bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Identification and Evolution Analysis of Sox Genes in Coturnix japonica Based on Comparative Genomics
Authors: Jiang Lan , Bi De , Ding Hengwu , Wu Xuan , Zhu Ran , Zeng Juhua , Yang Xiaojun , Kan Xianzhao
Published: April 2019

Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) has been extensively used as a model animal for biological studies. The Sox gene family, which was systematically characterized by a high-mobility group (HMG-box) in many animal species, encodes transcription factors that play central roles during multiple developmental processes. However, genome-wide investigations on the Sox gene family in birds are scarce. In the current study, we first performed a genome-wide study to explore the Sox gene family in galliform birds. Based on available genomic sequences retrieved from the NCBI database, we focused on the global identification of the Sox gene family in C. japonica and other species in Galliformes, and the evolutionary relationships of Sox genes. In our result, a total of 35 Sox genes in seven groups were identified in the C. japonica genome. Our results also revealed that dispersed gene duplications contributed the most to the expansion of the Sox gene family in Galliform birds. Evolutionary analyses indicated that Sox genes are an ancient gene family, and strong purifying selections played key roles in the evolution of CjSox genes of C. japonica. More interestingly, we observed that most Sox genes exhibited highly embryo-specific expression in both gonads. Our findings provided new insights into the molecular function and phylogeny of Sox gene family in birds.
Legacy Data: How Decades of Seabed Sampling Can Produce Robust Predictions and Versatile Products
Authors: Mitchell Peter J , Aldridge John , Diesing Markus
Published: April 2019

Sediment maps developed from categorical data are widely applied to support marine spatial planning across various fields. However, deriving maps independently of sediment classification potentially improves our understanding of environmental gradients and reduces issues of harmonising data across jurisdictional boundaries. As the groundtruth samples are often measured for the fractions of mud, sand and gravel, this data can be utilised more effectively to produce quantitative maps of sediment composition. Using harmonised data products from a range of sources including the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), spatial predictions of these three sediment fractions were generated for the north-west European continental shelf using the random forest algorithm. Once modelled these sediment fraction maps were classified using a range of schemes to show the versatility of such an approach, and spatial accuracy maps were generated to support their interpretation. The maps produced in this study are to date the highest resolution quantitative sediment composition maps that have been produced for a study area of this extent and are likely to be of interest for a wide range of applications such as ecological and biophysical studies.
Associations between Fossil Beetles and Other Organisms
Authors: Poinar George
Published: April 2019

The present work reveals plant and animal associates of 16 families and subfamilies of fossil beetles that have been preserved in amber from Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. The associates include mites, pseudoscorpions, spiders, insect parasites and predators, fungi, angiosperm parts, vertebrates, and nematodes. The presence of these fossil associates can be attributed to the rapid preservation of organisms in resin, thus maintaining natural associations almost “in situ”. Examples of present-day associations similar to those of the fossils show that specific behavioral patterns are often far more ancient than the specific lineages involved.
Bariatric Procedures in Older Adults in the United States: Analysis of a Multicenter Database
Authors: Mendiratta Priya , Dayama Neeraj , Azhar Gohar , Prodhan Pallavi , Wei Jeanne Y.
Published: April 2019

Background: Bariatric procedures help reduce obesity-related comorbidities and thus improve survival. Clinical characteristics and outcomes after bariatric procedures in older adults were investigated. Methods: A multi-institutional Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was queried from years 2005 through 2012. Older adults >60 years of age with procedure codes for bariatric procedures and a diagnosis of obesity/morbid obesity were selected to compare clinical characteristics/outcomes between those undergoing closed versus open procedures and identify risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality and increased hospital length of stay (LOS). Results: Over the study period, 79,122 bariatric procedures were performed. Those undergoing open procedures compared to closed procedures had a higher in-hospital mortality (0.8% vs. 0.2%) and a longer hospital LOS (4.8 days vs. 2.2 days). Risk factors significantly associated with in-hospital mortality were open procedures, the Western region, and the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Risk factors associated with increased LOS were Medicaid insurance type, an open procedure, a higher Elixhauser comorbidity score, a required skilled nursing facility (SNF) discharge, and died in hospital. Conclusion: Closed bariatric procedures are increasingly being preferred in older adults, with a four-fold lower mortality compared to open procedures. Besides choice of procedure, the presence of specific comorbidities is associated with increased mortality in older adults.
“I Will Always Be Crossing Ocean Parkway; I Have Crossed It; I Will Never Cross It.” Marianna De Marco Torgovnick, Crossing Ocean Parkway
Authors: Rao Eleonora
Published: April 2019

In Crossing Ocean Parkway (1994), scholar and literary critic Marianna De Marco Torgovnick—now Professor of English at Duke University—traces her story as an Italian-American girl growing up in a working-class Italian neighborhood of New York City that could not satisfy her desire for learning and for upward mobility. De Marco’s personal experiences of cultural border crossings finds here specific spatial reference especially through Ocean Parkway, “a wide, tree-lined street in Brooklyn, a symbol of upward mobility, and a powerful state of mind” (p. vii). Border crossing or trespassing inform this text. De Marco moved from an Italian immigrant milieu to a sophisticated Jewish community, via her marriage, and from a minority group to a successful career in academia. There are also crossings between being a professional, a wife, a mother, and a daughter; between being an insider and an outsider; between longing to be free and the desire to belong; between safety and danger, joy and mourning, nostalgia and contempt. In representing her younger self as “outsider” to her received community, she provides a sharp analysis of the tensions within American society.
An Ontological Approach to the Description of Visual and Iconographical Representations
Authors: Carboni Nicola , de Luca Livio
Published: April 2019

The perception of our heritage is based on sign-functions, which relate visual representations to cognitive types, allowing us to make perceptual judgements over physical objects. The recording of these types of assertions is paramount for the comprehension and analysis of our heritage. The article investigates a theoretical framework for the organization of information related to visual works on the basis of the identity and symbolic value of their single constituent elements. The framework developed is then used as a driver for the grounding of a new ontology called VIR (Visual Representation), constructed as an extension of CIDOC-CRM (CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model). VIR sustains the recording of statements about the different structural units and relationships of a visual representation, differentiating between object and interpretative act. The result, tested with data describing Byzantine and Renaissance artworks, presents solutions for describing symbols and meanings of iconographical objects, providing new clustering methods in relation to their constitutive elements, subjects or interpretations.
Can a Calibration-Free Dynamic Rainfall‒Runoff Model Predict FDCs in Data-Scarce Regions? Comparing the IDW Model with the Dynamic Budyko Model in South India
Authors: Nag Anita , Biswal Basudev
Published: April 2019

Construction of flow duration curves (FDCs) is a challenge for hydrologists as most streams and rivers worldwide are ungauged. Regionalization methods are commonly followed to solve the problem of discharge data scarcity by transforming hydrological information from gauged basins to ungauged basins. As a consequence, regionalization-based FDC predictions are not very reliable where discharge data are scarce quantitatively and/or qualitatively. In such a scenario, it is perhaps more meaningful to use a calibration-free rainfall‒runoff model that can exploit easily available meteorological information to predict FDCs in ungauged basins. This hypothesis is tested in this study by comparing a well-known regionalization-based model, the inverse distance weighting (IDW) model, with the recently proposed calibration-free dynamic Budyko model (DB) in a region where discharge observations are not only insufficient quantitatively but also show apparent signs of observational errors. The DB model markedly outperformed the IDW model in the study region. Furthermore, the IDW model’s performance sharply declined when we randomly removed discharge gauging stations to test the model in a variety of data availability scenarios. The analysis here also throws some light on how errors in observational datasets and drainage area influence model performance and thus provides a better picture of the relative strengths of the two models. Overall, the results of this study support the notion that a calibration-free rainfall‒runoff model can be chosen to predict FDCs in discharge data-scarce regions. On a philosophical note, our study highlights the importance of process understanding for the development of meaningful hydrological models.
Effects of Different Components of PM2.5 on the Expression Levels of NF-κB Family Gene mRNA and Inflammatory Molecules in Human Macrophage
Authors: Zhu Jian , Zhao Yaming , Gao Yizhen , Li Chunyan , Zhou Liting , Qi Wen , Zhang Yuezhu , Ye Lin
Published: April 2019

Background: Studies have found that exposure to fine particulate matter with sizes below 2.5 µm (PM2.5) might cause inflammation response via the NF-κB pathway. To date, only a few studies have focused on the toxicity of different components of PM2.5. We aimed to explore the effects of PM2.5 with different components on the expression levels of NF-κB family gene mRNA and inflammatory molecules in human macrophages. Methods: Human monocytic cell line THP-1-derived macrophages were exposed to water-soluble (W-PM2.5), fat-soluble (F-PM2.5), and insoluble (I-PM2.5) PM2.5. The cell survival rate was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of inflammatory molecules were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the relative mRNA levels of the NF-κB family gene were determined by real time PCR. Results: PM2.5 could decrease the cell viability. After exposure to W-PM2.5, the levels of interleukins (IL)-1β and IL-12 p70 significantly increased. After exposure to F-PM2.5, the levels of IL-12 p70 significantly increased. The levels of IL-12 p70 and TNF-α after exposure to I-PM2.5 were significantly higher than that in W- and F-PM2.5 treatment groups. The levels of IL-8, C reactive protein (CRP), and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 increased only after exposure to I-PM2.5. F-PM2.5 increased the mRNA levels of NF-κB genes, especially NF-κB1 and RelA. Conclusions: PM2.5 can decrease the cell survival rate and up-regulate the expression of NF-κB family gene mRNA and inflammatory molecules. The main toxic components of PM2.5 related to inflammatory response in macrophages were the I-PM2.5.
Age Differences in the Relationship between Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Hui-Jian , Li Gai-Ling , Sun Ao , Peng Dang-Sheng , Zhang Wan-Xia , Yan You-E
Published: April 2019

Secondhand smoke (SHS), a common environmental exposure factor, has become a serious public health problem. Metabolic syndrome is another worldwide clinical challenge. Our study tried to determine the age differences in the relationship between SHS and the risk of metabolic syndrome. Studies were searched in PubMed and Web of Science from 11 November to 30 November 2018. Eighteen studies were finally included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The relationship between SHS and the risk indicators of metabolic syndrome was analyzed. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), and the standard mean difference (SMD) of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low- and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C, HDL-C) were calculated in a meta-analysis. SHS was positively associated with the level of insulin and WC. According to the subgroup analysis based on age difference, SHS was positively associated with FPG in the upper age group, and positively associated with LDL-C and negatively associated with HDL-C in the lower age group. BMI showed a more obvious positive correlation in the adults group than in the children and the teenagers group. In conclusion, the association of metabolic syndrome with SHS varies with age. When exposed to SHS, older people may be more susceptible to glucose metabolic disorder, but younger people may be more susceptible to lipid metabolic disorder.
How Are Self-Reported Physical and Mental Health Conditions Related to Vaping Activities among Smokers and Quitters: Findings from the ITC Four Country Smoking and Vaping Wave 1 Survey
Authors: Li Lin , Borland Ron , O’Connor Richard J. , Fong Geoffrey T. , McNeill Ann , Driezen Pete , Cummings K. Michael
Published: April 2019

This study examines whether having health conditions or concerns related to smoking is associated with use of vaping products. Data came from the 2016 wave of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Survey. Smokers and recent quitters (n = 11,344) were asked whether they had a medical diagnosis for nine health conditions (i.e., depression, anxiety, alcohol problems, severe obesity, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease) and concerns about past and future health effects of smoking, and their vaping activities. Respondents with depression and alcohol problems were more likely to be current vapers both daily (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.42, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.09–1.85, p < 0.05 for depression; and AOR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.27, p < 0.05 for alcohol) and monthly (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11–1.57 for depression, p < 0.01; and AOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.06–1.90, p < 0.05 for alcohol). Vaping was more likely at monthly level for those with severe obesity (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.29–2.43, p < 0.001), cancer (AOR = 5.19, 95% CI 2.20–12.24, p < 0.001), and concerns about future effects of smoking (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.47–2.28, p < 0.001). Positive associations were also found between chronic pain and concerns about past health effects of smoking and daily vaping. Only having heart disease was, in this case negatively, associated with use of vaping products on their last quit attempt (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.43–0.91, p < 0.05). Self-reported health condition or reduced health associated with smoking is not systematically leading to increased vaping or increased likelihood of using vaping as a quitting strategy.
Association Between Surrounding Greenness and Schizophrenia: A Taiwanese Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Hao-Ting , Wu Chih-Da , Pan Wen-Chi , Lung Shih-Chun Candice , Su Huey-Jen
Published: April 2019

This study aims to investigate the association between surrounding greenness and schizophrenia incidence in Taiwan. Data of 869,484 individuals without a history of schizophrenia were included from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database from 2000 through 2010 for analysis. The diagnoses of schizophrenia were based on ICD-9 codes. Greenness exposure was assessed using the satellite-based normalized difference vegetation index, assuming individuals lived near the hospital they most often visited for common cold during the study period. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to assess the association between greenness exposure and schizophrenia incidence after adjustments were made for the potential confounders. A total of 5,069 schizophrenia cases were newly diagnosed during the study period. A negative significant (p < 0.05) association found using 2000-m buffer distances (distance of a moderately paced 20-min walk) in the whole Taiwan island, cities, and metropolitan areas. The results of the stratified analysis based on sex and health insurance rate suggested surrounding greenness has approximately equal effects of reducing the risk of schizophrenia, regardless of sex or financial status. In conclusion, our findings suggest that more surrounding greenness may reduce the risk of schizophrenia.
Prevalence of Anemia in Chinese Children and Adolescents and Its Associated Factors
Authors: Wu Jinghuan , Hu Yichun , Li Min , Chen Jing , Mao Deqiao , Li Weidong , Wang Rui , Yang Yanhua , Piao Jianhua , Yang Lichen , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2019

In this study, we assessed the hemoglobin levels and anemia status of Chinese children and adolescents from the Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) in 2010–2012 and analyzed the factors associated with anemia. The hemoglobin concentration and prevalence of anemia for children and adolescents aged 6–17 years from both CNNHS 2010–2012 and CNNHS 2002 were analyzed. Multi-variable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with anemia. The mean hemoglobin concentration increased among Chinese children and adolescents, from 135.2 ± 13.9g/L in CNNHS 2002 to 141.2 ± 15.8 g/L in CNNHS 2010–2012, with the prevalence of anemia decreasing from 12.6% to 6.6% (p < 0.0001). Anemia was specifically related to girls (p < 0.0001); children aged 6–8 years (p = 0.0175), 12–14 years (p = 0.0007), and 15–17 years (p < 0.0001); ordinary rural areas (p = 0.0009) and poor rural areas (p < 0.0001);spring (p < 0.0001), autumn (p < 0.0001), and winter (p < 0.0001);underweight individuals (p < 0.0001); and an annual average income per capita of less than 20,000 RMB (p < 0.0001).The prevalence of anemia in Chinese children and adolescents has improved significantly in comparison to 10 years prior; however, it remains a public health problem in this population. Further research is required to understand the determinants of iron status, which could then lead to strategies to alleviate iron deficiency for Chinese children and adolescents, especially for girls, those living in rural areas, underweight individuals, and those with a low family income.
Dietary Lead Exposure and Associated Health Risks in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Man , Liang Boheng , Zhang Weiwei , Chen Kuncai , Zhang Yuhua , Zhou Hongwei , Cheng Yanfang , Liu Huachun , Zhong Xianwu , Li Yingyue , Liu Yufei
Published: April 2019

Lead exposure is associated with a wide range of adverse effects on human health. The principal exposure route in the general population is through the diet. In this study, we estimate the dietary lead intake and associated health risks among the residents of Guangzhou, China. Data on lead concentrations were derived from the food safety risk monitoring system, which included 6339 samples from 27 food categories collected in 2014–2017. Food consumption data were taken from a 2011 dietary survey of 2960 Guangzhou residents from 998 households. Dietary lead intake was estimated by age group (3–6, 7–17, 18–59, and ≥60 years), and relevant health risks were assessed using the margin of exposure (MOE) method. The mean and 95th percentiles (P95) of dietary lead intake were respectively 0.7466 and 2.4525 μg/kg body weight per day for preschool children aged 3–6 years; 0.4739 and 1.5522 μg/kg bw/day for school children aged 7–17 years; 0.3759 and 1.1832 μg/kg bw/day for adults aged 18–59 years; and 0.4031 and 1.3589 μg/kg bw/day for adults aged ≥60 years. The MOE value was less than 1 for preschool children at the mean exposure level and for all age groups at the P95 exposure level. Rice and its products, leafy vegetables, and wheat flour and its products were found to be the primary food sources of lead exposure. Our findings suggest that the health risk from dietary lead exposure is low for Guangzhou residents overall, but that young children and consumers of certain foods may be at increased risk. Continued efforts are needed to reduce the dietary lead exposure in Guangzhou.
Application of the Orthogonal Polynomial Fitting Method in Estimating PM2.5 Concentrations in Central and Southern Regions of China
Authors: Li Bingtian , Liu Yongzhi , Wang Xinyi , Fu Qingjun , Lv Xianqing
Published: April 2019

Sufficient and accurate air pollutant data are essential to analyze and control air contamination problems. An orthogonal polynomial fitting (OPF) method using Chebyshev basis functions is introduced to produce spatial distributions of fine particle (PM2.5) concentrations in central and southern regions of China. Idealized twin experiments (IE1 and IE2) are designed to validate the feasibility of the OPF method. IE1 is designed in accordance with the most common distribution of PM2.5 concentrations in China, whereas IE2 represents a common distribution in spring and autumn. In both idealized experiments, prescribed distributions are successfully estimated by the OPF method with smaller errors than kriging or Cressman interpolations. In practical experiments, cross-validation is employed to assess the interpolation results. Distributions of PM2.5 concentrations are well improved when OPF is applied. This suggests that errors decrease when the fitting order increases and arrives at the minimum when both orders reach 6. Results calculated by the OPF method are more accurate than kriging and Cressman interpolations if appropriate fitting orders are selected in practical experiments.
Three-Dimensional Calibration for Routine Analyses of Bromide and Nitrate Ions as Indicators of Groundwater Quality in Coastal Territories
Authors: Parrino Francesco , Camera-Roda Giovanni , Loddo Vittorio , Palmisano Leonardo
Published: April 2019

Nitrate and bromide ions are generally considered indicators of anthropogenic pollution and seawater intrusion, respectively, in the groundwater of coastal territories. The analysis of these species is generally carried out with routine chromatographic analyses which generally afford partially merged or poorly resolved peaks. In the present paper a simple method for the correct evaluation of their concentration in water is reported. This method does not imply utilization of other instruments or technologies, only the mathematical elaboration of the data obtained from routine analysis of standard solutions containing the two species. Standard binary solutions of nitrate and bromide ions at different concentrations, ranging between 0.1 and 2 mM, were analyzed by means of ion chromatography. Splitting two partially merged chromatographic peaks and considering each resulting area as originating from a single species produces “measured” concentration values which differ from the nominal ones. Such a procedure generates errors (one per species) which can be written as a function of the above mentioned “measured” concentrations and which can be graphically represented by means of a surface in a three-dimensional (3D) space. In this way, “measured” concentrations of bromide and nitrate ions can be corrected by calculating the errors generated under the experimental conditions at which the chromatographic separation is performed. Notably, this is analogous with the two-dimensional (2D) calibration normally carried out for analytical purposes. Indeed, both methods allow estimation of the unknown concentration of species in solution by correlating the instrumental response with the concentration of standard solutions.
The Mediating Role of Job Strain in the Transformational Leadership–Safety Behavior Link: The Buffering Effect of Self-Efficacy on Safety
Authors: Kim Byung-Jik , Jung Se-Youn
Published: April 2019

Although some previous studies have examined the impact of transformational leadership on safety behavior, those works have paid relatively less attention to the intermediating role of employees’ job strain in the link as well as contingent variables that moderate the relationship. Considering that not only job strain substantially affects employees’ perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors in an organization, but also there are some contextual factors that moderate the relationships, we investigated intermediating mechanisms (i.e., mediator and moderator) in the relationship between transformational leadership and safety behavior. Relying on the context-attitude-behavior framework, we conducted a structural equation modeling analysis with a moderated mediation model. Specifically, we hypothesized that the level of an employee’s job strain would mediate the transformational leadership–safety behavior link. We also hypothesized that an employee’s self-efficacy regarding safety would moderate the association between job strain and safety behavior. Using survey data from 997 South Korean employees, we found that all of our hypotheses were supported. The findings suggest that the level of an employee’s job strain mediates and elaborately explains the transformational leadership–safety behavior link. Moreover, an employee’s self-efficacy regarding safety is a buffering factor which decreases the harmful effects of job strain on safety behavior.
Social Support—A Protective Factor for Depressed Perinatal Women?
Authors: Milgrom Jeannette , Hirshler Yafit , Reece John , Holt Charlene , Gemmill Alan W.
Published: April 2019

Social support before and after childbirth is a possible protective factor for perinatal depression. Currently, there is a lack of longitudinal studies beyond the first year postpartum exploring the relationship of social support with depression and anxiety. Social support is also a possible protective factor for adverse child development, which is a known consequence of perinatal depression. The present study followed up a cohort of depressed women (n = 54) from a randomised controlled trial of psychological treatment for antenatal depression. We examined the trajectory of the relationships between perceived social support (Social Provisions Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory) twice in pregnancy and twice postpartum up to two years. The influence of social support on child development and parenting-related stress was also explored. Two aspects of social support, Reassurance of Worth and Reliable Alliance, were strongly related to perinatal depression and anxiety, particularly when predicting symptoms in late pregnancy. However, the effect of postnatal depression on child development at 9 and 24 months post-birth was not mediated by social support. These results suggest the importance of adjusting current interventions for depressed perinatal women to focus on social support in late pregnancy and the first six months postpartum.
Time to Onset of Paresthesia Among Community Members Exposed to the World Trade Center Disaster
Authors: Thawani Sujata , Wang Bin , Shao Yongzhao , Reibman Joan , Marmor Michael
Published: April 2019

We examined whether time to onset of paresthesia was associated with indicators of severity of World Trade Center (WTC) exposure. We analyzed data from 3411 patients from the Bellevue Hospital—WTC Environmental Health Center. Paresthesia was defined as present if the symptom occurred in the lower extremities with frequency “often” or “almost continuous.” We plotted hazard functions and used the log-rank test to compare time to onset of paresthesia between different exposure groups. We also used Cox regression analysis to examine risk factors for time-to-paresthesia after 9/11/2001 and calculate hazard ratios adjusted for potential confounders. We found significantly elevated hazard ratios for paresthesia for (a) working in a job that required cleaning of WTC dust in the workplace; and (b) being heavily exposed to WTC dust on September 11, 2001, after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and body mass index. These observational data are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure to WTC dust or some other aspect of cleaning WTC dust in the workplace, is associated with neuropathy and paresthesia. Further neurological evaluations of this and other WTC-exposed populations is warranted.
Reliability of Low-Cost, Sensor-Based Fine Dust Measurement Devices for Monitoring Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations
Authors: Cho Eun-Min , Jeon Hyung Jin , Yoon Dan Ki , Park Si Hyun , Hong Hyung Jin , Choi Kil Yong , Cho Heun Woo , Cheon Hyo Chang , Lee Cheol Min
Published: April 2019

Currently, low-cost, sensor-based fine dust measurement devices are commercially available in South Korea. This study evaluated the reliability of three such devices—Yi Shan A4, Plantower PMS7003, and Plantower PMS7003—in comparison to long-term consecutive monitoring systems for discharge and prevention facilities regarding fine dust control. The performance of these devices for concentration intervals over time was examined through real-time comparison using a GRIMM (Model: 11-A, dust spectrometer from Grimm Technologies) as a reference; this included a correction factor (C-Factor), calculated by a gravimetric method and an equivalence test. For comparison, the reference and target devices were installed in a chamber with fine dust concentrations of 2 µg/m3, with temperature and humidity maintained at 20 °C and 40%, respectively. The fine particulate matter (PM)2.5 concentrations were classified into five intervals: ≤40 µg/m3, 40–80 µg/m3, 80–120 µg/m3, 120–160 µg/m3, and 200–230 µg/m3. Statistical analysis was performed using data obtained from national stations for monitoring and controlling fine dust released from facilities under high fine dust loading conditions. The results showed that the measurements of all target devices, which were corrected according to the reference device, provided accurate values at PM2.5 concentrations of ≥40 µg/m3. The statistical analysis results suggest that the evaluated devices are more reliable than the conventional numerical-analysis-based monitoring system
Measuring Age Discrimination at Work: Spanish Adaptation and Preliminary Validation of the Nordic Age Discrimination Scale (NADS)
Authors: Carral Patricia , Alcover Carlos-María
Published: April 2019

Negative stereotypes about older workers can result in ageism and age discrimination in the workplace. The aim of this study is to carry out an adaptation to Spanish and a preliminary validation of the Nordic Age Discrimination Scale (NADS) in a sample of Spanish workers over 55 years of age. The study involved 209 employees aged between 55 and 67 years old (155 women (74.2%) and 54 men (25.8%)) working in the health sector with different professional categories (nurses, doctors, nursing assistants, ancillaries and health technicians). The reliability index of the six dimensions of the NADS (promotion, training, development, development appraisals, wage increase and change processes) measured by Cronbach’s alpha was α = 0.83. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, with the goodness-of-fit indexes used, reflect an acceptable adjustment of the single-factor structure of the NADS. Regarding criterion and construct validity, the NADS correlated positively and negatively with the respective variables in the expected directions, except in one case. These results indicate that the Spanish version of the NADS shows adequate levels of internal consistency and criterion validity, and this instrument meets standard psychometric properties in its Spanish version.
Developing A Sustainable Urban-Environmental Quality Evaluation System in China Based on A Hybrid Model
Authors: Shao Qigan , Weng Sung-Shun , Liou James J.H. , Lo Huai-Wei , Jiang Hongbo
Published: April 2019

In China, with the acceleration of urbanization, people pay more attention to the quality of urban environment. Air pollution, vegetation destruction, water waste and pollution, and waste sorting have restricted the sustainable development of urban environment. It is important to evaluate the impact of these environmental concerns as a prerequisite to implement an effective urban environmental sustainability policy. The aim of this paper is to establish a system for evaluating sustainable urban environmental quality in China. We extracted six dimensions and 29 criteria for assessing urban sustainable environment. Then, a fuzzy technique and the best worst method were applied to obtain the weights for the dimensions and criteria. Next, grey possibility values were applied to evaluate the sustainable environmental quality of five cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou in China. A sensitivity analysis was performed to identify how the ranking of these five cities changed when varying the weights of each criterion. The results show that pollution control, the natural environment, and water management are the three most important dimensions for urban environmental quality evaluation. We suggest that controlling pollutant emissions, strengthening food waste management, improving clean production processes, and utilizing heat energy are the effective measures to improve the urban environment and achieve sustainable urban environmental development.
Flobsion—Flexible Option with Benefit Sharing
Authors: Khabarov Nikolay , Lubowski Ruben , Krasovskii Andrey , Obersteiner Michael
Published: April 2019

Global environmental goals and the Paris agreement declared the need to avoid dangerous climate change by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases with an ultimate goal to transform today’s policies and reach climate neutrality before the end of the century. In the medium to long-term, climate policies imply rising CO 2 price and consequent financial risk for carbon-intensive producers. In this context, there is a need for tools to buffer CO 2 prices within the period of transition to greener technologies when the emission offsetting markets expose high volatility. Contracts for optional future purchase of carbon credits could provide emitters with a cost-efficient solution to address existing regulatory risks. At the same time, this would help to create much needed financing for the projects generating carbon credits in the future. This work presents the concept of a flobsion—a flexible option with benefit sharing—and demonstrates its advantages in terms of risk reduction for both seller and buyer as compared to both a “do nothing” strategy (offsetting at future market price) and a traditional option with a fixed strike price. The results are supported analytically and numerically, employing as a benchmark the dataset on historical CO 2 prices from the European Emission Trading Scheme. Flobsion has the potential to extend the traditional option in financial applications beyond compliance markets.
Cardioprotection Conferred by Sitagliptin Is Associated with Reduced Cardiac Angiotensin II/Angiotensin-(1-7) Balance in Experimental Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Beraldo Juliana Isa , Benetti Acaris , Borges-Júnior Flávio Araújo , Arruda-Junior Daniel F. , Martins Flavia Letícia , Jensen Leonardo , Dariolli Rafael , Shimizu Maria Heloisa , Seguro Antonio C. , Luchi Weverton M. , Girardi Adriana C. C.
Published: April 2019

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitors are antidiabetic agents that exert renoprotective actions independently of glucose lowering. Cardiac dysfunction is one of the main outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the effects of DPPIV inhibition on cardiac impairment during CKD progression remain elusive. This study investigated whether DPPIV inhibition mitigates cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in rats with a 5/6 renal ablation and evaluated if these effects are associated with changes in the cardiac renin-angiotensin system (RAS). To this end, male Wistar rats underwent a 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx) or sham operation, followed by an 8-week treatment period with the DPPIV inhibitor sitagliptin (IDPPIV) or vehicle. Nx rats had lower glomerular filtration rate, overt albuminuria and higher blood pressure compared to sham rats, whereas CKD progression was attenuated in Nx + IDPPIV rats. Additionally, Nx rats exhibited cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, which were associated with higher cardiac DPPIV activity and expression. The sitagliptin treatment prevented cardiac fibrosis and mitigated cardiac hypertrophy. The isovolumic relaxation time (IRVT) was higher in Nx than in sham rats, which was suggestive of CKD-associated-diastolic dysfunction. Sitagliptin significantly attenuated the increase in IRVT. Levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the heart tissue from Nx rats were higher while those of angiotensin-(1-7) Ang-(1-7) were lower than that in sham rats. This cardiac hormonal imbalance was completely prevented by sitagliptin. Collectively, these results suggest that DPPIV inhibition may delay the onset of cardiovascular impairment in CKD. Furthermore, these findings strengthen the hypothesis that a crosstalk between DPPIV and the renin-angiotensin system plays a role in the pathophysiology of cardiorenal syndromes.
Metastatic Niches and the Modulatory Contribution of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Its Exosomes
Authors: Valenzuela Alvarez Matias , Gutierrez Luciana M. , Correa Alejandro , Lazarowski Alberto , Bolontrade Marcela F.
Published: April 2019

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an interesting population due to their capacity to release a variety of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, and due to their motile nature and homing ability. MSCs can be isolated from different sources, like adipose tissue or bone marrow, and have the capacity to differentiate, both in vivo and in vitro, into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts, making them even more interesting in the regenerative medicine field. Tumor associated stroma has been recognized as a key element in tumor progression, necessary for the biological success of the tumor, and MSCs represent a functionally fundamental part of this associated stroma. Exosomes represent one of the dominant signaling pathways within the tumor microenvironment. Their biology raises high interest, with implications in different biological processes involved in cancer progression, such as the formation of the pre-metastatic niche. This is critical during the metastatic cascade, given that it is the formation of a permissive context that would allow metastatic tumor cells survival within the new environment. In this context, we explored the role of exosomes, particularly MSCs-derived exosomes as direct or indirect modulators. All this points out a possible new tool useful for designing better treatment and detection strategies for metastatic progression, including the management of chemoresistance.
Inhibition of IL-13 and IL-13Rα2 Expression by IL-32θ in Human Monocytic Cells Requires PKCδ and STAT3 Association
Authors: Pham Thu-Huyen , Bak Yesol , Oh Jae-Wook , Hong Jingi , Lee Seungyeoun , Hong Jin Tae , Yoon Do-Young
Published: April 2019

Interleukin (IL)-32θ, a newly identified IL-32 isoform, has been reported to exert pro-inflammatory effects through the association with protein kinase C delta (PKCδ). In this study, we further examined the effects of IL-32θ on IL-13 and IL-13Rα2 expression and the related mechanism in THP-1 cells. Upon stimulating IL-32θ-expressing and non-expressing cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), the previous microarray analysis showed that IL-13Rα2 and IL-13 mRNA expression were significantly decreased by IL-32θ. The protein expression of these factors was also confirmed to be down-regulated. The nuclear translocation of transcription factors STAT3 and STAT6, which are necessary for IL-13Rα2 and IL-13 promoter activities, was suppressed by IL-32θ. Additionally, a direct association was found between IL-32θ, PKCδ, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), but not STAT6, revealing that IL-32θ might act mainly through STAT3 and indirectly affect STAT6. Moreover, the interaction of IL-32θ with STAT3 requires PKCδ, since blocking PKCδ activity eliminated the interaction and consequently limited the inhibitory effect of IL-32θ on STAT3 activity. Interfering with STAT3 or STAT6 binding by decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) identified that IL-32θ had additive effects with the STAT3 decoy ODN to suppress IL-13 and IL-13Rα2 mRNA expression. Taken together, our data demonstrate the intracellular interaction of IL-32θ, PKCδ, and STAT3 to regulate IL-13 and IL-13Rα2 synthesis, supporting the role of IL-32θ as an inflammatory modulator.
Identification of Tea Plant Purple Acid Phosphatase Genes and Their Expression Responses to Excess Iron
Authors: Yin Chaoyan , Wang Fei , Fan Huiqin , Fang Yanming , Li Wenfeng
Published: April 2019

Purple acid phosphatase (PAP) encoding genes are a multigene family. PAPs require iron (Fe) to exert their functions that are involved in diverse biological roles including Fe homeostasis. However, the possible roles of PAPs in response to excess Fe remain unknown. In this study, we attempted to understand the regulation of PAPs by excess Fe in tea plant (Camellia sinensis). A genome-wide investigation of PAP encoding genes identified 19 CsPAP members based on the conserved motifs. The phylogenetic analysis showed that PAPs could be clustered into four groups, of which group II contained two specific cysteine-containing motifs “GGECGV” and “YERTC”. To explore the expression patterns of CsPAP genes in response to excessive Fe supply, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses were performed to compare their transcript abundances between tea plants that are grown under normal and high iron conditions, respectively. 17 members were shown to be transcribed in both roots and leaves. When supplied with a high amount of iron, the expression levels of four genes were significantly changed. Of which, CsPAP15a, CsPAP23 and CsPAP27c were shown as downregulated, while the highly expressed CsPAP10a was upregulated. Moreover, CsPAP23 was found to be alternatively spliced, suggesting its post-transcriptional regulation. The present work implicates that some CsPAP genes could be associated with the responses of tea plants to the iron regime, which may offer a new direction towards a further understanding of iron homeostasis and provide the potential approaches for crop improvement in terms of iron biofortification.
miR-128 Restriction of LINE-1 (L1) Retrotransposition Is Dependent on Targeting hnRNPA1 mRNA
Authors: Fung Lianna , Guzman Herlinda , Sevrioukov Evgueni , Idica Adam , Park Eddie , Bochnakian Aurore , Daugaard Iben , Jury Douglas , Mortazavi Ali , Zisoulis Dimitrios G. , Pedersen Irene M.
Published: April 2019

The majority of the human genome is made of transposable elements, giving rise to interspaced repeats, including Long INterspersed Element-1s (LINE-1s or L1s). L1s are active human transposable elements involved in genomic diversity and evolution; however, they can also contribute to genomic instability and diseases. L1s require host factors to complete their life cycles, whereas the host has evolved numerous mechanisms to restrict L1-induced mutagenesis. Restriction mechanisms in somatic cells include methylation of the L1 promoter, anti-viral factors and RNA-mediated processes such as small RNAs. microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress multiple target genes often found in the same cellular pathways. We have recently established that miR-128 functions as a novel restriction factor inhibiting L1 mobilization in somatic cells. We have further demonstrated that miR-128 functions through a dual mechanism; by directly targeting L1 RNA for degradation and indirectly by inhibiting a cellular co-factor which L1 is dependent on to transpose to new genomic locations (TNPO1). Here, we add another piece to the puzzle of the enigmatic L1 lifecycle. We show that miR-128 also inhibits another key cellular factor, hnRNPA1 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1), by significantly reducing mRNA and protein levels through direct interaction with the coding sequence (CDS) of hnRNPA1 mRNA. In addition, we demonstrate that repression of hnRNPA1 using hnRNPA1-shRNA significantly decreases de novo L1 retro-transposition and that induced hnRNPA1 expression enhances L1 mobilization. Furthermore, we establish that hnRNPA1 is a functional target of miR-128. Finally, we determine that induced hnRNPA1 expression in miR-128-overexpressing cells can partly rescue the miR-128-induced repression of L1′s ability to transpose to different genomic locations. Thus, we have identified an additional mechanism by which miR-128 represses L1 retro-transposition and mediates genomic stability.
The Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) on Pulmonary Fibroblasts of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)—A Next-Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatic Approach
Authors: Tsai Ming-Ju , Chang Wei-An , Liao Ssu-Hui , Chang Kuo-Feng , Sheu Chau-Chyun , Kuo Po-Lin
Published: April 2019

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disabling and lethal chronic progressive pulmonary disease. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenol, which is the major biological component of green tea. The anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects of EGCG have been shown in some studies, whereas its effects in altering gene expression in pulmonary fibroblasts have not been systematically investigated. This study aimed to explore the effect of EGCG on gene expression profiles in fibroblasts of IPF. The pulmonary fibroblasts from an IPF patient were treated with either EGCG or water, and the expression profiles of mRNAs and microRNAs were determined by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and analyzed with the bioinformatics approach. A total of 61 differentially expressed genes and 56 differentially expressed microRNAs were found in EGCG-treated IPF fibroblasts. Gene ontology analyses revealed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in the biosynthetic and metabolic processes of cholesterol. In addition, five potential altered microRNA–mRNA interactions were found, including hsa-miR-939-5p–PLXNA4, hsa-miR-3918–CTIF, hsa-miR-4768-5p–PDE5A, hsa-miR-1273g-3p–VPS53, and hsa-miR-1972–PCSK9. In summary, differentially expressed genes and microRNAs in response to EGCG treatment in IPF fibroblasts were identified in the current study. Our findings provide a scientific basis to evaluate the potential benefits of EGCG in IPF treatment, and warrant future studies to understand the role of molecular pathways underlying cholesterol homeostasis in the pathogenesis of IPF.