bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Involvement of Intracellular Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2 in the Release of Secretory Phospholipases from Mast Cells—Increased Expression in Ileal Mast Cells of Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Christerson Ulrika , Keita Åsa V. , Winberg Martin E. , Söderholm Johan D. , Gustafson-Svärd Christina
Published: July 2019

Increased activity of secretory phospholipases A2 (sPLA2) type-II was previously observed in ileum of Crohn’s disease (CD). Our aims were to explore the involvement of calcium-independent (i)PLA2β in the release of sPLA2s from the human mast cell (MC) line (HMC-1) and investigate expressions of cytosolic (c)PLA2α, iPLA2β, sPLA2-IIA and sPLA2-V in MCs of CD ileum. The release of sPLA2 was investigated in HMC-1 by immunocytochemistry and ELISA. The expression intensities of PLA2s in mucosal MCs, and the proportion of PLA2-positive MCs, were investigated in normal ileum and in ileum from patients with CD by immunohistochemistry. The calcium ionophore-stimulated release of sPLA2-IIA and sPLA2-V from HMC-1 was reduced by the iPLA2-inhibitor bromoenol lactone. All four PLA2s were detectable in mucosal MCs, both in normal ileum and in CD, but the proportion of iPLA2β-containing mucosal MCs and the expression intensity of sPLA2-IIA was increased in CD. Results indicate that iPLA2β is involved in the secretion of sPLA2s from HMC-1, and suggest that iPLA2β-mediated release of sPLA2 from intestinal MCs may contribute to CD pathophysiology. Ex vivo studies on isolated mucosal mast cells are however needed to clarify the precise role of MC PLA2s in the inflammatory processes of CD.
Obesity-Induced Adipose Tissue Inflammation as a Strong Promotional Factor for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Hui-Hua , Eibl Guido
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is expected to soon become the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States. This may be due to the rising obesity prevalence, which is a recognized risk factor for PDAC. There is great interest in deciphering the underlying driving mechanisms of the obesity–PDAC link. Visceral adiposity has a strong correlation to certain metabolic diseases and gastrointestinal cancers, including PDAC. In fact, our own data strongly suggest that visceral adipose tissue inflammation is a strong promoter for PDAC growth and progression in a genetically engineered mouse model of PDAC and diet-induced obesity. In this review, we will discuss the relationship between obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and PDAC development, with a focus on the key molecular and cellular components in the dysfunctional visceral adipose tissue, which provides a tumor permissive environment.
Clinical Impact of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer
Authors: Broncy Lucile , Paterlini-Bréchot Patrizia
Published: July 2019

The main issue concerning localized prostate cancers is the lack of a suitable marker which could help patients’ stratification at diagnosis and distinguish those with a benign disease from patients with a more aggressive cancer. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) are spread in the blood by invasive tumors and could be the ideal marker in this setting. Therefore, we have compiled data from the literature in order to obtain clues about the clinical impact of CTC in patients with localized prostate cancer. Forty-three publications have been found reporting analyses of CTC in patients with non-metastatic prostate cancer. Of these, we have made a further selection of 11 studies targeting patients with clinical or pathological stages T1 and T2 and reporting the clinical impact of CTC. The results of this search show encouraging data toward the use of CTC in patients with early-stage cancer. However, they also highlight the lack of standardized methods providing a highly sensitive and specific approach for the detection of prostate-derived CTC.
Evaluation of the Soothing and Protective Properties of a Lignin Hydrolyzate
Authors: Greco Letteria , Ullo Salviana , Rigano Luigi , Fontana Marco , Berardesca Enzo
Published: July 2019

Lignins have shown remarkable antioxidant properties; acting as “scavengers” of free radicals physiologically produced by cell metabolisms; and exerting a protective action caused by the strong ability of these molecules to absorb UV radiation. Through preliminary Molecular Modeling studies and experimental studies in vivo and in vitro, a lignin hydrolysate compound has been shown to be an extremely versatile active ingredient, presenting soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, anti-oxidant, anti-aging and anti-pollution properties. The possible fields of application are therefore multiple; making this lignin hydrolysate a particularly interesting ingredient for topical dermatological compositions in the treatment of various skin disorders such as inflammation, edema, swelling, rash, redness, itching, chrono- and photo-induced skin aging. These manifestations are also the basis of more or less serious skin problems, making lignin hydrolysate capable of being used in cosmetic products for the eternal challenge of fighting skin aging, but also in medical devices that can be used to fight more painful and annoying symptoms, like those caused by dermatitis or psoriasis.
Determination of the Chemical Composition of Lithium Niobate Powders
Authors: Sánchez-Dena Oswaldo , Villagómez Carlos J. , Fierro-Ruíz César D. , Padilla-Robles Artemio S. , Farías Rurik , Vigueras-Santiago Enrique , Hernández-López Susana , Reyes-Esqueda Jorge-Alejandro
Published: July 2019

Existent methods for determining the composition of lithium niobate single crystals are mainly based on their variations due to changes in their electronic structure, which accounts for the fact that most of these methods rely on experimental techniques using light as the probe. Nevertheless, these methods used for single crystals fail in accurately predicting the chemical composition of lithium niobate powders due to strong scattering effects and randomness. In this work, an innovative method for determining the chemical composition of lithium niobate powders, based mainly on the probing of secondary thermodynamic phases by X-ray diffraction analysis and structure refinement, is employed. Its validation is supported by the characterization of several samples synthesized by the standard and inexpensive method of mechanosynthesis. Furthermore, new linear equations are proposed to accurately describe and determine the chemical composition of this type of powdered material. The composition can now be determined by using any of four standard characterization techniques: X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), UV-vis Diffuse Reflectance (DR), and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). In the case of the existence of a previous equivalent description for single crystals, a brief analysis of the literature is made.
Sequence Versus Composition: What Prescribes IDP Biophysical Properties?
Authors: Vymětal Jiří , Vondrášek Jiří , Hlouchová Klára
Published: July 2019

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) represent a distinct class of proteins and are distinguished from globular proteins by conformational plasticity, high evolvability and a broad functional repertoire. Some of their properties are reminiscent of early proteins, but their abundance in eukaryotes, functional properties and compositional bias suggest that IDPs appeared at later evolutionary stages. The spectrum of IDP properties and their determinants are still not well defined. This study compares rudimentary physicochemical properties of IDPs and globular proteins using bioinformatic analysis on the level of their native sequences and random sequence permutations, addressing the contributions of composition versus sequence as determinants of the properties. IDPs have, on average, lower predicted secondary structure contents and aggregation propensities and biased amino acid compositions. However, our study shows that IDPs exhibit a broad range of these properties. Induced fold IDPs exhibit very similar compositions and secondary structure/aggregation propensities to globular proteins, and can be distinguished from unfoldable IDPs based on analysis of these sequence properties. While amino acid composition seems to be a major determinant of aggregation and secondary structure propensities, sequence randomization does not result in dramatic changes to these properties, but for both IDPs and globular proteins seems to fine-tune the tradeoff between folding and aggregation.
An Image Encryption Scheme Based on Block Scrambling, Modified Zigzag Transformation and Key Generation Using Enhanced Logistic—Tent Map
Authors: Ramasamy Priya , Ranganathan Vidhyapriya , Kadry Seifedine , Damaševičius Robertas , Blažauskas Tomas
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, the images are transferred through open channels that are subject to potential attacks, so the exchange of image data requires additional security in many fields, such as medical, military, banking, etc. The security factors are essential in preventing the system from brute force and differential attacks. We propose an Enhanced Logistic Map (ELM) while using chaotic maps and simple encryption techniques, such as block scrambling, modified zigzag transformation for encryption phases, including permutation, diffusion, and key stream generation to withstand the attacks. The results of encryption are evaluated while using the histogram, correlation analysis, Number of Pixel Change Rate (NPCR), Unified Average Change Intensity (UACI), Peak-Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR), and entropy. Our results demonstrate the security, reliability, efficiency, and flexibility of the proposed method.
Calculus Self-Efficacy Inventory: Its Development and Relationship with Approaches to learning
Authors: Zakariya Yusuf F. , Goodchild Simon , Bjørkestøl Kirsten , Nilsen Hans K.
Published: July 2019

This study was framed within a quantitative research methodology to develop a concise measure of calculus self-efficacy with high psychometric properties. A survey research design was adopted in which 234 engineering and economics students rated their confidence in solving year-one calculus tasks on a 15-item inventory. The results of a series of exploratory factor analyses using minimum rank factor analysis for factor extraction, oblique promin rotation, and parallel analysis for retaining extracted factors revealed a one-factor solution of the model. The final 13-item inventory was unidimensional with all eigenvalues greater than 0.42, an average communality of 0.74, and a 62.55% variance of the items being accounted for by the latent factor, i.e., calculus self-efficacy. The inventory was found to be reliable with an ordinal coefficient alpha of 0.90. Using Spearman’ rank coefficient, a significant positive correlation ρ ( 95 ) =   0.27 ,   p <   0.05 (2-tailed) was found between the deep approach to learning and calculus self-efficacy, and a negative correlation ρ ( 95 ) =   − 0.26 ,   p <   0.05 (2-tailed) was found between the surface approach to learning and calculus self-efficacy. These suggest that students who adopt the deep approach to learning are confident in dealing with calculus exam problems while those who adopt the surface approach to learning are less confident in solving calculus exam problems.
Active Learning via Problem-Based Collaborative Games in a Large Mathematics University Course in Hong Kong
Authors: Ting Fridolin Sze Thou , Lam Wai Hung , Shroff Ronnie Homi
Published: July 2019

Research has demonstrated the positive impact of active learning on students’ learning outcomes, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. However, few studies have explored the impact of active learning via problem-based collaborative games in large mathematics classes in the context of Asian tertiary education. This study assesses the effects of active learning on students’ learning outcomes using class test scores and the calculus concept inventory (CCI) to test the conceptual understanding of the basic principles of differential calculus, in a first year calculus course in Hong Kong. Three hypotheses were tested to determine the effects of game-based collaborative learning on learning mathematics among students. Active learning through a problem-based collaborative learning methodology was employed, using Kahoot!, a game-based learning platform. Results supported all three hypotheses, demonstrating a statistically significant increase in students’ conceptual understanding and examination performance, based upon their individual perceptions of active engagement and time spent in active learning. Our results indicated that active learning “levels the playing field”, in the sense that students with less pre-requisite background knowledge, using a problem-based collaborative learning methodology, were relatively more inclined to catch up or even exceed the performance of students with a stronger prerequisite background knowledge, at the end of the course.
Analyzing the Interaction of Vortex and Gas–Liquid Interface Dynamics in Fuel Spray Nozzles by Means of Lagrangian-Coherent Structures (2D)
Authors: Dauch Thilo F. , Ates Cihan , Rapp Tobias , Keller Marc C. , Chaussonnet Geoffroy , Kaden Johannes , Okraschevski Max , Koch Rainer , Dachsbacher Carsten , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: July 2019

Predictions of the primary breakup of fuel in realistic fuel spray nozzles for aero-engine combustors by means of the SPH method are presented. Based on simulations in 2D, novel insights into the fundamental effects of primary breakup are established by analyzing the dynamics of Lagrangian-coherent structures (LCSs). An in-house visualization and data exploration platform is used in order to retrieve fields of the finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) derived from the SPH predictions aiming at the identification of time resolved LCSs. The main focus of this paper is demonstrating the suitability of FTLE fields to capture and visualize the interaction between the gas and the fuel flow leading to liquid disintegration. Aiming for a convenient illustration at a high spatial resolution, the analysis is presented based on 2D datasets. However, the method and the conclusions can analoguosly be transferred to 3D. The FTLE fields of modified nozzle geometries are compared in order to highlight the influence of the nozzle geometry on primary breakup, which is a novel and unique approach for this industrial application. Modifications of the geometry are proposed which are capable of suppressing the formation of certain LCSs, leading to less fluctuation of the fuel flow emerging from the spray nozzle.
FACTS Providing Grid Services: Applications and Testing
Authors: Kotsampopoulos Panos , Georgilakis Pavlos , Lagos Dimitris T. , Kleftakis Vasilis , Hatziargyriou Nikos
Published: July 2019

The role of flexible alternating current transmission systems (FACTSs) in the provision of grid services is becoming increasingly important, due to the massive integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and the decommissioning of thermal plants. A comprehensive literature review of grid services offered by FACTS is performed, focusing on the different grid services that they can provide, such as power flow control, reactive power control, voltage control, power quality improvement, harmonic mitigation, improvement of transient stability, and damping of inter-area and intra-area oscillations. These grid services need to be realistically and economically validated in suitable testing environments. A review of relevant standards, guides, and the literature is performed, which covers the entire range from functional specification and factory testing up to the field testing of FACTS. Advanced industry practices, such as controller hardware in the loop (CHIL) testing of FACTS controllers by the manufacturer, and recent trends, such as CHIL testing of replica controllers by the owner, are underlined. Limitations of conventional testing and CHIL testing are explained and the use of power hardware in the loop (PHIL) simulation for FACTS testing is discussed. CHIL and scaled-down PHIL tests on a transmission static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) are performed and a comparison of the results is presented.
Life-Cycle and Energy Assessment of Automotive Component Manufacturing: The Dilemma Between Aluminum and Cast Iron
Authors: Salonitis Konstantinos , Jolly Mark , Pagone Emanuele , Papanikolaou Michail
Published: July 2019

Considering the manufacturing of automotive components, there exists a dilemma around the substitution of traditional cast iron (CI) with lighter metals. Currently, aluminum alloys, being lighter compared to traditional materials, are considered as a more environmentally friendly solution. However, the energy required for the extraction of the primary materials and manufacturing of components is usually not taken into account in this debate. In this study, an extensive literature review was performed to estimate the overall energy required for the manufacturing of an engine cylinder block using (a) cast iron and (b) aluminum alloys. Moreover, data from over 100 automotive companies, ranging from mining companies to consultancy firms, were collected in order to support the soundness of this investigation. The environmental impact of the manufacturing of engine blocks made of these materials is presented with respect to the energy burden; the “cradle-to-grave approach” was implemented to take into account the energy input of each stage of the component life cycle starting from the resource extraction and reaching to the end-of-life processing stage. Our results indicate that, although aluminum components contribute toward reduced fuel consumption during their use phase, the vehicle distance needed to be covered in order to compensate for the up-front energy consumption related to the primary material production and manufacturing phases is very high. Thus, the substitution of traditional materials with lightweight ones in the automotive industry should be very thoughtfully evaluated.
Development of a Thermal Environment Analysis Method for a Dwelling Containing a Colonnade Space through Coupled Energy Simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Ozaki Akihito , Lee Myonghyang
Published: July 2019

In building design, several approaches have been proposed for coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and energy simulation (ES) to perform analyses of thermal environments. The unsteady analysis of thermal environments within buildings containing offices and colonnade spaces is difficult to perform using an ES that represents the space with a single mass point, owing to excessive predictive heat loss; therefore, CFD has typically been used instead. Although it is possible to divide the space into zones using ES, it leads to excessive predicted heat loss and the prediction of heat movement due to the influence of strong air currents, such as those associated with air conditioners. This behavior is observed because these zones are not detailed mesh divisions. To solve these problems, we proposed a method for calculating the ratio of heat contribution to zones that were pre-divided using CFD followed by the distribution of the total thermal load calculated by ES. In this study, we proposed a method for coupling ES and CFD, which enabled the unsteady analysis of a thermal environment in a large space and verified its accuracy.
Averaging Predictive Distributions Across Calibration Windows for Day-Ahead Electricity Price Forecasting
Authors: Serafin Tomasz , Uniejewski Bartosz , Weron Rafał
Published: July 2019

The recent developments in combining point forecasts of day-ahead electricity prices across calibration windows have provided an extremely simple, yet a very efficient tool for improving predictive accuracy. Here, we consider two novel extensions of this concept to probabilistic forecasting: one based on Quantile Regression Averaging (QRA) applied to a set of point forecasts obtained for different calibration windows, the other on a technique dubbed Quantile Regression Machine (QRM), which first averages these point predictions, then applies quantile regression to the combined forecast. Once computed, we combine the probabilistic forecasts across calibration windows by averaging probabilities of the corresponding predictive distributions. Our results show that QRM is not only computationally more efficient, but also yields significantly more accurate distributional predictions, as measured by the aggregate pinball score and the test of conditional predictive ability. Moreover, combining probabilistic forecasts brings further significant accuracy gains.
Investigation of Analysis Methods for Pulse Decay Tests Considering Gas Adsorption
Authors: Han Guofeng , Chen Yang , Liu Xiaoli
Published: July 2019

The pulse decay test is the main method employed to determine permeability for tight rocks, and is widely used. The testing gas can be strongly adsorbed on the pore surface of unconventional reservoir cores, such as shale and coal rock. However, gas adsorption has not been well considered in analysis pulse decay tests. In this study, the conventional flow model of adsorbed gas in porous media was modified by considering the volume of the adsorbed phase. Then, pulse decay tests of equilibrium sorption, unsteady state and pseudo-steady-state non-equilibrium sorption models, were analyzed by simulations. For equilibrium sorption, it is found that the Cui-correction method is excessive when the adsorbed phase volume is considered. This method is good at very low pressure, and is worse than the non-correction method at high pressure. When the testing pressure and Langmuir volume are large and the vessel volumes are small, a non-negligible error exists when using the Cui-correction method. If the vessel volumes are very large, gas adsorption can be ignored. For non-equilibrium sorption, the pulse decay characteristics of unsteady state and pseudo-steady-state non-equilibrium sorption models are similar to those of unsteady state and pseudo-steady-state dual-porosity models, respectively. When the upstream and downstream pressures become equal, they continue to decay until all of the pressures reach equilibrium. The Langmuir volume and pressure, the testing pressure and the porosity, affect the pseudo-storativity ratio and the pseudo-interporosity flow coefficient. Their impacts on non-equilibrium sorption models are similar to those of the storativity ratio and the interporosity flow coefficient in dual-porosity models. Like dual-porosity models, the pseudo-pressure derivative can be used to identify equilibrium and non-equilibrium sorption models at the early stage, and also the unsteady state and pseudo-steady-state non-equilibrium sorption models at the late stage. To identify models using the pseudo-pressure derivative at the early stage, the suitable vessel volumes should be chosen according to the core adsorption property, porosity and the testing pressure. Finally, experimental data are analyzed using the method proposed in this study, and the results are sufficient.
On the Stability of Energy-Only Markets with Government-Initiated Contracts-for-Differences
Authors: Simshauser Paul
Published: July 2019

Rising levels of variable renewable energy (VRE) in Australia’s National Electricity Market have been driven by a 20% renewable energy target by 2020. This certificated renewable portfolio standard has successfully driven new investment, allocated risk amongst buy- and sell-side market participants and met overall policy objectives. But a policy vacuum for achieving long-term CO2 emission targets post-2020 has led to sub-national and, potentially, national governments initiating contract-for-differences (CfDs) to drive further investment activity in new plant—with virtually no coordination between the jurisdictions. In a gross pool energy-only market setting, replacing on-market transactions between retailers and generators with off-market transactions between governments and generators may have unintended side-effects vis-à-vis market stability. In this article, an energy-only gross pool is modeled with rising levels of off-market government-initiated CfDs, with a specific focus on spot and forward contract market outcomes. Model results show that as VRE plant enters, coal plant exit, and on-market firm hedge contracts historically supplied by coal plant are progressively replaced by off-market CfDs. In the event, while a tractable equilibrium can be maintained in the spot market, shortages of “primary issuance” hedge contracts emerge in the forward market. Any shortage of hedge contract capacity is likely to raise forward contract price premiums above efficient levels, force price-elastic customers into accepting unwanted spot market exposures and may unintentionally foreclose non-integrated (2nd tier) energy retailers, all of which harms consumer welfare. A wide-ranging program of government CfDs may therefore not be compatible with an energy-only market design.
Transcriptomic Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during Fermentation under Oleic Acid and Ergosterol Depletion
Authors: Zara Giacomo , van Vuuren Hennie J. J. , Mannazzu Ilaria , Zara Severino , Budroni Marilena
Published: July 2019

Under anaerobic/hypoxic conditions, Saccharomyces cerevisiae relies on external lipid supplements to modulate membrane lipid fraction in response to different stresses. Here, transcriptomic responses of two S. cerevisiae wine strains were evaluated during hypoxic fermentation of a synthetic must with/without ergosterol and oleic acid supplementation. In the absence of lipids, the two strains, namely EC1118 and M25, showed different behaviour, with M25 significantly decreasing its fermentation rate from the 72 h after inoculum. At this time point, the whole genome transcriptomic analysis revealed common and strain-specific responses to the lack of lipid supplementation. Common responses included the upregulation of the genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis, as well as the seripauperin and the heat shock protein multigene families. In addition, the upregulation of the aerobic isoforms of genes involved in mitochondrial electron transport is compatible with the previously observed accumulation of reactive oxygen species in the two strains during growth in absence of lipids. Considering the strain-specific responses, M25 downregulated the transcription of genes involved in glucose transport, methionine biosynthesis and of those encoding mannoproteins required for adaptation to low temperatures and hypoxia. The identification of these pathways, which are presumably involved in yeast resistance to stresses, will assist industrial strain selection.
Determination of Nutrient Supplementation by Means of ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy during Wine Fermentation
Authors: Puxeu Miquel , Andorra Imma , De Lamo-Castellví Sílvia , Ferrer-Gallego Raúl
Published: July 2019

Nitrogen is a limiting factor for the development of wine alcoholic fermentation. The addition of nutrients and different nitrogen sources is a usual practice for many winemakers. Currently, there is a market trend toward wine that is additive-free and there are also restrictions on the amount of ammonium fermentation agents that can be added to the wine. In this work, the changes produced on the alcoholic fermentation by the addition of different nitrogen sources were evaluated by the use of ATR-FTIR. The results showed the feasibility of this technique to observe differences in the growth yeast capacity depending on the type of the nutrients added. A high influence on the development of the alcoholic fermentation was observed, especially at its exponential and the stationary phases. Moreover, the changes observed in the recorded spectra were related to the proteins and lipid esters composition of the yeast cell wall. This technique should be a useful tool to evaluate nitrogen deficiencies during winemaking although further studies should be done in order to evaluate more influential factors.
Gluten-Free Bread with Cricket Powder—Mechanical Properties and Molecular Water Dynamics in Dough and Ready Product
Authors: Kowalczewski Przemysław , Walkowiak Katarzyna , Masewicz Łukasz , Bartczak Olga , Lewandowicz Jacek , Kubiak Piotr , Baranowska Hanna
Published: July 2019

Published data indicate that cricket powder (CP) is a good source of not only protein, fat and fiber, but also minerals. Due to the fact that this product naturally does not contain gluten, it is an interesting addition to the enrichment of gluten-free foods. This paper is a report on the results of starch substitution with CP (at 2%, 6% and 10%) on the properties of dough and bread. The rheology of dough and the texture of the final product were studied. While the changes caused in the dough by the introduction of CP were not pronounced, the bread obtained from it was characterized by significantly increased hardness and improved consistency. Analyses of water behavior at the molecular level with the use of 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) indicated that CP altered both the bound and bulk water fractions. Moreover, examination of water activity revealed a decreased rate of water transport in samples of bread that contained CP. These results indicate improved availability of water to the biopolymers of bread, which likely plays a role in shaping the textural properties of the product.
Health-Related Quality of Life of Hypertension Patients: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Xiao Meng , Zhang Fan , Xiao Nanzi , Bu Xiaoqing , Tang Xiaojun , Long Qian
Published: July 2019

Purpose: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and it requires lifelong medication. This study aimed to investigate the factors impacting on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among hypertensive patients in Chongqing, China, and to provide evidence-based strategies to improve their HRQoL. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in Chongqing, China. Of 600 randomly selected patients, 586 patients agreed to participate and 567 patients completed the survey. A SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short Form Health Survey questionnaire) that included eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical problems, body pain, general health, vitality, social function, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health was used to measure HRQoL. Linear regressions were used; each domain of HRQoL was measured in the stratification of sex. Results: Self-perceived relatively low economic burden caused by hypertension and regular physical activity had a positive impact on HRQoL (p < 0.05) for both men and women. For women, younger age was associated with higher scores of measuring physical functioning and body pain. Living with more than three family members had a positive impact on domains, including physical functioning. Emotional self-regulation had a positive association with women’s mental health. Alcohol use for men was associated with higher scores in physical and mental health measures, and emotional self-regulation showed some positive impact on general health. Conclusion: Perceived economic burden caused by hypertension was the most common factor impacting on patients’ HRQoL. Female patients were more susceptible when compared to male patients. Health intervention strategies need to be further explored and adapted to the context of improving HRQoL for patients who suffer from hypertension and other chronic non-communicable diseases.
The Impact of Physical Properties on the Leaching of Potentially Toxic Elements from Antimony Ore Processing Wastes
Authors: Zhou Saijun , Hursthouse Andrew
Published: July 2019

This study reports on the assessment of the impact of antimony mine wastes from Xikuangshan (XKS) Antimony Mine in Lengshuijiang City, Hunan Province. We focus on the leaching of a number of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from residues from the processing of antimony ore. The PTE content of ore processing waste and solutions generated by leaching experiments were determined for a suite of PTEs associated with the ore mineralization. These were Sb, As, Hg, Pb, Cd and Zn. As anticipated, high concentrations of the PTEs were identified in the waste materials, far exceeding the standard background values for soil in Hunan Province. For Sb and As, values reached >1800 mg·kg−1 and >1200 mg·kg−1, respectively (>600 and >90 times higher than the soil background). The leaching of Sb, As, Hg, Pb, Cd and Zn decreased with an increase in grain size and leachable portions of metal ranged between 0.01% to 1.56% of total PTE content. Leaching tests identified the release of PTEs through three stages: a. alkaline mineral dissolution and H+ exchanging with base cation; b. oxidation and acid production from pyrite and other reducing minerals; and c. the adsorption and precipitation of PTEs.
Smoking-Related DNA Methylation is Associated with DNA Methylation Phenotypic Age Acceleration: The Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study
Authors: Yang Yang , Gao Xu , Just Allan C. , Colicino Elena , Wang Cuicui , Coull Brent A. , Hou Lifang , Zheng Yinan , Vokonas Pantel , Schwartz Joel , Baccarelli Andrea A.
Published: July 2019

DNA methylation may play a critical role in aging and age-related diseases. DNA methylation phenotypic age (DNAmPhenoAge) is a new aging biomarker and predictor of chronic disease risk. While smoking is a strong risk factor for chronic diseases and influences methylation, its influence on DNAmPhenoAge is unknown. We investigated associations of self-reported and epigenetic smoking indicators with DNAmPhenoAge acceleration in a longitudinal aging study in eastern Massachusetts. DNA methylation was measured in whole blood samples from multiple visits for 692 male participants in the Veterans Affairs Normative Aging Study during 1999–2013. Acceleration was defined using residuals from linear regression of the DNAmPhenoAge on the chronological age. Cumulative smoking (pack-years) was significantly associated with DNAmPhenoAge acceleration, whereas self-reported smoking status was not. We observed significant validated associations between smoking-related loci and DNAmPhenoAge acceleration for 52 CpG sites, where 18 were hypomethylated and 34 were hypermethylated, mapped to 16 genes. The AHRR gene had the most loci (N = 8) among the 16 genes. We generated a smoking aging index based on these 52 loci, which showed positive significant associations with DNAmPhenoAge acceleration. These epigenetic biomarkers may help to predict age-related risks driven by smoking.
Recovery of Mineral Oil from Underground Electrical Cables
Authors: Caimi Stefano , Colombo Claudio , Ferrari Raffaele , Storti Giuseppe , Morbidelli Massimo
Published: July 2019

To remove the mineral oil impregnating the insulating paper present in old, disconnected, underground electrical cables, which represents a threat to the environment, two approaches are investigated at laboratory (1 m) and pilot (10 m) scales. The first one involves in situ polymerization to clog the inner channel of the cables and to enable the washing of the outer paper region impregnated by the oil by axial flow of a displacing fluid (water). The second approach leaves the inner channel open and employs repeated cycles of pressurization and rest to displace the oil contained in the paper by radially pushing the water from the inner channel into the outer layers. The pressurization and rest times were optimized to obtain the highest oil extraction rate. While the first approach showed limitations in terms of required pressures and operating time, which increase with the length of the cables, the second one was effective at removing 97% of the oil impregnating the paper layers within 25 cycles. Even more relevant, this second solution, in contrast to the first one, can be easily scaled up as it does not depend on the length of the cable, and was successfully tested on a 10 m cable, showing 98% oil recovery.
Gender-Specific Risk Factors of Physical Activity-Related Injuries among Middle School Students in Southern China
Authors: Tang Dongchun , Cai Weicong , Yang Wenda , Gao Yang , Li Liping
Published: July 2019

This cross-sectional study was carried out to explore the potential risk factors of physical activity-related injuries (PARI) among middle-school students of different genders. Selected by the random cluster sampling method, students aged from 12 to 16 years old in grades 7–8 from six middle schools in Shantou, southern China, were recruited for this investigation in November 2017. Information about socio-demographics, physical activity (PA) exposure time, individual exercise behaviors, risk-taking behaviors, and PARI experiences in the past 12 months was collected. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the risk factors of PARI. A total of 1270 students completed valid questionnaires, with an overall injury incidence of 33.6% (boys: 42.0%; girls: 25.0%), an injury risk of 0.68 injuries/student/year, and an injury rate of 1.43 injuries per 1000 PA exposure hours. For boys, living in a school dormitory, participating in sports teams, exercising on a wet floor, rebellious behavior, and having longer PA exposure time were the risk factors of PARI. For girls, those who were sports team members, whose parents were divorced or separated, and those with longer PA exposure time were more vulnerable to suffer from PARI. In conclusion, PARI was a health problem among middle school students in southern China. Boys and girls differed in PARI occurrence and were affected by different risk factors, which provides a basis for targeted gender-specific intervention programs to reduce the occurrence of PARI among middle-school students.
Association between Level of Empathy, Attitude towards Physical Education and Victimization in Adolescents: A Multi-Group Structural Equation Analysis
Authors: Arufe-Giráldez Víctor , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Padial-Ruz Rosario , Castro-Sánchez Manuel
Published: July 2019

Currently, there is a problem related to violence and tolerance towards violence, and the levels of empathy of the subjects can affect this, in addition to the practice of physical activity. The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model of victimization, empathy and attitude towards physical education, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of engagement with physical activity. A total of 2388 adolescents from Spain participated in this research. The sample was made up of both sexes (43.39% males and 56.61% females), with ages reported between 11 and 17 years (M = 13.85; SD = 1.26). Empathy (TECA), attitude towards physical education (CAEF) and victimization (EV) were measured. A multi-group structural equation model was developed, which showed excellent fit to the empirical data (χ2 = 559.577; DF = 38; p < 0.001; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.957; normalized fit index (NFI) = 0.954; incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.957; root mean squared error of the mean (RMSEA) = 0.054). A direct positive relationship exists between affective and cognitive empathy. A positive association was found between motivational climate and engagement in physical activity. With regards to victimization, the verbal dimension obtained the highest correlation score, followed by the relational and physical dimensions. In the case of adolescents who regularly engaged in physical activity, the verbal and physical dimensions presented the weakest correlations, whilst the relational dimension was the most strongly associated in the case of sedentary adolescents. The main conclusions of the present study it is that the relationship between affective empathy and cognitive empathy is positive and direct, however, this relationship is slightly stronger and differentiated in sedentary adolescents than in those who practice physical activity on a regular basis.
Walking and Sun Protective Behaviors: Cross-Sectional Associations of Beneficial Health Factors
Authors: Tribby Calvin , Perna Frank , Berrigan David
Published: July 2019

Sun protective behaviors and physical activity have the potential to reduce cancer risk. Walking is the most common type of physical activity in the United States, but it is unclear whether sun protective behaviors differ by categories of walking, such as leisure versus transportation walking. We examined whether sun protective behaviors varied by category or duration of walking in the 2015 National Health Interview Survey (N = 26,632), age ≥ 18 years. We used logistic regression to estimate sunscreen use, sun avoidance, and sun protective clothing use by four categories of walking (no reported walking, transportation only, leisure only, or walking for both) and separately for walking duration for the general population and sun-sensitive individuals. Prevalence of sunscreen use varied across walking categories and the odds of use were higher with longer walking duration for transportation and leisure compared to those who reported no walking. Sun avoidance varied across walking categories and the odds of avoidance were lower with longer duration leisure but not transportation walking. Sun protective clothing varied across walking categories and the odds of use were higher for longer duration transportation, but not leisure walking. Data on the concurrence of walking and sun protection is needed to further understand the relationship between these health behaviors. By examining leisure and transportation walking, we found variations in sun protective behaviors that may provide important insight into strategies to increase sun protection while promoting physical activity.
Short-and Long-Term Effectiveness of a Physical Activity Intervention with Coordinated Action between the Health Care Sector and Local Sports Clubs. A Pragmatic Trial in Austrian Adults
Authors: Titze Sylvia , Schebesch-Ruf Wolfgang , Lackinger Christian , Großschädl Lena , Strehn Albert , Dorner Thomas E. , Niebauer Josef
Published: July 2019

(1) Background: Collaboration between the health care sector and the sports sector to increase physical activity (PA) behaviour among inactive adults is still rare. The objective of the study was to evaluate the short- and long-term effectiveness of a mixed PA intervention on the PA behaviour in an adult population. (2) Methods: In a quasi-experimental study with two follow-up measurements (four and 12 months), adults were contacted by post before their stay in a health resort. During the health resort stay, the intervention group (IG) received PA counselling and a coupon for 12 standardised free-of-charge sessions in a sports club. The participants in the comparator group (CG) received PA counselling and written material. PA was measured with an accelerometer (GENEActive). Linear mixed-effects models were applied to examine the change in PA behaviour, both within and between groups in moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA over time. (3) Results: We obtained at least one follow-up measurement from 217 participants (IG = 167, CG = 50), who were 50% female, with an average age of 53 (±6) years. PA significantly increased from the baseline to the four-month measurement by 58 min./wk (95% CI 36, 80) and to the 12-month measurement by 24 min./wk (95% CI 2, 46) within the IG. No change in PA occurred in the CG. We also found a short-term between-group (IG vs. CG) difference in change over time, but not a long-term difference. (4) Conclusions: The study confirms that a collaboration between the health care sector and local sports clubs is a feasible method of recruiting people into a standardised PA programme and to increase their PA over the long term.
What Are the Key Workplace Influences on Pathways of Work Ability? A Six-Year Follow Up
Authors: Oakman Jodi , Neupane Subas , Prakash K.C. , Nygård Clas-Håkan
Published: July 2019

Objective: To study the trajectories of work ability and investigate the impact of multisite pain and working conditions on pathways of work ability over a six-year period. Methods: The longitudinal study was conducted with Finnish food industry workers (n = 866) with data collected every 2 years from 2003–2009. Questions covered musculoskeletal pain, physical and psychosocial working conditions (physical strain, repetitive movements, awkward postures; mental strain, team support, leadership, possibility to influence) and work ability. Latent class growth analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse the impact of multisite pain and working conditions on work ability trajectories (pathways). Results: Three trajectories of work ability emerged: decreasing (5%), increasing (5%), and good (90%). In the former two trajectories, the mean score of work ability changed from good to poor and poor to good during follow-up, while in the latter, individuals maintained good work ability during the follow-up. In the multivariable adjusted model, number of pain sites was significantly associated with higher odds of belonging to the trajectory of poor work ability (Odds ratio (OR) 4 pain sites 2.96, 1.25–7.03). Conclusions: A substantial number of employees maintained good work ability across the follow up. However, for employees with poor work ability, multisite musculoskeletal pain has an important influence, with effective prevention strategies required to reduce its prevalence.
Trauma Informed Child Welfare Systems—A Rapid Evidence Review
Authors: Bunting Lisa , Montgomery Lorna , Mooney Suzanne , MacDonald Mandi , Coulter Stephen , Hayes David , Davidson Gavin
Published: July 2019

Trauma informed care (TIC) is a whole system organisational change process which emerged from the seminal Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study, establishing a strong graded relationship between the number of childhood adversities experienced and a range of negative outcomes across multiple domains over the life course. To date, there has been no systematic review of organisation-wide implementation initiatives in the child welfare system. As part of a wider cross-system rapid evidence review of the trauma-informed implementation literature using systematic search, screening and review procedures, twenty-one papers reporting on trauma-informed implementation in the child welfare system at state/regional and organisational/agency levels were identified. This paper presents a narrative synthesis of the various implementation strategies and components used across child welfare initiatives, with associated evidence of effectiveness. Training was the TIC implementation component most frequently evaluated with all studies reporting positive impact on staff knowledge, skills and/or confidence. The development of trauma-informed screening processes, and evidence-based treatments/trauma focused services, where evaluated, all produced positive results. Whilst weaknesses in study design often limited generalisability, there was preliminary evidence for the efficacy of trauma-informed approaches in improving the mental and emotional well-being of children served by community-based child welfare services, as well as their potential for reducing caregiver stress and improving placement stability.
Interaction of Health Literacy and Problematic Mobile Phone Use and Their Impact on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Li Danlin , Yang Rong , Wan Yuhui , Tao Fangbiao , Fang Jun , Zhang Shichen
Published: July 2019

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents. Low health literacy (HL) and problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) are risk factors of NSSI. But so far, no study has examined the interactive role of HL and PMPU on NSSI. In this context, the present study aimed to examine the interactions of HL and PMPU and their impact on NSSI in a school-based sample of Chinese adolescents. A total of 22,628 junior and high school students (10,990 males and 11,638 females) were enrolled in this study. The outcomes were self-reported HL, PMPU and NSSI. Analyses were conducted with chi-square tests and logistic regression models. The prevalence of NSSI was 32.1%. Low HL and PMPU were significantly associated with NSSI independently (ORlow HL = 1.886, 95% CI = 1.723–2.065, ORPMPU = 2.062, 95% CI = 1.934–2.199). Interaction analysis indicated that low HL and PMPU were interactively associated with increased risks of NSSI (OR = 2.617, 95% CI = 2.375–2.884). In all, our findings indicate that HL and PMPU are associated with NSSI independently and interactively. The intervention programs of NSSI should consider the adolescents HL levels and PMPU.