bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Neighborhood Effect and Supervised Machine Learning Techniques to Model and Simulate Forest Insect Outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Harati Saeed , Perez Liliana , Molowny-Horas Roberto
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives: Modelling and simulation of forest land cover change due to epidemic insect outbreaks are powerful tools that can be used in planning and preparing strategies for forest management. In this study, we propose an integrative approach to model land cover changes at a provincial level, using as a study case the simulation of the spatiotemporal dynamics of mountain pine beetle (MPB) infestation over the lodgepole pine forest of British Columbia (BC), Canada. This paper aims to simulate land cover change by applying supervised machine learning techniques to maps of MPB-driven deforestation. Materials and Methods: We used a 16-year series (1999–2014) of spatial information on annual mortality of pine trees due to MPB attacks, provided by the BC Ministry of Forests. We used elevation, aspect, slope, ruggedness, and weighted neighborhood of infestation as predictors. We implemented (a) generalized linear regression (GLM), and (b) random forest (RF) algorithms to simulate forestland cover changes due to MPB between 2005 and 2014. To optimize the ability of our models to predict MPB infestation in 2020, a cross-validation procedure was implemented. Results: Simulating infestations from 2008 to 2014, RF algorithms produced less error than GLM. Our simulations for the year 2020 confirmed the predictions from the BC Ministry of Forest by forecasting a slower rate of spread in future MPB infestations in the province. Conclusions: Integrating neighborhood effects as variables in model calibration allows spatiotemporal complexities to be simulated.
Development of Crown Ratio and Height to Crown Base Models for Masson Pine in Southern China
Authors: Li Yao , Wang Wei , Zeng Weisheng , Wang Jianjun , Meng Jinghui
Published: November 2020

Crown ratio (CR) and height to crown base (HCB) are important crown characteristics influencing the behavior of forest canopy fires. However, the labor-intensive and costly measurement of CR and HCB have hindered their wide application to forest fire management. Here, we use 301 sample trees collected in 11 provinces in China to produce predictive models of CR and HCB for Masson pine forests (Pinus massoniana Lamb.), which are vulnerable to forest canopy fires. We first identified the best basic model that used only diameter at breast height (DBH) and height (H) as independent variables to predict CR and HCB, respectively, from 11 of the most used potential candidate models. Second, we introduced other covariates into the best basic model of CR and HCB and developed the final CR and HCB predictive models after evaluating the model performance of different combinations of covariates. The results showed that the Richards form of the candidate models performed best in predicting CR and HCB. The final CR model included DBH, H, DBH0.5 and height-to-diameter ratio (HDR), while the final HCB model was the best basic model (i.e., it did not contain any other covariates). We hope that our CR and HCB predictive models contribute to the forest crown fire management of Masson pine forests.
Portfolio Learning Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Pan Wei , Li Jide , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2020

Traditional portfolio theory divides stocks into different categories using indicators such as industry, market value, and liquidity, and then selects representative stocks according to them. In this paper, we propose a novel portfolio learning approach based on deep learning and apply it to China’s stock market. Specifically, this method is based on the similarity of deep features extracted from candlestick charts. First, we obtained whole stock information from Tushare, a professional financial data interface. These raw time series data are then plotted into candlestick charts to make an image dataset for studying the stock market. Next, the method extracts high-dimensional features from candlestick charts through an autoencoder. After that, K-means is used to cluster these high-dimensional features. Finally, we choose one stock from each category according to the Sharpe ratio and a low-risk, high-return portfolio is obtained. Extensive experiments are conducted on stocks in the Chinese stock market for evaluation. The results demonstrate that the proposed portfolio outperforms the market’s leading funds and the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index (SSE Index) in a number of metrics.
A Fast, Naked-Eye Assay for Varietal Traceability in the Durum Wheat Production Chain
Authors: Cibecchini Giulia , Cecere Paola , Tumino Giorgio , Morcia Caterina , Ghizzoni Roberta , Carnevali Paola , Terzi Valeria , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: November 2020

The development of a colorimetric mono-varietal discriminating assay, aimed at improving traceability and quality control checks of durum wheat products, is described. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified as a reliable marker for wheat varietal discrimination, and a rapid test for easy and clear identification of specific wheat varieties was developed. Notably, an approach based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification reaction (LAMP) as an SNP discrimination tool, in combination with naked-eye visualization of the results, was designed and optimized. Our assay was proven to be effective in the detection of adulterated food products, including both substitution and mixing with different crop varieties.
The Effects of Pecan Shell, Roselle Flower and Red Pepper on the Quality of Beef Patties during Chilled Storage
Authors: Villasante Juliana , Ouerfelli Manel , Bobet Ares , Metón Isidoro , Almajano María Pilar
Published: November 2020

The antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of pecan shell (PSW), combined with roselle flower (RS) and red pepper (CA) were analyzed in beef patties by several methods during chilled storage for 13 days. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of PSW, RS and CA extracts were determined. The PSW extract exhibited a higher radical scavenging activity (by the DPPH method) and more total phenolic compounds than RS and CA. RS presented the best antimicrobial capacity. Nine formulations of beef patties were prepared, including a control (CM), a synthetic preservative (CAMPA N.3 (A)) and different combinations of PSW, RS and CA. The bacterial counts of the beef patties with RS (4–5 log colony-forming units (CFU)/g meat) were significantly lower than those of the control sample (CM) (6–7 CFU/g meat) at day 6. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS) values at day 7 of all treatments were similar to the values of samples containing the synthetic antioxidant and significantly lower than the CM group. The order of stability assessed by the TBARS values were in agreement with the hexanal content. Thus, these results support the hypothesis that the combination of PWS, RS and CA could represent a good natural food preservative.
SWI/SNF Alterations in Squamous Bladder Cancers
Authors: Achenbach Fabian , Rose Michael , Ortiz-Brüchle Nadina , Seillier Lancelot , Knüchel Ruth , Weyerer Veronika , Hartmann Arndt , Morsch Ronja , Maurer Angela , Ecke Thorsten H. , Garczyk Stefan , Gaisa Nadine T.
Published: November 2020

Dysfunction of the SWI/SNF complex has been observed in various cancers including urothelial carcinomas. However, the clinical impact of the SWI/SNF complex in squamous-differentiated bladder cancers (sq-BLCA) remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to analyze potential expression loss and genetic alterations of (putative) key components of the SWI/SNF complex considering the co-occurrence of genetic driver mutations and PD-L1 expression as indicators for therapeutic implications. Assessment of ARID1A, SMARCA2, SMARCA4, SMARCB1/INI1, SMARCC1, SMARCC2 and PBRM1 mutations in a TCGA data set of sq-BLCA (n = 45) revealed that ARID1A was the most frequently altered SWI/SNF gene (15%) while being associated with protein downregulation. Genetic alterations and loss of ARID1A were confirmed by Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) (3/6) and immunohistochemistry (6/116). Correlation with further mutational data and PD-L1 expression revealed co-occurrence of ARID1A loss and TP53 mutations, while positive correlations with other driver mutations such as PIK3CA were not observed. Finally, a rare number of sq-BLCA samples were characterized by both ARID1A protein loss and strong PD-L1 expression suggesting a putative benefit upon immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Hence, for the first time, our data revealed expression loss of SWI/SNF subunits in sq-BLCA, highlighting ARID1A as a putative target of a small subgroup of patients eligible for novel therapeutic strategies.
Plant Organellar DNA Polymerases Evolved Multifunctionality through the Acquisition of Novel Amino Acid Insertions
Authors: Peralta-Castro Antolín , García-Medel Paola L. , Baruch-Torres Noe , Trasviña-Arenas Carlos H. , Juarez-Quintero Víctor , Morales-Vazquez Carlos M. , Brieba Luis G.
Published: November 2020

The majority of DNA polymerases (DNAPs) are specialized enzymes with specific roles in DNA replication, translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), or DNA repair. The enzymatic characteristics to perform accurate DNA replication are in apparent contradiction with TLS or DNA repair abilities. For instance, replicative DNAPs incorporate nucleotides with high fidelity and processivity, whereas TLS DNAPs are low-fidelity polymerases with distributive nucleotide incorporation. Plant organelles (mitochondria and chloroplast) are replicated by family-A DNA polymerases that are both replicative and TLS DNAPs. Furthermore, plant organellar DNA polymerases from the plant model Arabidopsis thaliana (AtPOLIs) execute repair of double-stranded breaks by microhomology-mediated end-joining and perform Base Excision Repair (BER) using lyase and strand-displacement activities. AtPOLIs harbor three unique insertions in their polymerization domain that are associated with TLS, microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ), strand-displacement, and lyase activities. We postulate that AtPOLIs are able to execute those different functions through the acquisition of these novel amino acid insertions, making them multifunctional enzymes able to participate in DNA replication and DNA repair.
Living the Full Catastrophe: A Mindfulness-Based Program to Support Recovery from Stroke
Authors: Gray Lori A.
Published: November 2020

Decades of research suggest that Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training supports a greater capacity to live with chronic medical conditions and contributes to lowering stress levels. This paper introduces a model for a Mindfulness-Based Recovery from Stroke (MBRfS) for promoting stroke recovery, informed by the lived experience of the author (a stroke survivor and certified MBSR instructor), the research literature regarding MBSR training, and the specific challenges of stroke recovery. Four themes emerged from the autoethnographic analysis that informed the proposed model: Readiness to accept the stroke event and the acquired brain injury, navigating uncertainties of stroke recovery with awareness and self-responsibility for outcomes, trusting the inherent wisdom of the body as a stroke recovery “teacher”, and increased capacity to integrate complex emotions with self-compassion, and a sense of wholeness. A four-component MBRfS model is offered, which consists of an integration amongst a modified MBSR framework, emergent attitudinal themes, and insights from the autoethnographic vignettes. The MBRfS model offers a path for providing participants with a supportive experience within stroke recovery. Recommendations and suggestions for future studies are offered to support the development of MBRfS for stroke survivors and their caregivers, as well as contributing to healthcare providers.
Isokinetic Testing: Sensitivity of the Force-Velocity Relationship Assessed through the Two-Point Method to Discriminate between Muscle Groups and Participants’ Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Janicijevic Danica , Knezevic Olivera M. , Garcia-Ramos Amador , Cvetic Danilo , Mirkov Dragan M.
Published: November 2020

Background: Isokinetic testing has been routinely used to assess the capacities of individual muscle groups. In this study we aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of the force-point (F-v) relationship assessed through the two-point method to discriminate between antagonist muscle groups and males with different physical activity levels. Methods: The concentric force output of the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder flexors and extensors of 27 active and 13 non-active men was recorded at 60 and 180°/s to determine the F-v relationship parameters (maximum force [F0], maximum velocity [v0], and maximum power [Pmax]). Results: F0 and Pmax were higher for knee extensors (effect size [ES] = 1.97 and 0.57, respectively), hip extensors (ES = 2.52 and 0.77, respectively), and shoulder flexors (ES = 1.67 and 0.83, respectively) compared to their antagonist muscles, while v0 was higher for knee flexors compared to knee extensors (ES = 0.59). Active males revealed higher F0 for knee extensors (ES = 0.72) and knee flexors (ES = 0.83) and higher Pmax for knee flexors (ES = 0.70), elbow extensors (ES = 0.83) and shoulder extensors (ES = 0.36). Conclusions: The sensitivity of the two-point method for testing the maximal mechanical capacities was high for the knee, moderate for the hip and shoulder, and low for the elbow joint.
Simulation and Improvement of Patients’ Workflow in Heart Clinics during COVID-19 Pandemic Using Timed Coloured Petri Nets
Authors: Zeinalnezhad Masoomeh , Chofreh Abdoulmohammad Gholamzadeh , Goni Feybi Ariani , Klemeš Jiří Jaromír , Sari Emelia
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 epidemic has spread across the world within months and creates multiple challenges for healthcare providers. Patients with cardiovascular disease represent a vulnerable population when suffering from COVID-19. Most hospitals have been facing difficulties in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and there is a need to minimise patient flow time so that staff health is less endangered, and more patients can be treated. This article shows how to use simulation techniques to prepare hospitals for a virus outbreak. The initial simulation of the current processes of the heart clinic first identified the bottlenecks. It confirmed that the current workflow is not optimal for COVID-19 patients; therefore, to reduce waiting time, three optimisation scenarios are proposed. In the best situation, the discrete-event simulation of the second scenario led to a 62.3% reduction in patient waiting time. This is one of the few studies that show how hospitals can use workflow modelling using timed coloured Petri nets to manage healthcare systems in practice. This technique would be valuable in these challenging times as the health of staff, and other patients are at risk from the nosocomial transmission.
Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health: A Narrative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis for the UK
Authors: Cruz Joana , White Piran C. L. , Bell Andrew , Coventry Peter A.
Published: November 2020

Extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity as a consequence of climate change and pose a significant threat to population mental health. This is the case even in temperate regions such as the United Kingdom (UK) where flooding and heat waves are forecast to become more common. We conducted a systematic review to quantify the prevalence and describe the causes of common mental health problems in populations exposed to extreme weather events in the UK. We searched Web of Science, EMBASE and PsycINFO for studies that measured the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in populations exposed to extreme weather events in the UK, published up to 12 December 2019. We included 17 studies, four of which were included in meta-analyses to determine the point prevalence of common mental health problems in the period within 12 months following extreme weather events. The point prevalence was 19.8% for anxiety (k = 4; n = 1458; 95% CI 7.42 to 32.15), 21.35% for depression (k = 4; n = 1458; 95% CI 9.04 to 33.65) and 30.36% for PTSD (k = 4; n = 1359; 95% CI 11.68 to 49.05). Key factors that affected mental ill health in people exposed to flooding were water depth and absence of flood warnings. Displacement from home underscored the narratives associated with people’s perceptions of the impact of flooding. The high prevalence of common mental health problems suggests that the prevention of mental ill health in populations at risk or exposed to extreme weather events should be a UK public health priority.
Phthalate Plasticizers in Children’s Products and Estimation of Exposure: Importance of Migration Rate
Authors: Kim Du Yung , Chun Sa-Ho , Jung Yerin , Mohamed Dana Fahad Mohamed Salman , Kim Hae-Soo , Kang Da-Young , An Jeong-Won , Park Seong-Yeol , Kwon Hyun-Wook , Kwon Jung-Hwan
Published: November 2020

Plasticizers are added to diverse consumer products including children’s products. Owing to their potential for endocrine disruption, the use of phthalate plasticizers is restricted in many children’s products. In this study, exposure to five phthalate esters (dibutylphthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), diethyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, and diisononyl phthalate (DINP)) and an alternative (di-ethylhexyl adipate) was assessed by the use of children’s products based on chemical analysis of 3345 products purchased during 2017 and 2019 in Korea. Plasticizers were found above the detection limits in 387 products, and DEHP and DINP were the two most predominantly detected plasticizers. Deterministic and probabilistic estimation of the margin of exposure at a screening level revealed that the use of children’s products might be an important risk factor. However, it is also highly likely that the exposure could be overestimated, because the migration rate was estimated based solely on the content of plasticizers in children’s products. Chemical migration is a key process determining the absorption of plasticizers from products; thus, further refinements in experimental determination or model estimation of the migration rate are required.
Reply to “On Clinical Utility and Systematic Reporting in Case Studies of Healthcare Process Mining. Comment on: 10.3390/ijerph17041348 ‘Towards the Use of Standardised Terms in Clinical Case Studies for Process Mining in Healthcare’ ”
Authors: Helm Emmanuel , Lin Anna M. , Baumgartner David , Lin Alvin C. , Küng Josef
Published: November 2020

Many thanks to Dr. Mordaunt for his thoughtful Comment, which we were delighted to read with great interest[...]
Nursing Students’ Relational Skills with Elders Improve through Humanitude Care Methodology
Authors: Melo Rosa Cândida Carvalho Pereira , Queirós Paulo Joaquim Pina , Tanaka Luiza Hiromi , Henriques Liliana Vanessa Lúcio , Neves Hugo Leiria
Published: November 2020

Nursing students have difficulties interacting with cognitively impaired elders. This study aimed to identify students’ difficulties in interacting with elders, the causes of the difficulties in interacting with elders, the strategies used to reduce these difficulties, and the importance attributed to the Structured Sequence of Humanitude Care Procedures (SSHCP). It also aimed to assess the contribution of the Humanitude Care Methodology (HCM) to the development of interaction skills in nursing students. An exploratory descriptive study with a quasi-experimental design was conducted with a sample of 64 nursing students during their hospital clinical training. A control group (usual training) and an experimental group (HCM training) were used. Data were collected through a questionnaire applied at baseline and follow-up. Content analysis, chi-square tests, and Student’s t-tests were performed. The main difficulty identified was caring for agitated and confused elders. Difficulties were associated with a lack of theoretical–practical teaching, the clinical training context, lack of experience, and personality traits. HCM impacted positively on the development of students’ interaction skills. This study shows that HCM is an innovative methodology in nursing education that will allow for moving from an instrumental and technicist education into a more humanized training capable of transforming care.
Time Course and Determinants of Individual Motivation among Women Enrolled in a Diet and Physical Activity Primary Prevention Trial
Authors: Caini Saverio , Assedi Melania , Grechi Elisa , Ermini Ilaria , Zagni Donatella , Occhini Daniela , Castaldo Maria , Bendinelli Benedetta , Palli Domenico , Masala Giovanna
Published: November 2020

We studied the determinants of motivation among post-menopausal women enrolled in a two-year diet and physical activity primary prevention randomized trial. Participants were requested to grade the importance attached to changing their lifestyle, their confidence about being able to implement the change, and their willingness to be involved in studies focusing on lifestyle. We used multi-adjusted regression to investigate the association between individual characteristics, study arm, and individual motivation at study entry and end. Participants (n = 234) were highly motivated both at entry and throughout the study. Women with pre-existing healthier eating habits and lifestyles (e.g., high consumption of fruit and vegetables, low red meat consumption, and physically active) were more motivated at entry and over the course of the study. Women assigned to any intervention arm were more motivated than those in the control arm. These findings may help enhance adherence to recommendations and improve effectiveness of community-based health promotion campaigns.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Mediates Cognitive Performance in Chronic Heart Failure Patients and Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Besnier Florent , Bérubé Béatrice , Gagnon Christine , Olmand Miloudza , Ribeiro Paula Aver Bretanha , Nigam Anil , Juneau Martin , Blondeau Lucie , White Michel , Gremeaux Vincent , Bherer Louis , Gayda Mathieu
Published: November 2020

We compared cognitive profiles in chronic heart failure patients (HF), heart transplant recipients (HT) and healthy controls (HC) and examined the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (V˙O2peak), peak cardiac output (COpeak) and cognitive performance. Stable HT patients (n = 11), HF patients (n = 11) and HC (n = 13) (61.5 ± 8.5 years) were recruited. Four cognitive composite scores targeting different cognitive functions were computed from neuropsychological tests: working memory, processing speed, executive functions and verbal memory. Processing speed and executive function scores were higher, which indicates lower performances in HF and HT compared to HC (p < 0.05). V˙O2peak and first ventilatory threshold (VT1) were lower in HF and HT vs. HC (p < 0.01). COpeak was lower in HF vs. HT and HC (p < 0.01). Processing speed, executive function and verbal memory performances were correlated with V˙O2peak, VT1 and peak cardiac hemodynamics (p < 0.05). Mediation analyses showed that V˙O2peak and VT1 mediated the relationship between group and processing speed and executive function performances in HF and HT. COpeak fully mediated executive function and processing speed performances in HF only. V˙O2peak and COpeak were related to cognitive performance in the entire sample. In addition, V˙O2peak and VT1 fully mediated the relationship between group and executive function and processing speed performances.
Selecting Indicators to Monitor and Assess Environmental Health in a Portuguese Urban Setting: A Participatory Approach
Authors: Salgado Marta , Vieira Ana C. L. , Torres Anália , Oliveira Mónica D.
Published: November 2020

Environmental health (EH) is influenced by complex interactions between health and the built and natural environments, there being little research on its specificities in urban settings. The use of suitable indicators to monitor and assess EH is fundamental in informing evidence-based interventions at the local level. A participatory approach to selecting indicators to inform the monitoring and assessment of EH in Lisbon is herein considered. Evidence derived from a systematic review of literature and data from Lisbon and Portuguese databases were analyzed by 12 Portuguese experts in individual semi-structured interviews. The interviews aimed at identifying relevant indicators and important emerging issues in the Lisbon urban setting. The outputs from the interviews were validated by a two-round Web-Delphi process in which panelists (22 experts) from different areas of expertise expressed their views regarding the relevance of the indicators for the analysis of EH in urban settings. Seventeen indicators were validated in the Web-Delphi process. High participation achieved along this process supports the view that this participatory approach was useful for validation. Results from the adopted participatory approach point out gaps in the collection of noise and mobility indicators data and raise emerging issues on housing indicators that require further research. The results also suggest the need for local action to improve indicators and tools in order to help the monitorization of EH in urban contexts. The adopted participatory approach can be replicated for other Portuguese and European urban settings.
The Association between Nursing Skill Mix and Mortality for Adult Medical and Surgical Patients: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Kushemererwa Diana , Davis Jenny , Moyo Nompilo , Gilbert Sue , Gray Richard
Published: November 2020

Skill mix refers to the number and educational experience of nurses working in clinical settings. Authors have used several measures to determine the skill mix, which includes nurse-to-patient ratio and the proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Observational studies have tested the association between nursing skill mix and patient outcomes (mortality). To date, this body of research has not been subject to systematic review or meta-analysis. The aim of this study is to systematically review and meta-analyse observational and experimental research that tests the association between nursing skill mix and patient mortality in medical and surgical settings. We will search four key electronic databases—MEDLINE [OVID], EMBASE [OVID], CINAHL [EBSCOhost], and ProQuest Central (five databases)—from inception. Title, abstract, and full-text screening will be undertaken independently by at least two researchers using COVIDENCE review management software. We will include studies where the authors report an association between nursing skill mix and outcomes in adult medical and surgical inpatients. Extracted data from included studies will consist measures of nursing skill mix and inpatient mortality outcomes. A meta-analysis will be undertaken if there are at least two studies with similar designs, exposures, and outcomes. The findings will inform future research and workforce planning in health systems internationally.
Impacts of Public Debates on Legalizing the Same-Sex Relationships on People’s Daily Lives and Their Related Factors in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Huang-Chi , Chen Yi-Lung , Ko Nai-Ying , Chang Yu-Ping , Lu Wei-Hsin , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: November 2020

This study examined the proportion of the individuals who experienced negative impacts on daily lives resulted from public debates on the legalization of same-sex relationships and related factors in Taiwan. Data provided by 1370 participants recruited through a Facebook advertisement were analyzed. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing negative impact of public debates on daily lives, gender, age, sexual orientation, the number of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) friends, and perceived population’s acceptance of homosexuality. The results showed that 39.5% of participants reported the negative impacts on their occupational or academic performance; 34.2% reported the negative impact on friendship; 37.7% reported the negative impact on family relationship; and 57.4% reported the negative impact on mood or sleep quality. Non-heterosexual participants were more likely to report negative impacts of public debates on all domains of daily lives than heterosexual ones. The number of LGB friends was positively associated with negative impacts of public debates on all domains of daily lives. Participants who were 20–29 years old were more likely to report negative impacts of public debates on the domains of family relationship and mood/sleep quality than those who were 40 or older. Participants who were 30–39 years old were more likely to report negative impacts of public debates on the domain of mood/sleep quality than those who were 40 or older. Males were less likely to report the negative impact on their mood/sleep quality than females. Perceiving population’s acceptance for homosexuality were negatively associated with negative impacts of public debates on the domains of occupational/academic performance, family relationship and mood/sleep quality.
Ethnic Disparities in Utilization of Maternal and Child Health Services in Rural Southwest China
Authors: Yan Chaofang , Tadadej Charuwan , Chamroonsawasdi Kanittha , Chansatitporn Natkamol , Sung John FC
Published: November 2020

Background: Studies in China on ethnic disparities in access to health care in remote and rural population remain insufficient. This study aimed to assess the disparities in utilization of maternal and child health (MCH) services, including antenatal care (ANC), hospital birth, child growth monitoring, and immunization compliance between Han and ethnic minority women in Yunnan Province. Methods: A multi-stage sampling scheme was used to randomly recruit women from 40 townships in 14 remote prefectures of extremely remote areas in Yunnan. From birth records, we identified and recruited 303 Han women and 222 ethnic minority women who had given birth to a child within 3 years for an interview. Results: Overall, 96% of women used the ANC checkups and more than 95% had infants born in hospitals. However, the proportion of women compliant with early ANC visits (having antenatal care in the first trimester) was 22.5% lower in minority women than in Han women (61.3% vs. 83.8%, p < 0.001) with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 2.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.13–3.66) for the minority group. The proportion of children under one year old with immunizations completed in a timely manner was also lower in minority families than in Han families (80.2% vs. 86.8%, p < 0.05) with an aOR of 1.99 (95% CI = 1.16–3.40). Conclusions: Ethnic disparities remain in utilization of early ANC visits and timely immunization completion for newborns. Ethnic minority women tended to lag behind for both. Further intervention should focus on assisting minority women living in extremely rural areas to comply with the MCH policy. Culturally-sensitive policies and skills are needed, and priority should be given to improve utilization of early ANC and timely immunization completion.
Developing the Raster Big Data Benchmark: A Comparison of Raster Analysis on Big Data Platforms
Authors: Haynes David , Mitchell Philip , Shook Eric
Published: November 2020

Technologies around the world produce and interact with geospatial data instantaneously, from mobile web applications to satellite imagery that is collected and processed across the globe daily. Big raster data allow researchers to integrate and uncover new knowledge about geospatial patterns and processes. However, we are at a critical moment, as we have an ever-growing number of big data platforms that are being co-opted to support spatial analysis. A gap in the literature is the lack of a robust assessment comparing the efficiency of raster data analysis on big data platforms. This research begins to address this issue by establishing a raster data benchmark that employs freely accessible datasets to provide a comprehensive performance evaluation and comparison of raster operations on big data platforms. The benchmark is critical for evaluating the performance of spatial operations on big data platforms. The benchmarking datasets and operations are applied to three big data platforms. We report computing times and performance bottlenecks so that GIScientists can make informed choices regarding the performance of each platform. Each platform is evaluated for five raster operations: pixel count, reclassification, raster add, focal averaging, and zonal statistics using three raster different datasets.
Station-Free Bike Rebalancing Analysis: Scale, Modeling, and Computational Challenges
Authors: Jin Xueting , Tong Daoqin
Published: November 2020

In the past few years, station-free bike sharing systems (SFBSSs) have been adopted in many cities worldwide. Different from conventional station-based bike sharing systems (SBBSSs) that rely upon fixed bike stations, SFBSSs allow users the flexibility to locate a bike nearby and park it at any appropriate site after use. With no fixed bike stations, the spatial extent/scale used to evaluate bike shortage/surplus in an SFBSS has been rather arbitrary in existing studies. On the one hand, a balanced status using large areas may contain multiple local bike shortage/surplus sites, leading to a less effective rebalancing design. On the other hand, an imbalance evaluation conducted in small areas may not be meaningful or necessary, while significantly increasing the computational complexity. In this study, we examine the impacts of analysis scale on the SFBSS imbalance evaluation and the associated rebalancing design. In particular, we develop a spatial optimization model to strategically optimize bike rebalancing in an SFBSS. We also propose a region decomposition method to solve large-sized bike rebalancing problems that are constructed based on fine analysis scales. We apply the approach to study the SFBSS in downtown Beijing. The empirical study shows that imbalance evaluation results and optimal rebalancing design can vary substantially with analysis scale. According to the optimal rebalancing results, bike repositioning tends to take place among neighboring areas. Based on the empirical study, we would recommend 800 m and 100/200 m as the suitable scale for designing operator-based and user-based rebalancing plans, respectively. Computational results show that the region decomposition method can be used to solve problems that cannot be handled by existing commercial optimization software. This study provides important insights into effective bike-share rebalancing strategies and urban bike transportation planning.
Blind Digital Watermarking Algorithm against Projection Transformation for Vector Geographic Data
Authors: Zhou Qifei , Ren Na , Zhu Changqing , Zhu A-Xing
Published: November 2020

Projection transformation is an important part of geographic analysis in geographic information systems, which are particularly common for vector geographic data. However, achieving resistance to projection transformation attacks on watermarking for vector geographic data is still a challenging task. We proposed a digital watermarking against projection transformation based on feature invariants for vector geographic data in this paper. Firstly, the features of projection transformation are analyzed, and the number of vertices, the storage order, and the storage direction of two adjacent objects are designed and used as the feature invariant to projection transformation. Then, the watermark index is calculated by the number of vertices of two adjacent objects, and the embedding rule is determined by the storage direction of two adjacent objects. Finally, the proposed scheme performs blind detection through the storage direction of adjacent features. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can effectively resist arbitrary projection transformation, which indicates the superior performance of the proposed method in comparison to the previous methods.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase APC/CCdh1 Negatively Regulates FAH Protein Stability by Promoting Its Polyubiquitination
Authors: Kaushal Kamini , Woo Sang Hyeon , Tyagi Apoorvi , Kim Dong Ha , Suresh Bharathi , Kim Kye-Seong , Ramakrishna Suresh
Published: November 2020

Fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH) is the last enzyme in the degradation pathway of the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine in mammals that catalyzes the hydrolysis of 4-fumarylacetoacetate into acetoacetate and fumarate. Mutations of the FAH gene are associated with hereditary tyrosinemia type I (HT1), resulting in reduced protein stability, misfolding, accelerated degradation and deficiency in functional proteins. Identifying E3 ligases, which are necessary for FAH protein stability and degradation, is essential. In this study, we demonstrated that the FAH protein level is elevated in liver cancer tissues compared to that in normal tissues. Further, we showed that the FAH protein undergoes 26S proteasomal degradation and its protein turnover is regulated by the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome-Cdh1 (APC/C)Cdh1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. APC/CCdh1 acts as a negative stabilizer of FAH protein by promoting FAH polyubiquitination and decreases the half-life of FAH protein. Thus, we envision that Cdh1 might be a key factor in the maintenance of FAH protein level to regulate FAH-mediated physiological functions.
A Role for Caveolin-3 in the Pathogenesis of Muscular Dystrophies
Authors: Pradhan Bhola Shankar , Prószyński Tomasz J.
Published: November 2020

Caveolae are the cholesterol-rich small invaginations of the plasma membrane present in many cell types including adipocytes, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscles, skeletal muscles and cardiac muscles. They serve as specialized platforms for many signaling molecules and regulate important cellular processes like energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, mitochondria homeostasis, and mechano-transduction. Caveolae can be internalized together with associated cargo. The caveolae-dependent endocytic pathway plays a role in the withdrawal of many plasma membrane components that can be sent for degradation or recycled back to the cell surface. Caveolae are formed by oligomerization of caveolin proteins. Caveolin-3 is a muscle-specific isoform, whose malfunction is associated with several diseases including diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Mutations in Caveolin-3 are known to cause muscular dystrophies that are collectively called caveolinopathies. Altered expression of Caveolin-3 is also observed in Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, which is likely a part of the pathological process leading to muscle weakness. This review summarizes the major functions of Caveolin-3 in skeletal muscles and discusses its involvement in the pathology of muscular dystrophies.
MtPIN1 and MtPIN3 Play Dual Roles in Regulation of Shade Avoidance Response under Different Environments in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Zhang Xue , Liu Lu , Wang Hongfeng , Gu Zhiqun , Liu Yafei , Wang Minmin , Wang Min , Xu Yiteng , Shi Qingbiao , Li Gang , Tong Jianhua , Xiao Langtao , Wang Zeng-Yu , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Wen Jiangqi , Zhou Chuanen
Published: November 2020

Polar auxin transport mediated by PIN-FORMED (PIN) proteins is critical for plant growth and development. As an environmental cue, shade stimulates hypocotyls, petiole, and stem elongation by inducing auxin synthesis and asymmetric distributions, which is modulated by PIN3,4,7 in Arabidopsis. Here, we characterize the MtPIN1 and MtPIN3, which are the orthologs of PIN3,4,7, in model legume species Medicago truncatula. Under the low Red:Far-Red (R:FR) ratio light, the expression of MtPIN1 and MtPIN3 is induced, and shadeavoidance response is disrupted in mtpin1 mtpin3 double mutant, indicating that MtPIN1 and MtPIN3 have a conserved function in shade response. Surprisingly, under the normal growth condition, mtpin1 mtpin3 displayed the constitutive shade avoidance responses, such as the elongated petiole, smaller leaf, and increased auxin and chlorophyll content. Therefore, MtPIN1 and MtPIN3 play dual roles in regulation of shadeavoidance response under different environments. Furthermore, these data suggest that PIN3,4,7 and its orthologs have evolved conserved and specific functions among species.
Synthetic Biology Approaches in the Development of Engineered Therapeutic Microbes
Authors: Kang Minjeong , Choe Donghui , Kim Kangsan , Cho Byung-Kwan , Cho Suhyung
Published: November 2020

Since the intimate relationship between microbes and human health has been uncovered, microbes have been in the spotlight as therapeutic targets for several diseases. Microbes contribute to a wide range of diseases, such as gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and cancer. However, as host-microbiome interactions have not been fully elucidated, treatments such as probiotic administration and fecal transplantations that are used to modulate the microbial community often cause nonspecific results with serious safety concerns. As an alternative, synthetic biology can be used to rewire microbial networks such that the microbes can function as therapeutic agents. Genetic sensors can be transformed to detect biomarkers associated with disease occurrence and progression. Moreover, microbes can be reprogrammed to produce various therapeutic molecules from the host and bacterial proteins, such as cytokines, enzymes and signaling molecules, in response to a disturbed physiological state of the host. These therapeutic treatment systems are composed of several genetic parts, either identified in bacterial endogenous regulation systems or developed through synthetic design. Such genetic components are connected to form complex genetic logic circuits for sophisticated therapy. In this review, we discussed the synthetic biology strategies that can be used to construct engineered therapeutic microbes for improved microbiome-based treatment.
Dysregulation of Transcription Factor Activity during Formation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Kapusta Przemysław , Dulińska-Litewka Joanna , Totoń-Żurańska Justyna , Borys Agnieszka , Konieczny Paweł S. , Wołkow Paweł P. , Seweryn Michał T.
Published: November 2020

The reciprocal interactions between cancer cells and the quiescent fibroblasts leading to the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve an important role in cancer progression. Here, we investigated the activation of transcription factors (TFs) in prostate fibroblasts (WPMY cell line) co-cultured with normal prostate or tumorous cells (RWPE1 and RWPE2 cell lines, respectively). After indirect co-cultures, we performed mRNA-seq and predicted TF activity using mRNA expression profiles with the Systems EPigenomics Inference of Regulatory Activity (SEPIRA) package and the GTEx and mRNA-seq data of 483 cultured fibroblasts. The initial differential expression analysis between time points and experimental conditions showed that co-culture with normal epithelial cells mainly promotes an inflammatory response in fibroblasts, whereas with the cancerous epithelial, it stimulates transformation by changing the expression of the genes associated with microfilaments. TF activity analysis revealed only one positively regulated TF in the RWPE1 co-culture alone, while we observed dysregulation of 45 TFs (7 decreased activity and 38 increased activity) uniquely in co-culture with RWPE2. Pathway analysis showed that these 45 dysregulated TFs in fibroblasts co-cultured with RWPE2 cells may be associated with the RUNX1 and PTEN pathways. Moreover, we showed that observed dysregulation could be associated with FER1L4 expression. We conclude that phenotypic changes in fibroblast responses to co-culturing with cancer epithelium result from orchestrated dysregulation of signaling pathways that favor their transformation and motility rather than proinflammatory status. This dysregulation can be observed both at the TF and transcriptome levels.
Development of an Organ-on-a-Chip-Device for Study of Placental Pathologies
Authors: Mosavati Babak , Oleinikov Andrew V. , Du E.
Published: November 2020

The human placenta plays a key role in reproduction and serves as a major interface for maternofetal exchange of nutrients. Study of human placenta pathology presents a great experimental challenge because it is not easily accessible. In this paper, a 3D placenta-on-a-chip model is developed by bioengineering techniques to simulate the placental interface between maternal and fetal blood in vitro. In this model, trophoblasts cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells are cultured on the opposite sides of a porous polycarbonate membrane, which is sandwiched between two microfluidic channels. Glucose diffusion across this barrier is analyzed under shear flow conditions. Meanwhile, a numerical model of the 3D placenta-on-a-chip model is developed. Numerical results of concentration distributions and the convection–diffusion mass transport is compared to the results obtained from the experiments for validation. Finally, effects of flow rate and membrane porosity on glucose diffusion across the placental barrier are studied using the validated numerical model. The placental model developed here provides a potentially helpful tool to study a variety of other processes at the maternal–fetal interface, for example, effects of drugs or infections like malaria on transport of various substances across the placental barrier.
TRPM8: A Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammatory Symptoms Induced by Severe Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Fakih Darine , Baudouin Christophe , Réaux-Le Goazigo Annabelle , Mélik Parsadaniantz Stéphane
Published: November 2020

Dry eye disease (DED) is commonly associated with ocular surface inflammation and pain. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of repeated instillations of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) ion channel antagonist M8-B on a mouse model of severe DED induced by the excision of extra-orbital lacrimal and Harderian glands. M8-B was topically administered twice a day from day 7 until day 21 after surgery. Cold and mechanical corneal sensitivities and spontaneous ocular pain were monitored at day 21. Ongoing and cold-evoked ciliary nerve activities were next evaluated by electrophysiological multi-unit extracellular recording. Corneal inflammation and expression of genes related to neuropathic pain and inflammation were assessed in the trigeminal ganglion. We found that DED mice developed a cold allodynia consistent with higher TRPM8 mRNA expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). Chronic M8-B instillations markedly reversed both the corneal mechanical allodynia and spontaneous ocular pain commonly associated with persistent DED. M8-B instillations also diminished the sustained spontaneous and cold-evoked ciliary nerve activities observed in DED mice as well as inflammation in the cornea and TG. Overall, our study provides new insight into the effectiveness of TRPM8 blockade for alleviating corneal pain syndrome associated with severe DED, opening a new avenue for ocular pain management.