bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pyCycle: A Tool for Efficient Optimization of Gas Turbine Engine Cycles
Authors: Hendricks Eric S. , Gray Justin S.
Published: August 2019

Aviation researchers are increasingly focusing on unconventional vehicle designs with tightly integrated propulsion systems to improve overall aircraft performance and reduce environmental impact. Properly analyzing these types of vehicle and propulsion systems requires multidisciplinary models that include many design variables and physics-based analysis tools. This need poses a challenge from a propulsion modeling standpoint because current state-of-the-art thermodynamic cycle analysis tools are not well suited to integration into vehicles level models or to the application of efficient gradient-based optimization techniques that help to counteract the increased computational costs. Therefore, the objective of this research effort was to investigate the development a new thermodynamic cycle analysis code, called pyCycle, to address this limitation and enable design optimization of these new vehicle concepts. This paper documents the development, verification, and application of this code to the design optimization of an advanced turbofan engine. The results of this study show that pyCycle models compute thermodynamic cycle data within 0.03% of an identical Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) model. pyCycle also provides more accurate gradient information in three orders of magnitude less computational time by using analytic derivatives. The ability of pyCycle to accurately and efficiently provide this derivative information for gradient-based optimization was found to have a significant benefit on the overall optimization process with wall times at least seven times faster than using finite difference methods around existing tools. The results of this study demonstrate the value of using analytic derivatives for optimization of cycle models, and provide a strong justification for integrating derivatives into other important engineering analyses.
Irish Equine Industry Stakeholder Perspectives of Objective Technology for Biomechanical Analyses in the Field
Authors: Egan Sonja , Brama Pieter , McGrath Denise
Published: August 2019

Wearable sensing technologies are increasingly used in human and equine gait research to improve ecological validity of research findings. It is unclear how these tools have penetrated the equine industry or what perspectives industry stakeholders’ hold in relation to these relatively new devices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with Irish equine industry stakeholders to understand their perception of objective tools for biomechanical analysis in the field. The study participants came from professional/elite backgrounds in both the sport horse (n = 6) and thoroughbred (n = 6) sectors. The interview data were analysed using thematic analysis, resulting in four analytical themes. The first theme conveys the importance of tacit knowledge and experience in the holistic analysis of a horse. Theme two highlights that the perfect horse does not exist therefore, equine athlete management is complex and requires a multi-layered problem-solving approach. Theme three describes an awareness among stakeholders of technologies, however they are sceptical of their value. The final theme identified that one of the key barriers to technology adoption is the economic value of the horse and the cost of implementing technology herd-wide. Our findings highlight the need for a user-centred design in this domain, which requires greater consultation and learning between technology developers and equine stakeholders to develop fit-for-purpose analysis and monitoring tools.
Gold Nanoparticles and Nanorods in Nuclear Medicine: A Mini Review
Authors: Maccora Daria , Dini Valentina , Battocchio Chiara , Fratoddi Ilaria , Cartoni Antonella , Rotili Dante , Castagnola Massimo , Faccini Riccardo , Bruno Isabella , Scotognella Teresa , Giordano Alessandro , Venditti Iole
Published: August 2019

In the last decade, many innovative nanodrugs have been developed, as well as many nanoradiocompounds that show amazing features in nuclear imaging and/or radiometabolic therapy. Their potential uses offer a wide range of possibilities. It can be possible to develop nondimensional systems of existing radiopharmaceuticals or build engineered systems that combine a nanoparticle with the radiopharmaceutical, a tracer, and a target molecule, and still develop selective nanodetection systems. This review focuses on recent advances regarding the use of gold nanoparticles and nanorods in nuclear medicine. The up-to-date advancements will be shown concerning preparations with special attention on the dimensions and functionalizations that are most used to attain an enhanced performance of gold engineered nanomaterials. Many ideas are offered regarding recent in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the recent clinical trials and applications are discussed.
Accumulation of Amyloid Beta (Aβ) Peptide on Blood Vessel Walls in the Damaged Brain after Transient Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Martins Antonio , Zayas-Santiago Astrid , Ferrer-Acosta Yancy , Martinez-Jimenez Solianne , Zueva Lidia , Diaz-Garcia Amanda , Inyushin Mikhail
Published: August 2019

It is well known that amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are generated in blood vessels, released into the brain during thrombosis, and temporarily accumulate in this organ after injury. Here we demonstrate that 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), one of the standard models of focal ischemic stroke, Aβ peptide accumulates in the brain, concentrating on the blood vessel walls. Because Aβ oligomers are known to induce significant damage to brain cells, they act as an additional damaging factor during ischemic stroke. Considering that they have been shown to form ion channels in cells, affecting osmotic balance, we used an Aβ peptide channel blocker, tromethamine (2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl) propane-1,3-diol), to prevent this additional injury. Tromethamine injected 0.1 g/100 g body weight intraperitoneally at 5 min before tMCAO decreased water content in the damaged hemisphere, as measured by dry brain weight. Congo red staining, which binds only to Aβ oligomer plaques (amyloid), showed that there was no significant presence of plaques. Therefore, we suggest that Aβ peptide oligomers are responsible for some of the brain damage during stroke and that blockage of the ion channels that they form could be beneficial in treating this complex neurological syndrome.
The Roles of Statistics in Human Neuroscience
Authors: Chén Oliver Y.
Published: August 2019

Statistics plays three important roles in brain studies. They are (1) the study of differences between brains in distinctive populations; (2) the study of the variability in the structure and functioning of the brain; and (3) the study of data reduction on large-scale brain data. I discuss these concepts using examples from past and ongoing research in brain connectivity, brain information flow, information extraction from large-scale neuroimaging data, and neural predictive modeling. Having dispensed with the past, I attempt to present a few areas where statistical science facilitates brain decoding and to write prospectively, in the light of present knowledge and in the quest for artificial intelligence, about questions that statistical and neurobiological communities could work closely together to address in the future.
Atypical BRAF and NRAS Mutations in Mucosal Melanoma
Authors: Dumaz Nicolas , Jouenne Fanélie , Delyon Julie , Mourah Samia , Bensussan Armand , Lebbé Céleste
Published: August 2019

Primary mucosal melanomas represent a minority of melanomas, but have a significantly worse prognosis than cutaneous melanomas. A better characterization of the molecular pathogenesis of this melanoma subtype could help us understand the risk factors associated with the development of mucosal melanomas and highlight therapeutic targets. Because the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway plays such a significant role in melanoma development, we explore v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) and neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations in mucosal melanoma and compare them to the mutation profiles in cutaneous melanoma and other tumors with BRAF and NRAS mutations. We show that in addition to being less frequent, BRAF and NRAS mutations are different in mucosal melanoma compared to cutaneous melanomas. Strikingly, the BRAF and NRAS mutation profiles in mucosal melanoma are closer to those found in cancers such as lung cancer, suggesting that mutations in mucosal melanoma could be linked to some genotoxic agents that remain to be identified. We also show that the atypical BRAF and NRAS mutations found in mucosal melanomas have particular effects on protein activities, which could be essential for the transformation of mucosal melanocytes.
Prognostic Significance of CT-Attenuation of Tumor-Adjacent Breast Adipose Tissue in Breast Cancer Patients with Surgical Resection
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Kim Sung Yong , Lee Hyun Ju , Han Sun Wook , Lee Jong Eun , Lee Sang Mi
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of computed tomography (CT)-attenuation of tumor-adjacent breast adipose tissue for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with breast cancer. We retrospectively enrolled 287 breast cancer patients who underwent pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. From non-contrast-enhanced CT images of PET/CT, CT-attenuation values of tumor-adjacent breast adipose tissue (TAT HU) and contralateral breast adipose tissue (CAT HU) were measured. Difference (HU difference) and percent difference (HU difference %) in CT-attenuation values between TAT HU and CAT HU were calculated. The relationships of these breast adipose tissue parameters with tumor factors and RFS were assessed. TAT HU was significantly higher than CAT HU (p < 0.001). TAT HU, HU difference, and HU difference % showed significant correlations with T stage and estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status (p < 0.05), whereas CAT HU had no significant relationships with tumor factors (p > 0.05). Patients with high TAT HU, HU difference, and HU difference % had significantly worse RFS than those with low values (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, TAT HU and HU difference % were significantly associated with RFS after adjusting for clinico-pathologic factors (p < 0.05). CT-attenuation of tumor-adjacent breast adipose tissue was significantly associated with RFS in patients with breast cancer. The findings seem to support the close contact between breast cancer cells and tumor-adjacent adipocytes observed with imaging studies.
Intranasally Administered Exosomes from Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Have Preventive Neuroprotective Effects and Contribute to Functional Recovery after Perinatal Brain Injury
Authors: Thomi Gierin , Joerger-Messerli Marianne , Haesler Valérie , Muri Lukas , Surbek Daniel , Schoeberlein Andreina
Published: August 2019

Perinatal brain injury (PBI) in preterm birth is associated with substantial injury and dysmaturation of white and gray matter, and can lead to severe neurodevelopmental deficits. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been suggested to have neuroprotective effects in perinatal brain injury, in part through the release of extracellular vesicles like exosomes. We aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of intranasally administered MSC-derived exosomes and their potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcome after PBI. Exosomes were isolated from human Wharton’s jelly MSC supernatant using ultracentrifugation. Two days old Wistar rat pups were subjected to PBI by a combination of inflammation and hypoxia-ischemia. Exosomes were intranasally administered after the induction of inflammation and prior to ischemia, which was followed by hypoxia. Infrared-labeled exosomes were intranasally administered to track their distribution with a LI-COR scanner. Acute oligodendrocyte- and neuron-specific cell death was analyzed 24 h after injury in animals with or without MSC exosome application using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical counterstaining. Myelination, mature oligodendroglial and neuronal cell counts were assessed on postnatal day 11 using immunohistochemistry, Western blot or RT-PCR. Morris water maze assay was used to evaluate the effect of MSC exosomes on long-term neurodevelopmental outcome 4 weeks after injury. We found that intranasally administered exosomes reached the frontal part of the brain within 30 min after administration and distributed throughout the whole brain after 3 h. While PBI was not associated with oligodendrocyte-specific cell death, it induced significant neuron-specific cell death which was substantially reduced upon MSC exosome application prior to ischemia. MSC exosomes rescued normal myelination, mature oligodendroglial and neuronal cell counts which were impaired after PBI. Finally, the application of MSC exosomes significantly improved learning ability in animals with PBI. In conclusion, MSC exosomes represent a novel prevention strategy with substantial clinical potential as they can be administered intranasally, prevent gray and white matter alterations and improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcome after PBI.
Effect of Chitosan-Ascorbic Acid Coatings on the Refrigerated Storage Stability of Fresh-Cut Apples
Authors: Özdemir Kübra Sultan , Gökmen Vural
Published: August 2019

Using natural antimicrobial substances in edible films becomes crucial to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut fruits due to the consumers’ preferences. In this study chitosan and ascorbic acid based film was used to improve the shelf-life of fresh-cut apples. Fresh-cut apple cubes were dipped in water (control), ascorbic acid (1%) or mixtures of chitosan–ascorbic acid in different ratios (1%:1%, 2%:2% or 1%:5%) for 5 min. After draining, fresh-cut apples were packed in sterile polypropylene jars and stored at 5 °C for 14 days. The treatment with chitosan and ascorbic acid suppressed browning, retained flesh firmness and maintained phenolic compounds throughout the storage period. Moreover, the treatment with chitosan–ascorbic acid significantly retarded the microbial growth during storage. Those findings suggested that the best performance was acquired in 1% chitosan and 5% ascorbic acid coating. That coating could be practical and useful to prolonging the chemical and microbial shelf lives of fresh-cut apples during refrigerated storage.
Vitachelox: Protection of the Skin Against Blue Light-Induced Protein Carbonylation
Authors: Togni Stefano , Maramaldi Giada , Cavagnino Andrea , Corti Ambra , Giacomelli Luca
Published: August 2019

Protein carbonylation (PC) is a marker of reactive oxygen species-mediated alterations induced by external stimuli such as UV and blue light irradiation. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Vitachelox®, a mixture of three standardized natural extracts rich in polyphenols, against PC induced by blue light irradiation in human keratinocytes. We tested eight experimental conditions, including Vitachelox® 0.01% and 0.005% w/v, used for 6 or 24 h before irradiation, and a solution of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as positive control of protection. PC was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in situ and by absolute quantification (Carbonyl Score) upon protein extraction and separation. Both the in situ visualization study and the carbonyl score showed a considerable increase in protein oxidative damage upon blue light irradiation, and a decrease in PC in the presence of Vitachelox®. In particular, Vitachelox® 0.005% showed superior results compared to NAC in terms of carbonyl score and protein quality, and it was estimated to exert a protective action against blue-light irradiation ranging from 72% (24 h) to 82% (6 h). The protective antioxidant effect of Vitachelox®, together with the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties previously reported, make this natural active ingredient a valuable tool in the maintenance of healthy skin.
Deep-Reinforcement Learning-Based Co-Evolution in a Predator–Prey System
Authors: Wang Xueting , Cheng Jun , Wang Lei
Published: August 2019

Understanding or estimating the co-evolution processes is critical in ecology, but very challenging. Traditional methods are difficult to deal with the complex processes of evolution and to predict their consequences on nature. In this paper, we use the deep-reinforcement learning algorithms to endow the organism with learning ability, and simulate their evolution process by using the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm in a large-scale ecosystem. The combination of the two algorithms allows organisms to use experiences to determine their behavior through interaction with that environment, and to pass on experience to their offspring. Our research showed that the predators’ reinforcement learning ability contributed to the stability of the ecosystem and helped predators obtain a more reasonable behavior pattern of coexistence with its prey. The reinforcement learning effect of prey on its own population was not as good as that of predators and increased the risk of extinction of predators. The inconsistent learning periods and speed of prey and predators aggravated that risk. The co-evolution of the two species had resulted in fewer numbers of their populations due to their potentially antagonistic evolutionary networks. If the learnable predators and prey invade an ecosystem at the same time, prey had an advantage. Thus, the proposed model illustrates the influence of learning mechanism on a predator–prey ecosystem and demonstrates the feasibility of predicting the behavior evolution in a predator–prey ecosystem using AI approaches.
Two Measures of Dependence
Authors: Lapidoth Amos , Pfister Christoph
Published: August 2019

Two families of dependence measures between random variables are introduced. They are based on the Rényi divergence of order

α

and the relative

α

-entropy, respectively, and both dependence measures reduce to Shannon’s mutual information when their order

α

is one. The first measure shares many properties with the mutual information, including the data-processing inequality, and can be related to the optimal error exponents in composite hypothesis testing. The second measure does not satisfy the data-processing inequality, but appears naturally in the context of distributed task encoding.
SARM: Salah Activities Recognition Model Based on Smartphone
Authors: Ahmad Nafees , Han Lansheng , Iqbal Khalid , Ahmad Rashid , Abid Muhammad Adil , Iqbal Naeem
Published: August 2019

Alzheimer’s is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that frequently occurs in many people today. It has a major effect on the routine activities of affected people. Previous advancement in smartphone sensors technology enables us to help people suffering from Alzheimer’s. For people in the Muslim community, where it is mandatory to offer prayers five times a day, it may mean that they are struggling in their daily life prayers due to Alzheimer’s or lack of concentration. To deal with such a problem, automated mobile sensor-based activity recognition applications can be supportive to design accurate and precise solutions with an objective to direct the Namazi (worshipper). In this paper, a Salah activities recognition model (SARM) using a mobile sensor is proposed with the aim to recognize specific activities, such as Al-Qayam (standing), Ruku (standing to bowing), and Sujud (standing to prostration). This model entails the collection of data, selection and placement of sensor, data preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. The proposed model will provide a stepping edge to develop an application for observing prayer. For these activities’ recognition, data sets were collected from ten subjects, and six different features sets were used to get improved results. Extensive experiments were performed to test and validate the model features to train random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), naive Bayes (NB), and decision tree (DT). The predicted average accuracy of RF, KNN, NB, and DT was 97%, 94%, 71.6%, and 95% respectively.
Analytical and Numerical Study for the Determination of a Thermoelectric Generator’s Internal Resistance
Authors: Kramer Loise Rissini , Maran Anderson Luis Oliveira , de Souza Samara Silva , Ando Junior Oswaldo Hideo
Published: August 2019

The conversion of residual thermal energy into electricity using TEGs (Thermoelectric Generators) arises as a promising technological alternative for increasing energy efficiency and power generation. In order to optimize the performance of TEGs, it is known that the maximum output power is obtained by matching the impedances between the TEG and the connected load. Therefore, the objective of this work is to present the development of a numerical and a simplified analytical model to determine the internal resistance (Rint) and predict the open circuit voltage, charge voltage, current and power values of TEGs. The models have used as reference the thermoelectric module TEHP 1263-1.5 (Thermonamic), with the analytical one being based on the classical theory of electrical circuit analysis and, for the numerical one, a three-dimensional geometric model was developed and the set of equations were solved in the COMSOL Multiphysics® tool by the finite element method. The Rint obtained by the analytical and numerical models were, respectively, 3.157 Ω and 6.027 Ω, and the value supplied by the supplier is 3.154 Ω. Therefore, the analytical model is indicated as a reference to estimate Rint of the TEG, allowing optimizing its use by choosing the load resistance that will result in the maximum power.
Evaluation of Accommodation Capability for Electric Vehicles of a Distribution System Considering Coordinated Charging Strategies
Authors: Deng Qing , Feng Changsen , Wen Fushuan , Tseng Chung-Li , Wang Lei , Zou Bo , Zhang Xizhu
Published: August 2019

In recent years, the ever-increasing charging demand of electric vehicles (EVs) imposes challenges on both power supply security and reliability in the distribution system. In this paper, an EV accommodation capability evaluation model of a distribution system, with high penetrations of flexible resources, is established. Firstly, according to the actual classifications of EVs and transportation rules, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to simulate the charging behaviors of EVs so as to obtain the relevant parameters of EV charging. Then, a coordinated charging optimization model for various types of EVs is proposed based on the charging characteristics of EVs. The presented model comprises a mixed-integer linear programming problem and a constrained optimization problem which are respectively solved by CPLEX (the Simplex method implemented in the °C programming language) and the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Last of all, a real-life distribution system in the coastal areas of China is served for demonstrating the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed approach. Moreover, the impacts of flexible resources, distribution network zoning rules, and EV growth on the EV accommodation capability of a distribution system are also discussed.
The Effect of Season of the Year on the Frequency and Degree of Damage during Commercial Thinning in Black Alder Stands in Poland
Authors: Grzywiński Witold , Turowski Rafał , Naskrent Bartłomiej , Jelonek Tomasz , Tomczak Arkadiusz
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of season of the year on the frequency and degree of damage to residual trees caused during winter and summer timber harvesting operations in young alder stands. Analyses were conducted in pure black alder (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) stands aged 38 and 40 years, located in north-eastern Poland. Chainsaw logging was performed in the cut-to-length (CTL) system, while timber was extracted using an agricultural tractor with a trailer with manual timber loading and unloading. Damage caused in the stand as a result of early thinning operations was evaluated in terms of: (1) damage location, (2) wound size, (3) wound depth, and (4) the distance of the damaged tree from the skid trail. Timber harvesting caused damage in 8.3% of trees remaining in the stand. Both the total number of damaged trees (p = 0.001) and the number of trees damaged during felling (p = 0.01) and extraction of timber (p < 0.001) were greater in summer than in winter. Irrespective of the season, two-thirds of all cases of damage were caused during timber extraction, with 67.7% of damage recorded on trunks or root collars and 32.3% on roots. Irrespective of the season and the technological operation, slightly over 50% of cases of damage were small wounds of max. 10 cm2. The proportions of medium-sized wounds (11–100 cm2) and large wounds (over 100 cm2) were comparable. The majority of damaged trees (85.1%) were found in the vicinity (<1 m) of the skid trails. The frequency of tree damage near the skid trail was twice as large in summer as in winter (p < 0.001).
Toxicological Studies of Czech Beers and Their Constituents
Authors: Merinas-Amo Tania , Merinas-Amo Rocío , García-Zorrilla Victoria , Velasco-Ruiz Alejandro , Chladek Ladislav , Plachy Vladimir , del Río-Celestino Mercedes , Font Rafael , Kokoska Ladislav , Alonso-Moraga Ángeles
Published: August 2019

Background: Czech beers are unique because they are brewed using specific technology at a particular latitude and for being entirely produced in the area of the Czech Republic. The purpose of this work is the evaluation of toxicological effects of a variety of freeze-dried Czech beers, their raw materials (malts, hops and yeast) and processed-beer (wort, hopped wort and young beer). Methods: In vivo assays to evaluate the safety and protective effects in the Drosophila melanogaster eukaryotic system, and the in vitro evaluations of chemopreventive and DNA damage activity using the HL-60 tumour human cell line were carried out. Results: The safe effects for all the analysed substances and general protective effects against H2O2 were shown both at the individual and genomic level in the Drosophila animal model, with some exceptions. Moreover, all the substances were able to inhibit the tumour cell growth and to induce DNA damage in the HL-60 cells at different levels (proapoptotic, single/double strands breaks and methylation status). Conclusions: The promising effects shown by freeze-dried Czech beers due to their safety, protection against a toxin, chemopreventive potential and the induction of DNA damage in tumour cells, allow the proposition of Czech beer as a beverage with nutraceutic potential.
Pharmacogenomic Biomarkers in Docetaxel Treatment of Prostate Cancer: From Discovery to Implementation
Authors: Varnai Reka , Koskinen Leena M. , Mäntylä Laura E. , Szabo Istvan , FitzGerald Liesel M. , Sipeky Csilla
Published: August 2019

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cause of male cancer death worldwide. Although docetaxel chemotherapy has been used for more than fifteen years to treat metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, the high inter-individual variability of treatment efficacy and toxicity is still not well understood. Since prostate cancer has a high heritability, inherited biomarkers of the genomic signature may be appropriate tools to guide treatment. In this review, we provide an extensive overview and discuss the current state of the art of pharmacogenomic biomarkers modulating docetaxel treatment of prostate cancer. This includes (1) research studies with a focus on germline genomic biomarkers, (2) clinical trials including a range of genetic signatures, and (3) their implementation in treatment guidelines. Based on this work, we suggest that one of the most promising approaches to improve clinical predictive capacity of pharmacogenomic biomarkers in docetaxel treatment of prostate cancer is the use of compound, multigene pharmacogenomic panels defined by specific clinical outcome measures. In conclusion, we discuss the challenges of integrating prostate cancer pharmacogenomic biomarkers into the clinic and the strategies that can be employed to allow a more comprehensive, evidence-based approach to facilitate their clinical integration. Expanding the integration of pharmacogenetic markers in prostate cancer treatment procedures will enhance precision medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Sport Locus of Control and Perceived Stress among College Student-Athletes
Authors: Holden Shelley L. , Forester Brooke E. , Williford Henry N. , Reilly Erin
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the study was to analyze athletes’ motivation for sport participation as it related to their locus of control. Research was conducted at two Division I universities in the southeastern United States. Participants were given the Sport Locus of Control and Perceived Stress among College Athletes surveys. There were 126 participants with a mean age of 19.69 ± 1.32 years. A Pearson correlation (r) was performed to determine a significant relationship between perceived stress and locus of control. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between the two variables (r = −0.393 and p = 0.001) (a moderate relationship). As perceived stress scores increased, locus of control scores decreased. Correlations related to perceived stress were gender (r = 0.323, p = 0.000), and grade point average (GPA) (r = −0.213, p = 0.01). The only other independent variable that was significantly related to locus of control was being on an academic scholarship (r = −0.203, p = 0.025). Athletes who have an external locus of control feel that they have little control over their circumstances. Findings of this study give coaches another factor to consider in retaining and getting the most from their athletes.
A Novel Adaptation of the HOME Inventory for Elders: The Importance of the Home Environment Across the Life Course
Authors: Hale Kathryn , Østbye Truls , Perera Bilesha , Bradley Robert , Maselko Joanna
Published: August 2019

The context in which dependents, regardless of age, receive care affects their health. This study adapted the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory, originally designed for child development research, to assess the quality of stimulation and support available to elders in their habitual households in Sri Lanka. Whether the adapted domains correlated with indicators of health and well-being in ways consistent with the child development literature was then examined. Through mixed-methods research based on 248 household surveys, four focus groups, and 15 interviews, three domains emerged: Physical Environment, Variety of Stimulation, and Emotional and Verbal Responsiveness. Regression modeling revealed that a higher quality physical home environment correlated with two measures of cognitive function after adjusting for covariates, but no consistent association with two psychological well-being scales. In contrast, higher Variety of Stimulation scores correlated with better cognitive function and lower psychological distress. There was no consistent correlation between Responsiveness and selected health outcomes. Qualitative data indicate that elders are active household contributors who strive to achieve harmonious relations with coresident kin. These findings reveal notable synergies between early and late life efforts to improve cognitive and psychological health, and highlight household considerations for future healthy aging research.
A Multilevel Study of Alcohol Consumption in Young Adults: Self-Efficacy, Peers’ Motivations and Protective Strategies
Authors: Tabernero Carmen , Luque Bárbara , Cuadrado Esther
Published: August 2019

In both developing and underdeveloped countries there has been a worrying increase in the number of young people drinking alcohol; this public health problem warrants more research. This multilevel study analyzed the influence of drinking refusal self-efficacy, peers’ motivation, and protective behavioral strategies as predictors of alcohol consumption in a sample of 261 young people arranged into 52 social groups (peers who regularly shared leisure activities). A series of questionnaires were administered individually to evaluate beliefs and behaviors related to alcohol consumption at both individual level (drinking refusal self-efficacy) and peer level (enhancement motivation and protective behavioral strategies). The results showed that the individual variable (drinking refusal self-efficacy) predicted alcohol consumption behaviors. The multilevel design allowed us to evaluate the direct and moderated effects of peers’ enhancement motivation and protective behavioral strategies on the relationship between self-efficacy and drinking behavior. These results show the importance of developing cognitive, behavioral, and educational intervention programs to increase young people and university students’ confidence and ability to use protective strategies, in order to reduce alcohol use.
The Effect of Static and Dynamic Stretching Exercises on Sprint Ability of Recreational Male Volleyball Players
Authors: Alipasali Foteini , Papadopoulou Sophia D. , Gissis Ioannis , Komsis Georgios , Komsis Stergios , Kyranoudis Angelos , Knechtle Beat , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: August 2019

The aim of the present trial was to investigate the effect of two stretching programs, a dynamic and a static one, on the sprint ability of recreational volleyball players. The sample consisted of 27 male recreational volleyball players (age 21.6 ± 2.1 years, mean ± standard deviation, body mass 80.3 ± 8.9 kg, height 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body mass index 24.3 ± 2.5 kg.m−2, volleyball experience 7.7 ± 2.9 years). Participants were randomly divided into three groups: (a) the first performing dynamic stretching exercises three times per week, (b) the second following a static stretching protocol on the same frequency, and (c) the third being the control group, abstaining from any stretching protocol. The duration of the stretching exercise intervention period was 6 weeks, with all groups performing baseline and final field sprinting tests at 4.5 and 9 m. The post-test sprint times were faster in both the 4.5 (p = 0.027, η2 = 0.188) and 9 m tests (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.605) compared to the pre-test values. A large time × group interaction was shown in both the 4.5 (p = 0.007, η2 = 0.341) and 9 m tests (p = 0.004, η2 = 0.363) with the static and dynamic stretching groups being faster in the post-test than in the pre-test, whereas no change was found in the control group. The percentage change in the 4.5 m sprint time correlated with volleyball experience (r = −0.38, p = 0.050), i.e., the longer the volleyball experience, the larger the improvement in the 4.5 m sprint. Thus, it is concluded that both stretching techniques have a positive effect on the velocity of recreational male volleyball players, when performed at a frequency of three times per week for 6 weeks under the same conditions as defined in the study protocol.
Effects of αβ-Blocker Versus β1-Blocker Treatment on Heart Rate Response During Incremental Cardiopulmonary Exercise in Japanese Male Patients with Subacute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nemoto Shinji , Kasahara Yusuke , Izawa Kazuhiro P. , Watanabe Satoshi , Yoshizawa Kazuya , Takeichi Naoya , Kamiya Kentaro , Suzuki Norio , Omiya Kazuto , Matsunaga Atsuhiko , Akashi Yoshihiro J.
Published: August 2019

A simplified substitute for heart rate (HR) at the anaerobic threshold (AT), i.e., resting HR plus 30 beats per minute or a percentage of predicted maximum HR, is used as a way to determine exercise intensity without cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) data. However, difficulties arise when using this method in subacute myocardial infarction (MI) patients undergoing beta-blocker therapy. This study compared the effects of αβ-blocker and β1-blocker treatment to clarify how different beta blockers affect HR response during incremental exercise. MI patients were divided into αβ-blocker (n = 67), β1-blocker (n = 17), and no-β-blocker (n = 47) groups. All patients underwent CPX one month after MI onset. The metabolic chronotropic relationship (MCR) was calculated as an indicator of HR response from the ratio of estimated HR to measured HR at AT (MCR-AT) and peak exercise (MCR-peak). MCR-AT and MCR-peak were significantly higher in the αβ-blocker group than in the β1-blocker group (p < 0.001, respectively). Multiple regression analysis revealed that β1-blocker but not αβ-blocker treatment significantly predicted lower MCR-AT and MCR-peak (β = −0.432, p < 0.001; β = −0.473, p < 0.001, respectively). Based on these results, when using the simplified method, exercise intensity should be prescribed according to the type of beta blocker used.
A Comparison of the Impact of Two Methods of Nutrition-Behavioral Intervention on Selected Auxological and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Prepubertal Children—Crossover Preliminary Study
Authors: Kozioł-Kozakowska Agnieszka , Wójcik Małgorzata , Furtak Aleksandra , Januś Dominika , Starzyk Jerzy B.
Published: August 2019

Obese children are exposed to short and long-term health consequences, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. For these reasons, the prevention and treatment of obesity in the pediatric population is a challenge for health care professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an intensive intervention based on diet and physical activity has a better impact on the auxological and biochemical parameters than standard care (intervention). The study included 20 children (six boys, 14 girls), of the mean age 8.9 (SD 1.4) before puberty. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (starting treatment with intensive intervention), and II (starting treatment with standard intervention). After three months, the groups were switched. The comparison of the two interventions in the study group indicates a better effectiveness of intensive intervention in the improvement of anthropometric parameters and majority of biochemical ones (except for insulin concentration, HOMA IR index and LDL cholesterol). As the result of intensive intervention, the mean % of weight-to-height excess and hip circumference decreased significantly (p < 0.005). Our results confirm that complex intervention based on systematic control visits, including personalized dietitian counselling and physician care, during the weight reduction process is more effective than a one-off standard visit.
Identification of Sugarcane Host Factors Interacting with the 6K2 Protein of the Sugarcane Mosaic Virus
Authors: Zhang Hai , Cheng Guangyuan , Yang Zongtao , Wang Tong , Xu Jingsheng
Published: August 2019

The 6K2 protein of potyviruses plays a key role in the viral infection in plants. In the present study, the coding sequence of 6K2 was cloned from Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) strain FZ1 into pBT3-STE to generate the plasmid pBT3-STE-6K2, which was used as bait to screen a cDNA library prepared from sugarcane plants infected with SCMV based on the DUALmembrane system. One hundred and fifty-seven positive colonies were screened and sequenced, and the corresponding full-length genes were cloned from sugarcane cultivar ROC22. Then, 24 genes with annotations were obtained, and the deduced proteins were classified into three groups, in which eight proteins were involved in the stress response, 12 proteins were involved in transport, and four proteins were involved in photosynthesis based on their biological functions. Of the 24 proteins, 20 proteins were verified to interact with SCMV-6K2 by yeast two-hybrid assays. The possible roles of these proteins in SCMV infection on sugarcane are analyzed and discussed. This is the first report on the interaction of SCMV-6K2 with host factors from sugarcane, and will improve knowledge on the mechanism of SCMV infection in sugarcane.
Heat-Responsive Proteomics of a Heat-Sensitive Spinach Variety
Authors: Li Shanshan , Yu Juanjuan , Li Ying , Zhang Heng , Bao Xuesong , Bian Jiayi , Xu Chenxi , Wang Xiaoli , Cai Xiaofeng , Wang Quanhua , Wang Pengcheng , Guo Siyi , Miao Yuchen , Chen Sixue , Qin Zhi , Dai Shaojun
Published: August 2019

High temperatures seriously limit plant growth and productivity. Investigating heat-responsive molecular mechanisms is important for breeding heat-tolerant crops. In this study, heat-responsive mechanisms in leaves from a heat-sensitive spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) variety Sp73 were investigated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE)-based and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)-based proteomics approaches. In total, 257 heat-responsive proteins were identified in the spinach leaves. The abundance patterns of these proteins indicated that the photosynthesis process was inhibited, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging pathways were initiated, and protein synthesis and turnover, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism were promoted in the spinach Sp73 in response to high temperature. By comparing this with our previous results in the heat-tolerant spinach variety Sp75, we found that heat inhibited photosynthesis, as well as heat-enhanced ROS scavenging, stress defense pathways, carbohydrate and energy metabolism, and protein folding and turnover constituting a conservative strategy for spinach in response to heat stress. However, the heat-decreased biosynthesis of chlorophyll and carotenoid as well as soluble sugar content in the variety Sp73 was quite different from that in the variety Sp75, leading to a lower capability for photosynthetic adaptation and osmotic homeostasis in Sp73 under heat stress. Moreover, the heat-reduced activities of SOD and other heat-activated antioxidant enzymes in the heat-sensitive variety Sp73 were also different from the heat-tolerant variety Sp75, implying that the ROS scavenging strategy is critical for heat tolerance.
An Integrated Uncertainty-Based Bridge Inspection Decision Framework with Application to Concrete Bridge Decks
Authors: Atadero Rebecca A. , Jia Gaofeng , Abdallah Abdelrahman , Ozbek Mehmet E.
Published: August 2019

The limitations of the standard two-year interval for the visual inspection of bridges required by the U.S. National Bridge Inspection Standards have been well documented, and alternative approaches to bridge inspection planning have been presented in recent literature. This paper explores a different strategy for determining the interval between inspections and the type of inspection technique to use for bridges. The foundational premise of the proposed approach is that bridge inspections are conducted to increase knowledge about the bridge’s current condition, and therefore, are only required when uncertainty about the knowledge of the bridge condition is too high. An example case of a reinforced concrete bridge deck was used to demonstrate how this approach would work. The method utilized deterioration models for predicting corrosion and crack initiation time, considering the uncertainty in the models’ parameters. Bridge inspections were used to update the current condition information and model parameters through Bayesian updating. As this paper presents a new idea for inspection planning, not all of the data or models necessary to fully develop and validate the approach currently exist. Nonetheless, the method was applied to a simulated example which demonstrates how the timing and means of bridge inspection can be tailored to provide the required data about individual bridges needed for effective bridge management decision making.
Remifentanil Alleviates Propofol-Induced Burst Suppression without Affecting Bispectral Index in Female Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jung Dahye , Yang Sungwon , Lee Min Soo , Lee Yoonki
Published: August 2019

The bispectral index is affected by various factors, such as noxious stimuli and other drugs, such as muscle relaxants. The burst suppression ratio from bispectral index monitoring is correlated with electroencephalographic burst suppression, which is associated with deep anesthesia, metabolic disorders, and brain injury. We assessed patients undergoing total intravenous anesthesia and examined the effects of remifentanil on the bispectral index, burst suppression ratio, and hemodynamic changes immediately after loss of consciousness with propofol. Seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status class I and II Korean female patients scheduled for general anesthesia were administered propofol with an effect-site concentration of 5 μg/mL, using a target-controlled infusion (TCI). After losing consciousness, patients received either saline or remifentanil at an effect-site concentration of 5 ng/mL for 10 min. During this period, we recorded the bispectral index values, including burst suppression ratio, blood pressure, and heart rate. With remifentanil infusion, burst suppression ratios were lower (p < 0.01) but bispectral values were not different. The burst suppression ratio was significantly different at 6, 7, 8, and 10 min after remifentanil infusion (p < 0.05). In female patients with propofol-induced unconsciousness, remifentanil alleviated the burst suppression ratio without affecting the bispectral value.
Pavlovian-To-Instrumental Transfer and Alcohol Consumption in Young Male Social Drinkers: Behavioral, Neural and Polygenic Correlates
Authors: Garbusow Maria , Nebe Stephan , Sommer Christian , Kuitunen-Paul Sören , Sebold Miriam , Schad Daniel J. , Friedel Eva , Veer Ilya M. , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Rapp Michael A. , Ripke Stephan , Walter Henrik , Huys Quentin J. M. , Schlagenhauf Florian , Smolka Michael N. , Heinz Andreas
Published: August 2019

In animals and humans, behavior can be influenced by irrelevant stimuli, a phenomenon called Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT). In subjects with substance use disorder, PIT is even enhanced with functional activation in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and amygdala. While we observed enhanced behavioral and neural PIT effects in alcohol-dependent subjects, we here aimed to determine whether behavioral PIT is enhanced in young men with high-risk compared to low-risk drinking and subsequently related functional activation in an a-priori region of interest encompassing the NAcc and amygdala and related to polygenic risk for alcohol consumption. A representative sample of 18-year old men (n = 1937) was contacted: 445 were screened, 209 assessed: resulting in 191 valid behavioral, 139 imaging and 157 genetic datasets. None of the subjects fulfilled criteria for alcohol dependence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-TextRevision (DSM-IV-TR). We measured how instrumental responding for rewards was influenced by background Pavlovian conditioned stimuli predicting action-independent rewards and losses. Behavioral PIT was enhanced in high-compared to low-risk drinkers (b = 0.09, SE = 0.03, z = 2.7, p < 0.009). Across all subjects, we observed PIT-related neural blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal in the right amygdala (t = 3.25, pSVC = 0.04, x = 26, y = −6, z = −12), but not in NAcc. The strength of the behavioral PIT effect was positively correlated with polygenic risk for alcohol consumption (rs = 0.17, p = 0.032). We conclude that behavioral PIT and polygenic risk for alcohol consumption might be a biomarker for a subclinical phenotype of risky alcohol consumption, even if no drug-related stimulus is present. The association between behavioral PIT effects and the amygdala might point to habitual processes related to out PIT task. In non-dependent young social drinkers, the amygdala rather than the NAcc is activated during PIT; possible different involvement in association with disease trajectory should be investigated in future studies.