bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a practical resistance band training intervention on muscle soreness during pregnancy: A pilot study
Authors: White Erin E
Published: April 2019

Background:
Mothers often experience muscle soreness following labor and delivery; however, this has yet to be examined. Purpose: To determine the effects of resistance bands on maternal muscle soreness when performed during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Methods:
Women were randomized to an exercise (n = 12) or standard-care (n = 13) groups and completed surveys regarding muscle soreness. The exercise group performed a 15 week resistance band program 3 times/wk. Maternal, newborn, and delivery outcomes were measured. Change scores were calculated and comparisons were made using independent t-tests and chi-square tests.

Results:
Twenty-five women participated, mean age was 26.5 ± 3.4 years. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in muscle soreness and maternal and newborn outcomes. Mode of delivery was significantly different (p = 0.05) with the exercise group having more vaginal births (91.7%) compared to the standard care group (61.5%).

Conclusions:
Muscle soreness was not significantly different, however, the mean values were in the expected direction. Further, there was a higher percentage of women in the exercise group having vaginal deliveries. Thus, while the sample size was small, these pilot findings have clinical importance, even if they are not statistically significant due to limited power. The use of resistance bands may be a practical intervention to increase the percentage of vaginal deliveries, the preferred mode of delivery. Confirming these results with a larger sample size is necessary.

Keywords:
Exercise, Gestation, Vaginal birth, Pain management, Muscle soreness, Cesarean section, Pregnancy, Resistance training.
Samorząd terytorialny w Federacji Rosyjskiej
Authors: Zieliński Jacek
Published: April 2019

The paper is a contribution to the in-depth research on the Russian local selfgovernment. The Author describes the process of formation and constitutional position of local self-government in the Russian Federation. He emphasizes that the process, at its initial stage at present, is related to the ongoing administrative reforms of the country and the creation of a single and effectively enforced nationwide legal area. He indicates the dilemmas both in the area of the material basis of existence of local self-government and its competences. The Author determines stages of self-government formation. Basing on normative solutions, he presents tasks of the Russian local self-government, its structure and authorities. He pays particular attention to the forms of citizens' direct participation in the management of local affairs.
Profilowanie bezrobotnych - problemy i wyzwania
Authors: Łukasiewicz Agata
Published: April 2019

The aim of this article is to present how aid is offered to the unemployed and how it is registered in Poland. Special attention is given to profiling as the new kind of aid offered. The procedure was introduced elsewhere already in the 1990 s whereas in Poland it has been in use for two years now. The paper is based on the oficial statistics provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy and the National Bank of Poland, and interviews with civil servants working with the unemployed. The analysis points to the need for diversification of the kinds of profiling aid for the unemployed.
Klasyfikacja indeksów na rynku sztuki
Authors: Bernaś Paweł
Published: April 2019

The article is classifying and presenting the art market indexes, thus supplementing the knowledge about indexes and considering different measuring methods of return of investment on this market. It is also organising the knowledge about methods of measurement, such as indexes, which can be regarded as benchmarks. Due to the universal usage of indexes the benefits could be used both by individual and institutional investors, as well as the art collectors or analysts. Thanks to the provided ranking and indexes, conclusions on the advantages and disadvantages of each benchmark are presented and so are questions constituting the basis for future empirical research. Indexes are determined as one of the key measurement tools for testing investments, risks, volume of trade and market trends on the new, but still little known art market in Poland.
Modelo de interfaz cerebro-computador de bajo costo como medio para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas de la tercera edad
Authors: Tejedor-Morales María Yahaira , Valdes-Guevara Domingo , Mendoza-Rodriguez Juan
Published: April 2019

La tecnología informática promete un gran potencial para mejorar la calidad de vida y fomentar la independencia de losancianos. Los escenarios tecnológicos actuales, como las soluciones para problemas humanos sobre inclusión laboral, entornos detrabajo y seguridad, nos han inspirado a escribir este artículo y lo tomamos como una oportunidad para comprender cómo unaabstracción de un concepto puede materializarse en una realidad. Al mismo tiempo, mediante el desarrollo de un modelo de interfazinformática, tendremos la oportunidad de ayudar a las personas mayores en las tareas y actividades cotidianas.Este artículo expone cómo, a través del procesamiento de señales cerebrales, se pueden llevar a cabo acciones o tareas mediante eluso de algoritmos de traducción. Anteriormente, el uso de la mente para controlar objetos solo sería posible dentro de nuestraimaginación más no en la realidad. Actualmente se están llevando a cabo proyectos, estudios e investigaciones en vía de desarrolloque permiten marcar una gran diferencia a tal punto que ahora es posible ir más allá de nuestra imaginación; ir más allá de aquelloque alguna vez creímos imposible.Se presenta una propuesta para el desarrollo de un entorno para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas de la tercera edad basadoen los sistemas de interfaz cerebro-computadora (Brain-Computer Interfase-BCI), de modo tal que estos puedan apoyar en lainteracción diaria con su entorno. Se plantea parte del panorama global y regional en donde esta conceptualización se cristaliza enaplicaciones que proveen una mejor calidad de vida.
Tratamiento y reutilización del agua residual de lavadora
Authors: Velarde Fabio , Sianca Efraín , Castro Grisneyly , Him Liz , Gómez Marlenys
Published: April 2019

En este artículo se presenta el diseño y funcionamiento de un sistema de tratamiento de agua residual de lavadora; elcual consiste en la recolección del agua que será tratada mediante el proceso de floculación y luego pasará a ser filtrada obteniendoasí el agua limpia que será reutilizada para el siguiente proceso de lavado y otros usos en el hogar.
Sporadic flowering of Bambusa mizorameana Naithani in Mizoram
Authors: Vanlalfakawma David C. , Sen Sukanta Kumar , Tripathi S.K. , Lalnunmawia F.
Published: April 2019

Mizoram, one of the states in northeast India, is known for its rich bamboo resources. Mizoram has been unceasingly experiencing flowering of bamboo. Recently, a new species of bamboo, Bambusa mizorameana, was described from Mizoram. It is a less common species, and its distributions within the state are also very limited. Specimens were also collected from Manipur. There has been no previous report of its inflorescence. The sporadic flowering of the species in certain areas within the nearby forest of Aizawl city, observed since 2017 are reported in this paper.
(Sör) Forradalmi helyzetkép: Gyümölcsös sörök a magyar sörpiacon
Authors: Major Anita
Published: April 2019

„Beer revolution” started in the USa during the years after the economical crisis, which reached hungary in the the last few years as well. Thanks to this gastrotrend, the already wide choice of beer was increased further by numerous so called new-wave beers. among these special – mainly craft beers – several fruity beers and fruit flavoured beers appeared on the hungarian beer market, too. a comprehensive scientific research and review of their role and weight, furthermore the consumers’ opinion about them on the hungarian beer sector has not happened up till now, however it could be useful to consider the expected changes in future trends, which would result in an increase of these beer products’ meaning on the prospective beer market in hungary.
ANALISA YURIDIS BIAYA EKSEKUSI PADA LEMBAGA PEMBIAYAAN
Authors: Wibowo Sundaru Guntur
Published: April 2019

The purchase of consumer goods for the public through financial institutions can answer and be a solution for the community to have these goods, while for financing institutions this is an opportunity to develop their business, both for goods such as cars, motorbikes, furniture and also electronic goods. The community gets the convenience of payments that can be paid in installments according to their ability. The problems and dynamics that arise in this consumer financing agreement are interesting things to study so that people will understand and find solutions. The method used in this study is juridical empirical, using primary data and secondary data and then analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The results of the study can answer that the relationship between consumers and financing institutions or companies is the relationship of consumer financing agreements. Consumer financing agreements are always in written form where the agreement clause has been provided by a finance company, or commonly referred to as a standard agreement. With limited purchasing power.
An Improved ABC Algorithm and Its Application in Bearing Fault Diagnosis with EEMD
Authors: Chen Weijia , Xiao Yancai
Published: April 2019

The Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) algorithm has been used in bearing fault diagnosis. In order to overcome the blindness in the selection of white noise amplitude coefficient e in EEMD, an improved artificial bee colony algorithm (IABC) is proposed to obtain it adaptively, which providing a new idea for the selection of EEMD parameters. In the improved algorithm, chaos initialization is introduced in the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm to insure the diversity of the population and the ergodicity of the population search process. On the other hand, the collecting bees are divided into two parts in the improved algorithm, one part collects the optimal information of the region according to the original algorithm, the other does Levy flight around the current global best solution to improve its global search capabilities. Four standard test functions are used to show the superiority of the proposed method. The application of the IABC and EEMD algorithm in bearing fault diagnosis proves its effectiveness.
Tensor Robust Principal Component Analysis via Non-Convex Low Rank Approximation
Authors: Cai Shuting , Luo Qilun , Yang Ming , Li Wen , Xiao Mingqing
Published: April 2019

Tensor Robust Principal Component Analysis (TRPCA) plays a critical role in handling high multi-dimensional data sets, aiming to recover the low-rank and sparse components both accurately and efficiently. In this paper, different from current approach, we developed a new t-Gamma tensor quasi-norm as a non-convex regularization to approximate the low-rank component. Compared to various convex regularization, this new configuration not only can better capture the tensor rank but also provides a simplified approach. An optimization process is conducted via tensor singular decomposition and an efficient augmented Lagrange multiplier algorithm is established. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our new approach outperforms current state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of accuracy and efficiency.
Directed Evolution of Cellobiose Dehydrogenase on the Surface of Yeast Cells Using Resazurin-Based Fluorescent Assay
Authors: Blažić Marija , Balaž Ana Marija , Prodanović Olivera , Popović Nikolina , Ostafe Raluca , Fischer Rainer , Prodanović Radivoje
Published: April 2019

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) from Phanerochaete chrysosporium can be used in lactobionic acid production, biosensor for lactose, biofuel cells, lignocellulose degradation, and wound-healing applications. To make it a better biocatalyst, CDH with higher activity in an immobilized form is desirable. For this purpose, CDH was expressed for the first time on the surface of S. cerevisiae EBY100 cells in an active form as a triple mutant tmCDH (D20N, A64T, V592M) and evolved further for higher activity using resazurin-based fluorescent assay. In order to decrease blank reaction of resazurin with yeast cells and to have linear correlation between enzyme activity on the cell surface and fluorescence signal, the assay was optimized with respect to resazurin concentration (0.1 mM), substrate concentration (10 mM lactose and 0.08 mM cellobiose), and pH (6.0). Using optimized assay an error prone PCR gene library of tmCDH was screened. Two mutants with 5 (H5) and 7 mutations (H9) were found having two times higher activity than the parent tmCDH enzyme that already had improved activity compared to wild type CDH whose activity could not be detected on the surface of yeast cells.
A Model to Predict Acoustic Resonant Frequencies of Distributed Helmholtz Resonators on Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Rubini Philip , Qin Qin , Houston Brian
Published: April 2019

Helmholtz resonators, traditionally designed as a narrow neck backed by a cavity, are widely applied to attenuate combustion instabilities in gas turbine engines. The use of multiple small holes with an equivalent open area to that of a single neck has been found to be able to significantly improve the noise damping bandwidth. This type of resonator is often referred to as “distributed Helmholtz resonator”. When multiple holes are employed, interactions between acoustic radiations from neighboring holes changes the resonance frequency of the resonator. In this work, the resonance frequencies from a series of distributed Helmholtz resonators were obtained via a series of highly resolved computational fluid dynamics simulations. A regression analysis of the resulting response surface was undertaken and validated by comparison with experimental results for a series of eighteen absorbers with geometries typically employed in gas turbine combustors. The resulting model demonstrates that the acoustic end correction length for perforations is closely related to the effective porosity of the perforated plate and will be obviously enhanced by acoustic radiation effect from the perforation area as a whole. This model is easily applicable for engineers in the design of practical distributed Helmholtz resonators.
Mutagenesis of DsbAss is Crucial for the Signal Recognition Particle Mechanism in Escherichia coli: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Durrani Faiza Gul , Gul Roquyya , Mirza Muhammad Usman , Kaderbhai Naheed Nazly , Froeyen Matheus , Saleem Mahjabeen
Published: April 2019

The disulfide bond signal sequence (DsbAss) protein is characterized as an important virulence factor in gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to analyze the “alanine” alteration in the hydrophobic (H) region of DsbAss and to understand the conformational DsbAss alteration(s) inside the fifty-four homolog (Ffh)-binding groove which were revealed to be crucial for translocation of ovine growth hormone (OGH) to the periplasmic space in Escherichia coli via the secretory (Sec) pathway. An experimental design was used to explore the hydrophobicity and alteration of alanine (Ala) to isoleucine (Ile) in the tripartite structure of DsbAss. As a result, two DsbAss mutants (Ala at positions -11 and -13) with same hydrophobicity of 1.539 led to the conflicting translocation of the active OGH gene. We performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and molecular mechanics generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free energy calculations to examine the interaction energetic and dynamic aspects of DsbAss/signal repetition particle 54 (SRP54) binding, which has a principle role in Escherichia coli Sec pathways. Although both DsbAss mutants retained helicity, the MD simulation analysis evidenced that altering Ala-13 changed the orientation of the signal peptide in the Ffh M binding domain groove, favored more stable interaction energies (MM-GBSA ΔGtotal = −140.62 kcal mol−1), and hampered the process of OGH translocation, while Ala-11 pointed outward due to unstable conformation and less binding energy (ΔGtotal = −124.24 kcal mol−1). Here we report the dynamic behavior of change of “alanine” in the H-domain of DsbAss which affects the process of translocation of OGH, where MD simulation and MM-GBSA can be useful initial tools to investigate the virulence of bacteria.
Preventive Effect of Anji White Tea Flavonoids on Alcohol-Induced Gastric Injury through Their Antioxidant Effects in Kunming Mice
Authors: Liu Bihui , Feng Xingxing , Zhang Jing , Wei Yang , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2019

Anji white tea (Camellia sinensis) is a traditional Chinese tea beverage, which is classified as green tea and contains an abundant amount of flavonoids. In this study, the preventive effect of Anji white tea flavonoids (AJWTFs) on ethanol/hydrochloric acid-induced gastric injury in mice was evaluated. The serum and gastric tissues of mice were analyzed using a biochemical kit and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Observation of the appearance of the stomach indicated that AJWTFs could effectively reduce the area of gastric injury caused by ethanol/hydrochloric acid, and the inhibition rate of AJWTF on gastric injury increased with an increase in AJWTF concentration. The Anji white tea flavonoids could also reduce the volume and pH of gastric juice in mice with gastric injury. Biochemical results showed that AJWTFs could increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) activities, as well as decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, in the serum and liver of mice with gastric injury. Pathological observation confirmed that AJWTFs could inhibit the tissue damage caused by ethanol/hydrochloric acid in the stomach of mice. Further qPCR experiments also showed that AJWTFs could inhibit the decreases in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn–SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn–SOD), catalase (CAT), and the increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in the gastric tissue of mice caused by gastric injury. As observed, AJWTFs exerted a good preventive effect on alcohol-induced gastric injury in mice induced by ethanol/hydrochloric acid, and the effect is close to that of ranitidine. Anji white tea flavonoids present good antioxidant effect, which allows them to effectively prevent alcoholic gastric injury and be used as biologically active substances with a broad range of applications.
High Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulation: A One Year Follow-Up Study on Motor and Non-Motor Functions in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mazzone Paolo , Viselli Fabio , Ferraina Stefano , Giamundo Margherita , Marano Massimo , Paoloni Marco , Masedu Francesco , Capozzo Annamaria , Scarnati Eugenio
Published: April 2019

Background: The present study investigated the effectiveness of stimulation applied at cervical levels on pain and Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms using either tonic or burst stimulation mode. Methods: Tonic high cervical spinal cord stimulation (T-HCSCS) was applied on six PD patients suffering from low back pain and failed back surgery syndrome, while burst HCSCS (B-HCSCS) was applied in twelve PD patients to treat primarily motor deficits. Stimulation was applied percutaneously with quadripolar or octapolar electrodes. Clinical evaluation was assessed by the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and the Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) scale. Pain was evaluated by a visual analog scale. Evaluations of gait and of performance in a cognitive motor task were performed in some patients subjected to B-HCSCS. One patient who also suffered from severe autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction was investigated to evaluate the effectiveness of B-HCSCS on autonomic functions. Results: B-HCSCS was more effective and had more consistent effects than T-HCSCS in reducing pain. In addition, B-HCSCS improved UPDRS scores, including motor sub-items and tremor and H&Y score. Motor benefits appeared quickly after the beginning of B-HCSCS, in contrast to long latency improvements induced by T-HCSCS. A slight decrease of effectiveness was observed 12 months after implantation. B-HCSCS also improved gait and ability of patients to correctly perform a cognitive–motor task requiring inhibition of a prepared movement. Finally, B-HCSCS ameliorated autonomic control in the investigated patient. Conclusions: The results support a better usefulness of B-HCSCS compared to T-HCSCS in controlling pain and specific aspects of PD motor and non-motor deficits for at least one year.
Regulation of Cell Signaling Pathways by Berberine in Different Cancers: Searching for Missing Pieces of an Incomplete Jig-Saw Puzzle for an Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Farooqi Ammad Ahmad , Qureshi Muhammad Zahid , Khalid Sumbul , Attar Rukset , Martinelli Chiara , Sabitaliyevich Uteuliyev Yerzhan , Nurmurzayevich Sadykov Bolat , Taverna Simona , Poltronieri Palmiro , Xu Baojun
Published: April 2019

There has been a renewed interest in the identification of natural products having premium pharmacological properties and minimum off-target effects. In accordance with this approach, natural product research has experienced an exponential growth in the past two decades and has yielded a stream of preclinical and clinical insights which have deeply improved our knowledge related to the multifaceted nature of cancer and strategies to therapeutically target deregulated signaling pathways in different cancers. In this review, we have set the spotlight on the scientifically proven ability of berberine to effectively target a myriad of deregulated pathways.
Membrane Lipidome Reorganization and Accumulation of Tissue DNA Lesions in Tumor-Bearing Mice: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Krokidis Marios G. , Louka Maria , Efthimiadou Eleni K. , Zervou Sevasti-Kiriaki , Papadopoulos Kyriakos , Hiskia Anastasia , Ferreri Carla , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos
Published: April 2019

Increased rates of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) are involved in almost all cancer types, associated with tumor development and progression, causing damage to biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids and membrane lipids, in different biological compartments. We used a human tumor xenograft mouse model to evaluate for the first time in parallel the remodeling of fatty acid moieties in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and the level of ROS-induced DNA lesions in liver and kidney tissues. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry the 5′R and 5′S diastereoisomers of 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyadenosine and 5′,8-cyclo-2′-deoxyguanosine, together with 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyadenosine, were determined in mice at young (4- and 5-weeks) and old (17-weeks) ages and compared with control SCID mice without tumor implantation. Tumor-bearing mice showed a higher level of ROS-damaged nucleosides in genomic DNA as the age and tumor progress, compared to controls (1.07–1.53-fold in liver and 1.1–1.4-fold in kidney, respectively). The parallel fatty acid profile of erythrocyte membranes showed a profound lipid remodeling during tumor and age progression consisting of PUFA consumption and SFA enrichment (ca 28% and 58%, respectively, in late stage tumor-bearing mice), markers of enhanced oxidative and proliferative processes, respectively. Membrane lipid remodeling and ROS-induced DNA lesions may be combined to afford an integrated scenario of cancer progression and ageing, reinforcing a holistic vision among molecular markers rather than the biomarker identification in a single compartment.
Involvement of Estrogen and Its Receptors in Morphological Changes in the Eyes of the Japanese Eel, Anguilla japonica, in the Process of Artificially-Induced Maturation
Authors: Hyeon Ji-Yeon , Hur Sung-Pyo , Kim Byeong-Hoon , Byun Jun-Hwan , Kim Eun-Su , Lim Bong-Soo , Lee Bae-Ik , Kim Shin-Kwon , Takemura Akihiro , Kim Se-Jae
Published: April 2019

During the long migration from river habitats to the spawning ground, the Japanese eel undergoes sexual maturation. This spawning migration occurs concurrently with morphological changes, such as increases in eye size; however, the mechanisms by which sex steroids and their receptors influence these changes in peripheral tissues remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the eyes of female Japanese eels during sexual maturation, and our research focused on estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ transcripts. During ovarian development, the gonadosomatic index increased and yolk-laden oocytes developed rapidly. These changes occurred in conjunction with a steady increase in plasma levels of estradiol-17β (E2). Concomitant increases in transcript levels of ERα and ERβ in eye, brain, pituitary, and ovary were also observed. Fluorescence in-situ hybridization analyses revealed that ERα and ERβ transcripts were present in the choriocapillary layer and photoreceptor layer of the eyes, and the analysis also revealed that their signals in these layers became stronger in mature females compared to those observed in immature females, suggesting that under the influence of gonadotropins, morphological changes in the eyes are regulated by E2 through the activation of its receptors. In conclusion, E2 plays a crucial role in physiological adaptations that occur in peripheral tissues during the spawning migration.
Triggering Organic Growth: A Fresh Challenge to Behaviour Change
Authors: Laverack Glenn
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this paper is to discuss behaviour change beyond communication to trigger “organic growth”—a marked increase in the competencies, skills and knowledge in communities, societies and local economies. The paper discusses the challenge of triggering organic growth to help communities to build their capacity through “organic change”—concerted actions at an individual or community level to gain control over the social, economic and political influences that are necessary to improve people’s lives and health. The paper discusses how organic change sometimes involves an emotional or symbolic response that can be triggered by an evidence-based argument as part of a behaviour change approach. The paper concludes that it is useful to visualise behaviour change in a fresh way that goes beyond communication to articulate capacity building and community action, and that this is best represented through the terms “organic growth” and “organic change”.
Synthesis of Uniform Mesoporous Zeolite ZSM-5 Catalyst for Friedel-Crafts Acylation
Authors: Smail Heman A. , Rehan Mohammad , Shareef Kafia M. , Ramli Zainab , Nizami Abdul-Sattar , Gardy Jabbar
Published: April 2019

This work highlights how the treatment of ZSM-5 (parent Zeolite Socony Mobil–5, Si/Al = 23) with different surfactant templates and alkaline solution, improved the catalytic performance in the Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole with a propionic anhydride to obtain p-methoxypropiophenone. The modified microporous to mesoporous zeolite catalysts were characterized using different analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen porosimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), temperature-programmed desorption (ammonia-TPD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) to analyze the crystallographic structure, surface acidity, surface area, porosity, morphology, and particle size. The results showed that the formed mesoporous zeolite by NaOH solution had smaller mesopores (ca. 3.7 nm) as compared to the mesoporous zeolites obtained by surfactant templates, such as, CTAB (ca. 14.9 nm), TPAOH (ca. 11.1 nm) and mixture of CTAB/TPAOH (ca. 15.2 nm). The catalytic acylation reaction was conducted in a batch glass reactor at various temperatures and the products were analyzed using off-line gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that the activity of treated ZSM-5 with mixed surfactant templates (CTAB/TPAOH) exhibited enhanced selectivity towards the main product (p-methoxypropiophenone) by a factor 1.7 or higher than unmodified ZSM-5 due to its increased surface area by 1.5 times and enhanced acid sites.
Design and Development of Oleoresins Rich in Carotenoids Coated Microbeads
Authors: Trif Monica , Vodnar Dan Cristian , Mitrea Laura , Rusu Alexandru Vasile , Socol Claudia Terezia
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to encapsulate the oleoresins rich in carotenoids extracted from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) fruits into a blend of sodium-alginate and κ-carrageenan microbeads (2% w/v) coated by a sodium-alginate (2% w/v) layer prepared using an ionotropic gelation technique with calcium chloride (2% w/v) by dropping method. The fresh obtained coated microbeads had a “fried eggs” like appearance with a size distribution ranging from 4 to 6 mm. The coated microbeads were analyzed for their SEM and fluorescence. The encapsulation efficiency was 92%. Their stability was investigated by evaluation of the physical integrity performance in aqueous media with different pH to mimic the gastrointestinal tract for 24 h at 37 °C under laboratory conditions. The results demonstrated the limitation of the coated microbeads swelling ability under pH 7. The coated microbeads could be a good tool to guarantee oleoresins rich in carotenoids stability and colon delivery. The present study shows an attractive encapsulation system of oleoresins, in order to obtain stable products for further applications.
Pyrolitic Graphite Mosaic Crystal Thickness and Mosaicity Optimization for an Extended Source Von Hamos X-ray Spectrometer
Authors: Scordo Alessandro , Curceanu Catalina , Miliucci Marco , Sirghi Florin , Zmeskal Johann
Published: April 2019

Bragg spectroscopy, one of the best established experimental techniques for high energy resolution X-ray measurements, has always been limited to the measurement of photons produced from well collimated (tens of microns) or point-like sources; recently, the VOXES collaboration at INFN National Laboratories of Frascati developed a prototype of a high resolution and high precision X-ray spectrometer working also with extended isotropic sources. The realized spectrometer makes use of Highly Annealed Pyrolitic Graphite (HAPG) crystals in a “semi”-Von Hamos configuration, in which the position detector is rotated with respect to the standard Von Hamos one, to increase the dynamic energy range, and shows energy resolutions at the level of 0.1% for photon energies up to 10 keV and effective source sizes in the range 400–1200 μ m in the dispersive plane. Such wide effective source dimensions are achieved using a double slit system to produce a virtual point-like source between the emitting target and the crystal. The spectrometer performances in terms of reflection efficiency and peak resolution depend on several parameters, among which a special role is played by the crystal mosaicity and thickness. In this work, we report the measurements of the Cu(K α 1 , 2 ) and the Fe(K α 1 , 2 ) lines performed with different mosaicity and thickness crystals in order to investigate the influence of the parameters on the peak resolution and on the reflection efficiency mentioned above.
Climate Change, Bioclimatic Models and the Risk to Lichen Diversity
Authors: Ellis Christopher J.
Published: April 2019

This paper provides an overview of bioclimatic models applied to lichen species, supporting their potential use in this context as indicators of climate change risk. First, it provides a brief summary of climate change risk, pointing to the relevance of lichens as a topic area. Second, it reviews the past use of lichen bioclimatic models, applied for a range of purposes with respect to baseline climate, and the application of data sources, statistical methods, model extents and resolution and choice of predictor variables. Third, it explores additional challenges to the use of lichen bioclimatic models, including: 1. The assumption of climatically controlled lichen distributions, 2. The projection to climate change scenarios, and 3. The issue of nonanalogue climates and model transferability. Fourth, the paper provides a reminder that bioclimatic models estimate change in the extent or range of a species suitable climate space, and that an outcome will be determined by vulnerability responses, including potential for migration, adaptation, and acclimation, within the context of landscape habitat quality. The degree of exposure to climate change, estimated using bioclimatic models, can help to inform an understanding of whether vulnerability responses are sufficient for species resilience. Fifth, the paper draws conclusions based on its overview, highlighting the relevance of bioclimatic models to conservation, support received from observational data, and pointing the way towards mechanistic approaches that align with field-scale climate change experiments.
Enhancement of System Stability Based on PWFM
Authors: Hwu K. I. , Wang C. W. , Yau Y. T.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a pulse width and frequency modulation (PWFM) control strategy is presented, which combines the one-comparator counter-based pulse width modulation (PWM) control with pulse frequency modulation (PFM) control to increase pseudo-1-bit resolution under constant-frequency operation. Accordingly, system stability will be enhanced significantly. As compared with the traditional counter-based PWM control, there is no difference in off-chip circuit complexity except a slight change in on-chip hardware. Finally, a prototype circuit is used to verify the proposed control concept by some experimental results with no limit cycle oscillation.
A Circularly Polarized Antenna Array with Gain Enhancement for Long-Range UHF RFID Systems
Authors: Hu Wei , Wen Guangjun , Inserra Daniele , Huang Yongjun , Li Jian , Chen Zhizhang (David)
Published: April 2019

A 2 × 2 circularly polarized (CP) sequential rotation microstrip patch antenna array with high gain for long-range ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) communication is proposed in this paper. In order to meet the operational frequency band requirement of 840–960 MHz and, at the same time, achieve enhanced broadside gain, a two-level sequential rotation structure is developed. Series power divider is used as the basic element of the feed network that is implemented with the substrate-integrated coaxial line technology for minimizing radiation losses. The manufactured prototype exhibits a peak gain of 12.5 dBic at 900 MHz and an axial ratio (AR) bandwidth (AR ≤ 3 dB) of 18.2% from 828 to 994 MHz. In comparison with the state-of-the-art, the proposed antenna shows an excellent gain/size trade-off.
Dynamic Gesture Recognition Based on MEMP Network
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2019

In recent years, gesture recognition has been used in many fields, such as games, robotics and sign language recognition. Human computer interaction (HCI) has been significantly improved by the development of gesture recognition, and now gesture recognition in video is an important research direction. Because each kind of neural network structure has its limitation, we proposed a neural network with alternate fusion of 3D CNN and ConvLSTM, which we called the Multiple extraction and Multiple prediction (MEMP) network. The main feature of the MEMP network is to extract and predict the temporal and spatial feature information of gesture video multiple times, which enables us to obtain a high accuracy rate. In the experimental part, three data sets (LSA64, SKIG and Chalearn 2016) are used to verify the performance of network. Our approach achieved high accuracy on those data sets. In the LSA64, the network achieved an identification rate of 99.063%. In SKIG, this network obtained the recognition rates of 97.01% and 99.02% in the RGB part and the rgb-depth part. In Chalearn 2016, the network achieved 74.57% and 78.85% recognition rates in RGB part and rgb-depth part respectively.
Uncovering Missing Heritability in Rare Diseases
Authors: Maroilley Tatiana , Tarailo-Graovac Maja
Published: April 2019

The problem of ‘missing heritability’ affects both common and rare diseases hindering: discovery, diagnosis, and patient care. The ‘missing heritability’ concept has been mainly associated with common and complex diseases where promising modern technological advances, like genome-wide association studies (GWAS), were unable to uncover the complete genetic mechanism of the disease/trait. Although rare diseases (RDs) have low prevalence individually, collectively they are common. Furthermore, multi-level genetic and phenotypic complexity when combined with the individual rarity of these conditions poses an important challenge in the quest to identify causative genetic changes in RD patients. In recent years, high throughput sequencing has accelerated discovery and diagnosis in RDs. However, despite the several-fold increase (from ~10% using traditional to ~40% using genome-wide genetic testing) in finding genetic causes of these diseases in RD patients, as is the case in common diseases—the majority of RDs are also facing the ‘missing heritability’ problem. This review outlines the key role of high throughput sequencing in uncovering genetics behind RDs, with a particular focus on genome sequencing. We review current advances and challenges of sequencing technologies, bioinformatics approaches, and resources.
Validity of Self-Reported Body Mass, Height, and Body Mass Index in Female Students: The Role of Physical Activity Level, Menstrual Cycle Phase, and Time of Day
Authors: Kintziou Eleni , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Kefala Vasiliki , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2019

A large part of research using questionnaires for female university students relies on self-reported body mass, height, and body mass index (BMI) data; however, the validity of these data in this population group is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to examine the validity of self-reported body mass, height, and BMI in female students. Female students of biomedical sciences (n = 93, age 21.8 ± 4.7 years, height 1.63 ± 0.06 m, weight 60.5 ± 11.9 kg, and BMI 22.7 ± 3.8 kg/m2) completed the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and were tested for anthropometric characteristics at three different times of the day (12–2 p.m., n = 36; 2–4 p.m., n = 20; 4–6 p.m., n = 37). Participants over-reported height (+0.01 ± 0.02 m, +0.9 ± 1.2%, Cohen’s d = 0.22) and under-reported weight (−0.8 ± 2.1 kg, −1.2 ± 3.6%, d = −0.07) and BMI (−0.7 ± 1.0 kg/m2, −2.9 ± 4.2%, d = −0.19) (p < 0.001). A moderate main effect of time of day on %Δweight (p = 0.017, η2 = 0.086) and %ΔBMI (p = 0.045, η2 = 0.067), but not on %Δheight (p = 0.952, η2 = 0.001), was observed, where the group tested at 4–6 p.m. under-reported weight and BMI more than the 2–4 p.m. group. The weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) × min did not correlate with %Δheight (r = 0.06, p = 0.657), but its correlations with %Δweight (r = −0.27, p = 0.051) and %ΔBMI (r = −0.238, p = 0.089) reached statistical significance. Participants in the early follicular phase reported BMI more accurately (p = 0.084, d = 0.68) than those in the mid-luteal phase. In conclusion, female students over-reported height and under-reported weight and BMI. Under-reporting weight and BMI is influenced by time of day and menstrual cycle phase. These findings should be considered by health professionals and researchers when administering questionnaires to female students.
Changes in Jumping and Throwing Performances in Age-Group Athletes Competing in the European Masters Athletics Championships between 1978 and 2017
Authors: Kundert Alexandra M. L. , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Di Gangi Stefania , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: April 2019

The results of master athletes have been used previously to examine the age-related differences in aerobic capacity, however, less research has been conducted on the variation of jumping and throwing performances with aging. Therefore, the aim of the present study of elite master athletes was to investigate (a) the age-related differences in throwing (i.e., discus, hammer, javelin, and shot put) and jumping events (i.e., high jump, long jump, pole vault, and triple jump) in 5-year age-group intervals from 35–39 to 95–99 years of elite master athletes, and (b) the trends in performance and sex differences. The top eight female and male finalists for each age group and in each event from 20 European Masters Athletics Championships held between 1978 and 2017 were considered. Overall, 13,673 observations from 4726 master athletes were analyzed. For each event separately, a mixed regression model was performed with sex, age group, calendar year, and interaction terms (sex-age group, sex-year) defined as fixed effects. Performances were improving over time with a linear trend overall for each event. Men had better performances as compared to women, (i.e., in triple jump the estimated difference was 2.58 m, p < 0.001). Performances declined with age for each event (i.e., in triple jump, compared with the age group 45–49 years, performance in the age group 35–39 years was 0.98 m better and performance in the age group 85–89 years was 6.24 m worse). The decline of male performances with age was either slower or faster than the decline of female performances depending on age groups and events.
Cigarette Affordability in China, 2006–2015: Findings from International Tobacco Control China Surveys
Authors: Nargis Nigar , Zheng Rong , Xu Steve S. , Fong Geoffrey T. , Feng Guoze , Jiang Yuan , Wang Yang , Hu Xiao
Published: April 2019

China is world’s largest market of machine-made cigarettes. In 2015, more than 315 million or around 26.9% of the adult population in China were smokers—50.6% among men and 2.2% among women. Growing affordability of cigarettes led to increased cigarette consumption in China to the detriment of public health. This study investigated whether the level and growth in cigarette affordability in China was equally shared by smokers from all demographic and socio-economic statuses (SES) and across all price tiers of cigarette brands. The data came from the urban smoker sample (≥18 years) of the International Tobacco Control China Surveys conducted in five waves over 2006–2015. Cigarette affordability was measured by Relative Income Price—percentage of per capita household income needed to purchase 100 cigarette packs of the last purchased brand. Overall and group-specific trends in affordability by age, gender, SES (e.g., income, education, and employment status), and price tiers were analyzed using generalized estimating equations method. Cigarette affordability was higher among older, female, and higher-SES smokers, and for cheaper brands. It increased overall and across all groups over time. The increase was significantly larger among younger and lower-SES smokers, a trend that poses an added challenge to tobacco control and health equity. To reduce cigarette affordability and consumption among these vulnerable groups, a uniform specific excise system should be introduced in place of the existing tiered ad valorem excise. The specific excise should be periodically adjusted to inflation and per capita income growth observed among younger and lower-SES people, who can potentially experience faster income growth than the national average. The excise tax policy can also be complimented with minimum price regulations and restrictions on price promotions.
An Examination of the Determination of Medical Capacity under a National Health Insurance Program
Authors: Chen Yi-Tui
Published: April 2019

This paper examines the capacity determination factors of medical services at a national level through the analysis of a mathematical model that maximizes social welfare, which consists of the consumption of private goods and the medical capacity provided by the society. A sensitivity analysis is conducted to investigate the impact of these factors on the medical capacity provided. Furthermore, a case example based on the data provided by the government is presented to discuss the results derived from the theoretical analysis. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that individual disposable income, the medical expenditure for each treatment, the level of premium payments, and substitution parameters have a positive impact on medical capacity, while the medical costs and preference parameter negatively affect medical capacity. The results of the correlation analysis based on the data of the case example are consistent with the findings of the theoretical analysis.
FGF23 and Klotho Levels are Independently Associated with Diabetic Foot Syndrome in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Donate-Correa Javier , Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Ferri Carla , Hernández-Carballo Carolina , Tagua Víctor G. , Delgado-Molinos Alejandro , López-Castillo Ángel , Rodríguez-Ramos Sergio , Cerro-López Purificación , López-Tarruella Victoria Castro , Arévalo-González Miguel Angel , Pérez-Delgado Nayra , Mora-Fernández Carmen , Navarro-González Juan F.
Published: April 2019

Background: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is a prevalent complication in the diabetic population and a major cause of hospitalizations. Diverse clinical studies have related alterations in the system formed by fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 and Klotho (KL) with vascular damage. In this proof-of-concept study, we hypothesize that the levels of FGF23 and Klotho are altered in DFS patients. Methods: Twenty patients with limb amputation due to DFS, 37 diabetic patients without DFS, and 12 non-diabetic cadaveric organ donors were included in the study. Serum FGF23/Klotho and inflammatory markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein and gene expression levels in the vascular samples were determined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Results: Serum Klotho is significantly reduced and FGF23 is significantly increased in patients with DFS (p < 0.01). Vascular immunoreactivity and gene expression levels for Klotho were decreased in patients with DFS (p < 0.01). Soluble Klotho was inversely related to serum C-reactive protein (r = −0.30, p < 0.05). Vascular immunoreactivities for Klotho and IL6 showed an inverse association (r = −0.29, p < 0.04). Similarly, vascular gene expression of KL and IL6 were inversely associated (r = −0.31, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that higher Klotho serum concentrations and vascular gene expression levels were related to a lower risk of DFS, while higher serum FGF23 was associated with a higher risk for this complication. Conclusion: FGF23/Klotho system is associated with DFS, pointing to a new pathophysiological pathway involved in the development and progression of this complication.