bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cytoskeleton—A Complex Interacting Meshwork
Authors: Hohmann Tim , Dehghani Faramarz
Published: April 2019

The cytoskeleton of animal cells is one of the most complicated and functionally versatile structures, involved in processes such as endocytosis, cell division, intra-cellular transport, motility, force transmission, reaction to external forces, adhesion and preservation, and adaptation of cell shape. These functions are mediated by three classical cytoskeletal filament types, as follows: Actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments. The named filaments form a network that is highly structured and dynamic, responding to external and internal cues with a quick reorganization that is orchestrated on the time scale of minutes and has to be tightly regulated. Especially in brain tumors, the cytoskeleton plays an important role in spreading and migration of tumor cells. As the cytoskeletal organization and regulation is complex and many-faceted, this review aims to summarize the findings about cytoskeletal filament types, including substructures formed by them, such as lamellipodia, stress fibers, and interactions between intermediate filaments, microtubules and actin. Additionally, crucial regulatory aspects of the cytoskeletal filaments and the formed substructures are discussed and integrated into the concepts of cell motility. Even though little is known about the impact of cytoskeletal alterations on the progress of glioma, a final point discussed will be the impact of established cytoskeletal alterations in the cellular behavior and invasion of glioma.
Structural Evolution of MoO3 Thin Films Deposited on Copper Substrates upon Annealing: An X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Macis Salvatore , Rezvani Javad , Davoli Ivan , Cibin Giannantonio , Spataro Bruno , Scifo Jessica , Faillace Luigi , Marcelli Augusto
Published: April 2019

Structural changes of MoO3 thin films deposited on thick copper substrates upon annealing at different temperatures were investigated via ex situ X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). From the analysis of the X-ray Absorption Near-Edge Structure (XANES) pre-edge and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), we show the dynamics of the structural order and of the valence state. As-deposited films were mainly disordered, and ordering phenomena did not occur for annealing temperatures up to 300 °C. At ~350 °C, a dominant α-MoO3 crystalline phase started to emerge, and XAS spectra ruled out the formation of a molybdenum dioxide phase. A further increase of the annealing temperature to ~500 °C resulted in a complex phase transformation with a concurrent reduction of Mo6+ ions to Mo4+. These original results suggest the possibility of using MoO3 as a hard, protective, transparent, and conductive material in different technologies, such as accelerating copper-based devices, to reduce damage at high gradients.
Phytomelatonin Regulates Keratinocytes Homeostasis Counteracting Aging Process
Authors: Ferri Francesca , Olivieri Fabio , Cannataro Roberto , Caroleo Maria Cristina , Cione Erika
Published: April 2019

Phytomelatonin (PM) gained the greatest interest for its application in agriculture and its use to improve human health conditions. PM based supplement has been shown to possess antioxidant capabilities because it functions as a free radical scavenger. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), induced by both intrinsic (peroxide production) and extrinsic (UV-radiation) factors are biochemical mediators crucial in skin aging. Skin aging is also regulated by specific microRNAs (miRs). Herein we have shown the effect of PM free radical scavengers on the human keratinocyte cell line HaCat and on ROS formation induced by both extrinsic and intrinsic factors as well as their capability to positively modulate a member of the hsa-miR-29 family linked to aging. Our result highlights the regulatory role of PM for the keratinocytes homeostasis.
The High Pressure Behavior of Galenobismutite, PbBi2S4: A Synchrotron Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction Study
Authors: Comodi Paola , Zucchini Azzurra , Balić-Žunić Tonci , Hanfland Michael , Collings Ines
Published: April 2019

High-pressure single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction data for galenobismutite, PbBi2S4 collected up to 20.9 GPa, were fitted by a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state, as suggested by a FE-fE plot, yielding V0 = 697.4(8) Å3, K0 = 51(1) GPa and K’ = 5.0(2). The axial moduli were M0a = 115(7) GPa and Ma’ = 28(2) for the a axis, M0b = 162(3) GPa and Mb’ = 8(3) for the b axis, M0c = 142(8) GPa and Mc’ = 26(2) for the c axis, with refined values of a0, b0, c0 equal to 11.791(7) Å, 14.540(6) Å 4.076(3) Å, respectively, and a ratio equal to M0a:M0b:M0c = 1.55:1:1.79. The main structural changes on compression were the M2 and M3 (occupied by Bi, Pb) movements toward the centers of their respective trigonal prism bodies and M3 changes towards CN8. The M1 site, occupied solely by Bi, regularizes the octahedral form with CN6. The eccentricities of all cation sites decreased with compression testifying for a decrease in stereochemical expression of lone electron pairs. Galenobismutite is isostructural with calcium ferrite CaFe2O4, the suggested high pressure structure can host Na and Al in the lower mantle. The study indicates that pressure enables the incorporation of other elements in this structure, increasing its potential significance for mantle mineralogy.
Action Recognition Using Single-Pixel Time-of-Flight Detection
Authors: Ofodile Ikechukwu , Helmi Ahmed , Clapés Albert , Avots Egils , Peensoo Kerttu Maria , Valdma Sandhra-Mirella , Valdmann Andreas , Valtna-Lukner Heli , Omelkov Sergey , Escalera Sergio , Ozcinar Cagri , Anbarjafari Gholamreza
Published: April 2019

Action recognition is a challenging task that plays an important role in many robotic systems, which highly depend on visual input feeds. However, due to privacy concerns, it is important to find a method which can recognise actions without using visual feed. In this paper, we propose a concept for detecting actions while preserving the test subject’s privacy. Our proposed method relies only on recording the temporal evolution of light pulses scattered back from the scene. Such data trace to record one action contains a sequence of one-dimensional arrays of voltage values acquired by a single-pixel detector at 1 GHz repetition rate. Information about both the distance to the object and its shape are embedded in the traces. We apply machine learning in the form of recurrent neural networks for data analysis and demonstrate successful action recognition. The experimental results show that our proposed method could achieve on average 96.47 % accuracy on the actions walking forward, walking backwards, sitting down, standing up and waving hand, using recurrent neural network.
Induction Motors Condition Monitoring System with Fault Diagnosis Using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Chang Hong-Chan , Jheng Yu-Ming , Kuo Cheng-Chien , Hsueh Yu-Min
Published: April 2019

This study develops a condition monitoring system, which includes operating condition monitoring (OCM) and fault diagnosis analysis (FDA). The OCM uses a vibration detection approach based on the ISO 10816-1 and NEMA MG-1 international standards, and the FDA uses a vibration-electrical hybrid approach based on various indices. The system can acquire real-time vibration and electrical signals. Once an abnormal vibration has been detected by using OCM, the FDA is applied to classify the type of faults. Laboratory results indicate that the OCM can successfully diagnose induction motors healthy condition, and FDA can classify the various damages stator fault, rotor fault, bearing fault and eccentric fault. The FDA with the hybrid approach is more reliable than the traditional approach using electrical detection alone. The proposed condition monitoring system can provide simple and clear maintenance information to improve the reliability of motor operations.
A Reliable Acoustic EMISSION Based Technique for the Detection of a Small Leak in a Pipeline System
Authors: Quy Thang Bui , Muhammad Sohaib , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a reliable leak detection method for water pipelines under different operating conditions. This approach segments acoustic emission (AE) signals into short frames based on the Hanning window, with an overlap of 50%. After segmentation from each frame, an intermediate quantity, which contains the symptoms of a leak and keeps its characteristic adequately stable even when the environmental conditions change, is calculated. Finally, a k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifier is trained using features extracted from the transformed signals to identify leaks in the pipeline. Experiments are conducted under different conditions to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results of the study indicate that this method offers better quality and more reliability than using features extracted directly from the AE signals to train the KNN classifier. Moreover, the proposed method requires less training data than existing techniques. The transformation method is highly accurate and works well even when only a small amount of data is used to train the classifier, whereas the direct AE-based method returns misclassifications in some cases. In addition, robustness is also tested by adding Gaussian noise to the AE signals. The proposed method is more resistant to noise than the direct AE-based method.
Rescheduling of Generators with Pumped Hydro Storage Units to Relieve Congestion Incorporating Flower Pollination Optimization
Authors: Sankaramurthy Padmini , Chokkalingam Bharatiraja , Padmanaban Sanjeevikumar , Leonowicz Zbigniew , Adedayo Yusuff
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) has been proposed for relieving congestion in the deregulated power electricity industry. Congestion in the power market is one the contemplative challenges to be overcome in the era of deregulation. The primary cause of congestion is due to the loss of the transmission line, an increase in load, or loss of generator(s). Hence, managing congestion is one of the issues which have to be tackled in the present scenario. There are several techniques to relieve congestion. It is quite well-known that the thermal limits of transmission lines in a power system are fixed. One of the methods to abate congestion is to reschedule the real power of the generators. The purpose of the present work is to benefit the Independent System Operator (ISO) in reliving congestion. (1) In order to meet this objective effectively, a FPA algorithm has been proposed for relieving congestion and is simulated on a modified IEEE 30-bus system initially. (2) Congestion cost, compared with and without the application of FPA, is computed. (3) To validate its effectiveness, the obtained results are compared with recent power system optimization algorithms present in the literature. (4) Further, the work has been extended with the incorporation of a Pumped Hydro Storage Unit (PHSU). Here an economic analysis of congestion cost reduction employing FPA before and after the incorporation of PHSU is investigated applying FPA. In comparison with other evolutionary algorithms, the uniqueness of generating a new population is attained in FPA by the levy flight procedure. It is one of the latest evolved algorithms and is suited for different power system problem due to fewer clear-cut tuning parameters in contrast with other algorithms. (5) Furthermore, the effects of other network parameters, including system losses and voltage, has been computed. The result obtained is tested in terms of congestion mitigation with and without the incorporation of PHSU, in terms of novel objective improvement, and with and without applying recently evolving FPA for the above application. Thus the objective-wise and algorithmic-wise innovative concept has been presented. This proves effectiveness of the algorithm in terms of minimized cost convergence and other parameter including system losses and voltage before and after the incorporation of PHSU as compared with other recent trendsetting reported optimization techniques.
A Review of Willingness to Pay Studies for Climate Change Mitigation in the Energy Sector
Authors: Streimikiene Dalia , Balezentis Tomas , Alisauskaite-Seskiene Ilona , Stankuniene Gintare , Simanaviciene Zaneta
Published: April 2019

A wide range of climate change mitigation policies have been developed around the world and these policies have become one of the major concerns, however there is still debate among scientists about what are the main external benefits and how to account for them and prepare effective climate change mitigation policies that might be widely accepted by society in general. One of the main ways to assess external benefit of climate change mitigation in energy sector is to conduct Willingness to Pay (WTP) assessments for climate change mitigation options by households. There are many studies on WTP assessment for climate stability conducted in recent years. The paper surveys the existing literature on WTP for climate change mitigation policy in the energy sector. The aim of the paper is to identify the common variables across a varied set of WTP studies in order to establish a basis for comparison. The key variables selected for analysis of WTP studies for climate change mitigation in energy sector addressed in the paper are: the WTP assessment methods; the main attributes used for comparing alternatives in WTP studies, targeted climate change mitigation policies in energy sector, mathematical model used to estimate WTP, the main socio-demographic factors having impact on WTP for climate change mitigation policies. The analysis of WTP studies for climate change mitigation is grouped in two areas: renewables and energy efficiency measures in households. The paper provides analytical structure for future studies to evaluate the effects of variation in key comparative elements upon WTP.
Classroom Furniture Mismatch and Back Pain Among Adolescent School-Children in Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia
Authors: Assiri Abdullah , Mahfouz Ahmed , Awadalla Nabil , Abouelyazid Ahmed , Shalaby Medhat , Abogamal Ahmed , Alsabaani Abdullah , Riaz Fatima
Published: April 2019

Objective: To explore the potential classroom furniture mismatch with students’ anthropometric measurements and back pain related to sitting for extended periods. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on all twelve male and female intermediate and secondary schools located in Abha city. Anthropometric and classroom furniture measurements were assessed, and the mismatch was determined using standardized methods. Students were also screened for back pain related to long sitting at school. Results: A total number of 879 students was selected. The study revealed seat height mismatch in both intermediate, and secondary school of 84.3%, and 75.6%, respectively. Seat depth mismatch was 74.0% in intermediate schools and reached 84.5% in secondary schools. The desk height was improper for 94.1%, and 82.3% of students in intermediate, and secondary schools, respectively. The levels of mismatch differ significantly by grade level and gender. A prevalence of 10.8% of back pain related to long sitting at school was found. In multivariable logistic regression, males, intermediate school children, and the presence of buttock-popliteal length/seat depth mismatch were significantly associated with pain. On the other hand, practicing exercise was a significant protective factor. Conclusions: There is a prevalent mismatch between students’ dimensions and existing schools’ furniture. School furniture providers should take in consideration the average Saudi students’ dimensions, while designing school furniture especially for males, and at intermediate schools, or provide schools with adjustable seats and desks.
Learning by Doing and Training Satisfaction: An Evaluation by Health Care Professionals
Authors: Gil-Lacruz Marta , Gracia-Pérez María Luisa , Gil-Lacruz Ana Isabel
Published: April 2019

As one of the training methodologies employed in the health care context, ‘Learning by Doing’ prioritizes the transference of competence, control, and workplace motivation. However, there are few published works that consider the opinions of health care professionals in relation to the effects of this kind of training on their workplace competence. The goal of this research was to evaluate the level of satisfaction and impact on quality of care, as perceived by the health care professionals that participated in this training program (Formative Focus). The evaluation utilized an online questionnaire that assessed professional satisfaction through five dimensions: The training methodology; the training program; its economic impact; perceived improvement in professional competence; and, perceived improvement in quality of care. A total of 364 health professionals took part in the training course and were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The variables that contemplated satisfaction were related to quality of care and preferences regarding the training methodology. Participants preferred interactive methods for learning with emphasis on practical contents. In terms of application of learning to their jobs, health care professionals found Learning by Doing skills more useful to transfer to their workplace. This experience of Learning by Doing training indicates an interesting potential for impact on improvement: Quality of health care, health care competence of professionals, and organizational development.
A Comparative Analysis of Lifetime Medical Conditions and Infectious Diseases by Sexual Identity, Attraction, and Concordance among Women: Results from a National U.S. Survey
Authors: Horn Kelly , Swartz James A.
Published: April 2019

There have been limited studies assessing the differences in chronic health conditions between sexual minority (those who identify as lesbian or bisexual) and sexual majority (heterosexual) women. Research has primarily focused on overall physical and mental health or behavioral issues and not on specific health conditions. The addition of sexual orientation and attraction questions to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) now allows for research regarding health conditions using a national survey that identifies participant sexual orientation and attraction. This study sought to compare the prevalence/odds of having 10 medical conditions/infectious diseases among women, assessing for differences associated with sexual identity, sexual attraction, and the degree of concordance between sexual identity and attraction. Data from 67,648 adult female participants in the 2015–2017 NSDUH survey were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models to assess for differences in prevalence/odds of seven medical conditions. Multivariable models adjusted for demographics, substance abuse/dependence, and mental illness. We found significant differences by sexual identity, but not sexual attraction or concordance. Compared with heterosexually identified women, women who identified as bisexual had significantly higher odds of having three medical conditions and two infectious diseases than heterosexual or lesbian women. The findings generally support those based on studies using more limited geographical samples. There are a number of potential associated and underlying factors that contribute to bisexual women reporting overall poorer health than heterosexual or lesbian women. The factors discussed include stigma, delays in seeking care, lack of insurance and access, and sexual minority women receiving poorer health care generally.
Can Work Engagement Be a Resource for Reducing Workaholism’s Undesirable Outcomes? A Multiple Mediating Model Including Moderated Mediation Analysis
Authors: Scafuri Kovalchuk Liliya , Buono Carmela , Ingusci Emanuela , Maiorano Francesco , De Carlo Elisa , Madaro Andreina , Spagnoli Paola
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to explore a possible process explaining the relationship between workaholism and sleep disorders, including two mediators: work–family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, since a possible buffering role of work engagement was recently proposed against the detrimental effects of workaholism, the aim was to examine the moderating role of work engagement in the relationship between workaholism and several outcomes such as work–family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and sleep disorders. Two models were tested using conditional process analysis for testing direct and indirect effects on a sample of 395 employees: (1) a serial multiple mediation model, and (2) the same serial multiple mediation model including the moderating role of work engagement. Results showed a significant mediating effect of both work–family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Moreover, work engagement moderated the relationship between workaholism and work–family conflict and the relationship between workaholism and emotional exhaustion. This work contributes to the understanding of the process underlying the relationship between workaholism and sleep disorders and to the literature reporting the possible protective role of work engagement on the negative outcomes of workaholism. Practical implications are also discussed.
A Survey of Work-Related Pain Prevalence Among Construction Workers in Hong Kong: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chung Joanne W.Y. , So Henry C.F. , Yan Vincent C.M. , Kwok Phoebe S.T. , Wong Bonny Y.M. , Yang Jackie Y. , Chan Albert P.C.
Published: April 2019

Construction workers undertake demanding physical work and face high risk of injuries in poor working environments. This case-control study investigated the extent of their musculoskeletal pain incidence at work. A total of 2021 construction workers in different trades were interviewed on-site in a survey from December 2017 to December 2018. The survey results revealed that the pain prevalence of the subjects in the last 24 h was 10.6 %. The worst and top most common pain spots caused by work were central lower back, left/right shoulders, and knees. Regarding pain management, their most common method was to ignore the pain (21.4%). The average percentage of pain relief after receiving treatment in the 24 h was 37.12%. Besides, significant differences were found between the pain and non-pain groups regarding their employment duration in current job or their average sleep duration in the 24 h. The study showed that those with multiple and bilateral pain sites had pain interference on their living activities.
Breeding Site Characteristics and Associated Factors of Culex pipiens Complex in Lhasa, Tibet, P. R. China
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Baimaciwang  , Yue Yujuan , Wu Haixia , Pengcuociren  , Guo Yuhong , Cirenwangla  , Ren Dongsheng , Danzenggongga  , Dazhen  , Yang Jun , Zhaxisangmu  , Li Jing , Cirendeji  , Zhao Ning , Sun Jimin , Li Jing , Wang Jun , Cirendunzhu  , Liu Qiyong
Published: April 2019

Characterizing the breeding sites of Culex pipiens complex is of major importance for the control of West Nile disease and other related diseases. However, little information is available about the characteristics and associated factors of the breeding sites of the Cx. pipiens complex in Lhasa, a representative high-altitude region in Southwestern China. In this study, a cross-sectional study concerning the breeding site characteristics and associated factors of the Cx. pipiens complex was carried out in Lhasa, Tibet from 2013–2016. Chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were applied to identify the key factors associated with the presence of Cx. pipiens complex larvae. Using a standard dipping method, 184 water bodies were examined and Cx. pipiens complex larvae were observed in 36 (19.57%) of them. There were significant differences in the composition of Cx. pipiens complex larvae among the breeding site stability (χ2 = 19.08, p = 0.00) and presence or absence of predators (χ2 = 6.986, p = 0.008). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that breeding site stability and presence or absence of predators were significantly associated with the presence of Cx. pipiens complex larvae in Chengguan District, Lhasa. Relatively permanent water bodies such as water bodies along river fringes, ponds and puddles, and water bodies with no predators should be paid more attention for future Cx. pipiens complex larvae abatement campaigns in Lhasa, China.
Beyond PD-L1 Markers for Lung Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Kalinka Ewa , Grenda Anna , Krawczyk Paweł , Milanowski Janusz
Published: April 2019

Immunotherapy using immune checkpoints inhibitors has become the standard treatment for first and second line therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, proper predictive factors allowing precise qualification of NSCLC patients for immunotherapy have not been developed so far. Expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells and tumor mutation burden are used in qualification of patients to first line therapy with pembrolizumab and atezolizumab in combination with ipilimumab in prospective clinical trials. Nevertheless, not all patients with these predictive factors benefit from immunotherapy. Major methodological difficulties in testing of these factors and in the interpretation of test results still exist. Therefore, other predictive factors are sought. Intensive research on the recognition of tumor immunophenotype and gut microbiome in NSCLC patients are underway. The first correlations between the effectiveness of immunotherapy and the intensity of inflammatory response in the tumor, microbiome diversity, and the occurrence of certain bacterial species in gut have been described. The purpose of our manuscript is to draw attention to factors affecting the efficacy of immunotherapy with anti-PD-L1 antibodies in NSCLC patients. Additional markers, for example TMB (tumor mutations burden) or microbiome profile, are needed to more accurately determine which patients will benefit from immunotherapy treatment.
A Small In Vitro Fermentation Model for Screening the Gut Microbiota Effects of Different Fiber Preparations
Authors: Tsitko Irina , Wiik-Miettinen Fanny , Mattila Outi , Rosa-Sibakov Natalia , Seppänen-Laakso Tuulikki , Maukonen Johanna , Nordlund Emilia , Saarela Maria
Published: April 2019

The development of prebiotic fibers requires fast high-throughput screening of their effects on the gut microbiota. We demonstrated the applicability of a mictotiter plate in the in vitro fermentation models for the screening of potentially-prebiotic dietary fibers. The effects of seven rye bran-, oat- and linseed-derived fiber preparations on the human fecal microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid production were studied. The model was also used to study whether fibers can alleviate the harmful effects of amoxicillin-clavulanate on the microbiota. The antibiotic induced a shift in the bacterial community in the absence of fibers by decreasing the relative amounts of Bifidobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and increasing proteobacterial Sutterilaceae levels from 1% to 11% of the total microbiota. The fermentation of rye bran, enzymatically treated rye bran, its insoluble fraction, soluble oat fiber and a mixture of rye fiber:soluble oat fiber:linseed resulted in a significant increase in butyrate production and a bifidogenic effect in the absence of the antibiotic. These fibers were also able to counteract the negative effects of the antibiotic and prevent the decrease in the relative amount of bifidobacteria. Insoluble and soluble rye bran fractions and soluble oat fiber were the best for controlling the level of proteobacteria at the level below 2%.
A Template Generation and Improvement Approach for Finger-Vein Recognition
Authors: Qin Huafeng , Wang Peng
Published: April 2019

Finger-vein biometrics have been extensively investigated for person verification. One of the open issues in finger-vein verification is the lack of robustness against variations of vein patterns due to the changes in physiological and imaging conditions during the acquisition process, which results in large intra-class variations among the finger-vein images captured from the same finger and may degrade the system performance. Despite recent advances in biometric template generation and improvement, current solutions mainly focus on the extrinsic biometrics (e.g., fingerprints, face, signature) instead of intrinsic biometrics (e.g., vein). This paper proposes a weighted least square regression based model to generate and improve enrollment template for finger-vein verification. Driven by the primary target of biometric template generation and improvement, i.e., verification error minimization, we assume that a good template has the smallest intra-class distance with respect to the images from the same class in a verification system. Based on this assumption, the finger-vein template generation is converted into an optimization problem. To improve the performance, the weights associated with similarity are computed for template generation. Then, the enrollment template is generated by solving the optimization problem. Subsequently, a template improvement model is proposed to gradually update vein features in the template. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proposed work of template generation and improvement for finger-vein biometrics. The experimental results on two public finger-vein databases show that the proposed schemes minimize the intra-class variations among samples and significantly improve finger-vein recognition accuracy.
Role of a Structured Physical Activity Pathway in Improving Functional Disability, Pain and Quality of Life in a Case of Breast and Gynecological Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Mirandola Daniela , Muraca Maria Grazia , Sgambati Eleonora , Manetti Mirko , Marini Mirca
Published: April 2019

Physical activity (PA) interventions can improve physical functioning, treatment-related symptoms and quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivors. Most investigations have been conducted in breast cancer survivors, while studies on PA interventions in gynecological cancer survivors are scant. Here, we report for the first time the possible benefits of a structured PA pathway (i.e., eight weeks of adapted PA followed by twelve weeks of adapted fitness) on physical side effects, pain and QoL in an uncommon case of survivorship of both primary breast and gynecological cancers. For this purpose, a 69-year-old woman was assessed by functional test battery (shoulder–arm mobility, range of motion, back flexibility) at baseline and after the structured PA pathway. QoL and surgical shoulder, back and lower limb pain intensity were evaluated by Short Form-12 (SF-12) and numerical rating scale questionnaires, respectively. Lower limb circumference was also assessed. Improvement in upper limb function, reduction of lower limb edema and pain perception, as well as an increase in overall QoL were achieved after the completion of structured PA intervention. Our findings suggest that a PA intervention tailored to individual characteristics may represent an effective countermeasure to reduce post-treatment functional disability and pain, and thus to improve QoL in breast and gynecologic cancer survivors.
Impact of Sarcopenia and Frailty in a Multicenter Cohort of Polypathological Patients
Authors: Bernabeu-Wittel Máximo , González-Molina Álvaro , Fernández-Ojeda Rocío , Díez-Manglano Jesús , Salgado Fernando , Soto-Martín María , Muniesa Marta , Ollero-Baturone Manuel , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: April 2019

The prevalence, relationships and outcomes of sarcopenia and frailty in polypathological patients remain unknown. We performed a multicenter prospective observational study in six hospitals in order to assess prevalence, clinical features, outcome and associated risk factors of sarcopenia and frailty in a hospital-based population of polypathological patients. The cohort was recruited by performing prevalence surveys every 14 days during the inclusion period (March 2012–June 2016). Sarcopenia was assessed by means of EWGSOP criteria and frailty by means of Fried’s criteria. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by tetrapolar bioimpedanciometry. All patients were followed for 12 months. Factors associated with sarcopenia, frailty and mortality were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, and Kaplan–Meier curves. A total of 444 patients (77.3 ± 8.4 years, 55% males) were included. Sarcopenia was present in 97 patients (21.8%), this being moderate in 54 (12.2%), and severe in 43 (9.6%); frailty was present in 278 patients (62.6%), and 140 (31.6%) were pre-frail; combined sarcopenia and frailty were present in the same patient in 80 (18%) patients. Factors independently associated to the presence of both, sarcopenia and frailty were female gender, older age, different chronic conditions, poor functional status, low body mass index, asthenia and depressive disorders, and low leucocytes and lymphocytes count. Mortality in the 12-months follow-up period was 40%. Patients with sarcopenia, frailty or both survived significantly less than those without these conditions. Sarcopenia and frailty are frequent and interrelated conditions in polypathological patients, shadowing their survival. Their early recognition and management could improve health-related outcomes in this population.
Performance Simulation of the Transportation Process Risk of Bauxite Carriers Based on the Markov Chain and Cloud Model
Authors: Wu Jianjun , Hu Shenping , Jin Yongxing , Fei Jiangang , Fu Shanshan
Published: April 2019

China imports a large quantity of bauxite each year. Bauxite in fine particles with high moisture has a high risk of liquefaction during the maritime transportation process, which is harmful to the stability and safety of the carrier. To ensure safe shipping, it is necessary to pay attention to the effects of the operation of cargo, the ship’s maneuvering and the ocean environment during the whole transportation process. The simulation of the process risk helps to develop measures to intervene with the cargo behavior to keep the risk to an acceptable level. This study examined the transportation process of a bauxite carrier using the Markov Chain method at different stages of loading, unberthing, departure and sea navigation. Based on the risk transfer matrix of the operational status at different stages of transportation, a cloud simulation model was developed to analyze the transportation process risk of a ship carrying bulk bauxite. Results: the research revealed that the risk evolution rule of the solid bulk cargoes with potential liquefaction during the transportation process, especially bauxite. The risk alteration during the prophase of the transportation process conforms to the rule of the “spoon curve”. Conclusions: a simulation model of the process risk based on the Markov Chain Cloud is suitable for the simulation analysis of the transportation risk of the bulk bauxite carrier. The outcomes of this study may contribute to better safety management to prevent the occurrence of ship capsizing.
A Study of the Maximum Momentum Flux in the Solitary Wave Run-Up Zone over Back-Reef Slopes Based on a Boussinesq Model
Authors: Liu Weijie , Shao Keqi , Ning Yue
Published: April 2019

This study utilized a shock-capturing Boussinesq model FUNWAVE-TVD to investigate the maximum momentum flux in the solitary wave run-up zone over back-reef slopes. Validation results of the present model were compared to the previous version of FUNWAVE using the eddy viscosity breaking model to demonstrate the advantages of the shock-capturing method in predicting the breaking solitary wave transformation and run-up over fringing reefs. A series of numerical experiments was designed comprehensively and performed then to obtain a new formulation for the envelope of the spatial distribution of the maximum momentum flux within the solitary wave run-up zone over back-reef beaches, which is different from the one used over uniformly-sloping beaches. Finally, the effects of the variation of reef parameters (i.e., the fore-reef slope angle, reef flat width, and water depth over the reef flat) on the maximum momentum flux at the initial shoreline were investigated to better understand the role of fringing reefs in the mitigation of tsunami hazard.
Influence of Scanning Speed on Microstructure and Properties of Laser Cladded Fe-Based Amorphous Coatings
Authors: Hou Xiangchun , Du Dong , Chang Baohua , Ma Ninshu
Published: April 2019

Fe-based amorphous alloys with excellent mechanical properties are suitable for preparing wear resistant coatings by laser cladding. In this study, a novel Fe-based amorphous coating was prepared by laser cladding on 3Cr13 stainless steel substrates. The influence of scanning speeds on the microstructures and properties of the coatings was investigated. The microstructure compositions and phases were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, electron probe microanalyzer, and x-ray diffraction respectively. Results showed that the microstructures of the coatings changed significantly with the increase of scanning speeds. For a scanning speed of 6 mm/s, the cladding layer was a mixture of amorphous and crystalline regions. For a scanning speed of 8 mm/s, the cladding layer was mainly composed of block grain structures. For a scanning speed of 10 mm/s, the cladding layer was composed entirely of dendrites. Different dilution rates at the bonding zones were the main reasons for the microstructure change for different claddings. For all three scanning speeds, the coatings had higher hardness and wear resistance when compared with the substrate; as the scanning speed increased, the hardness and wear resistance of the coatings gradually decreased due to the change in microstructure.
Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Global Distribution of Mangroves―A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Nabeelah Bibi Sadeer , Fawzi Mahomoodally Mohamad , Gokhan Zengin , Rajesh Jeewon , Nadeem Nazurally , R.R. Rengasamy Kannan , R.D.D.G. Albuquerque , Pandian Shunmugiah Karutha
Published: April 2019

Mangroves are ecologically important plants in marine habitats that occupy the coastlines of many countries. In addition to their key ecological importance, various parts of mangroves are widely used in folklore medicine and claimed to effectively manage a panoply of human pathologies. To date, no comprehensive attempt has been made to compile and critically analyze the published literature in light of its ethnopharmacological uses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the morphological characteristics, ethnobotany, global distribution, taxonomy, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profiles, and pharmacological activities of traditionally used mangroves. Out of 84 mangrove species, only 27 species were found to be traditionally used, however not all of them are pharmacologically validated. The most common pharmacological activities reported were antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. Mangroves traditionally reported against ulcers have not been extensively validated for possible pharmacological properties. Terpenoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins were the main classes of phytochemicals isolated from mangroves. Given that mangroves have huge potential for a wide array of medicinal products and drug discovery to prevent and treat many diseases, there is a dire need for careful investigations substantiated with accurate scientific and clinical evidence to ensure safety and efficient use of these plants and validate their pharmacological properties and toxicity.
Biomarker Discovery for Cytochrome P450 1A2 Activity Assessment in Rats, Based on Metabolomics
Authors: Pu Xiao , Gao Yiqiao , Li Ruiting , Li Wei , Tian Yuan , Zhang Zunjian , Xu Fengguo
Published: April 2019

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) is one of the major CYP450 enzymes (CYPs) in the liver, and participates in the biotransformation of various xenobiotics and endogenous signaling molecules. The expression and activity of CYP1A2 show large individual differences, due to genetic and environmental factors. In order to discover non-invasive serum biomarkers associated with hepatic CYP1A2, mass spectrometry-based, untargeted metabolomics were first conducted, in order to dissect the metabolic differences in the serum and liver between control rats and β-naphthoflavone (an inducer of CYP1A2)-treated rats. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and pharmacokinetic analysis of phenacetin and paracetamol were performed, in order to determine the changes of mRNA levels and activity of CYP1A2 in these two groups, respectively. Branched-chain amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine were ultimately focalized, as they were detected in both the serum and liver with the same trends. These findings were further confirmed by absolute quantification via a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based targeted metabolomics approach. Furthermore, the ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine concentration was also found to be highly correlated with CYP1A2 activity and gene expression. This study demonstrates that metabolomics can be a potentially useful tool for biomarker discovery associated with CYPs. Our findings contribute to explaining interindividual variations in CYP1A2-mediated drug metabolism.
Effect of Conditioner Type and Downforce, and Pad Surface Micro-Texture on SiO2 Chemical Mechanical Planarization Performance
Authors: McAllister Jeffrey , Stuffle Calliandra , Sampurno Yasa , Hetherington Dale , Sierra Suarez Jon , Borucki Leonard , Philipossian Ara
Published: April 2019

Based on a previous work where we investigated the effect of conditioner type and downforce on the evolution of pad surface micro-texture during break-in, we have chosen certain break-in conditions to carry out subsequent blanket SiO2 wafer polishing studies. Two different conditioner discs were used in conjunction with up to two different conditioning downforces. For each disc-downforce combination, mini-marathons were run using SiO2 wafers. Prior to polishing, each pad was broken-in for 30 min with one of the conditioner-downforce combinations. The goal of this study was to polish wafers after this break-in to see how the polishing process behaved immediately after break-in. One of the discs used in this study produced similar micro-texture results at both downforces, which echoed the results seen in the mini-marathon. When comparing the different polishing results obtained from breaking-in the pad with the different discs used in this study, the coefficient of friction (COF) and SiO2 removal rate (RR) were uncorrelated in all cases. However, the use of different discs resulted in different COF and RR trends. The uncorrelated COF and RR, as well as the differing trends, were explained by pad micro-texture results (i.e. the differing amount of fractured, poorly supported pad asperity summits).
Anionic Polymerization Using Flow Microreactors
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Nagaki Aiichiro
Published: April 2019

Flow microreactors are expected to make a revolutionary change in chemical synthesis involving various fields of polymer synthesis. In fact, extensive flow microreactor studies have opened up new possibilities in polymer chemistry including cationic polymerization, anionic polymerization, radical polymerization, coordination polymerization, polycondensation and ring-opening polymerization. This review provides an overview of flow microreactors in anionic polymerization and their various applications.
MMP-9 Downregulation with Lipid Nanoparticles for Inhibiting Corneal Neovascularization by Gene Silencing
Authors: Torrecilla Josune , Gómez-Aguado Itziar , Vicente-Pascual Mónica , del Pozo-Rodríguez Ana , Solinís María Ángeles , Rodríguez-Gascón Alicia
Published: April 2019

Gene silencing targeting proangiogenic factors have been shown to be a useful strategy in the treatment of corneal neovascularization (CNV). Among interference RNA (RNAi) molecules, short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) is a plasmid-coded RNA able to down-regulate the expression of the desired gene. It is continuously produced in the host cell, inducing a durable gene silencing effect. The aim of this work was to develop a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based shRNA delivery system to downregulate metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), a proangiogenic factor, in corneal cells for the treatment of CNV associated with inflammation. The nanovectors were prepared using a solvent emulsification-evaporation technique, and after physicochemical evaluation, they were evaluated in different culture cell models. Transfection efficacy, cell internalization, cell viability, the effect on MMP-9 expression, and cell migration were evaluated in human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-2). The inhibition of tube formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was also assayed. The non-viral vectors based on SLN were able to downregulate the MMP-9 expression in HCE-2 cells via gene silencing, and, consequently, to inhibit cell migration and tube formation. These results demonstrate the potential of lipid nanoparticles as gene delivery systems for the treatment of CNV-associated inflammation by RNAi technology.
Unhealthy yet Avoidable—How Cognitive Bias Modification Alters Behavioral and Brain Responses to Food Cues in Individuals with Obesity
Authors: Mehl Nora , Morys Filip , Villringer Arno , Horstmann Annette
Published: April 2019

Obesity is associated with automatically approaching problematic stimuli, such as unhealthy food. Cognitive bias modification (CBM) could beneficially impact problematic approach behavior. However, it is unclear which mechanisms are targeted by CBM in obesity. Candidate mechanisms include: (1) altering reward value of food stimuli; and (2) strengthening inhibitory abilities. Thirty-three obese adults completed either CBM or sham training during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning. CBM consisted of implicit training to approach healthy and avoid unhealthy foods. At baseline, approach tendencies towards food were present in all participants. Avoiding vs. approaching food was associated with higher activity in the right angular gyrus (rAG). CBM resulted in a diminished approach bias towards unhealthy food, decreased activation in the rAG, and increased activation in the anterior cingulate cortex. Relatedly, functional connectivity between the rAG and right superior frontal gyrus increased. Analysis of brain connectivity during rest revealed training-related connectivity changes of the inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral middle frontal gyri. Taken together, CBM strengthens avoidance tendencies when faced with unhealthy foods and alters activity in brain regions underpinning behavioral inhibition.