bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-Demand Computation Offloading Architecture in Fog Networks
Authors: Jin Yeonjin , Lee HyungJune
Published: September 2019

With the advent of the Internet-of-Things (IoT), end-devices have been served as sensors, gateways, or local storage equipment. Due to their scarce resource capability, cloud-based computing is currently a necessary companion. However, raw data collected at devices should be uploaded to a cloud server, taking a significantly large amount of network bandwidth. In this paper, we propose an on-demand computation offloading architecture in fog networks, by soliciting available resources from nearby edge devices and distributing a suitable amount of computation tasks to them. The proposed architecture aims to finish a necessary computation job within a distinct deadline with a reduced network overhead. Our work consists of three elements: (1) resource provider network formation by classifying nodes into stem or leaf depending on network stability, (2) task allocation based on each node’s resource availability and soliciting status, and (3) task redistribution in preparation for possible network and computation losses. Simulation-driven validation in the iFogSim simulator demonstrates that our work achieves a high task completion rate within a designated deadline, while drastically reducing unnecessary network overhead, by selecting only some effective edge devices as computation delegates via locally networked computation.
Review and Comparison of Path Tracking Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Bai Guoxing , Meng Yu , Liu Li , Luo Weidong , Gu Qing , Liu Li
Published: September 2019

Recently, model predictive control (MPC) is increasingly applied to path tracking of mobile devices, such as mobile robots. The characteristics of these MPC-based controllers are not identical due to the different approaches taken during design. According to the differences in the prediction models, we believe that the existing MPC-based path tracking controllers can be divided into four categories. We named them linear model predictive control (LMPC), linear error model predictive control (LEMPC), nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC), and nonlinear error model predictive control (NEMPC). Subsequently, we built these four controllers for the same mobile robot and compared them. By comparison, we got some conclusions. The real-time performance of LMPC and LEMPC is good, but they are less robust to reference paths and positioning errors. NMPC performs well when the reference velocity is high and the radius of the reference path is small. It is also robust to positioning errors. However, the real-time performance of NMPC is slightly worse. NEMPC has many disadvantages. Like LMPC and LEMPC, it performs poorly when the reference velocity is high and the radius of the reference path is small. Its real-time performance is also not good enough.
The Emission Characteristics of a Diesel Engine During Start-Up Process at Different Altitudes
Authors: Fang Liang , Lou Diming , Hu Zhiyuan , Tan Piqiang
Published: September 2019

With increasingly stringent emission regulations, the cold start emissions have become more important than ever. Using a low compression ratio is a feasible way to improve a heavy-duty engine’s efficiency and emissions. However, cold start performance restricts the development of this technology, especially at high altitudes. In response, we conducted a study of the emissions of a heavy-duty low-compression-ratio diesel engine during start-up process at different altitudes. A plateau simulation system controlled the inlet and exhaust pressure to create altitude environments of 0 m, 1000 m, 2000 m, 3000 m, 3750 m and 4500 m. The gas, particulate and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions were analyzed with speed and cycle during the start-up process. The results indicated that cold start performance and combustion characteristics became worse as altitudes increased. The gas and particulate emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), total hydrocarbon (THC) and nitrous oxide (NOX) almost all increased as the engine speed and altitude increased, and was much higher than in idle conditions. The PN and PM emissions in each particle diameter also increased as the altitude increased, which was the same as the nucleation mode and the accumulation mode particles. VOC emissions were also measured, which increased during the start-up process as altitudes increased.
Rotor Speed Observer with Extended Current Estimator for Sensorless Control of Induction Motor Drive Systems
Authors: Hussien Mohamed G. , Xu Wei , Liu Yi , Allam Said M.
Published: September 2019

The aim of paper is to investigate an efficient sensorless control method with vector-control technique for the induction motor (IM) drive systems. The proposed technique relies on the indirect rotor-field orientation control scheme (IRFOC). All sensorless control techniques are greatly affected by the observation of the speed estimation procedure. So, an efficacy new algorithm for estimating the rotor speed of the adopted machine is proposed. In addition, a simple effective method to estimate the machine rotor currents is suggested. The adopted rotor-speed observer is based on the concept of IRFOC method and the phase-axis relationships of IM. To ensure the capability of the proposed sensorless speed-control system, a simulation model is developed in the MATLAB/Simulink software environment. The robustness of the new control method is analyzed under parameter uncertainty issue. Furthermore, comprehensive experimental results are obtained. The whole obtained results confirm the validity of the proposed observer for sensorless speed control capability. The given results also verify the effectiveness of the suggested sensorless control system-based IRFOC for speed-control drive systems of IM. Moreover, the results assure that the presented rotor-speed observer is effectively robust via any parameter changes.
Effect of Particle Sizes on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Briquettes
Authors: Pang Longlong , Yang Yuzhong , Wu Liyun , Wang Fei , Meng Han
Published: September 2019

The particle size of coal particles is an important factor affecting the physical and mechanical properties of coal. In this study, uniaxial and triaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the effects of coal particle size on the physical and mechanical properties of briquettes and their impact mechanism using a rock mechanics test-150B servo system (RMT-150B). The results showed that the uniaxial compression strength, elastic modulus and deformation modulus of briquettes increase when particle size is decreased. The deformation characteristics of the briquettes directly prepared by raw tectonic coal were similar to those of coal specimens with a particle size of 0.18–0.25 mm. The cohesion and strength of coal specimens increased when particle size was decreased, and the plastic deformation capacity decreased when particle size was decreased, showing a strong correlation. The f briquette directly prepared by the raw tectonic coal had a strength between that of coal specimens with a particle size of 2–6 mm and those with a particle size of 0.18–0.25 mm. The mechanical properties of briquettes mainly depend on the meshing force between the coal particles. The smaller the particles, the greater the mechanical meshing force. The “floating particles”, generated in the voids between coal particles during the preparation process, are a significant factor affecting the plasticity characteristics. The research results may be used as a basic reference in the study of the mechanical properties of tectonic coal, gas migration and coal and gas outburst mechanisms.
Dark Septate Endophyte Improves Drought Tolerance of Ormosia hosiei Hemsley & E. H. Wilson by Modulating Root Morphology, Ultrastructure, and the Ratio of Root Hormones
Authors: Liu Yan , Wei Xiaoli
Published: September 2019

Dark septate endophytes (DSEs) are known to help host plants survive drought stress; however, how DSEs enhance host plant drought resistance under water stress conditions remains unclear. The objective of this study was to inoculate Ormosia hosiei seedlings with a DSE strain (Acrocalymma vagum) to investigate the effects of DSE inoculation on root morphology, ultrastructure, and the endogenous hormone content under drought stress conditions and to elucidate the drought resistance mechanism involved in the DSE–host-plant association. The inoculated seedlings were grown under three different soil water conditions (well watered—75% field water capacity, moderate water—55% field water capacity, or low water—35% field water capacity) for 114 days. Fresh root weight, root volume, root surface area, root fork, and root tip number were significantly higher in inoculated seedlings than in noninoculated seedlings. Furthermore, the root architecture of the inoculated seedlings changed from herringbone branching to dichotomous branching. Mitochondria and other organelles in root cells of inoculated seedlings remained largely undamaged under water stress, whereas organelles in root cells of noninoculated seedlings were severely damaged. The abscisic acid (ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content and IAA/ABA ratio of inoculated seedlings were significantly higher than those of noninoculated seedlings, whereas the content of gibberellic acid (GA) and the ratios of GA/ABA, zeatin riboside (ZR)/ABA, and ZR/IAA in inoculated seedlings were lower than those of noninoculated seedlings. DSE inoculation could help plants adapt to a drought stress environment by altering root morphology, reducing ultrastructural damage, and influencing the balance of endogenous hormones, which could be of great significance for the cultivation and preservation of the O. hosiei tree.
Improve in CO2 and CH4 Adsorption Capacity on Carbon Microfibers Synthesized by Electrospinning of PAN
Authors: Ojeda-López Reyna , Esparza-Schulz J. Marcos , Pérez-Hermosillo Isaac J. , Hernández-Gordillo Armin , Domínguez-Ortiz Armando
Published: September 2019

Carbon microfibers (CMF) has been used as an adsorbent material for CO2 and CH4 capture. The gas adsorption capacity depends on the chemical and morphological structure of CMF. The CMF physicochemical properties change according to the applied stabilization and carbonization temperatures. With the aim of studying the effect of stabilization temperature on the structural properties of the carbon microfibers and their CO2 and CH4 adsorption capacity, four different stabilization temperatures (250, 270, 280, and 300 °C) were explored, maintaining a constant carbonization temperature (900 °C). In materials stabilized at 250 and 270 °C, the cyclization was incomplete, in that, the nitrile groups (triple-bond structure, e.g., C≡N) were not converted to a double-bond structure (e.g., C=N), to form a six-membered cyclic pyridine ring, as a consequence the material stabilized at 300 °C resulting in fragile microfibers; therefore, the most appropriate stabilization temperature was 280 °C. Finally, to corroborate that the specific surface area (microporosity) is not the determining factor that influences the adsorption capacity of the materials, carbonization of polyacrylonitrile microfibers (PANMFs) at five different temperatures (600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C) is carried, maintaining a constant temperature of 280 °C for the stabilization process. As a result, the CMF chemical composition directly affects the CO2 and CH4 adsorption capacity, even more directly than the specific surface area. Thus, the chemical variety can be useful to develop carbon microfibers with a high adsorption capacity and selectivity in materials with a low specific surface area. The amount adsorbed at 25 °C and 1.0 bar oscillate between 2.0 and 2.9 mmol/g adsorbent for CO2 and between 0.8 and 2.0 mmol/g adsorbent for CH4, depending on the calcination treatment applicated; these values are comparable with other material adsorbents of greenhouse gases.
Properties of Subhalos in the Interacting Dark Matter Scenario
Authors: Moliné Ángeles , Schewtschenko Jascha , Sánchez-Conde Miguel , Aguirre-Santaella Alejandra , Cora Sofía , Abadi Mario
Published: September 2019

One possible and natural derivation from the collisionless cold dark matter (CDM) standard cosmological framework is the assumption of the existence of interactions between dark matter (DM) and photons or neutrinos. Such a possible interacting dark matter (IDM) model would imply a suppression of small-scale structures due to a large collisional damping effect, even though the weakly-interacting massive particle (WIMP) can still be the DM candidate. Because of this, IDM models can help alleviate alleged tensions between standard CDM predictions and observations at small mass scales. In this work, we investigate the properties of the DM halo substructure or subhalos formed in a high-resolution cosmological N-body simulation specifically run within these alternative models. We also run its CDM counterpart, which allowed us to compare subhalo properties in both cosmologies. We show that, in the lower mass range covered by our simulation runs, both subhalo concentrations and abundances are systematically lower in IDM compared to the CDM scenario. Yet, as in CDM, we find that median IDM subhalo concentration values increase towards the innermost regions of their hosts for the same mass subhalos. Similarly to CDM, we find IDM subhalos to be more concentrated than field halos of the same mass. Our work has a direct application to studies aimed at the indirect detection of DM where subhalos are expected to boost the DM signal of their host halos significantly. From our results, we conclude that the role of the halo substructure in DM searches will be less important in interacting scenarios than in CDM, but is nevertheless far from being negligible.
Spectral Index-Based Monitoring (2000–2017) in Lowland Forests to Evaluate the Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Kovács Ferenc , Gulácsi András
Published: September 2019

In the next decades, climate change will put forests in the Hungarian Great Plain in the Carpathian Basin to the test, e.g., changing seasonal patterns, more intense storms, longer dry periods, and pests are expected to occur. To aid in the decision-making process for the conservation of ecosystems depending on forestry, how woods could adapt to changing meso- and microclimatic conditions in the near future needs to be defined. In addition to trendlike warming processes, calculations show an increase in climate extremes, which need to be monitored in accordance with spatial planning, at least for medium-scale mappings. We can use the MODIS sensor dataset if up-to-date terrestrial conditions and multi-decadal geographical processes are of interest. For geographic evaluations of changes, we used vegetation spectral indices; Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), based on the summer half year, 16-day MODIS data composites between 2000 and 2017 in an intensively forested study area in the Hungarian Great Plain. We delineated forest areas on the Danube–Tisza Interfluve using Corine Land Cover maps (2000, 2006, and 2012). Mid-year changes over the nearly two-decade-long period are currently in balance; however, based on their reactions, forests are highly sensitive to abrupt changes caused by extreme climatic events. The higher occurrence of years or periods with extreme water shortages marks an observable decrease in biomass production, even in shorter index time series, such as that between 2004 and 2012. In the drought-stricken July-August periods, the effect of a dry year, subsequent to years with more precipitation, immediately pushes back the green mass and the reduction in the biomass production could become persistent, according to climatology predictions. The changes of specific sub-periods in the vegetation period can be evaluated even in a relatively short, 18-year data series, including the change in the growing values of the vegetative growth in spring or the increase in the summertime biomass production. Standardized differences highlight spatial differences in the biomass production; in response to years with the highest (negative) biomass difference; typically, the northern and southwestern parts of the Danube–Tisza Interfluve in the study area have longer lasting losses in biomass production. A comparison of NDVI and EVI values with the PaDI drought index and the vegetation indices of LANDSAT Operational Land Imager sensor respectively confirms our results.
Suitability of Borago officinalis for Minimal Processing as Fresh-Cut Produce
Authors: Miceli Claudia , Moncada Alessandra , Vetrano Filippo , D’Anna Fabio , Miceli Alessandro
Published: September 2019

Borage (Borago officinalis L.) is a wild vegetable appreciated as a folk medicine and for culinary preparations. The introduction of borage as a specialized cultivation would allow for the diversification of vegetable crops and would widen the offerings of raw and minimally processed leafy vegetables. Thus, the aim of the research was to evaluate the quality and shelf-life of fresh-cut borage stored at different temperatures. Borage plants were grown during the autumn–winter season and immediately minimally processed after harvest. Fresh-cut borage leaves packed in sealed bags were stored at 2 or 6 °C for 21 d. Weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, nitrates, leaf color characteristics and overall quality were determined through the storage period. Borage plants were deemed suitable for minimal processing. Storage temperature significantly influenced the rate of quality loss. Borage leaves had an initial nitrate content of 329.3 mg kg−1 FW that was not affected by temperature or storage. TSS and TA were higher in leaves stored at 6 °C. TSS, TA and ascorbic acid content increased during storage. Minimally processed borage leaves stored at 2 °C had lower weight loss and leaf color modifications during storage and a longer shelf life than those stored at 6 °C, so were still marketable after 21 d of storage.
Impact of Critical Illness Insurance on the Burden of High-Cost Rural Residents in Central China: An Interrupted Time Series Study
Authors: Li Lu , Jiang Junnan , Xiang Li , Wang Xuefeng , Zeng Li , Zhong Zhengdong
Published: September 2019

Critical illness insurance (CII) in China was introduced to protect high-cost groups from health expenditure shocks for the purpose of mutual aid. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of CII on the burden of high-cost groups in central rural China. Data were extracted from the basic medical insurance (BMI) hospitalization database of Xiantao City from January 2010 to December 2016. A total of 77,757 hospitalization records were included in our analysis. The out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses and reimbursement ratio (RR) were the two main outcome variables. Interrupted time series analysis with a segmented regression approach was adopted. Level and slope changes were reported to reflect short- and long-term effects, respectively. Results indicated that the number of high-cost inpatient visits, the average monthly hospitalization expenses, and OOP expenses per high-cost inpatient visit were increased after CII introduction. By contrast, the RR from BMI and non-reimbursable expenses ratio were decreased. The OOP expenses and RR covered by CII were higher than those uncovered. We estimated a significant level decrease in OOP expenses (p < 0.01) and rise in RR (p < 0.01), whereas the slope decreases of OOP expenses (p = 0.19) and rise of RR (p = 0.11) after the CII were non-significant. We concluded that the short-term effect of the CII policy is significant and contributes to decreasing OOP expenses and raising RR for high-cost groups, whereas the long-term effect is non-significant. These findings can be explained by increasing hospitalization expenses, many non-reimbursable expenses, low coverage for high-cost groups, and the unsustainability of the financing methods.
The Impact of Cold and Heat on Years of Life Lost in a Northwestern Chinese City with Temperate Continental Climate
Authors: Liu Jiangtao , Ma Yueling , Wang Yuhong , Li Sheng , Liu Shuyu , He Xiaotao , Li Lanyu , Guo Lei , Niu Jingping , Luo Bin , Zhang Kai
Published: September 2019

Cold spells and heat waves in a changing climate are well known as great public-health concerns due to their adverse effects on human health. However, very few studies have quantified health impacts of heat and cold in the region of Northwestern China. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cold and heat on years of life lost (YLL) in Lanzhou, a city with temperate continental climate. We compiled a daily dataset including deaths, weather variables, and air pollutants in Lanzhou, China, from 2014–2017. We used a distributed lag non-linear model to estimate single-day and cumulative effects of heat and cold on daily YLL. Results indicated that both cold and heat were associated with increased YLL for registered residents in Lanzhou. Estimated heat effects appeared immediately in the first two days, while estimated cold effects lasted over a longer period (up to 30 days). Cold significantly increased the YLL of all residents except for males and those with respiratory diseases (≥65 years). Our results showed that both heat and cold had more pronounced effects on cardiovascular diseases compared to respiratory diseases. Males might be more vulnerable to heat, while females might suffer more YLL from cold. The effects of cold or heat on the elderly might appear earlier and last longer than those for other age groups.
The Psychophysiological Implications of Soundscape: A Systematic Review of Empirical Literature and a Research Agenda
Authors: Erfanian Mercede , Mitchell Andrew J. , Kang Jian , Aletta Francesco
Published: September 2019

The soundscape is defined by the International Standard Organization (ISO) 12913-1 as the human’s perception of the acoustic environment, in context, accompanying physiological and psychological responses. Previous research is synthesized with studies designed to investigate soundscape at the ‘unconscious’ level in an effort to more specifically conceptualize biomarkers of the soundscape. This review aims firstly, to investigate the consistency of methodologies applied for the investigation of physiological aspects of soundscape; secondly, to underline the feasibility of physiological markers as biomarkers of soundscape; and finally, to explore the association between the physiological responses and the well-founded psychological components of the soundscape which are continually advancing. For this review, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English with combinations of the keywords ‘soundscape’, ‘environmental noise/sound’, ‘physiology/physiological’, ‘psychology/psychological’, and ‘perceptual attributes/affective/subjective assessment/appraisals’. Previous research suggests that Electrocardiography (ECG) and Vectorcardiography (VCG) biometrics quantifying Heart Rate (HR), stimulus-locked experimental design, and passive listening with homogeneous populations are predominantly applied to characterize the psychophysiology underlying the soundscape. Pleasantness and arousal are the most frequent psychological descriptors for soundscape subjective appraisals. Likewise, acoustic environments are reported to inconsistently evoke physiological responses with great variability among studies. The link between the perceptual attributes and physiological responses of soundscape vary within and among existing literature. While a few studies detected a link between physiological manifestations of soundscape and the perceptual attributes, the others failed to validate this link. Additionally, the majority of the study findings were limited to one or two physiological responses.
Production Losses Associated with Alcohol-Attributable Mortality in the European Union
Authors: Łyszczarz Błażej
Published: September 2019

The economic aspects of alcohol misuse are attracting increasing attention from policy makers and researchers but the evidence on the economic burden of this substance is hardly comparable internationally. This study aims to overcome this problem by estimating production losses (indirect costs) associated with alcohol-attributable mortality in 28 European Union (EU) countries in the year 2016. This study applies the prevalence-based top–down approach, societal perspective and human capital method to sex- and age-specific data on alcohol-related mortality at working age. The alcohol-attributable mortality data was taken from estimates based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Uniform data on labor and economic measures from the Eurostat database was used. The total production losses associated with alcohol-related deaths in the EU in 2016 were €32.1 billion. The per capita costs (share of costs in gross domestic product (GDP)) were €62.88 (0.215%) for the whole EU and ranged from €17.29 (0.062%) in Malta to €192.93 (0.875%) in Lithuania. On average, 81% of the losses were associated with male deaths and mortality among those aged 50–54 years generated the highest burden. Because alcohol is a major avoidable factor for mortality, public health community actions aimed at limiting this substance misuse might not only decrease the health burden but also contribute to the economic welfare of European societies.
Fissure Depth and Caries Incidence in First Permanent Molars: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study in Schoolchildren
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Leonor , Irigoyen-Camacho María Esther , Molina-Frechero Nelly , Zepeda-Zepeda Marco
Published: September 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the fissure depth (tooth morphology) of permanent molars and dental caries incidence with a five-year follow-up period. In total, 110 Mexican schoolchildren aged seven years were recruited at baseline, of which 88 children completed the follow-up assessments. The fissure depths of the first permanent lower molars were recorded, and dental caries [decayed, missing, and filled deciduous surfaces (dmfs) and decayed, missing, and filled permanent surfaces (DMFS)] was evaluated annually. A generalized estimating equation model was constructed for evaluating the association between dental caries and fissure depth. The initial and final DMFS scores were 0.02 (±0.2) and 1.55 (±2.49), respectively. The generalized estimating equation model showed that children with deep molar fissures were more likely to develop caries lesions, (Odds Ratio OR = 3.15, p = 0.028) compared to children with shallow fissures. Moreover, dental caries in primary teeth (OR = 1.07, p = 0.005) was associated with the development of carious lesions in the permanent dentition. Fissure depth was a useful predictor of dental caries, according to this five-year follow-up study. The detection of deep occlusal fissures in the lower first permanent molars could contribute to the identification of children at high risk of dental caries. Tooth morphology may be used to identify children at a higher caries risk, particularly in settings with limited resources.
Attitudinal Spillover from Misleading Natural Cigarette Marketing: An Experiment Examining Current and Former Smokers’ Support for Tobacco Industry Regulation
Authors: Gratale Stefanie K. , Sangalang Angeline , Maloney Erin K. , Cappella Joseph N.
Published: September 2019

This research examined the influence of natural cigarette advertising on tobacco control policy support, and the potential for misbeliefs arising from exposure to cigarette marketing to affect such support. Ample research indicates that natural cigarettes such as Natural American Spirit (NAS) are widely and erroneously perceived as safer than their traditional counterparts because of their marketed “natural” composition. Yet regulatory action regarding natural cigarette marketing has been limited in scope, and little research has examined whether misleading product advertising affects support for related policy, an important component of the policy process. Here, we administered a large-scale randomized experiment (n = 1128), assigning current and former smokers in the United States to an NAS advertising condition or a control group and assessing their support for tobacco industry regulation. Results show that exposure to NAS advertising reduces support for policies to ban potentially misleading terminology from cigarette advertising, and these effects are stronger for daily smokers. Further, misinformed beliefs about the healthy composition of NAS partially mediate effects on policy support. Yet interestingly, exposure to NAS marketing does not reduce support for policies to establish standards for when certain terms are permissible in cigarette advertising. The results of this analysis indicate potential spillover effects from exposure to NAS advertising in the realm of support for regulatory action pertaining to tobacco industry marketing.
Contextual Factors Associated with Burnout among Chinese Primary Care Providers: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Li Huiwen , Yuan Beibei , Meng Qingyue , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: September 2019

Burnout is a common and growing phenomenon in the health care setting. The objective of the present study is to examine contextual factors in the workplace associated with burnout among primary care providers (PCPs) in Shandong Province, China. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 951 PCPs nested within 48 primary health institutions (PHIs). Burnout was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI–HSS). We used two-level random intercept linear regression models to examine individual- versus workplace-level risk factors for burnout. The result revealed that 33.12%, 8.83% and 41.43% PCPs were experiencing a high degree of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and low personal accomplishment (PA). In multilevel analysis, the most significant and common individual-level predictors of burnout were lack of perceived work support and autonomy. At the institutional level, workload was positively related to EE (odds ratio (OR): 6.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.46–9.72), while work support was related to higher PA (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 0.81–6.17). Greater attention should be paid to the influence of the work environment factors (workload and work support) to prevent burnout. Strategies such as increasing human resources allocated to PHIs and establishing a supportive work environment are encouraged to prevent and reduce burnout among PCPs in China.
Practical Issues in Early Switching from Intravenous to Oral Antibiotic Therapy in Children with Uncomplicated Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis: Results from an Italian Survey
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Serrano Elena , Galli Luisa , Villani Alberto , Krzysztofiak Andrzej ,   Italian Paediatric Collaborative Osteomyelitis Study Group
Published: September 2019

Background: The European Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID) guidelines for acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM) have been published recently. In uncomplicated cases, an early (2–4 days) switch to oral empirical therapy, preferentially with flucloxacillin, is recommended in low methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus settings. We conducted a survey with the aim of evaluating the behaviors of Italian pediatricians at this regard. Methods: An open-ended questionnaire investigating the empiric therapy adopted in uncomplicated AHOM children according to age was sent by email to 31 Italian pediatric clinics taking care of children with infectious diseases, and results were analyzed. Results: The preferred intravenous (IV) regimen was a penicillin plus an aminoglycoside (n = 10; 32.3%) in children aged <3 months, and a combination of a third-generation cephalosporin plus oxacillin (n = 7; 22.6%), or oxacillin alone (n = 6; 19.4%) in those ≥3 months. In every age class, amoxicillin-clavulanate was the first-choice oral antibiotic. Other antibiotics largely used orally included clindamycin, rifampicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Flucloxacillin was never prescribed. Only 3 centers switched to oral therapy within 7 days in children ≥3 months of age. The most commonly reported reason influencing the time to switch to oral therapy concerned caregivers’ adherence to oral therapy. Conclusion: Adherence to guidelines was poor, and early transition to oral therapy in the clinical practice was rarely adopted. Given the large use of potentially effective, but poorly studied, oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin/clavulanate, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and rifampicin, our data may stimulate further studies of this regard.
Associations between Specialist Tactical Response Police Unit Selection Success and Urban Rush, along with 2.4 km and 10 km Loaded Carriage Events
Authors: Thomas Rhiannon , Schram Ben , Irving Shane , Robinson Jeremy , Orr Robin
Published: September 2019

Officers serving in specialist tactical response police teams are highly trained personnel who are required to carry heavy loads and perform explosive tasks. The aim of this study was to determine whether performance on a loaded explosive occupational task (urban rush) or distance-based load carriage tasks (2.4 km or 10 km) were indicative of officer success on a specialist selection course (SSC). Eighteen male police officers (mean age = 32.11 ± 5.04 years) participated in the SSC over five consecutive days. Data were categorized into Group 1 (successful applicants, n = 11) and Group 2 (unsuccessful applicants, n = 7). Independent sample t-tests were performed to determine differences between groups, along with point-biserial correlations to investigate associations between anthropometric and event performance data and course completion success. Alpha levels were set at p = 0.05 a priori. Height (p = 0.025), body weight (p = 0.007), and 2.4 km loaded performance (p = 0.013) were significantly different between groups, where being shorter (rpb(16) = −0.526, p < 0.05), lighter (rpb(16) = −0.615, p < 0.01), and faster (rpb(16) = −0.572, p < 0.05) were associated with course success. While a loaded 2.4 km event is associated with success, a ceiling effect for an explosive anaerobic task and a longer 10 km task may exist, whereby increases in performance are not associated with selection success.
Exploring the Distribution Patterns of Flickr Photos
Authors: Ding Xuan , Fan Hongchao
Published: September 2019

In recent years, volunteered-geographic-information (VGI) image data have served as a data source for various geographic applications, attracting researchers to assess the quality of these images. However, these applications and quality assessments are generally focused on images associated with geolocation through textual annotations, which is only part of valid images to them. In this paper, we explore the distribution pattern for most relevant VGI images of specific landmarks to extend the current quality analysis, and to provide guidance for improving the data-retrieval process of geographic applications. Distribution is explored in terms of two aspects, namely, semantic distribution and spatial distribution. In this paper, the term semantic distribution is used to describe the matching of building-image tags and content with each other. There are three kinds of images (semantic-relevant and content-relevant, semantic-relevant but content-irrelevant, and semantic-irrelevant but content-relevant). Spatial distribution shows how relevant images are distributed around a landmark. The process of this work can be divided into three parts: data filtering, retrieval of relevant landmark images, and distribution analysis. For semantic distribution, statistical results show that an average of 60% of images tagged with the building’s name actually represents the building, while 69% of images depicting the building are not annotated with the building’s name. There was also an observation that for most landmarks, 97% of relevant building images were located within 300 m around the building in terms of spatial distribution.
Osteoclast-Like Cells in Aneurysmal Disease Exhibit an Enhanced Proteolytic Phenotype
Authors: Kelly Matthew J. , Igari Kimihiro , Yamanouchi Dai
Published: September 2019

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is among the top 20 causes of death in the United States. Surgical repair is the gold standard for AAA treatment, therefore, there is a need for non-invasive therapeutic interventions. Aneurysms are more closely associated with the osteoclast-like catabolic degradation of the artery, rather than the osteoblast-like anabolic processes of arterial calcification. We have reported the presence of osteoclast-like cells (OLCs) in human and mouse aneurysmal tissues. The aim of this study was to examine OLCs from aneurysmal tissues as a source of degenerative proteases. Aneurysmal and control tissues from humans, and from the mouse CaPO4 and angiotensin II (AngII) disease models, were analyzed via flow cytometry and immunofluorescence for the expression of osteoclast markers. We found higher expression of the osteoclast markers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and cathepsin K, and the signaling molecule, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), in aneurysmal tissue compared to controls. Aneurysmal tissues also contained more OLCs than controls. Additionally, more OLCs from aneurysms express HIF-1α, and produce more MMP-9 and cathepsin K, than myeloid cells from the same tissue. These data indicate that OLCs are a significant source of proteases known to be involved in aortic degradation, in which the HIF-1α signaling pathway may play an important role. Our findings suggest that OLCs may be an attractive target for non-surgical suppression of aneurysm formation due to their expression of degradative proteases.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 and the Adaptive Response to Nutritional Challenges
Authors: Martínez-Garza Úrsula , Torres-Oteros Daniel , Yarritu-Gallego Alex , Marrero Pedro F. , Haro Diego , Relat Joana
Published: September 2019

The Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is considered an attractive therapeutic target for obesity and obesity-related disorders due to its beneficial effects in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. FGF21 response is essential under stressful conditions and its metabolic effects depend on the inducer factor or stress condition. FGF21 seems to be the key signal which communicates and coordinates the metabolic response to reverse different nutritional stresses and restores the metabolic homeostasis. This review is focused on describing individually the FGF21-dependent metabolic response activated by some of the most common nutritional challenges, the signal pathways triggering this response, and the impact of this response on global homeostasis. We consider that this is essential knowledge to identify the potential role of FGF21 in the onset and progression of some of the most prevalent metabolic pathologies and to understand the potential of FGF21 as a target for these diseases. After this review, we conclude that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying the role of FGF21 in macronutrient preference and food intake behavior, but also in β-klotho regulation and the activity of the fibroblast activation protein (FAP) to uncover its therapeutic potential as a way to increase the FGF21 signaling.
Beneficial and Deleterious Effects of Female Sex Hormones, Oral Contraceptives, and Phytoestrogens by Immunomodulation on the Liver
Authors: Soria-Jasso Luis E. , Cariño-Cortés Raquel , Muñoz-Pérez Víctor Manuel , Pérez-Hernández Elizabeth , Pérez-Hernández Nury , Fernández-Martínez Eduardo
Published: September 2019

The liver is considered the laboratory of the human body because of its many metabolic processes. It accomplishes diverse activities as a mixed gland and is in continuous cross-talk with the endocrine system. Not only do hormones from the gastrointestinal tract that participate in digestion regulate the liver functions, but the sex hormones also exert a strong influence on this sexually dimorphic organ, via their receptors expressed in liver, in both health and disease. Besides, the liver modifies the actions of sex hormones through their metabolism and transport proteins. Given the anatomical position and physiological importance of liver, this organ is evidenced as an immune vigilante that mediates the systemic immune response, and, in turn, the immune system regulates the hepatic functions. Such feedback is performed by cytokines. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are strongly involved in hepatic homeostasis and in pathological states; indeed, female sex hormones, oral contraceptives, and phytoestrogens have immunomodulatory effects in the liver and the whole organism. To analyze the complex and interesting beneficial or deleterious effects of these drugs by their immunomodulatory actions in the liver can provide the basis for either their pharmacological use in therapeutic treatments or to avoid their intake in some diseases.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor Blockade Affects Pro-Inflammatory Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages and Relieves Mouse Fatty Liver Injury
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Chang Na , Yang Le , Ji Xiaofang , Zhou Xuan , Tian Lei , Ma Yuehan , Yang Yuanru , Liu Yuran , Yang Lin , Li Liying
Published: September 2019

Fatty liver injury is characterized by liver fat accumulation and results in serious health problems worldwide. There is no effective treatment that reverses fatty liver injury besides etiological therapy. Inflammation is an important macrophage-involving pathological process of liver injury. Here, we investigated the role of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) in fatty liver injury and explored whether S1PR2/3 blockade could cure fatty liver injury. A methionine-choline-deficient and a high-fat (MCDHF) diet was used to induce fatty liver injury, and the number of macrophages was evaluated by flow cytometry. Gene expressions were detected using RT-qPCR and cytometric bead array. In MCDHF-diet-fed mice, pro-inflammatory factor expressions were upregulated by fatty liver injury. The S1P level and S1PR2/3 expressions were significantly elevated. Moreover, increased S1P level and S1PR2/3 mRNA expressions were positively correlated with pro-inflammatory factor expressions in the liver. Furthermore, the number of pro-inflammatory macrophages (iMφ) increased in injured liver, and they were mainly bone-marrow-derived macrophages. In vivo, S1PR2/3 blockade decreased the amount of iMφ and inflammation and attenuated liver injury and fibrosis, although liver fat accumulation was unchanged. These data strongly suggest that anti-inflammatory treatment by blocking the S1P/S1PR2/3 axis attenuates fatty liver injury, which might serve as a potential target for fatty liver injury.
Urinary Human Epididymis Secretory Protein 4 as a Useful Biomarker for Subclinical Acute Rejection Three Months after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Tajima Soichiro , Fu Rao , Shigematsu Tomohiro , Noguchi Hiroshi , Kaku Keizo , Tsuchimoto Akihiro , Okabe Yasuhiro , Masuda Satohiro
Published: September 2019

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). However, acute rejection (AR) is a common complication in kidney transplantation and is associated with reduced graft survival. Current diagnosis of AR relies mainly on clinical monitoring including serum creatinine, proteinuria, and confirmation by histopathologic assessment in the biopsy specimen of graft kidney. Although an early protocol biopsy is indispensable for depicting the severity of pathologic lesions in subclinical acute rejection (subAR), it is not acceptable in some cases and cannot be performed because of its invasive nature. Therefore, we examined the detection of noninvasive biomarkers that are closely related to the pathology of subAR in protocol biopsies three months after kidney transplantation. In this study, the urinary level of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) were measured three months after kidney transplantation. Urine samples of 80 patients undergoing kidney transplantation between August 2014 to September 2016, were prospectively collected after three months. SubAR was observed in 11 patients (13.8%) in protocol biopsy. The urinary levels of LC3, MCP-1, NGAL, and HE4 were significantly higher in patients with subAR than in those without, while those of L-FABP did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate regression models, receiver-operating characteristics (ROC), and areas under ROC curves (AUC) were used to identify predicted values of subAR. Urinary HE4 levels were able to better identify subAR (AUC = 0.808) than the other four urinary biomarkers. In conclusion, urinary HE4 is increased in kidney transplant recipients of subAR three months after kidney transplantation, suggesting that HE4 has the potential to be used as a novel clinical biomarker for predicting subAR.
Comparison between Fractionated Dose and Single Dose of Cu-64 Trastuzumab Therapy in the NCI-N87 Gastric Cancer Mouse Model
Authors: Zaheer Javeria , Kim Hyeongi , Lee Yong-Jin , Lim Sang Moo , Kim Jin Su
Published: September 2019

For optimum radioimmunotherapy (RIT), deep penetration and uniform distribution into the tumor core is important. The solid tumor microenvironment, consisting of a highly fibrotic or desmoplastic tumor, abnormal tumor vasculature, high fluid pressure, and the absence of fluid lymphatics, limits the distribution of monoclonal antibodies mAbs to the tumor core. To investigate the optimal rationale for therapeutic mAbs administration and the microdistribution of mAbs, single and serial fractional dosage regimens of Cu-64-trastuzumab (TRZ) with paclitaxel were evaluated. Groups of nude mice were inoculated with gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87 tumor cells. When the tumor size reached 200 ± 20 mm3, the mice were divided into two groups for injection of Alexa-647-TRZ. One group (n = 5) was injected with 15 mg/kg in a single dose (SD), and the other group (n = 5) with two doses of 7.5 mg/kg (fractionated dose (FD)). In both cases, the injections were done intravenously in combination with intraperitoneal paclitaxel either as a SD of 70 mg/kg or fractionated into two doses of 40 and 30 mg/kg. Tumors were harvested, flash frozen, and sectioned (8 µm) five days after Alexa-647-TRZ injection. Rhodamine lectin (rhodamine-labeled Ricinus communis agglutinin I, 1 mg in 0.2 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) was intravenously injected to delineate the functional vessel for a wait time of 5 min before animal euthanization. Microscopic images were acquired with an IN Cell Analyzer. The amount of TRZ that penetrated the tumor surface and the tumor vessel was calculated by area under the curve (AUC) analysis. For RIT efficacy (n = 21), Cu-64-TRZ was injected following the same dose schedule to observe tumor volume and survival ratio for 30 days. The SD and FD regimens of Alexa-647-TRZ were observed to have no significant difference in penetration of mAbs from the tumor edge and vessel, nor was the total accumulation across the whole tumor tissue significantly different. Additionally, the SD and FD regimens of Cu-64-TRZ were not proven to be significantly efficacious. Our study reveals that SD and FD in a treatment design with Cu-64-TRZ and paclitaxel shows no significant difference in therapeutic efficacy on tumor growth inhibition in vivo in mice bearing human gastric cancer xenografts overexpressing HER2 antigen.