bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Characteristics of Cats Adopted from an Urban Cat Shelter and the Influence of Physical Traits and Reason for Surrender on Length of Stay
Authors: Miller Hannah , Ward Michael , Beatty Julia A.
Published: November 2019

Measures aimed at reducing the length of stay (LOS) of cats in shelters can promote animal welfare and more efficient use of resources. The extent to which variables shown to impact LOS are broadly applicable is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe a population of cats adopted from an urban shelter, and to analyze the association between potential predictor variables and LOS. A study cohort was identified retrospectively from shelter records (n = 2584), 48.8% of which were < 12 weeks old at admission, and 80.7% were stray. Among 445 cats relinquished by owners, reasons for surrender were primarily owner-related (87.2%). Overall, reason for surrender and coat color were significantly associated with LOS. Hazard ratios showed that all reasons for surrender for owner-relinquished cats were associated with a shorter LOS than stray cats and this association was significant (p < 0.05) for all except cat behavioral or medical reasons. In contrast to previous reports, white cats had a significantly (p < 0.05) longer LOS than black cats. This study highlights an important role for shelter-specific baseline data to inform and measure the effect of interventional studies aimed at improving animal welfare by reducing LOS in shelter-housed cats
Associations between Dietary Polyphenols and Type 2 Diabetes in a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the PREDIMED-Plus Trial: Role of Body Mass Index and Sex
Authors: Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Castro-Barquero Sara , Vitelli-Storelli Facundo , Becerra-Tomas Nerea , Vázquez-Ruiz Zenaida , Díaz-López Andrés , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Romaguera Dora , Vioque Jesús , Alonso-Gómez Ángel María , Wärnberg Julia , Martínez José Alfredo , Serra-Majem Lluís , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco José , Lapetra José , Pintó Xavier , Tur Josep Antoni , López-Miranda José , García-Molina Laura , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Matía-Martín Pilar , Daimiel Lidia , Rubín-García María , Vidal Josep , Galdon Alba , Ros Emilio , Basterra-Gortari Francisco Javier , Babio Nancy , Sorlí José Vicente , Hernáez Álvaro , Konieczna Jadwiga , Notario-Barandiaran Leyre , Tojal-Sierra Lucas , Pérez-López Jessica , Abete Itziar , Álvarez-Pérez Jacqueline , Fernández-García José Carlos , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Galera-Cusí Ana , Julibert Alicia , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martinez-Lacruz Raul , Pérez-Vega Karla-Alejandra , Galmes-Panades Aina María , Pastor-Polo Concepción , Moreno-Rodriguez Anai , Gea Alfredo , Fitó Montserrat , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa María , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: November 2019

Overweight and obesity are important risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moving towards healthier diets, namely, diets rich in bioactive compounds, could decrease the odds of suffering T2D. However, those individuals with high body mass index (BMI) may have altered absorption or metabolism of some nutrients and dietary components, including polyphenols. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether high intakes of some classes of polyphenols are associated with T2D in a population with metabolic syndrome and how these associations depend on BMI and sex. This baseline cross-sectional analysis includes 6633 participants from the PREDIMED-Plus trial. Polyphenol intakes were calculated from food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). Cox regression models with constant time at risk and robust variance estimators were used to estimate the prevalence ratios (PRs) for polyphenol intake and T2D prevalence using the lowest quartile as the reference group. Analyses were stratified by sex and BMI groups (overweight and obese) to evaluate potential effect modification. Catechins, proanthocyanidins, hydroxybenzoic acids, and lignans were inversely associated with T2D. Hydroxycinnamic acids were directly related in men. These associations were different depending on sex and BMI, that is, women and overweight obtained stronger inverse associations.
Enhanced Antifungal Activity of Engineered Proteins via Swapping between Thioredoxin H2 and H3
Authors: Kim Jin-Young , Chi Yong Hun , Kim Il Ryong , Kim Heabin , Jung Ji Hyun , Park Seong-Cheol , Jang Mi-Kyeong , Lee Sang Yeol , Lee Jung Ro
Published: November 2019

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are proteins that act as antioxidants by facilitating the reduction of other proteins and are highly conserved in all organisms. Plant H-type Trx isoforms have different structures and perform multiple functions. Previous studies have reported that the low molecular weight AtTrx-H2 acts as a disulfide reductase and the high molecular weight AtTrx-H3 functions as an oxidoreductase and a molecular chaperone. In this study, we compared the antifungal activities of Arabidopsis Trx-H2 and -H3 with engineered proteins 2N3C and 3N2C via domain-swapping between the N- and C-terminal regions of Trx-H2 and -H3. All AtTrx-H variant proteins inhibited cell growth of various pathogenic fungal strains at pH 5.2 and pH 7.2 and showed significant intracellular accumulation in the fungal cells. Interestingly, only two engineered proteins penetrated the fungal cell wall and membrane, indicating their ability to destabilize the fungal cell membrane before internalization into the cytosol. To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates novel functions of plant antioxidants AtTrx-H2 and -H3 as antifungal proteins and shows their enhanced activity using the domain swapping technique.
Application of Logistic Regression for Production Machinery Efficiency Evaluation
Authors: Borucka Anna , Grzelak Małgorzata
Published: November 2019

Production companies operate in a complex economic, technological, social and political environment. There are a number of factors contributing to a satisfactory market position, the most important one being a properly defined and implemented strategy. It needs, however, to be continuously monitored and, if necessary, modified. One of the elements subject to such evaluation is the efficiency of the production processes, which has become the genesis of this article. In response to the methods presented in the literature, a proposal using the logistic regression method for this purpose is presented. The dichotomous form of the dependent variable makes it possible to make such an evaluation in an unambiguous manner and to determine the significance and influence of selected factors on the result thereof.
Classification of Factors Affecting the Performance of Fully Grouted Rock Bolts with Empirical Classification Systems
Authors: Kim Haneol , Rehman Hafeezur , Ali Wahid , Naji Abdul Muntaqim , Kim Jung-joo , Kim Jonguk , Yoo Hankyu
Published: November 2019

Empirical classification systems do not provide details of the factors that affect the performance of fully grouted rock bolts, as they are based on average values. Fully grouted rock-bolt patterns during tunnel-support design are a part of the composite support, and they are functions of rock-mass quality and tunnel span. Various fully grouted rock bolts are used in situ in different environments, along with other tunnel-support materials in static and dynamic environments during tunnel construction. The rock-bolt performances are evaluated through pull-out tests that follow ASTM standards. Several field pull-out tests were conducted on cement and resin grouted rock bolts. Under groundwater flow conditions, inflated steel tube rock bolts were tested and the results were compared with fully grouted rock bolts. Based on field experiments and previous studies, the factors that affect rock bolt performances are divided into five groups with respective sub-factors. Natural parameters cannot be controlled to ensure safety, economy, and stability in tunnels. The controllable factors, too, can be varied only within a practical range. In conclusion, the factors investigated here should be considered with the empirical support pattern of rock-mass classification systems for safe and economical design.
Analysis of the Diurnal, Weekly, and Seasonal Cycles and Annual Trends in Atmospheric CO2 and CH4 at Tower Network in Siberia from 2005 to 2016
Authors: Belikov Dmitry , Arshinov Mikhail , Belan Boris , Davydov Denis , Fofonov Aleksandr , Sasakawa Motoki , Machida Toshinobu
Published: November 2019

We analyzed 12 years (2005–2016) of continuous measurements of atmospheric CO

2

and CH

4

concentrations made at nine tower observation sites in the Japan–Russia Siberian Tall Tower Inland Observation Network (JR-STATION), located in Siberia. Since the data are very noisy and have a low temporal resolution due to gaps in instrument operation, we used the recently developed Prophet model, which was designed to handle the common features of time series (multiple strong seasonalities, trend changes, outliers) and has a robust performance in the presence of missing data and trend shifts. By decomposing each sampled time-series into its major components (i.e., annual trend and seasonal, weekly, and hourly variation), we observed periodically changing patterns of tracer concentrations. Specifically, we detected multi-year variability of tracers and identified high-concentration events. The frequency of such events was found to vary throughout the year, reaching up to 20% of days for some months, while the number of such events was found to be different for CO

2

and CH

4

. An analysis of weather conditions showed that, in most cases, high-concentration events were caused by a temperature inversion and low wind speed. Additionally, wind directions were found to be different for high- and low-concentration events. For some sites, the wind direction indicated the location of strong local sources of CO

2

and CH

4

. As well as elucidating the seasonality of greenhouse gas concentrations, this study confirmed the potential of the Prophet model for detecting periodicity in environmental phenomena.
Caffeine May Abrogate LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation by Regulating Nrf2/TLR4 in Adult Mouse Brains
Authors: Badshah Haroon , Ikram Muhammad , Ali Waqar , Ahmad Sareer , Hahm Jong Ryeal , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: November 2019

Herein, we assayed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of caffeine in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected mouse model of neurodegeneration and synaptic impairment. For this purpose, LPS was injected for two weeks on an alternate-day basis (250 µg/kg/i.p. for a total of seven doses), while caffeine was injected daily for four weeks (30 mg/kg/i.p/four weeks). According to our findings, there was a significant increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as evaluated from the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ROS assays. Also, we evaluated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the enzyme hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the mouse groups and found reduced expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in the LPS-treated mice brains, but they were markedly upregulated in the LPS + caffeine co-treated group. We also noted enhanced expression of toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4), phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (p-NF-kB), and phospho-c-Jun n-terminal kinase (p-JNK) in the LPS-treated mice brains, which was significantly reduced in the LPS + caffeine co-treated group. Moreover, we found enhanced expression of Bcl2-associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3, and reduced expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in the LPS-treated group, which were markedly reversed in the LPS + caffeine co-treated group. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression of synaptic proteins in the treated groups and found a marked reduction in the expression of synaptic markers in the LPS-treated group; these were significantly upregulated in the LPS + caffeine co-treated group. In summary, we conclude that caffeine may inhibit LPS-induced oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction.
Structure and Catalytic Behavior of Alumina Supported Bimetallic Au-Rh Nanoparticles in the Reduction of NO by CO
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Wang Hongji , Maeda Nobutaka , Baiker Alfons
Published: November 2019

Alumina-supported bimetallic AuRh catalysts, as well as monometallic reference catalysts, were examined with regard to their structural and catalytic properties in the reduction of NO by CO. Depending on the molar ratio of Au:Rh, the nanoparticles prepared by borohydride co-reduction of corresponding metal salt solutions had a size of 3.5–6.7 nm. The particles consisted of well-dispersed noble metal atoms with some enrichment of Rh in their surface region. NO conversion of AuRh/Al2O3 shifted to lower temperatures with increasing Rh content, reaching highest activity and highest N2 selectivity for the monometallic Rh/Al2O3 catalyst. This behavior is attributed to the enhanced adsorption of CO on the bimetallic catalyst resulting in unfavorable cationic Rh clusters Rh+-(CO)2. Doping with ceria of AuRh/Al2O3 and Rh/Al2O3 catalysts increased the surface population of metallic Rh sites, which are considered most active for the reduction of NO by CO and enhancement of the formation of intermediate isocyanate (-NCO) surface species and their reaction with NO to form N2 and CO2.
Dyskerin Mutations Present in Dyskeratosis Congenita Patients Increase Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage Signalling in Dictyostelium Discoideum
Authors: Rodriguez-Centeno Javier , Perona Rosario , Sastre Leandro
Published: November 2019

Dyskerin is a protein involved in the formation of small nucleolar and small Cajal body ribonucleoproteins. These complexes participate in RNA pseudouridylation and are also components of the telomerase complex required for telomere elongation. Dyskerin mutations cause a rare disease, X-linked dyskeratosis congenita, with no curative treatment. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum contains a gene coding for a dyskerin homologous protein. In this article D. discoideum mutant strains that have mutations corresponding to mutations found in dyskeratosis congenita patients are described. The phenotype of the mutant strains has been studied and no alterations were observed in pseudouridylation activity and telomere structure. Mutant strains showed increased proliferation on liquid culture but reduced growth feeding on bacteria. The results obtained indicated the existence of increased DNA damage response and reactive oxygen species, as also reported in human Dyskeratosis congenita cells and some other disease models. These data, together with the haploid character of D. discoideum vegetative cells, that resemble the genomic structure of the human dyskerin gene, located in the X chromosome, support the conclusion that D. discoideum can be a good model system for the study of this disease.
Thioalbamide, A Thioamidated Peptide from Amycolatopsis alba, Affects Tumor Growth and Stemness by Inducing Metabolic Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Frattaruolo Luca , Fiorillo Marco , Brindisi Matteo , Curcio Rosita , Dolce Vincenza , Lacret Rodney , Truman Andrew W. , Sotgia Federica , Lisanti Michael P. , Cappello Anna Rita
Published: November 2019

Thioalbamide, a thioamidated peptide biosynthesized by Amycolatopsis alba, is a thioviridamide-like molecule, and is part of a family of natural products representing a focus of biotechnological and pharmaceutical research in recent years due to their potent anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activities on malignant cells. Despite the high antitumor potential observed at nanomolar concentrations, the mechanisms underlying thioalbamide activity are still not known. In this work, the cellular effects induced by thioalbamide treatment on breast cancer cell lines were evaluated for the first time, highlighting the ability of this microbial natural peptide to induce mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, we demonstrate that thioalbamide can inhibit the propagation of cancer stem-like cells, which are strongly dependent on mitochondrial function and are responsible for chemotherapy resistance, metastasis, and tumor recurrence.
Evaluation of NV556, a Novel Cyclophilin Inhibitor, as a Potential Antifibrotic Compound for Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Simón Serrano Sonia , Grönberg Alvar , Longato Lisa , Rombouts Krista , Kuo Joseph , Gregory Matthew , Moss Steven , Elmér Eskil , Mazza Giuseppe , Gallay Philippe , Pinzani Massimo , Hansson Magnus J. , Massoumi Ramin
Published: November 2019

Hepatic fibrosis can result as a pathological response to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cirrhosis, the late stage of fibrosis, has been linked to poor survival and an increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, with limited treatment options available. Therefore, there is an unmet need for novel effective antifibrotic compounds. Cyclophilins are peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerases that facilitate protein folding and conformational changes affecting the function of the targeted proteins. Due to their activity, cyclophilins have been presented as key factors in several stages of the fibrotic process. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic effects of NV556, a novel potent sanglifehrin-based cyclophilin inhibitor, in vitro and in vivo. NV556 potential antifibrotic effect was evaluated in two well-established animal models of NASH, STAM, and methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) mice, as well as in an in vitro 3D human liver ECM culture of LX2 cells, a human hepatic stellate cell line. We demonstrate that NV556 decreased liver fibrosis in both STAM and MCD in vivo models and decreased collagen production in TGFβ1-activated hepatic stellate cells in vitro. Taken together, these results present NV556 as a potential candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Analysis of a Thin Layer Formation of Third-Grade Fluid
Authors: Manzoor Tareq , Nazar Kashif , Zafar Muhammad , Iqbal Shaukat , Ali Muddassir , Kim Woo Young , Saleem Mahmood , Manzoor Sanaullah
Published: November 2019

In present learning, surface protection layer progression of a third-grade fluid (TGF) is examined. Fluid transport within the micro passage made by the firm bladehas beenpresented. Main system of equations of fluidity have been narrated and streamlined by means of lubrication approximation theory (LAT). Here, approximate solutions of velocity, pressure gradient, and coating depth have been presented. Results of coating and layer forming have been tabulated and discussed as well. It is observed that the transport properties of third-order fluid delivers an instrument to regulate flow velocity, pressure, and affect the final coated region.
Influence of Thermochromic Pigment Powder on Properties of Waterborne Primer Film for Chinese Fir
Authors: Yan Xiaoxing , Wang Lin , Qian Xingyu
Published: November 2019

This study chose organic thermochromic pigment powder and waterborne wood primer as the paint base, and Chinese fir board as the substrate to prepare thermochromic waterborne coatings with different concentrations of thermochromic pigment powder. The best concentration of thermochromic pigment powder for waterborne primer film on Chinese fir surface was explored. The experimental results showed that the color-changing property of the primer film was the best when the concentration of pigment powder in primer film was 5.0%–10%. There was a negative correlation between the gloss of the primer and the concentration of pigment powder. The gloss of the primer film was the highest when the concentration of pigment powder was 5%. When the concentration of pigment powder is 0%–20% and 25.0%–30%, the adhesion of the coating is grade 0 and grade 1, respectively. The resistance to the impact of primer film increased with the increase of concentration of pigment powder, but the resistance to the impact of primer film with 0%–30% of thermochromic pigment powder concentration was similar. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the higher the concentration of thermochromic pigment powder, the more particles and agglomeration. When the concentration of pigment powder was 5%, the distribution of particles was uniform and no agglomeration, and the microstructure of primer film was the best. Infrared spectroscopy showed that there was no difference in the composition of the paint film from 0% to 30%. The results showed that the comprehensive property of waterborne primer film on Chinese fir was better when the pigment concentration was 5%. Waterborne thermochromic primer film provides a potential application for the development of intelligent furniture in different temperature ranges.
Spatial Beam Filtering with Autocloned Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wang Pei-Yu , Lai Yi-Chen , Cheng Yu-Chieh
Published: November 2019

We have been numerically demonstrated the mechanism of spatial beam filtering with autocloned photonic crystals. The spatial filtering through different configurations of the multilayered structures based on a harmonically modulated substrate profile is considered. The paper demonstrates a series of parameter studies to look for the best spatial beam filtering performance. The optimization results show that a beam spectral width of 39.2° can be reduced to that of 5.92°, leading to high potential applications for integrated optical microsystems.
A Ruggedness Improved Mobile Radio Frequency Power Amplifier Module with Dynamic Impedance Correction by Software Defined Atomization
Authors: Jeon Jooyoung , Kang Myounggon
Published: November 2019

A ruggedness improved multi-band radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) module applicable to mobile handsets, which are required to survive against a serious load impedance change under extreme power and bias conditions, is presented. In this method, the load impedance of PA is adaptively adjusted with a digitally controlled impedance corrector to keep the PA safe by performing a load mismatch detection. The impedance mismatch detector, impedance corrector, and other RF switches were all integrated into a single integrated circuit (IC) using silicon on insulator (SOI) complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). For the verification purpose, a 2-stage hetero junction bipolar transistor (HBT) PA module adopting this method was fabricated. At a frequency of 1915 MHz, a collector bias voltage of 4.2 V, and over a wider range of load impedance variation between a VSWR of 1 and a VSWR of 5.5, it did not fail. When this technique was not applied with a voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) range of 1 to 4, it resulted in an acceptable RF performance degradation of 1% power added efficiency (PAE) in envelope tracking (ET) mode. Moreover, it survived at a bias voltage 1V larger than when the technique was not applied for the same mismatch condition.
Response of Four Tree Species to Changing Climate in a Moisture-Limited Area of South Siberia
Authors: Babushkina Elena A. , Zhirnova Dina F. , Belokopytova Liliana V. , Tychkov Ivan I. , Vaganov Eugene A. , Krutovsky Konstantin V.
Published: November 2019

The response of vegetation to climate change is of special interest in regions where rapid warming is coupled with moisture deficit. This raises the question of the limits in plants’ acclimation ability and the consequent shifts of the vegetation cover. Radial growth dynamics and climatic response were studied in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Siberian larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) in the forest-steppe, and for Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.) in the steppe of South Siberia, as indicators of vegetation state and dynamics. Climate–growth relationships were analyzed by the following two approaches: (1) correlations between tree-ring width chronologies and short-term moving climatic series, and (2) optimization of the parameters of the Vaganov–Shashkin tree growth simulation model to assess the ecophysiological characteristics of species. Regional warming was accompanied by a slower increase of the average moisture deficit, but not in the severity of droughts. In the forest-steppe, the trees demonstrated stable growth and responded to the May–July climate. In the steppe, elm was limited by moisture deficit in May–beginning of June, during the peak water deficit. The forest-steppe stands were apparently acclimated successfully to the current climatic trends. It seems that elm was able to counter the water deficit, likely through its capacity to regulate transpiration by the stomatal morphology and xylem structure, using most of the stem as a water reservoir; earlier onset; and high growth rate, and these physiological traits may provide advantages to this species, leading to its expansion in steppes.
Interactive Effects of Stock Type and Forest Vegetation Management Treatments on Douglas-Fir Seedling Growth and Survival—Ten-Year Results
Authors: Wightman Maxwell G. , Gonzalez-Benecke Carlos A. , Dinger Eric J.
Published: November 2019

In the Pacific Northwest, the use of forest vegetation management (FVM) and seedling stock type selection are important tools to ensure seedling establishment according to organizational objectives and state laws. Individually, these two reforestation decisions have been shown to increase growth and survival of Douglas-fir seedlings, however, the interaction between seedling stock type and level of vegetation control represents economic and ecologic tradeoffs that are less well understood. This study was designed to test the combined effects of three FVM regimes and three containerized stock types, one of which was experimental at the time, on Douglas-fir growth during the initial ten years of establishment on a site near Belfair, Washington (USA). When compared to the no-action control, FVM treatments reduced competitive plant cover below 20% during the year of application, and differences in vegetation cover persisted through the fifth growing season. Vegetation species diversity recovered quickly after FVM and there were no differences among the treatments by the third growing season. After ten growing seasons, trees in plots treated with FVM were 1.1 m taller with a mean diameter at breast height (DBH) 2.2 cm larger than those in the no-action control. Larger seedlings at the time of planting (styro-60) were 0.6 m taller with a mean DBH 1.1 cm larger than smaller seedlings (styro-8 and styro-15). The only significant stock type by FVM interaction in the experiment occurred with the survival of styro-60 seedlings growing in the no action control which had lower survival than all other treatment combinations (67% vs 91%). The long-term competitive impact of shrub cover was demonstrated by a strong non-linear relationship. Increasing cumulative shrub cover from 10% to 30% during the first two years of establishment reduced stand volume at year 10 by 79%.
MicroRNA-1258 Inhibits the Proliferation and Migration of Human Colorectal Cancer Cells through Suppressing CKS1B Expression
Authors: Hwang Jin-Seong , Jeong Eun-Jeong , Choi Jinhyeon , Lee Yeo-Jin , Jung Eunsun , Kim Seon-Kyu , Min Jeong-Ki , Han Tae-Su , Kim Jang-Seong
Published: November 2019

Increasing evidence has demonstrated that increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase regulatory subunit 1B (CKS1B) is associated with the pathogenesis of many human cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying the expression of CKS1B in CRC are not completely understood. Here, we investigate the role played by microRNAs in the expression of CKS1B and carcinogenesis in CRC. Among the six microRNAs predicted to target CKS1B gene expression, only miR-1258 was revealed to downregulate CKS1B expression through binding to its 3’-UTR region, as ectopic miR-1258 expression suppressed CKS1B expression and vice versa. In CRC, miR-1258 expression also decreased cell proliferation and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, similar to cells with silenced CKS1B expression. Considering the highly increased levels of CKS1B and decreased expression of miR-1258 in tumors from CRC patients, these findings suggest that miR-1258 may play tumor-suppressive roles by targeting CKS1B expression in CRC. However, the therapeutic significance of these findings should be evaluated in clinical settings.
Parental Influence in Forming Preschool Children’s Eating Behaviors—A Cross-Sectional Survey in Chongqing, China
Authors: Hu Hongmei , Yang Chenlu , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin , Du Xingxing , Liang Jiyu , Wu Tingting , Wang Haozhuo , Qiu Zixin , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jiaqiong , Liu Weiwei
Published: November 2019

Children’s eating habits are closely related to their health problems and the outlook for children’s nutritional statuses appears poor. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents of preschool children from December 2018 to January 2019. Sixteen representative kindergartens in 6 districts of Chongqing, China, were included in the study. We took 2200 samples and collected information by questionnaire and after screening, 1781 questionnaires were valid and finally included in the data analysis (n = 1781). Ordinal logistic regression analysis found that age, fathers’ education level, forced diet and perception of children’s body shape were factors associated with children’s eating behaviors (ordered logistic regression/three-level eating behavior; odds ratios p < 0.05). 80.24% of preschool children may have unhealthy eating behavior in this survey and 80.35% of parents had forced their children to eat. Eating behaviors of preschool children in Chongqing are closely related to family factors. This study provides important insight for parents and health care workers in China to improve preschool-aged children’s nutritional behaviors. Intervention programs should focus on parents with low income, low education levels, coercive dietary behaviors and deviated body shape perceptions to reduce children’s eating behavioral problems.
Recent Advances in Management by Pheromones of Thaumetopoea Moths in Urban Parks and Woodland Recreational Areas
Authors: Trematerra Pasquale , Colacci Marco
Published: November 2019

Caterpillars of the pine processionary moths, Thaumetopoea complex, cause serious defoliation to Cedrus, Pinus, and Pseudotsuga trees. Thaumetopoea caterpillars also have fine hairs on their abdominal tergites that contain a protein that can severely irritate and cause dermatitis in humans and domestic animals. The control of the T. pityocampa pine processionary moth has become necessary in many European countries because of the sanitary risks that are related to larval urtication and the defoliation threat to pine forests and plantations. New research activities have been aimed at the development of eco-friendly, innovative technologies for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of these moths, particularly in urban parks and woodland recreational areas. This paper describes the recent advances in the use of pheromones in monitoring, mass trapping, and mating disruption related to management of processionary moths T. hellenica and T. pityocampa. According to the results, the use of pheromones may provide a practical alternative to insecticide sprays, as they can be safe and simple as compared to other control methods.
The CaliPhoto Method
Authors: Foucher Frédéric , Guimbretière Guillaume , Bost Nicolas , Hickman-Lewis Keyron , Courtois Aurélie , Luengo Lydie , Marceau Etienne , Bergounioux Maïtine , Westall Frances
Published: November 2019

We propose an innovative method based on photography and image processing of interdisciplinary relevance, permitting the uncomplicated and inexpensive evaluation of material properties. This method—CaliPhoto—consists of using a dedicated colour plate with a specific design, placed in the field of view of a photograph of the material to be characterized. A specific image processing workflow is then applied to obtain colour vectors independent of illumination conditions. The method works using commercial colour cameras (e.g., smartphone cameras), and the colour plate can be printed on any colour printer. Herein, we describe the principle of the method and demonstrate that it can be used to describe and compare samples, identify materials or make relatively precise concentration measurements. The CaliPhoto method is highly complementary to any scientific research and may find applications across a range of domains, from planetary science to oceanography. The method may also be widely used in industry.
Anorexia Nervosa and the Immune System—A Narrative Review
Authors: Gibson Dennis , Mehler Philip S
Published: November 2019

The pathogenesis of an increasing number of chronic diseases is being attributed to effects of the immune system. However, its role in the development and maintenance of anorexia nervosa is seemingly under-appreciated. Yet, in examining the available research on the immune system and genetic studies in anorexia nervosa, one becomes increasingly suspicious of the immune system’s potential role in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa. Specifically, research is suggestive of increased levels of various pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the spontaneous production of tumor necrosis factor in anorexia nervosa; genetic studies further support a dysregulated immune system in this disorder. Potential contributors to this dysregulated immune system are discussed including increased oxidative stress, chronic physiological/psychological stress, changes in the intestinal microbiota, and an abnormal bone marrow microenvironment, all of which are present in anorexia nervosa.
Impact of a Prescription Support Tool to Improve Adherence to the Guidelines for the Prescription of Oral Antithrombotics: The Combi-AT Randomized Controlled Trial Using Clinical Vignettes
Authors: Zerah Lorène , Bonnet-Zamponi Dominique , Dechartres Agnès , Frappé Paul , Hauguel-Moreau Marie , Collet Jean-Philippe , De Rycke Yann , Tubach Florence
Published: November 2019

Ensuring the appropriateness of prescriptions of oral antithrombotics (ATs, including antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents) is a crucial safety issue, particularly for patients with multiple chronic conditions. Our main objective was to assess the impact of a prescription support tool, synthesized from international guidelines on oral ATs in adult outpatients, on improving physician adherence to the guidelines for prescription of oral ATs. A web-based, open randomized controlled trial using clinical vignettes was conducted in France from November 2018 to February 2019. General practitioners and cardiologists with outpatient practice were contacted to participate in a web-based survey involving three clinical vignettes illustrating cases of adult outpatients with common neuro-cardiovascular diseases. They were asked to answer four multiple-choice questions related to the number of oral AT(s), drug class, dosage and duration of the prescription. Physicians assigned to the experimental arm had access to the prescription support tool. Physicians assigned to the control arm had no access to the tool. The primary outcome measure was the appropriate prescription of oral ATs (i.e., complied with guidelines in terms of the number, drug class, dosage and duration of prescription). An intent-to-treat analysis was performed using a logistic mixed model with a clinical vignette effect and a physician effect nested in the arm of the trial. Four hundred and forty-one general practitioners and 37 cardiologists were randomized to the experimental (n = 238) and to the control arm (n = 240), respectively. In the experimental arm, 55.0% of the prescriptions were appropriate versus 29.4% in the control arm (Odds Ratio (OR): 3.61 (2.60 to 5.02)). Access to the first prescription support tool synthesizing the use of oral ATs for outpatients significantly improved the rate of appropriate oral AT prescriptions according to the guidelines.
Real-World Experience of Olaparib Maintenance in High-Grade Serous Recurrent Ovarian Cancer Patients with BRCA1/2 Mutation: A Korean Multicenter Study
Authors: Paik E Sun , Lee Yong Jae , Lee Jung-Yun , Shin Wonkyo , Park Sang-Yoon , Kim Se Ik , Kim Jae-Weon , Choi Chel Hun , Kim Byoung-Gie
Published: November 2019

Background: Olaparib maintenance therapy has shown efficacy and tolerability in patients with platinum-sensitive, high-grade serous recurrent ovarian cancer (HSROC) with BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCAm). Our aim was to present real-world experience with olaparib in Korea. Method: We included HSROC patients with BRCAm treated with olaparib maintenance at four institutions in Korea between 2016 and 2018. Medical records were reviewed for clinico-pathologic characteristics, objective response, survival outcomes, and safety. Results: One hundred HSROC patients with BRCAm were included. BRCA1 mutation was present in 71 patients (71.0%), and BRCA2 mutation was present in 23 patients (23.0%). In terms of the best objective response with olaparib maintenance in 53 patients with partial remission from most recent chemotherapy, complete remission occurred in 12 (22.6%) and partial remission in four (7.5%), while 33 patients (62.3%) had stable disease. The 24 month progression-free survival was 42.4%, and 24 month overall survival was 82.1%. Grade 3 or more adverse events were as follows: anemia in 14 patients (14.0%), neutropenia in seven patients (7.0%), thrombocytopenia in two patients (2.0%), oral mucositis in one patient (1.0%), and soft tissue infection in one patient (1.0%). Conclusions: The safety and effectiveness of olaparib maintenance treatment in a real-world study were consistent with those reported in previous clinical trials.
Are We Sure that Adjuvant Chemotherapy is the Best Approach for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer? Are We in the Era of Neoadjuvant Treatment? A Review of Current Literature
Authors: Oneda Ester , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: November 2019

The outcome of pancreatic cancer is poor, with a 9% 5-year survival rate. Current treatment recommendations in the 10%–20% of patients who present with resectable disease support upfront resection followed by adjuvant therapy. Until now, only early complete surgical (R0) resection and adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) with either FOLFIRINOX (5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin) or nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine have been shown to prolong the survival. However, up to 30% of patients do not receive adjuvant therapy because of the development of early recurrence, postoperative complications, comorbidities, and reduced performance status. The aims of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) are to identify rapidly progressing patients to avoid futile surgery, eliminate micrometastases, increase the feasibility of R0 resection, and ensure the completion of multimodal treatment. Neoadjuvant treatments are effective, but there is no consensus on their use in resectable pancreatic cancer (RPC) because of its lack of a survival benefit over adjuvant therapy. In this review, we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the two therapeutic approaches in RPC. We need studies that compare the two approaches and can identify the appropriate sequence of adjuvant therapy after neoadjuvant treatment and surgery.
Effect of Gain in Soil Friction on the Walking Rate of Subsea Pipelines
Authors: Hong Zhaohui , Fu Dengfeng , Liu Wenbin , Zhou Zefeng , Yan Yue , Yan Shuwang
Published: November 2019

Subsea pipelines are commonly employed in the offshore oil and gas industry to transport high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) hydrocarbons. The phenomenon of pipeline walking is a topic that has drawn a great deal of attention, and is related to the on-bottom stability of the pipeline, such as directional accumulation with respect to axial movement, which can threaten the security of the entire pipeline system. An accurate assessment of pipeline walking is therefore necessary for offshore pipeline design. This paper reports a comprehensive suite of numerical analyses investigating the performance of pipeline walking, with a focus on the effect of increasing axial soil resistance on walking rates. Three walking-driven modes (steel catenary riser (SCR) tension, downslope, and thermal transient) are considered, covering a wide range of influential parameters. The variation in walking rate with respect to the effect of increased soil friction is well reflected in the development of the effective axial force (EAF) profile. A method based on the previous analytical solution is proposed for predicting the accumulated walking rates throughout the entire service life, where the concept of equivalent soil friction is adopted.
Scale Effects on a Tip Rake Propeller Working in Open Water
Authors: Lungu Adrian
Published: November 2019

The scale effect on the accuracy of a numerical simulation in ship hydrodynamics represents an important issue of the propeller numerical analysis. To grasp a better understanding on the influence of this effect, an introspection on the performances of an unconventional propeller is proposed in the present study. The paper describes an investigation of the performances of a tip rake propeller recently chosen as benchmark by the International Towing Tank Conference organization (ITTC hereafter). The numerical simulation is carried out by making use of the ISIS-CFD solver, part of the Fine™/Marine package available in the NUMECA suite. The solver is based on the finite volume method to build the spatial discretization of the governing equations. The incompressible unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANSE) are solved in a global approach. Reported solutions are compared with the experimental data provided by Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt (SVA) Potsdam GmbH to validate the accuracy of the numerical approach. Since for the full scale the experimental data could not be possible, the ITTC’78 extrapolation method-based proposed by the SVA Potsdam has been taken as a basis for comparisons and discussions. A set of remarks will conclude the paper by providing some guidelines for further approaches in terms of the particulars of the numerics that may be further employed in similar studies.
Identifying the Design Alternatives and Flow Interference of Tuna Purse Seine by the Numerical Modelling Approach
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Xu Liuxiong , Tang Hao , Hu Fuxiang , He Pingguo , Kumazawa Taisei , Wang Xuefang , Wan Rong , Dong Shuchuang
Published: November 2019

Dynamic responses of tuna purse seine to currents were numerically studied with regard to the vertical subsidence and global load distribution, and determinant attributes were identified. We rebuilt the submerged geometry of a purse seine net using the lumped mass method with hydrodynamic coefficients obtained from measurements of the prototype material, as well as a mesh grouping method, which corrects the twine diameter and netting material density for the equivalent net by introducing the compensation coefficient. Uneven tension distribution showed that it was vulnerable to high loads in the bunt area at shooting and along the lead line at pursing. High loads were present at the convex sections of net circles in the direction of the current. Higher shooting speeds resulted in well-balanced sinking, while a reduced hanging ratio of netting panels was beneficial to faster sinking. While large mesh sizes reduce water resistance and increase sinking velocity, extensive use should be cautioned in terms of the sensibility to stress. Comparing two options of different proportions of large-mesh panels, mesh sizes doubled for 15 strips versus 5 strips, suggesting that the 15 strip option would pose a higher risk of strand vulnerability, while the 5 strip option may be a more balanced alternative with a lower mesh density and a lower mesh stress.
Investigation of the Tribofilm Formation of HiPIMS Sputtered MoSx Thin Films in Different Environments by Raman Scattering
Authors: Tillmann Wolfgang , Wittig Alexandra , Stangier Dominic , Thomann Carl-Arne , Moldenhauer Henning , Debus Jörg , Aurich Daniel , Brümmer Andreas
Published: November 2019

Understanding the generation of third body particles and their contribution to the formation of tribofilms of MoSx thin films is still challenging due to a large number of influencing factors. Besides the structure of the as-deposited MoSx films, the environment and the conditions during the Ball-on-disk tests affect tribofilms and thus the friction. Therefore, the influence of the surface pressure and sliding velocity in air, argon and nitrogen environments on the generation of the third body particles and the tribofilm formation of randomly oriented MoSx films is investigated. A high surface pressure is one major factor to achieve low friction, especially under humid conditions, which is important considering the use in industrial applications, for example dry-running screw machines. However, the mechanisms leading to that frictional behavior are still affected by the surrounding environment. While low friction is caused by a more extensive tribofilm formation in air, in argon and nitrogen, large size third body particles dispensed all over the contact area contribute to a lower friction. Raman scattering reveal a different chemistry of these particles reflected in the absence of laser- or temperature-induced surface oxidation compared to the as-deposited film and the wear track. The Raman scattering results are discussed with respect to the wear particle size, its chemical reactivity and strain-induced bonding changes.
f-Polynomial on Some Graph Operations
Authors: Carballosa Walter , Rodríguez José Manuel , Sigarreta José María , Vakhania Nodari
Published: November 2019

Given any function f : Z + → R + , let us define the f-index I f ( G ) = ∑ u ∈ V ( G ) f ( d u ) and the f-polynomial P f ( G , x ) = ∑ u ∈ V ( G ) x 1 / f ( d u ) − 1 , for x > 0 . In addition, we define P f ( G , 0 ) = lim x → 0 + P f ( G , x ) . We use the f-polynomial of a large family of topological indices in order to study mathematical relations of the inverse degree, the generalized first Zagreb, and the sum lordeg indices, among others. In this paper, using this f-polynomial, we obtain several properties of these indices of some classical graph operations that include corona product and join, line, and Mycielskian, among others.
Kinetic Parameter Estimation and Mathematical Modelling of Lipase Catalysed Biodiesel Synthesis in a Microreactor
Authors: Gojun Martin , Pustahija Lucija , Jurinjak Tušek Ana , Šalić Anita , Valinger Davor , Zelić Bruno
Published: November 2019

Development of green, clean, and sustainable processes presents new challenges in today’s science. Production of fuel is no exception. Considering the utilisation of various renewable sources, the synthesis of biodiesel, characterised as more environmentally-friendly then fossil fuel, has drawn significant attention. Even though the process based on chemical transesterification in a batch reactor still presents the most used method for its production, enzyme catalysed synthesis of biodiesel in a microreactor could be a new approach for going green. In this research, edible sunflower oil and methanol were used as substrates and lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipolase L100) was used as catalyst for biodiesel synthesis. Experiments were performed in a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microreactor with three inlets and in glass microreactors with two and three inlets. For a residence time of 32 min, the fatty acids methyl esters (FAME) yield was 30% higher than the yield obtained for the glass microreactor with three inlets. In comparison, when the reaction was performed in a batch reactor (V = 500 mL), the same FAME yield was achieved after 1.5 h. In order to enhance the productivity of the process, we used proposed reaction kinetics, estimated kinetic parameters, and a mathematical model we developed. After validation using independent experimental data, a proposed model was used for process optimization in order to obtain the highest FAME yield for the shortest residence time.