bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging and Tissue Biomarkers of Choline Metabolism in Diffuse Adult Glioma: 18F-Fluoromethylcholine PET/CT, Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, and Choline Kinase α
Authors: Grech-Sollars Matthew , Ordidge Katherine L , Vaqas Babar , Davies Claire , Vaja Vijay , Honeyfield Lesley , Camp Sophie , Towey David , Mayers Helen , Peterson David , O’Neill Kevin , Roncaroli Federico , Barwick Tara D , Waldman Adam D
Published: December 2019

The cellular and molecular basis of choline uptake on PET imaging and MRS-visible choline-containing compounds is not well understood. Choline kinase alpha (ChoKα) is an enzyme that phosphorylates choline, an essential step in membrane synthesis. We investigate choline metabolism through 18F-fluoromethylcholine (18F-FMC) PET, MRS, and tissue ChoKα in human glioma. Fourteen patients with a suspected diffuse glioma underwent multimodal 3T MRI and dynamic 18F-FMC PET/CT prior to surgery. Co-registered PET and MRI data were used to target biopsies to regions of high and low choline signal, and immunohistochemistry for ChoKα expression was performed. The 18F-FMC/PET differentiated WHO (World Health Organization) grade IV from grade II and III tumours, whereas MRS differentiated grade III/IV from grade II tumours. Tumoural 18F-FMC/PET uptake was higher than in normal-appearing white matter across all grades and markedly elevated within regions of contrast enhancement. The 18F-FMC/PET correlated weakly with MRS Cho ratios. ChoKα expression on IHC was negative or weak in all but one glioblastoma sample, and did not correlate with tumour grade or imaging choline markers. MRS and 18F-FMC/PET provide complimentary information on glioma choline metabolism. Tracer uptake is, however, potentially confounded by blood–brain barrier permeability. ChoKα overexpression does not appear to be a common feature in diffuse glioma.
NGF-Enhanced Vasculogenic Properties of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells Is Reduced by Inhibition of the COX-2/PGE2 Signaling Axis
Authors: Garrido Maritza P. , Hurtado Iván , Valenzuela-Valderrama Manuel , Salvatierra Renato , Hernández Andrea , Vega Margarita , Selman Alberto , Quest Andrew F. G. , Romero Carmen
Published: December 2019

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a lethal gynecological neoplasia characterized by extensive angiogenesis and overexpression of nerve growth factor (NGF). Here, we investigated the mechanism by which NGF increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and the vasculogenic potential of EOC cells, as well as the contribution of the cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2) signaling axis to these events. EOC biopsies and ovarian cell lines were used to determine COX-2 and PGE2 levels, as well as those of the potentially pro-angiogenic proteins c-MYC (a member of the Myc transcription factors family), survivin, and β-catenin. We observed that COX-2 and survivin protein levels increased during EOC progression. In the EOC cell lines, NGF increased the COX-2 and PGE2 levels. In addition, NGF increased survivin, c-MYC, and VEGF protein levels, as well as the transcriptional activity of c-MYC and β-catenin/T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF-Lef) in a Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TRKA)-dependent manner. Also, COX-2 inhibition prevented the NGF-induced increases in these proteins and reduced the angiogenic score of endothelial cells stimulated with conditioned media from EOC cells. In summary, we show here that the pro-angiogenic effect of NGF in EOC depends on the COX-2/PGE2 signaling axis. Thus, inhibition COX-2/PGE2 signaling will likely be beneficial in the treatment of EOC.
Combing the Cancer Genome for Novel Kinase Drivers and New Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Torres-Ayuso Pedro , Brognard John
Published: December 2019

Protein kinases are critical regulators of signaling cascades that control cellular proliferation, growth, survival, metabolism, migration, and invasion. Deregulation of kinase activity can lead to aberrant regulation of biological processes and to the onset of diseases, including cancer. In this review, we focus on oncogenic kinases and the signaling pathways they regulate that underpin tumor development. We highlight genomic biomarker-based precision medicine intervention strategies that match kinase inhibitors alone or in combination to mutationally activated kinase drivers, as well as progress towards implementation of these treatment strategies in the clinic. We also discuss the challenges for identification of novel protein kinase cancer drivers in the genomic era.
Cancer Treatment Goes Viral: Using Viral Proteins to Induce Tumour-Specific Cell Death
Authors: Wyatt Jasmine , Müller Manuel M. , Tavassoli Mahvash
Published: December 2019

Cell death is a tightly regulated process which can be exploited in cancer treatment to drive the killing of the tumour. Several conventional cancer therapies including chemotherapeutic agents target pathways involved in cell death, yet they often fail due to the lack of selectivity they have for tumour cells over healthy cells. Over the past decade, research has demonstrated the existence of numerous proteins which have an intrinsic tumour-specific toxicity, several of which originate from viruses. These tumour-selective viral proteins, although from distinct backgrounds, have several similar and interesting properties. Though the mechanism(s) of action of these proteins are not fully understood, it is possible that they can manipulate several cell death modes in cancer exemplifying the intricate interplay between these pathways. This review will discuss our current knowledge on the topic and outstanding questions, as well as deliberate the potential for viral proteins to progress into the clinic as successful cancer therapeutics.
Do We Really Need Another Special Issue on NF-κB in Cancer and Inflammation?
Authors: Geismann Claudia , Arlt Alexander
Published: December 2019

This series of 10 articles (four original articles, six reviews) is presented by international leaders in the field of NF-κB signaling in cancer and inflammation [...]
Engineered Extracellular Vesicles as a Reliable Tool in Cancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Susa Francesca , Limongi Tania , Dumontel Bianca , Vighetto Veronica , Cauda Valentina
Published: December 2019

Fast diagnosis and more efficient therapies for cancer surely represent one of the huge tasks for the worldwide researchers’ and clinicians’ community. In the last two decades, our understanding of the biology and molecular pathology of cancer mechanisms, coupled with the continuous development of the material science and technological compounds, have successfully improved nanomedicine applications in oncology. This review argues on nanomedicine application of engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) in oncology. All the most innovative processes of EVs engineering are discussed together with the related degree of applicability for each one of them in cancer nanomedicines.
Characterization of Reactive and Sensitive Skin Microbiota: Effect of Halymenia durvillei (HD) Extract Treatment
Authors: Filaire Edith , Vialleix Carole , Cadoret Jean-Paul , Guénard Sophie , Muller Cedric , Dreux-Zigha Assia , Berthon Jean-Yves
Published: December 2019

After characterization of the reactive skin microbiota, we investigated whether the active Halymenia durvillei (HD), rich in polysaccharides, could modulate this microbiota after 28 days of treatment, act on neuroinflammation parameters, and calm feelings of discomfort and redness. Skin microbiota was assessed using next-generation sequencing experiments (16S RNA gene fragment sequencing) on samples collected from 30 volunteers suffering from reactive, sensitive skin. To evaluate the effect of the HD extract on neuroinflammation, we used an ex vivo model. Finally, an in vivo study was performed using a clinical assessment (blood microcirculation via videocapillaroscopy) of functional signs employing the Sensitive Scale and the soothing effect was evaluated and compared to a placebo treatment. At the phylum level, the samples were mostly composed of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, which accounted for more than 97% of the total sequencing read in all samples, with no differences before or after treatment with the HD active ingredient. The Shannon Diversity index indicated lower microbial communities compared to healthy skin. Maintenance of the Shannon Diversity index was reported after 28 days of HD active ingredient treatment, wherein microbial communities continued to decrease in number during treatment with the placebo. The average taxonomic composition of associated skin microbial communities showed that reactive skin is characterized by a low proportion of the Chryseobacterium genus compared to a high proportion of the Corynebacterium genus. At the species level, Actinobacteria are mainly represented by Propionibacterium acnes (72.13%) and Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii (13.23%), representing species typically observed in clinical cases of redness, the main criteria for volunteer inclusion. Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii, with increased levels being associated with skin redness, decreased with HD treatment. This decrease coincided with the clinical improvement observed after 7 weeks of treatment. The ex vivo study revealed that the HD extract induced a significant decrease in the expression of TRPV-1 (−67%; p < 0.001) and NK1-R (−43%; p < 0.01) compared to the control after 6 days of treatment. These data support the use of polysaccharides, found in red alga, in the treatment of reactive and sensitive skin related to the modulation of skin microbiota.
Improvement of Growth Interface Stability for 4-Inch Silicon Carbide Crystal Growth in TSSG
Authors: Liu Botao , Yu Yue , Tang Xia , Gao Bing
Published: December 2019

The growth interface instability of large-size SiC growth in top-seeded solution growth (TSSG) is a bottleneck for industrial production. The authors have previously simulated the growth of 4-inch SiC crystals and found that the interface instability in TSSG was greatly affected by the flow field. According to our simulation of the flow field, we proposed a new stepped structure that greatly improved the interface stability of large-size crystal growth. This stepped structure provides a good reference for the growth of large-sized SiC crystals by TSSG in the future.
The Use of Acoustic Emission to Diagnosis of Fuel Injection Pumps of Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Bejger Artur , Drzewieniecki Jan Bohdan
Published: December 2019

The article draws attention to the problems of maintaining fuel injection pumps of marine diesel engines in the conditions of the use of residual fuels in which the quality is steadily deteriorating. The analysis of tribological processes occurring in hydraulic precision pairs of fuel injection pumps, such as a barrel-plunger, is presented. Problems occurring regarding the operation of injection pumps and the possibilities of their avoidance on board are discussed. The means of condition monitoring, including the application of thermography methods, are characterized. The authors have done research concerning diagnosing injection systems of high and medium power engines by using acoustic emission (AE) signals. The experiment results obtained with the use of acoustic emission and wavelet analysis confirmed the dependency of the frequency components contained in the acoustic emission signal on the condition state of the injector pumps’ tribological pair.
An Innovative Operation Strategy of ESS for Capacity Expansion of Renewable Energy and Customer Load with Electric Vehicle Chargers in Low Voltage Distribution Systems
Authors: Ryu Kyung-Sang , Kim Dae-Jin , Nam Yang-Hyun , Ko Heesang , Kim Byungki , Kim Ho-Chan
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes an innovative operation strategy to extend the acceptance of EVC (Electric Vehicle Charger) and RES (Renewable Energy Resource) in LVDS (Low Voltage Distribution System) by introducing an ESS (Energy Storage System). In conventional LVDS, the load and RES capacity are designed not to exceed the pole transformer capacity. However, when the ESS is connected to the end of LVDS and the bidirectional power flow becomes possible, the linkable capacity of the load and renewable energy can be improved up to twice the capacity of the pole transformer. In addition, even though the power consumption of the load and the power generation of RES exceed the pole transformer capacity, it is possible to maintain the feeder capacity and grid voltage within the allowable limit by the appropriate operation of the ESS. The simulations are performed in the environment of PSCAD/EMTDC, and the ability of the proposed strategy is assessed and discussed.
Nanotechnology Applied to Thermal Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes: A Review
Authors: Medina Oscar E. , Olmos Carol , Lopera Sergio H. , Cortés Farid B. , Franco Camilo A.
Published: December 2019

The increasing demand for fossil fuels and the depleting of light crude oil in the next years generates the need to exploit heavy and unconventional crude oils. To face this challenge, the oil and gas industry has chosen the implementation of new technologies capable of improving the efficiency in the enhanced recovery oil (EOR) processes. In this context, the incorporation of nanotechnology through the development of nanoparticles and nanofluids to increase the productivity of heavy and extra-heavy crude oils has taken significant importance, mainly through thermal enhanced oil recovery (TEOR) processes. The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of nanotechnology applied to oil recovery technologies with a focus on thermal methods, elaborating on the upgrading of the heavy and extra-heavy crude oils using nanomaterials from laboratory studies to field trial proposals. In detail, the introduction section contains general information about EOR processes, their weaknesses, and strengths, as well as an overview that promotes the application of nanotechnology. Besides, this review addresses the physicochemical properties of heavy and extra-heavy crude oils in Section 2. The interaction of nanoparticles with heavy fractions such as asphaltenes and resins, as well as the variables that can influence the adsorptive phenomenon are presented in detail in Section 3. This section also includes the effects of nanoparticles on the other relevant mechanisms in TEOR methods, such as viscosity changes, wettability alteration, and interfacial tension reduction. The catalytic effect influenced by the nanoparticles in the different thermal recovery processes is described in Sections 4, 5, 6, and 7. Finally, Sections 8 and 9 involve the description of an implementation plan of nanotechnology for the steam injection process, environmental impacts, and recent trends. Additionally, the review proposes critical stages in order to obtain a successful application of nanoparticles in thermal oil recovery processes.
Determining the Effect of Different Heat Treatments on the Electrical and Morphological Characteristics of Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Kim Jun Young
Published: December 2019

The device characteristics of polymer solar cells can be improved through an annealing process. This is especially true of the carrier mobility and the light absorption of P3HT:PCBM, which improves considerably after the annealing process. In the standard structure using indium-tin-oxide (ITO) as an anode, most studies have focused on the post-annealing process, where thermal annealing is performed after device fabrication. This work reports the effects of different annealing methods for inverted polymer solar cells, using ITO as a cathode. Similar levels of light absorption and P3HT crystallinity were obtained regardless of the annealing procedure in the inverted structure. However, compared with the post-annealed device, the pre-annealed device, which was thermally annealed after deposition of the P3HT:PCBM film, exhibited better charge extraction, owing to the superior device resistances and larger MoO3 grain size. Therefore, the pre-annealing method yields better performance than the post-annealing method.
Design and Optimization of a Multi-Element Hydrofoil for a Horizontal-Axis Hydrokinetic Turbine
Authors: Aguilar Jonathan , Rubio-Clemente Ainhoa , Velasquez Laura , Chica Edwin
Published: December 2019

Hydrokinetic turbines are devices that harness the power from moving water of rivers, canals, and artificial currents without the construction of a dam. The design optimization of the rotor is the most important stage to maximize the power production. The rotor is designed to convert the kinetic energy of the water current into mechanical rotation energy, which is subsequently converted into electrical energy by an electric generator. The rotor blades are critical components that have a large impact on the performance of the turbine. These elements are designed from traditional hydrodynamic profiles (hydrofoils), to directly interact with the water current. Operational effectiveness of the hydrokinetic turbines depends on their performance, which is measured by using the ratio between the lift coefficient (CL) and the drag coefficient (CD) of the selected hydrofoil. High lift forces at low flow rates are required in the design of the blades; therefore, the use of multi-element hydrofoils is commonly regarded as an adequate solution to achieve this goal. In this study, 2D CFD simulations and multi-objective optimization methodology based on surrogate modelling were conducted to design an appropriate multi-element hydrofoil to be used in a horizontal-axis hydrokinetic turbine. The Eppler 420 hydrofoil was utilized for the design of the multi-element hydrofoil composed of a main element and a flap. The multi-element design selected as the optimal one had a gap of 2.825% of the chord length (C1), an overlap of 8.52 %C1, a flap deflection angle (δ) of 19.765°, a flap chord length (C2) of 42.471 %C1, and an angle of attack (α) of –4°.
Methane Yield Potential of Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus (Greef et Deuter)) Established under Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: von Cossel Moritz , Mangold Anja , Iqbal Yasir , Lewandowski Iris
Published: December 2019

This study reports on the effects of two rhizome-based establishment procedures ‘miscanthus under maize’ (MUM) and ‘reference’ (REF) on the methane yield per hectare (MYH) of miscanthus in a field trial in southwest Germany. The dry matter yield (DMY) of aboveground biomass was determined each year in autumn over four years (2016–2019). A biogas batch experiment and a fiber analysis were conducted using plant samples from 2016–2018. Overall, MUM outperformed REF due to a high MYH of maize in 2016 (7211 m3N CH4 ha−1). The MYH of miscanthus in MUM was significantly lower compared to REF in 2016 and 2017 due to a lower DMY. Earlier maturation of miscanthus in MUM caused higher ash and lignin contents compared with REF. However, the mean substrate-specific methane yield of miscanthus was similar across the treatments (281.2 and 276.2 lN kg−1 volatile solid−1). Non-significant differences in MYH 2018 (1624 and 1957 m3N CH4 ha−1) and in DMY 2019 (15.6 and 21.7 Mg ha−1) between MUM and REF indicate, that MUM recovered from biotic and abiotic stress during 2016. Consequently, MUM could be a promising approach to close the methane yield gap of miscanthus cultivation in the first year of establishment.
Adaptive Robust Control System for Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor of Electric Medium Bus Based on Torque Optimal Distribution Method
Authors: Wang Shuang , Zhao Jianfei , Liu Tingzhang , Hua Minqi
Published: December 2019

In this paper, an adaptive robust drive control system for an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor of an electric medium-sized bus based on the optimal torque distribution method is studied. The drive control system is mainly divided into two parts. First, a torque distribution method is proposed. The optimal torque distribution method based on particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to increase the high efficiency interval of the system and apply it to the energy feedback braking. Secondly, in order to reduce the nonlinear disturbance of the system and improve the accuracy of the unified control, this paper models and studies the vector system based on adaptive robust control. Finally, the whole drive control system is modeled, simulated and experimented. The simulation and experimental results show that the torque distribution method proposed in this paper can effectively increase the high-efficiency running time of the electric medium bus, and improve the shortcomings of insufficient mileage of the electric medium-sized bus. The use of a current controller based on adaptive robust control improves the control accuracy of the drive system and can effectively suppress the disturbances generated by it.
AC Equivalent Circuit Model of an Electrochemical Accelerometer for 3D Numerical Simulation in the Low-Frequency Range
Authors: Zhou Qiuzhan , Chen Yuzhu , Hu Jikang , Lyu Boshi
Published: December 2019

The electrochemical principles presented in this paper can be applied to the manufacture of vibration sensors for oil and gas exploration, as well as long-period vibration sensors for the observation of natural earthquakes. To facilitate the manufacture of high-volume electrochemical accelerometer (EAM), this paper presents an AC equivalent circuit model of an EAM in a low-frequency range. A 3D time-dependent numerical simulation based on finite element analysis was designed to combine a complex chemical reaction with electric circuit theory. A sensitive chip channel model was constructed by using partial differential equations and the problem caused by a designed mathematical model was solved by using multi-physics finite element analysis. When the electrochemical properties of an electrochemical vibration sensor and its design parameters as well as the parameters of the AC equivalent circuit model are considered, the abstract processing of the sensor on the equivalent circuit is better accomplished. The effectiveness of the proposed simulation model and the equivalent circuit model were verified by comparing the amplitude-frequency characteristic curve of the equivalent circuit with the amplitude-frequency characteristic curve of the single-channel simulation model of the sensitive chip. These model not only have great significance for the design guidance of an external conditioning circuit but also provide an effective method to decouple the output signal and noise of the sensor reaction cavity.
Changes in Soil Microbial Biomass, Community Composition, and Enzyme Activities After Half-Century Forest Restoration in Degraded Tropical Lands
Authors: Zhang Huiling , Xiong Xin , Wu Jianping , Zhao Jianqi , Zhao Mengdi , Chu Guowei , Hui Dafeng , Zhou Guoyi , Deng Qi , Zhang Deqiang
Published: December 2019

Soil carbon (C) sequestration and stabilization are determined by not only the C input to the soil but also the decomposition rate of soil organic matter (SOM), which is mainly mediated by soil microbes. Afforestation, an effective practice to restore forests from degraded or bare lands, may alter soil microbial properties, and thus soil C and nitrogen (N) dynamics. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of different afforestation strategies on soil microbial compositions and activities after afforestation for half a century. Soil samples were collected from two afforested sites (i.e., a restored secondary forest (RSF) and a managed Eucalyptus forest (MEP)) and two reference sites (i.e., a nearby undisturbed forest (UF), representing the climax vegetation and a bare land (BL), representing the original state before restoration) in south China. We quantified the soil microbial biomass, microbial community compositions, and activities of nine extracellular enzymes at different soil depths and in different seasons. Results showed that the soil microbial biomass, all the main soil microbial groups, and the activities of all extracellular enzymes were significantly increased after afforestation compared to the BL sites, while the ratios of fungi/bacteria (F/B), specific enzyme activities, and the ecoenzymatic stoichiometry were significantly decreased regardless of the season and soil depth. Between the two afforested sites, these microbial properties were generally higher in the RSF than MEP. However, the microbial properties in the RSF were still lower than those in the UF, although the differences varied with different seasons, soil depths, and microbial groups or enzymes. Our findings demonstrated that afforestation might significantly improve microbial properties. Afforestation is more effective in mixed-species plantation than in the monoculture Eucalyptus plantation but needs a much longer time to approach an equivalent level to the primary forests.
Reinforcement Learning Based Query Routing Approach for P2P Systems
Authors: Alanazi Fawaz , Yeferny Taoufik
Published: December 2019

Peer-to-peer (P2P) systems have offered users an efficient way to share various resources and access diverse services over the Internet. In unstructured P2P systems, resource storage and indexation are fully distributed among participating peers. Therefore, locating peers sharing pertinent resources for a specific user query is a challenging issue. In fact, effective query routing requires smart decisions to select a certain number of peers with respect to their relevance for the query instead of choosing them at random. In this respect, we introduce here a new query-oriented approach, called the reinforcement learning-based query routing approach (RLQR). The main goal of RLQR is to reach high retrieval effectiveness as well as a lower search cost by reducing the number of exchanged messages and contacted peers. To achieve this, the RLQR relies on information gathered from previously sent queries to identify relevant peers for forthcoming queries. Indeed, we formulate the query routing issue as the reinforcement learning problem and introduce a fully distributed approach for addressing it. In addition, RLQR addresses the well-known cold-start issue during the training stage, which allows it to improve its retrieval effectiveness and search cost continuously, and, therefore, goes quickly through the cold-start phase. Performed simulations demonstrate that RLQR outperforms pioneering query routing approaches in terms of retrieval effectiveness and communications cost.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidative Effects of Plant Powders in Raw and Cooked Minced Pork
Authors: Anton Dea , Koskar Julia , Raudsepp Piret , Meremäe Kadrin , Kaart Tanel , Püssa Tõnu , Roasto Mati
Published: December 2019

It is a challenge for scientists to find new plant-based food constituents simultaneously possessing antimicrobial and antioxidative properties to prolong the shelf life of meat products. In this study, various plant powders and their blends were added to minced pork to carry out a complex study of their effect on sensory characteristics, microbial growth, and lipid oxidation of the meat in raw and cooked forms during storage. Microbiological shelf life parameters were evaluated by determining the total counts of microorganisms, yeasts, and molds. The growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes was estimated by challenge testing. The impact on lipid oxidation processes was assessed using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The results showed that the blend of rhubarb petioles and tomato powder added a pleasant color and a combined taste to the product, similar to the taste of salt. In raw samples, considerable microbial growth inhibition was achieved with rhubarb petioles, tomato, and their mixture. Nine treatments of cooked samples had a stronger inhibitory effect on microbial growth compared to control treatments. Among all plant powders, tomato was the most effective inhibitor of yeast and mold growth. However, the challenge test revealed that L. monocytogenes growth in cooked samples was not inhibited during shelf life. In raw samples, rhubarb roots combined with blackcurrant or chokeberry berries effectively inhibited lipid oxidation, and in cooked samples, rhubarb petioles showed a similar effect. In conclusion, it was found that powdered plant materials are well suited for use as antimicrobial and antioxidative agents in minced meat products.
Social Emotional Health Survey-Secondary (SEHS-S): A Universal Screening Measure of Social-Emotional Strengths for Spanish-Speaking Adolescents
Authors: Piqueras Jose A. , Rodriguez-Jimenez Tiscar , Marzo Juan Carlos , Rivera-Riquelme Maria , Martinez-Gonzalez Agustin E. , Falco Raquel , Furlong Michael J.
Published: December 2019

The Social Emotional Health Survey-Secondary (SEHS-S), which is a measure of core psychological assets based on a higher-order model of Covitality, is comprised of 36 items and four latent traits (with three measured subscales): belief in self (self-efficacy, self-awareness, and persistence), belief in others (school support, family coherence, and peer support), emotional competence (emotional regulation, behavioral self-control, and empathy), and engaged living (gratitude, zest, and optimism). Previous international studies have supported the psychometric properties of the SEHS-S. The present study extended this research by examining the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language adaptation with a sample of 1042 Spanish adolescents (Mage = 14.49, SD = 1.65.). Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the original factorial structure, with hierarchical omega between 0.66–0.93, with 0.94 for the total score. Factorial invariance across genders revealed small latent mean differences. A path model evaluated concurrent validity, which revealed a significant association between Covitality and bidimensional mental health (psychological distress and well-being). Specifically, correlational analyses showed a negative association with internalizing/externalizing symptoms, and positive associations with subjective well-being, health-related quality of life, and prosocial behaviors. This study provides an example of a culturally relevant adaptation of an international tool to measure student strengths, which is critical to planning school programming and policy.
Effect of Two Choreographed Fitness Group-Workouts on the Body Composition, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health of Sedentary Female Workers
Authors: Barranco-Ruiz Yaira , Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Martínez-Amat Antonio , Villa-González Emilio
Published: December 2019

Daily sedentary working hours contribute negatively to body composition, cardiovascular and metabolic health, especially in women, who are usually less active than men. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of two trending choreographed fitness group-workouts on the body composition and cardiovascular and metabolic health of sedentary female workers. A total of 98 physically inactive and working women (38.9 ± 6.4 years of age) were randomly assigned to three study groups: Control group (CG) = 31, Zumba Fitness® with three one-hour classes per week (ZF) = 39, and Zumba Fitness with 20 min of additional Bodyweight strength training (ZF + BW) = 28. Measurements included body composition, blood pressure, cardiovascular risk by the Framingham Heart Study tools (10 yr cardiovascular risk and vascular age) and a metabolic blood panel. Post-intervention, both choreographed fitness group-workouts reached a similar significant loss of fat mass (ZF = 2.805 ± 0.48, p < 0.0001; ZF + BW = 3.540 ± 0.04, p < 0.0001), an increase in muscle mass (ZF = 1.70 ± 0.581, p = 0.005; ZF + BW = 3.237 ± 0.657, p < 0.0001) and a decrease in SBP (ZF= 6.454 ± 1.70, p < 0.0001; ZF + BW = 4.12 ± 1.95, p = 0.039). Only the ZF group significantly improved the 10 yr cardiovascular risk (p = 0.032) and metabolic age (p = 0.0025) post-intervention. No significant improvement was observed in the metabolic panel for both choreographed fitness group-workouts. In conclusion, the ZF program generated improvements in cardiovascular and metabolic risk variables compared to ZF + BW or CG. Both choreographed fitness group-workouts contributed similarly to the improvement in systolic blood pressure, fat mass, muscle mass, and also engendered a great adherence to exercise.
The Beneficial Effects of Stingless Bee Honey from Heterotrigona itama against Metabolic Changes in Rats Fed with High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diet
Authors: Ramli Nur Zuliani , Chin Kok-Yong , Zarkasi Khairul Anwar , Ahmad Fairus
Published: December 2019

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions including central obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension that increases the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. Kelulut honey (KH) produced by stingless honey bees has stronger antioxidant properties compared to other honey types and may be a functional food against MetS. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of KH in preventing metabolic changes in rats with MetS induced by high-carbohydrate and high-fat (HCHF) diet. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control (C), HCHF diet-induced MetS (S), and MetS supplemented with KH (K) groups. The K group was given KH (1 g/kg/day) for eight weeks. Compared to the control, the S group had significant higher omental fat mass, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressures, adipocyte area, and adipocyte perimeter (p < 0.05). KH supplementation significantly prevented these MetS-induced changes at week 16 (p < 0.05). Several compounds, including 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, coumaric and caffeic acids, had been detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis that might contribute to the reversal of these changes. The beneficial effects of KH against MetS-induced rats provide the basis for future KH research to investigate its potential use in humans and its molecular mechanisms in alleviating the disease.
Promoting Healthy and Supportive Acoustic Environments: Going beyond the Quietness
Authors: Aletta Francesco , Kang Jian
Published: December 2019

When confronted with the topic of the quality of the acoustic environments, society and communities around the world tend to consider “sound” mainly in its negative facet of “noise” [...]
Benefits of A Three-Day Bamboo Forest Therapy Session on the Psychophysiology and Immune System Responses of Male College Students
Authors: Lyu Bingyang , Zeng Chengcheng , Xie Shouhong , Li Di , Lin Wei , Li Nian , Jiang Mingyan , Liu Shiliang , Chen Qibing
Published: December 2019

Forest therapy is a fast-growing treatment approach, as it has the potential to alleviate stressful life events and to improve psychological well-being and physical health. Bamboo forests are widespread in southwestern China. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap on the specific health benefits of bamboo forest (BF) therapy still exists. To explore the psycho-physiologic responses of participants to the effects of BF therapy, 60 male adults aged between 19 and 24, with similar healthy conditions, were selected to participate in this study. A one-group pretest–posttest design was used for the BF sites and the city site (CS) to compare the difference in the psycho-physiologic responses of participants before and after the test. Participants at the BF sites participated in a three-day bamboo forest therapy session, and those at the CS participated in a three-day urban program. Blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation were measured as the physical signs, and the profile of mood state (POMS) questionnaire was completed by the participants for the psychological evaluation. Blood was sampled, and natural killer (NK) activity, the number of NK cells, and the levels of corticosterone, granulysin, perforin, and granzyme A/B in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were measured. All the measurements mentioned above were performed at 08:00 on the first and fourth days within the test. Results indicated that the three-day BF therapy was capable of enhancing positive mood states and also reducing negative mood states in the male participants. The blood pressure and heart rates of the male participants decreased, while the peripheral oxygen saturation increased after the three-day BF therapy session. Furthermore, BF therapy significantly increased NK activity and the number of NK cells and perforin-, granulysin-, and granzyme A/B-expressing cells and significantly decreased the corticosterone level in PBLs in the male participants. The three-day BF therapy session improved the psychological and physiological well-being and enhanced the immune functions of the male college students.
Evaluation of the Fairness of Urban Lakes’ Distribution Based on Spatialization of Population Data: A Case Study of Wuhan Urban Development Zone
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Shen , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2019

Lake reclamation for urban construction has caused serious damage to lakes in cities undergoing rapid urbanization. This process affects urban ecological environment and leads to inconsistent urban expansion, population surge, and uneven distribution of urban lakes. This study measured the fairness of urban lakes’ distribution and explored the spatial matching relationship between service supply and user group demand. The interpretation and analysis of Wuhan’s remote sensing images, population, administrative area, traffic network, and other data in 2018 were used as the basis. Specifically, the spatial distribution pattern and fairness of lakes’ distribution in Wuhan urban development zone were investigated. This study establishes a geographic weighted regression (GWR) model of land cover types and population data based on a spatialization method of population data based on land use, and uses population spatial data and network accessibility analysis results to evaluate lake service levels in the study area. Macroscopically, the correlation analysis of sequence variables and Gini coefficient analysis method are used to measure the fairness of the Wuhan lake distribution problem and equilibrium degree, and the location entropy analysis is used to quantitatively analyze the fairness of lakes and Wuhan streets from the perspective of supply and demand location entropy. Levels improve the accuracy of the research. Results showed that (1) the area covered by lakes in Wuhan urban development zone is 1007.96 km2 within 60-min of walking, accounting for 30.6% of the total area of the study area. This area can house 5,050,275 people, accounting for 60.8% of Wuhan’s total population. (2) The lakes in the central city area are less fair than the lakes outside the Third Ring Road. (3) The service level of North Lake is the highest among all the lakes in the study area, and that of Hou Lake is the lowest. (4) The spatial layout of the fairness of the lakes’ distribution is roughly distributed in circles. The fairness level collapses toward the city center, indicating that the closer to the city center, the lower the fairness level.
Customers as Co-Creators: Antecedents of Customer Participation in Online Virtual Communities
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Zhongqiu , Su Yingying , Wu Shanshan , Li Boyou
Published: December 2019

The development of internet technology and the popularity of smartphones has been gradually affecting people’s daily lives, thus causing subtle changes to their health. Manufacturing companies are increasingly establishing virtual communities to motivate customers to participate in new product development. However, the reasons that customers participate in the innovation process and the timing of participation remain under-researched. Hence, using data on 517 customers of 14 manufacturing enterprises, we investigate the reasons behind such participation and the moderating role of perceived ease of use and perceived control based on the social exchange theory. Results show that learning benefits, integrative benefits, and hedonic benefits have positive effects on participation. Perceived ease of use strengthens the positive relationship between integrative benefits and customer participation. Perceived control strengthens the positive relationship between hedonic benefits and customer participation. Theoretical implications and managerial practices are also discussed.
A Soluble Humic Substance for the Simultaneous Removal of Cadmium and Arsenic from Contaminated Soils
Authors: Bi Dongxue , Yuan Guodong , Wei Jing , Xiao Liang , Feng Lirong , Meng Fande , Wang Jie
Published: December 2019

With abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, a humic substance (HS) has a high potential to remediate soils contaminated by heavy metals. Here, HS was first extracted from a leonardite and analyzed for its chemical compositions and spectroscopic characteristics. Then it was assessed for its ability as a washing agent to remove Cd and As from three types of soils (red soil, black soil, and fluvo-aquic soil) that were spiked with those contaminants (Cd: 40.5–49.1 mg/kg; As: 451–584 mg/kg). The operational washing conditions, including the pH and concentration of the HS, washing time and cycles, and liquid–soil ratio, were assessed for Cd and As removal efficiency. At pH 7, with an HS concentration (3672 mg C/L) higher than its critical micelle concentration and a liquid–soil ratio of 30, a single washing for 6–12 h removed 41.9 mg Cd/kg and 199.3 mg As/kg from red soil, 33.5 mg Cd/kg and 291.5 mg As/kg from black soil, and 30.4 mg Cd/kg and 325.5 mg As/kg from fluvo-aquic soil. The removal of Cd and As from the contaminated soils involved the complexation of Cd and As with the carboxyl and phenolic groups of HS. Outcomes from this research could be used to develop a tailor-made HS washing agent for the remediation of Cd- and As-contaminated soils with different properties.
Comment on Cobo-Cuenca, A.I.; Laredo-Aguilera, J.A.; Rodríguez-Borrego, M.-A.; Santacruz-Salas, E.; Carmona-Torres, J.M. Temporal Trends in Fecal Occult Blood Test: Associated Factors (2009–2017). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2120
Authors: Portillo Isabel
Published: December 2019

I have carried out an in depth reading of the article by Cobo-Cuenca et al 2019 [...]
The Pre-Dialysis Care Trajectory of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients and the Start of Dialysis in Emergency: A Mixed Method Study Protocol
Authors: Raffray Maxime , Bayat Sahar , Campéon Arnaud , Laude Laëtitia , Vigneau Cécile
Published: December 2019

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an important public health issue that requires early and close medical monitoring to start Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in the best conditions. However, in France, about 1/3 of patients start dialysis in emergency, despite the existence of CKD management guidelines. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, we wanted to analyze the pre-dialysis care trajectory of patients with CKD and document the causes of Emergency dialysis Start (ES). To this aim, we designed a convergent mixed-method study. The quantitative component will analyze individual healthcare consumption and clinical data to identify the risk factors of ES by comparing the trajectories of patients who started dialysis in emergency in 2015 in France with those of patients who started in a planned manner and with the national recommendations. The qualitative component will explore the patients’ trajectories and identify barriers to a planned start using semi-structured interviews with patients who started dialysis in emergency and with their general practitioners and nephrologists. Using the strengths of a mixed methodology, this study will bring robust and valuable findings to improve the care of CKD patients.
Acceptor Specificity of β-N-Acetylhexosaminidase from Talaromyces flavus: A Rational Explanation
Authors: Garcia-Oliva Cecilia , Hoyos Pilar , Petrásková Lucie , Kulik Natalia , Pelantová Helena , Cabanillas Alfredo H. , Rumbero Ángel , Křen Vladimír , Hernáiz María J. , Bojarová Pavla
Published: December 2019

Fungal β-N-acetylhexosaminidases, though hydrolytic enzymes in vivo, are useful tools in the preparation of oligosaccharides of biological interest. The β-N-acetylhexosaminidase from Talaromyces flavus is remarkable in terms of its synthetic potential, broad substrate specificity, and tolerance to substrate modifications. It can be heterologously produced in Pichia pastoris in a high yield. The mutation of the Tyr470 residue to histidine greatly enhances its transglycosylation capability. The aim of this work was to identify the structural requirements of this model β-N-acetylhexosaminidase for its transglycosylation acceptors and formulate a structure–activity relationship study. Enzymatic reactions were performed using an activated glycosyl donor, 4-nitrophenyl N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminide or 4-nitrophenyl N-acetyl-β-d-galactosaminide, and a panel of glycosyl acceptors of varying structural features (N-acetylglucosamine, glucose, N-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, N-acetylmuramic acid, and glucuronic acid). The transglycosylation products were isolated and structurally characterized. The C-2 N-acetamido group in the acceptor molecule was found to be essential for recognition by the enzyme. The presence of the C-2 hydroxyl moiety strongly hindered the normal course of transglycosylation, yielding unique non-reducing disaccharides in a low yield. Moreover, whereas the gluco-configuration at C-4 steered the glycosylation into the β(1-4) position, the galacto-acceptor afforded a β(1-6) glycosidic linkage. The Y470H mutant enzyme was tested with acceptors based on β-glycosides of uronic acid and N-acetylmuramic acid. With the latter acceptor, we were able to isolate and characterize one glycosylation product in a low yield. To our knowledge, this is the first example of enzymatic glycosylation of an N-acetylmuramic acid derivative. In order to explain these findings and predict enzyme behavior, a modeling study was accomplished that correlated with the acquired experimental data.
Molecular Analysis of UV-C Induced Resveratrol Accumulation in Polygonum cuspidatum Leaves
Authors: Liu Zhongyu , Xu Junxiong , Wu Xiang , Wang Yanyan , Lin Yanli , Wu Duanyang , Zhang Hongjie , Qin Jianbing
Published: December 2019

Resveratrol is one of the most studied plant secondary metabolites owing to its numerous health benefits. It is accumulated in some plants following biotic and abiotic stress pressures, including UV-C irradiation. Polygonum cuspidatum represents the major natural source of concentrated resveratrol but the underlying mechanisms as well as the effects of UV-C irradiation on resveratrol content have not yet been documented. Herein, we found that UV-C irradiation significantly increased by 2.6-fold and 1.6-fold the resveratrol content in irradiated leaf samples followed by a dark incubation for 6 h and 12 h, respectively, compared to the untreated samples. De novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly resulted into 165,013 unigenes with 98 unigenes mapped to the resveratrol biosynthetic pathway. Differential expression analysis showed that P. cuspidatum strongly induced the genes directly involved in the resveratrol synthesis, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase and stilbene synthase (STS) genes, while strongly decreased the chalcone synthase (CHS) genes after exposure to UV-C. Since CHS and STS share the same substrate, P. cuspidatum tends to preferentially divert the substrate to the resveratrol synthesis pathway under UV-C treatment. We identified several members of the MYB, bHLH and ERF families as potential regulators of the resveratrol biosynthesis genes.