Perceived Disability Scale, The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire–Work Subscale and The Endicott Work Productivity Scale. Perceived disability is significantly associated with job satisfaction and work productivity. Job satisfaction is significantly related to work productivity and mediates the association between perceived disability and work productivity in patients affected by chronic migraineurs. Our results confirm that patients suffering from migraine headaches who have negative perceptions of their disability are less satisfied with their job, which in turn, decreases their work productivity.
Japanese Lexical Variation Explained by Spatial Contact Patterns
Authors: Jeszenszky Péter , Hikosaka Yoshinobu , Imamura Satoshi , Yano Keiji
Published: September 2019

In this paper, we analyse spatial variation in the Japanese dialectal lexicon by assembling a set of methodologies using theories in variationist linguistics and GIScience, and tools used in historical GIS. Based on historical dialect atlas data, we calculate a linguistic distance matrix across survey localities. The linguistic variation expressed through this distance is contrasted with several measurements, based on spatial distance, utilised to estimate language contact potential across Japan, historically and at present. Further, administrative boundaries are tested for their separation effect. Measuring aggregate associations within linguistic variation can contrast previous notions of dialect area formation by detecting continua. Depending on local geographies in spatial subsets, great circle distance, travel distance and travel times explain a similar proportion of the variance in linguistic distance despite the limitations of the latter two. While they explain the majority, two further measurements estimating contact have lower explanatory power: least cost paths, modelling contact before the industrial revolution, based on DEM and sea navigation, and a linguistic influence index based on settlement hierarchy. Historical domain boundaries and present day prefecture boundaries are found to have a statistically significant effect on dialectal variation. However, the interplay of boundaries and distance is yet to be identified. We claim that a similar methodology can address spatial variation in other digital humanities, given a similar spatial and attribute granularity.
Regenerative Effect of Growth Hormone (GH) in the Retina after Kainic Acid Excitotoxic Damage
Authors: Martinez-Moreno Carlos G. , Epardo David , Balderas-Márquez Jerusa E. , Fleming Thomas , Carranza Martha , Luna Maricela , Harvey Steve , Arámburo Carlos
Published: September 2019

In addition to its role as an endocrine messenger, growth hormone (GH) also acts as a neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system (CNS), whose effects are involved in neuroprotection, axonal growth, and synaptogenic modulation. An increasing amount of clinical evidence shows a beneficial effect of GH treatment in patients with brain trauma, stroke, spinal cord injury, impaired cognitive function, and neurodegenerative processes. In response to injury, Müller cells transdifferentiate into neural progenitors and proliferate, which constitutes an early regenerative process in the chicken retina. In this work, we studied the long-term protective effect of GH after causing severe excitotoxic damage in the retina. Thus, an acute neural injury was induced via the intravitreal injection of kainic acid (KA, 20 µg), which was followed by chronic administration of GH (10 injections [300 ng] over 21 days). Damage provoked a severe disruption of several retinal layers. However, in KA-damaged retinas treated with GH, we observed a significant restoration of the inner plexiform layer (IPL, 2.4-fold) and inner nuclear layer (INL, 1.5-fold) thickness and a general improvement of the retinal structure. In addition, we also observed an increase in the expression of several genes involved in important regenerative pathways, including: synaptogenic markers (DLG1, NRXN1, GAP43); glutamate receptor subunits (NR1 and GRIK4); pro-survival factors (BDNF, Bcl-2 and TNF-R2); and Notch signaling proteins (Notch1 and Hes5). Interestingly, Müller cell transdifferentiation markers (Sox2 and FGF2) were upregulated by this long-term chronic GH treatment. These results are consistent with a significant increase in the number of BrdU-positive cells observed in the KA-damaged retina, which was induced by GH administration. Our data suggest that GH is able to facilitate the early proliferative response of the injured retina and enhance the regeneration of neurite interconnections.
IDE Degrades Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ through an Insulin Regulated Mechanism
Authors: Zingale Gabriele Antonio , Bellia Francesco , Ahmed Ikhlas Mohamed Mohamud , Mielczarek Przemyslaw , Silberring Jerzy , Grasso Giuseppe
Published: September 2019

Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) was applied to catalyze hydrolysis of Nociceptin/Orphanin 1-16 (OFQ/N) to show the involvement of the enzyme in degradation of neuropeptides engaged in pain transmission. Moreover, IDE degradative action towards insulin (Ins) was inhibited by the OFQ/N fragments, suggesting a possible regulatory mechanism in the central nervous system. It has been found that OFQ/N and Ins affect each other degradation by IDE, although in a different manner. Indeed, while the digestion of OFQ/N is significantly affected by the presence of Ins, the kinetic profile of the Ins hydrolysis is not affected by the presence of OFQ/N. However, the main hydrolytic fragments of OFQ/N produced by IDE exert inhibitory activity towards the IDE-mediated Ins degradation. Here, we present the results indicating that, besides Ins, IDE cleaves neuropeptides and their released fragments act as inhibitors of IDE activity toward Ins. Having in mind that IDE is present in the brain, which also contains Ins receptors, it cannot be excluded that this enzyme indirectly participates in neural communication of pain signals and that neuropeptides involved in pain transmission may contribute to the regulation of IDE activity. Finally, preliminary results on the metabolism of OFQ/N, carried out in the rat spinal cord homogenate in the presence of various inhibitors specific for different classes of proteases, show that OFQ/N proteolysis in rat spinal cord could be due, besides IDE, also to a cysteine protease not yet identified.
Diet-Induced Obese Mice and Leptin-Deficient Lepob/ob Mice Exhibit Increased Circulating GIP Levels Produced by Different Mechanisms
Authors: Lee Eunyoung , Miedzybrodzka Emily L. , Zhang Xilin , Hatano Ryo , Miyamoto Junki , Kimura Ikuo , Fujimoto Kosuke , Uematsu Satoshi , Rodriguez-Cuenca Sergio , Vidal-Puig Antonio , Gribble Fiona M. , Reimann Frank , Miki Takashi
Published: September 2019

As glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) possesses pro-adipogenic action, the suppression of the GIP hypersecretion seen in obesity might represent a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of obesity. However, the mechanism of GIP hypersecretion remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated GIP secretion in two mouse models of obesity: High-fat diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and leptin-deficient Lepob/ob mice. In DIO mice, plasma GIP was increased along with an increase in GIP mRNA expression in the lower small intestine. Despite the robust alteration in the gut microbiome in DIO mice, co-administration of maltose and the α-glucosidase inhibitor (α-GI) miglitol induced the microbiome-mediated suppression of GIP secretion. The plasma GIP levels of Lepob/ob mice were also elevated and were suppressed by fat transplantation. The GIP mRNA expression in fat tissue was not increased in Lepob/ob mice, while the expression of an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) was increased. Fat transplantation suppressed the expression of IL-1Ra. The plasma IL-1Ra levels were positively correlated with the plasma GIP levels. Accordingly, although circulating GIP levels are increased in both DIO and Lepob/ob mice, the underlying mechanisms differ, and the anti-obesity actions of α-GIs and leptin sensitizers may be mediated partly by the suppression of GIP secretion.
Current Trends in Applications of Circulatory Microchimerism Detection in Transplantation
Authors: Andrikovics Hajnalka , Őrfi Zoltán , Meggyesi Nóra , Bors András , Varga Lívia , Kövy Petra , Vilimszky Zsófia , Kolics Fanni , Gopcsa László , Reményi Péter , Tordai Attila
Published: September 2019

Primarily due to recent advances of detection techniques, microchimerism (the proportion of minor variant population is below 1%) has recently gained increasing attention in the field of transplantation. Availability of polymorphic markers, such as deletion insertion or single nucleotide polymorphisms along with a vast array of high sensitivity detection techniques, allow the accurate detection of small quantities of donor- or recipient-related materials. This diagnostic information can improve monitoring of allograft injuries in solid organ transplantations (SOT) as well as facilitate early detection of relapse in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). In the present review, genetic marker and detection platform options applicable for microchimerism detection are discussed. Furthermore, current results of relevant clinical studies in the context of microchimerism and SOT or allo-HSCT respectively are also summarized.
Monitoring of Low-Intensity Exposures via Luminescent Bioassays of Different Complexity: Cells, Enzyme Reactions, and Fluorescent Proteins
Authors: Kudryasheva Nadezhda S. , Kovel Ekaterina S.
Published: September 2019

The current paper reviews the applications of luminescence bioassays for monitoring the results of low-intensity exposures which produce a stimulative effect. The impacts of radioactivity of different types (alpha, beta, and gamma) and bioactive compounds (humic substances and fullerenols) are under consideration. Bioassays based on luminous marine bacteria, their enzymes, and fluorescent coelenteramide-containing proteins were used to compare the results of the low-intensity exposures at the cellular, biochemical, and physicochemical levels, respectively. High rates of luminescence response can provide (1) a proper number of experimental results under comparable conditions and, therefore, proper statistical processing, with this being highly important for “noisy” low-intensity exposures; and (2) non-genetic, i.e., biochemical and physicochemical mechanisms of cellular response for short-term exposures. The results of cellular exposures were discussed in terms of the hormesis concept, which implies low-dose stimulation and high-dose inhibition of physiological functions. Dependencies of the luminescence response on the exposure time or intensity (radionuclide concentration/gamma radiation dose rate, concentration of the bioactive compounds) were analyzed and compared for bioassays of different organization levels.
E-cadherin Downregulation and microRNAs in Sporadic Intestinal-Type Gastric Cancer
Authors: Rossi Tania , Tedaldi Gianluca , Petracci Elisabetta , Abou Khouzam Raefa , Ranzani Guglielmina Nadia , Morgagni Paolo , Saragoni Luca , Monti Manlio , Calistri Daniele , Ulivi Paola , Molinari Chiara
Published: September 2019

CDH1 gene, encoding E-cadherin, is a tumor suppressor gene frequently altered in gastric cancers (GCs) of both diffuse (DGC) and intestinal (IGC) histotypes, albeit through different mechanisms. The study aimed to characterize CDH1 expression in sporadic IGC and to investigate whether microRNAs (miRs) are involved in its transcriptional control. We evaluated CDH1 expression by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) in 33 IGC patients and found a significant downregulation in tumor tissues compared to normal counterparts (p-value = 0.025). Moreover, 14 miRs, predicted to be involved in CDH1 regulation in both a direct and indirect manner, were selected and analyzed by RT-qPCR in an independent case series of 17 IGCs and matched normal tissues. miR-101, miR-26b, and miR-200c emerged as significantly downregulated and were confirmed in the case series of 33 patients (p-value < 0.001). Finally, we evaluated EZH2 expression, a target of both miR-101 and miR-26b, which showed significant upregulation in IGCs (p-value = 0.005). A significant inverse correlation was observed between EZH2 overexpression and CDH1, miR-101, and miR-26b levels (p-value < 0.001). Our results reinforce the link between CDH1 and IGC, highlighting the role of miRs in its transcriptional control and improving our understanding of GC subtypes and biomarkers.
The Use of TAT Peptide-Functionalized Graphene as a Highly Nuclear-Targeting Carrier System for Suppression of Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: Shan Suyan , Jia Shujuan , Lawson Tom , Yan Lu , Lin Mimi , Liu Yong
Published: September 2019

Tumorous metastasis is a difficult challenge to resolve for researchers and for clinicians. Targeted delivery of antitumor drugs towards tumor cells’ nuclei can be a practical approach to resolving this issue. This work describes an efficient nuclear-targeting delivery system prepared from trans-activating transcriptional activator (TAT) peptide-functionalized graphene nanocarriers. The TAT peptide, originally observed in a human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), was incorporated with graphene via an edge-functionalized ball-milling method developed by the author’s research group. High tumor-targeting capability of the resulting nanocarrier was realized by the strong affinity between TAT and the nuclei of cancer cells, along with the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of two-dimensional graphene nanosheets. Subsequently, a common antitumor drug, mitomycin C (MMC), was covalently linked to the TAT-functionalized graphene (TG) to form a nuclear-targeted nanodrug MMC-TG. The presence of nanomaterials inside the nuclei of ocular choroidal melanoma (OCM-1) cells was shown using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy. In vitro results from a Transwell co-culture system showed that most of the MMC-TG nanodrugs were delivered in a targeted manner to the tumorous OCM-1 cells, while a very small amount of MMC-TG was delivered in a non-targeted manner to normal human retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells. TEM results further confirmed that apoptosis of OCM-1 cells was started from the lysis of nuclear substances, followed by the disappearance of nuclear membrane and cytoplasm. This suggests that the as-synthesized MMC-TG is a promising nuclear-target nanodrugfor resolution of tumorous metastasis issues at the headstream.