bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Time Series Forecasting Methods for Short Term Electric Energy Consumption Prediction in Smart Buildings
Authors: Divina Federico , García Torres Miguel , Goméz Vela Francisco A. , Vázquez Noguera José Luis
Published: May 2019

Smart buildings are equipped with sensors that allow monitoring a range of building systems including heating and air conditioning, lighting and the general electric energy consumption. Thees data can then be stored and analyzed. The ability to use historical data regarding electric energy consumption could allow improving the energy efficiency of such buildings, as well as help to spot problems related to wasting of energy. This problem is even more important when considering that buildings are some of the largest consumers of energy. In this paper, we are interested in forecasting the energy consumption of smart buildings, and, to this aim, we propose a comparative study of different forecasting strategies that can be used to this aim. To do this, we used the data regarding the electric consumption registered by thirteen buildings located in a university campus in the south of Spain. The empirical comparison of the selected methods on the different data showed that some methods are more suitable than others for this kind of problem. In particular, we show that strategies based on Machine Learning approaches seem to be more suitable for this task.
Evaluation and Optimization of the Oil Jet Lubrication Performance for Orthogonal Face Gear Drive: Modelling, Simulation and Experimental Validation
Authors: Dai Yu , Ma Feiyue , Zhu Xiang , Su Qiao , Hu Xiaozhou
Published: May 2019

The oil jet lubrication performance of a high-speed and heavy-load gear drive is significantly influenced and determined by the oil jet nozzle layout, as there is extremely limited meshing clearance for the impinging oil stream and an inevitable blocking effect by the rotating gears. A novel mathematical model for calculating the impingement depth of lubrication oil jetting on an orthogonal face gear surface has been developed based on meshing face gear theory and the oil jet lubrication process, and this model contains comprehensive design parameters for the jet nozzle layout and face gear pair. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) numerical simulations for the oil jet lubrication of an orthogonal face gear pair under different nozzle layout parameters show that a greater mathematically calculated jet impingement depth results in a greater oil volume fraction and oil pressure distribution. The influences of the jet nozzle layout parameters on the lubrication performance have been analyzed and optimized. The relationship between the measured tooth surface temperature from the experiments and the corresponding calculated impingement depth shows that a lower temperature appears in a situation with a greater impingement depth. Good agreement between the mathematical model with the numerical simulation and the experiment validates the effectiveness and accuracy of the method for evaluating the face gear oil jet lubrication performance when using the impingement depth mathematical model.
Screening of Applicable SSR Molecular Markers Linked to Creeping Trait in Crape Myrtle
Authors: Zheng Tangchun , Qin Bo , Li Suzhen , Cai Ming , Pan Huitang , Wang Jia , Cheng Tangren , Zhang Qixiang
Published: May 2019

Creeping plants have unique ornamental value because they have more branches and flowers and the creeping trait is rare in crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica L.). In this study, the first filial generation (F1) population was derived from Lagerstroemia fauriei Koehne (standard) and L. indica “Creole” (creeping) and the backcross1 (BC1) population was derived from the backcross of F1 individual S82 (creeping) and L. fauriei. The segregation of the creeping trait was analyzed for 174 seedlings of the BC1 population to examine the linkage relationship between simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers and the creeping trait. Creeping genes were screened using bulked segregant analysis combined with 322 SSR primers, which were detected with good polymorphism. The results show that two SSR markers (S364 and LYS12) were detected, with genetic distances of 23.49 centimorgan (cM) and 25.86 cM from the loci controlling the plant opening angle trait and the branching angle trait, respectively. The accuracy rate for phenotypic verification using S364 and LYS12 was 76.51% and 74.14%, respectively. Our results provide basic information for the molecular marker-assisted selective breeding and cloning of the creeping gene to improve architecture diversity in the breeding of crape myrtle.
Productivity Estimations for Monospecific and Mixed Pine Forests along the Iberian Peninsula Aridity Gradient
Authors: Aguirre Ana , del Río Miren , Condés Sonia
Published: May 2019

National Forest Inventories (NFIs) are the primary source of information to fulfill international requirements, such as growing stock volume. However, NFI cycles may be “out of phase” in terms of the information required, so prediction techniques are needed. To disentangle the effects of climate and competition on stand productivity and to estimate the volume of stocks at national scale, it is important to recognize that growth and competition are species-specific and vary along climatic gradients. In this study, we estimate the productivity of five pine species (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus pinea, Pinus halepensis, Pinus nigra and Pinus pinaster), growing in monospecific stands or in mixtures along an aridity gradient in the Iberian Peninsula, based on Spanish NFI data. We study the stand volume growth efficiency (VGE), since it allows the comparison of volume growth in monospecific and mixed stands. The results reveal the importance of considering the aridity when assessing VGE. Moreover, it was found that, in general, admixture among pine species leads to modifications in the VGE, which can vary from negative to positive effects depending on species composition, and that this is always influenced by the aridity. Finally, we provide simple growth efficiency models for the studied pines species which are valid for both monospecific and mixed stands along the aridity gradient of the Iberian Peninsula.
Nitrogen Addition Affects Soil Respiration Primarily through Changes in Microbial Community Structure and Biomass in a Subtropical Natural Forest
Authors: Zhou Jiacong , Liu Xiaofei , Xie Jinsheng , Lyu Maokui , Zheng Yong , You Zhangtian , Fan Yuexin , Lin Chengfang , Chen Guangshui , Chen Yuehmin , Yang Yusheng
Published: May 2019

Forest soil respiration plays an important role in global carbon (C) cycling. Owing to the high degree of C and nitrogen (N) cycle coupling, N deposition rates may greatly influence forest soil respiration, and possibly even global C cycling. Soil microbes play a crucial role in regulating the biosphere–atmosphere C exchange; however, how microbes respond to N addition remains uncertain. To better understand this process, the experiment was performed in the Castanopsis kawakamii Hayata Nature Reserve, in the subtropical zone of China. Treatments involved applying different levels of N (0, 40, and 80 kg ha−2 year−1) over a three-year period (January 2013–December 2015) to explore how soil physicochemical properties, respiration rate, phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) concentration, and solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance responded to various N addition rate. Results showed that high levels of N addition significantly decreased soil respiration; however, low levels of N addition significantly increased soil respiration. High levels of N reduced soil pH and enhanced P and C co-limitation of microorganisms, leading to significant reductions in total PLFA and changes in the structure of microbial communities. Significant linear relationships were observed between annual cumulative respiration and the concentration of microbial biomass (total PLFA, gram-positive bacteria (G+), gram-negative bacteria (G−), total bacteria, and fungi) and the microbial community structure (G+: G− ratio). Taken together, increasing N deposition changed microbial community structure and suppressed microbial biomass, ultimately leading to recalcitrant C accumulation and soil C emissions decrease in subtropical forest.
Baropycnal Work: A Mechanism for Energy Transfer across Scales
Authors: Lees Aarne , Aluie Hussein
Published: May 2019

The role of baroclinicity, which arises from the misalignment of pressure and density gradients, is well-known in the vorticity equation, yet its role in the kinetic energy budget has never been obvious. Here, we show that baroclinicity appears naturally in the kinetic energy budget after carrying out the appropriate scale decomposition. Strain generation by pressure and density gradients, both barotropic and baroclinic, also results from our analysis. These two processes underlie the recently identified mechanism of “baropycnal work”, which can transfer energy across scales in variable density flows. As such, baropycnal work is markedly distinct from pressure-dilatation into which the former is implicitly lumped in Large Eddy Simulations. We provide numerical evidence from 1024 3 direct numerical simulations of compressible turbulence. The data shows excellent pointwise agreement between baropycnal work and the nonlinear model we derive, supporting our interpretation of how it operates.
Identification of the Components in a Vaccinium oldhamii Extract Showing Inhibitory Activity against Influenza Virus Adsorption
Authors: Sekizawa Haruhito , Ikuta Kazufumi , Ohnishi-Kameyama Mayumi , Nishiyama Kyoko , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: May 2019

We previously reported that extracts from plants of the Ericaceae genus Vaccinium, commonly known as the kind of blueberry, inhibited the early steps of influenza virus (IFV) infection to host cells, and that the activity was correlated with the total polyphenol content. Particularly potent inhibitory activity was observed for Vaccinium oldhamii. In this study, we identified the active components in Vaccinium oldhamii involved in the inhibition of IFV infection. We sequentially fractionated the Vaccinium oldhamii extract using a synthetic adsorbent resin column. High inhibitory activity was observed for the fractions eluted with 30%, 40%, and 50% ethanol, and three peaks (peak A, B, and C) considered to represent polyphenols were identified in the fractions by HPLC analysis. Among these peaks, high inhibitory activity was detected for peak A and B, but not for peak C. These peaks were analyzed by LC/MS, which revealed that peak A contained procyanidin B2 and ferulic acid derivatives, whereas peak B contained two ferulic acid O-hexosides, and peak C contained quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside and quercetin-O-pentoside-O-rhamnoside. It is already known that these polyphenols have anti-IFV activity, but we speculate that ferulic acid derivatives are the major contributors to the inhibition of the early steps of IFV replication, such as either adsorption or entry, observed for Vaccinium oldhamii.
Impact of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Genome-Wide DNA-Methylation in Natural Killer Cells—A Pilot Study
Authors: Schenk Alexander , Koliamitra Christine , Bauer Claus Jürgen , Schier Robert , Schweiger Michal R. , Bloch Wilhelm , Zimmer Philipp
Published: May 2019

Natural Killer (NK-) cells reveal a keen reaction to acute bouts of exercise, including changes of epigenetic modifications. So far, exercise-induced alterations in NK-cell DNA-methylation were shown for single genes only. Studies analyzing genome-wide DNA-methylation have used conglomerates like peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) rather than specific subsets of immune cells. Therefore, the aim of this pilot-study was to generate first insights into the influence of a single bout of exercise on genome-wide DNA-methylation in isolated NK-cells to open the field for such analyses. Five healthy women performed an incremental step test and blood samples were taken before and after exercise. DNA was isolated from magnet bead sorted NK-cells and further analyzed for global DNA-methylation using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. DNA-methylation was changed at 33 targets after acute exercise. These targets were annotated to 25 genes. Of the targets, 19 showed decreased and 14 increased methylation. The 25 genes with altered DNA-methylation have different roles in cell regulation and differ in their molecular functions. These data give new insights in the exercise induced regulation of NK-cells. By using isolated NK-cells, exercise induced differences in DNA-methylation could be shown. Whether or not these changes lead to functional adaptions needs to be elucidated.
Proteomics Analysis of Urine to Examine Physical Effects of Warm Nano Mist Sauna Bathing
Authors: Hirao Yoshitoshi , Kinoshita Naohiko , Xu Bo , Saito Suguru , Quadery Ali F. , Elguoshy Amr , Yamamoto Keiko , Yamamoto Tadashi
Published: May 2019

Conventional sauna bathing may have some health benefits as it facilitates relaxing, detoxing and promoting metabolism. However, conventional sauna bathing at a high temperature may be harmful for the body by increasing the risk of heart failure. The nano-mist sauna has been developed to provide nano-size water particles at a lower temperature. Hence, nano-mist sauna bathing is expected to be useful for health without the risks that arise at high temperatures. In this study, we performed a comprehensive proteomics analysis of urine samples obtained from healthy volunteers before and after they had taken a sauna bath with nano-mist (n = 10) or with conventional mist (n = 10) daily for two weeks (4 groups). The average numbers of urine proteins identified by liquid chromatography-linked mass chromatography in each group varied from 678 to 753. Interestingly, the protein number was increased after sauna bathing both with nano-mist or with conventional mist. Quantitative analysis indicated that considerable numbers of proteins were obviously up-regulated, with more than two-folds in urine samples after the nano-mist sauna bathing. The KEGG pathway analysis showed significant stimulation of the lysosome pathway (p = 5.89E−6) after the nano-mist bathing, which may indicate the nano-mist sauna bathing promotes metabolism related to the lysosome pathway more efficiently than conventional mist sauna bathing and may provide more health benefits.
Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity in the Distribution of Chikungunya and Zika Virus Case Incidences during their 2014 to 2016 Epidemics in Barranquilla, Colombia
Authors: McHale Thomas C. , Romero-Vivas Claudia M. , Fronterre Claudio , Arango-Padilla Pedro , Waterlow Naomi R. , Nix Chad D. , Falconar Andrew K. , Cano Jorge
Published: May 2019

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) have recently emerged as globally important infections. This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal heterogeneity in the occurrence of CHIKV and ZIKV outbreaks throughout the major international seaport city of Barranquilla, Colombia in 2014 and 2016 and the potential for clustering. Incidence data were fitted using multiple Bayesian Poisson models based on multiple explanatory variables as potential risk factors identified from other studies and options for random effects. A best fit model was used to analyse their case incidence risks and identify any risk factors during their epidemics. Neighbourhoods in the northern region were hotspots for both CHIKV and ZIKV outbreaks. Additional hotspots occurred in the southwestern and some eastern/southeastern areas during their outbreaks containing part of, or immediately adjacent to, the major circular city road with its import/export cargo warehouses and harbour area. Multivariate conditional autoregressive models strongly identified higher socioeconomic strata and living in a neighbourhood near a major road as risk factors for ZIKV case incidences. These findings will help to appropriately focus vector control efforts but also challenge the belief that these infections are driven by social vulnerability and merit further study both in Barranquilla and throughout the world’s tropical and subtropical regions.
Static Postural Balance in Modern Pentathletes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sadowska Dorota , Sacewicz Tomasz , Lichota Małgorzata , Krzepota Justyna , Ładyga Maria
Published: May 2019

Postural balance is a key element of shooting effectiveness, which determines the outcome of modern pentathlon competitions. The aim of the study is to examine the postural balance of 27 pentathletes (12 females and 15 males; mean age: 18.0 ± 1.8 years), and 26 physically active, untrained subjects (12 females and 14 males; mean age: 22.5 ± 1.4 years), and to investigate the impact of footwear on the stability of the shooting position in pentathletes. Methods: Static postural balance was examined during quiet stance in four test conditions (standing in footwear with eyes opened, standing in footwear with eyes closed, standing barefoot with eyes opened, and standing barefoot with eyes closed). During each postural balance measurement, the participant remained still on the platform, with their arms in front of their body. Postural balance in the shooting position was only evaluated in the group of pentathletes. The athlete was asked to assume a comfortable shooting position on the platform and to aim at the target. Standard pentathlon targets and pistols were used in the study. Measurements were carried out twice (barefoot and in footwear). Results: In all conditions, pentathletes achieved lower values of posturographic measures than in the control group. In non-visual conditions, measures describing the surface area of the centre of pressure decreased in pentathletes and increased in the control group. Both pentathletes and non-athletes were equally stable barefoot as in footwear. Footwear did not affect postural sway in the shooting position in pentathletes. Conclusions: Pentathletes were found to have significantly better stance stability and were less vision-dependent in postural balance than untrained subjects. Bearing in mind that the shooting position of pentathletes was as stable barefoot as in footwear, the main factors which were most likely responsible for minimising body oscillations in the pentathletes were their high level of concentration and conscious control of body alignment.
The Prevalence of Smoking, Determinants and Chance of Psychological Problems among Smokers in an Urban Community Housing Project in Malaysia
Authors: Abd Rashid Rusdi , Kanagasundram Sharmilla , Danaee Mahmoud , Abdul Majid Hazreen , Sulaiman Ahmad Hatim , Ahmad Zahari Muhammad Muhsin , Ng Chong Guan , Francis Benedict , Wan Husin Wan Azlinda Irnee , Su Tin Tin
Published: May 2019

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, pattern of smoking and sociodemographic factors among Kerinchi residents in Kuala Lumpur, as well as to identify the association between smoking, stress, anxiety and depression. Methods: This study was carried out at four community housing projects in the Lembah Pantai area in Kuala Lumpur. Data was collected between 3 February 2012, and 29 November 2012. Data collectors made house visits and used interviewer administered questionnaires containing questions on demographic data and smoking patterns. Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) was used to assess psychological symptoms. Alcohol smoking and substance involvement screening tool (ASSIST) scale was used to assess nicotine use. Results: Data from 1989 individuals (833 households) showed the age of respondents ranged from 18 to 89 years and the mean age was 39.12 years. There were 316 smokers indicating the prevalence of smoking was 15.85%, with 35.5% among males and 1.8% among females. Further, 86.6% of smokers were Malay and 87% were Muslims. Divorce was associated with smoking. Unemployment and housewives were less associated with smoking. Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with smoking (OR = 1.347. 95% CI: 1.042–1.741) and (OR = 1.401. 95% CI: 1.095–1.793) respectively. Conclusion: Screening for depression and anxiety should be routinely performed in the primary care setting and in population-based health screening to intervene early in patients who smoke.
New Energy Development and Pollution Emissions in China
Authors: Li Ying , Chiu Yung-ho , Lu Liang Chun
Published: May 2019

China’s rapid economic growth is accompanied by increasing energy consumption and severe environmental problems. As sustainable development can only be achieved by reducing energy intensity, new energy and renewable energy investment, as well as improving traditional energy efficiency, is becoming increasingly important. However, past energy efficiency assessments using data envelopment analysis (DEA) models mostly focused on radial and non-radial DEA model analyses. However, traditional radial DEA models ignore non-radial slacks when evaluating efficiency values, and non-radial DEA models ignore the same proportionality as radial DEA when evaluating efficiency value slacks. To balance the radial and non-radial model characteristics and consider undesirable output, this study combines a modified Epsilou-based measure (EBM) DEA and undesirable output and proposes a modified undesirable EBM DEA model to analyze the efficiency of China’s new and traditional energy sources. The empirical results found that (1) most new energy investment in most municipalities/provinces rapidly grew from 2013 to 2016; (2) as the annual efficiency score was only 1 in Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Shanghai, and Tianjin, the other 26 municipalities/provinces need significant improvements; (3) traditional energy efficiency scores were higher than new energy efficiency; and (4) NO2 efficiencies are slightly better than CO2 and SO2 efficiencies.
National Evaluation of Canadian Multi-Service FASD Prevention Programs: Interim Findings from the Co-Creating Evidence Study
Authors: Rutman Deborah , Hubberstey Carol
Published: May 2019

Since the 1990s, a number of multi-service prevention programs working with women who have substance use, mental health, or trauma and/or related social determinants of health issues have emerged in Canada. These programs use harm reduction approaches and provide outreach and “one-stop” health and social services on-site or through a network of services. While some of these programs have been evaluated, others have not, or their evaluations have not been published. This article presents interim qualitative findings of the Co-Creating Evidence project, a multi-year (2017–2020) national evaluation of holistic programs serving women at high risk of having an infant with prenatal alcohol exposure. The evaluation utilizes a mixed-methods design involving semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, and client intake/outcome “snapshot” data. Findings demonstrated that the programs are reaching vulnerable pregnant/parenting women who face a host of complex circumstances including substance use, violence, child welfare involvement, and inadequate housing; moreover, it is typically the intersection of these issues that prompts women to engage with programs. Aligning with these results, key themes in what clients liked best about their program were: staff and their non-judgmental approach; peer support and sense of community; and having multiple services in one location, including help with mandated child protection.
Determinants of Parental Satisfaction with Nursing Care in Paediatric Wards—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kruszecka-Krówka Agnieszka , Smoleń Ewa , Cepuch Grażyna , Piskorz-Ogórek Krystyna , Perek Mieczysława , Gniadek Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

Background: The quality of medical services for a child and their parents are tantamount to a sense of satisfaction with care. Purpose: The assessment of determinants of parental satisfaction with nursing care in paediatric wards. Methods: The study covered 336 parents of children hospitalised in paediatric departments and was based on the “EMPHATIC” questionnaire, standardized and adapted to Polish conditions. Results: The mean score of the overall parental satisfaction was high, amounting to 4.19 points. The lower level of satisfaction with nursing care was reported in parents of children under the age of 6 years, admitted in an emergency mode with a diagnosed post-trauma condition and those with higher education. The duration of hospitalisation, sex and age of parents did not have an influence on the satisfaction with care. Conclusions: The age of the child, admission mode and education of respondents are determinants of parental satisfaction with nursing care.
Pilot Testing of a Patient Decision Aid for Adolescents with Severe Obesity in US Pediatric Weight Management Programs within the COMPASS Network
Authors: Moore Jaime , Haemer Matthew , Mirza Nazrat , Z Weatherall Ying , Han Joan , Mangarelli Caren , Hawkins Mary Jane , Xanthakos Stavra , Siegel Robert
Published: May 2019

Shared decision-making (SDM) is a best practice for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care when there are multiple options from which to choose. A patient decision aid (PDA) to promote SDM for the treatment of adolescent severe obesity was piloted among 12–17-year-olds (n = 31) from six pediatric weight management programs within the Childhood Obesity Multi Program Analysis and Study System (COMPASS). Medical providers used a brochure that described indications, risks, and benefits of intensive lifestyle management alone versus bariatric surgery plus lifestyle. Immediately after, patients/families completed a survey. Patient/family perceptions of provider effort to promote understanding of health issues, to listen to what mattered most to them, and to include what mattered most to them in choosing next steps averaged 8.6, 8.8, and 8.7, respectively (0 = no effort, 9 = every effort). Nearly all (96%) reported knowing the risks/benefits of each treatment option and feeling clear about which risks/benefits mattered most to them. Most (93%) reported having enough support/advice to make a choice, and 89% felt sure about what the best choice was. Providers largely found the PDA to be feasible and acceptable. This pilot will guide a more rigorous study to determine the PDA’s effectiveness to support decision-making for adolescent severe obesity treatment.
Single Core Genome Sequencing for Detection of both Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato and Relapsing Fever Borrelia Species
Authors: Lee Sin Hang , Healy John Eoin , Lambert John S
Published: May 2019

Lyme disease, initially described as Lyme arthritis, was reported before nucleic-acid based detection technologies were available. The most widely used diagnostic tests for Lyme disease are based on the serologic detection of antibodies produced against antigens derived from a single strain of Borrelia burgdorferi. The poor diagnostic accuracy of serological tests early in the infection process has been noted most recently in the 2018 Report to Congress issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tick-Borne Disease Working Group. Clinical Lyme disease may be caused by a diversity of borreliae, including those classified as relapsing fever species, in the United States and in Europe. It is widely accepted that antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease is most successful during this critical early stage of infection. While genomic sequencing is recognized as an irrefutable direct detection method for laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, development of a molecular diagnostic tool for all clinical forms of borreliosis is challenging because a “core genome” shared by all pathogenic borreliae has not yet been identified. After a diligent search of the GenBank database, we identified two highly conserved segments of DNA sequence among the borrelial 16S rRNA genes. We further developed a pair of Borrelia genus-specific PCR primers for amplification of a segment of borrelial 16S rRNA gene as a “core genome” to be used as the template for routine Sanger sequencing-based metagenomic direct detection test. This study presented examples of base-calling DNA sequencing electropherograms routinely generated in a clinical diagnostic laboratory on DNA extracts of human blood specimens and ticks collected from human skin bites and from the environment. Since some of the tick samples tested were collected in Ireland, borrelial species or strains not known to exist in the United States were also detected by analysis of this 16S rRNA “core genome”. We recommend that hospital laboratories located in Lyme disease endemic areas begin to use a “core genome” sequencing test to routinely diagnose spirochetemia caused by various species of borreliae for timely management of patients at the early stage of infection.
Public Libraries and Walkable Neighborhoods
Authors: Lenstra Noah , Carlos Jenny
Published: May 2019

Public libraries constitute a ubiquitous social infrastructure found in nearly every community in the United States and Canada. The hypothesis of this study is that public libraries can be understood as important supports of walking in neighborhoods, not only as walkable destinations, but also as providers of programs that increase walking in communities. Recent work by public health scholars has analyzed how libraries contribute to community health. This particular topic has not previously been researched. As such, a qualitative, exploratory approach guides this study. Grounded theory techniques are used in a content analysis of a corpus of 94 online articles documenting this phenomenon. Results show that across North America public librarians endeavor to support walking through programs oriented around stories, books, and local history, as well as through walking groups and community partnerships. While this exploratory study has many limitations, it does set the stage for future, more rigorous research on the contributions public libraries and public librarians make to walking in neighborhoods. The principal conclusion of this study is that additional research is needed to comprehensively understand the intersection between public librarianship and public health.
Mechanism and Kinetic Analysis of Degradation of Atrazine by US/PMS
Authors: Lu Yixin , Xu Wenlai , Nie Haisong , Zhang Ying , Deng Na , Zhang Jianqiang
Published: May 2019

The degradation effect, degradation mechanism, oxidation kinetics, and degradation products of Atrazine (ATZ) by Ultrasound/Peroxymonosulfate (US/PMS) in phosphate buffer (PB) under different conditions were studied. It turned out that the degradation rate of US/PMS to ATZ was 45.85% when the temperature of the reaction system, concentration of PMS, concentration of ATZ, ultrasonic intensity, and reaction time were 20 °C, 200 μmol/L, 1.25 μmol/L, 0.88 W/mL, and 60 min, respectively. Mechanism analysis showed that PB alone had no degradation effect on ATZ while PMS alone had extremely weak degradation effect on ATZ. HO• and SO4−• coexist in the US/PMS system, and the degradation of ATZ at pH7 is dominated by free radical degradation. Inorganic anion experiments revealed that Cl−, HCO3−, and NO3− showed inhibitory effects on the degradation of ATZ by US/PMS, with Cl− contributing the strongest inhibitory effect while NO3− showed the weakest suppression effect. According to the kinetic analysis, the degradation kinetics of ATZ by US/PMS was in line with the quasi-first-order reaction kinetics. ETA with concentration of 1 mmol/L reduced the degradation rate of ATZ by US/PMS to 10.91%. Product analysis indicated that the degradation of ATZ by US/PMS was mainly achieved by dealkylation, dichlorination, and hydroxylation, but the triazine ring was not degraded. A total of 10 kinds of ATZ degradation intermediates were found in this experiment.
Toward Value-Based Healthcare through Interactive Process Mining in Emergency Rooms: The Stroke Case
Authors: Ibanez-Sanchez Gema , Fernandez-Llatas Carlos , Martinez-Millana Antonio , Celda Angeles , Mandingorra Jesus , Aparici-Tortajada Lucia , Valero-Ramon Zoe , Munoz-Gama Jorge , Sepúlveda Marcos , Rojas Eric , Gálvez Víctor , Capurro Daniel , Traver Vicente
Published: May 2019

The application of Value-based Healthcare requires not only the identification of key processes in the clinical domain but also an adequate analysis of the value chain delivered to the patient. Data Science and Big Data approaches are technologies that enable the creation of accurate systems that model reality. However, classical Data Mining techniques are presented by professionals as black boxes. This evokes a lack of trust in those techniques in the medical domain. Process Mining technologies are human-understandable Data Science tools that can fill this gap to support the application of Value-Based Healthcare in real domains. The aim of this paper is to perform an analysis of the ways in which Process Mining techniques can support health professionals in the application of Value-Based Technologies. For this purpose, we explored these techniques by analyzing emergency processes and applying the critical timing of Stroke treatment and a Question-Driven methodology. To demonstrate the possibilities of Process Mining in the characterization of the emergency process, we used a real log with 9046 emergency episodes from 2145 stroke patients that occurred from January 2010 to June 2017. Our results demonstrate how Process Mining technology can highlight the differences between the flow of stroke patients compared with that of other patients in an emergency. Further, we show that support for health professionals can be provided by improving their understanding of these techniques and enhancing the quality of care.
Neonatal Bisphenol A Exposure Affects the IgM Humoral Immune Response to 4T1 Breast Carcinoma Cells in Mice
Authors: Hernández Avila Ricardo , Palacios-Arreola Margarita I. , Nava-Castro Karen E. , Morales-Montor Jorge , Ostoa-Saloma Pedro
Published: May 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor of estrogenic nature. During the early stages of development, any exposure to BPA can have long-term effects. In this work, we study the potential alterations to the humoral antitumor immune (IgM) response in adult life after a single neonatal exposure to BPA. Female syngeneic BALB/c mice were exposed to a single dose of BPA of 250 μg/kg. Once sexual maturity was reached, a breast tumor was induced. After 25 days, the serum was obtained, and the populations of B cells in the spleen and lymph nodes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The reactivity of IgM was evaluated by 2D immunoblots. No significant changes were found in the B cell populations in the peripheral lymph nodes and the spleen. The level of ERα expression was not significantly different. However, the IgM reactivity was affected. In individuals treated with BPA, a decrease in the number of IgMs that recognize tumor antigens was observed. The possibility that these antibodies are the high affinity products of the adaptive response is discussed. The recognition of IgG was also evaluated but a null recognition was found in the controls as in the individuals treated with the 4T1 cells.
Perceptions of Job Insecurity in Switzerland: Evidence Using Verbal and Numerical Descriptors
Authors: Baruffini Moreno
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine perceptions of job insecurity among employees, applying a panel model that allows us to account for the business cycle. In addition, the data will enable the comparison of two measures of job insecurity, one with a cardinal scale, and one with an ordinal scale. First of all, this paper carries out a descriptive analysis of job insecurity, taking into consideration two empirical measures, and using a panel data set from the longitudinal Swiss Household Panel (SHP). Second, an ordered probability unit (probit) model is applied, analyzing both workers’ concerns about job loss, and their subjective job security. Controlling for differences in socio-demographic and job characteristics, estimations show that perceptions of job security affect workers heterogeneously. This study contributes to the literature by revising variables that help to explain the formation of job insecurity perceptions.
The Effects of Gender and Family Wealth on Sexual Abuse of Adolescents
Authors: Runarsdottir Eyglo , Smith Edward , Arnarsson Arsaell
Published: May 2019

Background: Sexual abuse and sexual assaults against adolescents are among the most significant threats to their health and well-being. Some studies have found poverty to be a risk factor for sexual abuse. The present study investigates the effects of gender and family affluence on the prevalence of sexual abuse of 15-year-old Icelanders in the 10th grade. Methods: The study is based on data collected for the Icelandic part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in 2014. Standardized questionnaires were sent to all students in the 10th grade in Iceland, of which 3618 participated (85% of all registered students in this grade). Results: Girls were more than twice as likely to be sexually abused as boys (20.2% versus 9.1%). Adolescents perceiving their families to be less well off than others were twice as likely to report sexual abuse as those of ample or medium family affluence. However, family affluence had more effect on the prevalence of abuse in girls than in boys. Conclusion: Female gender and low socioeconomic status may independently contribute to the risk of sexual abuse.
The Production and Quality of Different Varieties of Papaya Grown under Greenhouse in Short Cycle in Continental Europe
Authors: Honoré Mireille N. , Belmonte-Ureña Luis J. , Navarro-Velasco Asensio , Camacho-Ferre Francisco
Published: May 2019

In Europe, papaya consumption is growing due to its nutritional properties. The proximity of consumer markets to Southeast Spain allows fruits to be harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity compared to exporting countries from outside Europe, a timeline which improves the quality of the papaya. Experiments have been carried out to assess the adaptation of papaya to protected cropping systems (under greenhouse) in the region. In this paper, we showed the results obtained in an experiment with five varieties, taking the most cultivated variety as control, which was grafted on its own female rootstock, in addition to another four new varieties that were introduced. Transplanting was made with early sex-identified plants in the nursery. Cultivation was developed in a 446-day cycle, almost 15 months and fruits were always harvested from the soil, due to the height that the plant reached in that period. The best yield parameters and fruit characteristics were obtained from hermaphrodite Intenzza papaya grafted on female papaya rootstock, although there were also other varieties which gave results that made possible its cultivation under this production system.
Short-Term Protocols to Obtain Insulin-Producing Cells from Rat Adipose Tissue: Signaling Pathways and In Vivo Effect
Authors: Wartchow Krista Minéia , Rodrigues Letícia , Suardi Lucas Zingano , Federhen Barbara Carolina , Selistre Nicholas Guerini , Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto , Sesterheim Patrícia
Published: May 2019

Studies using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a source of insulin-secreting cells (IPCs) are a promising path in the pursuit for diabetes therapy. Here, we investigate three short-term differentiation protocols in order to generate IPCs from autologous adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) with an expressive insulin-secreting profile in vitro and in vivo, as well as the signaling pathways involved in the chosen differentiation protocols. We extracted and cultured ADSCs and differentiated them into IPCs, using three different protocols with different inductors. Afterwards, the secretory profile was analyzed and IPCs differentiated in exendin-4/activin A medium, which presented the best secretory profile, was implanted in the kidney subcapsular region of diabetic rats. All protocols induced the differentiation, but media supplemented with exendin-4/activin A or resveratrol induced the expression and secretion of insulin more efficiently, and only the exendin-4/activin-A-supplemented medium generated an insulin secretion profile more like β-cells, in response to glucose. The PI3K/Akt pathway seems to play a negative role in IPC differentiation; however, the differentiation of ADSCs with exendin-4/activin A positively modulated the p38/MAPK pathway. Resveratrol medium activated the Jak/STAT3 pathway and generated IPCs apparently less sensitive to insulin and insulin-like receptors. Finally, the implant of IPCs with the best secretory behavior caused a decrease in hyperglycemia after one-week implantation in diabetic rats. Our data provide further information regarding the generation of IPCs from ADSCs and strengthen evidence to support the use of MSCs in regenerative medicine, specially the use of exendin-4/activin A to produce rapid and effectively IPCs with significant in vivo effects.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells—Potential Applications in Kidney Diseases
Authors: Bochon Benjamin , Kozubska Magdalena , Surygała Grzegorz , Witkowska Agnieszka , Kuźniewicz Roman , Grzeszczak Władysław , Wystrychowski Grzegorz
Published: May 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells constitute a pool of cells present throughout the lifetime in numerous niches, characteristic of unlimited replication potential and the ability to differentiate into mature cells of mesodermal tissues in vitro. The therapeutic potential of these cells is, however, primarily associated with their capabilities of inhibiting inflammation and initiating tissue regeneration. Owing to these properties, mesenchymal stem cells (derived from the bone marrow, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and increasingly urine) are the subject of research in the settings of kidney diseases in which inflammation plays the key role. The most advanced studies, with the first clinical trials, apply to ischemic acute kidney injury, renal transplantation, lupus and diabetic nephropathies, in which beneficial clinical effects of cells themselves, as well as their culture medium, were observed. The study findings imply that mesenchymal stem cells act predominantly through secreted factors, including, above all, microRNAs contained within extracellular vesicles. Research over the coming years will focus on this secretome as a possible therapeutic agent void of the potential carcinogenicity of the cells.
Transcriptome and Proteome Profiling of Different Colored Rice Reveals Physiological Dynamics Involved in the Flavonoid Pathway
Authors: Chen Xiaoqiong , Tao Yu , Ali Asif , Zhuang Zhenhua , Guo Daiming , Guo Qiaoling , Riaz Asad , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Peizhou , Liao Yongxiang , Wang Jing , Sun Changhui , Xiang Quanju , Wu Xianjun
Published: May 2019

Black and red rice are rich in both anthocyanin and proanthocyanin content, which belong to a large class of flavonoids derived from a group of phenolic secondary metabolites. However, the molecular pathways and mechanisms underlying the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway are far from clear. Therefore, this study was undertaken to gain insight into physiological factors that are involved in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in rice cultivars with red, black, and white colors. RNA sequencing of caryopsis and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) analyses have generated a nearly complete catalog of mRNA and expressed proteins in different colored rice cultivars. A total of 31,700 genes were identified, of which 3417, 329, and 227 genes were found specific for red, white, and black rice, respectively. A total of 13,996 unique peptides corresponding to 3916 proteins were detected in the proteomes of black, white, and red rice. Coexpression network analyses of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) among the different rice cultivars showed significant differences in photosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways. Based on a differential enrichment analysis, 32 genes involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were detected, out of which only CHI, F3H, ANS, and FLS were detected by iTRAQ. Taken together, the results point to differences in flavonoid biosynthesis pathways among different colored rice cultivars, which may reflect differences in physiological functions. The differences in contents and types of flavonoids among the different colored rice cultivars are related to changes in base sequences of Os06G0162500, Os09G0455500, Os09G0455500, and Os10G0536400. Current findings expand and deepen our understanding of flavonoid biosynthesis and concurrently provides potential candidate genes for improving the nutritional qualities of rice.
Cross-Talk between Inflammatory Mediators and the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Process in the Development of Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Revilla Giovanna , Corcoy Rosa , Moral Antonio , Escolà-Gil Joan Carles , Mato Eugenia
Published: May 2019

There is strong association between inflammatory processes and their main metabolic mediators, such as leptin, adiponectin secretion, and low/high-density lipoproteins, with the cancer risk and aggressive behavior of solid tumors. In this scenario, cancer cells (CCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) have important roles. These cellular populations, which come from differentiated cells and progenitor stem cells, have increased metabolic requirements when it comes to maintaining or expanding the tumors, and they serve as links to some inflammatory mediators. Although the molecular mechanisms that are involved in these associations remain unclear, the two following cellular pathways have been suggested: 1) the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) process, which permits the differentiation of adult stem cells throughout the acquisition of cell polarity and the adhesion to epithelia, as well to new cellular lineages (CSCs); and, 2) a reverse process, termed the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), where, in pathophysiological conditions (tissue injury, inflammatory process, and oxidative stress), the differentiated cells can acquire a multipotent stem cell-like phenotype. The molecular mechanisms that regulate both EMT and MET are complex and poorly understood. Especially, in the thyroid gland, little is known regarding MET/EMT and the role of CCs or CSCs, providing an exciting, new area of knowledge to be investigated. This article reviews the progress to date in research on the role of inflammatory mediators and metabolic reprogramming during the carcinogenesis process of the thyroid gland and the EMT pathways.
Metabolomics of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Arneth Borros , Arneth Rebekka , Shams Mohamed
Published: May 2019

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are chronic diseases that affect nearly 425 million people worldwide, leading to poor health outcomes and high health care costs. High-throughput metabolomics screening can provide vital insight into the pathophysiological pathways of DM and help in managing its effects. The primary aim of this study was to contribute to the understanding and management of DM by providing reliable evidence of the relationships between metabolites and type 1 diabetes (T1D) and metabolites and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Information for the study was obtained from the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases, and leads to additional articles that were obtained from the reference lists of the studies examined. The results from the selected studies were used to assess the relationships between diabetes (T1D and/or T2D) and metabolite markers—such as glutamine, glycine, and aromatic amino acids—in patients. Seventy studies were selected from the three databases and from the reference lists in the records retrieved. All studies explored associations between various metabolites and T1D or T2D. This review identified several plasma metabolites associated with T2D prediabetes and/or T1D and/or T2D in humans. The evidence shows that metabolites such as glucose, fructose, amino acids, and lipids are typically altered in individuals with T1D and T2D. These metabolites exhibit significant predictive associations with T2D prediabetes, T1D, and/or T2D. The current review suggests that changes in plasma metabolites can be identified by metabolomic techniques and used to identify and analyze T1D and T2D biomarkers. The results of the metabolomic studies can be used to help create effective interventions for managing these diseases.