bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Do Junior Medical Students Learn about the Doctor Patient Relationship?
Authors: Wilson Hamish , Chambers Stuart
Published: September 2017

Junior medical students have the capacity to engage well with patients at an early stage in their training. With careful coaching, students can also write moving and accurate accounts of their significant learning experiences. In this article, we introduce an innovative learning programme at Otago University in New Zealand, and present carefully chosen extracts from student essays. These extracts illustrate students’ early exposure to, and challenges in, the student-patient relationship, a precursor to their own professional relationships. Reflective writing helps students internalize foundational interpersonal concepts such as meaningful engagement, self-awareness, the role of other health professionals, and the need for self-care. This early orientation towards whole person care may be helpful grounding for future clinical practice.
Self-care following patient deaths: un-conceal grief and embrace vulnerability
Authors: Lapum Jennifer L
Published: September 2017

n/a
On Africa, children, and the mutual dimension of healing
Authors: Chadi Nicholas
Published: September 2017

None
Psychophysiology of slow breathing exercises using heart rate variability measurements for stress reduction
Authors: Simbulan Dante Jr. Guanlao
Published: September 2017

Slow breathing exercises, associated with meditation and other eastern style modalities like tai chi and hatha yoga, are now increasingly employed in mainstream medicine to reduce stress, attenuate moderate hypertension, and alleviate symptoms of lifestyle-related illnesses. The clinical literature on slow breathing exercises includes studies employing various physiological measurements, including heart rate variability (HRV), galvanic skin response, and changes in skin temperature. HRV has been increasingly used to measure the activity of the autonomic nervous system in various human studies employing healthy and chronically ill subjects. 1. Objective: To understand the effects of slow breathing exercises on heart rate variability as a complementary intervention for stress reduction. 2. Method: Four subjects, through repetitive trials, were instructed to slow down their breathing following a metronome at 10 breaths per minute or 6 breaths per minute or spontaneously relax to slow down their respiratory rate. The ECG, heart rate, and respiratory rate were recorded using a Powerlab set-up (ADI). 3. Key Results:  Results showed an increase in amplitude of heart rate variability during these slow breathing exercises, either through the metronome-guided or spontaneous slow-breathing exercises, especially around a breathing frequency of 6 breaths per minute. The increased amplitude of heart rate variability can be seen as a positive sign, a marker for sympathovagal balance. 4. Conclusion: HRV measurements have shown that slow breathing exercises can increase heart rate variability.  Future protocols for clinical trials are being projected using the HRV technique and other physiological measurements for studying effects of yoga-based complementary interventions for stress reduction.
Healing environments that facilitate medical student training: from urban to rural settings
Authors: Shivkumar Sushmita , Smilovitch Mark
Published: September 2017

NONE
Video Conferencing for Mindfulness Programs: Benefits, Experiences, and Recommendations
Authors: Meissner Ted
Published: September 2017

Online learning has grown tremendously with the advent of increasingly sophisticated digital technologies.  Used well, the online experience is a positive one rivalling and perhaps exceeding the efficacy of in-person programming.  The use of video conferencing uniquely promotes several factors foundational to mindfulness programs, including participant engagement and the nuanced challenge of the creation of a safe space for open sharing and inquiry.
Finding a possible biomarker to tackle Parkinson’s disease by splice analysis and random point mutations to counter the expression of genes involved in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kalwad Piyusha , Guttapadu Ranjitha , S Pradeep
Published: September 2017

The genes showing aberrant alternative splicing in Parkinson’s disease namely SNCA, SNCAIP, LRRK2, SRRM2, MAPT and PARK2 were analysed. Two of the genes, namely SNCAIP and SRRM2 that showed high effect were taken and splice site analysis was carried out. Random mutations were carried out on these two genes using Human Splicing Finder tool and the mutations showing the most promising results (i.e., mutations that can restore natural gene expression) were appropriately chosen to tackle Parkinson’s disease.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(3): 336-344
Palynological Studies on Ten Species of Angiosperms from Nepal
Authors: Karna Mallick Pushpa
Published: September 2017

Palynological studies on ten species of angiosperms family namely Hibiscus rosa- sinensis L.(Malvaceae), Lilium candidum L. (Liliaceae), Petunia axillaris (Lam.) B.S.P.(Solanaceae) and seven species from family asteraceae namely Artemisia indica Willd., Aster ageratoides Kitam., Calendula offcinalis L., Cerpis japonica L. (Benth.), Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, Tagetus patula L., and Taraxicum officinale F.H.Wigg. was carried out. Result obtained from this investigation showed that pollen shape is spheroidal in Artemisia indica, Aster ageratoides, Calendula offcinalis, Hibiscus rosa- sinensis and P. axillaris; elliptical in L. candidum, hexagonal in S. asper and pentagonal in T. officinale; tricolpater in C.japonica. Pollen aperture is porate in all except in L.candidum where it is elliptic. Pollen wall is echinate in H.rosa-sinensis, A.ageratoides, T. patula; spinulate in P. axillaries, T. officinale, S. asper, C. japonica, C. officinalis and T. officinale and smooth in L. candidum. The general appearance of the pollen grain is circular in P. axillaries but longer than wide in L.candidum. The circular, echinate, large and triporate pollens seem to be primitive ones and spharoidal, hexaporate features have been regarded as comparatively advanced ones. Polyporate pollens are considered to be secondarily derived. The nature of the pollen grain in these species could be evolutionary significance. The similarities in structure of the pollen grain showed the inter- species relationships among the species and that’s why put in same family while the differences in structures showed reasons for them to exist as distinct species. Only one species namely L.candidum from monocot family (Liliaceae) included in this study. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(3): 361-365
Influence of Annealing on Creep Indentation, Surface Properties and Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Ni-Cr Based Dental Alloy
Authors: El-Bediwi Abu Bakr , Kashita Eman , Salman Salah M.M.
Published: September 2017

Heat treatment is a process in which alloy is heated to get different microstructures and desired properties associated with it which may affect the corrosion rate, nature form and size.  Effect of annealing on microstructure, creep indentation, hardness and electrochemical corrosion behavior of Ni63Cr24.6Mo10.8Si1.5Mn0.06C0.04 alloy were investigated.  Microstructure of Ni63Cr24.6Mo10.8Si1.5Mn0.06C0.04 alloy changed after annealing at different temperature for two hours.  Crystal size of nickel in matrix alloy increased after annealing for two hours at different temperature.  Stress exponent, n, Vickers hardness and calculated maximum shear stress of Ni63Cr24.6Mo10.8Si1.5Mn0.06C0.04 alloy decreased after annealing. Corrosion rate of Ni63Cr24.6Mo10.8Si1.5Mn0.06C0.04 alloy increased after annealing for two hours at different temperature. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 5(3): 366-374
Motivation of Persons with Disabilities towards Mainstream Vocational Training
Authors: Adhikari Eka Raj
Published: September 2017

The present study has explored the motivational factors to join the vocational training programs among persons with disabilities in Nepal. Based on the phenomenological approach, I conducted in-depth interviews with purposively selected eight persons with disabilities who had been undergoing short-term vocational training courses. I followed the thematic analysis technique to analyze the data. With the help of major content theories of motivation and the social role theory of gender differences, I discussed the study results. The participants’ expressions revealed that the motivating factors were employment, suitability of training to the type of impairment, utilization of free time, advice from relatives, opportunity to get training for free, personal interest, and a strong desire to do something. The results showed that both extrinsic and intrinsic factors were functioning as the motivators for the learners. Their perceptions supported the traditional gender-based selection of occupations. The study showed the need to adopt relevant measures to leverage the learners’ motivation for learning throughout the training.
Role of Capacity/Skill Development Trainings in Rural Livelihood: A Case Study of Hapur, Dang
Authors: Pasa Rajan Binayek
Published: September 2017

Education has transformative potential if it is connected to people’s life and their livelihood. And education has been seen as a means of developing capabilities, promoting employment potentials, and reducing poverty in rural communities. Reflecting upon those ideas, this study explained transformative role of capacity/skill development training on livelihood in rural contexts. There is no doubt, capable, knowledgeable and skillful youths have been playing change agent role especially in local levels. The study applied quantitative case study research methodology to test the significant relationship between study variables. Questionnaires, and key informant interview techniques were applied while collecting data information. Set of questionnaires were filled up with 108 respondents selected by using stratified random sampling methods. The study found significant role of capacity/skill development trainings on rural livelihoods. Further, skilled and capable youths are becoming human capital in the society and working for transforming social capital. They are also generating household economy by involving in income generate activities. The study concluded that capacity/skill development training program conducting in local level help to nourish knowledge, ability and develop vocational skills of male and female youths. And they are now playing transformative role in the society and achieving rural prosperity. Therefore, findings of the study can become fruitful guidelines to the policy makers and planners in local levels.
Thin-film calorimetry: In-situ characterization of materials for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Omelcenko Alexander , Wulfmeier Hendrik , Albrecht Daniel , El Mofid Wassima , Ivanov Svetlozar , Bund Andreas , Fritze Holger
Published: September 2017

Thin-film calorimetry allows for qualitative and quantitative in-situ analysis of thermodynamic properties of thin films and thin-film systems from room temperature up to 1000 °C. It is based on highly sensitive piezoelectric langasite resonators which serve simultaneously as planar temperature sensors and substrates for the films of interest. Generation or consumption of heat during phase transformations of the films cause deviations from the regular course of the resonance frequency. Thermodynamic data such as phase transformation temperatures and enthalpies are extracted from these deviations. Thin-film calorimetry on Sn and Al thin films is performed to prove the concept. The results demonstrate high reproducibility of the measurement approach and are in agreement with literature data obtained by established calorimetric techniques. The calibration of the system is done in different atmospheres by application of defined heat pulses via heating structures. The latter replace the films of interest and simulate phase transformations to provide detailed analysis of the heat transfer mechanisms occurring in the measurement system. Based on this analysis, a data evaluation concept is developed. Application-relevant studies are performed on thin films of the lithium-ion battery materials NMC(A), NCA, LMO, and MoS2. Their phase transformation temperatures and enthalpies are evaluated in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. Furthermore, their thermodynamic stability ranges are presented. Finally, measurements on all-solid-state thin-film batteries during electrochemical cycling are performed. They demonstrate the suitability of the system for in-situ investigations.
Properties of Vector Embeddings in Social Networks
Authors: Salehi Rizi Fatemeh , Granitzer Michael
Published: September 2017

Embedding social network data into a low-dimensional vector space has shown promising performance for many real-world applications, such as node classification, node clustering, link prediction and network visualization. However, the information contained in these vector embeddings remains abstract and hard to interpret. Methods for inspecting embeddings usually rely on visualization methods, which do not work on a larger scale and do not give concrete interpretations of vector embeddings in terms of preserved network properties (e.g., centrality or betweenness measures). In this paper, we study and investigate network properties preserved by recent random walk-based embedding procedures like node2vec, DeepWalk or LINE. We propose a method that applies learning to rank in order to relate embeddings to network centralities. We evaluate our approach with extensive experiments on real-world and artificial social networks. Experiments show that each embedding method learns different network properties. In addition, we show that our graph embeddings in combination with neural networks provide a computationally efficient way to approximate the Closeness Centrality measure in social networks.
Stiffness Control of Variable Serial Elastic Actuators: Energy Efficiency through Exploitation of Natural Dynamics
Authors: Beckerle Philipp , Stuhlenmiller Florian , Rinderknecht Stephan
Published: September 2017

Variable elastic actuators are very promising for applications in physical human–robot interaction. Besides enabling human safety, such actuators can support energy efficiency, especially if the natural behavior of the system is exploited. In this paper, the power and energy consumption of variable stiffness actuators with serial elasticity is investigated analytically and experimentally. Besides the fundamental mechanics, the influence of friction and electrical losses is discussed. A simple but effective stiffness control method is used to exploit the corresponding knowledge of natural dynamics by tuning the system to antiresonance operation. Despite nonlinear friction effects and additional electrical dynamics, the consideration of the ideal mechanical dynamics is completely sufficient for stiffness control. Simulations and experiments show that this yields a distinct reduction in power and energy consumption, which underlines the suitability of the control strategy.
Organic Electrochemical Transistor Microplate for Real-Time Cell Culture Monitoring
Authors: Salyk Ota , Víteček Jan , Omasta Lukáš , Šafaříková Eva , Stříteský Stanislav , Vala Martin , Weiter Martin
Published: September 2017

Human cell cultures provide a potentially powerful means for pharmacological and toxicological research. A microplate with a multielectrode array of 96 organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on the semiconductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythio-phene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid) PEDOT:PSS was developed and fabricated by the screen printing method. It consists of a microplate of a 12 × 8 chimney–well array with transistors on the bottom. The OECT is circular with a channel of 1.5 mm2 in the centre surrounded by the circular gate electrode. The device is designed for electrogenic cell monitoring. Simulations with the electrolyte revealed good electrical characteristics and indicated the setup information of the experimental conditions. A transconductance of g = 1.4 mS was achieved in the wide range of gate voltages Vgs = ±0.4 V when the drain potential Vds = −0.735 V was set and the long term relaxation was compensated for. The time constant 0.15 s limited by the channel-electrolyte charge electrical double layer (EDL) capacitance was measured. The device was tested on a 3T3 fibroblast cell culture and the sudden environmental changes were recorded. The living cells can be observed on the channel of the OECT and during electrical stimulation by gate voltage, as well as during the source current response.
Polycyclic Ketone Monooxygenase (PockeMO): A Robust Biocatalyst for the Synthesis of Optically Active Sulfoxides
Authors: De Gonzalo Gonzalo , Fürst Maximilian , Fraaije Marco
Published: September 2017

A recently discovered, moderately thermostable Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase, polycyclic ketone monooxygenase (PockeMO), from Thermothelomyces thermophila has been employed as a biocatalyst in a set of asymmetric sulfoxidations. The enzyme was able to catalyze the oxidation of various alkyl aryl sulfides with good selectivities and moderate to high activities. The biocatalytic performance was able to be further increased by optimizing some reaction parameters, such as the addition of 10% v v−1 of water miscible solvents or toluene, or by performing the conversion at a relatively high temperature (45 °C). PockeMO was found to display an optimum activity at sulfide concentrations of 50 mM, while it can also function at 200 mM. Taken together, the data show that PockeMO can be used as robust biocatalyst for the synthesis of optically active sulfoxides.
Probiotics: A Promising Role in Dental Health
Authors: Mahasneh Sari , Mahasneh Adel
Published: September 2017

Probiotics have a role in maintaining oral health through interaction with oral microbiome, thus contributing to healthy microbial equilibrium. The nature and composition of any individual microbiome impacts the general health, being a major contributor to oral health. The emergence of drug resistance and the side effects of available antimicrobials have restricted their use in an array of prophylactic options. Indeed, some new strategies to prevent oral diseases are based on manipulating oral microbiota, which is provided by probiotics. Currently, no sufficient substantial evidence exists to support the use of probiotics to prevent, treat or manage oral cavity diseases. At present, probiotic use did not cause adverse effects or increased risks of caries or periodontal diseases. This implicates no strong evidence against treatment using probiotics. In this review, we try to explore the use of probiotics in prevention, treatment and management of some oral cavity diseases and the possibilities of developing designer probiotics for the next generation of oral and throat complimentary healthcare.
Connecting Information Geometry and Geometric Mechanics
Authors: Leok Melvin , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2017

The divergence function in information geometry, and the discrete Lagrangian in discrete geometric mechanics each induce a differential geometric structure on the product manifold Q × Q . We aim to investigate the relationship between these two objects, and the fundamental role that duality, in the form of Legendre transforms, plays in both fields. By establishing an analogy between these two approaches, we will show how a fruitful cross-fertilization of techniques may arise from switching formulations based on the cotangent bundle T * Q (as in geometric mechanics) and the tangent bundle T Q (as in information geometry). In particular, we establish, through variational error analysis, that the divergence function agrees with the exact discrete Lagrangian up to third order if and only if Q is a Hessian manifold.
Randomness Representation of Turbulence in Canopy Flows Using Kolmogorov Complexity Measures
Authors: Mihailović Dragutin , Mimić Gordan , Gualtieri Paola , Arsenić Ilija , Gualtieri Carlo
Published: September 2017

Turbulence is often expressed in terms of either irregular or random fluid flows, without quantification. In this paper, a methodology to evaluate the randomness of the turbulence using measures based on the Kolmogorov complexity (KC) is proposed. This methodology is applied to experimental data from a turbulent flow developing in a laboratory channel with canopy of three different densities. The methodology is even compared with the traditional approach based on classical turbulence statistics.
From Product to System Approaches in European Sustainable Product Policies: Analysis of the Package Concept of Heating Systems in Buildings
Authors: Calero-Pastor Maria , Mathieux Fabrice , Brissaud Daniel , Castellazzi Luca
Published: September 2017

Different policies with the goal of reducing energy consumption and other environmental impacts in the building sector coexist in Europe. Sustainable product polices, such as the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Directives, have recently broadened the scope of their target product groups from a strict product approach to extended product and system approaches. Indeed, there is a potential for greater savings when the focus is at a system level rather than on regulating individual products. Product policies for space and water heating systems have recently introduced and implemented the package label, which is a modular approach, standing between the extended product and the system approaches. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the different system approaches of various policies from an engineering perspective. It analyses in detail the package concept and its features through a practical application using a real case study. It focuses on how the package concept can support decisions made in the building design phase and, in particular, how can support the choice of appropriate components based on estimating system performances. This brings building engineers and regulators closer regarding the use of more consistent data on energy performance. Finally, this paper highlights the need to improve the alignment of the building-related product policies with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Development of an Energy Biorefinery Model for Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) Shells
Authors: Morana Alessandra , Squillaci Giuseppe , Paixão Susana , Alves Luís , Cara Francesco , Moura Patrícia
Published: September 2017

Chestnut shells (CS) are an agronomic waste generated from the peeling process of the chestnut fruit, which contain 2.7–5.2% (w/w) phenolic compounds and approximately 36% (w/w) polysaccharides. In contrast with current shell waste burning practices, this study proposes a CS biorefinery that integrates biomass pretreatment, recovery of bioactive molecules, and bioconversion of the lignocellulosic hydrolyzate, while optimizing materials reuse. The CS delignification and saccharification produced a crude hydrolyzate with 12.9 g/L of glucose and xylose, and 682 mg/L of gallic acid equivalents. The detoxification of the crude CS hydrolyzate with 5% (w/v) activated charcoal (AC) and repeated adsorption, desorption and AC reuse enabled 70.3% (w/w) of phenolic compounds recovery, whilst simultaneously retaining the soluble sugars in the detoxified hydrolyzate. The phenols radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the first AC eluate reached 51.8 ± 1.6%, which is significantly higher than that of the crude CS hydrolyzate (21.0 ± 1.1%). The fermentation of the detoxified hydrolyzate by C. butyricum produced 10.7 ± 0.2 mM butyrate and 63.9 mL H2/g of CS. Based on the obtained results, the CS biorefinery integrating two energy products (H2 and calorific power from spent CS), two bioproducts (phenolic compounds and butyrate) and one material reuse (AC reuse) constitutes a valuable upgrading approach for this yet unexploited waste biomass.
Correction: Schelfhout, S.; et al. Tree Species Identity Shapes Earthworm Communities. Forests 2017, 8, 85
Authors: Schelfhout Stephanie , Mertens Jan , Verheyen Kris , Vesterdal Lars , Baeten Lander , Muys Bart , De Schrijver An
Published: September 2017

It has come to our attention that there was a mistake in this paper [1]:[...]
Hyperbolic Covariant Coherent Structures in Two Dimensional Flows
Authors: Conti Giovanni , Badin Gualtiero
Published: September 2017

A new method to describe hyperbolic patterns in two-dimensional flows is proposed. The method is based on the Covariant Lyapunov Vectors (CLVs), which have the properties of being covariant with the dynamics, and thus, being mapped by the tangent linear operator into another CLVs basis, they are norm independent, invariant under time reversal and cannot be orthonormal. CLVs can thus give more detailed information about the expansion and contraction directions of the flow than the Lyapunov vector bases, which are instead always orthogonal. We suggest a definition of Hyperbolic Covariant Coherent Structures (HCCSs), which can be defined on the scalar field representing the angle between the CLVs. HCCSs can be defined for every time instant and could be useful to understand the long-term behavior of particle tracers. We consider three examples: a simple autonomous Hamiltonian system, as well as the non-autonomous “double gyre” and Bickley jet, to see how well the angle is able to describe particular patterns and barriers. We compare the results from the HCCSs with other coherent patterns defined on finite time by the Finite Time Lyapunov Exponents (FTLEs), to see how the behaviors of these structures change asymptotically.
Genetic Association between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Cancer
Authors: Taguchi Y-h. , Wang Hsiuying
Published: September 2017

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease. An ALS drug, Riluzole, has been shown to induce two different anticancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In light of this finding, we explore the relationship between ALS and cancer, especially for HCC, from the molecular biological viewpoint. We establish biomarkers that can discriminate between ALS patients and healthy controls. A principal component analysis (PCA) based unsupervised feature extraction (FE) is used to find gene biomarkers of ALS based on microarray gene expression data. Based on this method, 101 probes were selected as biomarkers for ALS with 95% high accuracy to discriminate between ALS patients and controls. Most of the genes corresponding to these probes are shown to be related to various cancers. These findings might provide a new insight for developing new therapeutic options or drugs for both ALS and cancer.
Air Quality Effects on Human Health and Approaches for Its Assessment through Microfluidic Chips
Authors: Schulze Frank , Gao Xinghua , Virzonis Darius , Damiati Samar , Schneider Marlon , Kodzius Rimantas
Published: September 2017

Air quality depends on the various gases and particles present in it. Both natural phenomena and human activities affect the cleanliness of air. In the last decade, many countries experienced an unprecedented industrial growth, resulting in changing air quality values, and correspondingly, affecting our life quality. Air quality can be accessed by employing microchips that qualitatively and quantitatively determine the present gases and dust particles. The so-called particular matter 2.5 (PM2.5) values are of high importance, as such small particles can penetrate the human lung barrier and enter the blood system. There are cancer cases related to many air pollutants, and especially to PM2.5, contributing to exploding costs within the healthcare system. We focus on various current and potential future air pollutants, and propose solutions on how to protect our health against such dangerous substances. Recent developments in the Organ-on-Chip (OoC) technology can be used to study air pollution as well. OoC allows determination of pollutant toxicity and speeds up the development of novel pharmaceutical drugs.
Prenatal Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Hyperactivity Behavior in Chinese Young Children
Authors: Lin Qingmei , Hou Xiang-Yu , Yin Xiao-Na , Wen Guo-Min , Sun Dengli , Xian Dan-Xia , Fan Lijun , Jiang Hui , Jing Jin , Jin Yu , Wu Chuan-An , Chen Wei-Qing
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to examine the association between prenatal environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure and hyperactivity behaviors in young children. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 21,243 participants from all of the kindergartens in Longhua District of Shenzhen, China. Multivariate logistic regression models and hierarchical linear models were employed to assess the associations. After adjusting for potential confounders of gender, preterm birth, birth asphyxiation, etc., prenatal ETS exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of hyperactivity behaviors in young children (OR (95% CI) = 1.51 (1.28–1.77); β (95% CI) = 0.017 (0.013–0.020)). Along with increases in children’s prenatal ETS exposure dose (measured by daily ETS exposure duration, daily cigarette consumption by household members, and overall score of prenatal ETS exposure), the children were also increasingly more likely to exhibit hyperactivity behaviors. Furthermore, children whose mothers had prenatal ETS exposure in any one or more of the pregnancy trimesters were more likely to exhibit hyperactivity behaviors as compared with those born to non-exposure mothers (all p < 0.05). Overall, prenatal ETS exposure could be associated with a detrimental impact on offspring’s hyperactivity behaviors, and public health efforts are needed to reduce prenatal ETS exposure.
An Efficient Test for Gene-Environment Interaction in Generalized Linear Mixed Models with Family Data
Authors: Mazo Lopera Mauricio , Coombes Brandon , De Andrade Mariza
Published: September 2017

Gene-environment (GE) interaction has important implications in the etiology of complex diseases that are caused by a combination of genetic factors and environment variables. Several authors have developed GE analysis in the context of independent subjects or longitudinal data using a gene-set. In this paper, we propose to analyze GE interaction for discrete and continuous phenotypes in family studies by incorporating the relatedness among the relatives for each family into a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) and by using a gene-based variance component test. In addition, we deal with collinearity problems arising from linkage disequilibrium among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by considering their coefficients as random effects under the null model estimation. We show that the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) of such random effects in the GLMM is equivalent to the ridge regression estimator. This equivalence provides a simple method to estimate the ridge penalty parameter in comparison to other computationally-demanding estimation approaches based on cross-validation schemes. We evaluated the proposed test using simulation studies and applied it to real data from the Baependi Heart Study consisting of 76 families. Using our approach, we identified an interaction between BMI and the Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARG) gene associated with diabetes.
Occurrence, Ecological and Human Health Risks, and Seasonal Variations of Phenolic Compounds in Surface Water and Sediment of a Potential Polluted River Basin in China
Authors: Zhou Mo , Zhang Jiquan , Sun Caiyun
Published: September 2017

Five phenolic compounds in water and sediment of Yinma River Basin were investigated. The average concentration of phenol was the highest in water samples as well as in sediment samples during the wet season, 101.68 ng/L and 127.76 ng/g, respectively. 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) was not detected in some sampling sites. Shitou Koumen Reservoir and the neighboring area were the severest areas of phenolic pollution. The lower reach was more polluted in three water seasons than the middle reach and upper reach. Phenol had ecological risks in sediment during three water seasons. 2-Nitrophenol (2-NP) and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) had ecological risks in sediment in both the normal and wet season. The concentrations of five phenolic compounds from high to low were in the wet season, normal season, and dry season in water and sediment, respectively. There were middle risks in water of total concentrations for five phenolic compounds in several sampling sites. Total concentrations for five phenolic compounds in sediment had high ecological risks in all sampling sites. However, there was no human health risk in the Yinma River Basin.
Spaceflight Activates Autophagy Programs and the Proteasome in Mouse Liver
Authors: Blaber Elizabeth , Pecaut Michael , Jonscher Karen
Published: September 2017

Increased oxidative stress is an unavoidable consequence of exposure to the space environment. Our previous studies showed that mice exposed to space for 13.5 days had decreased glutathione levels, suggesting impairments in oxidative defense. Here we performed unbiased, unsupervised and integrated multi-‘omic analyses of metabolomic and transcriptomic datasets from mice flown aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Enrichment analyses of metabolite and gene sets showed significant changes in osmolyte concentrations and pathways related to glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism, likely consequences of relative dehydration of the spaceflight mice. However, we also found increased enrichment of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis and purine metabolic pathways, concomitant with enrichment of genes associated with autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome. When taken together with a downregulation in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2-mediated signaling, our analyses suggest that decreased hepatic oxidative defense may lead to aberrant tRNA post-translational processing, induction of degradation programs and senescence-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in response to the spaceflight environment.
A Novel Fully Human Agonistic Single Chain Fragment Variable Antibody Targeting Death Receptor 5 with Potent Antitumor Activity In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lei Gaoxin , Xu Menglong , Xu Zhipan , Gu Lili , Lu Chenchen , Bai Zhengli , Wang Yue , Zhang Yongbo , Hu Huajing , Jiang Yiwei , Zhao Wenfeng , Tan Shuhua
Published: September 2017

Agonistic antibodies, which bind specifically to death receptor 5 (DR5), can trigger apoptosis in tumor cells through the extrinsic pathway. In this present study, we describe the use of a phage display to isolate a novel fully human agonistic single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody, which targets DR5. After five rounds of panning a large (1.2 × 108 clones) phage display library on DR5, a total of over 4000 scFv clones were screened by the phage ELISA. After screening for agonism in a cell-viability assay in vitro, a novel DR5-specific scFv antibody TR2-3 was isolated, which inhibited COLO205 and MDA-MB-231 tumor cell growth without any cross-linking agents. The activity of TR2-3 in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells was evaluated by using an Annexin V-PE apoptosis detection kit in combination with flow cytometry and the Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide double staining analysis. In addition, the activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis was evaluated by Western blot assays. The results indicated that TR2-3 induced robust apoptosis of the COLO205 and MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, while it remarkably upregulated the cleavage of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Furthermore, TR2-3 suppressed the tumor growth significantly in the xenograft model. Taken together, these data suggest that TR2-3 exhibited potent antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. This work provides a novel human antibody, which might be a promising candidate for cancer therapy by targeting DR5.
Double Biocatalysis Signal Amplification Glucose Biosensor Based on Porous Graphene
Authors: He Yaping , Zheng Jianbin , Wang Bini , Ren Hongjiang
Published: September 2017

Controllable preparation of nanopores to promote the performance of electrochemical biosensing interfaces has become one of the researching frontiers in biosensing. A double biocatalysis signal amplification of glucose biosensor for the study of electrochemical behaviors of glucose oxidase (GOx) was proposed by using horseradish peroxidase biosynthesized porous graphene (PGR) as the platform for the biocatalytic deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The biosensor showed a linear range from 0.25 to 27.5 μM with a detection limit of 0.05 μM (S/N = 3) towards glucose. Furthermore, the proposed AuNPs/GOx–PGR modified glassy carbon electrode (AuNPs/GOx–PGR/GCE) achieved direct electron transfer of GOx.
Influence of Ti Content on the Partial Oxidation of TixFeCoNi Thin Films in Vacuum Annealing
Authors: Yang Ya-Chu , Yeh Jien-Wei , Tsau Chun-Huei
Published: September 2017

This study investigated the effects of Ti content and vacuum annealing on the microstructure evolution of TixFeCoNi (x = 0, 0.5, and 1) thin films and the underlying mechanisms. The as-deposited thin film transformed from an FCC (face center cubic) structure at x = 0 into an amorphous structure at x = 1, which can be explained by determining topological instability and a hard ball model. After annealing was performed at 1000 °C for 30 min, the films presented a layered structure comprising metal solid solutions and oxygen-deficient oxides, which can be major attributed to oxygen traces in the vacuum furnace. Different Ti contents provided various phase separation and layered structures. The underlying mechanism is mainly related to the competition among possible oxides in terms of free energy production at 1000 °C.
Qigong Exercise and Arthritis
Authors: Marks Ray
Published: September 2017

Background: Arthritis is a chronic condition resulting in considerable disability, particularly in later life. Aims: The first aim of this review was to summarize and synthesize the research base concerning the use of Qigong exercises as a possible adjunctive strategy for promoting well-being among adults with arthritis. A second was to provide related intervention directives for health professionals working or who are likely to work with this population in the future. Methods: Material specifically focusing on examining the nature of Qigong for minimizing arthritis disability, pain and dependence and for improving life quality was sought. Results: Collectively, despite almost no attention to this topic, available data reveal that while more research is indicated, Qigong exercises—practiced widely in China for many centuries as an exercise form, mind-body and relaxation technique—may be very useful as an intervention strategy for adults with different forms of painful disabling arthritis. Conclusion: Health professionals working with people who have chronic arthritis can safely recommend these exercises to most adults with this condition with the expectation they will heighten the life quality of the individual, while reducing pain and depression in adults with this condition.
In Situ Investigation of the Adsorption of Styrene Phosphonic Acid on Cassiterite (110) Surface by Molecular Modeling
Authors: Gong Guichen , Han Yuexin , Liu Jie , Zhu Yimin , Li Yanfeng , Yuan Shuai
Published: September 2017

Abstract: The flotation, adsorption and bonding mechanisms of styrene phosphonic acid (SPA) to cassiterite were studied using microflotation tests, zeta potential measurements, solution chemistry analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations in this paper. Flotation results demonstrated SPA was an excellent collector for cassiterite which could recover over 85% cassiterite particles with the pH range 4.3–6.06 and 40 mg/L SPA. Zeta potential measurements and solution chemistry analysis revealed the adsorption of SPA was mainly contributed by the chemisorption of the monoanions on cassiterite surfaces. Frontier molecular orbital theory analysis and adsorption energy calculation results proved the monoanion of SPA was able to replace the OH− on cassiterite surfaces. The adsorption structure optimization results confirmed the binuclear complex was the most favorable adsorption configuration of SPA on cassiterite (110) surface. Mulliken population calculations and density of states analysis indicated during the bonding process the Sn3 atom lost electrons to O3 atom, and the bonding interaction between O3 and Sn3 atoms was mainly from the contribution of the 2p orbital of O3 atom and the 5s and 5p orbitals of Sn3 atom.
NMR Detection of Semi-Specific Antibody Interactions in Serum Environments
Authors: Yanaka Saeko , Yamazaki Toshio , Yogo Rina , Noda Masanori , Uchiyama Susumu , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi
Published: September 2017

Although antibody functions are executed in heterogeneous blood streams characterized by molecular crowding and promiscuous intermolecular interaction, detailed structural characterizations of antibody interactions have thus far been performed under homogeneous in vitro conditions. NMR spectroscopy potentially has the ability to study protein structures in heterogeneous environments, assuming that the target protein can be labeled with NMR-active isotopes. Based on our successful development of isotope labeling of antibody glycoproteins, here we apply NMR spectroscopy to characterize antibody interactions in heterogeneous extracellular environments using mouse IgG-Fc as a test molecule. In human serum, many of the HSQC peaks originating from the Fc backbone exhibited attenuation in intensity of various magnitudes. Similar spectral changes were induced by the Fab fragment of polyclonal IgG isolated from the serum, but not by serum albumin, indicating that a subset of antibodies reactive with mouse IgG-Fc exists in human serum without preimmunization. The metaepitopes recognized by serum polyclonal IgG cover the entire molecular surface of Fc, including the binding sites to Fc receptors and C1q. In-serum NMR observation will offer useful tools for the detailed characterization of biopharamaceuticals, including therapeutic antibodies in physiologically relevant heterogeneous environments, also giving deeper insight into molecular recognition by polyclonal antibodies in the immune system.
Time-Dependent Antimicrobial Activity of Filtering Nonwovens with Gemini Surfactant-Based Biocides
Authors: Majchrzycka Katarzyna , Okrasa Małgorzata , Szulc Justyna , Brycki Bogumił , Gutarowska Beata
Published: September 2017

Previous studies on nonwovens used for respiratory protective devices (RPDs) were related to equipment intended for short-term use. There is only limited research on the development of biocidal nonwoven fabrics for reusable RPDs that could be used safely in an industrial work environment where there is a risk of microbial growth. Moreover, a new group of biocides with high antimicrobial activity—gemini surfactants, has never been explored for textile’s application in previous studies. The aim of this study was to develop high-efficiency melt-blown nonwovens containing gemini surfactants with time-dependent biocidal activity, and to validate their antimicrobial properties under conditions simulating their use at a plant biomass-processing unit. A set of porous biocidal structures (SPBS) was prepared and applied to the melt-blown polypropylene (PP) nonwovens. The biocidal properties of the structures were triggered by humidity and had different activation rates. Scanning electron microscopy was used to undertake structural studies of the modified PP/SPBS nonwovens. In addition, simulation of plant biomass dust deposition on the nonwovens was performed. The biocidal activity of PP/SPBS nonwovens was evaluated following incubation with Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger from the American Type Culture Collection, and with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Penicillium chrysogenum isolated from the biomass. PP/SPBS nonwovens exhibited antimicrobial activity to varying levels. Higher antimicrobial activity was noted for bacteria (R = 87.85–97.46%) and lower for moulds (R = 80.11–94.53%).
A Phytochemical-Sensing Strategy Based on Mass Spectrometry Imaging and Metabolic Profiling for Understanding the Functionality of the Medicinal Herb Green Tea
Authors: Fujimura Yoshinori , Miura Daisuke , Tachibana Hirofumi
Published: September 2017

Low-molecular-weight phytochemicals have health benefits and reduce the risk of diseases, but the mechanisms underlying their activities have remained elusive because of the lack of a methodology that can easily visualize the exact behavior of such small molecules. Recently, we developed an in situ label-free imaging technique, called mass spectrometry imaging, for visualizing spatially-resolved biotransformations based on simultaneous mapping of the major bioactive green tea polyphenol and its phase II metabolites. In addition, we established a mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling technique capable of evaluating the bioactivities of diverse green tea extracts, which contain multiple phytochemicals, by focusing on their compositional balances. This methodology allowed us to simultaneously evaluate the relative contributions of the multiple compounds present in a multicomponent system to its bioactivity. This review highlights small molecule-sensing techniques for visualizing the complex behaviors of herbal components and linking such information to an enhanced understanding of the functionalities of multicomponent medicinal herbs.
Immersive Environments and Virtual Reality: Systematic Review and Advances in Communication, Interaction and Simulation
Authors: Rubio-Tamayo Jose , Gertrudix Barrio Manuel , García García Francisco
Published: September 2017

Today, virtual reality and immersive environments are lines of research which can be applied to numerous scientific and educational domains. Immersive digital media needs new approaches regarding its interactive and immersive features, which means the design of new narratives and relationships with users. Additionally, ICT (information and communication theory) evolves through more immersive and interactive scenarios, it being necessary to design and conceive new forms of representing information and improving users’ interaction with immersive environments. Virtual reality and technologies associated with the virtuality continuum, such as immersive and digital environments, are emerging media. As a medium, this approach may help to build and represent ideas and concepts, as well as developing new languages. This review analyses the cutting-edge expressive, interactive and representative potential of immersive digital technologies. It also considers future possibilities regarding the evolution of these immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, in coming years, in order to apply them to diverse scientific, artistic or informational and educational domains. We conclude that virtual reality is an ensemble of technological innovations, but also a concept, and propose models to link it with the latest in other domains such as UX (user experience), interaction design. This concept can help researchers and developers to design new experiences and conceive new expressive models that can be applied to a wide range of scientific lines of research and educational dynamics.