bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Typical Toxic Heavy Metals with Schizophrenia
Authors: Ma Jiahui , Yan Lailai , Guo Tongjun , Yang Siyu , Guo Chen , Liu Yaqiong , Xie Qing , Wang Jingyu
Published: October 2019

Toxic heavy metals (THMs) are contaminants commonly found in the environment. Although a large number of studies have demonstrated their damage to the biological functions of the human being, their potential associations with the risk of developing schizophrenia remain controversial. In this study, we investigated the associations between four THMs (chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and arsenic (As)) in serum and the risk of schizophrenia. In total, 95 patients with schizophrenia (cases) and 95 normal subjects (controls) were recruited from Hebei Province, China. The serum concentrations of the 4 THMs were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A higher concentration of Pb was found significantly associated with an elevated risk of schizophrenia (OR = 3.146; 95%CI: 1.238–7.994, p = 0.016), while significant association for the other three THMs were not observed. Besides, significant correlations were found between the metabolic biomarkers and the concentrations of Pb and As, respectively. In order to further characterize the association between these THMs and schizophrenia with greater statistical power, we conducted meta-analysis by including 538 cases and 1040 controls from the current study and 5 available datasets published from 2002 to 2018. Using a random-effect model, Cr was significantly associated with schizophrenia (SMD = 0.3246; 95%CI: 0.0166–0.6326, p < 0.01). Overall, this study suggested that higher levels of Pb and Cr may be one of the factors associated with an elevated risk of schizophrenia.
Building a Sustainable Construction Workforce
Authors: Sokas Rosemary K. , Dong Xiuwen Sue , Cain Chris Trahan
Published: October 2019

The average U.S. construction worker is aged 42.6 years, and will not be eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits until age 67. Delayed retirement is largely driven by economic need, but construction workers face considerable challenges in remaining on the job. This study explores trade-specific age trends within the construction industry, and the experiences of building trade unions with aging membership. A mixed-methods approach used trade-specific age statistics from the Current Population Survey and key informant interviews with labor leaders, in order to identify union experiences and interventions. Mean and median ages for all subgroups in construction increased from 2003 to 2017. Immigrant construction workers were significantly younger than workers who were born in the U.S. (41 vs. 43, p < 0.001). Union workers were older than non-union workers (42 vs. 39 in 2017, p < 0.001); the age differential between self-employed and wage-and-salary workers was wide (49 vs. 40, p < 0.001). Union leaders described barriers, such as age discrimination and the loss of previously available light tasks, as well as current and potential solutions through union contract language requiring the inclusion of older workers, or establishing limits for lifting. Other solutions included career pathways for training and safety, with their attendant limitations; mentoring/pairing opportunities with apprentices; and the potential opportunities and training needs for site management positions.
QUICK: Quality and Usability Investigation and Control Kit for Mass Spectrometric Data from Detection of Persistent Organic Pollutants
Authors: Guo Wenjing , Archer Jeffrey , Moore Morgan , Bruce Jeffrey , McLain Michelle , Shojaee Sina , Zou Wen , Benjamin Linda A. , Adeuya Anthony , Fairchild Russell , Hong Huixiao
Published: October 2019

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) cause a significant public and environmental health concern due to their toxicity, long-range transportability, persistence, and bioaccumulation. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a program to monitor POPs in human and animal foods at ultra-trace levels, using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Stringent quality control procedures are practiced within this program, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of these POP results. Due to the complexity of this program’s quality control (QC), the decision-making process for data usability was very time-consuming, upward of three analyst hours for a batch of six extracts. We significantly reduced this time by developing a software kit, written in Python, to evaluate instrument and sample QC, along with data usability. A diverse set of 45 samples were tested using our software, QUICK (Quality and Usability Investigation and Control Kit), that resulted in equivalent results provided by a human reviewer. The software improved the efficiency of the analytical process by reducing the need for user intervention, while simultaneously recognizing a 95% decrease in data reduction time, from 3 hours to 10 minutes.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Relation to Family Characteristics, Stressors and Chemical Co-Exposures in California Girls
Authors: Windham Gayle C. , Soriano Jasmine W. , Dobraca Dina , Sosnoff Connie S. , Hiatt Robert A. , Kushi Lawrence H.
Published: October 2019

Childhood environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes and may disproportionately burden lower socioeconomic status groups, exacerbating health disparities. We explored associations of demographic factors, stressful life events, and chemical co-exposures, with cotinine levels, among girls in the CYGNET Study. Data were collected from families of girls aged 6–8 years old in Northern California, through clinic exams, questionnaires and biospecimens (n = 421). Linear regression and factor analysis were conducted to explore predictors of urinary cotinine and co-exposure body burdens, respectively. In unadjusted models, geometric mean cotinine concentrations were higher among Black (0.59 ug/g creatinine) than non-Hispanic white (0.27), Asian (0.32), or Hispanic (0.34) participants. Following adjustment, living in a rented home, lower primary caregiver education, and lack of two biologic parents in the home were associated with higher cotinine concentrations. Girls who experienced parental separation or unemployment in the family had higher unadjusted cotinine concentrations. Higher cotinine was also associated with higher polybrominated diphenyl ether and metals concentrations. Our findings have environmental justice implications as Black and socio-economically disadvantaged young girls experienced higher ETS exposure, also associated with higher exposure to other chemicals. Efforts to reduce ETS and co-exposures should account for other disparity-related factors.
An Analysis of Large-Scale Forced Migration in Africa
Authors: Bayar Murat , Aral Mustafa M.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, human security-related causes of large-scale forced migration (LSFM) in Africa are investigated for the period 2011–2017. As distinct from the conventional understanding of (national) security, human security involves economic, public health, environmental and other aspects of people’s wellbeing. Testing various hypotheses, we have found that civil and interstate conflicts, lack of democracy and poverty are the most important drivers of mass population displacements, whereas climate change has an indirect effect on the dependent variable. As a policy tool, foreign aid is also tested to see if it lowers the probability of LSFM. Our findings have implications for policy planning, since the conventional understanding of security falls short of addressing LSFM without taking various aspects of human security into account.
Exploring Readiness for Change: Knowledge and Attitudes towards Family Violence among Community Members and Service Providers Engaged in Primary Prevention in Regional Australia
Authors: Puccetti Monica , Greville Heath , Robinson Margie , White Daphne , Papertalk Lennelle , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: October 2019

Community efforts at the primary prevention of family violence (FV) involve changing values, structures and norms that support gender inequality. This study examines the attitudes of a group of highly engaged community leaders and service providers involved in FV primary prevention in Geraldton, a small city in regional Western Australia. The outcomes of focus group discussions were mapped against a readiness for change model. Despite considerable involvement in discussions of FV prevention over time, the readiness level of these engaged community members for taking leadership roles in the prevention strategy were between pre-planning and preparation stages, although some individuals’ understanding of the drivers of FV and readiness for implementing change was higher. Key areas for further education are the role of gender inequality as the primary driver of FV, particularly rigid gender roles and men’s control of decision making, and the role of alcohol and drugs as reinforcers but not primary drivers of FV.
Comparison of Culture- and Quantitative PCR-Based Indicators of Antibiotic Resistance in Wastewater, Recycled Water, and Tap Water
Authors: Rocha Jaqueline , Fernandes Telma , Riquelme Maria V. , Zhu Ni , Pruden Amy , Manaia Célia M.
Published: October 2019

Standardized methods are needed to support monitoring of antibiotic resistance in environmental samples. Culture-based methods target species of human-health relevance, while the direct quantification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) measures the antibiotic resistance potential in the microbial community. This study compared measurements of tetracycline-, sulphonamide-, and cefotaxime-resistant presumptive total and fecal coliforms and presumptive enterococci versus a suite of ARGs quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) across waste-, recycled-, tap-, and freshwater. Cross-laboratory comparison of results involved measurements on samples collected and analysed in the US and Portugal. The same DNA extracts analysed in the US and Portugal produced comparable qPCR results (variation <28%), except for blaOXA-1 gene (0%–57%). Presumptive total and fecal coliforms and cefotaxime-resistant total coliforms strongly correlated with blaCTX-M and intI1 (0.725 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.762; p < 0.0001). Further, presumptive total and fecal coliforms correlated with the Escherichia coli-specific biomarkers, gadAB, and uidA, suggesting that both methods captured fecal-sourced bacteria. The genes encoding resistance to sulphonamides (sul1 and sul2) were the most abundant, followed by genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines (tet(A) and tet(O)) and β-lactams (blaOXA-1 and, blaCTX-M), which was in agreement with the culture-based enumerations. The findings can help inform future application of methods being considered for international antibiotic resistance surveillance in the environment.
Clinician Perspectives on mRehab Interventions and Technologies for People with Disabilities in the United States: A National Survey
Authors: Morris John , Jones Mike , Thompson Nicole , Wallace Tracey , DeRuyter Frank
Published: October 2019

Mobile health and mobile rehabilitation (mHealth and mRehab) services and technologies have attracted considerable interest from healthcare providers, technology vendors, rehabilitation engineers, investors and policy makers in recent years. Successful adoption and use of mHealth/mRehab requires clinician support and engagement, including the ability to identify appropriate use cases and possible barriers to use for themselves and their patients, and acquire adequate knowledge and confidence using mHealth/mRehab interventions. This article reports results from a survey of rehabilitation clinicians in the United States on their attitudes, experience, expectations and concerns regarding mHealth/mRehab interventions and technologies. Over 500 clinicians in physical, occupational, speech, recreation and psychological therapy professions, among others, participated in the survey. Respondents reported that an overwhelming majority of their patients need additional therapy after discharge from inpatient environments, and over half of outpatients need additional therapy between visits. A large majority reported prescribing specific exercises and interventions for patients to work on outside of the clinic. However, only 51% reported being comfortable integrating mRehab technology into their practice; and only 23% feel knowledgeable about rehabilitation technology currently available. Technologies to support mRehab are maturing rapidly. Clinicians recognize the need for mRehab, but their knowledge and confidence prescribing mRehab represents a significant barrier to adoption.
Systematic Development of Materials for Inviting Low Health-Literate Individuals to Participate in Preconception Counseling
Authors: Murugesu Laxsini , Hopman Miriam E. , Van Voorst Sabine F. , Rosman Ageeth N. , Fransen Mirjam P.
Published: October 2019

In this study we aimed to systematically analyze problems in the recruitment of women with low health literacy for preconception counseling and to adapt and evaluate written invitations for this group. In a problem analysis (stage 1) we used structured interviews (n = 72) to assess comprehension of the initial invitations, perception of perinatal risks, attitude and intention to participate in preconception counseling. These outcomes were used to adapt the invitation. The adapted flyer was pretested in interviews (n = 16) (stage 2) and evaluated in structured interviews among a new group of women (n = 67) (stage 3). Differences between women in stages 1 and 3 regarding comprehension, risk perception, attitude and intention to participate in counseling were analyzed by linear regression analysis and chi-square tests. Women in stage 3 (who read the adapted flyer) had a more positive attitude towards participation in preconception counselling and a better understanding of how to apply for a consultation than women in stage 1 (who read the initial invitations). No differences were found in intention to participate in preconception counseling and risk perception. Systematic adaptation of written invitations can improve the recruitment of low health-literate women for preconception counselling. Further research should gain insight into additional strategies to reach and inform this group.
Romantic Love and Reproductive Hormones in Women
Authors: Sorokowski Piotr , Żelaźniewicz Agnieszka , Nowak Judyta , Groyecka Agata , Kaleta Magdalena , Lech Weronika , Samorek Sylwia , Stachowska Katarzyna , Bocian Klaudia , Pulcer Aleksandra , Sorokowska Agnieszka , Kowal Marta , Pisanski Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

Increased reproductive success is among the most commonly proposed adaptive functions of romantic love. Here, we tested if hormonal changes associated with falling in love may co-vary with hormonal profiles that predict increased fecundity in women. We compared blood serum levels of estradiol (E2, E2/T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), free testosterone (fT), and cortisol (CT), measured in the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in single women (N = 69) and in women at the beginning of a romantic heterosexual relationship who reported being in love with their partner (N = 47). Participants were healthy, regularly cycling women aged 24 to 33 who did not use hormonal contraception. We found that women in love had higher levels of gonadotropins (FSH, LH) and lower testosterone levels compared to single women who were not in love. These groups of women did not, however, differ in terms of estradiol, prolactin, or cortisol levels.
Mediating Effect of Cognitive Social Capital on the Relationship Between Physical Disability and Depression in Elderly People of Rural Pakistan
Authors: Tariq Azam , Beihai Tian , Ali Sajjad , Abbas Nadeem , Ilyas Aasir
Published: October 2019

Cognitive social capital is crucial for mental wellbeing and physical disability in order to avoid late-life depression. The objective of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of cognitive social capital (interpersonal trust and reciprocity) on the relationship between physical disability and depression in elderly people of rural Pakistan. For this purpose, 146 respondents aged 60 years or above and residents of rural areas of district Muzaffargarh (Punjab, Pakistan) were approached for data collection. The questionnaire includes socio-demographic variables (gender, age, education, marital status, family system, living status, household income, and number of chronic diseases); the geriatric depressive symptoms scale (GDS-15) was used to measure depression, physical disability was evaluated through ADL and IADL scales, and cognitive social capital, which includes interpersonal trust and reciprocity, was measured using single-item questions. It was found that interpersonal trust, reciprocity, depression, and physical disability were significantly correlated with each other and physical disability was directly associated with depression. In mediation analysis, reciprocity mediated the relationship between physical disability and depression. Our findings highlight the need to enhance cognitive social capital interventions and develop policies to promote mental and physical health of rural elderly.
Analysis of the Agricultural Economy and Agricultural Pollution Using the Decoupling Index in Chengdu, China
Authors: Li Sipan , Gong Qunxi , Yang Shaolei
Published: October 2019

The development of the agricultural economy has brought the agricultural pollution, and agricultural pollution has restrained the growth of the agricultural economy and endangered public health. Since the Economic Reform opened up, China has promulgated many policies that have benefited farmers, developed the agricultural economy, and improved agricultural material levels. However, the growth in the agricultural economy has also resulted in significant environmental pollution from pesticides, agricultural fertilizers and agricultural plastic film. Agricultural pollution can affect public health, therefore it is necessary to study the relationship between agricultural economy and agricultural pollution. In this paper, the relationship between the agricultural economy and agricultural pollution is studied by using decoupling index method, taking Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China as an example, and verified by the data of 2008–2017 years of Chengdu. It was found that the decoupling index for pesticide use and per capita gross agricultural production showed “strong decoupling” ideal states in six years. From 2009–2017, the value of it increased from 0.065743–1.597385, and its decoupling state gradually transited to stable strong decoupling. The chemical fertilizer use was found to have a “strong decoupling” ideal state in five years. The value of it decreased from 1.028854–(−0.512702), while its state gradually changed to strong decoupling. However, agricultural plastic film only has one “strong decoupling” state with its value of decoupling index changed from −0.380824–(−0.250250). The increased use of plastic film has resulted in increased agricultural pollution. The research results show that growing with the development of Chengdu’s agricultural economy, the use of pesticides and fertilizers has been decreasing. Chengdu’s agricultural economy and agricultural pollution were found to have a healthy and coordinated development. The development of agricultural economy has not caused much damage to the agricultural environment. In addition, with the decline of agricultural pollution, public health problems will also be reduced.
Salmonella in Retail Food and Wild Birds in Singapore—Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance, and Sequence Types
Authors: Aung Kyaw Thu , Chen Hong Jun , Chau Man Ling , Yap Grace , Lim Xiao Fang , Humaidi Mahathir , Chua Cliff , Yeo Gladys , Yap Hooi Ming , Oh Jia Quan , Manogaran Vijitha , Hapuarachchi Hapuarachchige Chanditha , Maiwald Matthias , Tee Nancy Wen Sim , Barkham Timothy , Koh Tse Hsien , Gutiérrez Ramona Alikiiteaga , Schlundt Jorgen , Ng Lee Ching
Published: October 2019

Non-typhoidal salmonellosis is a leading cause of foodborne zoonosis. To better understand the epidemiology of human salmonellosis, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance and sequence types of Salmonella in retail food and wild birds (proximity to humans) in Singapore. We analyzed 21,428 cooked and ready-to-eat food and 1,510 residual faecal samples of wild birds collected during 2010–2015. Thirty-two Salmonella isolates from food and wild birds were subjected to disc diffusion and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Salmonella was isolated from 0.08% (17/21,428) of food and 0.99% (15/1510) of wild birds. None of the isolates from wild birds (n = 15) exhibited phenotypic resistance, while the isolates from food (47.1%, 8/17) showed a high prevalence of phenotypic resistance to, at least, one antimicrobial. These findings suggested that the avian Salmonella isolates had been subjected to less antimicrobial selection pressure than those from food samples. MLST revealed specific sequence types found in both food and wild birds. The study can guide future studies with whole-genome analysis on a larger number of isolates from various sectors for public health measures.
The Proton Density of States in Confined Water (H2O)
Authors: Chen Sow-Hsin , Corsaro Carmelo , Mallamace Francesco , Fazio Enza , Mallamace Domenico
Published: October 2019

The hydrogen density of states (DOS) in confined water has been probed by inelastic neutron scattering spectra in a wide range of its P–T phase diagram. The liquid–liquid transition and the dynamical crossover from the fragile (super-Arrhenius) to strong (Arrhenius) glass forming behavior have been studied, by taking into account the system polymorphism in both the liquid and amorphous solid phases. The interest is focused in the low energy region of the DOS ( E < 10 meV) and the data are discussed in terms of the energy landscape (local minima of the potential energy) approach. In this latest research, we consider a unit scale energy (EC) linked to the water local order governed by the hydrogen bonding (HB). All the measured spectra, scaled according to such energy, evidence a universal power law behavior with different exponents ( γ ) in the strong and fragile glass forming regions, respectively. In the first case, the DOS data obey the Debye squared-frequency law, whereas, in the second one, we obtain a value predicted in terms of the mode-coupling theory (MCT) ( γ ≃ 1.6 ).
The Pathogenesis of Sepsis and Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Huang Min , Cai Shaoli , Su Jingqian
Published: October 2019

Sepsis is defined as “a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a host’s dysfunctional response to infection”. Although the treatment of sepsis has developed rapidly in the past few years, sepsis incidence and mortality in clinical treatment is still climbing. Moreover, because of the diverse manifestations of sepsis, clinicians continue to face severe challenges in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with sepsis. Here, we review the recent development in our understanding regarding the cellular pathogenesis and the target of clinical diagnosis of sepsis, with the goal of enhancing the current understanding of sepsis. The present state of research on targeted therapeutic drugs is also elaborated upon to provide information for the treatment of sepsis.
Browning Effects of a Chronic Pterostilbene Supplementation in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: La Spina Martina , Galletta Eva , Azzolini Michele , Gomez Zorita Saioa , Parrasia Sofia , Salvalaio Marika , Salmaso Andrea , Biasutto Lucia
Published: October 2019

Obesity and related comorbidities are a major health concern. The drugs used to treat these conditions are largely inadequate or dangerous, and a well-researched approach based on nutraceuticals would be highly useful. Pterostilbene (Pt), i.e., 3,5-dimethylresveratrol, has been reported to be effective in animal models of obesity, acting on different metabolic pathways. We investigate here its ability to induce browning of white adipose tissue. Pt (5 µM) was first tested on 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes, and then it was administered (352 µmol/kg/day) to mice fed an obesogenic high-fat diet (HFD) for 30 weeks, starting at weaning. In the cultured adipocytes, the treatment elicited a significant increase of the levels of Uncoupling Protein 1 (UCP1) protein—a key component of thermogenic, energy-dissipating beige/brown adipocytes. In vivo administration antagonized weight increase, more so in males than in females. Analysis of inguinal White Adipose Tissue (WAT) revealed a trend towards browning, with significantly increased transcription of several marker genes (Cidea, Ebf2, Pgc1α, PPARγ, Sirt1, and Tbx1) and an increase in UCP1 protein levels, which, however, did not achieve significance. Given the lack of known side effects of Pt, this study strengthens the candidacy of this natural phenol as an anti-obesity nutraceutical.
Substantial Overview on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biological and Physical Properties as an Opportunity in Translational Medicine
Authors: Abdelrazik Heba , Giordano Emanuele , Barbanti Brodano Giovanni , Griffoni Cristiana , De Falco Elena , Pelagalli Alessandra
Published: October 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have piqued worldwide interest for their extensive potential to treat a large array of clinical indications, their unique and controversial immunogenic and immune modulatory properties allowing ample discussions and debates for their possible applications. Emerging data demonstrating that the interaction of biomaterials and physical cues with MSC can guide their differentiation into specific cell lineages also provide new interesting insights for further MSC manipulation in different clinical applications. Moreover, recent discoveries of some regulatory molecules and signaling pathways in MSC niche that may regulate cell fate to distinct lineage herald breakthroughs in regenerative medicine. Although the advancement and success in the MSC field had led to an enormous increase in the amount of ongoing clinical trials, we still lack defined clinical therapeutic protocols. This review will explore the exciting opportunities offered by human and animal MSC, describing relevant biological properties of these cells in the light of the novel emerging evidence mentioned above while addressing the limitations and challenges MSC are still facing.
Modulation of Calretinin Expression in Human Mesothelioma Cells Reveals the Implication of the FAK and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Conferring Chemoresistance towards Cisplatin
Authors: Wörthmüller Janine , Salicio Valérie , Oberson Anne , Blum Walter , Schwaller Beat
Published: October 2019

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive asbestos-linked neoplasm, characterized by dysregulation of signaling pathways. Due to intrinsic or acquired chemoresistance, MM treatment options remain limited. Calretinin is a Ca2+-binding protein expressed during MM tumorigenesis that activates the FAK signaling pathway, promoting invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Constitutive calretinin downregulation decreases MM cells’ growth and survival, and impairs tumor formation in vivo. In order to evaluate early molecular events occurring during calretinin downregulation, we generated a tightly controlled IPTG-inducible expression system to modulate calretinin levels in vitro. Calretinin downregulation significantly reduced viability and proliferation of MM cells, attenuated FAK signaling and reduced the invasive phenotype of surviving cells. Importantly, surviving cells showed a higher resistance to cisplatin due to increased Wnt signaling. This resistance was abrogated by the Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 3289-8625. In various MM cell lines and regardless of calretinin expression levels, blocking of FAK signaling activated the Wnt signaling pathway and vice versa. Thus, blocking both pathways had the strongest impact on MM cell proliferation and survival. Chemoresistance mechanisms in MM cells have resulted in a failure of single-agent therapies. Targeting of multiple components of key signaling pathways, including Wnt signaling, might be the future method-of-choice to treat MM.
Quantitative Phosphoproteomics Reveals System-Wide Phosphorylation Network Altered by Spry in Mouse Mammary Stromal Fibroblasts
Authors: Shi Tiezhu , Yao Linli , Han Ying , Hao Piliang , Lu Pengfei
Published: October 2019

Understanding the fundamental role of the stroma in normal development and cancer progression has been an emerging focus in recent years. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathway has been reported playing critical roles in regulating the normal and cancer microenvironment, but the underlying mechanism is still not very clear. By applying the quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis of Sprouty proteins (SPRYs), generic modulators of RTK signaling and deleted mouse mammary fibroblasts, we quantified a total of 11,215 unique phosphorylation sites. By contrast, 554 phosphorylation sites on 425 proteins had SPRY-responsive perturbations. Of these, 554 phosphosites, 362 sites on 277 proteins, were significantly increased, whereas 192 sites on 167 proteins were decreased. Among the regulated proteins, we identified 31 kinases, 7 phosphatases, and one phosphatase inhibitor that were not systematically characterized before. Furthermore, we reconstructed a phosphorylation network centered on RTK signaling regulated by SPRY. Collectively, this study uncovered a system-wide phosphorylation network regulated by SPRY, providing an additional insight into the complicated RTK signaling pathways involved in the mammary gland microenvironment.
Maternal Obesity during Pregnancy Alters Daily Activity and Feeding Cycles, and Hypothalamic Clock Gene Expression in Adult Male Mouse Offspring
Authors: Cleal Jane K. , Bruce Kimberley D. , Shearer Jasmin L. , Thomas Hugh , Plume Jack , Gregory Louise , Shepard James N. , Spiers-Fitzgerald Kerry L. , Mani Ravi , Lewis Rohan M. , Lillycrop Karen A. , Hanson Mark A. , Byrne Christopher D. , Cagampang Felino R.
Published: October 2019

An obesogenic diet adversely affects the endogenous mammalian circadian clock, altering daily activity and metabolism, and resulting in obesity. We investigated whether an obese pregnancy can alter the molecular clock in the offspring hypothalamus, resulting in changes to their activity and feeding rhythms. Female mice were fed a control (C, 7% kcal fat) or high fat diet (HF, 45% kcal fat) before mating and throughout pregnancy. Male offspring were fed the C or HF diet postweaning, resulting in four offspring groups: C/C, C/HF, HF/C, and HF/HF. Daily activity and food intake were monitored, and at 15 weeks of age were killed at six time-points over 24 h. The clock genes Clock, Bmal1, Per2, and Cry2 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and appetite genes Npy and Pomc in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) were measured. Daily activity and feeding cycles in the HF/C, C/HF, and HF/HF offspring were altered, with increased feeding bouts and activity during the day and increased food intake but reduced activity at night. Gene expression patterns and levels of Clock, Bmal1, Per2, and Cry2 in the SCN and Npy and Pomc in the ARC were altered in HF diet-exposed offspring. The altered expression of hypothalamic molecular clock components and appetite genes, together with changes in activity and feeding rhythms, could be contributing to offspring obesity.
Natural Killer Cell Function Tests by Flowcytometry-Based Cytotoxicity and IFN-γ Production for the Diagnosis of Adult Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Lee Hyeyoung , Kim Hoon Seok , Lee Jong-Mi , Park Ki Hyun , Choi Ae-Ran , Yoon Jae-Ho , Ryu Hyejin , Oh Eun-Jee
Published: October 2019

Although natural killer (NK) cell function is a hallmark of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), there is no standard method or data on its diagnostic value in adults. Thus, we performed a single-center retrospective study of 119 adult patients with suspected HLH. NK cell function was determined using both flowcytometry-based NK-cytotoxicity test (NK-cytotoxicity) and NK cell activity test for interferon-gamma (NKA-IFNγ). NK cell phenotype and serum cytokine levels were also tested. Fifty (42.0%) HLH patients showed significantly reduced NK cell function compared to 69 non-HLH patients by both NK-cytotoxicity and NKA-IFNγ (p < 0.001 and p = 0.020, respectively). Agreement between NK-cytotoxicity and NKA-IFNγ was 88.0% in HLH patients and 58.0% in non-HLH patients. NK-cytotoxicity and NKA-IFNγ assays predicted HLH with sensitivities of 96.0% and 92.0%, respectively. The combination of NKA-IFNγ and ferritin (>10,000 µg/L) was helpful for ruling out HLH, with a specificity of 94.2%. Decreased NK-cytotoxicity was associated with increased soluble IL-2 receptor levels and decreased CD56dim NK cells. Decreased NKA-IFNγ was associated with decreased serum cytokine levels. We suggest that both NK-cytotoxicity and NKA-IFNγ could be used for diagnosis of HLH. Further studies are needed to validate the diagnostic and prognostic value of NK cell function tests.
β-Cell Maturation and Identity in Health and Disease
Authors: Salinno Ciro , Cota Perla , Bastidas-Ponce Aimée , Tarquis-Medina Marta , Lickert Heiko , Bakhti Mostafa
Published: October 2019

The exponential increase of patients with diabetes mellitus urges for novel therapeutic strategies to reduce the socioeconomic burden of this disease. The loss or dysfunction of insulin-producing β-cells, in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes respectively, put these cells at the center of the disease initiation and progression. Therefore, major efforts have been taken to restore the β-cell mass by cell-replacement or regeneration approaches. Implementing novel therapies requires deciphering the developmental mechanisms that generate β-cells and determine the acquisition of their physiological phenotype. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms that coordinate the postnatal maturation of β-cells and define their functional identity. Furthermore, we discuss different routes by which β-cells lose their features and functionality in type 1 and 2 diabetic conditions. We then focus on potential mechanisms to restore the functionality of those β-cell populations that have lost their functional phenotype. Finally, we discuss the recent progress and remaining challenges facing the generation of functional mature β-cells from stem cells for cell-replacement therapy for diabetes treatment.
Blood Compatibility—An Important but Often Forgotten Aspect of the Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptides for Clinical Application
Authors: Harm Stephan , Lohner Karl , Fichtinger Ute , Schildböck Claudia , Zottl Jennifer , Hartmann Jens
Published: October 2019

Acylation of antimicrobial peptides mimics the structure of the natural lipopeptide polymyxin B, and increases antimicrobial and endotoxin-neutralizing activities. In this study, the antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin-based LF11 peptides as well as blood compatibility as a function of acyl chain length were investigated. Beyond the classical hemolysis test, the biocompatibility was determined with human leukocytes and platelets, and the influence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) on the plasmatic coagulation and the complement system was investigated. The results of this study show that the acylation of cationic peptides significantly reduces blood tolerance. With increasing acyl chain length, the cytotoxicity of LF11 peptides to human blood cells also increased. This study also shows that acylated cationic antimicrobial peptides are inactivated by the presence of heparin. In addition, it could be shown that the immobilization of LF11 peptides leads to a loss of their antimicrobial properties.
Invariant NKT Cells and Rheumatic Disease: Focus on Primary Sjogren Syndrome
Authors: Rizzo Chiara , La Barbera Lidia , Lo Pizzo Marianna , Ciccia Francesco , Sireci Guido , Guggino Giuliana
Published: October 2019

Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a complex autoimmune disease mainly affecting salivary and lacrimal glands. Several factors contribute to pSS pathogenesis; in particular, innate immunity seems to play a key role in disease etiology. Invariant natural killer (NK) T cells (iNKT) are a T-cell subset able to recognize glycolipid antigens. Their function remains unclear, but studies have pointed out their ability to modulate the immune system through the promotion of specific cytokine milieu. In this review, we discussed the possible role of iNKT in pSS development, as well as their implications as future markers of disease activity.
Relative Reduction of Neighborhood-Covering Pessimistic Multigranulation Rough Set Based on Evidence Theory
Authors: You Xiaoying , Li Jinjin , Wang Hongkun
Published: October 2019

Relative reduction of multiple neighborhood-covering with multigranulation rough set has been one of the hot research topics in knowledge reduction theory. In this paper, we explore the relative reduction of covering information system by combining the neighborhood-covering pessimistic multigranulation rough set with evidence theory. First, the lower and upper approximations of multigranulation rough set in neighborhood-covering information systems are introduced based on the concept of neighborhood of objects. Second, the belief and plausibility functions from evidence theory are employed to characterize the approximations of neighborhood-covering multigranulation rough set. Then the relative reduction of neighborhood-covering information system is investigated by using the belief and plausibility functions. Finally, an algorithm for computing a relative reduction of neighborhood-covering pessimistic multigranulation rough set is proposed according to the significance of coverings defined by the belief function, and its validity is examined by a practical example.
Studying Transaction Fees in the Bitcoin Blockchain with Probabilistic Logic Programming
Authors: Azzolini Damiano , Riguzzi Fabrizio , Lamma Evelina
Published: October 2019

In Bitcoin, if a miner is able to solve a computationally hard problem called proof of work, it will receive an amount of bitcoin as a reward which is the sum of the fees for the transactions included in a block plus an amount inversely proportional to the number of blocks discovered so far. At the moment of writing, the block reward is several orders of magnitude greater than the sum of transaction fees. Usually, miners try to collect the largest reward by including transactions associated with high fees. The main purpose of transaction fees is to prevent network spamming. However, they are also used to prioritize transactions. In order to use the minimum amount of fees, users usually have to find a compromise between fees and urgency of a transaction. In this paper, we develop a probabilistic logic model to experimentally analyze how fees affect confirmation time and miner’s revenue and to predict if an increase of average fees will generate a situation when the miner gets more reward by not following the protocol.
Resource Allocation Combining Heuristic Matching and Particle Swarm Optimization Approaches: The Case of Downlink Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access
Authors: Pliatsios Dimitrios , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis
Published: October 2019

The ever-increasing requirement of massive connectivity, due to the rapid deployment of internet of things (IoT) devices, in the emerging 5th generation (5G) mobile networks commands for even higher utilization of the available spectrum. Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) is a promising solution that can effectively accommodate a higher number of users, resulting in increased spectrum utilization. In this work, we aim to maximize the total throughput of a NOMA system, while maintaining a good level of fairness among the users. We propose a three-step method where the first step matches the users to the channels using a heuristic matching algorithm, while the second step utilizes the particle swarm optimization algorithm to allocate the power to each channel. In the third step, the power allocated to each channel is further distributed to the multiplexed users based on their respective channel gains. Based on extensive performance simulations, the proposed method offers notable improvement, e.g., 15% in terms of system throughput and 55% in terms of user fairness.
A Novel Multi-Attribute Decision Making Method Based on The Double Hierarchy Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Generalized Power Aggregation Operator
Authors: Liu Zhengmin , Zhao Xiaolan , Li Lin , Wang Xinya , Wang Di
Published: October 2019

A double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (DHHFLT) is deemed as an effective and powerful linguistic expression which models complex linguistic decision information more accurately by using two different hierarchy linguistic term sets. The purpose of this paper is to propose a multi-attribute decision making method to tackle complex decision issues in which attribute values are represented as double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic numbers, and there are some extreme or unreasonable data in the attribute values. To do this, firstly, four double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic generalized power aggregation operators are introduced, including the double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic generalized power average (DHHFLGPA) operator, the double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic generalized power geometric (DHHFLGPG) operator, and their weighted forms. Thereafter, several favorable properties, as well as representative cases of the proposed operators, are investigated in detail. Moreover, by virtue of the proposed operators, a novel approach is developed for coping with multi-attribute decision making cases in the double hierarchy hesitant fuzzy linguistic context. Finally, an illustrated example is given to demonstrate the practical application of the presented approach, an availability verification is given to show its validity, and a comparative analysis is also conducted to highlight the advantages of the proposed approach.
Ventilation Induced in an Isolated Subsurface Structure by Natural Forces: Method Development and Application
Authors: McManus Thomas Neil , Haddad Assed
Published: October 2019

It is believed that isolated subsurface structures of an infrastructure do not ventilate through opening(s) in manhole covers. The literature has almost no information on this topic. This study reports on considerations involved in the development and utilization of a method to study this question. Carbon monoxide (CO) is readily obtainable in engine exhaust, easily detectable at very low concentration, and is relatively safe to handle, which makes it ideal for use as a tracer gas. Transfer into the airspace of the structure was carried out using metal tubing. This study examined the engine operating time and the number of openings in a manhole cover. CO was measured using four instruments in the vertical profile. It was found to generally decrease in a narrow band, initially linearly through a curvilinear region and a linear tail. Clearance of most of the contaminant occurred rapidly during the first part of the process. A decrease to 25 ppm required from 439 min (7 openings) to 1118 min (1 opening). Ambient temperature and near-surface air flow likely influenced these values. The measurement profiles strongly suggest that the atmosphere in the airspace was rapidly and thoroughly well-mixed. The methodology developed and reported here is suitable for a more expanded investigation, the intent being to identify modifications of the design to optimize the process.
Correction: Michaels, H.; et al. Copper Complexes with Tetradentate Ligands for Enhanced Charge Transport in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. Inorganics 2018, 6, 53
Authors: Michaels Hannes , Benesperi Iacopo , Edvinsson Tomas , Muñoz-Garcia Ana Belén , Pavone Michele , Boschloo Gerrit , Freitag Marina
Published: October 2019

The authors express their sincere apologies to all readers of abovementioned article as mistakes were found upon discussion of the article with colleagues [...]
Cryptic Species Discrimination in Western Pine Beetle, Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Based on Morphological Characters and Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Valerio-Mendoza Osiris , García-Román Jazmín , Becerril Moises , Armendáriz-Toledano Francisco , Cuéllar-Rodríguez Gerardo , Negrón José F. , Sullivan Brian T. , Zúñiga Gerardo
Published: October 2019

The western pine beetle (WPB), Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte, is a major mortality agent of pines in North America. A total of 706 adults of WPB from 81 geographical sites were analyzed with traditional and geometric morphometric methods to evaluate the variation of discrete and quantitative morphological characters with particular attention to the antenna, spermatheca, and seminal rod. Principal coordinates and canonical variate analyses supported three geographical groups in WPB: (1) West, from British Columbia to southern California along the Pacific coast, Idaho, and Montana; (2) East-SMOC, including Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Chihuahua, and Durango; and (3) SMOR, including Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas. The pubescence length on the elytral declivity was a robust character for separating West specimens from the other groups. Additionally, the genitalia shape both female and male in dorsal view was a reliable character for discriminating among groups. Based on these results, which agree with genetic and chemical ecology evidence, we herein reinstate Dendroctonus barberi Hopkins (East-SMOC group) and remove it from synonymy with D. brevicomis (West group). Differences in the spermatheca and seminal rod shape of SMOR specimens suggest that these populations might be a different species from D. barberi and D. brevicomis.
The Numerical Prediction and Analysis of Propeller Cavitation Benchmark Tests of YUPENG Ship Model
Authors: Zheng Chaosheng , Liu Dengcheng , Huang Hongbo
Published: October 2019

The numerical simulation of propeller cavitation benchmark tests of YUPENG ship model is studied based on OpenFOAM, an open-source CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) platform, and the benchmark tests are introduced as well. The propeller cavitation shape and the hull pressure fluctuation are measured and predicted, respectively. The uncertainty in hull pressure fluctuation measurement is also analyzed, and the analysis showed the uncertainty is below 10%. The cavitation shape and the hull pressure fluctuation predicted show quite good agreement with the observations and measured data, and the influences of the grid resolutions on the unsteady propeller cavitation and the hull pressure fluctuation are investigated as well. The monotonic convergence achieved and the quite small grid uncertainty illustrate the reliability of the numerical simulation methods.