bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colombian Export Capabilities: Building the Firms-Products Network
Authors: Bruno Matteo , Saracco Fabio , Squartini Tiziano , Dueñas Marco
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we analyse the bipartite Colombian firms-products network, throughout a period of five years, from 2010 to 2014. Our analysis depicts a strongly modular system, with several groups of firms specializing in the export of specific categories of products. These clusters have been detected by running the bipartite variant of the traditional modularity maximization, revealing a bi-modular structure. Interestingly, this finding is refined by applying a recently proposed algorithm for projecting bipartite networks on the layer of interest and, then, running the Louvain algorithm on the resulting monopartite representations. Important structural differences emerge upon comparing the Colombian firms-products network with the World Trade Web, in particular, the bipartite representation of the latter is not characterized by a similar block-structure, as the modularity maximization fails in revealing (bipartite) nodes clusters. This points out that economic systems behave differently at different scales: while countries tend to diversify their production—potentially exporting a large number of different products—firms specialize in exporting (substantially very limited) baskets of basically homogeneous products.
Outlier Events of Solar Forecasts for Regional Power Grid in Japan Using JMA Mesoscale Model
Authors: Ohtake Hideaki , Uno Fumichika , Oozeki Takashi , Yamada Yoshinori , Takenaka Hideaki , Nakajima Takashi Y.
Published: October 2018

To realize the safety control of electric power systems under high penetration of photovoltaic power systems, accurate global horizontal irradiance (GHI) forecasts using numerical weather prediction models (NWP) are becoming increasingly important. The objective of this study is to understand meteorological characteristics pertaining to large errors (i.e., outlier events) of GHI day-ahead forecasts obtained from the Japan Meteorological Agency, for nine electric power areas during four years from 2014 to 2017. Under outlier events in GHI day-ahead forecasts, several sea-level pressure (SLP) patterns were found in 80 events during the four years; (a) a western edge of anticyclone over the Pacific Ocean (frequency per 80 outlier events; 48.8%), (b) stationary fronts (20.0%), (c) a synoptic-scale cyclone (18.8%), and (d) typhoons (tropical cyclones) (8.8%) around the Japanese islands. In this study, the four case studies of the worst outlier events were performed. A remarkable SLP pattern was the case of the western edge of anticyclone over the Pacific Ocean around Japan. The comparison between regionally integrated GHI day-ahead forecast errors and cloudiness forecasts suggests that the issue of accuracy of cloud forecasts in high- and mid-levels troposphere in NWPs will remain in the future.
Extreme Learning Machines for Solar Photovoltaic Power Predictions
Authors: Al-Dahidi Sameer , Ayadi Osama , Adeeb Jehad , Alrbai Mohammad , Qawasmeh Bashar R.
Published: October 2018

The unpredictability of intermittent renewable energy (RE) sources (solar and wind) constitutes reliability challenges for utilities whose goal is to match electricity supply to consumer demands across centralized grid networks. Thus, balancing the variable and increasing power inputs from plants with intermittent energy sources becomes a fundamental issue for transmission system operators. As a result, forecasting techniques have obtained paramount importance. This work aims at exploiting the simplicity, fast computational and good generalization capability of Extreme Learning Machines (ELMs) in providing accurate 24 h-ahead solar photovoltaic (PV) power production predictions. The ELM architecture is firstly optimized, e.g., in terms of number of hidden neurons, and number of historical solar radiations and ambient temperatures (embedding dimension) required for training the ELM model, then it is used online to predict the solar PV power productions. The investigated ELM model is applied to a real case study of 264 kWp solar PV system installed on the roof of the Faculty of Engineering at the Applied Science Private University (ASU), Amman, Jordan. Results showed the capability of the ELM model in providing predictions that are slightly more accurate with negligible computational efforts compared to a Back Propagation Artificial Neural Network (BP-ANN) model, which is currently adopted by the PV system owners for the prediction task.
Numerical Simulation of a Two-Phase Flow for the Acrylonitrile Electrolytic Adiponitrile Process in a Vertical/Horizontal Electrolysis Cell
Authors: Jang Jiin-Yuh , Gan Yu-Feng
Published: October 2018

This paper investigated the effect of oxygen holdup on the current density distribution over the electrode of a vertical/horizontal electrolysis cell with a two-dimensional Eulerian–Eulerian two-phase flow model in the acrylonitrile (AN) electrolytic adiponitrile (ADN) process. The physical models consisted of a vertical/horizontal electrolysis cell 10 mm wide and 600 mm long. The electrical potential difference between the anode and cathode was fixed at 5 V, which corresponded to a uniform current density j = 0.4 A/cm2 without any bubbles released from the electrodes. The effects of different inlet electrolyte velocities (vin = 0.4, 0.6, 1.0 and 1.5 m/s) on the void fraction and the current density distributions were discussed in detail. It is shown that, for a given applied voltage, as the electrolyte velocity is increased, the gas diffusion layer thickness decreased and this resulted in the decrease of the gas void fraction and increase of the corresponding current density; for a given velocity, the current density for a vertical cell was higher than that for a horizontal cell. Furthermore, assuming the release of uniform mass flux for the oxygen results in overestimation of the total gas accumulation mass flow rate by 2.8% and 5.8% and it will also result in underestimation of the current density by 0.3% and 2.4% for a vertical cell and a horizontal cell, respectively. The results of this study can provide useful information for the design of an ADN electrolysis cell.
A Novel Reversal Γ-Shape Coupled Inductor High-Step AC-AC Converter
Authors: Liu Hongchen , Zhang Xinsheng
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a novel reversal Γ-shape coupled inductor high-step AC-AC converter. This converter uses a reversal Γ-shape coupled inductor that consists of a two-winding coupled inductor for higher voltage gain. As the coupling inductance ratio is closer to 1 or the duty ratio is larger, the boosting capability of this converter is enhanced. The proposed converter has the following advantages: first, it can realize a continuous input current. Second, the input and output voltage have a common ground in the proposed converter. Apart from these features, the proposed topology has a higher voltage gain with a lower voltage stress on switches and the proposed topology has low cost, and a simple configuration and control scheme. The gain of the proposed high-step AC-AC converter is determined by more variables. Thus, when designing the converter there are more options to meet different requirements. The principle of operation is described and discussed in this paper. In addition, the operating performance is illustrated and estimated based on simulation and experimental results.
Analysis of Accuracy Determination of the Seasonal Heat Demand in Buildings Based on Short Measurement Periods
Authors: Ferdyn-Grygierek Joanna , Bartosz Dorota , Specjał Aleksandra , Grygierek Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we present a multi-variant analysis of the determination of the accuracy of the seasonal heat demand in buildings. The research was based on the linear regression method for data obtained during short periods of measurement. The analyses were carried out using computer simulation, and the numerical models of the multifamily building and school building were used for the simulation. The simulations were performed using the TRNSYS, ESP-r, and CONTAM programs. The multi-zone models of the buildings were validated based on the measurement data. The impact of the building’s parameters (airtightness, insulation, and occupancy schedule) on the determination of the accuracy of the seasonal heat demand was analyzed. The analyses allowed guidelines to be developed for determining the seasonal energy consumption for heating and ventilation based on short periods of heat demand measurements and to determine the optimal duration of the measurement period.
The Influence of Temperature on the Expansion of a Hard Coal-Gas System
Authors: Baran Paweł , Czerw Katarzyna , Samojeden Bogdan , Czuma Natalia , Zarębska Katarzyna
Published: October 2018

This paper presents experimental results of the sorption-dilatometric kinetics of methane and carbon dioxide on a sample of hard coal from one of the coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The experiment included isothermal and non-isothermal-isobaric stages. For the isothermal stage, it was found that, up to a certain point (about 8 dm3/kg), the sample’s expansion was linearly related to the amount of gas absorbed. Studies on dilatometric kinetics under constant pressure, with a reduction in temperature, indicate that a dominant share of the heat-expanding properties of carbonaceous material influences changes in the size of the sample in the coal-gas system. It was also found that the sample expansion, due to temperature change, was 2.25‰, for the sample in both the vacuum and the non-adsorbing gas atmosphere.
Energy Production Benefits by Wind and Wave Energies for the Autonomous System of Crete
Authors: Lavidas George , Venugopal Vengatesan
Published: October 2018

At autonomous electricity grids Renewable Energy (RE) contributes significantly to energy production. Offshore resources benefit from higher energy density, smaller visual impacts, and higher availability levels. Offshore locations at the West of Crete obtain wind availability ≈80%, combining this with the installation potential for large scale modern wind turbines (rated power) then expected annual benefits are immense. Temporal variability of production is a limiting factor for wider adaptation of large offshore farms. To this end multi-generation with wave energy can alleviate issues of non-generation for wind. Spatio-temporal correlation of wind and wave energy production exhibit that wind and wave hybrid stations can contribute significant amounts of clean energy, while at the same time reducing spatial constrains and public acceptance issues. Offshore technologies can be combined as co-located or not, altering contribution profiles of wave energy to non-operating wind turbine production. In this study a co-located option contributes up to 626 h per annum, while a non co-located solution is found to complement over 4000 h of a non-operative wind turbine. Findings indicate the opportunities associated not only in terms of capital expenditure reduction, but also in the ever important issue of renewable variability and grid stability.
Forest Management for Climate Change in New England and the Klamath Ecoregions: Motivations, Practices, and Barriers
Authors: Scheller Robert M. , Parajuli Rajan
Published: October 2018

Understanding perceptions and attitudes of forest managers toward climate change and climate adaptive forest management is crucial, as they are expected to implement changes to forest resource management. We assessed the perceptions of forest managers toward climate adaptive forest management practices through a survey of forest managers working in private firms and public agencies in New England and the Klamath ecoregion (northern California and southwestern Oregon). We analyzed the motivations, actions, and potential barriers to action of forest managers toward climate adaptive forest management practices. Results suggest that managing for natural regeneration is the most common climate adaptive forest management approach considered by forest managers in both regions. Lack of information about the best strategies for reducing climate change risks, lack of education and awareness among the clients, and perceived client costs were forest managers’ primary barriers to climate adaptive management. Our findings suggest useful insights toward the policy and program design in climate adaptive forest management for both areas.
The Potential Distribution of Tree Species in Three Periods of Time under a Climate Change Scenario
Authors: Antúnez Pablo , Suárez-Mota Mario Ernesto , Valenzuela-Encinas César , Ruiz-Aquino Faustino
Published: October 2018

Species distribution models have become some of the most important tools for the assessment of the impact of climatic change, and human activity, and for the detection of failure in silvicultural or conservation management plans. In this study, we modeled the potential distribution of 13 tree species of temperate forests distributed in the Mexican state Durango in the Sierra Madre Occidental, for three periods of time. Models were constructed for each period of time using 19 climate variables from the MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy algorithm) modelling algorithm. Those constructed for the future used a severe climate change scenario. When comparing the potential areas of the periods, some species such as Pinus durangensis (Martínez), Pinus teocote (Schiede ex Schltdl. & Cham.) and Quercus crassifolia (Bonpl.) showed no drastic changes. Rather, the models projected a slight reduction, displacement or fragmentation in the potential area of Pinus arizonica (Engelm.), P. cembroides (Zucc), P. engelmanni (Carr), P. leiophylla (Schl), Quercus arizonica (Sarg), Q. magnolifolia (Née) and Q. sideroxila (Humb. & Bonpl.) in the future period. Thus, establishing conservation and reforestation strategies in the medium and long term could guarantee a wide distribution of these species in the future.
Forty-Eight Years of Forest Succession: Tree Species Change across Four Forest Types in Mid-Missouri
Authors: O. Knapp Benjamin , G. Pallardy Stephen
Published: October 2018

In the central and eastern United States, many forest ecosystems have undergone recent shifts in composition and structure that may conflict with contemporary management objectives. Long-term forest inventory data were used to determine patterns of forest succession over a 48-year period for four forest types in mid-Missouri: bottomlands, dry ridge and slope, glade-like, and mesic slopes. All forest types increased in stand basal area and overstory quadratic mean diameter through time, with concomitant decreases in the number of midstory trees. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) increased in importance value on dry ridge and slope and mesic slope forest types, largely due to the accumulation of trees in smaller diameter classes. White oak (Quercus alba L.) increased in overstory basal area in dry ridge and slope plots through the duration of the study, whereas black oak (Quercus velutina Lam.) and Shumard oak (Quercus shumardii Buckley) decreased in overstory density and basal area through time. Oak stems were nearly absent from the midstory across forest types in the recent sampling, suggesting future challenges for maintaining oak-dominated canopies following attrition of canopy trees through time on upland forest types. In glade-like plots, eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) increased in both overstory density and basal area through time, and Shumard oak decreased in density. The importance value of chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm.) in the overstory decreased through time in glade-like plots, largely due to the increase in density of eastern redcedar rather than the loss of chinkapin oak from the overstory. The patterns of succession in this forest landscape of mid-Missouri suggest that forest management may be needed to address two common contemporary concerns: (1) the need for increasing oak advance reproduction and recruitment to maintain oak as a canopy species; and (2) reducing eastern redcedar encroachment for glade restoration and management.
Co-Culture of Filamentous Feed-Grade Fungi and Microalgae as an Alternative to Increase Feeding Value of Ethanol Coproducts
Authors: Rodrigues Reis Cristiano E. , Ogero D’Otaviano Larissa , Rajendran Aravindan , Hu Bo
Published: October 2018

Distiller’s grains, an important commodity in the feed and food chains, are currently underdosed in rations due to several factors, mainly nutrient imbalance. This study aimed to increase the linoleic acid content in distiller’s grains and decrease the excess nutrients in stillage water by the use of an artificial lichen, composed of fungi, algae, and a supporting matrix. A maximum concentration of 46.25% of linoleic acid in distiller’s grains was achieved with a combination of Mucor indicus and Chlorella vulgaris using corn-to-ethanol whole stillage as substrate. Microbial hydrolytic enzymes during fermentation were able to decrease the solids in whole stillage. Nitrogen depletion by microalgal uptake causes lipid-formation stress to Mucor indicus cells, increasing linoleic acid production to about 49% of the total lipids, potentially decreasing costs in the animal feed. The culture supernatant can potentially be recycled as process water to the ethanol fermentation tank, and enhanced distiller’s grains can replace animal-specific diets. This would reduce exogenous enzyme use and supplementation of unsaturated fatty acids from other sources.
Determinants of Borrowers’ Default in P2P Lending under Consideration of the Loan Risk Class
Authors: Polena Michal , Regner Tobias
Published: October 2018

We study the determinants of borrowers’ default in P2P lending with a new data set consisting of 70,673 loan observations from the Lending Club. Previous research identified a number of default determining variables but did not distinguish between different loan risk levels. We define four loan risk classes and test the significance of the default determining variables within each loan risk class. Our findings suggest that the significance of most variables depends on the loan risk class. Only a few variables are consistently significant across all risk classes. The debt-to-income ratio, inquiries in the past six months and a loan intended for a small business are positively correlated with the default rate. Annual income and credit card as loan purpose are negatively correlated.
The Role of Climate: 71 ka of Atmospheric Mercury Deposition in the Southern Hemisphere Recorded by Rano Aroi Mire, Easter Island (Chile)
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez Marta , Margalef Olga , Corella Juan Pablo , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Pla-Rabes Sergi , Giralt Santiago , Martínez Cortizas Antonio
Published: October 2018

The study of mercury accumulation in peat cores provides an excellent opportunity to improve the knowledge on mercury cycling and depositional processes at remote locations far from pollution sources. We analyzed mercury concentrations in 150 peat samples from two cores from Rano Aroi (Easter Island, 27° S) and in selected vegetation samples of present-day flora of the island, in order to characterize the mercury cycling for the last ~71 ka BP. The mercury concentrations showed values ranging between 35 and 200 ng g−1, except for a large maxima (~1000 ng g−1) which occurred at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ~20 ka cal BP) in both peat cores. Low temperatures during the LGM would accelerate the atmospheric oxidation of Hg(0) to divalent mercury that, coupled with higher rainfall during this period, most likely resulted in a very efficient surface deposition of atmospheric mercury. Two exceptional short-lived Hg peaks occurred during the Holocene at 8.5 (350 ng g−1) and 4.7 (1000 ng g−1) ka cal BP. These values are higher than those recorded in most peat records belonging to the industrial period, highlighting that natural factors played a significant role in Hg accumulation—sometimes even more so than anthropogenic sources. Our results suggest that wet deposition, linked to atmospheric oxidation, was the main process controlling the short-lived Hg events, both in the mire and in the catchment soils.
Paleoenvironment Variability during Termination I at the Reykjanes Ridge, North Atlantic
Authors: Matul Alexander , Barash Max S. , Khusid Tatyana A. , Behera Padmasini , Tiwari Manish
Published: October 2018

The micropaleontological study (radiolarians and foraminifera) of the sediment core AMK-340, Reykjanes Ridge, North Atlantic, combined with the radiocarbon dating and oxygen and carbon isotopic record, provided data for the reconstruction of the summer paleotemperature across the upper 100 meters water depth range, and paleoenvironments during the Termination I in the age interval of 14.5–8 ka. The response of the main microfossil species to the paleoceanographic changes within the Bølling-Allerød (BA) warming, the Younger Dryas (YD) cold event and final transition to the warm Holocene, was different. The BA warming was well captured by the radiolarian and benthic foraminiferal records, but not the planktic one. The high abundances of the cold-water radiolarian species Amphimelissa setosa as a Greenland/Iceland Sea indicator marked a cooling at the end of the BA and at the start of the YD at 13.2–12.3 ka. The micropaleontological and isotopic data together with the paleotemperature estimates for the Reykjanes Ridge at 60°N document that, after the warm BA, the middle YD ca. 12.5–12.2 ka was the next significant step toward the Holocene warming. The start of the Holocene interglacial conditions was reflected in large representation of the microfossils being indicators of the open boreal North Atlantic environments indicating increasing warmth.
The Theory of Planned Behavior to Predict Protective Behavioral Intentions against PM2.5 in Parents of Young Children from Urban and Rural Beijing, China
Authors: Liu Shumei , Chiang Yi-Te , Tseng Chie-Chien , Ng Eric , Yeh Gwo-Liang , Fang Wei-Ta
Published: October 2018

Smog and air pollution have fast become significant environmental problems and are attributed to rapid global industrialization and urbanization. Emissions of fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) increase smog and air pollution, with strong impacts on human health. Children are particularly vulnerable. While increasing studies are being conducted on the behaviors leading to PM2.5 toxicity from the perspective of environmental toxicants, there is a lack of research on factors influencing anti-PM2.5 behavioral intentions. Thus, this study aims to narrow this gap by adapting the theory of planned behavior framework to investigate the effects of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on protective behavioral intentions against PM2.5. In total, 1277 online questionnaires were collected from parents of young children living in urban and rural areas of Beijing, and the data was analyzed using correlation, regression, and path analyses. Results revealed that there were significant differences between parents from urban and rural areas in terms of attitude (t = 4.727 > 1.96, p < 0.001), subjective norms (t = 5.529 > 1.96, p < 0.001), perceived behavioral control (t = 6.155 > 1.96, p < 0.001), and anti-PM2.5 behavioral intentions (t = 6.838 > 1.96, p < 0.001). Path analysis revealed that parents from urban and rural areas had different behavioral intention paths. For urban parents, the findings indicated that subjective norms (β = 0.73, t = 21.84 > 3.29) and perceived behavioral control (γ = 0.22, t = 6.12 > 3.29) had direct impacts on anti-PM2.5 behavioral intentions. In contrast, the attitudes (γ = 0.39, t = 3.74 > 3.29) and subjective norms (β = 0.60, t = 8.55 > 3.29) of rural parents were found to directly influence anti-PM2.5 behavioral intentions.
Self-Reported vs. Measured Height, Weight, and BMI in Young Adults
Authors: Olfert Melissa , Barr Makenzie , Charlier Camille , Famodu Oluremi , Zhou Wenjun , Mathews Anne , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol , Colby Sarah
Published: October 2018

Self-reported height and weight, if accurate, provide a simple and economical method to track changes in body weight over time. Literature suggests adults tend to under-report their own weight and that the gap between self-reported weight and actual weight increases with obesity. This study investigates the extent of discrepancy in self-reported height, weight, and subsequent Body Mass Index (BMI) versus actual measurements in young adults. Physically measured and self-reported height and weight were taken from 1562 students. Male students marginally overestimated height, while females were closer to target. Males, on average, closely self-reported weight. Self-reported anthropometrics remained statistically correlated to actual measures in both sexes. Categorical variables of calculated BMI from both self-reported and actual height and weight resulted in significant agreement for both sexes. Researcher measured BMI (via anthropometric height and weight) and sex were both found to have association with self-reported weight while only sex was related to height difference. Regression examining weight difference and BMI was significant, specifically with a negative slope indicating increased BMI led to increased underestimation of weight in both sexes. This study suggests self-reported anthropometric measurements in young adults can be used to calculate BMI for weight classification purposes. Further investigation is needed to better assess self-reported vs measured height and weight discrepancies across populations.
Distribution of Ixodes scapularis in Northwestern Ontario: Results from Active and Passive Surveillance Activities in the Northwestern Health Unit Catchment Area
Authors: Schillberg Erin , Lunny Dorian , Lindsay L. Robbin , Nelder Mark P. , Russell Curtis , Mackie Mike , Coats Dave , Berry Alex , Young Hoon Kit Ngan
Published: October 2018

The range of Ixodes scapularis is expanding in Ontario, increasing the risk of Lyme disease. As an effective public health response requires accurate information on disease distribution and areas of risk, this study aims to establish the geographic distribution of I. scapularis and its associated pathogen, B. burgdorferi, in northwestern Ontario. We assessed five years of active and passive tick surveillance data in northwestern Ontario. Between 2013 and 2017, 251 I. scapularis were submitted through passive surveillance. The submission rate increased over time, and the proportion infected with B. burgdorferi was 13.5%. Active tick surveillance from 2014 to 2016 found few I. scapularis specimens. In 2017, 102 I. scapularis were found in 10 locations around the city of Kenora; 60% were infected with B. burgdorferi, eight tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, and one for POWV. I. scapularis ticks were found in 14 locations within the Northwestern Health Unit area, with seven locations containing B. burgdorferi-positive ticks. We found abundant I. scapularis populations in the southern portion of northwestern Ontario and northward expansion is expected. It is recommended that I. scapularis populations continue to be monitored and mitigation strategies should be established for rural northern communities.
Impacts of Type D Personality and Depression, Alone and in Combination, on Medication Non-Adherence Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Son Youn-Jung , Lee Kyounghoon , Morisky Donald E. , Kim Bo-Hwan
Published: October 2018

Background: Medication adherence after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is essential to preventing the risk of restenosis. Even though Type D personality and depression have been known to affect medication non-adherence, their combined influence on PCI patients remains unclear. Aim: We aimed to identify how both Type D personality and depression were associated with medication non-adherence for 3 months after successful PCI. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 257 PCI patients, who took 3 or more cardiac medications, at a university hospital. We measured sociodemographic and clinical variables, Type D personality, depression, and medication non-adherence using face-to-face interviews and medical record reviews. Results: The total prevalence of medication non-adherence at the one- and three-month follow-ups was 14% and 16%, respectively. At one month, the prevalence of those with a combination of Type D personality and depression (23.4%) and depression alone (24%) was significantly higher than other groups. At three months, the prevalence of the Type D personality-only group (39.1%) was the highest. Type D personality increased the risk of medication non-adherence 5.089 times at three months, while depression increased it 2.6 times at one month. However, the risk of medication non-adherence was not increased in patients with combined Type D personality and depression. Conclusions: Individual assessments of Type D personality and depression are required. Therefore, psychological interventions focusing on personality and depression are crucial. Longitudinal follow-up studies must explore the interaction or individual impact of Type D personality and depression on medication non-adherence and other negative outcomes.
Developing a Measurement Scale of Gender-Friendly Hospital Environments: An Exploratory Study of Customer Perceptions in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Ying-Chyi , Dang Van Thac , Yen Hsin-Yi , Hsu Pi-Shan
Published: October 2018

According to the United Nations, males and females should be given equal treatment in physical and psychological services, and healthcare institutions should exert greater efforts to reduce the gap in gender equality. However, this issue has been largely ignored in previous literature on healthcare environments. Designing a hospital environment that focuses on gender differences is critical to academic researchers and practical managers in all healthcare institutions. Thus, as an exploratory effort, this study aims to develop a measurement to assess customer perceptions of gender-friendly hospital environments. To identify and refine the structure of the instrument, two studies are conducted at different hospitals in Taiwan. The exploratory evidence shows there are five factors (i.e., physical design, functional design, marking design, gender perception, and gender-friendly services) and 28 items in the measurement scale of gender-friendly hospital environments. Results also show that gender-friendly hospital environments affect customers’ loyalty and willingness to pay. Based on our findings, hospital practitioners and researchers can adopt the measurement instrument used in this study to deal with the gap of gender equality in healthcare environments.
Small-Scale Variations in Urban Air Pollution Levels Are Significantly Associated with Premature Births: A Case Study in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Saldiva Silvia Regina Dias Medici , Barrozo Ligia Vizeu , Leone Clea Rodrigues , Failla Marcelo Antunes , Bonilha Eliana de Aquino , Bernal Regina Tomie Ivata , Oliveira Regiani Carvalho de , Saldiva Paulo Hilário Nascimento
Published: October 2018

Premature birth is the result of a complex interaction among genetic, epigenetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. We evaluated the possible associations between air pollution and the incidence of prematurity in spatial clusters of high and low prevalence in the municipality of São Paulo. It is a spatial case-control study. The residential addresses of mothers with live births that occurred in 2012 and 2013 were geo-coded. A spatial scan statistical test performed to identify possible low-prevalence and high-prevalence clusters of premature births. After identifying, the spatial clusters were drawn samples of cases and controls in each cluster. Mothers were interviewed face-to-face using questionnaires. Air pollution exposure was assessed by passive tubes (NO2 and O3) as well as by the determination of trace elements’ concentration in tree bark. Binary logistic regression models were applied to determine the significance of the risk of premature birth. Later prenatal care, urinary infection, and hypertension were individual risk factors for prematurity. Particles produced by traffic emissions (estimated by tree bark accumulation) and photochemical pollutants involved in the photochemical cycle (estimated by O3 and NO2 passive tubes) also exhibited significant and robust risks for premature births. The results indicate that air pollution is an independent risk factor for prematurity.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Implicates SCN2A in Episodic Ataxia, but Multiple Ion Channel Variants May Contribute to Phenotypic Complexity
Authors: Maksemous Neven , Smith Robert A. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Sampaio Hugo , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: October 2018

Although the clinical use of targeted gene sequencing-based diagnostics is valuable, whole-exome sequencing has also emerged as a successful diagnostic tool in molecular genetics laboratories worldwide. Molecular genetic tests for episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2) usually target only the specific calcium channel gene (CACNA1A) that is known to cause EA2. In cases where no mutations are identified in the CACNA1A gene, it is important to identify the causal gene so that more effective treatment can be prioritized for patients. Here we present a case of a proband with a complex episodic ataxias (EA)/seizure phenotype with an EA-affected father; and an unaffected mother, all negative for CACNA1A gene mutations. The trio was studied by whole-exome sequencing to identify candidate genes responsible for causing the complex EA/seizure phenotype. Three rare or novel variants in Sodium channel α2-subunit; SCN2A (c.3973G>T: p.Val1325Phe), Potassium channel, Kv3.2; KCNC2 (c.1006T>C: p.Ser336Pro) and Sodium channel Nav1.6; SCN8A (c.3421C>A: p.Pro1141Thr) genes were found in the proband. While the SCN2A variant is likely to be causal for episodic ataxia, each variant may potentially contribute to the phenotypes observed in this family. This study highlights that a major challenge of using whole-exome/genome sequencing is the identification of the unique causative mutation that is associated with complex disease.
Combinations of Small RNA, RNA, and Degradome Sequencing Uncovers the Expression Pattern of microRNA–mRNA Pairs Adapting to Drought Stress in Leaf and Root of Dactylis glomerata L.
Authors: Ji Yang , Chen Peilin , Chen Jing , Pennerman Kayla K. , Liang Xiaoyu , Yan Haidong , Zhou Sifan , Feng Guangyan , Wang Chengran , Yin Guohua , Zhang Xinquan , Hu Yuanbin , Huang Linkai
Published: October 2018

Drought stress is a global problem, and the lack of water is a key factor that leads to agricultural shortages. MicroRNAs play a crucial role in the plant drought stress response; however, the microRNAs and their targets involved in drought response have not been well elucidated. In the present study, we used Illumina platform (https://www.illumina.com/) and combined data from miRNA, RNA, and degradome sequencing to explore the drought- and organ-specific miRNAs in orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) leaf and root. We aimed to find potential miRNA–mRNA regulation patterns responding to drought conditions. In total, 519 (486 conserved and 33 novel) miRNAs were identified, of which, 41 miRNAs had significant differential expression among the comparisons (p < 0.05). We also identified 55,366 unigenes by RNA-Seq, where 12,535 unigenes were differently expressed. Finally, our degradome analysis revealed that 5950 transcripts were targeted by 487 miRNAs. A correlation analysis identified that miRNA ata-miR164c-3p and its target heat shock protein family A (HSP70) member 5 gene comp59407_c0 (BIPE3) may be essential in organ-specific plant drought stress response and/or adaptation in orchardgrass. Additionally, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses found that “antigen processing and presentation” was the most enriched downregulated pathway in adaptation to drought conditions. Taken together, we explored the genes and miRNAs that may be involved in drought adaptation of orchardgrass and identified how they may be regulated. These results serve as a valuable genetic resource for future studies focusing on how plants adapted to drought conditions.
Auxins and Cytokinins—The Role of Subcellular Organization on Homeostasis
Authors: Skalický Vladimír , Kubeš Martin , Napier Richard , Novák Ondřej
Published: October 2018

Plant hormones are master regulators of plant growth and development. Better knowledge of their spatial signaling and homeostasis (transport and metabolism) on the lowest structural levels (cellular and subcellular) is therefore crucial to a better understanding of developmental processes in plants. Recent progress in phytohormone analysis at the cellular and subcellular levels has greatly improved the effectiveness of isolation protocols and the sensitivity of analytical methods. This review is mainly focused on homeostasis of two plant hormone groups, auxins and cytokinins. It will summarize and discuss their tissue- and cell-type specific distributions at the cellular and subcellular levels.
Dysregulated Marginal Zone B Cell Compartment in a Mouse Model of Sjögren’s Syndrome with Ocular Inflammation
Authors: Singh Niharika , Chin Ian , Gabriel Paul , Blaum Emily , Masli Sharmila
Published: October 2018

The risk of developing lymphoma in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is 44 times higher than in the normal population with the most common lymphomas derived from marginal zone B (MZB) cells. Current understanding of the role of MZB cells in SS is primarily based on salivary gland pathology, while their contextual association with lacrimal glands and ocular manifestations largely remains unknown. We examined this possibility using a SS mouse model (thrombospondin-1 deficient (TSP1−/−)) with well-characterized ocular disease. We determined the frequency, localization, and cytokine profiles of MZB cells and their association with an antibody response in TSP1−/− mice treated with a TSP-derived peptide. A significantly increased frequency of MZB cells was detected in the spleens and lacrimal glands of TSP1−/− mice in comparison to wild-type tissues as detected by immunostaining. An altered cytokine profile of TSP1−/− MZB cells was supportive of T helper 17 (Th17)-related pathogenesis. A significantly reduced antibody response and the splenic MZB compartment against an eye-derived antigen were noted in TSP-derived peptide-treated mice. These changes correspond with the previously reported ability of the peptide to ameliorate SS-related ocular manifestations. Collectively, our results demonstrate dysregulation of MZB cells in TSP1−/− mice and highlight their role in the context of SS-related chronic ocular surface disease.
Exosomes Secreted from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Accelerate Skin Cell Proliferation
Authors: Kim Soo , Lee Seul , Kim Hyunjung , Kim Tae
Published: October 2018

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) serve as a unique source for cell therapy. We investigated whether exosomes from iMSCs promote the proliferation of human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). iPSCs were established from human Wharton’s jelly MSCs and were allowed to differentiate into iMSCs. Exosomes were collected from the culture supernatant of MSCs (MSC-exo) and iMSCs (iMSC-exo), and their characteristics were investigated. Both exosome types possessed basic characteristics of exosomes and were taken up by skin cells in vitro and in vivo. A significant increase in HaCaT proliferation was observed with iMSC-exo, although both exosomes increased the viability and cell cycle progression in HaCaT and HDFs. No significant difference was observed in the closure of wound scratch and the expression of reparative genes between cells treated with the two exosome types. Both exosomes enhanced the secretion of collagen in HaCaT and HDFs; however, an increase in fibronectin level was observed only in HaCaT, and this effect was better with iMSC-exo treatment. Only iMSC-exo increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1/2. Our results indicate that iMSC-exo promote the proliferation of skin cells by stimulating ERK1/2 and highlight the application of iMSCs for producing exosomes.
Amphiphilic Polymeric Micelles Based on Deoxycholic Acid and Folic Acid Modified Chitosan for the Delivery of Paclitaxel
Authors: Li Liang , Liang Na , Wang Danfeng , Yan Pengfei , Kawashima Yoshiaki , Cui Fude , Sun Shaoping
Published: October 2018

The present investigation aimed to develop a tumor-targeting drug delivery system for paclitaxel (PTX). The hydrophobic deoxycholic acid (DA) and active targeting ligand folic acid (FA) were used to modify water-soluble chitosan (CS). As an amphiphilic polymer, the conjugate FA-CS-DA was synthesized and characterized by Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The degree of substitutions of DA and FA were calculated as 15.8% and 8.0%, respectively. In aqueous medium, the conjugate could self-assemble into micelles with the critical micelle concentration of 6.6 × 10−3 mg/mL. Under a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the PTX-loaded micelles exhibited a spherical shape. The particle size determined by dynamic light scattering was 126 nm, and the zeta potential was +19.3 mV. The drug loading efficiency and entrapment efficiency were 9.1% and 81.2%, respectively. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the PTX was encapsulated in the micelles in a molecular or amorphous state. In vitro and in vivo antitumor evaluations demonstrated the excellent antitumor activity of PTX-loaded micelles. It was suggested that FA-CS-DA was a safe and effective carrier for the intravenous delivery of paclitaxel.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cucumber Gibberellin Oxidase Family Genes and Functional Characterization of CsGA20ox1 in Root Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sun Hong , Pang Baoya , Yan Jun , Wang Ting , Wang Lina , Chen Chunhua , Li Qiang , Ren Zhonghai
Published: October 2018

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an important vegetable crop worldwide and gibberellins (GAs) play important roles in the regulation of cucumber developmental and growth processes. GA oxidases (GAoxs), which are encoded by different gene subfamilies, are particularly important in regulating bioactive GA levels by catalyzing the later steps in the biosynthetic pathway. Although GAoxs are critical enzymes in GA synthesis pathway, little is known about GAox genes in cucumber, in particular about their evolutionary relationships, expression profiles and biological function. In this study, we identified 17 GAox genes in cucumber genome and classified them into five subfamilies based on a phylogenetic tree, gene structures, and conserved motifs. Synteny analysis indicated that the tandem duplication or segmental duplication events played a minor role in the expansion of cucumber GA2ox, GA3ox and GA7ox gene families. Comparative syntenic analysis combined with phylogenetic analysis provided deep insight into the phylogenetic relationships of CsGAox genes and suggested that protein homology CsGAox are closer to AtGAox than OsGAox. In addition, candidate transcription factors BBR/BPC (BARLEY B RECOMBINANT/BASIC PENTACYSTEINE) and GRAS (GIBBERELLIC ACID-INSENSITIVE, REPRESSOR of GAI, and SCARECROW) which may directly bind promoters of CsGAox genes were predicted. Expression profiles derived from transcriptome data indicated that some CsGAox genes, especially CsGA20ox1, are highly expressed in seedling roots and were down-regulated under GA3 treatment. Ectopic over-expression of CsGA20ox1 in Arabidopsis significantly increased primary root length and lateral root number. Taken together, comprehensive analysis of CsGAoxs would provide a basis for understanding the evolution and function of the CsGAox family.
The Role of the TGFβ Receptor Signaling Pathway in Adult Beta Cell Proliferation
Authors: Jiang Yinan , Fischbach Shane , Xiao Xiangwei
Published: October 2018

Diabetes is a global epidemic and affects millions of individuals in the United States. Devising novel treatments for diabetes continues to be a great medical challenge. Postnatal beta cell growth or compensation is largely attributed to beta cell proliferation, which declines continuously with age. To boost beta cell proliferation to regenerate an adequate functional mass, there is a need to understand the signaling pathways that regulate beta cell proliferation for creating practical strategies to promote the process. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) belongs to a signaling superfamily that governs pancreatic development and the regeneration of beta cells after pancreatic diseases. TGFβ exerts its functions by activation of downstream Smad proteins and through its crosstalk with other pathways. Accumulating data demonstrate that the TGFβ receptor signaling pathway also participates in the control of beta cell proliferation. This review details the role of the TGFβ receptor signaling pathway in beta cell proliferation physiologically and in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
The Emerging Role of DNA Damage in the Pathogenesis of the C9orf72 Repeat Expansion in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Konopka Anna , Atkin Julie D
Published: October 2018

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons, and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a behavioural disorder resulting in early-onset dementia. Hexanucleotide (G4C2) repeat expansions in the gene encoding chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) are the major cause of familial forms of both ALS (~40%) and FTD (~20%) worldwide. The C9orf72 repeat expansion is known to form abnormal nuclei acid structures, such as hairpins, G-quadruplexes, and R-loops, which are increasingly associated with human diseases involving microsatellite repeats. These configurations form during normal cellular processes, but if they persist they also damage DNA, and hence are a serious threat to genome integrity. It is unclear how the repeat expansion in C9orf72 causes ALS, but recent evidence implicates DNA damage in neurodegeneration. This may arise from abnormal nucleic acid structures, the greatly expanded C9orf72 RNA, or by repeat-associated non-ATG (RAN) translation, which generates toxic dipeptide repeat proteins. In this review, we detail recent advances implicating DNA damage in C9orf72-ALS. Furthermore, we also discuss increasing evidence that targeting these aberrant C9orf72 confirmations may have therapeutic value for ALS, thus revealing new avenues for drug discovery for this disorder.
CPEB2 Is Necessary for Proper Porcine Meiotic Maturation and Embryonic Development
Authors: Prochazkova Barbora , Komrskova Pavla , Kubelka Michal
Published: October 2018

Oocyte meiotic maturation and embryogenesis are some of the most important physiological processes that occur in organisms, playing crucial roles in the preservation of life in all species. The post-transcriptional regulation of maternal messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and the post-translational regulation of proteins are critical in the control of oocyte maturation and early embryogenesis. Translational control affects the basic mechanism of protein synthesis, thus, knowledge of the key components included in this machinery is required in order to understand its regulation. Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding proteins (CPEBs) bind to the 3′-end of mRNAs to regulate their localization and translation and are necessary for proper development. In this study we examined the expression pattern of cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 2 (CPEB2) both on the mRNA (by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, qRT-PCR) and protein (by Western blotting, WB) level, as well as its localization during the meiotic maturation of porcine oocytes and early embryonic development by immunocytochemistry (ICC). For the elucidation of its functions, CPEB2 knockdown by double-strand RNA (dsRNA) was used. We discovered that CPEB2 is expressed during all stages of porcine meiotic maturation and embryonic development. Moreover, we found that it is necessary to enable a high percentage of oocytes to reach the metaphase II (MII) stage, as well as for the production of good-quality parthenogenetic blastocysts.