bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of ARCSI Learning Model with Scientific Approach for Teaching Mathematics in School
Authors: Usmadi Usmadi , Ergusni Ergusni
Published: December 2018

The study was aimed to obtain information regarding the design instructional of ARCSI learning model with the scientific approach for teaching mathematics in school. This learning model developed based on the learning conditions at Junior High School (SMP/MTs) in Bukittinggi City and Agam Districts of West Sumatera requiring a model of learning based on Islamic values, strategy in the motivation of ARCSI, and a scientific approach mandated in the curriculum of 2013. This learning model is designed for forming the character of learners in an Islamic way the learning process of mathematics that pleasant, and train students to think critically and comprehensively through a scientific approach. Synonymous ARCSI Learning Model with scientific approach, namely: (1) Attract the attention of learners by inviting praying/pleading to Allah Ta’ala, (2) Convey the purpose/benefit of learning and its application in daily activity, (3) The deliberations of the group to establish ukhuwah Islamiyah within the group, (4) a class discussion to establish ukhuwah Islamiyah classically, (5) Giving satisfaction to students with learning will make only because of Allah Ta’ala and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad SAW (6) Evaluate processes and the results of solving problems, and (7) Closing the learning by reading Hamdallah and greetings.
On Modeling the Bending Stiffness of Thin Semi-Circular Flexure Hinges for Precision Applications
Authors: Torres Melgarejo Mario André , Darnieder Maximilian , Linß Sebastian , Zentner Lena , Fröhlich Thomas , Theska René
Published: December 2018

Compliant mechanisms based on flexure hinges are widely used in precision engineering applications. Among those are devices such as precision balances and mass comparators with achievable resolutions and uncertainties in the nano-newton range. The exact knowledge of the mechanical properties of notch hinges and their modeling is essential for the design and the goal-oriented adjustment of these devices. It is shown in this article that many analytical equations available in the literature for calculating the bending stiffness of thin semi-circular flexure hinges cause deviations of up to 12% compared to simulation results based on the three-dimensional finite element model for the considered parameter range. A close examination of the stress state within the loaded hinge reveals possible reasons for this deviation. The article explains this phenomenon in detail and shows the limitations of existing analytical models depending on specific geometric ratios. An accurate determination of the bending stiffness of semi-circular flexure hinges in a wide range of geometric parameters without the need for an elaborate finite element analysis is proposed in form of FEM-based correction factors for analytical equations referring to Euler-Bernoulli’s beam theory.
Bird Management in Blueberries and Grapes
Authors: Lindell Catherine A. , Hannay Melissa B. , Hawes Benjamin C.
Published: December 2018

Bird damage to fruit is a long-standing challenge for growers that imposes significant costs because of yield losses and grower efforts to manage birds. We measured bird damage in ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry fields and Pinot noir vineyards in 2012–2014 in Michigan to investigate how year, grower, and forest cover influenced the proportions of bird damage. We tested whether inflatable tubemen (2013–2014) and a methyl anthranilate spray (2015) reduced bird damage in blueberries, and tested the deterrent effect of inflatable tubemen in grapes (2014). Years when crop yield was lower tended to have a higher damage percentage; for blueberries, bird damage was highest in 2012, and in grapes, damage was highest in 2012 and 2014. Neither blueberry fields nor vineyards with inflatable tubemen showed significantly reduced bird damage, although the blueberry fields showed a non-significant trend toward lower damage in the tubemen blocks. Blueberry field halves treated with the methyl anthranilate spray had equivalent bird damage to untreated halves. Our results correspond to previous work showing that percent bird damage varies by year, which was likely because bird consumption of fruit is relatively constant over time, while fruit yield varies. Fruit growers should expect a higher proportion of bird damage in low-fruit contexts, such as low-yield years, and prepare to invest more in bird management at those times. Investigating patterns of bird damage and testing deterrent strategies remain challenges. Bird activity is spatially and temporally variable, and birds’ mobility necessitates tests at large scales.
Transfer Incremental Learning Using Data Augmentation
Authors: Boukli Hacene Ghouthi , Gripon Vincent , Farrugia Nicolas , Arzel Matthieu , Jezequel Michel
Published: December 2018

Deep learning-based methods have reached state of the art performances, relying on a large quantity of available data and computational power. Such methods still remain highly inappropriate when facing a major open machine learning problem, which consists of learning incrementally new classes and examples over time. Combining the outstanding performances of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) with the flexibility of incremental learning techniques is a promising venue of research. In this contribution, we introduce Transfer Incremental Learning using Data Augmentation (TILDA). TILDA is based on pre-trained DNNs as feature extractors, robust selection of feature vectors in subspaces using a nearest-class-mean based technique, majority votes and data augmentation at both the training and the prediction stages. Experiments on challenging vision datasets demonstrate the ability of the proposed method for low complexity incremental learning, while achieving significantly better accuracy than existing incremental counterparts.
A Deeper Insight on the Stability of Water-Induced Reconstruction of Anatase (001) Surface
Authors: Zollo Giuseppe , Vitale Eugenio
Published: December 2018

TiO 2 anatase (001) surface has been indicated for many years as a potential system for water dissociation and hydrogen production. Surface reconstruction periodicity of TiO 2 anatase (001) in water is revised on the basis of the new water induced reconstruction model that accounts for dissociative water adsorption in the first monolayer and self-assembling of surface hydroxyls. The study has been performed in the context of first principles total energy calculations on the basis of state of the art Density Functional Theory. Different surface periodical structures have been studied and compared in terms of residual surface stress and surface reactivity. While a preference seems to emerge for the (2 × 3) surface reconstruction, there are indications that this configuration might not occur spontaneously in bulk water.
A Novel Method for the Recognition of Air Visibility Level Based on the Optimal Binary Tree Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zheng Naishan , Luo Manman , Zou Xiuguo , Qiu Xinfa , Lu Jingxia , Han Jiaqi , Wang Siyu , Wei Yuning , Zhang Shikai , Yao Heyang
Published: December 2018

As the traditional methods for the recognition of air visibility level have the disadvantages of high cost, complicated operation, and the need to set markers, this paper proposes a novel method for the recognition of air visibility level based on an optimal binary tree support vector machine (SVM) using image processing techniques. Firstly, morphological processing is performed on the image. Then, whether the region of interest (ROI) is extracted is determined by the extracted feature values, that is, the contrast features and edge features are extracted in the ROI. After that, the transmittance features of red, green and blue channels (RGB) are extracted throughout the whole image. These feature values are used to construct the visibility level recognition model based on optimal binary tree SVM. The experiments are carried out to verify the proposed method. The experimental results show that the recognition accuracies of the proposed method for four levels of visibility, i.e., good air quality, mild pollution, moderate pollution, and heavy pollution, are 92.00%, 92%, 88.00%, and 100.00%, respectively, with an average recognition accuracy of 93.00%. The proposed method is compared with one-to-one SVM and one-to-many SVM in terms of training time and recognition accuracy. The experimental results show that the proposed method can distinguish four levels of visibility at a relatively satisfactory level, and it performs better than the other two methods in terms of training time and recognition accuracy. This proposed method provides an effective solution for the recognition of air visibility level.
Peripheral Anti-Angiogenic Imbalance during Pregnancy Impairs Myogenic Tone and Increases Cerebral Edema in a Rodent Model of HELLP Syndrome
Authors: Bean Cynthia , Spencer Shauna-Kay , Pabbidi Mallikarjuna R. , Szczepanski Jamie , Araji Sarah , Dixon Sellena , Wallace Kedra
Published: December 2018

Using an animal model of hemolysis elevated liver enzymes low platelets (HELLP) that has systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation we wanted to determine if blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability, cerebral edema, vascular tone, and occludin expression were altered in pregnant rats. Anti-angiogenic proteins sFlt-1 and sEng (4.7 and 7 µg/kg/day, respectively) were chronically infused into normal pregnant (NP) rats beginning on gestational day 12 via a mini-osmotic pump. On gestational day 19, blood pressure was measured via a carotid catheter and brains were collected. BBB permeability was assessed in select brain regions from rats infused with 0.5 mg/mL Texas Red Dextran and phenylephrine. Occludin, sFlt-1, and sEng were analyzed via western blot or ELISA. Infusion of sFlt-1 and sEng into NP rats increased hemolysis and liver enzymes, and decreased platelets and led to hypertension. HELLP rats had significant impairment in the myogenic response and increased BBB permeability in the posterior cortex and brainstem. Brain water content in the posterior cortex was increased and sEng protein expression in the brainstem was significantly increased in HELLP rats. The results from this study suggest that a peripheral anti-angiogenic imbalance during pregnancy is associated with decreased myogenic tone, vasogenic edema, and an increase in BBB permeability, but not anti-angiogenic imbalance in the brain.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acids Using LaFeO3
Authors: Turkten Nazli , Natali Sora Isabella , Tomruk Ayse , Bekbolet Miray
Published: December 2018

TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM), namely humic substances composed of humic (HA) and fulvic acids, has been investigated for decades. However, the application of non-TiO2 photocatalysis for this purpose has only received recent attention. Aiming to fill this gap, this study was performed to elucidate the photocatalytic degradation of HAs using the novel photocatalyst LaFeO3 (LF) under simulated solar light irradiation. HA was selectively fractionated by ultrafiltration to two different molecular size fractions representing high molecular fraction as 100 kDa and lower molecular size fraction comprised of humic components expressing size fractions smaller than 30 kDa. Photocatalyst LF was prepared by the citrate auto-combustion method and characterized by using various techniques and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopic features were used to characterize the treated HA and photocatalytic mineralization extend was followed by dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents. Photocatalytic performance of LF was compared to the metal modified version as Cu-doped LF. Highest mineralization was achieved upon the use of a photocatalyst dose of 0.25 mg/mL of LaFe0.90Cu0.10O3−δ (Cu-LF) for 30 kDaHA, whereas lowest mineralization was attained for 100 kDaHA upon the use of LF. Photocatalytic degradation kinetics indicated the possible use of LF and Cu-LF for the degradation of HA.
Effect of a Collagen-Based Compound on Morpho-Functional Properties of Cultured Human Tenocytes
Authors: Randelli Filippo , Menon Alessandra , Giai Via Alessio , Mazzoleni Manuel , Sciancalepore Fabio , Brioschi Marco , Gagliano Nicoletta
Published: December 2018

Background: Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is the main reason for recalcitrant lateral hip pain. Gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy plays a key role in this setting. An injectable medical compound containing collagen type I (MD-Tissue, Guna) has been produced with the aim to counteract the physiological and pathological degeneration of tendons. In this study we aimed at characterizing the effect of this medical compound on cultured human gluteal tenocytes, focusing on the collagen turnover pathways, in order to understand how this medical compound could influence tendon biology and healing. Methods: Tenocytes were obtained from gluteal tendon fragments collected in eight patients without any gluteal tendon pathology undergoing total hip replacement through an anterior approach. Cell proliferation and migration were investigated by growth curves and wound healing assay, respectively. The expression of genes and proteins involved in collagen turnover were analysed by real-time PCR, Slot blot and SDS-zymography. Results: Our data show that tenocytes cultured on MD-Tissue, compared to controls, have increased proliferation rate and migration potential. MD-Tissue induced collagen type I (COL-I) secretion and mRNA levels of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 (TIMP-1). Meanwhile, lysyl hydroxylase 2b and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1 and -2, involved, respectively, in collagen maturation and degradation, were not affected. Conclusions: Considered as a whole, our results suggest that MD-Tissue could induce in tenocytes an anabolic phenotype by stimulating tenocyte proliferation and migration and COL-I synthesis, maturation, and secretion, thus favouring tendon repair. In particular, based on its effect on gluteal tenocytes, MD-Tissue could be effective in the discouraging treatment of GTPS. From now a rigorous clinical investigation is desirable to understand the real clinical potentials of this compound.
Paradoxical Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Liver Injury and Regeneration after Sterile Acute Hepatic Failure
Authors: Alvarenga Débora Moreira , Mattos Matheus Silvério , Lopes Mateus Eustáquio , Marchesi Sarah Cozzer , Araújo Alan Moreira , Nakagaki Brenda Naemi , Santos Mônica Morais , David Bruna Araújo , De Souza Viviane Aparecida , Carvalho Érika , Sousa Pereira Rafaela Vaz , Marques Pedro Elias , Mafra Kassiana , De Castro Oliveira Hortência Maciel , De Miranda Camila Dutra Moreira , Diniz Ariane Barros , De Oliveira Thiago Henrique Caldeira , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Rezende Rafael Machado , Antunes Maísa Mota , Menezes Gustavo Batista
Published: December 2018

Acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning is one of the leading causes of acute hepatic failure and liver transplantation is often the only lifesaving alternative. During the course of hepatocyte necrosis, an intense accumulation of neutrophils is often observed within the liver microenvironment. Despite the classic idea that neutrophil accumulation in tissues causes collateral tissue damage, there is a growing body of evidence showing that neutrophils can also orchestrate the resolution of inflammation. In this work, drug-induced liver injury was induced by oral administration of APAP and pharmacological intervention was made 12 h after this challenge. Liver injury and repair kinetics were evaluated by a novel combination of enzyme quantifications, ELISA, specific antagonists of neutrophil enzymes and confocal intravital microscopy. We have demonstrated that neutrophil infiltration is not only involved in injury amplification, but also in liver tissue repair after APAP-induced liver injury. In fact, while neutrophil depletion led to reduced hepatic necrosis during APAP poisoning, injury recovery was also delayed in neutropenic mice. The mechanisms underlying the neutrophil reparative role involved rapid degranulation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity. Our data highlights the crucial role of neutrophils, in particular for MMPs, in the resolution phase of APAP-induced inflammatory response.
The Impact of Innovative Teaching Approaches on Biotechnology Knowledge and Laboratory Experiences of Science Teachers
Authors: Orhan Tugce Yagmur , Sahin Nurettin
Published: December 2018

The current study presents an evaluation of the laboratory instructional tasks prepared based on innovative teaching approaches (research-inquiry, problem solving, project, argumentation and web-based interdisciplinary learning approaches) designed to enhance science teachers’ biotechnology knowledge, awareness and laboratory experiences. The laboratory instructional tasks developed by the researchers aim to improve the laboratory experiences, as well as support the teaching of biotechnology through innovative teaching approaches. For this purpose, in-service training course titled Biotechnology Education Practices was conducted with the voluntary participation of science teachers (n = 17). The current study employed the embedded design. The quantitative part of the embedded design is designed as the single group pretest-posttest model and the qualitative part of it is designed as the case study. The data of the current study were collected through the Biotechnology Awareness Questionnaire, Biotechnology Evaluation Questions, The Laboratory Self-Evaluation form and worksheets. The results obtained from the analyses revealed that the instructional tasks conducted within the context of the Biotechnology Education Practices resulted in significant effects on the science teachers’ biotechnology knowledge and awareness and that the innovative teaching approaches were effective in developing the science teachers’ laboratory experiences. It would be useful to use laboratory instructional tasks enriched with innovative teaching approaches in teaching biotechnology subjects.
A Novel Screening Method Based on a Partially Discharging Curve Using a Genetic Algorithm and Back-Propagation Model for the Cascade Utilization of Retired Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lai Xin , Qiao Dongdong , Zheng Yuejiu , Yi Wei
Published: December 2018

Reusing the retired lithium-ion batteries from electric vehicles can generate considerable economic benefits. In this paper, a novel screening method based on partial discharge curves using a genetic algorithm and back-propagation (GA-BP) neural network for the retired cells is proposed. First, the discharge curves of the retired cells with different aging degrees were investigated. Based on this, the calculation method of internal resistance of retired cells was developed. Second, a novel capacity screening model based on a partially discharging process using a GA-BP model was proposed. In this model, the capacity and discharge characteristic data of a small number of sample cells were selected to train the capacity model using GA-BP, and the capacity of a large number of the remaining unsampled cells was estimated using the trained capacity model. Third, the screening simulation model with 108 retired cells was established, and the simulation results showed the effectiveness and rapidity of our proposed method. Finally, experimental verification was performed on the 20 retired cells with different aging degrees. The results showed that our proposed method is feasible, and the maximum error of capacity estimation was 2.951%.
Emerging Trends in Hybrid Wireless Communication and Data Management for the Industry 4.0
Authors: Lucas-Estañ M. Carmen , Sepulcre Miguel , Raptis Theofanis P. , Passarella Andrea , Conti Marco
Published: December 2018

With the fast-paced realization of the Industry 4.0 paradigm, completely centralized networking solutions will no longer be sufficient to meet the stringent requirements of the related industrial applications. Besides requiring fast response time and increased reliability, they will necessitate computational resources at the edge of the network, which demands advanced communication and data management techniques. In this paper, we provide an overview of the network communications and data management aspects for the Industry 4.0. Our global perspective is to understand the key communication and data management challenges and peculiarities for the effective realization of the fourth industrial revolution. To address these challenges, this paper proposes hybrid communications management and decentralized data distribution solutions supported by a hierarchical and multi-tier network architecture. The proposed solutions combine local and decentralized management with centralized decisions to efficiently use the available network resources and meet the requirements of Industry 4.0 applications. To this end, the distributed management entities interact in order to coordinate their decisions and ensure the correct operation of the whole network. Finally, the use of Radio Access Network (RAN) slicing is proposed to achieve the required flexibility to efficiently meet the stringent and varying communication and data management requirements of industrial applications.
Radio Frequency Heating of Milk–Effects on Quality, Safety, and Shelf Life Assessed Using Artificial Senses and Chemometric Tools
Authors: Di Rosa Ambra R. , Leone Francesco , Bressan Fernando , Battaglia Giuseppe , Veccia Tania , Chiofalo Vincenzo
Published: December 2018

Thermal treatments are widely-used strategies in the food industry to inactivate microorganisms and enzymes in order to guarantee safe products without the need for preservatives, while still prolonging their shelf life. Commercial sterilization usually relies on pressurized hot water or steam, often leading to long process times and to surface dehydration phenomena and overheating. However, from the recent studies in the field of radio frequency heating, it has emerged that food products can be processed with time-temperature regimes that are much milder than those required with conventional techniques, resulting in minimal modification of the sensory and nutritive attributes of the food product itself. In the present work, raw bovine milk was sterilized through a combination of steam and radio frequencies, at various temperatures. Alongside the chemical composition, the pH, acidity, and total mesophilic count have been evaluated before and after the process and at the different exit temperatures, in order to study the impact of this technique on milk quality and safety aspects, during a storage period of 55 days at +4°C. Moreover, the organoleptic properties of milk have been studied using artificial senses coupled with chemometrics. Different temperatures lead to homogenous physicochemical and microbiological results, which conform to those expected for a good quality bovine milk. The assessment of flavor and appearance revealed retained or the minimally modified milk sensorial properties. Therefore, RF heating appears to be a suitable technique for the production of safe milk with a prolonged shelf life up to 40–45 days and without significant alterations of the organoleptic and nutritional attributes.
Laboratory Study on Changes in the Pore Structures and Gas Desorption Properties of Intact and Tectonic Coals after Supercritical CO2 Treatment: Implications for Coalbed Methane Recovery
Authors: Su Erlei , Liang Yunpei , Li Lei , Zou Quanle , Niu Fanfan
Published: December 2018

Tectonic coals in coal seams may affect the process of enhanced coalbed methane recovery with CO2 sequestration (CO2-ECBM). The main objective of this study was to investigate the differences between supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) and intact and tectonic coals to determine how the ScCO2 changes the coal’s properties. More specifically, the changes in the tectonic coal’s pore structures and its gas desorption behavior were of particular interest. In this work, mercury intrusion porosimetry, N2 (77 K) adsorption, and methane desorption experiments were used to identify the difference in pore structures and gas desorption properties between and intact and tectonic coals after ScCO2 treatment. The experimental results indicate that the total pore volume, specific surface area, and pore connectivity of tectonic coal increased more than intact coal after ScCO2 treatment, indicating that ScCO2 had the greatest influence on the pore structure of the tectonic coal. Additionally, ScCO2 treatment enhanced the diffusivity of tectonic coal more than that of intact coal. This verified the pore structure experimental results. A simplified illustration of the methane migration before and after ScCO2 treatment was proposed to analyze the influence of ScCO2 on the tectonic coal reservoir’s CBM. Hence, the results of this study may provide new insights into CO2-ECBM in tectonic coal reservoirs.
The Impact of Behavioral and Structural Remedies on Electricity Prices: The Case of the England and Wales Electricity Market
Authors: Tashpulatov Sherzod N.
Published: December 2018

During the liberalization process the UK regulatory authority introduced a behavioral remedy (through price-cap regulation) and structural remedy (through divestment series) in order to mitigate an exercise of market power and lower the influence of incumbent producers on wholesale electricity prices. We study the impact of these remedies on the dynamics of the wholesale electricity price during the peak-demand period over trading days. An extended autoregressive and autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (AR–ARCH) model with a novel skew generalized error distribution is used. This distribution allows one to capture the features of asymmetry, excess kurtosis, and heavy tails. The model is extended to include individual incumbent producers’ market shares and other explanatory variables reflecting seasonal patterns and regulatory regimes. We find that the structural remedy was more successful than the behavioral remedy because the effect of market share of the previously larger incumbent producer on the wholesale price is statistically insignificant. Moreover, after the second series of divestments, price volatility reduced.
Refined Laspeyres Decomposition-Based Analysis of Relationship between Economy and Electric Carbon Productivity from the Provincial Perspective—Development Mode and Policy
Authors: Sun Wei , Cai Hua , Wang Yuwei
Published: December 2018

The development of low-carbon electric power industry plays a vital role in sustainable economic development due to the supporting role of electricity in the Gross Domestic Product GDP. The electric carbon productivity indicator is introduced to investigate the provincial economic development and electric industry-related indicators. The refined Laspeyres decomposition technique is adopted to decompose provincial economic change into the quantitative influence of CO2 emission, electric carbon productivity, and emission structure for the first-stage decomposition; the electric carbon productivity change is sub-decomposed into the influence of factors such as electricity-economic productivity, electricity import-export, and generation carbon efficiency. Through decomposition analysis for the research period of 2005 to 2015, scientific and reasonable suggestions are made for improvement of electric carbon productivity and provincial economic development: (1) The main obstacle to electric carbon productivity improvement is emissions from the power industry. (2) There is interaction between the green economic development mode and the low-carbon electric power industry. In others words, provincial future economy development mode formulation should consider not only economic and industrial factors but also power industry factors. (3) The issue of electric carbon productivity improvement and regional development mode is partially consistent with geographic locations, which is a comprehensive effect of economy level, power industry, energy resources, technological development level, environmental awareness, etc. (4) Due to the existence of regional protection, provincial local incentives should be promulgated to break the GDP-driven development mode to realize coordination among the economy, power industry, and the environment.
Potential Human Health Applications from Marine Biomedical Research with Elasmobranch Fishes
Authors: Luer Carl A. , Walsh Catherine J.
Published: December 2018

Members of the subclass of fishes collectively known as elasmobranchs (Class Chondrichthyes, Subclass Elasmobranchii) include sharks, skates, rays, guitarfish, and sawfish. Having diverged from the main line of vertebrate evolution some 400 million years ago, these fishes have continued to be successful in our ever-changing oceans. Much of their success must be attributed to their uncanny ability to remain healthy. Based on decades of basic research, some of their secrets may be very close to benefitting man. In this short review, some of the molecular and cellular biological areas that show promise for potential human applications are presented. With a brief background and current status of relevant research, these topics include development of new antibiotics and novel treatments for cancer, macular degeneration, viral pathogens, and Parkinson’s disease; potentially useful genomic information from shark transcriptomes; shark antibody-derived drug delivery systems; and immune cell-derived compounds as potential cancer therapeutic agents.
Mercury Pollution, Treatment and Solutions in Spent Fluorescent Lamps in Mainland China
Authors: Li Zhongguo , Jia Puqi , Zhao Fu , Kang Yikun
Published: December 2018

With the increasing awareness of energy conservation and environmental protection, high energy-consuming incandescent lamps have been largely withdrawn from the stage of mainland China’s lighting industry because the main raw material for electricity production-coal-produces mercury pollution when burned and energy-saving fluorescent lamps have made considerable progress. However, fluorescent lamps emit mercury, which still causes environmental pollution. In this work, the existing problems in the development of fluorescent lamps, and in the collection and treatment of spent fluorescent lamps were analyzed. The contributions of various external factors to the above problems were evaluated based on fuzzy theory. Finally, solutions to control the pollution of mercury from fluorescent lamps and spent fluorescent lamps were proposed. Results show that the biggest problem that causes mercury pollution is the first among three factors: energy conservation and mercury emission from fluorescent lamps and spent fluorescent lamps, spent fluorescent lamp collection and spent fluorescent lamp treatment. The best way to solve these problems is by developing an energy-saving and environment-friendly light emitting diode (LED) industry in mainland China.
Development of a Neighbourhood Walkability Index for Porto Metropolitan Area. How Strongly Is Walkability Associated with Walking for Transport?
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Isabel , Hoffimann Elaine
Published: December 2018

The creation of walkable communities constitutes a cost-effective health promotion strategy, as walking is an accessible and free intervention for increasing physical activity and health. In this cross-sectional ecological study, we developed a walkability index for the Porto Metropolitan Area and we validated it by assessing its association with walking for transportation. Neighborhood walkability was measured using a geographic information system and resulted from the weighted sum of residential density, street connectivity, and a destination-based entropy index. The index was categorized into quintiles of increasing walkability. Among the 1,112,555 individuals living in the study area, 28.1% resided in neighborhoods in the upper quintile of walkability and 15.8% resided in the least walkable neighborhoods. Adjusted regression models revealed that individuals residing in the most walkable neighborhoods are 81% more likely to report walking for transportation, compared with those from the least walkable neighborhoods (odds ratio: 1.81; 95% confidence intervals: 1.76–1.87). These results suggest that community design strategies to improve walkability may promote walking behavior.
Children’s Weight Gain and Cardiovascular Fitness Loss over the Summer
Authors: Brusseau Timothy A. , Burns Ryan D.
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of summer breaks on the body composition and cardiovascular fitness of elementary school children who participated in a multi-year school-based physical activity intervention. Participants were 404 children who had their height and weight measured and completed the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) during physical education classes at the beginning and end of the school year for three consecutive years. To examine the effects of time on health-related fitness data, general linear mixed effects models were employed. The results indicate that there was a trend toward an increase in body mass index (BMI) after the summer of 2015 (p = 0.958), and a significant increase in BMI after the summer of 2016 compared to time point 1 (p < 0.001). For PACER laps, there were trends toward decreases in PACER laps after the summers of 2015 (p = 0.515) and 2016 (p = 0.073). Summer breaks tended to attenuate the BMI and PACER lap improvements that were observed during the intervention. While school-based physical activity programming has had some successes in improving health-related fitness markers, the loss of these improvements over the summer is of concern to both practitioners and researchers. It is clear that additional efforts are needed to limit obesogenic behaviors during the summer months.
The Effects of Tai Chi on Heart Rate Variability in Older Chinese Individuals with Depression
Authors: Liu Jing , Xie Huihui , Liu Ming , Wang Zongbao , Zou Liye , Yeung Albert S. , Hui Stanley Sai-chuen , Yang Qing
Published: December 2018

Background Very little research has been done to simultaneously investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on depression and heart rate variability (HRV). This study, therefore, attempted to explore the effects of TC on depression and on HRV parameters. Methods Sixty older individuals with depression score of 10 or above (the Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS) were randomly assigned into two groups: TC (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). Participants in the experimental group participated in a 24-week TC training program (three 60-min sessions per week), whereas individuals in the control group maintained their unaltered lifestyle. Depression and HRV were measured using the GDS and digital electrocardiogram at baseline and after the 24-week intervention. Results The TC had produced significant positive chances in depression and some HRV parameters (mean heart rate, RMSSD, HF, LFnorm, and HFnorm) (p < 0.05), whereas these positive results were not observed in the control group. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that TC may alleviate depression of the elderly through modulating autonomous nervous system or HRV parameters. This study adds to a growing body of research showing that TC may be effective in treating depression of the elderly. Tai Chi as a mild to moderate mind-body exercise is suitable for older individuals who suffer from depression.
Healthy Food Options at Dollar Discount Stores Are Equivalent in Quality and Lower in Price Compared to Grocery Stores: An Examination in Las Vegas, NV
Authors: Coughenour Courtney , Bungum Timothy J. , Regalado M. Nikki
Published: December 2018

Food deserts indicate limited access to and affordability of healthy foods. One potential mediator is the availability of healthy food in non-traditional outlets such as dollar-discount stores, stores selling produce at the fixed $1 price. The purpose of this study was to compare availability, quality, price differences in ‘healthier’ versus ‘regular’ food choices, price per each food item, and summary score in dollar-discount stores to grocery stores in Las Vegas using the NEMS-S; a protocol consisting of three subscores—availability, quality, price of healthier versus regular food, and a summary score. A 25% sample of grocery stores (n = 40) and all dollar-discount stores (n = 14) were evaluated. t-tests showed that dollar-discount stores were less likely to price healthy options lower than their unhealthy alternatives (mean (M) = 1.0 vs. M = 2.5; p < 0.001) and had reduced availability (M = 20.50 vs. M = 23.80; p < 0.001) compared to grocery stores. The quality of produce did not differ (M = 5.93 vs. M = 6.00; p = 0.34). Price comparisons revealed that 84.2% of produce and 89.5% of other food items were significantly less expensive at the dollar-discount stores, with only two items being more expensive. While dollar-discount stores did have lower availability, they provided quality fresh and healthy foods which were usually less expensive. Findings indicate that dollar discount stores may be an existing community asset, and considering them as such may aid in efforts to strengthen the overall food system. Practitioners should consider dollar discount stores when assessing the community food environment and designing and implementing outreach programs, as they may bridge some disparities in access.
Intranasal Perillyl Alcohol for Glioma Therapy: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Development
Authors: Chen Thomas C. , Da Fonseca Clovis O. , Schönthal Axel H.
Published: December 2018

Intracranial malignancies, such as primary brain cancers and brain-localized metastases derived from peripheral cancers, are particularly difficult to treat with therapeutic agents, because the blood-brain barrier (BBB) effectively minimizes brain entry of the vast majority of agents arriving from the systemic circulation. Intranasal administration of cancer drugs has the potential to reach the brain via direct nose-to-brain transport, thereby circumventing the obstacle posed by the BBB. However, in the field of cancer therapy, there is a paucity of studies reporting positive results with this type of approach. A remarkable exception is the natural compound perillyl alcohol (POH). Its potent anticancer activity was convincingly established in preclinical studies, but it nonetheless failed in subsequent clinical trials, where it was given orally and displayed hard-to-tolerate gastrointestinal side effects. Intriguingly, when switched to intranasal delivery, POH yielded highly promising activity in recurrent glioma patients and was well tolerated. As of 2018, POH is the only intranasally delivered compound in the field of cancer therapy (outside of cancer pain) that has advanced to active clinical trials. In the following, we will introduce this compound, summarize its molecular mechanisms of action, and present the latest data on its clinical evaluation as an intranasally administered agent for glioma.
Defining a Characteristic Gene Expression Set Responsible for Cancer Stem Cell-Like Features in a Sub-Population of Ewing Sarcoma Cells CADO-ES1
Authors: Hotfilder Marc , Mallela Nikhil , Seggewiß Jochen , Dirksen Uta , Korsching Eberhard
Published: December 2018

One of the still open questions in Ewing sarcoma, a rare bone tumor with weak therapeutic options, is to identify the tumor-driving cell (sub) population and to understand the specifics in the biological network of these cells. This basic scientific insight might foster the development of more specific therapeutic target patterns. The experimental approach is based on a side population (SP) of Ewing cells, based on the model cell line CADO-ES1. The SP is established by flow cytometry and defined by the idea that tumor stem-like cells can be identified by the time-course in clearing a given artificial dye. The SP was characterized by a higher colony forming activity, by a higher differentiation potential, by higher resistance to cytotoxic drugs, and by morphology. Several SP and non-SP cell fractions and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell reference were analyzed by short read sequencing of the full transcriptome. The double-differential analysis leads to an altered expression structure of SP cells centered around the AP-1 and APC/c complex. The SP cells share only a limited proportion of the full mesenchymal stem cell stemness set of genes. This is in line with the expectation that tumor stem-like cells share only a limited subset of stemness features which are relevant for tumor survival.
A Complex Relationship between Visfatin and Resistin and microRNA: An In Vitro Study on Human Chondrocyte Cultures
Authors: Cheleschi Sara , Giordano Nicola , Volpi Nila , Tenti Sara , Gallo Ines , Di Meglio Martina , Giannotti Stefano , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: December 2018

Growing evidence indicates the important role of adipokines and microRNA (miRNA) in osteoarthritis (OA) pathogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of visfatin and resistin on some miRNA (34a, 140, 146a, 155, 181a, let-7e), metalloproteinases (MMPs), and collagen type II alpha 1 chain (Col2a1) in human OA chondrocytes and in the T/C-28a2 cell line. The implication of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in response to adipokines was also assessed. Chondrocytes were stimulated with visfatin (5 or 10 μg/mL) and resistin (50 or 100 ng/mL) with or without NF-κB inhibitor (BAY-11-7082, 1 μM) for 24 h. Viability and apoptosis were detected by MMT and cytometry, miRNA, MMP-1, MMP-13, and Col2a1 by qRT-PCR and NF-κB activation by immunofluorescence. Visfatin and resistin significantly reduced viability, induced apoptosis, increased miR-34a, miR-155, miR-181a, and miR-let7e, and reduced miR-140 and miR-146a gene expression in OA chondrocytes. MMP-1, MMP-13, and Col2a1 were significantly modulated by treatment of OA chondrocytes with adipokines. Visfatin and resistin significantly increased NF-κB activation, while the co-treatment with BAY11-7082 did not change MMPs or Col2a1 levels beyond that caused by single treatment. Visfatin and resistin regulate the expression levels of some miRNA involved in OA pathogenesis and exert catabolic functions in chondrocytes via the NF-κB pathway. These data confirm the complex relationship between adipokines and miRNA.
Circadian Rhythm Abnormalities in Parkinson’s Disease from Humans to Flies and Back
Authors: De Lazzari Federica , Bisaglia Marco , Zordan Mauro Agostino , Sandrelli Federica
Published: December 2018

Clinical and research studies have suggested a link between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and alterations in the circadian clock. Drosophila melanogaster may represent a useful model to study the relationship between the circadian clock and PD. Apart from the conservation of many genes, cellular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and neuronal processes, Drosophila shows an organized central nervous system and well-characterized complex behavioral phenotypes. In fact, Drosophila has been successfully used in the dissection of the circadian system and as a model for neurodegenerative disorders, including PD. Here, we describe the fly circadian and dopaminergic systems and report recent studies which indicate the presence of circadian abnormalities in some fly PD genetic models. We discuss the use of Drosophila to investigate whether, in adults, the disruption of the circadian system might be causative of brain neurodegeneration. We also consider approaches using Drosophila, which might provide new information on the link between PD and the circadian clock. As a corollary, since PD develops its symptomatology over a large part of the organism’s lifespan and given the relatively short lifespan of fruit flies, we suggest that genetic models of PD could be used to perform lifelong screens for drug-modulators of general and/or circadian-related PD traits.
Characterization and Expression Profiling of Neuropeptides and G-Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) for Neuropeptides in the Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Authors: Wang Zhengbing , Zhou Wenwu , Hameed Muhammad Salman , Liu Jiali , Zeng Xinnian
Published: December 2018

Neuropeptides are endogenous active substances that widely exist in multicellular biological nerve tissue and participate in the function of the nervous system, and most of them act on neuropeptide receptors. In insects, neuropeptides and their receptors play important roles in controlling a multitude of physiological processes. In this project, we sequenced the transcriptome from twelve tissues of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. A total of 40 candidate neuropeptide genes and 42 neuropeptide receptor genes were identified. Among the neuropeptide receptor genes, 35 of them belong to the A-family (or rhodopsin-like), four of them belong to the B-family (or secretin-like), and three of them are leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors. The expression profile of the 82 genes across developmental stages was determined by qRT-PCR. Our study provides the first investigation on the genes of neuropeptides and their receptors in D. citri, which may play key roles in regulating the physiology and behaviors of D. citri.
Transcriptomic Characterization of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens Bacteroids Reveals a Post-Symbiotic, Hemibiotrophic-Like Lifestyle of the Bacteria within Senescing Soybean Nodules
Authors: Franck Sooyoung , Strodtman Kent N. , Qiu Jing , Emerich David W.
Published: December 2018

The transcriptional activity of Bradyrhizobium diazoefficens isolated from soybean nodules was monitored over the period from symbiosis to late plant nodule senescence. The bacteria retained a near constant level of RNA throughout this period, and the variation in genes demonstrating increased, decreased, and/or patterned transcriptional activity indicates that the bacteria are responding to the changing environment within the nodule as the plant cells progress from an organized cellular structure to an unorganized state of internal decay. The transcriptional variation and persistence of the bacteria suggest that the bacteria are adapting to their environment and acting similar to hemibiotrophs, which survive both as saprophytes on live plant tissues and then as necrophytes on decaying plant tissues. The host plant restrictions of symbiosis make B. diazoefficiens a highly specialized, restricted hemibiotroph.
Drosophila as a Model to Study Brain Innate Immunity in Health and Disease
Authors: Lye Shu Hui , Chtarbanova Stanislava
Published: December 2018

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading pathogens and plays an essential role in defending the brain against infection, injury, and disease. It is currently well recognized that central nervous system (CNS) infections can result in long-lasting neurological sequelae and that innate immune and inflammatory reactions are highly implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Due to the conservation of the mechanisms that govern neural development and innate immune activation from flies to mammals, the lack of a classical adaptive immune system and the availability of numerous genetic and genomic tools, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster presents opportunities to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with immune function in brain tissue and how they relate to infection, injury and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we present an overview of currently identified innate immune mechanisms specific to the adult Drosophila brain.