bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Inverse Estimation of Ocean Wave Spectra from Vessel-Motion Sensors Using Adaptive Kalman Filter
Authors: Kim HanSung , Kang HeonYong , Kim Moo-Hyun
Published: July 2019

The real-time inverse estimation of the ocean wave spectrum and elevation from a vessel-motion sensor is of significant practical importance, but it is still in the developing stage. The Kalman-filter method has the advantages of real-time estimation, cost reduction, and easy installation than other methods. Reasonable estimation of high-frequency waves is important in view of covering various sea states. However, if the vessel is less responsive for high-frequency waves, amplified noise may occur and cause overestimation problem there. In this paper, a configuration of Kalman filter with applying the principle of Wiener filter is proposed to suppress those over-estimations. Over-estimation is significantly reduced at high frequencies when the method is applied, and reliable real-time wave spectra and elevations can be obtained. The simulated sensor data was used, but the proposed algorithm has been proved to perform well for various sea states and different vessels. In addition, the proposed Kalman-filter technique is robust when it is applied to time-varying sea states.
An Islanding Signal-Based Smooth Transition Control in AC/DC Hybrid Micro-Grids
Authors: Chen Zhenghong , Zheng Tao , Liu Chang
Published: July 2019

Smooth transition is one of the most important issues of micro-grids. The resulting transition is much impacted by the state step of the regulator. To suppress this mutation, this paper proposes a smooth transition control based on an islanding signal, which updates the state of the regulators by detecting the change of islanding signal. Pre-synchronization control is applied during the transition from islanding mode to grid-connected mode. In comparison, the proposed approach is superior over direct transition control and state follower-based transition control, with both easier regulator parameter configuration and better performance during transition time.
Observations of Thermally-Driven Winds in a Small Valley during the 21 August 2017 Solar Eclipse
Authors: Palomaki Ross T. , Babić Nevio , Duine Gert-Jan , van den Bossche Michael , De Wekker Stephan F. J.
Published: July 2019

On the afternoon of 21 August 2017, a partial solar eclipse occurred over the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, USA. High-resolution meteorological observations were made on the floor of a small valley to investigate the effect of eclipse-induced cooling on thermally-driven winds. Measurements taken both at the surface and in the lower atmosphere indicate cooling throughout much of the atmospheric boundary layer. Multiple surface weather stations observed wind rotations that occurred both during and after the eclipse, as wind direction shifted from upvalley to downvalley and back to upvalley. The direction of these rotations (clockwise vs. counterclockwise) varied between stations and was strongly influenced by the proximity of the stations to topographic features in the valley. Doppler lidar observations over the valley floor show a 300 m thick layer of downvalley winds that formed below a deeper layer of upvalley winds. Changes in boundary layer winds and structure during the solar eclipse are similar to changes during the morning and evening transitions. However, the subtle differences in the direction of wind rotations between diurnal- and eclipse-transition periods provided important new insights into the interaction between slope- and valley flows, incoming solar radiation, and topographic features.
Assessment of Mathematics Difficulties for Second and Third Graders: Cognitive and Psychological Parameters
Authors: Pappas Marios A. , Polychroni Fotini , Drigas Athanasios S.
Published: July 2019

Mathematical achievement during the first years of primary school seems to be a reliable predictor of students’ later performance. In addition, cognitive, metacognitive, and psychological parameters are considered to be factors related to mathematical achievement. However, in the Greek educational system, there is a shortage of valid and reliable tools for the assessment of mathematics difficulties and as a consequence, identification of children with these difficulties does not take place before the last years of primary school. This study aims to investigate the relationship between working memory, sustained attention, executive functions, and math anxiety with mathematical achievement in 2nd and 3rd graders. The design of the study was based on the parameters of mathematics difficulties, as they arise from the literature review. Ninety-one Year 2 and Year 3 primary school students (mean age 8.06 years) from three public schools situated in Attica, Greece participated in the study. The students completed three different scales including educational, cognitive, and psychological tasks. Results showed that mathematical skills were significantly correlated with sustained attention, inductive reasoning, math anxiety, and working memory. Moreover, mental arithmetic ability, sustained attention, and working memory predicted mathematical achievement of second and third graders. The study’s outcomes verify that sustained attention, inductive reasoning, working memory, and math anxiety are correlated with young students’ mathematical performance. The implications of the results for the development of an assessment tool for early detection of mathematics difficulties will be discussed.
Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Amines to Enantiopure (S)-amines by a Biocatalytic Cascade Employing Amine Dehydrogenase and Alanine Dehydrogenase
Authors: Patil Mahesh D. , Yoon Sanghan , Jeon Hyunwoo , Khobragade Taresh P. , Sarak Sharad , Pagar Amol D. , Won Yumi , Yun Hyungdon
Published: July 2019

Amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs) efficiently catalyze the NAD(P)H-dependent asymmetric reductive amination of prochiral carbonyl substrates with high enantioselectivity. AmDH-catalyzed oxidative deamination can also be used for the kinetic resolution of racemic amines to obtain enantiopure amines. In the present study, kinetic resolution was carried out using a coupled-enzyme cascade consisting of AmDH and alanine dehydrogenase (AlaDH). AlaDH efficiently catalyzed the conversion of pyruvate to alanine, thus recycling the nicotinamide cofactors and driving the reaction forward. The ee values obtained for the kinetic resolution of 25 and 50 mM rac-α-methylbenzylamine using the purified enzymatic systems were only 54 and 43%, respectively. The use of whole-cells apparently reduced the substrate/product inhibition, and the use of only 30 and 40 mgDCW/mL of whole-cells co-expressing AmDH and AlaDH efficiently resolved 100 mM of rac-2-aminoheptane and rac-α-methylbenzylamine into the corresponding enantiopure (S)-amines. Furthermore, the applicability of the reaction protocol demonstrated herein was also successfully tested for the efficient kinetic resolution of wide range of racemic amines.
Distribution of Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes and Combinations of Their Human Leucocyte Antigen Ligands in 11 Ethnic Populations in China
Authors: Yao Yufeng , Shi Lei , Yu Jiankun , Liu Shuyuan , Tao Yufen , Shi Li
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes and their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) ligand combinations in different original ethnic populations in China, and thus, to provide relevant genomic diversity data for the future study of viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive fitness. A total of 1119 unrelated individuals from 11 ethnic populations—including Hani, Jinuo, Lisu, Nu, Bulang, Wa, Dai, Maonan, Zhuang, Tu, and Yugu—from four original groups, were included. The presence/absence of the 16 KIR loci were detected, and the KIR gene’s phenotype, genotype, and haplotype A and B frequencies, as well as KIR ligand’s HLA allotype and KIR–HLA pairs for each population, were calculated. Principal component analysis and phylogenetic trees were constructed to compare the characteristics of the KIR and KIR–HLA pair distributions of these 11 populations. In total, 92 KIR genotypes were identified, including six new genotypes. The KIR and its HLA ligands had a distributed diversity in 11 ethnic populations in China, and each group had its specific KIR and KIR–HLA pair profile. The difference among the KIR–HLA pairs between northern and southern groups, but not among the four original groups, may reflect strong pressure from previous or ongoing infectious diseases, which have a significant impact on KIR and its HLA combination repertoires.
Mitophagy in Parkinson’s Disease: From Pathogenesis to Treatment
Authors: Liu Jia , Liu Weijin , Li Ruolin , Yang Hui
Published: July 2019

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. The pathogenesis of PD is complicated and remains obscure, but growing evidence suggests the involvement of mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction. Mitophagy, the process of removing damaged mitochondria, is compromised in PD patients and models, and was found to be associated with accelerated neurodegeneration. Several PD-related proteins are known to participate in the regulation of mitophagy, including PINK1 and Parkin. In addition, mutations in several PD-related genes are known to cause mitochondrial defects and neurotoxicity by disturbing mitophagy, indicating that mitophagy is a critical component of PD pathogenesis. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how these genes are involved in mitochondrial quality control or mitophagy regulation in the study of PD pathogenesis and the development of novel treatment strategies. In this review, we will discuss the critical roles of mitophagy in PD pathogenesis, highlighting the potential therapeutic implications of mitophagy regulation.
Mg-Fe Layered Double Hydroxides Enhance Surfactin Production in Bacterial Cells
Authors: Chang Pei-Hsin , Li Si-Yu , Juang Tzong-Yuan , Liu Yung-Chuan
Published: July 2019

In this study, four additives—montmorillonite, activated carbon, and the layered double hydroxides (LDHs), Mg2Fe–LDH and Mg2Al–LDH—were tested for their ability to promote surfactin production in a Bacillus subtilis ATCC 21332 culture. Among these tested materials, the addition of 4 g/L of the Mg-Fe LDH, which featured an Mg/Fe molar ratio of 2:1, produced the highest surfactin yield of 5280 mg/L. During the time course of B. subtilis cultivation with the added LDH, two phases of cell growth were evident: Growth and decay. In the growth phase, the cells grew slowly and secreted a high amount of surfactin; in the decay phase, the cells degraded rapidly. The production in the presence of the Mg2Fe–LDH had three characteristics: (i) High surfactin production at low biomass, indicating a high specific surfactin yield of 3.19 g/g DCW; (ii) rapid surfactin production within 24 h, inferring remarkably high productivity (4660 mg/L/d); and (iii) a lower carbon source flux to biomass, suggesting an efficient carbon flux to surfactin, giving a high carbon yield of 52.8%. The addition of Mg2Fe–LDH is an effective means of enhancing surfactin production, with many potential applications and future industrial scale-up.
Evaluation of a Population’s Migration Potential as an Important Component of Migration Policy
Authors: Ryndzak Olha
Published: July 2019

Development of preventive migration state policy requires investigation of not only real but also prospective migration. This article provides the author’s methodological approach to the study of a population’s migration potential. The migration desires index (MDI), as one of the most important indicators of migration potential, was calculated for the unemployed urban population in Lviv, Ukraine, on the basis of the results of a monitoring sample survey (2013–2016, 2018). The MDI shows wave-like development dynamics. Generally, the share of “solid” migrants (persons who have firm plans to work abroad in the years ahead) grew from 14% in 2014 to 25% of the unemployed population in Lviv in 2018. Despite such a high level of migration desires, the respondents also showed a clear urge to be employed in Ukraine. Overall, the study results show that the improvement of employment opportunities in the national labor market and improvement of the wage system will contribute to a reduction of the level of migration potential and will thus slow the pace at which the working-age population is leaving. For those who still have a firm intention to go abroad, the state should provide an appropriate level of social and economic protection, primarily by establishing effective cooperation with countries that are most attractive for potential labor migrants. The author’s surveillance study shows that such countries are Germany, the USA, Canada, and Poland.
A Cross-analysis of Block-based and Visual Programming Apps with Computer Science Student-Teachers
Authors: João Piedade , Nuno Dorotea , Fábio Sampaio Ferrentini , Ana Pedro
Published: July 2019

In the last few years, it has been pointed out that teaching programming is a strong strategy to develop pupils’ competences in computational thinking (CT). In the Portuguese context, the curriculum changes in 2018 made programming and CT compulsory for every pupil in primary and secondary education. Nowadays, there is an information and communication technology (ICT) subject, taught by a computer science teacher in each school grade. In Portugal, to become a computer science teacher in primary and secondary education, it is compulsory to have a master’s degree in computer science education. This article reports on a pedagogical activity developed with student-teachers of a Master in Teaching Informatics at the University of Lisbon. Within the activities of the master’s program, we developed a cross-analysis of the core characteristics of 26 block-based and visual programming applications (apps) used to teach computational thinking and programming in school classes. In order to organize the analysis, a framework with several dimensions was developed and used by student-teachers to register the characteristics of each app. The product of this work is a comparative matrix mapping the core characteristics of each of the 26 apps that student-teachers used to select the most appropriate one for teaching programming and computational thinking according to each grade, age group and other characteristics.
Development of a Punch-O-Meter for Sport Karate Training
Authors: Venkatraman Jay , Manwar Rayyan , Avanaki Kamran (Mohammad)
Published: July 2019

In karate sparring (kumite), punches are used more than kicks to score points. Among these punches, gyaku tsuki is a very commonly used punch. The objective of the punch is to hit the target at a medium range in a very short time, producing a maximum force. In this study, we proposed the development of a novel standalone Punch-O-Meter system to measure the speed and the force generated by a punch.
Development of a Tree Growth Difference Equation and Its Application in Forecasting the Biomass Carbon Stocks of Chinese Forests in 2050
Authors: Zhang Hanyue , Feng Zhongke , Chen Panpan , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: July 2019

Global climate change has raised concerns about the relationship between ecosystems and forests, which is a core component of the carbon cycle and a critical factor in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change. Forest models and sufficient information for predictions are important for ensuring efficient afforestation activities and sustainable forest development. Based on the theory of difference equations and the general rules of tree growth, this study established a difference equation for the relationship between the ratio of tree diameter at breast height (DBH) to the tree height and age of age of China’s main arbor species. A comparison with equations that represent the traditional tree growth models, i.e., Logistic and Richards equations, showed that the difference equations exhibited higher precision for both fitting and verification data. Moreover, the biomass carbon stocks (BCS) of Chinese forests from 2013 to 2050 were predicted by combining the 8th Chinese Ministry of Forestry and partial continuous forest inventory (CFI) data sets. The results showed that the BCS of Chinese forests would increase from 7342 to 11,030 terra grams of carbon (Tg C) in 2013–2050, with an annual biomass C (carbon) sink of 99.68 Tg C year−1, and they indicated that the Chinese land-surface forest vegetation has an important carbon sequestration capability.
Editorial for Special Issue “Advances in Experimental and Computational Rheology”
Authors: Cidade Maria Teresa , Nóbrega João Miguel
Published: July 2019

Rheology, defined as the science of deformation and flow of matter, is a multidisciplinary scientific field, covering both fundamental and applied approaches [...]
D-Tagatose as a Sucrose Substitute and Its Effect on the Physico-Chemical Properties and Acceptability of Strawberry-Flavored Yogurt
Authors: Torrico Damir D. , Tam Jennifer , Fuentes Sigfredo , Gonzalez Viejo Claudia , Dunshea Frank R.
Published: July 2019

Sugar not only provides the desirable sweetness but its reduction can also alter the physico-chemical properties of foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tagatose as a sugar substitute on selected physico-chemical properties and sensory acceptability of strawberry-flavored yogurts. Six yogurt samples with decreasing concentrations of sucrose (8.50 to 1.70 g/100 g) and increasing concentrations of tagatose (0.00 to 9.24 g/100 g) were evaluated. Physico-chemical tests (pH, lactic acid (%), °Brix, water-holding capacity (WHC), viscosity, and color) were conducted to examine the quality and shelf-life of yogurts during 28 days of storage at 4 °C. An acceptability test (n = 55) was conducted to evaluate the sensory characteristics of yogurts. Sucrose reductions by the replacement of up to 80% tagatose showed marginal effects on the selected physico-chemical properties; however, the loss of red color (a*) and increase in yellowness (b*) of the tagatose-substituted samples were significant. Strawberry yogurts with tagatose replacements had similar acceptability scores for all attributes. Sucrose reduction showed a positive effect on the purchase intent of the strawberry yogurts (an increase of 3–30%). These findings can be used to understand the effects of tagatose/sucrose formulations on the acceptability and physico-chemical properties of yogurts.
Three New Mutations and Mild, Asymmetrical Phenotype in the Highly Distinctive LAMM Syndrome: A Report of Eight Further Cases
Authors: Al Yassin Amina , D’Arco Felice , Morín Matías , Pagarkar Waheeda , Harrop-Griffiths Katherine , Shaida Azhar , Fernández Elena , Cullup Tom , De-Souza Bianca , Moreno-Pelayo Miguel Angel , Bitner-Glindzicz Maria
Published: July 2019

Labyrinthine aplasia, microtia, and microdontia (LAMM) is an autosomal recessive condition causing profound congenital deafness, complete absence of inner ear structures (usually Michel’s aplasia), microtia (usually type 1) and microdontia. To date, several families have been described with this condition and a number of mutations has been reported. We report on eight further cases of LAMM syndrome including three novel mutations, c. 173T>C p.L58P; c. 284G>A p.(Arg95Gln) and c.325_327delinsA p.(Glu109Thrfs*18). Congenital deafness was the primary presenting feature in all affected individuals and consanguinity in all but two families. We compare the features in our patients to those previously reported in LAMM, and describe a milder, asymmetrical phenotype associated with FGF3 mutations.
SCINA: A Semi-Supervised Subtyping Algorithm of Single Cells and Bulk Samples
Authors: Zhang Ze , Luo Danni , Zhong Xue , Choi Jin Huk , Ma Yuanqing , Wang Stacy , Mahrt Elena , Guo Wei , Stawiski Eric W , Modrusan Zora , Seshagiri Somasekar , Kapur Payal , Hon Gary C. , Brugarolas James , Wang Tao
Published: July 2019

Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) have allowed for comprehensive analyses of single cell data. However, current analyses of scRNA-Seq data usually start from unsupervised clustering or visualization. These methods ignore prior knowledge of transcriptomes and the probable structures of the data. Moreover, cell identification heavily relies on subjective and possibly inaccurate human inspection afterwards. To address these analytical challenges, we developed SCINA (Semi-supervised Category Identification and Assignment), a semi-supervised model that exploits previously established gene signatures using an expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm. SCINA is applicable to scRNA-Seq and flow cytometry/CyTOF data, as well as other data of similar format. We applied SCINA to a wide range of datasets, and showed its accuracy, stability and efficiency, which exceeded most popular unsupervised approaches. SCINA discovered an intermediate stage of oligodendrocytes from mouse brain scRNA-Seq data. SCINA also detected immune cell population changes in cytometry data in a genetically-engineered mouse model. Furthermore, SCINA performed well with bulk gene expression data. Specifically, we identified a new kidney tumor clade with similarity to FH-deficient tumors (FHD), which we refer to as FHD-like tumors (FHDL). Overall, SCINA provides both methodological advances and biological insights from perspectives different from traditional analytical methods.
Machine Learning Methods for Seismic Hazards Forecast
Authors: Gitis Valeri G. , Derendyaev Alexander B.
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we suggest two machine learning methods for seismic hazard forecast. The first method is used for spatial forecasting of maximum possible earthquake magnitudes ( M m a x ), whereas the second is used for spatio-temporal forecasting of strong earthquakes. The first method, the method of approximation of interval expert estimates, is based on a regression approach in which values of M m a x at the points of the training sample are estimated by experts. The method allows one to formalize the knowledge of experts, to find the dependence of M m a x on the properties of the geological environment, and to construct a map of the spatial forecast. The second method, the method of minimum area of alarm, uses retrospective data to identify the alarm area in which the epicenters of strong (target) earthquakes are expected at a certain time interval. This method is the basis of an automatic web-based platform that systematically forecasts target earthquakes. The results of testing the approach to earthquake prediction in the Mediterranean and Californian regions are presented. For the tests, well known parameters of earthquake catalogs were used. The method showed a satisfactory forecast quality.
Recent Geomorphological Evolution and 3D Numerical Modelling of Soft Clastic Rock Cliffs in the Mid-Western Adriatic Sea (Abruzzo, Italy)
Authors: Calista Monia , Mascioli Francesco , Menna Valeria , Miccadei Enrico , Piacentini Tommaso
Published: July 2019

Geomorphological evolution, erosion and retreat processes that affect the rocky coasts of the mid-western Adriatic Sea (Abruzzo, Central Italy) are the subject of this research. This coastal sector, one of the few examples of clastic soft rock coasts in the Mediterranean Sea, is characterized by active, inactive and paleo cliffs, as well as coastal slopes, composed of the clayey-sandy-arenaceous-conglomeratic marine sequence (Early-Middle Pleistocene) covered by continental deposits (Late Pleistocene-Holocene). This study provides geomorphological and 3D modelling stability analyses of the cliffs of Torre Mucchia, Punta Lunga, Punta Ferruccio (Ortona, CH) and Punta Aderci (Vasto, CH), which are popular tourist sites included in natural reserve areas. They are representative of two main types of active cliffs on soft clastic rocks: cliffs on sandstone and cliffs on conglomerate with notches. In order to evaluate the processes and factors that induce cliffs to retreat and their recent evolution, the research was based on a DEM analysis (LIDAR 2 × 2 m data), aerial photos and an orthoimages interpretation, detailed geological–geomorphological surveys, and a structural analysis; field and remote investigations were combined with numerical modelling with a FLAC3D calculation code. Geological and geomorphological field data provided reliable 3D models, and FLAC3D numerical analyses allowed the definition of the most critical and/or failure areas, and the evaluation of the controlling factors, evolution mechanisms of the slopes and the sliding kinematics of gravitational instability phenomena. Different retreat mechanisms have been observed all along the investigated coastal sectors, induced by gravitational processes due to coastal erosion cycles at the foot of the cliffs, and controlled by lithological features and joints systems. The geomorphological analysis combined with the 3D modelling (i) showed that the retreat process of the cliffs is connected to translational slides and rockfalls (cliffs on sandstone), combined rockfalls, and topples (cliffs on conglomerate), largely controlled by main joints; (ii) defined the most critical areas along the cliffs. These results are of great interest in the assessment of hazard connected to potential sliding on the cliffs. Their implementation within Geographical Information Systems provides a valuable contribution to the integrated management of coastal areas, strongly improving the identification and prediction of landscape changes and supporting a new geomorphological hazards assessment, in areas of high tourism, as well as natural and cultural landscape value.
Method for Near-Real Time Estimation of Tsunami Sources Using Ocean Bottom Pressure Sensor Network (S-Net)
Authors: Inoue Mayu , Tanioka Yuichiro , Yamanaka Yusuke
Published: July 2019

A dense cabled observation network, called the seafloor observation network for earthquakes and tsunami along the Japan Trench (S-net), was installed in Japan. This study aimed to develop a near-real time tsunami source estimation technique using the ocean bottom pressure data observed at those sensors in S-net. Synthetic pressure waveforms at those sensors were computed for 64 earthquake tsunami scenarios with magnitude ranging between M8.0 and M8.8. The pressure waveforms within a time window of 500 s after an earthquake were classified into three types. Type 1 has the following pressure waveform characteristic: the pressure decreases and remains low; sensors exhibiting waveforms associated with Type 1 are located inside a co-seismic uplift area. The pressure waveform characteristic of Type 2 is that one up-pulse of a wave is within the time window; sensors exhibiting waveforms associated with Type 2 are located at the edge of the co-seismic uplift area. The other pressure waveforms are classified as Type 3. Subsequently, we developed a method to estimate the uplift area using those three classifications of pressure waveforms at sensors in S-net and a method to estimate earthquake magnitude from the estimated uplift area using a regression line. We systematically applied those methods for two cases of previous large earthquakes: the 1952 Tokachi-oki earthquake (Mw8.2) and the 1968 Tokachi-oki earthquake (Mw8.1). The locations of the large computed uplift areas of the earthquakes were well defined by the estimated ones. The estimated magnitudes of the 1952 and 1968 Tokachi-oki earthquakes from the estimated uplift area were 8.2 and 7.9, respectively; they are almost consistent with the moment magnitudes derived from the source models. Those results indicate that the tsunami source estimation method developed in this study can be used for near-real time tsunami forecasts.
Effects of FDI on the Efficiency of Government Expenditure on Environmental Protection Under Fiscal Decentralization: A Spatial Econometric Analysis for China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qu Yinxiao , Zhang Yun , Li Xiuzhen , Miao Xiao
Published: July 2019

Most governments strive for an ecological civilization so the efficiency of government expenditure on environmental protection (EPEE) is an important issue. While it is recognized that foreign direct investment (FDI) enhances environmental protection, this investigation focuses on the effects of FDI on the efficiency of government expenditure on environmental protection under fiscal decentralization. Analysis is conducted using an output-oriented data envelopment analysis (DEA) scale return model to calculate the efficiency of environmental protection spending in China. Then, a spatial model is built to test the linkages among FDI, fiscal decentralization and the efficiency of government expenditure. The results reveal that, firstly, the efficiency of government spending has been enhanced over the last 10 years. Secondly, FDI is positively correlated with the efficiency of government environmental expenditure in terms of both quantity and quality of spending and it has a positive spillover effect. Thirdly, financial decentralization is negatively correlated with the efficiency of environmental spending, but it improves the effect of FDI. Accordingly, policy proposals are that the government should improve the supervision system for environmental spending and local governments should pursue FDI, improve the structure of FDI and use its spillover effect to enhance the efficiency of environmental expenditure.
The Modifying Role of Socioeconomic Position and Greenness on the Short-Term Effect of Heat and Air Pollution on Preterm Births in Rome, 2001–2013
Authors: Asta Federica , Michelozzi Paola , Cesaroni Giulia , De Sario Manuela , Badaloni Chiara , Davoli Marina , Schifano Patrizia
Published: July 2019

Urban green spaces have been associated with health benefits, but few studies have evaluated the role of greenness on pregnancy outcomes. We examined how the association between short-term exposure to heat and air pollution on the probability of preterm delivery is affected by the spatial variation of socioeconomic position (SEP) and greenness. We analyzed a cohort of newborns in Rome, from April to October of 2001–2013, defining preterm as births between the 22nd and the 36th week of gestation. We used a time series approach, with maximum apparent temperature (MAT), PM10, NO2, and O3 as exposure variables. As greenness indicators, we considered maternal residential proximity to green spaces and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) within a 100 m buffer around each woman’s residential address. We enrolled 56,576 newborns (5.1% preterm). The effect of a 1 °C increase in temperature on the daily number of preterm births was higher in women with low SEP (+2.49% (90% CI: 1.29–3.71)) and among those living within 100 m from green spaces (+3.33% (90% CI: 1.82–4.87)). No effect modification was observed for NDVI or PM10. SEP was an important effect modifier of the heat-preterm birth relationship. The role of greenness in modifying this association between heat and preterm delivery should be further investigated.
A GIS-Based Support Vector Machine Model for Flash Flood Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping in China
Authors: Xiong Junnan , Li Jin , Cheng Weiming , Wang Nan , Guo Liang
Published: July 2019

Flash floods are one of the natural disasters that threaten the lives of many people all over the world every year. Flash floods are significantly affected by the intensification of extreme climate events and interactions with exposed and vulnerable socio-economic systems impede regional development processes. Hence, it is important to estimate the loss due to flash floods before the disaster occurs. However, there are no comprehensive vulnerability assessment results for flash floods in China. Fortunately, the National Mountain Flood Disaster Investigation Project provided a foundation to develop this proposed assessment. In this study, an index system was established from the exposure and disaster reduction capability categories, and is based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) methods. We evaluated flash flood vulnerability by adopting the support vector machine (SVM) model. Our results showed 439 counties with high and extremely high vulnerability (accounting for 10.5% of the land area and corresponding to approximately 100 million hectares (ha)), 571 counties with moderate vulnerability (accounting for 19.18% of the land area and corresponding to approximately 180 million ha), and 1128 counties with low and extremely low vulnerability (accounting for 39.43% of the land area and corresponding to approximately 370 million ha). The highly-vulnerable counties were mainly concentrated in the south and southeast regions of China, moderately-vulnerable counties were primarily concentrated in the central, northern, and southwestern regions of China, and low-vulnerability counties chiefly occurred in the northwest regions of China. Additionally, the results of the spatial autocorrelation suggested that the “High-High” values of spatial agglomeration areas mainly occurred in the Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Chongqing, and Beijing areas. On the basis of these results, our study can be used as a proposal for population and building distribution readjustments, and the management of flash floods in China.
Evaluation of Purdue Improved Crop Storage Triple Layer Hermetic Storage Bag against Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Sitophilus zeamais (Motsch.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Mutambuki Kimondo , Affognon Hippolyte , Likhayo Paddy , Baributsa Dieudonne
Published: July 2019

Hermetic technologies are being promoted in Africa as safer and more effective methods of grain storage on smallholder farms. However, farmers and policy makers lack knowledge of their efficacy in controlling major stored grain pests. An on-station study was conducted to evaluate the triple layer Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) airtight bags against two major storage insect pests. Two sets each of PICS, jute and polypropylene bags were filled with 50 kg maize grain per bag. Each set was replicated four times. One set of PICS bags was each infested with 50 insects each of the larger grain borer P. truncatus and the maize weevil S. zeamais; while the other set was not. One set of jute and polypropylene woven bags was treated with a cocktail of 1.6% Pirimiphos methyl and 0.3% Permethrin, serving as positive controls; while the remaining sets with untreated maize grain formed negative controls. Gas analysis in the PICS bags followed the expected trend with oxygen levels falling sharply below 10% and carbon dioxide increasing to almost 10% after 12 weeks hence resulting in insect death. After 16 weeks, increase in oxygen levels may be attributed to perforation of the bags from outside by the P. truncatus. Results showed that PICS bags were significantly (P < 0.05) superior to treated and untreated controls of polypropylene and jute bags in suppressing insect development, maize grain damage and weight loss during storage. Weight loss in polypropylene and jute bags reached 40% and 41%, respectively, at 24 weeks after storage compared to PICS (2.4–2.9%). These results demonstrate that PICS bags can be used to store maize against P. truncatus and S. zeamais attack.
Motor Imagery and Action Observation of Specific Neck Therapeutic Exercises Induced Hypoalgesia in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Single-Blind Placebo Trial
Authors: Suso-Martí Luis , León-Hernández Jose Vicente , La Touche Roy , Paris-Alemany Alba , Cuenca-Martínez Ferran
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to explore the pain modulation effects of motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) of specific neck therapeutic exercises both locally, in the cervical region, and remotely. A single-blind, placebo clinical trial was designed. A total of 30 patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) were randomly assigned to an AO group, MI group, or placebo observation (PO) group. Pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) of C2/C3, trapezius muscles, and epicondyle were the main outcome variables. Secondary outcomes included heart rate measurement. Statistically significant differences were observed in PPTs of the cervical region in the AO and MI groups between the preintervention and first postintervention assessment. Significant differences were found in the AO group in the epicondyle between the preintervention, first and second post-intervention assessments. Regarding heart rate response, differences were found in the AO and MI groups between the preintervention and average intervention measurements. AO and MI induce immediate pain modulation in the cervical region and AO also induces remote hypoalgesia. OA appears to lead to greater pain modulation as well as a greater heart rate response, however, both should be clinically considered in patients with CNP.
Leptin Modulates Exosome Biogenesis in Breast Cancer Cells: An Additional Mechanism in Cell-to-Cell Communication
Authors: Giordano Cinzia , Gelsomino Luca , Barone Ines , Panza Salvatore , Augimeri Giuseppina , Bonofiglio Daniela , Rovito Daniela , Naimo Giuseppina , Leggio Antonella , Catalano Stefania , Andò Sebastiano
Published: July 2019

Exosomes—small membrane vesicles secreted by both normal and malignant cells upon fusion of endosomal multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane—play an important role in cell-to-cell communication. During the last decade, several reports have highlighted the involvement of these nanovesicles in many aspects of breast cancer development and progression, but the extracellular signals governing their generation in breast cancer cells have not been completely unraveled. Here, we investigated the role of the obesity hormone leptin, a well-known adipokine implicated in mammary tumorigenesis, on the mechanisms regulating exosome biogenesis and release in both estrogen receptor α (ERα)—positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We found that leptin treatment enhanced the number of MVBs in the cytoplasm of breast cancer cells and increased the amount of exosomes released in cell conditioned media. At molecular level, leptin increased the protein expression of Tsg101—a key component of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport I (ESCRT-I)—by a post-transcriptional mechanism involving its direct interaction with the chaperone protein Hsp90. Targeting leptin signaling, by a selective leptin receptor antagonist the peptide LDFI (Leu-Asp-Phe-Ile), abrogated leptin effects on Tsg101 expression and on exosome secretion in breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our findings, identifying for the first time leptin/leptin receptor/Hsp90 axis as an important regulator of exosome generation in mammary carcinoma cells, suggest that targeting this signaling pathway might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to impair exosome secretion and interrupt the dangerous cell-to-cell communication in breast cancer.
Progenitor Cells Derived from Drain Waste Product of Open-Heart Surgery in Children
Authors: Wong Tak-Wah , Kan Chung-Dann , Chiu Wen-Tai , Fok Kin Lam , Ruan Ye Chun , Jiang Xiaohua , Chen Junjiang , Kao Chiu-Ching , Chen I-Yu , Lin Hui-Chun , Chou Chia-Hsuan , Lin Chou-Wen , Yu Chun-Keung , Tsao Stephanie , Lee Yi-Ping , Chan Hsiao Chang , Wang Jieh-Neng
Published: July 2019

Human cardiac progenitor cells isolated from the same host may have advantages over other sources of stem cells. The aim of this study is to establish a new source of human progenitor cells collected from a waste product, pericardiac effusion fluid, after open-heart surgery in children with congenital heart diseases. The fluid was collected every 24 h for 2 days after surgery in 37 children. Mononuclear cells were isolated and expanded in vitro. These pericardial effusion-derived progenitor cells (PEPCs) exhibiting cardiogenic lineage markers, were highly proliferative and enhanced angiogenesis in vitro. Three weeks after stem cell transplantation into the ischemic heart in mice, cardiac ejection fraction was improved significantly without detectable progenitor cells. Gene expression profiles of the repaired hearts revealed activation of several known repair mechanisms including paracrine effects, cell migration, and angiogenesis. These progenitor cells may have the potential for heart regeneration.
Cardiac Sodium Channel Dysfunction and Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Contemporary Reappraisal of Pathophysiological Concepts
Authors: Asatryan Babken
Published: July 2019

A key emerging theme in translational cardiovascular medicine is the need to identify specific causes of arrhythmias and heart failure, defined by phenotype and/or genotype that will respond to a particular intervention. Unlike other genes implicated in hereditary arrhythmias and cardiomyopathies, pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the cardiac sodium channel alpha subunit gene (SCN5A) produce a remarkably diverse set of electrical and structural phenotypes, one of them being dilated cardiomyopathy. There has been debate about whether left ventricular remodeling is a bona fide phenotypic feature of cardiac sodium channel dysfunction, or a consequence of tachyarrhythmias or conduction disturbances. In light of recent findings, a critical digest of the available experimental and medical literature is necessary. This paper provides a critical appraisal of the evidence linking a dysfunctional cardiac sodium channel to ventricular dysfunction, and discusses the potential mechanisms involved in shaping this phenotype along with implications for precision therapy.
Pectoral Fin Anomalies in tbx5a Knockdown Zebrafish Embryos Related to the Cascade Effect of N-Cadherin and Extracellular Matrix Formation
Authors: Lu Jenn-Kan , Tsai Tzu-Chun , Lee Hsinyu , Hsia Kai , Lin Chih-Hsun , Lu Jen-Her
Published: July 2019

Functional knockdown of zebrafish tbx5a causes hypoplasia or aplasia of pectoral fins. This study aimed to assess developmental pectoral fin anomalies in tbx5a morpholino knockdown zebrafish embryos. The expression of cartilage-related genes in the tbx5a morphant was analyzed by DNA microarray, immunostaining, and thin-section histology to examine the detailed distribution of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during different pectoral fin developmental stages. Chondrogenic condensation (CC) in the tbx5a morpholino knockdown group was barely recognizable at 37 h postfertilization (hpf); the process from CC to endoskeleton formation was disrupted at 48 hpf, and the endoskeleton was only loosely formed at 72 hpf. Microarrays identified 18 downregulated genes in tbx5a-deficient embryos, including 2 fin morphogenesis-related (cx43, bbs7), 4 fin development-related (hoxc8a, hhip, axin1, msxb), and 12 cartilage development-related (mmp14a, sec23b, tfap2a, slc35b2, dlx5a, dlx1a, tfap2b, fmr1, runx3, cdh2, lect1, acvr2a, mmp14b) genes, at 24 and 30 hpf. The increase in apoptosis-related proteins (BAD and BCL2) in the tbx5a morphant influenced the cellular component of pectoral fins and resulted in chondrocyte reduction throughout the different CC phases. Furthermore, tbx5a knockdown interfered with ECM formation in pectoral fins, affecting glycosaminoglycans, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and N-cadherin. Our results provide evidence that the pectoral fin phenotypic anomaly induced by tbx5a knockdown is related to disruption of the mesoderm and ECM, consequently interfering with mesoderm migration, CC, and subsequent endoskeleton formation.
On Combining Evidence from Heteroskedasticity Robust Panel Unit Root Tests in Pooled Regressions
Authors: Arnold Martin , Hanck Christoph
Published: July 2019

Volatility break robust panel unit root tests (PURTs) recently proposed by Herwartz and Siedenburg (Computational Statistics & Data Analysis 2008, 53, 137–150) and Demetrescu and Hanck (Econometrics Letters 2012, 117, 10–13) have different performances under both the null and local alternatives. Common practice in empirical research is to apply multiple tests if none is uniformly superior. We show that this approach tends to produce contradictory evidence for the tests considered, making it unclear whether to reject the null. To address this problem, we advocate a combined testing procedure. Simulation evidence shows that the combined test has good size control and closely tracks the more powerful test. An empirical application reinvestigates whether there is a unit root in OECD inflation rates. We find evidence that inflation is stationary for long observation periods, but we cannot reject nonstationarity in most subsets of countries for the last three decades.
Laboratory Measurement and Analysis of the Deteriorated Layer Permeability Coefficient of Soil-Cement Deteriorated in a Saline Environment
Authors: Jin Qing , Cui Xinzhuang , Su Junwei , Lu Tu , Wang Jieru , Han Ruonan
Published: July 2019

The deterioration of soil-cement in a saline environment leads to a reduction in strength and an increase in permeability. Effective methods of determining the deteriorated layer permeability coefficient of soil-cement are currently lacking. A laboratory test method for measuring the permeability coefficient of the deteriorated layer was proposed using the modified permeability coefficient testing apparatus. According to the proposed method, the permeability coefficient of the deteriorated layer could be obtained after testing the permeability coefficient of the soil-cement specimen in acuring room and testing the equivalent permeability coefficient and deterioration depth of the soil-cement specimen in a deteriorated environment. Using the marine dredger fill from Jiaozhou Bay as a case study, the deteriorated layer permeability coefficients of soil-cements with different cement contents were tested. It turned out that the permeability of the deteriorated layer increases with age. At the beginning of the curing age, higher cement content led to a smaller permeability coefficient of the deteriorated layer of soil-cement. As the curing age increased, the deteriorated layer permeability coefficient of the soil-cement with higher cement content increased. The evolution of the permeability coefficient of a deteriorated layer with age can be formulated as the Logistic function. This study provides support for anti-permeability designs of soil-cement structures in saline environments.
Is Vitamin D Supplementation Useful for Weight Loss Programs? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Perna Simone
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives: The controversy about the impact of vitamin D supplementation on weight loss treatment was observed in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This meta-analysis investigates the effects of vitamin D supplementation (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) on weight loss through holistic measurements of Body Mass Index (BMI), weight and waist circumference. Materials and Methods: Google Scholar, WOS, PubMed and Scopus were explored to collect relevant studies. The selected articles focused on vitamin D supplementation in overweight and obese individuals with different conditions. Eleven RCTs were included into this meta-analysis with a total of 947 subjects, with a mean of the follow-up from 1 to 12 months and different vitamin D interventions (from 25,000 to 600,000 IU/monthly of cholecalciferol). Results: The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effects showed that cholecalciferol supplementation deceases the BMI by −0.32 kg/m2 (CI95% −0.52, −0.12 kg/m2, p = 0.002) and the waist circumference by −1.42 cm (CI95% −2.41, −0.42 cm, p = 0.005), but does not statistically affect weight loss −0.43 kg (CI95% −1.05, +0.19 kg, p = 0.17). Conclusions: This meta-analysis lays the foundation for defining the potential clinical efficacy of vitamin D supplementation as a potential therapeutic option for weight loss programs, but further studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings and delineate potential underlying mechanisms.