bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ML-Based Analysis of Particle Distributions in High-Intensity Laser Experiments: Role of Binning Strategy
Authors: Rodimkov Yury , Efimenko Evgeny , Volokitin Valentin , Panova Elena , Polovinkin Alexey , Meyerov Iosif , Gonoskov Arkady
Published: December 2020

When entering the phase of big data processing and statistical inferences in experimental physics, the efficient use of machine learning methods may require optimal data preprocessing methods and, in particular, optimal balance between details and noise. In experimental studies of strong-field quantum electrodynamics with intense lasers, this balance concerns data binning for the observed distributions of particles and photons. Here we analyze the aspect of binning with respect to different machine learning methods (Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting Trees (GBT), Fully-Connected Neural Network (FCNN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)) using numerical simulations that mimic expected properties of upcoming experiments. We see that binning can crucially affect the performance of SVM and GBT, and, to a less extent, FCNN and CNN. This can be interpreted as the latter methods being able to effectively learn the optimal binning, discarding unnecessary information. Nevertheless, given limited training sets, the results indicate that the efficiency can be increased by optimizing the binning scale along with other hyperparameters. We present specific measurements of accuracy that can be useful for planning of experiments in the specified research area.
A Partial Derivative Approach to the Change of Scale Formula for the Function Space Integral
Authors: Kim Young Sik
Published: December 2020

We investigate the partial derivative approach to the change of scale formula for the functon space integral and we investigate the vector calculus approach to the directional derivative on the function space and prove relationships among the Wiener integral and the Feynman integral about the directional derivative of a Fourier transform.
Improvement of Statistical Performance of Ordinal Multiscale Entropy Techniques Using Refined Composite Downsampling Permutation Entropy
Authors: Dávalos Antonio , Jabloun Meryem , Ravier Philippe , Buttelli Olivier
Published: December 2020

Multiscale Permutation Entropy (MPE) analysis is a powerful ordinal tool in the measurement of information content of time series. MPE refinements, such as Composite MPE (cMPE) and Refined Composite MPE (rcMPE), greatly increase the precision of the entropy estimation by modifying the original method. Nonetheless, these techniques have only been proposed as algorithms, and are yet to be described from the theoretical perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this article is two-fold. First, we develop the statistical theory behind cMPE and rcMPE. Second, we propose an alternative method, Refined Composite Downsampling Permutation Entropy (rcDPE) to further increase the entropy estimation’s precision. Although cMPE and rcMPE outperform MPE when applied on uncorrelated noise, the results are higher than our predictions due to inherent redundancies found in the composite algorithms. The rcDPE method, on the other hand, not only conforms to our theoretical predictions, but also greatly improves over the other methods, showing the smallest bias and variance. By using MPE, rcMPE and rcDPE to classify faults in bearing vibration signals, rcDPE outperforms the multiscaling methods, enhancing the difference between faulty and non-faulty signals, provided we apply a proper anti-aliasing low-pass filter at each time scale.
Internet Traffic Classification with Federated Learning
Authors: Mun Hyunsu , Lee Youngseok
Published: December 2020

As Internet traffic classification is a typical problem for ISPs or mobile carriers, there have been a lot of studies based on statistical packet header information, deep packet inspection, or machine learning. Due to recent advances in end-to-end encryption and dynamic port policies, machine or deep learning has been an essential key to improve the accuracy of packet classification. In addition, ISPs or mobile carriers should carefully deal with the privacy issue while collecting user packets for accounting or security. The recent development of distributed machine learning, called federated learning, collaboratively carries out machine learning jobs on the clients without uploading data to a central server. Although federated learning provides an on-device learning framework towards user privacy protection, its feasibility and performance of Internet traffic classification have not been fully examined. In this paper, we propose a federated-learning traffic classification protocol (FLIC), which can achieve an accuracy comparable to centralized deep learning for Internet application identification without privacy leakage. FLIC can classify new applications on-the-fly when a participant joins in learning with a new application, which has not been done in previous works. By implementing the prototype of FLIC clients and a server with TensorFlow, the clients gather packets, perform the on-device training job and exchange the training results with the FLIC server. In addition, we demonstrate that federated learning-based packet classification achieves an accuracy of 88% under non-independent and identically distributed (non-IID) traffic across clients. When a new application that can be classified dynamically as a client participates in learning was added, an accuracy of 92% was achieved.
A Lightweight Secure and Energy-Efficient Fog-Based Routing Protocol for Constraint Sensors Network
Authors: Haseeb Khalid , Islam Naveed , Javed Yasir , Tariq Usman
Published: December 2020

The Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) has seen rapid growth in the development of real-time applications due to its ease of management and cost-effective attributes. However, the balance between optimization of network lifetime and load distribution between sensor nodes is a critical matter for the development of energy-efficient routing solutions. Recently, many solutions have been proposed for constraint-based networks using the cloud paradigm. However, they achieve network scalability with the additional cost of routing overheads and network latency. Moreover, the sensors’ data is transmitted towards application users over the uncertain medium, which leads to compromised data security and its integrity. Therefore, this work proposes a light-weight secure and energy-efficient fog-based routing (SEFR) protocol to minimize data latency and increase energy management. It exploits the Quality of Service (QoS) factors and facilitates time-sensitive applications with network edges. Moreover, the proposed protocol protects real-time data based on two levels of cryptographic security primitives. In the first level, a lightweight data confidentiality scheme is proposed between the cluster heads and fog nodes, and in the second level, a high-performance asymmetric encryption scheme is proposed among fog and cloud layers. The analysis of simulation-based experiments has proven the significant outcomes of the proposed protocol compared to existing solutions in terms of routing, security, and network management.
Determination of Heat Losses from the Pipeline in SDHW System during the Continuous Change of the Supply Temperature
Authors: Zukowski Miroslaw
Published: December 2020

In this article, the research object is the solar domestic hot water (SDHW) heating system that has been in operation since 2015 and is located on the campus of the Bialystok University of Technology (Poland). The thermal performance of solar collectors are thoroughly investigated so far. Therefore, special attention was paid to the issue of the heat loss from pipes. The measurements showed that the heat transfer in circulation pipes is quite complex due to continuous fluctuations in water temperature at the supply of this loop. As it turned out, the application of the classical method of energy balancing and the readings from heat meters gave inaccurate results in this case. The main aim of this study was to develop a different approach to solving the problem of determination of heat losses. The method presented in this article is based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and measurement results as the input data. The practical result of this study was the development of two relationships for calculating the heat loss from pipes. A separate issue, that is discussed in this paper, concerns the impact of the time intervals used in numerical simulations on the accuracy of calculation results.
Bioenergy Conversion Potential of Decaying Hardwoods
Authors: Dupuis Éloïse , Thiffault Evelyne , Barrette Julie , Adjallé Kokou , Martineau Christine
Published: December 2020

Unharvested hardwoods are abundant in eastern Canada, due to the low quality of their fiber and the absence of outlets in conventional wood transformation industries. The objective of this study was to assess the biochemical and thermochemical energy conversion potential of decaying hardwoods and compare their relationships with external and internal indicators of tree degradation. We characterized how wood-decay processes altered the physical and chemical properties of these woods and affected their digestibility yield and their performance according to indexes of stability and efficiency of combustion. DNA analysis on wood samples was also performed to determine the relative abundance of white-rot fungi compared to that of other saprotrophs. All properties stayed within the range of variations allowing the wood to remain suitable for conversion into bioenergy, even with increased decay. We found no significant differences in the physical and chemical properties that are crucial for energy production between wood from externally-assessed live and decayed trees. However, the proportion of wood area affected by rot was significantly associated with increased digestibility yield, and with decreased combustion reactivity. We could not detect any specific effect associated with increased relative abundance of white-rot fungi. These results suggest that the utilization of biomass from decayed hardwoods instead of live trees for bioenergy production should not alter the conversion efficiency and even potentially increase the performance of biochemical pathways, and hence, support their use as feedstock for bioenergy production.
Enhanced Quadratic V/f-Based Induction Motor Control of Solar Water Pumping System
Authors: Yussif Neama , Sabry Omar H. , Abdel-Khalik Ayman S. , Ahmed Shehab , Mohamed Abdelfatah M.
Published: December 2020

In rural and remote areas, solar photovoltaic energy (PV) water pumping systems (SPWPSs) are being favored over diesel-powered water pumping due to environmental and economic considerations. PV is a clean source of electric energy offering low operational and maintenance cost. However, the direct-coupled SPWPS requires inventive solutions to improve the system’s efficiency under solar power variations while producing the required amount of pumped water concurrently. This paper introduces a new quadratic V/f (Q V/f) control method to drive an induction motor powered directly from a solar PV source using a two-stage power converter without storage batteries. Conventional controllers usually employ linear V/f control, where the reference motor speed is derived from the PV input power and the dc-link voltage error using a simple proportional–integral (PI) controller. The proposed Q V/f-based system is compared with the conventional linear V/f control using a simulation case study under different operating conditions. The proposed controller expectedly enhances the system output power and efficiency, particularly under low levels of solar irradiance. Some alternative controllers rather than the simple PI controller are also investigated in an attempt to improve the system dynamics as well as the water flow output. An experimental prototype system is used to validate the proposed Q V/f under diverse operating conditions.
Metadata Analysis Reveals Major Worldwide Trends in Industrial and Academic Geophysics
Authors: Eltsov Timofey , Yutkin Maxim , Patzek Tadeusz W.
Published: December 2020

We summarize our metadata analysis of the last 38 well-attended annual conferences, organized by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. In 2018, Schlumberger and Saudi Aramco had the highest number of publications among service and production companies. In 2019, BGP and PetroChina took the lead. Throughout history, US academics have had the highest number of publications, but in 2019 Chinese academia came close to taking the lead. Analysis of the publication activity of oil-producing and oilfield service companies provides insights into the state of geophysical research. The number of publications from industrial companies in the energy sector reflects their financial standing and aspirations for the near future. Publications from academia in different countries tell us about state and private funding of research in each country, and indirectly reflect the geopolitical situation in the world. The changing number of publications over time reflects the dynamics of the transformation of research in geophysics, and allows us to understand better what is happening and make forecasts.
Analysis of Influence Factors for Heat Generation Minimization of DC-Link Capacitor
Authors: Jeon Yong Won , Kim Young Shin , Jeon Euy Sik
Published: December 2020

With the rapid development of ecofriendly cars, various inverters are also being developed depending on the performance of motors. The DC-link capacitor is used as an inverter component; however, there are several limitations on its size, such as the requirement for wide films. Film width is a major factor that affects the capacitor’s equivalent series resistance (ESR) and is closely related to heat generation. When the temperature of the capacitor increases, the dielectric breakdown due to high voltage causes a reduction in capacitance, which leads to a decrease in inverter power and causes vehicle defects; this needs to be addressed to minimize the heat of the capacitor. Recently, genetic films that can be used at high temperatures have been developed. However, producing such films is difficult because of their 5 µm thickness; thus, the size increases when they are designed and they consequently cannot be used in practical applications. Based on a film width of 50 mm, this study analyzed the factors that can reduce ESR, set the level for each factor, and conducted experiments using the Box–Behnken design. The variables (thermal conductivity, film thickness, and capacitance) were set to three levels for each factor, and the ESR, thermal flux, and temperature characteristics were analyzed through finite element analysis. Based on the temperature results, optimized conditions for film thickness of 3.15 μm, capacitance of 390 μF, and thermal conductivity epoxy of 4.5 W/m·K were derived using Minitab, and samples were made for verification tests. A capacitor was installed in the chamber and was saturated for 2 h at 85 °C and current of 50 A rms was applied at 16 kHz frequency. The K Type sensor attached to the film surface was connected to a temperature recorder to measure the temperature change in the film over time after applying the current. The experimental results confirmed that the temperature of the genetic film with a 50 mm film width was similar to that with a 35 mm film width, and this confirmed that the set factors were similar to that of the genetic film with 35 mm film width. It was confirmed that increased film width can reduce ESR and minimize heat generation.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Voltage Unbalance Factor in PV and EV Rich Non-Synthetic Low Voltage Distribution Networks
Authors: Antić Tomislav , Capuder Tomislav , Bolfek Martin
Published: December 2020

With the development of technology and the decrease in prices, power systems are facing a strong growth in the number of end-users with photovoltaics (PVs), battery storages and electric vehicles (EVs). A penetration of low carbon (LC) technologies has an impact not only on the financial aspect, but also on parameters of the power quality (PQ) in the power system. Since most of end-users with renewable energy sources (RES) are connected to a low-voltage (LV) distribution network, there is a high number of single-phase loads and distributed generators (DG) that can cause unwanted effects in LV networks. According to standards, electric energy must be of a certain quality in order to avoid harmful effects on the power system, being both the network or the end-users equipment. One of the PQ parameters is the voltage unbalance. Voltage unbalance occurs in networks with the high share of single-phase loads and generators. Since most loads in households are connected to the only one phase, the voltage unbalance is constantly present in the network, even without LC technologies. Single-phase connected PVs, residential battery storages and EV charging stations can increase voltage unbalance in the system. This paper systematically analyzes a real-world LV network and different stages and shares of connected PVs, residential battery storages and EVs to different phases. The value of the voltage unbalance factor (VUF) is observed for one week in January and August in 10-min intervals. It is shown that connected systems can significantly increase the VUF and potentially cause negative impact on the equipment and the power system as a whole. In turn we analyze a three-phase connection of these new LC technologies and demonstrate how in all analyzed cases PQ values remain within boundaries defined by the EN 50160 and the IEC 61000-3-13.
Research of Malting Procedures for Winter Hard Wheat Varieties—Part I
Authors: Krstanović Vinko , Habschied Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the influence of the malting process of red hard wheat varieties (which have many characteristics of soft wheat varieties and represent a transitional form between durum and soft wheat). According to the values of total and soluble proteins and viscosity of wort these wheat varieties belong to the second malting quality group. To establish the individual response of each variety and estimate how the chosen varieties respond in groups to different process conditions, sixteen varieties were selected and malted according to the standard procedure (A), restrictive procedure (B), and intense procedure (C). Starting wheat, indicators of micromalting process success, and finished malts were analyzed. It was found that the restrictive procedure (B) gives poor results for the values of proteolysis performance parameters (soluble N, free amino nitrogen (FAN)) with simultaneous disturbance and values of cytolytic degradation (viscosity and filtration time) and extract yield. At the same time, this procedure lacks a stronger individual response of an individual variety to the process conditions during malting (F/C difference and extract yield). The optimal malting process for the specified assortment would include the modification of processes B and C in a way to alleviate the restrictive conditions in process B, or in a way to reduce the intensity of the decomposition in process C.
World Trade Center Exposure and Posttraumatic Growth: Assessing Positive Psychological Change 15 Years after 9/11
Authors: Pollari Cristina D. , Brite Jennifer , Brackbill Robert M. , Gargano Lisa M. , Adams Shane W. , Russo-Netzer Pninit , Davidov Jonathan , Banyard Victoria , Cone James E.
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the presence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attack and how indicators of psychosocial well-being, direct 9/11-related exposure, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) relate to PTG. PTG was examined among 4934 participants using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to determine if the original factor structure of the PTGI fits our data and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the appropriate factor structure. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the association between PTG and indicators of psychosocial well-being, 9/11-related exposure, and PTSS, controlling for covariates. CFA identified a two-factor structure of the PTGI as a better fit than the original five-factor model. Participants who experienced very high 9/11-related exposure level (ß = 7.72; 95% CI: 5.75–9.70), higher PTSS at waves 1 (ß = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08–0.18) and 2 (ß = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.05–0.14), high social integration (ß = 5.71; 95% CI: 4.47, 6.96), greater social support (ß = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.61), and higher self-efficacy (ß = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.48) had higher PTGI scores. Our findings suggest PTG is present, 15 years following the 9/11 terrorist attack. Very high-level 9/11 exposure, PTSS, and indicators of psychosocial well-being were associated with PTG.
Thought Suppression in Primary Psychotic Disorders and Substance/Medication Induced Psychotic Disorder
Authors: Popa Cosmin O. , Predatu Razvan , Lee Wesley C. , Blaga Petronela , Sirbu Eliza , Rus Adrian V. , Clark Alexander , Cojocaru Cristiana , Schenk Alina , Vacaras Vitalie , Szasz Simona , Muresan Simona , Bredicean Cristina
Published: December 2020

Introduction: First episode-psychosis (FEP) represents a stressful/traumatic event for patients. To our knowledge, no study to date has investigated thought suppression involved in FEP in a Romanian population. Our objective was to investigate thought suppression occurring during FEP within primary psychotic disorders (PPD) and substance/medication induced psychotic disorders (SMIPD). Further, we examined the relationship between thought suppression and negative automatic thoughts within PPD and SMIPD. Methods: The study included 30 participants (17 females) with PPD and 25 participants (10 females) with SMIPD. Psychological scales were administered to assess psychotic symptoms and negative automatic thoughts, along a psychiatric clinical interview and a biochemical drug test. Results: Participants in the PPD group reported higher thought suppression compared to SMIPD group. For the PPD group, results showed a positive correlation between thought suppression and automatic thoughts. For the SMIPD group, results also showed a positive correlation between thought suppression and automatic thoughts. Conclusions: Patients with PPD rely more on thought suppression, as opposed to SMIPD patients. Thought suppression may be viewed as an unhealthy reaction to FEP, which is associated with the experience of negative automatic thoughts and might be especially problematic in patients with PPD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended to decrease thought suppression and improve patients’ functioning.
Emotional Experience and Feelings during First COVID-19 Outbreak Perceived by Physical Therapists: A Qualitative Study in Madrid, Spain
Authors: Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Florencio Lidiane L. , de-la-Llave-Rincón Ana I. , Palacios-Ceña María
Published: December 2020

Knowing the experiences and feelings of health professionals who have actively worked on the first-line during the first COVID-19 outbreak could help for identifying specific professional duties focused on health assistance objectives. No qualitative study has been published describing the emotion/feelings of physical therapists during the first COVID-19 outbreak. This study describes and explores the emotional experiences and feelings of thirty physical therapists working at the first-line at eleven public health hospitals in Madrid (Spain) during the first COVID-19 outbreak (March–May 2020). A qualitative exploratory study was conducted based on an interpretive framework. Participants were recruited by purposeful sampling and snow-ball techniques between May and June 2020. In-depth interviews and researchers’ field notes were used to collect the data. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify significant emerging themes from verbatim transcription. After identifying 2135 codes and 9 categories, three themes emerged to describe their emotional experiences and feelings. First, “Critical events”, with negative and positive critical events. Second theme, “Emotional Roller Coaster”, with emotions, feelings, and coping strategies. Third theme: “Last words: Conclusions of the COVID-19 outbreak experience”, with the meaning of the COVID-19 outbreak from a personal and professional perspective. Comprehensive support for all first-line healthcare professionals is needed.
Association between Obesity and Overweight and Cardiorespiratory and Muscle Performance in Adolescents
Authors: Petrovics Peter , Sandor Barbara , Palfi Anita , Szekeres Zsolt , Atlasz Tamas , Toth Kalman , Szabados Eszter
Published: December 2020

The high prevalence of obesity in childhood and adolescence has major public health consequences, since it is associated with various chronic diseases in the short- and long-term. The goal of our study was to examine the possible association between obesity and overweight and cardiorespiratory and muscle performance during a 4-year follow up period in adolescents. The body mass index (BMI) and physical performance of adolescents (360 girls and 348 boys) between 14–18 years of age was measured twice a year, and the possible correlation between overweight and obesity and cardiorespiratory and muscle performances were investigated. Our results revealed that cardiorespiratory performance increased significantly in boys during the 4 years (p < 0.001), but the aerobic performance of girls only showed seasonal fluctuation. Muscle performance significantly increased both in boys and girls (p < 0.001). Inverse association between obesity and cardiorespiratory and muscle performance was proved. Overweight was also inversely correlated with cardiorespiratory performance, but it demonstrated no correlation with muscle strength. Avoiding increased BMI and decreased physical fitness is essential for adolescents’ health to prevent short- and long-term adverse effects.
Edge of the Present: A Virtual Reality Tool to Cultivate Future Thinking, Positive Mood and Wellbeing
Authors: Habak Stephanie , Bennett Jill , Davies Alex , Davies Michaela , Christensen Helen , Boydell Katherine M.
Published: December 2020

Depression and suicidality are characterized by negative imagery as well as impoverished positive imagery. Although some evidence exists supporting the link between positive imagery and enhanced mood, much work needs to be done. This study explored the impact of an immersive virtual reality experience (Edge of the Present—EOTP) on an individual’s mood, state of well-being, and future thinking. Using a 10-min mixed reality experience, 79 individuals explored virtual landscapes within a purposefully built, physical room. A pre and post survey containing mental health measures were administered to each participant. An optional interview following the virtual work was also conducted. The results indicated that positive mood and well-being increased significantly post-intervention. Hopelessness scores and negative mood decreased, whilst sense of presence was very high. This pilot study is among the first to assess the feasibility of a mixed reality experience as a potential platform for depression and suicide prevention by increasing well-being and mood as well as decreasing hopelessness symptoms.
Short-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Hospitalizations for Acute Lower Respiratory Infection in Korean Children: A Time-Series Study in Seven Metropolitan Cities
Authors: Oh Jongmin , Han Changwoo , Lee Dong-Wook , Jang Yoonyoung , Choi Yoon-Jung , Bae Hyun Joo , Kim Soontae , Ha Eunhee , Hong Yun-Chul , Lim Youn-Hee
Published: December 2020

Although several studies have evaluated the association between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children, their results were inconsistent Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between short-term exposure to PM2.5 and ALRI hospitalizations in children (0–5 years) living in seven metropolitan cities of Korea. The ALRI hospitalization data of children living in seven metropolitan cities of Korea from 2008 to 2016 was acquired from a customized database constructed based on National Health Insurance data. The time-series data in a generalized additive model were used to evaluate the relationship between ALRI hospitalization and 7-day moving average PM2.5 exposure after adjusting for apparent temperature, day of the week, and time trends. We performed a meta-analysis using a two-stage design method. The estimates for each city were pooled to generate an average estimate of the associations. The average PM2.5 concentration in 7 metropolitan cities was 29.0 μg/m3 and a total of 713,588 ALRI hospitalizations were observed during the 9-year study period. A strong linear association was observed between PM2.5 and ALRI hospitalization. A 10 μg/m3 increase in the 7-day moving average of PM2.5 was associated with a 1.20% (95% CI: 0.71, 1.71) increase in ALRI hospitalization. While we found similar estimates in a stratified analysis by sex, we observed stronger estimates of the association in the warm season (1.71%, 95% CI: 0.94, 2.48) compared to the cold season (0.31%, 95% CI: −0.51, 1.13). In the two-pollutant models, the PM2.5 effect adjusted by SO2 was attenuated more than in the single pollutant model. Our results suggest a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and ALRI hospitalizations in Korean children, particularly in the warm season. The children need to refrain from going out on days when PM2.5 is high.
Association between Reproductive Span and Sarcopenia
Authors: Park Eun Young , Han Kyoung Hee , Chung Tae Ha , Kim Nam Yun , Lee Ji Min , Choi Seong Jin , Kim Jong Koo
Published: December 2020

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-related loss of skeletal muscle and is associated with several health disorders. Causes of sarcopenia, which included physical inactivity, alcohol, dietary habits, and smoking, have been researched. The present study was undertaken to examine the association between reproductive span and sarcopenia in Korean women. Data obtained from 2008 to 2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) were analyzed. We defined sarcopenia based on the cut-off values of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) sarcopenia project criteria: ASM/BMI < 0.512 for women. Reproductive span was defined as years from menarche to menopause, and we divided the 3970 study subjects into three groups by reproductive span tertile. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine adjusted ORs for the relation between reproductive span and sarcopenia. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the study was 17.7% (704 of 3970). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using weighted populations. After adjusting for covariates, reproductive span was found to be inversely associated with the risk of sarcopenia [Tertile 1 = 1 (reference); Tertile 2, odds ratio (OR) = 0.927, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.863–0.995; Tertile 3, OR = 0.854, 95% CI = 0.793–0.915].
A Machine Learning Approach to Identify Predictors of Potentially Inappropriate Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) Use in Older Adults with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Patel Jayeshkumar , Ladani Amit , Sambamoorthi Nethra , LeMasters Traci , Dwibedi Nilanjana , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: December 2020

Evidence from some studies suggest that osteoarthritis (OA) patients are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are not in accordance with their cardiovascular (CV) or gastrointestinal (GI) risk profiles. However, no such study has been carried out in the United States. Therefore, we sought to examine the prevalence and predictors of potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use in older adults (age > 65) with OA using machine learning with real-world data from Optum De-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart. We identified a retrospective cohort of eligible individuals using data from 2015 (baseline) and 2016 (follow-up). Potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use was identified using the type (COX-2 selective vs. non-selective) and length of NSAIDs use and an individual’s CV and GI risk. Predictors of potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use were identified using eXtreme Gradient Boosting. Our study cohort comprised of 44,990 individuals (mean age 75.9 years). We found that 12.8% individuals had potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use, but the rate was disproportionately higher (44.5%) in individuals at low CV/high GI risk. Longer duration of NSAIDs use during baseline (AOR 1.02; 95% CI:1.02–1.02 for both non-selective and selective NSAIDs) was associated with a higher risk of potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use. Additionally, individuals with low CV/high GI (AOR 1.34; 95% CI:1.20–1.50) and high CV/low GI risk (AOR 1.61; 95% CI:1.34–1.93) were also more likely to have potentially inappropriate NSAIDs use. Heightened surveillance of older adults with OA requiring NSAIDs is warranted.
Understanding the Relationship between Situational Strength and Burnout: A Multi-Sample Analysis
Authors: García-Arroyo José , Cárdenas Moncayo Isabel , Gómez García Antonio Ramón , Osca Segovia Amparo
Published: December 2020

Many studies have examined the effect of situational strength (clarity, consistency, constraints, and consequences) on organisational behaviour, but little has been investigated about its health effects. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between situational strength and burnout. Specifically, we examined whether situational strength characteristics may be associated with burnout, whether these characteristics are risk (or protective) factors for burnout, and whether a strong situation is related to higher levels of burnout. Examining three samples from different occupations, it was found that clarity and consistency are negatively associated with burnout, being protective factors, while constraints are positively associated with burnout, being risk factors. These results are consistent across the samples. In addition to the direct effects, interaction effects between clarity and consistency in the office employee’s sample (two-way interaction), between constraints and consequences in the samples of office employees and teachers (two-way interaction), and among clarity, consistency, and constraints in the salespeople’s sample (three-way interaction) were also significant, explaining from 20% to 33% of the variance of burnout. We concluded that situational strength is associated not only with behaviour but also with health. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Effects of Electromagnetic Waves with LTE and 5G Bandwidth on the Skin Pigmentation In Vitro
Authors: Kim Kyuri , Lee Young Seung , Kim Nam , Choi Hyung-Do , Kang Dong-Jun , Kim Hak Rim , Lim Kyung-Min
Published: December 2020

With the rapid growth of wireless communication devices, the influences of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human health are gathering increasing attention. Since the skin is the largest organ of the body and is located at the outermost layer, it is considered a major target for the health effects of EMF. Skin pigmentation represents one of the most frequent symptoms caused by various non-ionizing radiations, including ultraviolet radiation, blue light, infrared, and extremely low frequency (ELF). Here, we investigated the effects of EMFs with long-term evolution (LTE, 1.762 GHz) and 5G (28 GHz) bandwidth on skin pigmentation in vitro. Murine and Human melanoma cells (B16F10 and MNT-1) were exposed to either LTE or 5G for 4 h per day, which is considered the upper bound of average smartphone use time. It was shown that neither LTE nor 5G exposure induced significant effects on cell viability or pigmentation. The dendrites of MNT-1 were neither lengthened nor regressed after EMF exposure. Skin pigmentation effects of EMFs were further examined in the human keratinocyte cell line (MNT-1-HaCaT) co-culture system, which confirmed the absence of significant hyper-pigmentation effects of LTE and 5G EMFs. Lastly, MelanoDerm™, a 3D pigmented human epidermis model, was irradiated with LTE (1.762 GHz) or 5G (28 GHz), and image analysis and special staining were performed. No changes in the brightness of MelanoDerm™ tissues were observed in LTE- or 5G-exposed tissues, except for only minimal changes in the size of melanocytes. Collectively, these results imply that exposure to LTE and 5G EMFs may not affect melanin synthesis or skin pigmentation under normal smartphone use condition.
From Obesity to Hippocampal Neurodegeneration: Pathogenesis and Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Authors: Lee Thomas Ho-yin , Yau Suk-yu
Published: December 2020

High-caloric diet and physical inactivity predispose individuals to obesity and diabetes, which are risk factors of hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. Along with the adipose-hippocampus crosstalk, chronically inflamed adipose tissue secretes inflammatory cytokine could trigger neuroinflammatory responses in the hippocampus, and in turn, impairs hippocampal neuroplasticity under obese and diabetic conditions. Hence, caloric restriction and physical exercise are critical non-pharmacological interventions to halt the pathogenesis from obesity to hippocampal neurodegeneration. In response to physical exercise, peripheral organs, including the adipose tissue, skeletal muscles, and liver, can secret numerous exerkines, which bring beneficial effects to metabolic and brain health. In this review, we summarized how chronic inflammation in adipose tissue could trigger neuroinflammation and hippocampal impairment, which potentially contribute to cognitive deficits in obese and diabetic conditions. We also discussed the potential mechanisms underlying the neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects of caloric restriction and physical exercise by counteracting neuroinflammation, plasticity deficits, and cognitive impairments. This review provides timely insights into how chronic metabolic disorders, like obesity, could impair brain health and cognitive functions in later life.
MicroRNA-128 Confers Anti-Endothelial Adhesion and Anti-Migration Properties to Counteract Highly Metastatic Cervical Cancer Cells’ Migration in a Parallel-Plate Flow Chamber
Authors: Chuang Pei-Chin , Lu Chun-Wun , Tsai Ching-Chin , Tseng Shun-Hung , Su Wen-Hong
Published: December 2020

Despite the distant metastasis of cervical cancer cells being a prominent cause of mortality, neither the metastasis capacity nor the in vitro conditions mimicking adhesion of cervical cancer cells to endothelial cells have been fully elucidated. Circulating metastatic cancer cells undergo transendothelial migration and invade normal organs in distant metastasis; however, the putative molecular mechanism remains largely uncertain. In this study, we describe the use of an in vitro parallel-plate flow chamber to simulate the dynamic circulation stress on cervical cancer cells and elucidate their vascular adhesion and metastasis. We isolate the viable and shear stress-resistant (SSR) cervical cancer cells for mechanistic studies. Remarkably, the identified SSR-HeLa and SSR-CaSki exhibited high in vitro adhesive and metastatic activities. Hence, a consistently suppressed miR-128 level was revealed in SSR cell clones compared to those of parental wild-type (WT) cells. Overexpressed miR-128 attenuated SSR-HeLa cells’ adherence to human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs); in contrast, suppressed miR-128 efficiently augmented the static adhesion capacity in WT-HeLa and WT-CaSki cells. Hence, amplified miR-128 modestly abolished in vitro SSR-augmented HeLa and CaSki cell movement, whereas reduced miR-128 aggravated the migration speed in a time-lapse recording assay in WT groups. Consistently, the force expression of miR-128 alleviated the SSR-enhanced HeLa and CaSki cell mobility in a wound healing assay. Notably, miR-128 mediated SSR-enhanced HeLa and CaSki cells’ adhesion and metastasis through suppressed ITGA5, ITGB5, sLex, CEACAM-6, MMP9, and MMP23 transcript levels. Our data provide evidence suggesting that miR-128 is a promising microRNA that prevented endothelial cells’ adhesion and transendothelial migration to contribute to the SSR-enhanced adhesion and metastasis progression under a parallel-plate flow chamber system. This indicates that the nucleoid-based miR-128 strategy may be an attractive therapeutic strategy to eliminate tumor cells resistant to circulation shear flow, prevent vascular adhesion, and preclude subsequent transendothelial metastasis.
γ-Aminobutyric Acid Suppresses Iron Transportation from Roots to Shoots in Rice Seedlings by Inducing Aerenchyma Formation
Authors: Zhu Changhua , Qi Qi , Niu Huijiao , Wu Jiaqi , Yang Na , Gan Lijun
Published: December 2020

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a widely distributed non-protein amino acid mediated the regulation of nitrate uptake and Al3+ tolerance in plants. However, there are few reports about the involvement of GABA in the regulation of iron (Fe) acquisition and translocation. Here, we show that GABA regulates Fe homeostasis in rice seedlings. Exogenous GABA decreased the chlorophyll concentration in leaves, with or without Fe supply. Over-expression of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) gene, coding a crucial enzyme of GABA production, elevated endogenous GABA content and caused more leaf chlorosis than wild type (Nipponbare). GABA inhibited Fe transportation from roots to shoots and GABA application elevated the expression levels of Fe deficiency (FD)-related genes under conditions of Fe-sufficiency (FS), suggesting that GABA is a regulator of Fe translocation. Using Perls’ blue staining, we found that more ferric iron (Fe3+) was deposited in the epidermal cells of roots treated with GABA compared with control roots. Anatomic section analysis showed that GABA treatment induced more aerenchyma formation compared with the control. Aerenchyma facilitated the oxidization of soluble ferrous iron (Fe2+) into insoluble Fe3+, resulted in Fe precipitation in the epidermis, and inhibited the transportation of Fe from roots to shoots.
Inhibitory Effect of (2R)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol 2-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside on RANKL-Induced Osteoclast Differentiation and ROS Generation in Macrophages
Authors: Kim Eun-Nam , Kim Ga-Ram , Yu Jae Sik , Kim Ki Hyun , Jeong Gil-Saeng
Published: December 2020

In bone homeostasis, bone loss due to excessive osteoclasts and inflammation or osteolysis in the bone formation process cause bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Suppressing the accompanying oxidative stress such as ROS in this process is an important treatment strategy for bone disease. Therefore, in this study, the effect of (2R)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanol 2-O-β-d-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (BAG), an arylbutanoid glycoside isolated from Betula platyphylla var. japonica was investigated in RANKL-induced RAW264.7 cells and LPS-stimulated MC3E3-T1 cells. BAG inhibited the activity of TRAP, an important marker of osteoclast differentiation and F-actin ring formation, which has osteospecific structure. In addition, the protein and gene levels were suppressed of integrin β3 and CCL4, which play an important role in the osteoclast-induced bone resorption and migration of osteoclasts, and inhibited the production of ROS and restored the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT lost by RANKL. The inhibitory effect of BAG on osteoclast differentiation and ROS production appears to be due to the inhibition of MAPKs phosphorylation and NF-κβ translocation, which play a major role in osteoclast differentiation. In addition, BAG inhibited ROS generated by LPS and effectively restores the mineralization of lost osteoblasts, thereby showing the effect of bone formation in the inflammatory situation accompanying bone loss by excessive osteoclasts, suggesting its potential as a new natural product-derived bone disease treatment.
Retinal Microcirculation and Cytokines as Predictors for Recurrence of Macular Edema after Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Noma Hidetaka , Yasuda Kanako , Mimura Tatsuya , Suganuma Noboru , Shimura Masahiko
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between retinal blood flow, presence or absence of recurrence of macular edema, and levels of cytokines, after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In 47 patients with BRVO and macular edema, we used laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG) to measure the relative flow volume (RFV) of the retinal arteries and veins passing through the optic disc in the occluded and non-occluded regions of the retina before and after IRI. Aqueous humor samples were obtained at the time of IRI. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble VEGF receptor (sVEGFR)-1, sVEGFR-2, placental growth factor (PlGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-12 (p70), IL-13 and interferon-inducible 10-kDa protein (IP-10) were measured by the suspension array method. Patients were categorized into two groups on the basis of whether or not macular edema recurred at 2 months after IRI: the nonrecurrent group, n = 24; and the recurrent group, n = 23. Results: In the veins of the occluded region, RFV showed a significant difference between baseline and 1 month after IRI (p < 0.001) in the recurrent group and the percent change of RFV showed a significant difference between the recurrent and nonrecurrent groups (p = 0.005). Furthermore, we found a significant negative correlation between RFV in the veins of the occluded region and aqueous levels of MCP-1, IL-8 and IP-10 at baseline (p = 0.029, p = 0.035, and p = 0.039, respectively). In the recurrent group, the arteries and veins of the non-occluded and occluded regions showed no significant association between RFV and the aqueous levels of any factors. Conclusions: These findings suggested that a decrease in RFV in the veins of the occluded region might be associated with the recurrence of macular edema and that the recurrence might depend on the change in RFV in the veins of the occluded region rather than the levels of cytokines.
Biological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments and Health Risk Assessment in Marine Organisms from Daya Bay, China
Authors: Kuang Zexing , Gu Yangguang , Rao Yiyong , Huang Honghui
Published: December 2020

The concentrations of heavy metals in sediments and marine organisms in Daya Bay were investigated, and the Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the uncertainty of the results of geo-accumulation characteristics and ecological and health risks. The mean concentrations of metal elements in sediments were in the following order: Zn > Cr > Cu > As > Cd > Hg, while those in marine organisms were Zn > Cu > As > Cr ≈ Cd > Hg. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated that the primary pollutant was Hg, with 5.46% moderately polluted, and 39.52% for unpolluted to moderately polluted. Potential ecological risks (RI) were between low and high risks, and the contributions of Hg, Cd, and As to ecological risks were 50.85%, 33.92%, and 11.47%, respectively. The total hazard coefficients (THQ) were less than 1, but on the basis of total carcinogenic risks (TCR), the probability of children and adults exceeded the unacceptable risk threshold of 22.27% and 11.19%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis results showed that the concentrations of carcinogenic elements contributed to risk in the order of As > Cd > Cr. Therefore, in order to effectively control heavy metals contamination in Daya Bay, it is necessary to strengthen the management of Hg, Cd, and As emissions.