bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gamma-Ray Astrophysics in the Time Domain
Authors: Rieger Frank
Published: January 2019

The last few years have seen gamma-ray astronomy maturing and advancing in the field of time-domain astronomy, utilizing source variability on timescales over many orders of magnitudes, from a decade down to a few minutes and shorter, depending on the source. This review focuses on some of the key science issues and conceptual developments concerning the timing characteristics of active galactic nuclei (AGN) at gamma-ray energies. It highlights the relevance of adequate statistical tools and illustrates that the developments in the gamma-ray domain bear the potential to fundamentally deepen our understanding of the nature of the emitting source and the link between accretion dynamics, black hole physics, and jet ejection.
Influence of Structure-Directing Additives on the Properties of Poly(methylsilsesquioxane) Aerogel-Like Materials
Authors: Ochoa Marta , Lamy-Mendes Alyne , Maia Ana , Portugal António , Durães Luísa
Published: January 2019

The effect of glycerol (GLY) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) additives on the properties of silica aerogel-like monoliths obtained from methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) precursor was assessed. The tested molar ratios of additive/precursor were from 0 to 0.1 and the lowest bulk densities were obtained with a ratio of 0.025. When a washing step was performed in the sample containing the optimum PEG ratio, the bulk density could be reduced even further. The analysis of the material’s microstructure allowed us to conclude that GLY, if added in an optimum amount, originates a narrower pore size distribution with a higher volume of mesopores and specific surface area. The PEG additive played a binder effect, leading to the filling of micropores and the appearance of large pores (macropores), which caused a reduction in the specific surface area. The reduction of the bulk density and the microstructural changes in the aerogels induced by adding a small amount of these additives confirm the possibility of fine control of properties of these lightweight materials. The achieved high porosity (97%) and low thermal conductivity (~35 mW·m−1·K−1) makes them suitable to be used as thermal insulators.
Machine Learning and Integrative Analysis of Biomedical Big Data
Authors: Mirza Bilal , Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Choi Howard , Chung Neo Christopher , Ping Peipei
Published: January 2019

Recent developments in high-throughput technologies have accelerated the accumulation of massive amounts of omics data from multiple sources: genome, epigenome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, etc. Traditionally, data from each source (e.g., genome) is analyzed in isolation using statistical and machine learning (ML) methods. Integrative analysis of multi-omics and clinical data is key to new biomedical discoveries and advancements in precision medicine. However, data integration poses new computational challenges as well as exacerbates the ones associated with single-omics studies. Specialized computational approaches are required to effectively and efficiently perform integrative analysis of biomedical data acquired from diverse modalities. In this review, we discuss state-of-the-art ML-based approaches for tackling five specific computational challenges associated with integrative analysis: curse of dimensionality, data heterogeneity, missing data, class imbalance and scalability issues.
CLOCK Polymorphisms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Further Evidence Linking Sleep and Circadian Disturbances and ADHD
Authors: Carpena Marina Xavier , Hutz Mara H. , Salatino-Oliveira Angélica , Polanczyk Guilherme V. , Zeni Cristian , Schmitz Marcelo , Chazan Rodrigo , Genro Julia P. , Rohde Luis Augusto , Tovo-Rodrigues Luciana
Published: January 2019

Circadian and sleep disorders, short sleep duration, and evening chronotype are often present in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). CLOCK, considered the master gene in the circadian rhythm, has been explored by few studies. Understanding the relationship between ADHD and CLOCK may provide additional information to understand the correlation between ADHD and sleep problems. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between ADHD and CLOCK, using several genetic markers to comprehensively cover the gene extension. A total of 259 ADHD children and their parents from a Brazilian clinical sample were genotyped for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CLOCK locus. We tested the individual markers and the haplotype effects using binary logistic regression. Binary logistic and linear regressions considering ADHD symptoms among ADHD cases were conducted as secondary analysis. As main result, the analysis showed a risk effect of the G-A-T-G-G-C-G-A (rs534654, rs1801260, rs6855837, rs34897046, rs11931061, rs3817444, rs4864548, rs726967) haplotype on ADHD. A suggestive association between ADHD and rs534654 was observed. The results suggest that the genetic susceptibility to circadian rhythm attributed to the CLOCK gene may play an important role on ADHD.
A 24 h Age Difference Causes Twice as Much Gene Expression Divergence as 100 Generations of Adaptation to a Novel Environment
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Kai , Jakšić Ana Marija , Nolte Viola , Barghi Neda , Mallard François , Otte Kathrin A. , Schlötterer Christian
Published: January 2019

Gene expression profiling is one of the most reliable high-throughput phenotyping methods, allowing researchers to quantify the transcript abundance of expressed genes. Because many biotic and abiotic factors influence gene expression, it is recommended to control them as tightly as possible. Here, we show that a 24 h age difference of Drosophila simulans females that were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) five and six days after eclosure resulted in more than 2000 differentially expressed genes. This is twice the number of genes that changed expression during 100 generations of evolution in a novel hot laboratory environment. Importantly, most of the genes differing in expression due to age introduce false positives or negatives if an adaptive gene expression analysis is not controlled for age. Our results indicate that tightly controlled experimental conditions, including precise developmental staging, are needed for reliable gene expression analyses, in particular in an evolutionary framework.
Comprehensive Expression Profiling Analysis of Pituitary Indicates that circRNA Participates in the Regulation of Sheep Estrus
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Li Cunyuan , Wei Junchang , Ni Wei , Xu Yueren , Yao Rui , Zhang Mengdan , Li Huixiang , Liu Li , Dang Hanli , Hazi Wureli , Hu Shengwei
Published: January 2019

The pituitary gland is the most important endocrine organ that mainly regulates animal estrus by controlling the hormones synthesis. There is a significant difference between the estrus state and anestrus state of sheep pituitary system. Here, we studied the circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles of the anterior pituitary of estrus and anestrus sheep using RNA-seq technology. Through this study, we identified a total of 12,468 circRNAs and 9231 differentially expressed circRNAs in the estrus and anestrus pituitary system of sheep. We analyzed some differentially expressed circRNAs by reverse transcription quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR), and some circRNAs were demonstrated using RNase-R+ resistance experiments. CircRNAs involving the regulation of estrus-related terms and pathways are enriched by using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. In addition, we also predicted partial microRNA-circRNA interaction network for circRNAs that regulate sheep estrus. Overall, this study explored a potential substantial role played by circRNAs involved in pituitary regulation on sheep estrus and proposed new questions for further study.
Impact of Alternatively Polyadenylated Isoforms of ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR4 with Activator and Repressor Function on Senescence in Arabidopsis thaliana L.
Authors: Riester Lena , Köster-Hofmann Siliya , Doll Jasmin , Berendzen Kenneth W. , Zentgraf Ulrike
Published: January 2019

Leaf senescence is highly regulated by transcriptional reprogramming, implying an important role for transcriptional regulators. ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR4 (ERF4) was shown to be involved in senescence regulation and to exist in two different isoforms due to alternative polyadenylation of its pre-mRNA. One of these isoforms, ERF4-R, contains an ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif and acts as repressor, whereas the other form, ERF4-A, is lacking this motif and acts as activator. Here, we analyzed the impact of these isoforms on senescence. Both isoforms were able to complement the delayed senescence phenotype of the erf4 mutant with a tendency of ERF4-A for a slightly better complementation. However, overexpression led to accelerated senescence of 35S:ERF4-R plants but not of 35S:ERF4-A plants. We identified CATALASE3 (CAT3) as direct target gene of ERF4 in a yeast-one-hybrid screen. Both isoforms directly bind to the CAT3 promoter but have antagonistic effects on gene expression. The ratio of ERF4-A to ERF4-R mRNA changed during development, leading to a complex age-dependent regulation of CAT3 activity. The RNA-binding protein FPA shifted the R/A-ratio and fpa mutants are pointing towards a role of alternative polyadenylation regulators in senescence.
RNA Modifications Modulate Activation of Innate Toll-Like Receptors
Authors: Freund Isabel , Eigenbrod Tatjana , Helm Mark , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: January 2019

Self/foreign discrimination by the innate immune system depends on receptors that identify molecular patterns as associated to pathogens. Among others, this group includes endosomal Toll-like receptors, among which Toll-like receptors (TLR) 3, 7, 8, and 13 recognize and discriminate mammalian from microbial, potentially pathogen-associated, RNA. One of the discriminatory principles is the recognition of endogenous RNA modifications. Previous work has identified a couple of RNA modifications that impede activation of TLR signaling when incorporated in synthetic RNA molecules. Of note, work that is more recent has now shown that RNA modifications in their naturally occurring context can have immune-modulatory functions: Gm, a naturally occurring ribose-methylation within tRNA resulted in a lack of TLR7 stimulation and within a defined sequence context acted as antagonist. Additional RNA modifications with immune-modulatory functions have now been identified and recent work also indicates that RNA modifications within the context of whole prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells are indeed used for immune-modulation. This review will discuss new findings and developments in the field of immune-modulatory RNA modifications.
H3K9 Promotes Under-Replication of Pericentromeric Heterochromatin in Drosophila Salivary Gland Polytene Chromosomes
Authors: Armstrong Robin L. , Penke Taylor J. R. , Chao Samuel K. , Gentile Gabrielle M. , Strahl Brian D. , Matera A. Gregory , McKay Daniel J. , Duronio Robert J.
Published: January 2019

Chromatin structure and its organization contributes to the proper regulation and timing of DNA replication. Yet, the precise mechanism by which chromatin contributes to DNA replication remains incompletely understood. This is particularly true for cell types that rely on polyploidization as a developmental strategy for growth and high biosynthetic capacity. During Drosophila larval development, cells of the salivary gland undergo endoreplication, repetitive rounds of DNA synthesis without intervening cell division, resulting in ploidy values of ~1350C. S phase of these endocycles displays a reproducible pattern of early and late replicating regions of the genome resulting from the activity of the same replication initiation factors that are used in diploid cells. However, unlike diploid cells, the latest replicating regions of polyploid salivary gland genomes, composed primarily of pericentric heterochromatic enriched in H3K9 methylation, are not replicated each endocycle, resulting in under-replicated domains with reduced ploidy. Here, we employ a histone gene replacement strategy in Drosophila to demonstrate that mutation of a histone residue important for heterochromatin organization and function (H3K9) but not mutation of a histone residue important for euchromatin function (H4K16), disrupts proper endoreplication in Drosophila salivary gland polyploid genomes thereby leading to DNA copy gain in pericentric heterochromatin. These findings reveal that H3K9 is necessary for normal levels of under-replication of pericentric heterochromatin and suggest that under-replication at pericentric heterochromatin is mediated through H3K9 methylation.
Translation of Human β-Actin mRNA is Regulated by mTOR Pathway
Authors: Eliseeva Irina , Vasilieva Maria , Ovchinnikov Lev P.
Published: January 2019

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is a well-known master regulator of growth-dependent gene expression in higher eukaryotes. Translation regulation is an important function of the mTORC1 pathway that controls the synthesis of many ribosomal proteins and translation factors. Housekeeping genes such as β-actin (ACTB) are widely used as negative control genes in studies of growth-dependent translation. Here we demonstrate that translation of both endogenous and reporter ACTB mRNA is inhibited in the presence of mTOR kinase inhibitor (Torin1) and under amino acid starvation. Notably, 5’UTR and promoter of ACTB are sufficient for the mTOR-dependent translational response, and the degree of mTOR-sensitivity of ACTB mRNA translation is cell type-dependent.
A Hybrid Clustering Algorithm for Identifying Cell Types from Single-Cell RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Zhu Xiaoshu , Li Hong-Dong , Xu Yunpei , Guo Lilu , Wu Fang-Xiang , Duan Guihua , Wang Jianxin
Published: January 2019

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has recently brought new insight into cell differentiation processes and functional variation in cell subtypes from homogeneous cell populations. A lack of prior knowledge makes unsupervised machine learning methods, such as clustering, suitable for analyzing scRNA-seq. However, there are several limitations to overcome, including high dimensionality, clustering result instability, and parameter adjustment complexity. In this study, we propose a method by combining structure entropy and k nearest neighbor to identify cell subpopulations in scRNA-seq data. In contrast to existing clustering methods for identifying cell subtypes, minimized structure entropy results in natural communities without specifying the number of clusters. To investigate the performance of our model, we applied it to eight scRNA-seq datasets and compared our method with three existing methods (nonnegative matrix factorization, single-cell interpretation via multikernel learning, and structural entropy minimization principle). The experimental results showed that our approach achieves, on average, better performance in these datasets compared to the benchmark methods.
Control of Eukaryotic DNA Replication Initiation—Mechanisms to Ensure Smooth Transitions
Authors: Reusswig Karl-Uwe , Pfander Boris
Published: January 2019

DNA replication differs from most other processes in biology in that any error will irreversibly change the nature of the cellular progeny. DNA replication initiation, therefore, is exquisitely controlled. Deregulation of this control can result in over-replication characterized by repeated initiation events at the same replication origin. Over-replication induces DNA damage and causes genomic instability. The principal mechanism counteracting over-replication in eukaryotes is a division of replication initiation into two steps—licensing and firing—which are temporally separated and occur at distinct cell cycle phases. Here, we review this temporal replication control with a specific focus on mechanisms ensuring the faultless transition between licensing and firing phases.
Brief Communication: Analysis of the Fatalities and Socio-Economic Impacts Caused by Hurricane Florence
Authors: Paul Srikanto , Ghebreyesus Dawit , Sharif Hatim O.
Published: January 2019

Florence made landfall on the southeastern coast of North Carolina (NC) generating torrential rainfall and severe flooding that led to 53 fatalities in three states (NC, SC, and VA) and $16–$40 billion in damage. Seventy-seven percent (77%) of the fatalities occurred in the rural flood plains of NC with Duplin county reporting a high of eight deaths. Approximately 50% of the total number of hurricane-related fatalities across the three states were vehicle-related. The predominant demographic at risk were males over the age of 50 years. The type of property damage was in line with other major hurricanes and predominantly affected residential structures (93% of the total number of damaged buildings). Florence is among the top 10 costliest hurricanes in U.S. history with approximately 50% of the damage projected as uninsured losses due to residential flooding. The cumulative 5-day rainfall resulted in major flooding along the Cape Fear, Lumberton, and Neuse rivers where many industrial waste sites (hog manure lagoons and coal ash pits) are located. Several of these waste sites located in the flood plain were breached and have likely cross-contaminated the waterways and water treatment operations. The observed extent of the flooding, environmental contamination, and impact to public health caused by Florence will add to the long-term disaster related mortality and morbidity rates and suggests an expansion of the 100-yr flood hazard zone to communicate the expanded risk to the public.
Geo-Hazard-Based Approach for the Estimation of Seismic Vulnerability and Damage Scenarios of the Old City of Senerchia (Avellino, Italy)
Authors: Chieffo Nicola , Formisano Antonio
Published: January 2019

The large-scale seismic risk assessment is a crucial point for safeguarding people and planning adequate mitigation plans in urban areas. The current research work aims at analysing a sector of the historic centre of Senerchia, located in the province of Avellino, in order to assess the seismic vulnerability and damage of old masonry building compounds. First, the typological classification of the inspected building aggregates is developed using the CARTIS form developed by the PLINIVS research centre in collaboration with the Italian Civil Protection Department. The global seismic vulnerability assessment of the building sample is carried out using the macroseismic method according to the EMS-98 scale in order to identify the buildings most susceptible to seismic damage. Furthermore, 12 damage scenarios are developed by means of an appropriate seismic attenuation law. Finally, the expected damage scenarios considering the local hazard effects induced are developed in order to evaluate the damage increment, averagely equal to 50%, due to the seismic amplification of different soil categories.
Landslide Hazard and Risk Assessment for a Natural Gas Pipeline Project: The Case of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, Albania Section
Authors: Marinos Vassilis , Stoumpos Georgios , Papazachos Costas
Published: January 2019

The paper focuses on the assessment of landslide hazard and risk along or across the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) natural gas pipeline project in Albania. TAP is a natural gas pipeline that will transport gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe, crossing Northern Greece and Southern Albania. It has long been recognised that landsliding is a major factor for TAP’s pipeline route selection in mountainous regions, especially the challenging area of central Albania. Experience from similar major pipelines has shown that hazard avoidance is generally the most cost- and time-efficient strategy to minimise the landslide risk since geohazard-related decision-making is usually risk-based. For landslides, the risk profile is expected to be dominated by the upslope expansion of existing landslides, resulting in a loss of ridge crest (where the Right of Way (RoW) is usually located), possibly leading to pipeline rupture. However, it is still possible that new landslides could develop under static and/or seismic conditions, especially on steep ridge flanks along the route. An expert determination approach was adopted to define a consensus for the estimate of the risk (i.e., chance of rupture) for the pipeline at eighty-two (82) identified landslide sites in Albania, to identify “hot spots” along the route, where risk-reduction measures could be prioritised. Ten landslides were characterised as “High Risk”, fifteen as “Medium Risk” and nineteen as “Low Risk”. Following this risk assessment, two large re-routings, as well as several local re-routings, were considered. Further investigation was required to identify the site-specific geotechnical conditions and probable remedial measures in cases where landslides could not be avoided by rerouting.
Impact of a Random Sequence of Debris Flows on Torrential Fan Formation
Authors: Bezak Nejc , Sodnik Jošt , Mikoš Matjaž
Published: January 2019

Debris flows with different magnitudes can have a large impact on debris fan characteristics such as height or slope. Moreover, knowledge about the impact of random sequences of debris flows of different magnitudes on debris fan properties is sparse in the literature and can be improved using numerical simulations of debris fan formation. Therefore, in this paper we present the results of numerical simulations wherein we investigated the impact of a random sequence of debris flows on torrential fan formation, where the total volume of transported debris was kept constant, but different rheological properties were used. Overall, 62 debris flow events with different magnitudes from 100 m3 to 20,000 m3 were selected, and the total volume was approximately 225,000 m3. The sequence of these debris flows was randomly generated, and selected debris fan characteristics after the 62 events were compared. For modeling purposes, we applied the Rapid Mass Movement Simulations (RAMMS) software and its debris flow module (RAMMS-DF). The modeling was carried out using (a) real fan topography from an alpine environment (i.e., an actual debris fan in north-west (NW) Slovenia formed by the Suhelj torrent) and (b) an artificial surface with a constant slope. Several RAMMS model parameters were tested. The simulation results confirm that the random sequence of debris flow events has only some minor effects on the fan formation (e.g., slope, maximum height), even when changing debris flow rheological properties in a wide range. After the 62 events, independent of the selected sequence of debris flows, the final fan characteristics were not significantly different from each other. Mann–Whitney (MW) tests and t-tests were used for this purpose, and the selected significance level was 0.05. Moreover, this conclusion applies for artificial and real terrain and for a wide range of tested RAMMS model rheological parameters. Further testing of the RAMMS-DF model in real situations is proposed in order to better understand its applicability and limitations under real conditions for debris flow hazard assessment or the planning of mitigation measures.
Thermal Conductivity of Frozen Sediments Containing Self-Preserved Pore Gas Hydrates at Atmospheric Pressure: An Experimental Study
Authors: Chuvilin Evgeny , Bukhanov Boris
Published: January 2019

The paper presents the results of an experimental thermal conductivity study of frozen artificial and natural gas hydrate-bearing sediments at atmospheric pressure (0.1 MPa). Samples of hydrate-saturated sediments are highly stable and suitable for the determination of their physical properties, including thermal conductivity, due to the self-preservation of pore methane hydrate at negative temperatures. It is suggested to measure the thermal conductivity of frozen sediments containing self-preserved pore hydrates by a KD-2 needle probe which causes very little thermal impact on the samples. As shown by the special measurements of reference materials with known thermal conductivities, the values measured with the KD-2 probe are up to 20% underestimated and require the respective correction. Frozen hydrate-bearing sediments differ markedly in thermal conductivity from reference frozen samples of the same composition but free from pore hydrate. The difference depends on the physical properties of the sediments and on changes in their texture and structure associated with the self-preservation effect. Namely, it increases proportionally to the volumetric hydrate content, hydrate saturation, and the percentage of water converted to hydrate. Thermal conductivity is anisotropic in core samples of naturally frozen sediments that enclose visible ice-hydrate lenses and varies with the direction of measurements with respect to the lenses. Thermal conductivity measurements with the suggested method provide a reliable tool for detection of stable and relict gas hydrates in permafrost.
Feeling Respected as a Person: a Qualitative Analysis of Frail Older People’s Experiences on an Acute Geriatric Ward Practicing a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Authors: Westgård Theresa , Wilhelmson Katarina , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Ottenvall Hammar Isabelle
Published: January 2019

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) practices multidimensional, interdisciplinary, and diagnostic processes as a means to identify care needs, plan care, and improve outcomes of frail older people. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze frail older people’s experiences of receiving CGA. Through a secondary analysis, interviews and transcripts were revisited in an attempt to discover the meaning behind the participants’ implied, ambiguous, and verbalized thoughts that were not illuminated in the primary study. Feeling “respected as a person” is the phenomenon participants described on a CGA acute geriatric ward, achieved by having a reciprocal relationship with the ward staff, enabling their participation in decisions when engaged in communication and understanding. However, when a person was too ill to participate, then care was person-supportive care. CGA, when delivered by staff practicing person-centered care, can keep the frail older person in focus despite them being a patient. If a person-centered care approach does not work because the person is too ill, then person-supportive care is delivered. However, when staff and/or organizational practices do not implement a person-centered care approach, this can hinder patients feeling “respected as a person”.
Stressors Facing Home-Based Primary Care Providers
Authors: O’Brien Katherine , Bradley Sara , Ramirez-Zohfeld Vanessa , Lindquist Lee
Published: January 2019

The numbers of homebound patients in the United States are increasing. Home-based primary care (HBPC) is an effective model of interdisciplinary care that has been shown to have high patient satisfaction rates and excellent clinical outcomes. However, there are few clinicians that practice HBPC and clinicians that do face additional stressors. This study sought to better understand the stressors that HBPC providers face in caring for homebound patients. This was a cross-sectional qualitative survey and analysis of HBPC providers. Responses were categorized into four themes: The patient in the home setting, caregiver support, logistics, and administrative concerns. This research is the first to analyze the stressors that providers of HBPC face in serving the needs of complex homebound patients. Awareness and attention to these issues will be important for the future sustainability of home-based primary care.
Inhibition of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase-1 Activity Suppressed SREBP Signaling in Colon Cancer Cells and Their Spheroid Growth
Authors: Qin Xian-Yang , Kojima Soichi
Published: January 2019

Unsaturated fatty acids are critical in promoting colon tumorigenesis and its stemness. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting lipid desaturase associated with colon cancer cell proliferation and metastasis control. This study aims to evaluate the effects of SCD1 inhibition on colon cancer spheroid growth in a three-dimensional cell culture system. An analysis of clinical data showed that increased SCD1 gene expression in colon tumors was negatively correlated with the prognosis. A chemical inhibitor of SCD1, CAY10566, inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in both monolayer and sphere cultures. In addition, oleic acid administration—a monounsaturated fatty acid generated by the action of SCD1—prevented the suppression of sphere formation by CAY10566. RNA-sequencing data from 382 colon tumor patient samples obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas database showed that 806 genes were SCD1-associated genes in human colon cancer. Correlation analysis identified the master regulator of lipid homeostasis sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) as a prominent transcription factor, whose expression was positively correlated with SCD1 in human colon cancer. SCD1 knockdown using siRNA in colon cancer samples, suppressed SREBP2 gene expression, providing direct evidence that SREBP signaling is under the control of SCD1 in these cells. Pathway analysis in the Ingenuity Pathways Analysis platform showed that SCD1 expression positively correlated with genes involved in multiple pathways, including lipid synthesis and incorporation, cell proliferation, and tissue tumorigenesis. Further network analysis revealed a central role for Myc in the network hierarchy of the SCD1-correlated genes. These findings suggested that SCD1 inhibition would be an effective strategy for suppressing colon cancer spheroid growth, partly through downregulating SREBP-mediated lipid and cholesterol metabolism and Myc signaling.
Monitoring and Managing Human Stressors to Coastal Cultural Heritage in Svalbard
Authors: Holmgaard Sanne Bech , Thuestad Alma Elizabeth , Myrvoll Elin Rose , Barlindhaug Stine
Published: January 2019

Svalbard’s cultural heritage sites are important remnants of an international history in the High North. Cultural heritage in the Arctic is being impacted by climate and environmental change as well as increased human activity. Tourism is a potential cause of transformation in cultural heritage sites, such as increased wear and tear, creation of paths and traces as people walk through cultural environments. Cultural heritage management is therefore an increasingly challenging endeavor as management authorities must take under consideration multiple impacts and threats to cultural heritage sites in a changing environment. Based on research conducted in Svalbard from 2014 to 2016 on methods for long-term systematic cultural heritage monitoring, this paper will discuss dilemmas for a sustainable use and management of vulnerable cultural heritage sites in the Arctic.
Rates and Associated Factors of Secondary Mental Health Care Utilisation among Ex-Military Personnel in the United States: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mark Katharine M. , Murphy Dominic , Stevelink Sharon A.M. , Fear Nicola T.
Published: January 2019

Little is known about ex-serving military personnel who access secondary mental health care. This narrative review focuses on studies that quantitatively measure secondary mental health care utilisation in ex-serving personnel from the United States. The review aimed to identify rates of mental health care utilisation, as well as the factors associated with it. The electronic bibliographic databases OVID Medline, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Embase were searched for studies published between January 2001 and September 2018. Papers were retained if they included ex-serving personnel, where the majority of the sample had deployed to the recent conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan. Fifteen studies were included. Modest rates of secondary mental health care utilisation were found in former military members—for mean percentage prevalence rates, values ranged from 12.5% for at least one psychiatric inpatient episode, to 63.2% for at least one outpatient mental health appointment. Individuals engaged in outpatient care visits most often, most likely because these appointments are the most commonly offered source of support. Post-traumatic stress disorder, particularly re-experiencing symptoms, and comorbid mental health problems were most consistently associated with higher mental health care utilisation. Easily accessible interventions aimed at facilitating higher rates of help seeking in ex-serving personnel are recommended.
Last Aid Course. An Education For All Citizens and an Ingredient of Compassionate Communities
Authors: Bollig Georg , Brandt Frans , Ciurlionis Marius , Knopf Boris
Published: January 2019

Due to demographic changes, the need for palliative care in the community and at home is expected to rise in the coming years. The care that is given by family members and general practitioners plays a vital role in basic palliative care. Knowledge in palliative care is very limited or totally absent in most communities, and information about the effects of educational procedures in teaching non-professionals in basic palliative care is sparse. In the Last Aid course, the public knowledge approach and the initial experiences from the implementation process are described. In addition, a review of the literature on educational efforts regarding palliative care for non-professionals and the existing literature on Last Aid courses is provided. An international working group has established a curriculum for Last Aid courses based on four teaching hours (45 minutes each). The feasibility of Last Aid courses for the public has been tested in pilot courses. The experiences with Last Aid courses in different countries are overall very positive. Last Aid courses are well-attended. The evaluation of questionnaires in a German pilot study has shown a favorable response. Last Aid courses may form the educational basis of compassionate communities, and are well-suited to inform the public about palliative care and end-of-life care.
Matera in Many Dimensions
Authors: Lucente Sandra
Published: January 2019

In this paper, the city of Matera is described from a mathematical point of view. Previous papers on this subject have concentrated on seeing Matera as a fractal city. Here, this analysis is also dealt with as an extension of Euclidean dimensions. The idea is to create a double presentation narrative which is useful for the promotion of cultural heritage and also for the popularizing of mathematics. Those who like geometrical vision will discover some aspects of one of the most ancient cities in Italy. Those who like travelling will have new words to describe the wonders of this country. We reach this objective by using a combinatoric puzzle and suitable story telling.
Study on Electrochemical Degradation of Nicosulfuron by IrO2-Based DSA Electrodes: Performance, Kinetics, and Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Rui , Zhang Xuan , Chen Fanli , Man Xiaobing , Jiang Wenqiang
Published: January 2019

The widely used sulfonylurea herbicides have caused negative effects on the environment and human beings. Electrochemical degradation has attracted much attention in the treatment of refractory organic compounds due to its advantage of producing no secondary pollution. Three kinds of IrO2-based dimensionally stable anodes (DSAs) were used to degrade nicosulfuron by a batch electrochemical process. The results showed that a well-distributed crack network was formed on the Ti/Ta2O5-IrO2 electrode and Ti/Ta2O5-SnO2-IrO2 electrode due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion between the Ti substrate and oxide coatings. The oxygen evolution potential (OEP) increased according to the order of Ti/RuO2-IrO2 < Ti/Ta2O5-SnO2-IrO2 < Ti/Ta2O5-IrO2. Among the three electrodes, the Ti/Ta2O5-IrO2 electrode showed the highest efficiency and was chosen as the experimental electrode. Single factor experiments were carried out to obtain the optimum electrolysis condition, shown as follows: currency intensity 0.8 A; electrode spacing 3 cm, electrolyte pH 3. Under the optimum conditions, the degradation of nicosulfuron followed first-order kinetics and was mainly due to indirect electrochemical oxidation. It was a typical diffusion-controlled electrochemical process. On the basis of the intermediate identified by high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), two possible degradation routes were proposed.
Influence of Physical and Musculoskeletal Factors on Occupational Injuries and Accidents in Korean Workers Based on Gender and Company Size
Authors: Park Sang Jin , Jung Myunghwan , Sung Joo Hyun
Published: January 2019

Though the overall incidence of occupational injuries and accidents has decreased, they continue to happen. Many associated factors are known and managing them with limited resources is difficult. This study evaluates related risk factors and prioritizes their management for reducing occupational injuries and accidents at the workplace. We used data from the 4th Korean Working Condition Survey conducted by the Korea Occupational Safety Health Research Institute from June to September 2014. A total of 14,381 persons (9776 men, 4605 women) were selected; t-test, chi-square test, and logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze data. The influence of physical (vibration, noise, abnormal temperature) and musculoskeletal (awkward posture, handling of heavy objects, repetitive tasks) factors was compared according to gender and company size. The risk of occupational injuries and accidents among men was related to musculoskeletal factors and vibration in companies with “under 50” employees and with awkward posture, vibration, and noise in companies with “50 or above” employees; however, among women in companies with “under 50” employees, it was associated with only vibration. Although we evaluated only a few risk factors, prioritizing them based on gender and company size has provided new valuable information.
Perceived Stress as a Predictor of Partnership Relation Quality in Polish Mothers of Preterm-Born Children
Authors: Bidzan Mariola , Lutkiewicz Karolina
Published: January 2019

The aim of the study was to identify whether perceived stress and significant life changes are related with partnership relation quality in mothers of preterm-born children. The study group consisted of 260 women, who gave a preterm birth. In most cases the delivery took place in the 34–36th week of pregnancy. The research consisted of two phases. Phase 1 was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics at the Medical University of Gdansk in the neonatal period (2–3 days after birth). Phase 2 was carried out in the place of residence of the mother and child during early childhood (24–30th month of the child’s life). The following research tools were used in the first phase of the research project: Analysis of nursing and medical reports, an interview questionnaire and psychological interview, The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) (Lavenstein, the Polish version, after Plopa, 2008), The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) (Rahe and Holmes, 1975), the Polish version, after Terelak 1995), and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) (Spanier, 1976, the Polish version, after Cieślak, 1989). In the second phase of the study the respondents were once again examined using the DAS. It was shown that stress is related to partnership relationship quality and of all its components, except cohesion. The findings demonstrated that important life events are associated with a couple’s emotional expression in the neonatal period. Stressful life events do not correlate with relationship quality.
Are Our Farm Workers in Danger? Genetic Damage in Farmers Exposed to Pesticides
Authors: Marcelino Ana Flavia , Wachtel Catia Cappelli , Ghisi Nédia de Castilhos
Published: January 2019

Modern agriculture, practiced after the “green revolution” worldwide, aims to maximize production in order to provide food for the growing world population. Thus, farmers are required to modernize their practices through the mechanization of land use and, above all, the use of chemical pesticides to control agricultural pests. However, in addition to combating the target pest, chemical pesticides indirectly affect a wide range of species, including humans, leading to health damage. Among the main problems caused by the use of pesticides is the genotoxicity caused by chronic exposure. The present study aims to verify the occurrence of genetic damage in farmers who are occupationally exposed to agrochemicals compared to people of other professions that do not use toxic substances (control group). The research was conducted with 36 male participants (18 farmers and 18 control group, ages 24–71 for the farmer group and 22–61 for the control group). The comet assay and micronucleus test results revealed a higher rate of genetic damage in the group of farmers than in the control group. A questionnaire answered by the farmers showed that the Personal Protect Equipment (PPE) is used incorrectly or not used. In summary, our results indicate that farmers are exposed to occupational hazards. To mitigate this risk, we conducted awareness campaigns to notify the farmers of the risks and highlight the importance of using PPE correctly. Intensive efforts and training are thus required to build an awareness of safety practices and change the attitudes of farm workers in the hope of preventing harmful environmental and anthropogenic effects.
Environmental Attitudes in Trainee Teachers in Primary Education. The Future of Biodiversity Preservation and Environmental Pollution
Authors: Aznar-Díaz Inmaculada , Hinojo-Lucena Francisco-Javier , Cáceres-Reche María-Pilar , Trujillo-Torres Juan-Manuel , Romero-Rodríguez José-María
Published: January 2019

The environmental challenges of the twenty-first century are a consequence of the impact that human beings have on nature. Because of this, environmental attitudes are paramount in establishing effective measures regarding both biodiversity preservation and environmental pollution. Therefore, the main goal of this paper has been evaluating the environmental attitudes of future primary education teachers, considering their responsibility for teaching the new generations of citizens. A quantitative methodology has been applied to describe the reality observed. The data collection instrument used was the scale of environmental attitudes towards specific problems; this scale was applied to a sample of 307 students of the degree in Primary Education at the University of Granada. More specifically, the subscales corresponding to pollution, biodiversity, natural spaces and recycling were analysed. Results reveal a high level of environmental attitudes in future primary education teachers; moreover, there is a positive interdependence among the different subscales. Finally, it is of great importance to evaluate the environmental attitudes of future primary education teachers, given that the future of biodiversity preservation and environmental pollution are in the hands of new generations.
Characterization of Aerobic Denitrifying Bacterium Pseudomonas mendocina Strain GL6 and Its Potential Application in Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yan Cheng , Shen Jianing , Wei Ruping , Gao Yan , Miao Aijun , Xiao Lin , Yang Liuyan
Published: January 2019

To remove nitrate in wastewater treatment plant effluent, an aerobic denitrifier was newly isolated from the surface flow constructed wetland and identified as Pseudomonas mendocina strain GL6. It exhibited efficient aerobic denitrification ability, with the nitrate removal rate of 6.61 mg (N)·L−1·h−1. Sequence amplification indicated that the denitrification genes napA, nirK, norB, and nosZ were present in strain GL6. Nitrogen balance analysis revealed that approximately 74.5% of the initial nitrogen was removed as gas products. In addition, the response surface methodology experiments showed that the maximum removal of total nitrogen occurred at pH 7.76, C/N ratio of 11.2, temperature of 27.8 °C, and with shaking at 133 rpm. Furthermore, under the optimized cultivation condition, strain GL6 was added into wastewater treatment plant effluent and the removal rates of nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen reached 95.6% and 73.6%, respectively. Thus, P. mendocina strain GL6 has high denitrification potential for deep improvement of effluent quality.
Health Vulnerability Index for Disaster Risk Reduction: Application in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Region
Authors: Chan Emily Yang Ying , Huang Zhe , Lam Holly Ching Yu , Wong Carol Ka Po , Zou Qiang
Published: January 2019

Despite the importance of health vulnerability in disaster risk assessment, most of the existing disaster vulnerability indicators only emphasize economic and social vulnerability. Important underlying health risks such as non-communicable disease are not included in vulnerability measures. A three-phase methodology approach was used to construct a disaster risk model that includes a number of key health indicators which might be missing in global disaster risk analysis. This study describes the development of an integrated health vulnerability index and explains how the proposed vulnerability index may be incorporated into an all-hazard based disaster risk index in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), also known as the “Silk Road Economic Belt”, region. Relevant indicators were identified and reviewed in the published literature in PubMed/Medline. A two-stage dimension reduction statistical method was used to determine the weightings of relevant dimensions to the construction of the overall vulnerability index. The proposed final health vulnerability index included nine indicators, including the proportion of the population below 15 and above 65 years, under-five mortality ratio, maternal mortality ratio, tuberculosis prevalence, age-standardized raised blood pressure, physician ratio, hospital bed ratio, and coverage of the measles-containing-vaccine first-dose (MCV1) and diphtheria tetanus toxoid and pertussis (DTP3) vaccines. This proposed index, which has a better reflection of the health vulnerability in communities, may serve as a policy and implementation tool to facilitate the capacity-building of Health-Emergency Disaster Risk management (Health-EDRM).
An Analytics Platform for Integrating and Computing Spatio-Temporal Metrics
Authors: Rodríguez-Pupo Luis E. , Granell Carlos , Casteleyn Sven
Published: January 2019

In large-scale context-aware applications, a central design concern is capturing, managing and acting upon location and context data. The ability to understand the collected data and define meaningful contextual events, based on one or more incoming (contextual) data streams, both for a single and multiple users, is hereby critical for applications to exhibit location- and context-aware behaviour. In this article, we describe a context-aware, data-intensive metrics platform —focusing primarily on its geospatial support—that allows exactly this: to define and execute metrics, which capture meaningful spatio-temporal and contextual events relevant for the application realm. The platform (1) supports metrics definition and execution; (2) provides facilities for real-time, in-application actions upon metrics execution results; (3) allows post-hoc analysis and visualisation of collected data and results. It hereby offers contextual and geospatial data management and analytics as a service, and allow context-aware application developers to focus on their core application logic. We explain the core platform and its ecosystem of supporting applications and tools, elaborate the most important conceptual features, and discuss implementation realised through a distributed, micro-service based cloud architecture. Finally, we highlight possible application fields, and present a real-world case study in the realm of psychological health.