bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexual dimorphism in Apfelbeckia insculpta (L. Koch, 1867) (Myriapoda: Diplopoda: Callipodida)
Authors: Ilic Bojan , Mitic Bojan , Makarov Slobodan
Published: June 2016

Apfelbeckia insculpta (L. Koch, 1867) is one of the largest European
millipedes and an endemic species of the Balkan Peninsula. We present data
on sexual dimorphism in size and body proportions obtained from 179 adult
specimens of this species from four caves in Serbia and one in Montenegro
using univariate and multivariate morphometric techniques. Sexual dimorphism
was apparent and female-biased for all measured characters, except for
lengths of the antennae and the 24th leg pair (which were larger in males)
and lengths of the first, second and fourth leg pairs, which exhibited small
differences between sexes. Generally, females had significantly greater body
size than males, while males expressed significantly greater values in
traits that can be associated with mobility and copulation behavior. Also,
we found significant variations in sexual size and body proportions
dimorphism among analyzed populations. The influences of fecundity and
sexual selection on the adult body plan in A. insculpta are discussed.
Relative Contributions of Socioeconomic, Local Environmental, Psychosocial, Lifestyle/Behavioral, Biophysiological, and Ancestral Factors to Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Piccolo Rebecca S. , Subramanian S.V. , Pearce Neil , Florez Jose C. , McKinlay John B.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

Racial/ethnic minorities in the U.S. have a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than white adults. While many independent risk factors for T2DM have been identified, these determinants are often viewed in isolation without considering the joint contributions of competing risk factors. The objective of this study was to assess the relative contributions of six domains of influence to racial/ethnic disparities in T2DM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using the Boston Area Community Health III Survey (2010–2012), the third wave of a population-based sample of men and women from three racial/ethnic groups (black, Hispanic, white) living in Boston, Massachusetts (N = 2,764). Prevalent diabetes was defined by self-report of T2DM, fasting glucose >125 mg/dL, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. Structural equation models were constructed to evaluate the direct effects of each conceptual domain of influence on T2DM prevalence, as well as their indirect effects on the race/ethnicity–T2DM relationship. All direct and indirect pathways were included.

RESULTS

The final model indicated that 38.9% and 21.8% of the total effect of black race and Hispanic ethnicity, respectively, on T2DM prevalence was mediated by the socioeconomic, environmental, psychosocial, and lifestyle/behavioral risk scores. The largest mediating influence was the socioeconomic risk score, which explained 21.8% and 26.2% of the total effect of black race and Hispanic ethnicity, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that socioeconomic factors had the greatest impact on explaining the excess prevalence of T2DM among racial/ethnic minorities.
Should Restrictions Be Relaxed for Metformin Use in Chronic Kidney Disease? No, We Should Never Again Compromise Safety!
Authors: Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kovesdy Csaba P.
Published: June 2016

Metformin is and has been considered as first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes for over a quarter of a century. Like other biguanides, metformin can cause a lactic acidosis that is exceptionally rare but fatal. The likelihood of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is substantially higher in patients with kidney impairment and also among those with seemingly normal kidney function who are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Hence, regulatory agencies in many industrialized nations have maintained strict renal restrictions surrounding metformin. However, there have been millions of people exposed to metformin for many years, many of them with serum creatinine values at or close to 1.5 mg/dL with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) much below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 who have not developed lactic acidosis. Thus, there clearly remains controversy in this area, and there has been heightened pressure to remove the renal restrictions of metformin. To provide a discussion on the pros and cons of relaxing the renal restrictions for metformin use, we provide a Point-Counterpoint. In the point narrative below, Drs. Kalantar-Zadeh and Kovesdy provide their argument that although there is little evidence of the potential benefits of metformin in kidney disease, just considering the sheer numbers of metformin users and the high fatality rate of its associated lactic acidosis, the most appropriate practice is to avoid metformin use in people with eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or in those who are at high risk of AKI irrespective of underlying eGFR. In the following counterpoint narrative, Drs. Bakris and Molitch argue that the data from a very large analysis demonstrate clearly that serum creatinine should be supplanted with eGFR as the criteria for metformin use and that the incidence of lactic acidosis is only elevated in those with a reduced eGFR who become dehydrated for various reasons or in those exposed to some toxin resulting in AKI. Otherwise the data clearly support the use of metformin under normal circumstances down to eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m2.

—William T. Cefalu

Editor in Chief, Diabetes Care
Day-and-Night Closed-Loop Glucose Control in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Under Free-Living Conditions: Results of a Single-Arm 1-Month Experience Compared With a Previously Reported Feasibility Study of Evening and Night at Home
Authors: Renard Eric , Farret Anne , Kropff Jort , Bruttomesso Daniela , Messori Mirko , Place Jerome , Visentin Roberto , Calore Roberta , Toffanin Chiara , Di Palma Federico , Lanzola Giordano , Magni Paolo , Boscari Federico , Galasso Silvia , Avogaro Angelo , Keith-Hynes Patrick , Kovatchev Boris , Del Favero Simone , Cobelli Claudio , Magni Lalo , DeVries J. Hans
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

After testing of a wearable artificial pancreas (AP) during evening and night (E/N-AP) under free-living conditions in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), we investigated AP during day and night (D/N-AP) for 1 month.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty adult patients with T1D who completed a previous randomized crossover study comparing 2-month E/N-AP versus 2-month sensor augmented pump (SAP) volunteered for 1-month D/N-AP nonrandomized extension. AP was executed by a model predictive control algorithm run by a modified smartphone wirelessly connected to a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. CGM data were analyzed by intention-to-treat with percentage time-in-target (3.9–10 mmol/L) over 24 h as the primary end point.

RESULTS

Time-in-target (mean ± SD, %) was similar over 24 h with D/N-AP versus E/N-AP: 64.7 ± 7.6 vs. 63.6 ± 9.9 (P = 0.79), and both were higher than with SAP: 59.7 ± 9.6 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). Time below 3.9 mmol/L was similarly and significantly reduced by D/N-AP and E/N-AP versus SAP (both P < 0.001). SD of blood glucose concentration (mmol/L) was lower with D/N-AP versus E/N-AP during whole daytime: 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7 (P = 0.003), morning: 2.7 ± 0.5 vs. 3.1 ± 0.5 (P = 0.02), and afternoon: 3.3 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 0.8 (P = 0.07), and was lower with D/N-AP versus SAP over 24 h: 3.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.3 ± 0.6 (P = 0.049). Insulin delivery (IU) over 24 h was higher with D/N-AP and SAP than with E/N-AP: 40.6 ± 15.5 and 42.3 ± 15.5 vs. 36.6 ± 11.6 (P = 0.03 and P = 0.0004, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

D/N-AP and E/N-AP both achieved better glucose control than SAP under free-living conditions. Although time in the different glycemic ranges was similar between D/N-AP and E/N-AP, D/N-AP further reduces glucose variability.
Confirmed case of Zika virus congenital infection, Spain, March 2016
Authors: Perez Sonia , Tato Ruben , Cabrera Jorge Julio , Lopez Alberto , Robles Olga , Paz Eugenio , Coira Amparo , Sanchez-Seco Maria Paz , Vazquez Ana , Carballo Raquel , Quintas Carlos , Pousa Anxela
Published: June 2016

We describe Zika virus (ZIKV) vertical transmission in an imported case in Spain, in a 17-week pregnant woman. ZIKV IgG, IgM and RNA were detected in serum in week 17. At 19 weeks, ultrasound scan revealed fetal malformations and ZIKV was detected in the amniotic fluid. Pregnancy was terminated at week 21; autopsy of the fetus revealed bilateral hydrocephalus, brain microcalcifications and arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. ZIKV was detected in the umbilical cord and brain tissue.
Should Students Assessed as Needing Remedial Mathematics Take College-Level Quantitative Courses Instead? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Logue A. W. , Watanabe-Rose Mari , Douglas Daniel
Published: June 2016

Many college students never take, or do not pass, required remedial mathematics courses theorized to increase college-level performance. Some colleges and states are therefore instituting policies allowing students to take college-level courses without first taking remedial courses. However, no experiments have compared the effectiveness of these approaches, and other data are mixed. We randomly assigned 907 students to (a) remedial elementary algebra, (b) that course with workshops, or (c) college-level statistics with workshops (corequisite remediation). Students assigned to statistics passed at a rate 16 percentage points higher than those assigned to algebra (p < .001), and subsequently accumulated more credits. A majority of enrolled statistics students passed. Policies allowing students to take college-level instead of remedial quantitative courses can increase student success.
Near Field Communication in Tourism: A Conceptual Paper
Authors: Egger Roman
Published: June 2016

Modern society is virtually inconceivable without mobile devices and the consequent use of mobile services. The multitude of technologies incorporated in the tiniest space has turned mobile phones, and smart phones in particular, into the Swiss knives of our times. What is currently perceived to be one of the most promising technologies for the future is Near Field Communication (NFC), which will most likely become the standard in mobile devices in the years to come. Due to the novel nature of this technology, the assessment of its importance for the tourism industry is still relatively unclear. The author is one of the first to focus on NFC in tourism, with the aim of introducing NFC technology and drafting first responses to the following questions: What benefit can NFC technology have for tourism and what functionalities can it trigger? What are the possible future applications in tourism and what challenges will tourism be faced with in this respect?The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.5 2013 pp.1-12
Eclectic Paradigm and the analysis of FDI in tourism in Nepal
Authors: Basnyat Sandeep
Published: June 2016

This paper analyzes the factors that determine the inflows of FDI in tourism sector of Nepal using Eclectic Theory (Paradigm) propounded by John Dunning. It was observed that the first and second conditions (ownership specific advantages and internalization advantages) are firm specific determinants of FDI, whereas, the third is location-specific and, therefore, has a crucial influence on the host country Nepal’s inflows of FDI in tourism. It was further observed that the development impact of FDI on the tourism industry of Nepal may be determined by various combinations of three main important factors – policy environment, including policy reforms that trigger further inflows of FDI; the level of development (and maturity) of the tourism industry; and, the geography of Nepal. The paper suggests that MNC’s can help Nepal by, among other things, diversifying the supply of tourism products and improving the local service standards.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.5 2013 pp.69-82
Tamang Heritage Trail:A Study of Gatlang Village in Rasuwa District of Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Ramesh Raj , Pandey Chadani
Published: June 2016

Tourism can be viewed as a space-time convergence between hosts and guests. The emergence of ethnic and cultural tourism implies that tourism also includes interaction and encounter between hosts and guests. Ethnic tourism provides opportunities to ethnic minorities to showcase their culture, customs and heritage. The unexplored soil of Tamang village was opened to bring them into the mainstream of development through pro- poor approach. When tourism is introduced culture is commoditised. Regarding this matter, the scholars are divided into two camps. Accordingly, one school of thought clearly advocates  that tourism brings cultural transformation whereas the other camp proposes that commoditisation will not affect on the culture of  host population. The economic and socio- cultural impacts of tourism is dealt along with the income generation and change in gender roles. In this study, Tamang Heritage Trail as an academic subject includes tourism and ethnicity, cultural heritage tourism, tangible and intangible heritage, niche-tourism, adventure  tourism ,cultural resource management and homestay. This study follows culture as multi-variate concept and tourism is composite discipline.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.6 2014 pp.1-41
Sustainable Mountain Tourism Development in Khumbu Region
Authors: Rijal Chanakya P.
Published: June 2016

As a result of highly impressive socio-behavioral temperament and character of the Sherpas in the eastern mountains, many people may be influenced to visit Nepal again and again and the outcome could be the spread of global brotherhood of the Nepalese people. The Sherpas are regarded as the symbolic source of inspiration by means of their simplicity of living, grounded religious and spiritual faith and trustworthiness - all contributing in an experiential living in the Himalayas. This article presents with an exploration of the problems, challenges and prospects for promoting sustainable mountain tourism keeping the Hilarity of the Sherpa Spirit at the center of concern while establishing a world view on sustainable tourism development and supplementing it with the grounded multiple realities via ethnographic dialectics.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.6 2014 pp.42-69
National Images  Challenges for South Asian Sub-regional Nations to Sustain Tourism Growth
Authors: Pandey Rabi Jung
Published: June 2016

An image on tourism industry products gives potential traveller an important sense of emotional security. They can establish harmonious relationship between themselves and the outside world. National image is a long term investment and should be considered every time a decision is made at high or low levels of management. Marketers of the tourism product should not underestimate the value of a national image and its effect upon tourist behaviour. The steady growth in the world tourism market has earmarked its importance globally. Inevitably such tourism activities have an impact on wider economies, in both the developed and the developing world. Realizing the fact and importance of tourism, there is growing awareness worldwide. However, there is still relatively little appreciation of the specific operating characteristics of tourism firms, and especially of tourism entrepreneurship within developing countries. The development of national tourism policies, long-term tourism master plans, and tourism marketing strategies clearly highlights the significance that governments all over the world are attached and giving utmost priority to the industry. It is equally important to understand that the reliance on international tourism as a strategy for economic development might be precarious for the country. This is justified by the fact that it is so often associated with a dependency upon external sources of growth. This type of situation will be observed by those countries, which will be having their internal political conflicts, or in other socio-political tribulations. Therefore, such external sources at that time tend to be fickle in nature. Tourism being very sensitive and psycho graphic industry, choices of tourist destinations is susceptible to large fluctuations, particularly because of economic conditions in the tourist’s country of origin or the political situation in the holiday destination. Likewise, there also exist significant socio-economic and geographical dimensions of tourism dependency. The growth of the tourist industry and its potential for stimulating economic development through service sectors has contrived an important point in much of the literature on tourism. South Asian Sub-regional countries are considering tourism as an important industry for their livelihood. Different concepts and different philosophies on tourism are gaining wider recognition in this sub-region. That is why, research and studies going on widely into these areas. However, regardless of considerable dispute on the subject there is still little conformity as to tourism’s role in economic development where the governments will be having many more other socio-economic obligations. In such countries, the overall picture of tourism’s role is found to be somewhat blurred with some challenges, not only by the different assessments of economic development, but also by its socio-cultural and environmental implications as well.The Gaze: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Vol.6 2014 pp.70-97
Combined Hot Isostatic Pressing and Heat Treatment of Aluminum A356 Cast Alloys*
Authors: Hafenstein S. , Brummer M. , Ahlfors M. , Werner E.
Published: June 2016

The mechanical and microstructural properties of aluminum A356 cast alloy are investigated as a function of hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment parameters. The combined hot isostatic pressing and heat treatment process leads to an improvement of mechanical properties when compared to regular hot isostatic pressing with no separate heat treatment. An oversaturated state with magnesium and silicon atoms dissolved in the aluminum matrix can be achieved by increasing the quenching rate to 6.9 K/s within the temperature range between 813 K and 473 K. Aging can be performed directly after hot isostatic pressing, without the necessity of a separate solution annealing step. Thereby, the overall processing costs could be reduced.
Endothelin-1 levels and renal function in newborns of various gestational ages
Authors: Stefanov G. , Puppala B.L. , Pais G. , Gulati A.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND: Renal failure is common in the NICU; Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs in 8–24% of admissions. Although AKI is preventable with early diagnosis, no reliable AKI biomarkers exist. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in renal pathogenesis, and elevated urinary ET-1 (uET-1) levels may correlate with progression of renal dysfunction. The study objectives were to determine whether uET-1 levels correlate with renal function parameters and/or fetal growth restriction, and if uET-1 is a potential neonatal AKI biomarker.

METHODS: Sixty-three neonates were enrolled and divided into gestational age (GA) groups by weeks: 1) (24–30 6/7; n = 24); 2) (31–36 6/7; n = 26); and 3) (37–42; n = 13). Additional preterm subgroups for fetal growth restriction analysis included: 1) Appropriate for GA (AGA; n = 40), and 2) Small for GA (SGA; n = 10). ET-1 levels, measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, were collected at birth (cord blood) and 24 h ( ± 4) of life (blood/urine).

RESULTS: No correlation was found between uET-1 and blood plasma levels at birth ( r = 0.15; p > 0.05) or 24 h ( r = 0.17; p > 0.05). uET-1 negatively correlated with GA ( r = –0.44; p < 0.001) and GFR ( r = –0.34; p < 0.01). uET-1 levels did not correlate with creatinine ( r = 0.13; p > 0.05), BUN ( r = 0.19; p > 0.05), BUN/Cr ratio ( r = 0.15; p > 0.05), or urinary output ( r = 0.12; p > 0.05). In fetal growth restriction subgroup analyses: uET-1 levels negatively correlated with GFR in the PT–AGA subgroup ( r = –0.38; p = 0.017), but not with PT–SGA ( r = 0.01; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Plasma and uET-1 levels did not correlate; therefore, renal ET-1 excretion may reflect renal ET-1 production. uET-1 levels correlated negatively with GA and GFR. uET-1 may be a marker of impaired neonatal circulatory regulation and consequent renal injury.
The antecedents and correlates of necrotizing enterocolitis and spontaneous intestinal perforation among infants born before the 28th week of gestation
Authors: Singh R. , Shah B. , Allred E.N. , Grzybowski M. , Martin C.R. , Leviton A. ,   for the ELGAN Study co-investigators
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE: To identify antecedents of “medical” necrotizing enterocolitis (mNEC), “surgical” NEC (sNEC), and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in newborns delivered before 28 weeks gestation.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective multicenter cohort study. During study period, 2002– 2004, women delivering before 28 weeks gestation at one of 14 participating institutions were enrolled. Well defined antenatal and postnatal variables were collected. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify candidates for developing multinomial multivariable time-oriented logistic regression models.

RESULTS: Of the 1320 infants, 5% had mNEC, 6% had sNEC, and 4% had SIP. Antecedents of mNEC included mother’s identification as Black, consumption of aspirin during the pregnancy, and vaginal bleeding after the 12th week of gestation. For sNEC the antecedents were maternal self- support, obesity and anemia during the pregnancy, birth before the 24th week, birth weight ≤750gm, and receipt of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) during the first postnatal week. An infant was at increased risk of SIP if the placenta had increased syncytial knots, birth occurred before the 24th week, and received FFP during the first week.

CONCLUSIONS: Maternal and neonatal characteristics might help identify at-risk ELGANs for NEC and SIP, who then may potentially benefit from targeted preventive strategies.
Prenatal diagnosis of sub-microscopic partial trisomy 10q using chromosomal microarray analysis in a phenotypically abnormal fetus with normal karyotype
Authors: Browne P.C. , Adam S. , Badr M. , Brooks C.R. , Edwards J. , Walker P. , Mohamed S. , Gregg A.R.
Published: June 2016

Partial trisomy of the 10q region was originally reported in 1979 [ 1 ]. For 25 years, the diagnosis was made microscopically based on large, visible insertions in the region identified by karyotype analysis. Previous case reports have included both unbalanced translocations and large duplications/insertions in the 10q region [ 2 ]. Probands with partial trisomy 10q syndrome often have an abnormal phenotype that may include developmental delay [ 3 – 5 ], craniofacial abnormalities [ 3 , 5 ], talipes (clubfoot) [ 2 ], microcephaly [ 2 – 4 ], or congenital heart disease [ 2 – 6 ]. Prenatal diagnoses by karyotype have been made following ultrasound diagnosis of sacrococcygeal teratoma [ 7 ], renal pyelectasis [ 3 , 8–10 ], and other fetal abnormalities [ 4 ]. In this case, we report the first prenatal diagnosis of partial trisomy 10q (10q22.3–10q23.2) with a normal karyotype and an abnormal chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). This is the smallest copy number variant (CNV) (7.5 Mb) in the 10q22.3–10q23.2 regions yet reported.
Ultrasound cervical length measurement in prediction of labor induction outcome
Authors: Kehila M. , Abouda H.S. , Sahbi K. , Cheour H. , Chanoufi M. Badis
Published: June 2016

Induction of labor is one of the most common procedures in modern obstetrics, with an incidence of approximately 20% of all deliveries. Not all of these inductions result in vaginal delivery; some lead to cesarean sections, either for emergency reasons or for failed induction. That’s why, It seems necessary to outline strategies for the improvement of the success rate of induced deliveries. Traditionally, the identification of women in whom labor induction is more likely to be successful is based on the Bishop score. However, several studies have shown it to be subjective, with high variation and a poor predictor of the outcome of labor induction. Transvaginal sonography for cervical measurement can be a more objective criterion in assessing the success of labor induction. Many studies have been done recently to compare cervical measurement and Bishop Score in labor induction.

This paper reviewed the literature that evaluated sonographic cervical length measurement to predict induction of labor outcome.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Authors: Shamir Reuben R. , Noecker Angela , McIntyre Cameron C.
Published: June 2016

Some patients with neurological diseases (e.g., a disease that involves abnormal brain function) do not respond well to the available medications and must resort to alternative surgical therapies to manage their symptoms. Parkinson's disease (PD), for example, involves damage to a specific brain area called the basal ganglia and is characterized by reduced levels of a substance called dopamine in the brain. These changes to the brain physiology are associated with motor symptoms like imbalance, tremor, and slowness of motion, which can be very disabling. Fortunately, medications like levodopa can partially return the balance of dopamine in the brain and relieve the motor symptoms of the disease, especially in its early stages. However, as PD progresses, the drug therapy becomes less and less effective, and an additional therapy is needed.
Advertising between Archetype and Brand Personality
Authors: Bechter Clemens , Farinelli Giorgio , Daniel Rolf-Dieter , Frey Michael
Published: June 2016

The aim of the paper is the alignment of C.G. Jung’s (1954) archetypes and Aaker’s (1997) brand personality framework in the context of advertising. C.G. Jung’s theories had a tremendous impact on psychology. David Aaker and his daughter Jennifer are seen by many as the branding gurus. Despite the fact that both frameworks refer to persons/personalities there is no publication linking the two frameworks. Our research tried to fill this gap by developing a joint framework combining Jung’s and Aaker’s attributes and apply it by analyzing two distinctively different TV commercials from Asian hotel chains. A total of 102 Executive MBA students had to watch both TV commercials and then conduct an Archetype (C.G. Jung) Indicator test and rate Brand Personality (Aaker) traits of the two commercials. Results show that there is common ground. This has implications for advertisers who may want to specify an archetype and related personality attributes for their promotional campaigns. Game changers in the hospitality sector may want to be seen as Outlaw whereas established hotel chains may position themselves as Lover with personality attributes such as welcoming, charming, and embraced.
Cinematic Bodies
Authors: Chamarette Jenny
Published: June 2016

It is difﬁcult to imagine a cinema without bodies.[...]
Product Design Time Forecasting by Kernel-Based Regression with Gaussian Distribution Weights
Authors: Shang Zhi-Gen , Yan Hong-Sen
Published: June 2016

There exist problems of small samples and heteroscedastic noise in design time forecasts. To solve them, a kernel-based regression with Gaussian distribution weights (GDW-KR) is proposed here. GDW-KR maintains a Gaussian distribution over weight vectors for the regression. It is applied to seek the least informative distribution from those that keep the target value within the confidence interval of the forecast value. GDW-KR inherits the benefits of Gaussian margin machines. By assuming a Gaussian distribution over weight vectors, it could simultaneously offer a point forecast and its confidence interval, thus providing more information about product design time. Our experiments with real examples verify the effectiveness and flexibility of GDW-KR.
A Novel Design of Radio Frequency Energy Relays on Power Transmission Lines
Authors: Tong Jin , He Yigang , Li Bing , Deng Fangming , Wang Tao
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we investigate the energy problem of monitoring sensors on high-voltage power transmission lines and propose a wireless charging scheme for a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) sensor tag to solve a commercial efficiency problem: the maintenance-caused power outage. Considering the environmental influences on power transmission lines, a self-powered wireless energy relay is designed to meet the energy requirement of the passive RFID sensor tag. The relay can obtain the electric field energy from the transmission lines and wirelessly power the RFID sensor tags around for longer operating distance. A prototype of the energy relay is built and tested on a 110 kv line. The measurement results show that the energy relay can provide stable energy even with the influences of wind, noise and power outage. To our knowledge, it is the first work to power the RFID sensor tags on power transmission lines.
Correction: Yang, W.; Yang, J.; Guo, W.; Zeng, W.; Wang, C.; Saarinen, L.; Norrlund, P. A Mathematical Model and Its Application for Hydro Power Units under Different Operating Conditions. Energies 2015, 8, 10260–10275
Authors: Yang Weijia , Yang Jiandong , Guo Wencheng , Zeng Wei , Wang Chao , Saarinen Linn , Norrlund Per
Published: June 2016

The authors wish to make the following corrections to the published paper [1].[...]
Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Emergency Room Visits for Respiratory Diseases in Spring Dust Storm Season in Lanzhou, China
Authors: Ma Yuxia , Xiao Bingshuang , Liu Chang , Zhao Yuxin , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: June 2016

Background: Air pollution has become a major global public health problem. A number of studies have confirmed the association between air pollutants and emergency room (ER) visits for respiratory diseases in developed countries and some Asian countries, but little evidence has been seen in Western China. This study aims to concentrate on this region. Methods: A time-series analysis was used to examine the specific effects of major air pollutants (PM10, SO2 and NO2) on ER visits for respiratory diseases from 2007 to 2011 in the severely polluted city of Lanzhou. We examined the effects of air pollutants for stratified groups by age and gender, accounting for the modifying effect of dust storms in spring to test the possible interaction. Results: Significant associations were found between outdoor air pollution concentrations and respiratory diseases, as expressed by daily ER visits in Lanzhou in the spring dust season. The association between air pollution and ER visits appeared to be more evident on dust days than non-dust days. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs per 10 µg/m3 increase in 3-day PM10 (L3), 5-day SO2 (L5), and the average of current and previous 2-day NO2 (L01) were 1.140 (1.071–1.214), 1.080 (0.967–1.205), and 1.298 (1.158–1.454), respectively, on dust days. More significant associations between PM10, SO2 and NO2 and ER visits were found on dust days for elderly females, elderly males and adult males, respectively. Conclusions: This study strengthens the evidence of dust-exacerbated ER visits for respiratory diseases in Lanzhou.
Wayfinding the Live 5-2-1-0 Initiative—At the Intersection between Systems Thinking and Community-Based Childhood Obesity Prevention
Authors: Amed Shazhan , Shea Stephanie , Pinkney Susan , Wharf Higgins Joan , Naylor Patti-Jean
Published: June 2016

Childhood obesity is complex and requires a ‘systems approach’ that collectively engages across multiple community settings. Sustainable Childhood Obesity Prevention through Community Engagement (SCOPE) has implemented Live 5-2-1-0—a multi-sector, multi-component childhood obesity prevention initiative informed by systems thinking and participatory research via an innovative knowledge translation (KT) model (RE-FRAME). This paper describes the protocol for implementing and evaluating RE-FRAME in two ‘existing’ (>2 years of implementation) and two ‘new’ Live 5-2-1-0 communities to understand how to facilitate and sustain systems/community-level change. In this mixed-methods study, RE-FRAME was implemented via online resources, webinars, a backbone organization (SCOPE) coordinating the initiative, and a linking system supporting KT. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using surveys and stakeholder interviews, analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics, respectively. Existing communities described the consistency of Live 5-2-1-0 and extensive local partnerships/champions as catalysts for synergistic community-wide action; new communities felt that the simplicity of the message combined with the transfer of experiential learning would inform their own strategies and policies/programs to broadly disseminate Live 5-2-1-0. RE-FRAME effectively guided the refinement of the initiative and provided a framework upon which evaluation results described how to implement a community-based systems approach to childhood obesity prevention.
Compassion Fatigue among Healthcare, Emergency and Community Service Workers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cocker Fiona , Joss Nerida
Published: June 2016

Compassion fatigue (CF) is stress resulting from exposure to a traumatized individual. CF has been described as the convergence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and cumulative burnout (BO), a state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by a depleted ability to cope with one’s everyday environment. Professionals regularly exposed to the traumatic experiences of the people they service, such as healthcare, emergency and community service workers, are particularly susceptible to developing CF. This can impact standards of patient care, relationships with colleagues, or lead to more serious mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression. A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce CF in healthcare, emergency and community service workers was conducted. Thirteen relevant studies were identified, the majority of which were conducted on nurses (n = 10). Three included studies focused on community service workers (social workers, disability sector workers), while no studies targeting emergency service workers were identified. Seven studies reported a significant difference post-intervention in BO (n = 4) or STS (n = 3). This review revealed that evidence of the effectiveness of CF interventions in at-risk health and social care professions is relatively recent. Therefore, we recommend more research to determine how best to protect vulnerable workers at work to prevent not only CF, but also the health and economic consequences related to the ensuing, and more disabling, physical and mental health outcomes.
Comparison of Individual and Combined Effects of Four Endocrine Disruptors on Estrogen Receptor Beta Transcription in Cerebellar Cell Culture: The Modulatory Role of Estradiol and Triiodo-Thyronine
Authors: Jocsak Gergely , Kiss David , Toth Istvan , Goszleth Greta , Bartha Tibor , Frenyo Laszlo , Horvath Tamas , Zsarnovszky Attila
Published: June 2016

Background: Humans and animals are continuously exposed to a number of environmental substances that act as endocrine disruptors (EDs). While a growing body of evidence is available to prove their adverse health effects, very little is known about the consequences of simultaneous exposure to a combination of such chemicals; Methods: Here, we used an in vitro model to demonstrate how exposure to bisphenol A, zearalenone, arsenic, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, alone or in combination, affect estrogen receptor β (ERβ) mRNA expression in primary cerebellar cell cultures. Additionally, we also show the modulatory role of intrinsic biological factors, such as estradiol (E2), triiodo-thyronine (T3), and glial cells, as potential effect modulators; Results: Results show a wide diversity in ED effects on ERβ mRNA expression, and that the magnitude of these ED effects highly depends on the presence or absence of E2, T3, and glial cells; Conclusion: The observed potency of the EDs to influence ERβ mRNA expression, and the modulatory role of E2, T3, and the glia suggests that environmental ED effects may be masked as long as the hormonal milieu is physiological, but may tend to turn additive or superadditive in case of hormone deficiency.
Trends in Between-Country Health Equity in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1990 to 2011: Improvement, Convergence and Reversal
Authors: Jin Jiajie , Liang Di , Shi Lu , Huang Jiayan
Published: June 2016

It is not clear whether between-country health inequity in Sub-Saharan Africa has been reduced over time due to economic development and increased foreign investments. We used the World Health Organization’s data about 46 nations in Sub-Saharan Africa to test if under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) and life expectancy (LE) converged or diverged from 1990 to 2011. We explored whether the standard deviation of selected health indicators decreased over time (i.e., sigma convergence), and whether the less developed countries moved toward the average level in the group (i.e., beta convergence). The variation of U5MR between countries became smaller from 1990 to 2001. Yet this sigma convergence trend did not continue after 2002. Life expectancy in Africa from 1990–2011 demonstrated a consistent convergence trend, even after controlling for initial differences of country-level factors. The lack of consistent convergence in U5MR partially resulted from the fact that countries with higher U5MR in 1990 eventually performed better than those countries with lower U5MRs in 1990, constituting a reversal in between-country health inequity. Thus, international aid agencies might consider to reassess the funding priority about which countries to invest in, especially in the field of early childhood health.
Coarse Fraction Particle Matter and Exhaled Nitric Oxide in Non-Asthmatic Children
Authors: Carlsen Hanne , Boman Peter , Björ Bodil , Olin Anna-Carin , Forsberg Bertil
Published: June 2016

Coarse particle matter, PMcoarse, is associated with increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between short-term changes in PMcoarse and sub-clininal airway inflammation in children. Healthy children aged 11 years from two northern Swedish elementary schools underwent fraction of exhaled nitrogen oxide (FENO) measurements to determine levels of airway inflammation twice weekly during the study period from 11 April–6 June 2011. Daily exposure to PMcoarse, PM2.5, NO2, NOx, NO and O3 and birch pollen was estimated. Multiple linear regression was used. Personal covariates were included as fixed effects and subjects were included as a random effect. In total, 95 children participated in the study, and in all 493 FENO measurements were made. The mean level of PMcoarse was 16.1 μg/m3 (range 4.1–42.3), and that of O3 was 75.0 μg/m3 (range: 51.3–106.3). That of NO2 was 17.0 μg/m3 (range: 4.7–31.3), NOx was 82.1 μg/m3 (range: 13.3–165.3), and NO was 65 μg/m3 (range: 8.7–138.4) during the study period. In multi-pollutant models an interquartile range increase in 24 h PMcoarse was associated with increases in FENO by between 6.9 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.0–14) and 7.3 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.4–14.9). PMcoarse was associated with an increase in FENO, indicating sub-clinical airway inflammation in healthy children.
Cell Type-Specific Modulation of Respiratory Chain Supercomplex Organization
Authors: Sun Dayan , Li Bin , Qiu Ruyi , Fang Hezhi , Lyu Jianxin
Published: June 2016

Respiratory chain complexes are organized into large supercomplexes among which supercomplex In + IIIn + IVn is the only one that can directly transfer electrons from NADH to oxygen. Recently, it was reported that the formation of supercomplex In + IIIn + IVn in mice largely depends on their genetic background. However, in this study, we showed that the composition of supercomplex In + IIIn + IVn is well conserved in various mouse and human cell lines. Strikingly, we found that a minimal supercomplex In + IIIn, termed “lowest supercomplex” (LSC) in this study because of its migration at the lowest position close to complex V dimers in blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was associated with complex IV to form a supercomplex In + IIIn + IVn in some, but not all of the human and mouse cells. In addition, we observed that the 3697G>A mutation in mitochondrial-encoded NADH dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) in one patient with Leigh’s disease specifically affected the assembly of supercomplex In + IIIn + IVn containing LSC, leading to decreased cellular respiration and ATP generation. In conclusion, we showed the existence of LSC In + IIIn + IVn and impairment of this supercomplex causes disease.
Expression of Stipa purpurea SpCIPK26 in Arabidopsis thaliana Enhances Salt and Drought Tolerance and Regulates Abscisic Acid Signaling
Authors: Zhou Yanli , Sun Xudong , Yang Yunqiang , Li Xiong , Cheng Ying , Yang Yongping
Published: June 2016

Stipa purpurea (S. purpurea) is the dominant plant species in the alpine steppe of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. It is highly resistant to cold and drought conditions. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the stress tolerance are unknown. In this study, a CIPK gene from S. purpurea (SpCIPK26) was isolated. The SpCIPK26 coding region consisted of 1392 bp that encoded 464 amino acids. The protein has a highly conserved catalytic structure and regulatory domain. The expression of SpCIPK26 was induced by drought and salt stress. SpCIPK26 overexpression in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) plants provided increased tolerance to drought and salt stress in an abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent manner. Compared with wild-type A. thaliana plants, SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants had higher survival rates, water potentials, and photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), as well as lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following exposure to drought and salt stress. Gene expression analyses indicated stress-inducible genes (RD29A, RD29B, and ABF2) and a ROS-scavenger gene (CAT1) were upregulated in SpCIPK26-overexpressing plants after stress treatments. All of these marker genes are associated with ABA-responsive cis-acting elements. Additionally, the similarities in the gene expression patterns following ABA, mannitol, and NaCl treatments suggest SpCIPK26 has an important role during plant responses to drought and salt stress and in regulating ABA signaling.
Selection of Suitable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Normalization in Three Types of Rat Adipose Tissue
Authors: Zhang Wan-Xia , Fan Jie , Ma Jing , Rao Yi-Song , Zhang Li , Yan You-E
Published: June 2016

Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is the most classical technique in the field of gene expression study. This method requires an appropriate reference gene to normalize mRNA levels. In this study, the expression stability of four frequently-used reference genes in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), inguinal beige adipose tissue (iBeAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) from obese and lean rats were evaluated by geNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper. Based on the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines, the two most stable reference genes were recommended in each type of adipose tissue. Two target genes were applied to test the stability of the reference genes. The geNorm and NormFinder results revealed that GAPDH and 36B4 exhibited the highest expression stabilities in eWAT, while 36B4 and β-actin had the highest expression stabilities in iBeAT and BAT. According to the results of the BestKeeper analysis, 36B4 was the most stable gene in eWAT, iBeAT and BAT, in terms of the coefficient of variance. In terms of the coefficient of correlation, GAPDH, 36B4 and β-actin were the most stable genes in eWAT, iBeAT and BAT, respectively. Additionally, expected results and statistical significance were obtained using a combination of two suitable reference genes for data normalization. In conclusion, 36B4 and GAPDH, in combination, are the best reference genes for eWAT, while 36B4 and β-actin are two most suitable reference genes for both iBeAT and BAT. We recommend using these reference genes accordingly.
Rhizobacterial Strain Bacillus megaterium BOFC15 Induces Cellular Polyamine Changes that Improve Plant Growth and Drought Resistance
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Ma Zhongyou , Zhu Lin , Xiao Xin , Xie Yue , Zhu Jian , Wang Jianfei
Published: June 2016

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria can improve plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. However, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unclear. We investigated the effects of Bacillus megaterium BOFC15 on Arabidopsis plants. BOFC15 produced and secreted spermidine (Spd), a type of polyamine (PA) that plays an important role in plant growth. Moreover, BOFC15 induced changes in the cellular PAs of plants that promoted an increase of free Spd and spermine levels. However, these effects were remarkably abolished by the addition of dicyclohexylamine (DCHA), a Spd biosynthetic inhibitor. Additionally, the inoculation with BOFC15 remarkably increased plant biomass, improved root system architecture, and augmented photosynthetic capacity. Inoculated plants also displayed stronger ability to tolerate drought stress than non-inoculated (control) plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) content was notably higher in the inoculated plants than in the control plants under drought stress and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-induced stress conditions. However, the BOFC15-induced ABA synthesis was markedly inhibited by DCHA. Thus, microbial Spd participated in the modulation of the ABA levels. The Spd-producing BOFC15 improved plant drought tolerance, which was associated with altered cellular ABA levels and activated adaptive responses.
The Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Modulated by All-Trans-β-Carotene in the Process of Photosystem II
Authors: Li Tianyu , Zhang Ye , Gong Nan , Li Zuowei , Sun Chenglin , Men Zhiwei
Published: June 2016

Modulating the chlorophyll a (Chl-a) fluorescence by all-trans-β-Carotene (β-Car) in the polarity and non-polarity solutions was investigated. The fluorescence intensity of Chl-a decreased as the concentration of β-Car increased. The excited electronic levels of Chl-a and β-Car became much closer owing to the solvent effect, which led to the electron transfer between both two molecules. A electron-separated pair Chl−·Chl+ that is not luminous was formed due to electron transfer. The solution of Chl-a and β-car in C3H6O was similar to the internal environment of chloroplast. We conclude that the polar solvent is good for the fluorescent modulation in photosystem II.
ROS and Brain Gliomas: An Overview of Potential and Innovative Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Rinaldi Mariagrazia , Caffo Maria , Minutoli Letteria , Marini Herbert , Abbritti Rosaria , Squadrito Francesco , Trichilo Vincenzo , Valenti Andrea , Barresi Valeria , Altavilla Domenica , Passalacqua Marcello , Caruso Gerardo
Published: June 2016

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent reactive products belonging to the partial reduction of oxygen. It has been reported that ROS are involved in different signaling pathways to control cellular stability. Under normal conditions, the correct function of redox systems leads to the prevention of cell oxidative damage. When ROS exceed the antioxidant defense system, cellular stress occurs. The cellular redox impairment is strictly related to tumorigenesis. Tumor cells, through the generation of hydrogen peroxide, tend to the alteration of cell cycle phases and, finally to cancer progression. In adults, the most common form of primary malignant brain tumors is represented by gliomas. The gliomagenesis is characterized by numerous molecular processes all characterized by an altered production of growth factor receptors. The difficulty to treat brain cancer depends on several biological mechanisms such as failure of drug delivery through the blood-brain barrier, tumor response to chemotherapy, and intrinsic resistance of tumor cells. Understanding the mechanisms of ROS action could allow the formulation of new therapeutic protocols to treat brain gliomas.