bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimising Hydrogel Release Profiles for Viro-Immunotherapy Using Oncolytic Adenovirus Expressing IL-12 and GM-CSF with Immature Dendritic Cells
Authors: Jenner Adrianne L. , Frascoli Federico , Yun Chae-Ok , Kim Peter S.
Published: April 2020

Sustained-release delivery systems, such as hydrogels, significantly improve cancer therapies by extending the treatment efficacy and avoiding excess wash-out. Combined virotherapy and immunotherapy (viro-immunotherapy) is naturally improved by these sustained-release systems, as it relies on the continual stimulation of the antitumour immune response. In this article, we consider a previously developed viro-immunotherapy treatment where oncolytic viruses that are genetically engineered to infect and lyse cancer cells are loaded onto hydrogels with immature dendritic cells (DCs). The time-dependent release of virus and immune cells results in a prolonged cancer cell killing from both the virus and activated immune cells. Although effective, a major challenge is optimising the release profile of the virus and immature DCs from the gel so as to obtain a minimum tumour size. Using a system of ordinary differential equations calibrated to experimental results, we undertake a novel numerical investigation of different gel-release profiles to determine the optimal release profile for this viro-immunotherapy. Using a data-calibrated mathematical model, we show that if the virus is released rapidly within the first few days and the DCs are released for two weeks, the tumour burden can be significantly decreased. We then find the true optimal gel-release kinetics using a genetic algorithm and suggest that complex profiles present unnecessary risk and that a simple linear-release model is optimal. In this work, insight is provided into a fundamental problem in the growing field of sustained-delivery systems using mathematical modelling and analysis.
Law of Movement of Discontinuous Deformation of Strata and Ground with a Thick Loess Layer and Thin Bedrock in Long Wall Mining
Authors: Lian Xugang , Zhang Yanjun , Yuan Hongyan , Wang Chenlong , Guo Junting , Liu Jibo
Published: April 2020

The surface discontinuous deformation caused by coal mining has great damage to the ecological environment and threatens the safety of human lives. Focusing on the problem of discontinuous deformation (ground fissures and collapsed pits) in mining areas with a thick loess and thin bedrock, this paper uses a coal panel in southern Shanxi in China as research background, and uses field investigation, theoretical analysis and the particle flow code 2D (PFC2D) numerical simulation method to study the movement of overburden and discontinuous ground deformation of mining areas with a thick loess layer and a thin bedrock. The results show that with the continual advance of the working face, the failure of the overlying rock, the changing of force chain shape and the development of cracks under this geological and mining condition have their unique rules. This study analyzes the law of movement of overburden in coal seam mining, explains why discontinuous deformation of the surface occurs in case of a thick loess layer and thin bedrock, and provides reference for the prediction of fracture development under the same geological conditions and the application of the PFC2D in coal seam mining in different geological conditions.
Effective Adsorption of Hexavalent Chromium and Divalent Nickel Ions from Water through Polyaniline, Iron Oxide, and Their Composites
Authors: Muhammad Amir , Shah Anwar ul Haq Ali , Bilal Salma
Published: April 2020

Water pollution caused by industrial wastes containing heavy metals and dyes is a major environmental problem. This study reports on the synthesis, characterization, and utilizations of Polyaniline (PANI) and its composites with Fe3O4 for the removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and divalent nickel Ni(II) ions from water. The adsorption data were fitted in Freudlich, Langmuir, Tempkin, Dubbanin–Ruddishkawich (D–R), and Elovich adsorption isotherms. The Freundlich isotherm fits more closely to the adsorption data with R2 values of 0.9472, 0.9890, and 0.9684 for adsorption of Cr(VI) on Fe3O4, PANI, and PANI/Fe3O4 composites, respectively, while for adsorption of Ni(II) these values were 0.9366, 0.9232, and 0.9307 respectively. The effects of solution pH, initial concentration, contact time, ionic strength, and adsorbent dosage on adsorption behavior were investigated. The adsorption ability of composites was compared with pristine PANI and Fe3O4 particles. Activation energy and other thermodynamic properties such as changes in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy indicated spontaneous and exothermic adsorption.
Meridianins and Lignarenone B as Potential GSK3β Inhibitors and Inductors of Structural Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Llorach-Pares Laura , Rodriguez-Urgelles Ened , Nonell-Canals Alfons , Alberch Jordi , Avila Conxita , Sanchez-Martinez Melchor , Giralt Albert
Published: April 2020

Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) is an essential protein, with a relevant role in many diseases such as diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Particularly, the isoform GSK3β is related to pathologies such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This enzyme constitutes a very interesting target for the discovery and/or design of new therapeutic agents against AD due to its relation to the hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), and therefore, its contribution to neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) formation. An in silico target profiling study identified two marine molecular families, the indole alkaloids meridianins from the tunicate genus Aplidium, and lignarenones, the secondary metabolites of the shelled cephalaspidean mollusc Scaphander lignarius, as possible GSK3β inhibitors. The analysis of the surface of GSK3β, aimed to find possible binding regions, and the subsequent in silico binding studies revealed that both marine molecular families can act over the ATP and/or substrate binding regions. The predicted inhibitory potential of the molecules from these two chemical families was experimentally validated in vitro by showing a ~50% of increased Ser9 phosphorylation levels of the GSK3β protein. Furthermore, we determined that molecules from both molecular families potentiate structural neuronal plasticity in vitro. These results allow us to suggest that meridianins and lignarenone B could be used as possible therapeutic candidates for the treatment of GSK3β involved pathologies, such as AD.
Acute Effects of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Foot Muscle Strength, Passive Ankle Kinesthesia, and Static Balance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Xiao Songlin , Wang Baofeng , Zhang Xini , Zhou Junhong , Fu Weijie
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to examine the effects of single-session anodal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on the strength of intrinsic foot muscles, passive ankle kinesthesia, and static balance. Methods: In this double-blinded self-controlled study, 14 healthy younger adults were asked to complete assessments of foot muscle strength, passive ankle kinesthesia, and static balance before and after a 20-minute session of either HD-tDCS or sham stimulation (i.e., control) at two visits separated by one week. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine the effects of HD-tDCS on metatarsophalangeal joint flexor strength, toe flexor strength, the passive kinesthesia threshold of ankle joint, and the average sway velocity of the center of gravity. Results: All participants completed all study procedures and no side effects nor risk events were reported. Blinding was shown to be successful, with an overall accuracy of 35.7% in the guess of stimulation type (p = 0.347). No main effects of intervention, time, or their interaction were observed for foot muscle strength (p > 0.05). The average percent change in first-toe flexor strength following anodal HD-tDCS was 12.8 ± 24.2%, with 11 out of 14 participants showing an increase in strength, while the change following sham stimulation was 0.7 ± 17.3%, with 8 out of 14 participants showing an increase in strength. A main effect of time on the passive kinesthesia threshold of ankle inversion, dorsiflexion, and anteroposterior and medial–lateral average sway velocity of the center of gravity in one-leg standing with eyes closed was observed; these outcomes were reduced from pre to post stimulation (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for other variables between the two stimulation types. Conclusion: The results of this pilot study suggested that single-session HD-tDCS may improve the flexor strength of the first toe, although no statistically significant differences were observed between the anodal HD-tDCS and sham procedure groups. Additionally, passive ankle kinesthesia and static standing balance performance were improved from pre to post stimulation, but no significant differences were observed between the HD-tDCS and sham procedure groups. This may be potentially due to ceiling effects in this healthy cohort of a small sample size. Nevertheless, these preliminary findings may provide critical knowledge of optimal stimulation parameters, effect size, and power estimation of HD-tDCS for future trials aiming to confirm and expand the findings of this pilot study.
Canonical BMP Signaling Executes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Downstream of SNAIL1
Authors: Frey Patrick , Devisme Antoine , Schrempp Monika , Andrieux Geoffroy , Boerries Melanie , Hecht Andreas
Published: April 2020

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal process in development and disease. In carcinogenesis, various signaling pathways are known to trigger EMT by inducing the expression of EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like SNAIL1, ultimately promoting invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. However, how EMT is executed downstream of EMT-TFs is incompletely understood. Here, using human colorectal cancer (CRC) and mammary cell line models of EMT, we demonstrate that SNAIL1 critically relies on bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling for EMT execution. This activity requires the transcription factor SMAD4 common to BMP/TGFβ pathways, but is TGFβ signaling-independent. Further, we define a signature of BMP-dependent genes in the EMT-transcriptome, which orchestrate EMT-induced invasiveness, and are found to be regulated in human CRC transcriptomes and in developmental EMT processes. Collectively, our findings substantially augment the knowledge of mechanistic routes whereby EMT can be effectuated, which is relevant for the conceptual understanding and therapeutic targeting of EMT processes.
STAT5 is Expressed in CD34+/CD38− Stem Cells and Serves as a Potential Molecular Target in Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Hadzijusufovic Emir , Keller Alexandra , Berger Daniela , Greiner Georg , Wingelhofer Bettina , Witzeneder Nadine , Ivanov Daniel , Pecnard Emmanuel , Nivarthi Harini , Schur Florian K. M. , Filik Yüksel , Kornauth Christoph , Neubauer Heidi A. , Müllauer Leonhard , Tin Gary , Park Jisung , de Araujo Elvin D. , Gunning Patrick T. , Hoermann Gregor , Gouilleux Fabrice , Kralovics Robert , Moriggl Richard , Valent Peter
Published: April 2020

Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) play a key role in the pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). In most patients, JAK2 V617F or CALR mutations are found and lead to activation of various downstream signaling cascades and molecules, including STAT5. We examined the presence and distribution of phosphorylated (p) STAT5 in neoplastic cells in patients with MPN, including polycythemia vera (PV, n = 10), essential thrombocythemia (ET, n = 15) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF, n = 9), and in the JAK2 V617F-positive cell lines HEL and SET-2. As assessed by immunohistochemistry, MPN cells displayed pSTAT5 in all patients examined. Phosphorylated STAT5 was also detected in putative CD34+/CD38− MPN stem cells (MPN-SC) by flow cytometry. Immunostaining experiments and Western blotting demonstrated pSTAT5 expression in both the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartment of MPN cells. Confirming previous studies, we also found that JAK2-targeting drugs counteract the expression of pSTAT5 and growth in HEL and SET-2 cells. Growth-inhibition of MPN cells was also induced by the STAT5-targeting drugs piceatannol, pimozide, AC-3-019 and AC-4-130. Together, we show that CD34+/CD38− MPN-SC express pSTAT5 and that pSTAT5 is expressed in the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment of MPN cells. Whether direct targeting of pSTAT5 in MPN-SC is efficacious in MPN patients remains unknown.
Matriptase Cleaves EpCAM and TROP2 in Keratinocytes, Destabilizing Both Proteins and Associated Claudins
Authors: Wu Chuan-Jin , Lu Michael , Feng Xu , Nakato Gaku , Udey Mark C.
Published: April 2020

The homologs EpCAM and TROP2, which both interact with claudin-1 and claudin-7, are frequently coexpressed in epithelia including skin. Intestine uniquely expresses high levels of EpCAM but not TROP2. We previously identified EpCAM as a substrate of the membrane-anchored protease matriptase and linked HAI-2, matriptase, EpCAM and claudin-7 in a pathway that is pivotal for intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) homeostasis. Herein, we reveal that TROP2 is also a matriptase substrate. Matriptase cleaved TROP2 when purified recombinant proteins were mixed in vitro. TROP2, like EpCAM, was also cleaved after co-transfection of matriptase in 293T cells. Neither EpCAM nor TROP2 cleavage was promoted by protease-disabled matriptase or matriptase that harbored the ichthyosis-associated G827R mutation. We confirmed that EpCAM and TROP2 are both expressed in skin and detected cleavage of these proteins in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) after the physiologic inhibition of matriptase by HAI proteins was relieved by siRNA knockdown. Knockdown of EpCAM or TROP2 individually had only small effects on claudin-1 and claudin-7 levels, whereas elimination of both markedly diminished claudin levels. HAI-1 knockdown promoted EpCAM and TROP2 cleavage accompanied by reductions in claudins, whereas HAI-2 knockdown had little impact. Double knockdown of HAI-1 and HAI-2 induced nearly complete cleavage of EpCAM and TROP2 and drastic reductions of claudins. These effects were eliminated by concurrent matriptase knockdown. Decreases in claudin levels were also diminished by the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine and cleaved EpCAM/TROP2 fragments accumulated preferentially. We demonstrate that TROP2 and EpCAM exhibit redundancies with regard to regulation of claudin metabolism and that an HAI, matriptase, EpCAM and claudin pathway analogous to what we described in IECs exists in keratinocytes. This study may offer insights into the mechanistic basis for matriptase dysregulation-induced ichthyosis.
Sphingosine Kinase Blockade Leads to Increased Natural Killer T Cell Responses to Mantle Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Sun Wenji , Webb Tonya J.
Published: April 2020

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Despite being responsive to combination chemotherapy, median survival remains around 5 years due to high rates of relapse. Sphingolipid metabolism regulates MCL survival and proliferation and we found that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is upregulated in MCL cells. Therapeutic targeting of the S1P1 receptor or knockdown of sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), the enzyme responsible for generating S1P, in human MCL cells results in a significant increase in Natural Killer T (NKT) cell activation. NKT cells recognize glycolipid antigens presented on CD1d and can reduce MCL tumor burden in vivo. Lipidomic studies identified cardiolipin, which has been reported to bind to CD1d molecules, as being upregulated in SK1 knockdown cells. We found that the pretreatment of antigen presenting cells with cardiolipin leads to increased cytokine production by NKT cell hybridomas. Furthermore, the ability of cardiolipin to activate NKT cells was dependent on the structure of its acyl chains. Collectively, these studies delineate novel pathways important for immune recognition of malignant cells and could lead to the development of new treatments for lymphoma.
Analysis of an Integrated Solar Combined Cycle with Recuperative Gas Turbine and Double Recuperative and Double Expansion Propane Cycle
Authors: Rovira Antonio , Abbas Rubén , Muñoz Marta , Sebastián Andrés
Published: April 2020

The main objective of this paper is to present and analyze an innovative configuration of integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC). As novelties, the plant includes a recuperative gas turbine and the conventional bottoming Rankine cycle is replaced by a recently developed double recuperative double expansion (DRDE) cycle. The configuration results in a fuel saving in the combustion chamber at the expense of a decreased exhaust gas temperature, which is just adequate to feed the DRDE cycle that uses propane as the working fluid. The solar contribution comes from a solar field of parabolic trough collectors, with oil as the heat transfer fluid. The optimum integration point for the solar contribution is addressed. The performance of the proposed ISCC-R-DRDE design conditions and off-design operation was assessed (daily and yearly) at two different locations. All results were compared to those obtained under the same conditions by a conventional ISCC, as well as similar configurations without solar integration. The proposed configuration obtains a lower heat rate on a yearly basis in the studied locations and lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) than that of the ISCC, which indicates that such a configuration could become a promising technology.
Uplift Bearing Capacity of Cone-Cylinder Foundation for Transmission Line in Frozen Soil Regions, Using Reduced-Scale Model Tests and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Han Yangchun , Cheng Jiulong , Cui Qiang , Dong Qianyun , Song Wanting
Published: April 2020

In order to analyze the uplift bearing capacity of cone-cylinder foundation for transmission line in frozen soil regions, a series of reduced-scale modeling tests and numerical simulations are carried out. First, three reduced-scale cone-cylinder foundations with the same sizes, that are five times smaller than the prototype, are made and then loaded under uplift load at −5 °C, −10 °C, and −15 °C, respectively. On this basis, the foundations of nine sizes are modeled and loaded by numerical simulation. The impact of three dimension factors, including the ratio of depth to bottom width ( λ = h t / D t ), the top diameter of the cone-cylinder (d), and the bottom diameter of the cone-cylinder (D), on the uplift bearing capacity of foundations have been investigated. The results reveal that, for cone-cylinder foundation, the uplift bearing capacity is obviously affected by the freezing temperatures and the foundation sizes. The capacity is negatively correlated with the former. Whereas the order of correlation with the latter is as follows: λ, D, and d based on the comprehensive results of range and variance analysis, but none of them are the significant factors, according to the F-test. Furthermore, three failure mechanisms of frozen soil are distinguished and named T-mode, V-mode, and U-mode, respectively. Based on the above results, the bearing mechanism of cone-cylinder foundation in frozen soil is elaborated in detail.
A Comparative Study of Solar-Driven Trigeneration Systems for the Building Sector
Authors: Tzivanidis Christos , Bellos Evangelos
Published: April 2020

The utilization of solar irradiation in the building sector is vital to create sustainable systems. Trigeneration systems are highly efficient systems that usually produce electricity, heating and cooling which are the main energy needs in the buildings. The objective of this work is the energetic and financial investigation of three different solar-driven trigeneration systems that can be applied in buildings with high energy needs (e.g., hospitals or commercial buildings). The parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) is selected to be used because it is the most mature solar concentrating technology. The examined configurations practically are different combinations of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) with heat pumps. System 1 includes a PTC coupled to an ORC which feeds an absorption heat pump machine. System 2 includes a PTC which simultaneously feeds an ORC and absorption machine. System 3 includes a PTC which feeds an ORC and a heat exchanger for heating, while the ORC is fed with and electricity a vapor compression cycle for cooling production. The simple payback period of System 1 is 5.62 years and it is the lowest, with System 2 to have 7.82 years and System 3 to have 8.49 years. The energy efficiency of the three systems is 78.17%, 43.30% and 37.45%, respectively, while the exergy efficiency 15.94%, 13.08% and 12.25%, respectively. System 1 is the best configuration according to energy, exergy and financial analysis. This study is performed with developed thermodynamic models in Engineering Equation Solver and a dynamic model in FORTRAN.
Do Surface Slope and Posture Influence Lower Extremity Joint Kinetics during Cycling?
Authors: Tang Yunqi , Wang Donghai , Wang Yong , Yin Keyi , Zhang Cui , Zou Limin , Liu Yu
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of surface slope and body posture (i.e., seated and standing) on lower extremity joint kinetics during cycling. Fourteen participants cycled at 250 watts power in three cycling conditions: level seated, uphill seated and uphill standing at a 14% slope. A motion analysis system and custom instrumented pedal were used to collect the data of fifteen consecutive cycles of kinematics and pedal reaction force. One crank cycle was equally divided into four phases (90° for each phase). A two-factor repeated measures MANOVA was used to examine the effects of the slope and posture on the selected variables. Results showed that both slope and posture influenced joint moments and mechanical work in the hip, knee and ankle joints (p < 0.05). Specifically, the relative contribution of the knee joint to the total mechanical work increased when the body posture changed from a seated position to a standing position. In conclusion, both surface slope and body posture significantly influenced the lower extremity joint kinetics during cycling. Besides the hip joint, the knee joint also played the role as the power source during uphill standing cycling in the early downstroke phase. Therefore, adopting a standing posture for more power output during uphill cycling is recommended, but not for long periods, in view of the risk of knee injury.
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, and Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Homeless Children in the Paris Region in 2013: Results from the ENFAMS Survey
Authors: Mansor-Lefebvre Samreen , Le Strat Yann , Bernadou Anne , Vignier Nicolas , Guthmann Jean-Paul , Arnaud Amandine , Lévy-Bruhl Daniel , Vandentorren Stéphanie
Published: April 2020

Background: The number of homeless families has increased considerably since the 1990s in France. We aimed to estimate the homeless children vaccination coverage (VC) for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles–mumps–rubella and hepatitis B and identify factors associated with insufficient VC according to birthplace. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among homeless shelter families in the greater Paris area. A nurse conducted face-to-face interviews and collected vaccination records. We analyzed factors associated with insufficient VC, stratified by birthplace and vaccine, using robust Poisson regression. Results: The study included 214 children born in France and 236 born outside France. VC in French-born homeless children was high (>90% at 24 months for most vaccinations) and similar to levels observed in the general population, whereas VC in those born outside France was low (<50% at 24 months for all vaccines). Factors significantly associated with insufficient VC among children born outside France were age, parents with French-language difficulties, and changing residence at least twice in the previous year. Children in contact with the healthcare system at least once in the previous year had significantly higher VC, irrespective of vaccine and birthplace. Conclusion: Special attention should be paid to homeless children born outside France, with recent European and French recommendations confirming the need for catch-up vaccination in children with undocumented VC.
First Gut Content Analysis of 4th Instar Midge Larvae (Diptera: Chronomidae) In Large-Scale Weirs Using a DNA Meta-Barcoding Approach
Authors: Jo Hyunbin , Choi Bohyung , Park Kiyun , Kim Won-Seok , Kwak Ihn-Sil
Published: April 2020

Chironomidae larvae play an important role in the food chain of river ecosystems in Korea, where it is dominant. However, detailed information on the diet of Chironomidae larvae are still lacking. The purpose of this study was to identify the gut contents of 4th instar larvae of a Chironomidae inhabiting four large-scale weirs (Sejong Weir, Juksan Weir, Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir, and Dalseong Weir) using a DNA meta-barcoding approach. We found that dominant Operational Taxonomic Unit (OUT) was assigned to Paractinolaimus sp. (Nematoda), and the sub-dominant OTU was assigned to Dicrotendipes fumidus (Chironomidae). The most common OTUs among the individuals included phytoplankton, such as Tetrahymena sp., D. armatus, Pseudopediastrum sp., Tetradesmus dimorphus, Biddulphia tridens, and Desmodesmus spp. We calculated the selectivity index (E’) and provided scientific evidence that Chironomidae larvae have a significant preference (E’ > 0.5) for Desmodesmus armatus, E. minima, and T. dimorphus, while it does not show preference for other species found in its gut. Differences in physico-chemical factors, such as water quality, nutrients, Chl-a, and carbon concentrations, resulting from anthropogenic impacts (i.e., construction of large-scale weirs) as well as the particle size of prey organisms (small-sized single cell) and effects of chemicals (chemokinesis) could affect the feeding behavior of Chironomidae larvae.
Development and Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire Assessing Self-Reported Generic Health Literacy in Adolescence
Authors: Domanska Olga Maria , Bollweg Torsten Michael , Loer Anne-Kathrin , Holmberg Christine , Schenk Liane , Jordan Susanne
Published: April 2020

Health literacy is a promising approach to promoting health and preventing disease among children and adolescents. Promoting health literacy in early stages of life could contribute to reducing health inequalities. However, it is difficult to identify concrete needs for action as there are few age-adjusted measures to assess generic health literacy in young people. Our aim was to develop a multidimensional measure of health literacy in German to assess generic health literacy among 14- to 17-year-old adolescents, namely, the “Measurement of Health Literacy Among Adolescents Questionnaire” (MOHLAA-Q). The development process included two stages. Stage 1 comprised the development and validation using a literature review, two rounds of cognitive interviews, two focus groups and two rounds of expert assessments by health literacy experts. Stage 2 included a standard pretest (n = 625) of the questionnaire draft to examine the psychometric properties, reliability and different validity aspects. The MOHLAA-Q consists of 29 items in four scales: (A) “Dealing with health-related information (HLS-EU-Q12-adolescents-DE)”; (B) “Communication and interaction skills”, (C) “Attitudes toward one’s own health and health information”, and (D) “Health-related knowledge”. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated a multidimensional structure of the MOHLAA-Q. The internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach’s α) of the scales varied from 0.54 to 0.77. The development of the MOHLAA-Q constitutes a significant step towards the comprehensive measurement of adolescents’ health literacy. However, further research is necessary to re-examine its structural validity and to improve the internal consistency of two scales.
Identifying the Roles of Healthcare Leaders in HIT Implementation: A Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Laukka Elina , Huhtakangas Moona , Heponiemi Tarja , Kanste Outi
Published: April 2020

Despite major investment, health information technology (HIT) implementation often tends to fail. One of the reasons for HIT implementation failure is poor leadership in healthcare organisations, and thus, more research is needed on leaders’ roles in HIT implementation. The aim of the review was to identify the role of healthcare leaders in HIT implementation. A scoping review with content analysis was conducted using a five-step framework defined by Arksey and O’Malley. Database searches were performed using CINAHL, Business Source Complete, ProQuest, Scopus and Web of Science. The included studies were written either in English or Finnish, published between 2000 and 2019, focused on HIT implementation and contained leadership insight given by various informants. In total, 16 studies were included. The roles of healthcare leaders were identified as supporter, change manager, advocate, project manager, manager, facilitator and champion. Identifying healthcare leaders’ roles in HIT implementation may allow us to take a step closer to successful HIT implementation. Yet, it seems that healthcare leaders cannot fully realise these identified roles and their understanding of HIT needs enforcement. Also, healthcare leaders seem to need more support when actively participating in HIT implementation.
Reflective Functioning of Refugee Mothers with Children Born of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Authors: Anderson Kimberley , van Ee Elisa
Published: April 2020

The ability of a parent to step back from their own experiences in order to understand those of their child, reflective functioning (RF), can be impacted by myriad factors. We explored RF among refugee mothers in the context of having a child born of sexual violence (CBSV). A sample of 10 mothers now residing in the Netherlands, both with (n = 5) and without (n = 5) a CBSV, were interviewed, seeking to explore parents’ representations of their children, themselves as parents, and their relationship with their children. After deriving a score of RF, interview narratives were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. An ordinary level of reflective functioning was identified in this sample overall (average score 4.5); which was reduced in the group with CBSV (average score 3.0). Trends within the qualitative analyses indicated that emotion regulation and ambivalence as well as parenting challenges are factors that affect RF capabilities for mothers with CBSV. Wider findings show that the asylum process and mental well-being also impinge on RF capabilities. Experiences of having a CBSV as well as those pertaining to being a refugee appear to interact and impact reflective functioning for some mothers. Further investigation would add weight to this pilot data.
Evaluation of the Application of Italian National Guidelines for Prevention and Management of Dental Injuries in Developmental Age
Authors: Bossù Maurizio , Covello Francesco , Di Giorgio Gianni , Zampogna Stefania , Talarico Valentina , De Filippo Salvatore , Polimeni Antonella , Di Carlo Stefano
Published: April 2020

Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of National guidelines for prevention and clinical management of traumatic dental injuries (NGPCMTDI) in developmental age published by the Italian Ministry of Health. Methods: In the present retrospective and multicenter study, 246 patients who underwent dental injury were selected to assess the management of the traumatic event compiled with the protocol provided by the National guidelines. Each health worker involved completed a form related to the dental injury in order to standardize the collected data. Two reference centers have been identified for data collection. Analyses for comparisons between groups were performed using the X2 test for categorical variables or by Fisher exact test as appropriate. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Results: Evaluating the distribution by age we concluded that: 27.24% of the enrolled patients were aged 1–5 years, 51.63% 6–10 years, and 19.92% 11–17 years. The dental injuries occurred in 10.16% of the situations at home, 50.81% at school, 28.86% during recreation, and 9.35% at the gym. The deciduous dentition is involved in 34.96% of the traumas while the permanent dentition is involved in 69.51%. Conclusion: From the present study it emerged that the National guidelines are not uniformly applied.
A Holistic Overview of Anticipatory Learning for the Internet of Moving Things: Research Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Cao Hung , Wachowicz Monica
Published: April 2020

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) systems has received much attention from the research community, and it has brought many innovations to smart cities, particularly through the Internet of Moving Things (IoMT). The dynamic geographic distribution of IoMT devices enables the devices to sense themselves and their surroundings on multiple spatio-temporal scales, interact with each other across a vast geographical area, and perform automated analytical tasks everywhere and anytime. Currently, most of the geospatial applications of IoMT systems are developed for abnormal detection and control monitoring. However, it is expected that, in the near future, optimization and prediction tasks will have a larger impact on the way citizens interact with smart cities. This paper examines the state of the art of IoMT systems and discusses their crucial role in supporting anticipatory learning. The maximum potential of IoMT systems in future smart cities can be fully exploited in terms of proactive decision making and decision delivery via an anticipatory action/feedback loop. We also examine the challenges and opportunities of anticipatory learning for IoMT systems in contrast to GIS. The holistic overview provided in this paper highlights the guidelines and directions for future research on this emerging topic.
Comparison of Target Recognition by TRAF1 and TRAF2
Authors: Kim Chang Min , Park Hyun Ho
Published: April 2020

Although TRAF1 and TRAF2 share common receptors and have extremely conserved amino acid residues, recent studies have shown that key differences in receptor binding preferences with different affinities exist, which might be important for their different functions in TRAF-mediated signal transduction. To better understand TRAF1 and TRAF2 signaling, we analyzed and compared their receptor binding-affinities. Our study revealed that TRADD, TANK, and caspase-2 bind to both TRAF1 and TRAF2 with different affinities in vitro. Sequence and structural analyses revealed that S454 on TRAF2 (corresponding to A369 of TRAF1) is critical for the binding of TRADD, and F347 on TRAF1 (corresponding to L432 of TRAF2) is a critical determinant for high affinity binding of TANK and caspase-2.
Enhanced Yield of Bioactivities from Onion (Allium cepa L.) Skin and Their Antioxidant and Anti-α-Amylase Activities
Authors: Gois Ruivo da Silva Mariana , Skrt Mihaela , Komes Draženka , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Pogačnik Lea
Published: April 2020

There is increasing concern for reduction of the ecological impacts of industrial waste caused by fruits and vegetables. To reduce costs of onion waste disposal while obtaining value-added products, onion skin can be used to extract quercetin, a natural flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The aim was to optimize quercetin extraction from brown onion (Allium cepa L.) skin through investigation of the effects of different parameters on quercetin yield. Operational parameters for conventional maceration extraction and for ultrasound-assisted extraction were compared: solvent type, mass-to-liquid ratio, extraction time and temperature. Antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH· radical scavenging assays and quercetin yield using HPLC/DAD. Anti-α-amylase activity of onion skin extracts was investigated using α-amylase inhibition assays. Optimal extraction conditions of quercetin from onion skin were obtained with maceration extraction, 50% ethanol, 1:100 mass-to-liquid ratio, 25 °C, for 15 min. Under these conditions, the antioxidant capacity (expressed as quercetin equivalents) was 18.7 mg/g and the mass fraction of quercetin was 7.96 mg/g. The onion skin extracts showed a dose-dependent relationship between dry extract concentration and α-amylase inhibition, which confirms that this onion skin extract can be considered as an anti-diabetes agent.
Fvsoomm a Fuzzy Vectorial Space Model and Method of Personality, Cognitive Dissonance and Emotion in Decision Making
Authors: Colloc Joël
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this extension of the ESM’2019 conference paper is to propose some means to implement an artificial thinking model that simulates human psychological behavior. The first necessary model is the time fuzzy vector space model (TFVS). Traditional fuzzy logic uses fuzzification/defuzzification, fuzzy rules and implication to assess and combine several significant attributes to make deductions. The originality of TFVS is not to be another fuzzy logic model but rather a fuzzy object-oriented model which implements a dynamic object structural, behavior analogy and which encapsulates time fuzzy vectors in the object components and their attributes. The second model is a fuzzy vector space object oriented model and method (FVSOOMM) that describes how-to realize step by step the appropriate TFVS from the ontology class diagram designed with the Unified Modeling Language (UML). The third contribution concerns the cognitive model (Emotion, Personality, Interactions, Knowledge (Connaissance) and Experience) EPICE the layers of which are necessary to design the features of the artificial thinking model (ATM). The findings are that the TFVS model provides the appropriate time modelling tools to design and implement the layers of the EPICE model and thus the cognitive pyramids of the ATM. In practice, the emotion of cognitive dissonance during buying decisions is proposed and a game addiction application depicts the gamer decision process implementation with TFVS and finite state automata. Future works propose a platform to automate the implementation of TFVS according to the steps of the FVSOOMM method. An application is a case-based reasoning temporal approach based on TFVS and on dynamic distances computing between time resultant vectors in order to assess and compare similar objects’ evolution. The originality of this work is to provide models, tools and a method to design and implement some features of an artificial thinking model.
Illness Representations and Coping Strategies in Patients Treated with Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Baertschi Marc , Favez Nicolas , Flores Alves Dos Santos João , Radomska Michalina , Herrmann François , Burkhard Pierre R. , Canuto Alessandra , Weber Kerstin , Ghisletta Paolo
Published: April 2020

There is a debate on possible alterations of self-identity following deep brain stimulation for neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease. Among the psychological variables likely to undergo changes throughout such a medical procedure, illness representations and coping strategies have not been the target of much research to this day. In order to remedy this, we investigated the dynamics of illness representations and coping strategies in an 18-month longitudinal study involving 45 patients undergoing deep brain stimulation for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Two research hypotheses were formulated and investigated through repeated measures of ANOVAs and structural equation modelling with full information maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimations. Representations of Parkinson’s disease as a cyclical condition and perception of control over the disease diminished after surgery. Use of instrumental coping strategies was not modified after deep brain stimulation. These changes were identified by SEM but not ANOVAs; their magnitude was nevertheless relatively small, implying general stability in representations. These findings suggest that psychological variables do not undergo major changes after deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease.
Body Composition in Individuals with Obesity According to Age and Sex: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Maïmoun Laurent , Mura Thibault , Avignon Antoine , Mariano-Goulart Denis , Sultan Ariane
Published: April 2020

Obesity is characterized by an alteration in body composition (BC); however, it is not known whether this alteration is modified by aging or sex. The aims of this study were to analyze BC in individuals with obesity based on age and sex and to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia. Seven hundred and fifty-five obese individuals were subdivided into four age groups. The hole (WB) and segmental BC were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In men, the WB lean tissue mass (LTM) and fat mass (FM) adjusted by weight and height were relatively constant with age. In women, the WBLTM was higher and WBFM was lower in the >65 group compared to the 18–34 group. A decrease in the LTM and FM at lower limbs and an increase in the trunk were observed, particularly in women, inducing a lower appendicular lean mass index (ALMI; appendicular LTM/height2) in the >65 group compared to the 18–34 group in both sexes. This study demonstrated that even though the WBLTM and FM are relatively constant with age, individuals with obesity present a localized redistribution of these two components. This body composition change leads to a decrease of the ALMI with age, one of the criteria included in the sarcopenia definition.
Comparison of Penile Cuff Test and Conventional Urodynamic Study Prior to Photoselective Vaporization of Prostate for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Using a 120 W GreenLight High Performance System Laser
Authors: Kim Kang Sup , Choi Yong Sun , Bae Woong Jin , Cho Hyuk Jin , Lee Ji Youl , Hong Sung-Hoo , Kim Sae Woong
Published: April 2020

Background: We compared the utility of the penile cuff test (PCT) and the conventional urodynamic study (UDS) for the preoperative assessment of patients undergoing scheduled photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: Fifty-nine patients with voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) underwent a simultaneous PCT and conventional UDS before PVP. The modified International Continence Society (ICS) nomogram was used to confirm bladder outlet obstruction after measuring maximum urinary flow rate and highest pressure at flow interruption. The PCT and UDS results, in terms of modified ICS nomogram predictions, were compared. Their sensitivities, specificities, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Results: Thirty-six patients were diagnosed as obstructed and 23 as non-obstructed/equivocal using the modified ICS nomogram during the PCT. All 36 of the first group were confirmed as obstructed by UDS. Of the 23 diagnosed as non-obstructed/equivocal by the PCT, 14 were confirmed to be non-obstructed by UDS, with nine diagnosed as obstructed. The PCT showed a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%. The positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 60.9%, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite our small number of patients, the PCT’s high sensitivity and specificity suggest that it may provide diagnostic information about bladder outlet obstruction before PVP for patients with voiding LUTS. Evidently, the PCT has the potential to be used for some patients as a screening alternative to invasive UDS.
A Robust Tracking-by-Detection Algorithm Using Adaptive Accumulated Frame Differencing and Corner Features
Authors: Algethami Nahlah , Redfern Sam
Published: April 2020

We propose a tracking-by-detection algorithm to track the movements of meeting participants from an overhead camera. An advantage of using overhead cameras is that all objects can typically be seen clearly, with little occlusion; however, detecting people from a wide-angle overhead view also poses challenges such as people’s appearance significantly changing due to their position in the wide-angle image, and generally from a lack of strong image features. Our experimental datasets do not include empty meeting rooms, and this means that standard motion based detection techniques (e.g., background subtraction or consecutive frame differencing) struggle since there is no prior knowledge for a background model. Additionally, standard techniques may perform poorly when there is a wide range of movement behaviours (e.g. periods of no movement and periods of fast movement), as is often the case in meetings. Our algorithm uses a novel coarse-to-fine detection and tracking approach, combining motion detection using adaptive accumulated frame differencing (AAFD) with Shi-Tomasi corner detection. We present quantitative and qualitative evaluation which demonstrates the robustness of our method to track people in environments where object features are not clear and have similar colour to the background. We show that our approach achieves excellent performance in terms of the multiple object tracking accuracy (MOTA) metrics, and that it is particularly robust to initialisation differences when compared with baseline and state of the art trackers. Using the Online Tracking Benchmark (OTB) videos we also demonstrate that our tracker is very strong in the presence of background clutter, deformation and illumination variation.
Data Driven In-Cylinder Pressure Diagram Based Optimization Procedure
Authors: Tadros Mina , Ventura Manuel , Guedes Soares C.
Published: April 2020

An engine optimization model is developed to fit the calculated in-cylinder pressure diagram to the experimental data by finding the optimal values of the start angle of injection and the amount of injected fuel for different engine loads. Firstly, the engine model is built in Ricardo Wave software and some parts are calibrated using data collected from the manufacturer. Then, an optimization process is performed based on the fitness function that includes the objective of the study and the penalty functions to express constraints. This optimization environment simulates the performance of a marine generator system for three different loads by minimizing the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the in-cylinder pressure simulated data and the measured data along 40 degrees of the combustion process and by verifying the firing pressure and the engine brake power. The percentage of error between the calculated and the real thermodynamic data does not exceed 3.4% and the MAPE between the calculated and the real in-cylinder pressure diagram along the combustion process does not exceed 5.7% for the different loads. The proposed method can be further used to find the optimal value of different input parameters during the calibration process of different engine numerical models.