bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Job Insecurity and Employee Performance: Testing Temporal Aspects, Rating Source, Welfare Regime, and Union Density as Moderators
Authors: Sverke Magnus , Låstad Lena , Hellgren Johnny , Richter Anne , Näswall Katharina
Published: July 2019

Previous research has shown that job insecurity is linked to a range of performance outcomes, but the number of studies exploring this relationship is still limited and the results are somewhat mixed. The first aim of this study was to meta-analytically investigate how job insecurity is related to task performance, contextual performance, counterproductive work behavior, creativity, and safety compliance. The second aim was to test two method-related factors (cross-sectional vs. longitudinal associations and self- vs. supervisor-ratings of performance) and two macro-level indicators of social protection (social welfare regime and union density) as moderators of these associations. The results show that job insecurity was generally associated with impaired employee performance. These findings were generally similar both cross-sectionally and longitudinally and irrespective of rater. Overall, the associations between job insecurity and negative performance outcomes were weaker in welfare regimes characterized by strong social protection, whereas the results concerning union density produced mixed results. A majority of the findings confirmed the negative associations between job insecurity and types of employee performance, but future research is needed to elaborate on the effects of temporal aspects, differences between ratings sources, and further indicators of social protection in different cultural settings in the context of job insecurity.
Impact of a Smoking Cessation Quitline in Vietnam: Evidence Base and Future Directions
Authors: Ngo Chau Quy , Phan Phuong Thu , Vu Giap Van , Pham Quyen Thi Le , Chu Hanh Thi , Pham Kiet Tuan Huy , Tran Bach Xuan , Do Huyen Phuc , Nguyen Cuong Tat , Tran Tung Thanh , Ha Giang Hai , Dang Anh Kim , Nguyen Huong Thi Lan , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S.H. , Ho Roger C.M.
Published: July 2019

Smoking is considered the most critical modifiable factor with regard to lung cancer and remains a public health concern in many countries, including Vietnam, which is among those countries with the highest tobacco consumption rates in the world. This study has examined the impact of national telephone counselling for smoking cessation and has identified the factors associated with the impact of the quitline among male callers in Vietnam. A randomized cross-sectional survey of 469 smokers who sought smoking cessation services via the national quitline was performed from September 2015 to May 2016. The primary outcomes were measured by a self-reported quit rate at the time of assessment, 7 day point prevalence abstinence (PA), 6 month prolonged PA, service satisfaction, and level of motivation. Among the participants, 31.6% were abstinent, and 5.1% of participants successfully stopped smoking and did not need to seek quitline support. Most of the clients were satisfied with the quality of service (88.5%), felt more confident about quitting (74.3%), and took early action via their first quit attempt (81.7%); 18.3% reported a more than 7 day abstinence period at the time of survey. The primary reasons for smoking relapse were surrounding smoking environments (51.6%) and craving symptoms (44.1%). Future smoking cessation efforts should focus on improving the quality of quitline services, client satisfaction, and developing a tailored program and counseling targeting smokers with specific characteristics, especially ones experiencing chronic diseases.
Exploring the Effect of Driving Factors on Traffic Crash Risk among Intoxicated Drivers: A Case Study in Wujiang
Authors: Cheng Zeyang , Zu Zhenshan , Lu Jian , Li Yunxuan
Published: July 2019

Intoxicated driving is a threat to both drivers and other road users. Exploring the association between intoxicated driving factors and traffic crashes is essential for taking effective countermeasures. Most previous works have studied the relation between intoxicated driving and traffic crash based on some large-sized cities. The current study aims to evaluate the effect of driving factors on traffic crashes among intoxicated drivers in a small-sized city in China. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis are performed to guide the study, and the data (N = 1010) for the period 2016–2017 in Wujiang (i.e., a small-sized city in China) are employed as the target samples. The results demonstrate age, years of driving experience, road position, week, hour and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) are associated with traffic crashes in Wujiang. Specifically, the age of “18–25”, the years of driving experience of “≤2”, the “road intersection”, the “weekend”, the period of “0:00–6:59” and the BAC of “above 150 mg/100 mL” are more likely to cause traffic crashes among intoxicated drivers. The findings can be referred to make some targeted policies or measures to relieve Wujiang’s intoxicated driving situation and reduce the number of crashes caused by intoxicated driving.
Hydrologic Modeling for Sustainable Water Resources Management in Urbanized Karst Areas
Authors: Cardoso de Salis Hugo Henrique , Monteiro da Costa Adriana , Moreira Vianna João Herbert , Azeneth Schuler Marysol , Künne Annika , Sanches Fernandes Luís Filipe , Leal Pacheco Fernando António
Published: July 2019

The potential of karst aquifers as a drinking water resource is substantial because of their large storage capacity gained in the course of carbonate dissolution. Carbonate dissolution and consequent development of preferential paths are also the reasons for the complex behavior of these aquifers as regards surface and underground flow. Hydrological modeling is therefore of paramount importance for an adequate assessment of flow components in catchments shaped on karsts. The cross tabulation of such components with geology, soils, and land use data in Geographic Information Systems helps decision makers to set up sustainable groundwater abstractions and allocate areas for storage of quality surface water, in the context of conjunctive water resources management. In the present study, a hydrologic modeling using the JAMS J2000 software was conducted in a karst area of Jequitiba River basin located near the Sete Lagoas town in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results revealed a very high surface water component explained by urbanization of Sete Lagoas, which hampers the recharge of 7.9 hm3 yr−1 of storm water. They also exposed a very large negative difference (−8.3 hm3 yr−1) between groundwater availability (6.3 hm3 yr−1) and current groundwater abstraction from the karst aquifer (14.6 hm3 yr−1), which is in keeping with previously reported water table declines around drilled wells that can reach 48 m in old wells used for public water supply. Artificial recharge of excess surface flow is not recommended within the urban areas, given the high risk of groundwater contamination with metals and hydrocarbons potentially transported in storm water, as well as development of suffosional sinkholes as a consequence of concentrated storm flow. The surface component could however be stored in small dams in forested areas from the catchment headwaters and diverted to the urban area to complement the drinking water supply. The percolation in soil was estimated to be high in areas used for agriculture and pastures. The implementation of correct fertilizing, management, and irrigation practices are considered crucial to attenuate potential contamination of groundwater and suffosional sinkhole development in these areas.
Association between Maternal Education and School-Age Children Weight Status: A Study from the China Health Nutrition Survey, 2011
Authors: Feng Yuejing , Ding Lulu , Tang Xue , Wang Yi , Zhou Chengchao
Published: July 2019

Childhood abnormal weight status is a global public health issue. This study aims to explore the association between maternal education and weight status of school-age children using the data from the China Health Nutrition Survey (CHNS), wave 2011. Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated based on children’s weight and height and is divided into three levels (normal, underweight, overweight/obesity). Logistic regression is used to assess the relationship of maternal education and children weight status. The prevalence of childhood underweight and overweight/obesity are 5.9% and 21.7%, respectively. Children with high maternal education are found less likely to be underweight (technical college: Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.223, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.052–0.956, above college: OR = 0.182, 95% CI = 0.041–0.812). Children with maternal education at junior high school are of 2.170 greater odds to be overweight/obese than those with maternal education at junior high school and below (OR = 2.170, 95% CI = 1.398–3.370), and children with maternal education at technical college are of 2.397 greater odds to be overweight/obese than those with lower education level (OR = 2.397, 95% CI = 1.478–3.887), and children with maternal education at above college are of 2.146 greater odds to be overweight/obese than those with lower education level (OR = 2.146, 95% CI = 1.293–3.560). A significant association between maternal education and children’s weight status is found. Targeted interventions for mothers with different education levels should be carried out to effectively manage the children’s weight status.
Monitoring of Air Microbial Contaminations in Different Bioenergy Facilities Using Cultural and Biomolecular Methods
Authors: Anedda Elisa , Carletto Giulia , Gilli Giorgio , Traversi Deborah
Published: July 2019

Bioaerosol exposure linked to the bioenergy production from waste and its effects on human health in occupational and residential environments has rising interest nowadays. The health risk associated with the exposure includes mainly infective diseases, allergies, chronic bronchitis, and obstructive pulmonary disease. A risk assessment’s critical point is the bioaerosol quality and quantity characterization. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of different methods for the analysis of bioaerosol sampled in bioenergy plants. This study involved six Italian plants for the treatment of biomasses and energy production. Bioaerosol cultural evaluation was performed, by Surface Air System (SAS) sampler, and DNA was extracted from PM0.49 samples and Low Melting Agar plates. qRT-PCR followed by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) and band sequencings were performed. The cultural method is able to detect less than 15% of what is evaluable with bio-molecular methods. A low sample alfa-diversity and a high beta-biodiversity in relation to feedstock and process were observed. Sequencing showed microorganisms with a hygienic-sanitary relevance such as Arcobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Enterococcus and Bacillus. Integrated cultural and biomolecular methods can be more exhaustive to evaluate bioaerosol’s exposure in the occupational environment.
Arterial Stiffness Parameters Correlate with Estimated Cardiovascular Risk in Humans: A Clinical Study
Authors: Tąpolska Małgorzata , Spałek Maciej , Szybowicz Urszula , Domin Remigiusz , Owsik Karolina , Sochacka Katarzyna , Skrypnik Damian , Bogdański Paweł , Owecki Maciej
Published: July 2019

Arterial stiffness is said to be a novel predictor of cardiovascular events. This study investigated the correlation between arterial stiffness parameters and the estimated cardiovascular disease risk (RISK) in a Polish cohort of patients divided by age, sex, and body-mass index (BMI). The cross-sectional study enrolled 295 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Subjects were divided into three age groups, four weight groups, and by gender. The stiffness of the vessels was assessed by the measurement of the stiffness index (SI) and reflection index (RI). An individual 10-year RISK was calculated for each patient using the Heart Risk Calculator algorithm by the American Heart Association. A correlation between the SI and estimated RISK was observed (rS 0.42, p < 0.05). The strongest relationship was presented for women, the age group 40–54, and individuals with normal weight. The correlation between RI and calculated RISK was observed (rS 0.19, p < 0.05), the highest correlation was noticed for people aged 40–54 and obese. In conclusion, both SI and RI are correlated with estimated cardiovascular risk, however SI seems to be more useful than RI to predict the individual risk of future cardiovascular events. Both of these can be measured using non-invasive techniques, which demonstrates their potential utility in clinical practice.
Motivation in the Athens Classic Marathon: The Role of Sex, Age, and Performance Level in Greek Recreational Marathon Runners
Authors: Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Chalabaev Aïna , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: July 2019

The aim of the present study was to examine the motivation of recreational runners and its variation by sex, age, and performance level. Finishers (female: n = 32, age 40.1 ± 9.0 years old, height 162 ± 7 cm, body mass 57.7 ± 7.5 kg, race record 4:34 ± 0:39 h:min; male: n = 134, 44.2 ± 8.6 years, 176 ± 6 cm, 77.0 ± 9.3 kg, 4:02 ± 0:44 h:min) in the Athens Classic Marathon 2017 completed the Motivations of Marathoners Scales (MOMS) 56-item questionnaire. The highest scores in the MOMS were observed in the general health orientation and personal goal achievement categories, and the lowest in the recognition and competition areas. Female participants scored higher in coping, self-esteem, and goal achievement than their male counterparts (p < 0.05). The <30 age group scored higher than the 35–40 and 40–45 age groups in “competing with other runners” for male participants (p < 0.05). The average performance group outscored the slowest group in “achieving personal goals” and “competing with other runners” in female participants, whereas an effect of performance on these two themes was shown in male participants as well (p < 0.05). In summary, we partially confirmed that female and male marathon runners differ for their motivations. In addition, novel findings were the identification of age and performance level as correlates of motivations. The knowledge of these trends would be of great practical value for practitioners to optimize the motivation of their athletes.
Exploring the Relevance of Green Space and Epidemic Diseases Based on Panel Data in China from 2007 to 2016
Authors: Liu Lingbo , Zhong Yuni , Ao Siya , Wu Hao
Published: July 2019

Urban green space has been proven effective in improving public health in the contemporary background of planetary urbanization. There is a growing body of literature investigating the relationship between non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and green space, whereas seldom has the correlation been explored between green space and epidemics, such as dysentery, tuberculosis, and malaria, which still threaten the worldwide situation of public health. Meanwhile, most studies explored healthy issues with the general green space, public green space, and green space coverage, respectively, among which the different relevance has been rarely explored. This study aimed to examine and compare the relevance between these three kinds of green space and incidences of the three types of epidemic diseases based on the Panel Data Model (PDM) with the time series data of 31 Chinese provinces from 2007 to 2016. The results indicated that there exists different, or even opposite, relevance between various kinds of green space and epidemic diseases, which might be associated with the process of urban sprawl in rapid urbanization in China. This paper provides a reference for re-thinking the indices of green space in building healthier and greener cities.
The Role of Work-Family Balance Policy for Enhancing Social Sustainability: A Choice Experiment Analysis of Koreans in their Twenties and Thirties
Authors: Oh Inha , Hwang Won-Sik , Yoon Hong Jun
Published: July 2019

Korea is facing problems, such as inequality within society and an aging population, that places a burden on public health expenditure. The active adoption of policies that promote work-family balance (WFB), such as parental leave and workplace childcare centers, is known to help solve these problems. However, there has, as yet, been little quantitative evidence accumulated to support this notion. This study used the choice experiment methodology on 373 Koreans in their twenties and thirties, to estimate the level of utility derived from work-family balance policies. The results show that willingness to pay for parental leave was found to be valued at 7.81 million Korean won, while it was 4.83 million won for workplace childcare centers. In particular, WFB policies were found to benefit workers of lower socioeconomic status or belonging to disadvantaged groups, such as women, those with low education levels, and those with low incomes. Furthermore, the utility derived from WFB policies was found to be greater among those who desire children compared to those who do not. The results suggest that the proactive introduction of WFB policies will help solve problems such as inequality within society and population aging.
Secular Trends in Lipid Profiles in Korean Adults Based on the 2005–2015 KNHANES
Authors: Kwon Yu-Jin , Lee Jae-Woo , Kang Hee-Taik
Published: July 2019

Dyslipidemia is a primary, critical risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, evaluating the trends in lipid profiles is crucial for the development of health policies and programs. We studied trends in lipid profiles in Korean adults over an 11-year period according to the use of lipid-lowering medications through age-specific analysis. A total of 73,890 participants were included in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (2005)-VI (2013–2015). The proportion of participants on lipid-lowering medications has increased. This trend was apparent in age groups of over 40 years in both men and women. Lipid-lowering medications successfully reduced mean total cholesterol (TC), but there was no favorable trend in TC in participants not taking lipid-lowering medication in both men and women. Unlike men, triglyceride and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) decreased in women without lipid-lowering medications. In age-specific hypercholesterolemia, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia significantly increased in the age groups of 30–59 and 30–49 years in men and women without lipid-lowering medications, respectively. Meanwhile, mean HDL-C levels increased over the 11-year period regardless of lipid-lowering drug use in both men and women. These analyses identified an upward trend in TC and HDL-C over the 11-year period.
The Driving Forces of Point Source Wastewater Emission: Case Study of COD and NH4-N Discharges in Mainland China
Authors: Zhang Zhaofang , He Weijun , Shen Juqin , An Min , Gao Xin , Degefu Dagmawi Mulugeta , Yuan Liang , Kong Yang , Zhang Chengcai , Huang Jin
Published: July 2019

Excess consumption of water resources and environmental pollution have become major challenges restricting sustainable development in China. In order to prevent the pollution of water resources, policymakers should have reliable emission reduction strategies. This paper aims to contribute new knowledge by analyzing the spatial-temporal characteristics and driving forces of point source emission. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) emission variations in 31 provinces and municipalities of mainland China during the years 2004–2017 are analyzed. The results obtained using the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method indicate that: (1) the COD and NH4-N emission effects have similar temporal characteristics. Technology improvement and pollutant emission intensity are the main factors inhibiting the incremental COD and NH4-N emission effects, while economic development is the main driving factor of COD and NH4-N emission effects. Population increases play a relatively less important role in COD and NH4-N emission effects. (2) The spatial features of COD and NH4-N emission effects show differences among provinces and municipalities. The reduction of COD emission effects in each province and municipality is obviously better than that of NH4-N emissions. (3) In the eastern, central, and the western regions of China, the total COD emission effect shows a downward trend, while apart from the central region, the NH4-N emission effect appears to be rising in the east and west of China. Therefore, increasing investment into pollution treatment, promoting awareness of water conservation, strengthening technological and financial support from the more developed eastern to the less developed central and western regions, can help to reduce the COD and NH4-N emissions in China.
Assessing Spatial Information Themes in the Spatial Information Infrastructure for Participatory Urban Planning Monitoring: Indonesian Cities
Authors: Indrajit Agung , Van Loenen Bastiaan , Van Oosterom Peter
Published: July 2019

Most urban planning monitoring activities were designed to monitor implementation of aggregated sectors from different initiatives into practical and measurable indicators. Today, cities utilize spatial information in monitoring and evaluating urban planning implementation for not only national or local goals but also for the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Modern cities adopt Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS) initiative for their urban planning monitoring. Cities provide spatial information and online tools for citizens to participate. However, the selection of spatial information services for participants is made from producers’ perception and often disregards requirements from the regulation, functionalities, and broader user’s perception. By providing appropriate spatial information, the quality of participatory urban monitoring can be improved. This study presents a method for selecting appropriate spatial information for urban planning monitoring. It considers regulation, urban planning, and spatial science theories, as well as citizens’ requirements, to support participatory urban planning monitoring as a way to ensure the success of providing near real-time urban information to planners and decision-makers.
Modeling the Vagueness of Areal Geographic Objects: A Categorization System
Authors: Liu Yu , Yuan Yihong , Gao Song
Published: July 2019

Modeling vague objects with indeterminate boundaries has drawn much attention in geographic information science. Because fields and objects are two perspectives in modeling geographic phenomena, this paper investigates the characteristics of vague regions from the perspective of the field/object dichotomy. Based on the assumption that a vague object can be viewed as the conceptualization of a field, we defined five categories of vague objects: direct field-cutting objects, focal operation-based field-cutting objects, element-clustering objects, object-referenced objects, and dynamic boundary objects. We then established a categorization system to formalize the semantic differences between vague objects using the fuzzy set theory. The proposed framework provides valuable input for the conceptualization, interpretation, and modeling of vague geographical objects.
Monitoring Ground Instabilities Using SAR Satellite Data: A Practical Approach
Authors: Del Soldato Matteo , Solari Lorenzo , Raspini Federico , Bianchini Silvia , Ciampalini Andrea , Montalti Roberto , Ferretti Alessandro , Pellegrineschi Vania , Casagli Nicola
Published: July 2019

Satellite interferometric data are widely exploited for ground motion monitoring thanks to their wide area coverage, cost efficiency and non-invasiveness. The launch of the Sentinel-1 constellation opened new horizons for interferometric applications, allowing the scientists to rethink the way in which these data are delivered, passing from a static view of the territory to a continuous streaming of ground motion measurements from space. Tuscany Region is the first worldwide example of a regional scale monitoring system based on satellite interferometric data. The processing chain here exploited combines a multi-interferometric approach with a time-series data mining algorithm aimed at recognizing benchmarks with significant trend variations. The system is capable of detecting the temporal changes of a wide variety of phenomena such as slow-moving landslides and subsidence, producing a high amount of data to be interpreted in a short time. Bulletins and reports are derived to the hydrogeological risk management actors at regional scale. The final output of the project is a list of potentially hazardous and accelerating phenomena that are verified on site by field campaign by completing a sheet survey in order to qualitatively estimate the risk and to suggest short-term actions to be taken by local entities. Two case studies, one related to landslides and one to subsidence, are proposed to highlight the potential of the monitoring system to early detect anomalous ground changes. Both examples represent a successful implementation of satellite interferometric data as monitoring and risk management tools, raising the awareness of local and regional authorities to geohazards.
Effects of Diazepam on Low-Frequency and High-Frequency Electrocortical γ-Power Mediated by α1- and α2-GABAA Receptors
Authors: Hofmann Julian I. , Schwarz Cornelius , Rudolph Uwe , Antkowiak Bernd
Published: July 2019

Patterns of spontaneous electric activity in the cerebral cortex change upon administration of benzodiazepines. Here we are testing the hypothesis that the prototypical benzodiazepine, diazepam, affects spectral power density in the low (20–50 Hz) and high (50–90 Hz) γ-band by targeting GABAA receptors harboring α1- and α2-subunits. Local field potentials (LFPs) and action potentials were recorded in the barrel cortex of wild type mice and two mutant strains in which the drug exclusively acted via GABAA receptors containing either α1- (DZα1-mice) or α2-subunits (DZα2-mice). In wild type mice, diazepam enhanced low γ-power. This effect was also evident in DZα2-mice, while diazepam decreased low γ-power in DZα1-mice. Diazepam increased correlated local LFP-activity in wild type animals and DZα2- but not in DZα1-mice. In all genotypes, spectral power density in the high γ-range and multi-unit action potential activity declined upon diazepam administration. We conclude that diazepam modifies low γ-power in opposing ways via α1- and α2-GABAA receptors. The drug’s boosting effect involves α2-receptors and an increase in local intra-cortical synchrony. Furthermore, it is important to make a distinction between high- and low γ-power when evaluating the effects of drugs that target GABAA receptors.
Near-Infrared Genetically Encoded Positive Calcium Indicator Based on GAF-FP Bacterial Phytochrome
Authors: Subach Oksana M. , Barykina Natalia V. , Anokhin Konstantin V. , Piatkevich Kiryl D. , Subach Fedor V.
Published: July 2019

A variety of genetically encoded calcium indicators are currently available for visualization of calcium dynamics in cultured cells and in vivo. Only one of them, called NIR-GECO1, exhibits fluorescence in the near-infrared region of the spectrum. NIR-GECO1 is engineered based on the near-infrared fluorescent protein mIFP derived from bacterial phytochromes. However, NIR-GECO1 has an inverted response to calcium ions and its excitation spectrum is not optimal for the commonly used 640 nm lasers. Using small near-infrared bacterial phytochrome GAF-FP and calmodulin/M13-peptide pair, we developed a near-infrared calcium indicator called GAF-CaMP2. In vitro, GAF-CaMP2 showed a positive response of 78% and high affinity (Kd of 466 nM) to the calcium ions. It had excitation and emission maxima at 642 and 674 nm, respectively. GAF-CaMP2 had a 2.0-fold lower brightness, 5.5-fold faster maturation and lower pH stability compared to GAF-FP in vitro. GAF-CaMP2 showed 2.9-fold higher photostability than smURFP protein. The GAF-CaMP2 fusion with sfGFP demonstrated a ratiometric response with a dynamic range of 169% when expressed in the cytosol of mammalian cells in culture. Finally, we successfully applied the ratiometric version of GAF-CaMP2 for the simultaneous visualization of calcium transients in three organelles of mammalian cells using four-color fluorescence microscopy.
Zymolytic Grain Extract (ZGE) Significantly Extends the Lifespan and Enhances the Environmental Stress Resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Hou Lu , Jiang Mengying , Guo Qiong , Shi Wei
Published: July 2019

Many reports have shown that grains play an important role in our daily lives and can provide energy and nutrients to protect us from various diseases, and they are considered to be indispensable parts of our lives. It has been reported that some constituents in grains could exert functional effects against HIV infections and multiple cancers. Zymolytic grain can produce some new useful molecules and thus support the cell nutrients in the human body. In this study, the effects of zymolytic grain extract (ZGE) supernatants on the changes of nematode indicators were investigated, including lifespan, self-brood size, and body length in environmental conditions (temperature, ultraviolet radiation or 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyuridine (FUDR) stimuli). We found that, compared to the control group, the ZGE supernatant-feeding group could prolong the lifespan of nematodes under normal conditions. More importantly, ZGE supernatants could improve the ability of nematodes to resist stress. When the concentration of FUDR was 400 or 50 μM, the ZGE supernatant-feeding group could prolong lifespan by an average of 38.4% compared to the control group, and the eggs of the ZGE supernatant-feeding group could hatch and develop into adults. These results indicated that ZGE could protect C. elegans from external stress and thus prolong their lifespan and improve the physiological state of nematodes. Therefore, ZGE supernatant has potential to be used as a nutritional product in antioxidant and anti-aging research.
Seeing Better and Going Deeper in Cancer Nanotheranostics
Authors: Sivasubramanian Maharajan , Chuang Yao , Chen Nai-Tzu , Lo Leu-Wei
Published: July 2019

Biomedical imaging modalities in clinical practice have revolutionized oncology for several decades. State-of-the-art biomedical techniques allow visualizing both normal physiological and pathological architectures of the human body. The use of nanoparticles (NP) as contrast agents enabled visualization of refined contrast images with superior resolution, which assists clinicians in more accurate diagnoses and in planning appropriate therapy. These desirable features are due to the ability of NPs to carry high payloads (contrast agents or drugs), increased in vivo half-life, and disease-specific accumulation. We review the various NP-based interventions for treatments of deep-seated tumors, involving “seeing better” to precisely visualize early diagnosis and “going deeper” to activate selective therapeutics in situ.
N-Terminal (1→3)-β-d-Glucan Recognition Proteins from Insects Recognize the Difference in Ultra-Structures of (1→3)-β-d-Glucan
Authors: Adachi Yoshiyuki , Ishii Masaki , Kanno Takashi , Tetsui Junko , Ishibashi Ken-ichi , Yamanaka Daisuke , Miura Noriko , Ohno Naohito
Published: July 2019

Recognition of (1→3)-β-d-glucans (BGs) by invertebrate β-1,3-d-glucan recognition protein (BGRP) plays a significant role in the activation of Toll pathway and prophenoloxidase systems in insect host defense against fungal invasion. To examine the structure diversity of BGRPs for the recognition of physiochemically different BGs, the binding specificity of BGRPs cloned from four different insects to structure different BGs was characterized using ELISA. Recombinant BGRPs expressed as Fc-fusion proteins of human IgG1 bound to the solid phase of BGs. Based on the binding specificities, the BGRPs were categorized into two groups with different ultrastructures and binding characters; one group specifically binds BGs with triple-helical conformation, while the other group recognizes BGs with disordered conformations like single-helical or partially opened triple helix. The BGRPs from the silkworm and the Indian meal moth bound to the BGs with a triple-helical structure, whereas BGRPs from the red flour beetle and yellow mealworm beetle showed no binding to triple-helical BGs, but bound to alkaline-treated BGs that have a partially opened triple-helical conformation. This evidence suggests that the insect BGRPs can distinguish between different conformations of BGs and are equipped for determining the diversity of BG structures.
Genetic Deletion or Pharmacological Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Ameliorates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Attenuating NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Darwesh Ahmed M. , Keshavarz-Bahaghighat Hedieh , Jamieson K. Lockhart , Seubert John M.
Published: July 2019

Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome cascade has a role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. There is growing evidence indicating cytochrome p450 (CYP450)-derived metabolites of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) possess both adverse and protective effects in the heart. CYP-derived epoxy metabolites are rapidly hydrolyzed by the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). The current study hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of inhibiting sEH involves limiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Isolated hearts from young wild-type (WT) and sEH null mice were perfused in the Langendorff mode with either vehicle or the specific sEH inhibitor t-AUCB. Improved post-ischemic functional recovery and better mitochondrial respiration were observed in both sEH null hearts or WT hearts perfused with t-AUCB. Inhibition of sEH markedly attenuated the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex and limited the mitochondrial localization of the fission protein dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp-1) triggered by IR injury. Cardioprotective effects stemming from the inhibition of sEH included preserved activities of both cytosolic thioredoxin (Trx)-1 and mitochondrial Trx-2 antioxidant enzymes. Together, these data demonstrate that inhibiting sEH imparts cardioprotection against IR injury via maintaining post-ischemic mitochondrial function and attenuating a detrimental innate inflammatory response.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Export of GPI-Anchored Proteins
Authors: Lopez Sergio , Rodriguez-Gallardo Sofia , Sabido-Bozo Susana , Muñiz Manuel
Published: July 2019

Protein export from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential process in all eukaryotes driven by the cytosolic coat complex COPII, which forms vesicles at ER exit sites for transport of correctly assembled secretory cargo to the Golgi apparatus. The COPII machinery must adapt to the existing wide variety of different types of cargo proteins and to different cellular needs for cargo secretion. The study of the ER export of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins (GPI-APs), a special glycolipid-linked class of cell surface proteins, is contributing to address these key issues. Due to their special biophysical properties, GPI-APs use a specialized COPII machinery to be exported from the ER and their processing and maturation has been recently shown to actively regulate COPII function. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms by which GPI-APs are assembled and selectively exported from the ER.
Multi-Faceted Notch in Allergic Airway Inflammation
Authors: Huang Miao-Tzu , Chiu Chiao-Juno , Chiang Bor-Luen
Published: July 2019

Notch is an evolutionarily conserved signaling family which iteratively exerts pleiotropic functions in cell fate decisions and various physiological processes, not only during embryonic development but also throughout adult life. In the context of the respiratory system, Notch has been shown to regulate ciliated versus secretory lineage differentiation of epithelial progenitor cells and coordinate morphogenesis of the developing lung. Reminiscent of its role in development, the Notch signaling pathway also plays a role in repair of lung injuries by regulation of stem cell activity, cell differentiation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition to functions in embryonic development, cell and tissue renewal and various physiological processes, including glucose and lipid metabolism, Notch signaling has been demonstrated to regulate differentiation of literally almost all T-cell subsets, and impact on elicitation of inflammatory response and its outcome. We have investigated the role of Notch in allergic airway inflammation in both acute and chronic settings. In this mini-review, we will summarize our own work and recent advances on the role of Notch signaling in allergic airway inflammation, and discuss potential applications of the Notch signaling family in therapy for allergic airway diseases.
An Ensemble Classifier to Predict Protein–Protein Interactions by Combining PSSM-based Evolutionary Information with Local Binary Pattern Model
Authors: Li Yang , Li Li-Ping , Wang Lei , Yu Chang-Qing , Wang Zheng , You Zhu-Hong
Published: July 2019

Protein plays a critical role in the regulation of biological cell functions. Among them, whether proteins interact with each other has become a fundamental problem, because proteins usually perform their functions by interacting with other proteins. Although a large amount of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) data has been produced by high-throughput biotechnology, the disadvantage of biological experimental technique is time-consuming and costly. Thus, computational methods for predicting protein interactions have become a research hot spot. In this research, we propose an efficient computational method that combines Rotation Forest (RF) classifier with Local Binary Pattern (LBP) feature extraction method to predict PPIs from the perspective of Position-Specific Scoring Matrix (PSSM). The proposed method has achieved superior performance in predicting Yeast, Human, and H. pylori datasets with average accuracies of 92.12%, 96.21%, and 86.59%, respectively. In addition, we also evaluated the performance of the proposed method on the four independent datasets of C. elegans, H. pylori, H. sapiens, and M. musculus datasets. These obtained experimental results fully prove that our model has good feasibility and robustness in predicting PPIs.
Stabilizing Effects of Supercritical CO2 Fluid Properties on Compressor Operation†
Authors: Hacks Alexander Johannes , Schuster Sebastian , Brillert Dieter
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to give an understanding of an effect which stabilizes the inlet conditions of compressors for supercritical CO2 (sCO2) operating close to the critical point. The effect was observed during testing of the turbomachine within the sCO2-HeRo project, and is caused by the sCO2 real gas properties close to the pseudocritical line. Under theoretical consideration, strong gradients in the fluid properties around this line—dependent on the static temperature and pressure of sCO2—can result in strong variation of compressor performance and finally lead to unstable cycle behavior. However, this paper demonstrates reduced gradients in density at the compressor inlet when varying the cooling power and taking advantage of a stabilizing effect. The applicable range and the significance of this stabilizing effect depended on the cooler inlet temperature and pressure, and was used to evaluate the relevance for individual cycles. Controlling the cooling power and the measurement of the inlet density allowed control of the compressor inlet conditions equally well, independent of the operating point, even close to the critical point.
Ecological Aspects of the Vector-Borne Bacterial Disease, Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing): Dispersal and Host Use by Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina Citri Kuwayama
Authors: Stelinski Lukasz L.
Published: July 2019

Determining the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on pest dispersal behavior is a critical component of integrated pest management. The behavioral and physiological traits of movement of the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, has received significant attention. Field and laboratory experiments have explored the physiological capabilities of ACP dispersal, as well as, the abiotic and biotic drivers that initiate movement behavior. Abiotic factors such as temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, landscape, and orchard architecture, as well as, biotic factors including mating status, pathogen infection, and morphotype have been investigated in great detail. The current review focuses on dispersal of ACP with the goal of synthesizing current knowledge to suggest management tactics. Overall, vision serves as the primary modality for host finding in ACP. Current data suggest that ACP populations increase more within uniform landscapes of seedling trees, as compared to mature orchards with randomly interspersed young seedlings. The data also suggest that establishment and conservation of visual and physical barriers might be beneficial to protect orchards from ACP. Management of ACP must take into account large-area cooperation, orchard border surveillance and treatment, removal of non-crop habitat, and an understanding that immigration can occur from distances of several kilometers.
Short QT Syndrome: A Comprehensive Genetic Interpretation and Clinical Translation of Rare Variants
Authors: Campuzano Oscar , Fernandez-Falgueras Anna , Lemus Ximena , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Cesar Sergi , Coll Monica , Mates Jesus , Arbelo Elena , Jordà Paloma , Perez-Serra Alexandra , del Olmo Bernat , Ferrer-Costa Carles , Iglesias Anna , Fiol Victoria , Puigmulé Marta , Lopez Laura , Pico Ferran , Brugada Josep , Brugada Ramon
Published: July 2019

Short QT syndrome, one of the most lethal entities associated with sudden cardiac death, is a rare genetic disease characterized by short QT intervals detected by electrocardiogram. Several genetic variants are causally linked to the disease, but there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of variants among patients with short QT syndrome. To fill this gap, we performed an exhaustive study of variants currently catalogued as deleterious in short QT syndrome according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Analysis of the 32 variants described in the literature determined that only nine (28.12%) have a conclusive pathogenic role. All definitively pathogenic variants are located in KCNQ1, KCNH2, or KCNJ2; three genes encoding potassium channels. Other variants located in genes encoding calcium or sodium channels are associated with electrical alterations concomitant with shortened QT intervals but do not guarantee a diagnosis of short QT syndrome. We recommend caution regarding previously reported variants classified as pathogenic. An exhaustive re-analysis is necessary to clarify the role of each variant before routinely translating genetic findings to the clinical setting.
A New Approach for Optimizing Management of a Real Time Solar Charger Using the Firebase Platform Under Android
Authors: Rezoug Mohamed Redha , Chenni Rachid , Taibi Djamel
Published: July 2019

With the continuous growth of energy consumption, the rationalization of energy has become a priority. The photovoltaic energy sector remains a major occupation for researchers in the field of production optimization or storage methods. The concept developed in this work is a mixed optimization approach for energy management during battery charging with a duty cycle. A selective collaborative algorithm intervenes to choose and use the appropriate results of the few techniques to optimize the charging time of a battery and estimate its state of charge by using the minimum possible tools. This is done using a collective database that is accessible in real time. It also effectively allows the synchronization of information between several customers. This approach is performed on a mobile application on android, through a Google Firebase platform that allows us to secure collaborative access between multiple customers and use the results of the calculations of some algorithms. It gives us the values obtained by the various sensors in real time to accelerate the charging speed of the battery. The validation of this approach led us to practice a few scenarios using an Arduino board to show that this approach has a better performance.
Motion Control of Pentapod Offshore Wind Turbines under Earthquakes by Tuned Mass Damper
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Li Xin , Pan Zuxing , Zhao Zhixin
Published: July 2019

The dynamic characteristics of a bottom-fixed offshore wind turbine (OWT) under earthquakes are analyzed by developing an integrated analysis model of the OWT. Further, the influence of the interactions between the rotor and support system on the structural responses of the OWT subjected to an earthquake is discussed. Moreover, a passive control method using a tuned mass damper (TMD) is applied to the OWT to control the responses under earthquakes. The effects of the mass ratio, location and tuned frequency of the TMD on controlling structural responses of the OWT under different recorded seismic waves are studied.
Steps towards Modeling Community Resilience under Climate Change: Hazard Model Development
Authors: Dresback Kendra M. , Szpilka Christine M. , Xue Xianwu , Vergara Humberto , Wang Naiyu , Kolar Randall L. , Xu Jia , Geoghegan Kevin M.
Published: July 2019

With a growing population (over 40%) living in coastal counties within the U.S., there is an increasing risk that coastal communities will be significantly impacted by riverine/coastal flooding and high winds associated with tropical cyclones. Climate change could exacerbate these risks; thus, it would be prudent for coastal communities to plan for resilience in the face of these uncertainties. In order to address all of these risks, a coupled physics-based modeling system has been developed that simulates total water levels. This system uses parametric models for both rainfall and wind, which only require essential information (e.g., track and central pressure) generated by a hurricane model. The system is validated with Hurricane Isabel hindcasts: One using the parametric system and another using data assimilated fields. The results show a good agreement to the available data, indicating that the system is able to adequately capture the hazards using parametric models, as compared to optimized fields. The validated system was then utilized to simulate randomly generated scenarios that account for future uncertainty, i.e., amount of sea level rise and storm strength/track, as influenced by projected climate change scenarios. Results are then used in next step in the development of a system-wide, community resilience model.
Application of the Design of Experiments and Computational Fluid Dynamics to Bow Design Improvement
Authors: Seok Woochan , Kim Gwan Hoon , Seo Jeonghwa , Rhee Shin Hyung
Published: July 2019

Techniques of the design of experiments (DOE) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) were applied for improving the bow shape of a tanker hull. Through this, a hull that could reduce the added resistance in waves was derived. The key design elements of the bow shape were selected as parameters for design optimization and added resistance in the short-wavelength region was interpreted through CFD considering the operational condition of the full scale ship. For design parameter changes, the number of analyses was minimized by applying DOE. The regression equation for calculating added resistance was derived using bow-shape design parameters by applying the response surface method and regression analysis to obtain the optimal hull with minimal added resistance was derived. The methodology was applied to an Aframax tanker hull form, and the derived added resistance regression equation and the added resistance value obtained through CFD analysis showed a difference of approximately 1%. The model test results of the improved hull form showed that the added resistance was reduced by 52% in comparison to that obtained for the original hull form.