bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease through Personalized Medicine and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Stoddard-Bennett Theo , Reijo Pera Renee
Published: January 2019

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is an intractable disease resulting in localized neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many current therapies of PD can only address the symptoms and not the underlying neurodegeneration of PD. To better understand the pathophysiological condition, researchers continue to seek models that mirror PD’s phenotypic manifestations as closely as possible. Recent advances in the field of cellular reprogramming and personalized medicine now allow for previously unattainable cell therapies and patient-specific modeling of PD using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs can be selectively differentiated into a dopaminergic neuron fate naturally susceptible to neurodegeneration. In iPSC models, unlike other artificially-induced models, endogenous cellular machinery and transcriptional feedback are preserved, a fundamental step in accurately modeling this genetically complex disease. In addition to accurately modeling PD, iPSC lines can also be established with specific genetic risk factors to assess genetic sub-populations’ differing response to treatment. iPS cell lines can then be genetically corrected and subsequently transplanted back into the patient in hopes of re-establishing function. Current techniques focus on iPSCs because they are patient-specific, thereby reducing the risk of immune rejection. The year 2018 marked history as the year that the first human trial for PD iPSC transplantation began in Japan. This form of cell therapy has shown promising results in other model organisms and is currently one of our best options in slowing or even halting the progression of PD. Here, we examine the genetic contributions that have reshaped our understanding of PD, as well as the advantages and applications of iPSCs for modeling disease and personalized therapies.
Improving Health and Wealth by Introduction of an Affordable Bacterial Starter Culture for Probiotic Yoghurt Production in Uganda
Authors: Westerik Nieke , Wacoo Alex Paul , Anyimo Esther , Matovu William , Reid Gregor , Kort Remco , Sybesma Wilbert
Published: January 2019

In rural Africa, income generating activities of many households heavily depend on agricultural activities. In this paper, we present the results of a multi-year intervention whereby dairy farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs were taught to convert their milk into a probiotic yoghurt using an innovative bacterial starter culture and basic equipment. This intervention creates additional sources of income and employment for people involved in the delivery of milk as well as production, distribution, and sales of yoghurt. Besides the economic benefits, the consumption of the probiotic yoghurt can contribute to reduction of the incidence and severity of diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, atopic diseases, alleviate the symptoms of stomach ulcers, and decrease the uptake of aflatoxins in the body. With minimal external financial support, 116 communities or small entrepreneurs have been able to start, expand, and maintain a business by production and sales of probiotic yoghurt. Applied business models and success rate in terms of revenues and profitability varied per region and depended on location, culture, ownership structure, wealth status, and gender.
Effects of Stand Age on Biomass Allocation and Allometry of Quercus Acutissima in the Central Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Yang Bin , Xue Wenyan , Yu Shichuan , Zhou Jianyun , Zhang Wenhui
Published: January 2019

We studied the effects of stand age on allocation and equation fitting of aboveground and below-ground biomass in four Quercus acutissima stands (14, 31, 46, and 63 years old) in the Central Loess Plateau of China. The stem wood, stem bark, branch, foliage, and belowground biomass of each of the 20 destructive harvesting trees were quantified. The mean total biomass of each tree was 28.8, 106.8, 380.6, and 603.4 kg/tree in the 14-, 31-, 46-, and 63-year-old stands, respectively. Aboveground biomass accounted for 72.25%, 73.05%, 76.14%, and 80.37% of the total tree biomass in the 14-, 31-, 46-, and 63-year-old stands, respectively, and stem wood was the major component of tree biomass. The proportion of stem (with bark) biomass to total tree biomass increased with stand age while the proportions of branch, foliage, and belowground biomass to total tree biomass decreased with stand age. The ratio of belowground biomass to aboveground biomass decreased from 0.39 in the 14-year-old stand to 0.37, 0.31, and 0.24 in the 31-, 46-, and 63-year-old stands, respectively. Age-specific biomass equations in each stand were developed for stem wood, stem bark, aboveground, and total tree. The inclusion of tree height as a second variable improved the total tree biomass equation fitting for middle-aged (31-year-old and 46-year-old) stands but not young (14 years old) and mature (63 years old) stands. Moreover, biomass conversion and expansion factors (BCEFs) varied with stand age, showing a decreasing trend with increasing stand age. These results indicate that stand age alters the biomass allocation of Q. acutissima and results in age-specific allometric biomass equations and BCEFs. Therefore, to obtain accurate estimates of Q. acutissima forest biomass and carbon stocks, age-specific changes need to be considered.
Modeling of Osmotic Dehydration of Apples in Sugar Alcohols and Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) Solutions
Authors: Cichowska Joanna , Figiel Adam , Stasiak-Różańska Lidia , Witrowa-Rajchert Dorota
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, we verify effectiveness of alternatives solutes to sucrose solution as osmotic agents, while on the other hand we intend to analyze modeling transfer parameters, using different models. There has also been proposed a new mass transfer parameter—true water loss, which includes actual solid gain during the process. Additional consideration of a new ratio (Cichowska et al. Ratio) can be useful for better interpretation of osmotic dehydration (OD) in terms of practical applications. Apples v. Elise were dipped into 30% concentrated solutions of erythritol, xylitol, maltitol, and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to remove some water from the tissue. To evaluate the efficiency of these solutes, 50% concentrated sucrose solution was used as a control. All of the tested osmotic agent, except maltitol, were effective in the process as evidenced by high values in the true water loss parameter. Solutions of erythritol and xylitol in 30% concentrate could be an alternative to sucrose in the process of osmotic dehydration. Peleg’s, Kelvin–Voigt, and Burgers models could fit well with the experimental data. modeling of mass transfer parameters, using Peleg’s model can be satisfactorily supplemented by Kelvin–Voigt and Burgers model for better prediction of OD within the particular periods of the process.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Geriatrics in 2018
Authors: Geriatrics Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Review and Update on Waterborne Viral Diseases Associated with Swimming Pools
Authors: Bonadonna Lucia , La Rosa Giuseppina
Published: January 2019

Infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and molds, may threaten the health of swimming pool bathers. Viruses are a major cause of recreationally-associated waterborne diseases linked to pools, lakes, ponds, thermal pools/spas, rivers, and hot springs. They can make their way into waters through the accidental release of fecal matter, body fluids (saliva, mucus), or skin flakes by symptomatic or asymptomatic carriers. We present an updated overview of epidemiological data on viral outbreaks, a project motivated, among other things, by the availability of improved viral detection methodologies. Special attention is paid to outbreak investigations (source of the outbreak, pathways of transmission, chlorination/disinfection). Epidemiological studies on incidents of viral contamination of swimming pools under non-epidemic conditions are also reviewed.
The Association between Socioeconomic Status, Smoking, and Chronic Disease in Inner Mongolia in Northern China
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Zhang Ting , Wu Jing , Yin Shaohua , Nan Xi , Du Maolin , Liu Aiping , Wang Peiyu
Published: January 2019

The interactive associations of socioeconomic status (SES) and smoking with chronic disease were investigated with a view to expanding the evidence to inform tobacco policies and interventions in Northern China. The fifth NHSS (National Health Service Survey) 2013 in Inner Mongolia was a population-based survey of national residents, aged 15 years and older, in which multi-stage stratified cluster sampling methods were used to survey 13,554 residents. The SES was measured by scores derived from levels of education level and household annual income. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to determine the association between SES, smoking, and chronic disease adjusted by confounders. Three thousand nine hundred and thirty-seven residents (32.29%) were identified as current smokers and 3520 residents (26.01%) had been diagnosed with chronic diseases. In the males, former smoking with low SES had the highest risk of one chronic disease, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.505 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] (OR = 2.505, 95% CI: 1.635–3.837) or multiple chronic diseases (OR = 2.631, 95% CI: 1.321–5.243). In the females, current smoking with low SES had the highest risk of one chronic disease (OR = 3.044, 95% CI: 2.158–4.292). The conclusion of this study was that residents with combined ever-smoking and low SES deserved more attention in the prevention and control of chronic disease.
Spatial Accessibility to Primary Healthcare Services by Multimodal Means of Travel: Synthesis and Case Study in the City of Calgary
Authors: Kaur Khakh Amritpal Kaur , Fast Victoria , Shahid Rizwan
Published: January 2019

Universal access to primary healthcare facilities is a driving goal of healthcare organizations. Despite Canada’s universal access to primary healthcare status, spatial accessibility to healthcare facilities is still an issue of concern due to the non-uniform distribution of primary healthcare facilities and population over space—leading to spatial inequity in the healthcare sector. Spatial inequity is further magnified when health-related accessibility studies are analyzed on the assumption of universal car access. To overcome car-centric studies of healthcare access, this study compares different travel modes—driving, public transit, and walking—to simulate the multi-modal access to primary healthcare services in the City of Calgary, Canada. Improving on floating catchment area methods, spatial accessibility was calculated based on the Spatial Access Ratio method, which takes into consideration the provider-to-population status of the region. The analysis revealed that, in the City of Calgary, spatial accessibility to the primary healthcare services is the highest for the people with an access to a car, and is significantly lower with multimodal (bus transit and train) means despite being a large urban centre. The social inequity issue raised from this analysis can be resolved by improving the city’s pedestrian infrastructure, public transportation, and construction of new clinics in regions of low accessibility.
Impact of Morphological Characteristics of Green Roofs on Pedestrian Cooling in Subtropical Climates
Authors: Zhang Gaochuan , He Bao-Jie , Zhu Zongzhou , Dewancker Bart Julien
Published: January 2019

Growing and densifying cities set a challenge for preserving and enhancing green spaces to cool urban spaces. Green roofs, involving the planting of vegetation on rooftops, are regarded as an alternative approach to enhancing urban greenery and urban cooling. For better cooling performances, it is essential to reasonably configure green roofs, especially in real and complex neighborhoods. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of morphological characteristics of green roofs on pedestrian cooling in real and complex neighborhoods. In specific, based on an ENVI-met model, we studied the effect of greening layout, coverage ratio, vegetation height, and building height on pedestrian air temperature reduction in the tropical city of Hangzhou, China. Results indicate green roofs could generate moderate effects on pedestrian air temperature reduction (around 0.10–0.30 °C), while achieving a cooling performance of 0.82 °C. Green roofs in upwind zones were able to generate the most favorable cooling performance, while green roofs in downwind zones made slight differences to pedestrian thermal environments. Green roofs with a low coverage ratio were not useful for lowering pedestrian temperature, and a greening coverage ratio of 25–75% in upwind zones was cost-effective in real neighborhoods. Locations that were horizontally close to green roofs enjoyed better cooling performances. Increasing vegetation height could strengthen cooling effects of green roofs, while an increase in building height weakened the cooling performance. Nevertheless, higher building height could enhance pedestrian cooling performances because of building shading effects. In addition, because of wind effects and building shading, building height limits for the cooling performance of green roofs could be higher than 60 m.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Endogenous Antioxidants and Patterns of Dental Visits of Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Lee Chang-Yu , Choy Cheuk-Sing , Lai Yu-Cheng , Chang Chao-Chien , Teng Nai-Chia , Huang Wan-Ting , Lin Che-Tong , Huang Yung-Kai
Published: January 2019

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease, wherein endogenous antioxidants help to balance the inflammatory status. Oral health behaviors are related to the periodontal disease status. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between oral health behaviors and endogenous antioxidants in periodontitis patients. In total, 225 subjects diagnosed with periodontitis were enrolled in the study. Information obtained from the initial interview included socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and oral health-related behaviors. The clinical periodontal parameters evaluated included bleeding on probing (BOP), the plaque index (PI), and probing depth (PD). Stimulated saliva was collected before periodontal therapy to determine five endogenous antioxidants (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), manganese SOD (MnSOD), thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), and catalase (CAT)). When these five factors were adjusted for in patients whose last previous dental visit was >1 year, the patients’ PI, BOP, and PD showed significant decreases because of an elevation in the Cu/Zn SOD level. Associations of endogenous antioxidants with levels of clinical periodontal parameters were much higher in subjects whose last previous dental visit was >1 year, compared to subjects whose last previous dental visit was <1 year. This study provides a better understanding of dental visit patterns and the salivary endogenous antioxidants that may underlie the symptomatic development of preclinical periodontitis.
Determinants and Sources of Iron Intakes of Australian Toddlers: Findings from the SMILE Cohort Study
Authors: Scott Jane A , Gee Georgina , Devenish Gemma , Ha Diep , Do Loc
Published: January 2019

The first two years of life is a period of rapid growth and development. During this time a lack of key nutrients, including iron, can have long-lasting effects on motor and cognitive performance. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine intake and sources of iron in a cohort of 828 toddlers (mean age; 13.1 mo) participating in the Adelaide-based Study of Mothers’ and Infants’ Life Events affecting oral health (SMILE), and to identify determinants of iron intake. At approximately 12 months of age, 3 non-consecutive days of dietary intake data were collected using a 24-h recall and 2-days food record. The Multiple Source Method was used to combine data from the 24-h recall and each day of the food record to estimate usual iron intake and descriptive statistics were used to report sources of iron. Linear regression was used to identify associations between iron intake and non-dietary determinants (maternal age, education, country of birth, BMI, socioeconomic position, parity, toddler sex) and primary milk feeding method at 12 months. The mean intake of iron was 7.0 (95% CI 6.7–7.2) mg/day and 18.2% of children had usual intakes below the estimated average requirement of 4 mg/day. The main sources of iron included infant and toddler cereals and formulas. Milk feeding method and parity were significantly associated with iron intake. Toddlers with siblings and those who received breast milk as their primary milk feed had significantly lower iron intakes than only children and those who received formula, respectively. The Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines promote the importance of iron-iron-rich complementary foods such as meat and meat alternatives. However, low intakes of this food group suggest that parents do not recognize the importance of these foods or understand the specific foods that toddlers should be eating.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of International Journal of Turbomachinery, Propulsion and Power (IJTPP) in 2018
Authors:   IJTPP Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Informatics in 2018
Authors:   Informatics Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Inorganics in 2018
Authors:   Inorganics Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Gamasina Mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) Associated with Animal Remains in the Mediterranean Region of Navarra (Northern Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Sandra , Moraza María Lourdes , Saloña-Bordas Marta Inés
Published: January 2019

Mites should not be overlooked as a forensic tool, as many are commonly associated with decomposing animal matter and are closely associated with specific insect carriers and habitats. It is necessary to increase our understanding of the diversity of mites that are found in human and animal remains, their geographical distribution, and their population dynamics. This work is the first study of the role of mites in forensic science in the Mediterranean region of Navarra (northern Spain). Samples were taken using three types of traps (96 modified McPhail, 96 modified pitfall, and 32 carrion on surface) baited with pig carrion during the period between 11 April and 24 June, 2017. Insects were collected in 100% of the traps and only 27% of them contained mites. Information on 26 species of mites belonging to seven families, their ontogenetic phoretic stage/s, their abundance, and presence/absence during the spring season of the study is given. The most abundant species collected were Macrocheles merdarius, Poecilochirus austroasiaticus, and Poecilochirus subterraneus. We are contributing 16 new records for the Iberian Peninsula: seven species of Parasitidae, three species of Macrochelidae, four species of Eviphididae, one species of Halolaelapidae, and one species of Laelapidae.
Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus: Honey Bee Queen–Worker Interaction and Potential Virus Transmission Pathways
Authors: Amiri Esmaeil , Seddon Gregory , Zuluaga Smith Wendy , Strand Micheline K. , Tarpy David R. , Rueppell Olav
Published: January 2019

Queen loss or failure is an important cause of honey bee colony loss. A functional queen is essential to a colony, and the queen is predicted to be well protected by worker bees and other mechanisms of social immunity. Nevertheless, several honey bee pathogens (including viruses) can infect queens. Here, we report a series of experiments to test how virus infection influences queen–worker interactions and the consequences for virus transmission. We used Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) as an experimental pathogen because it is relevant to bee health but is not omnipresent. Queens were observed spending 50% of their time with healthy workers, 32% with infected workers, and 18% without interaction. However, the overall bias toward healthy workers was not statistically significant, and there was considerable individual to individual variability. We found that physical contact between infected workers and queens leads to high queen infection in some cases, suggesting that IAPV infections also spread through close bodily contact. Across experiments, queens exhibited lower IAPV titers than surrounding workers. Thus, our results indicate that honey bee queens are better protected by individual and social immunity, but this protection is insufficient to prevent IAPV infections completely.
Reproductive Senescence in Drones of the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Metz Bradley , Tarpy David
Published: January 2019

In the face of high proportions of yearly colony losses, queen health and fecundity has been a major focus of industry and research. Much of the reproductive quality of the queen, though, is a function of the mating success and quality of the drones (males). Many environmental factors can negatively impact drone semen quality, but little is known about factors that impact the drones’ ability to successfully mate and deliver that semen, or how widely drones vary. In our study, we observed the daily variation in honey bee drone reproductive quality over time, along with a number of morphological traits. Drones were reared in cages in bank colonies, and 20 individuals were dissected and measured daily. The number of viable spermatozoa in the seminal vesicles was zero at emergence and reached an average maximum of 7.39 ± 0.19 million around 20 days of life. Decline in spermatozoa count occurred after day 30, though viability was constant throughout life, when controlling for count. Older drones had smaller wet weights, head widths, and wing lengths. We predict that this is likely due to sampling bias due to a differential lifespan among larger, more reproductively developed drones. Our study shows that drones are more highly variable than previously suggested and that they have a significant variation in reproductive physiology as a function of age.
Larval Pollen Stress Increases Adult Susceptibility to Clothianidin in Honey Bees
Authors: Mogren Christina L. , Danka Robert G. , Healy Kristen B.
Published: January 2019

Neonicotinoid insecticides have come under scrutiny for their potential role in honey bee declines. Additionally, reduced access to forage in agricultural areas creates the potential for risk interactions with these pesticides in regions critical for honey production. In this study, we sought to determine whether sufficient access to pollen during larval development could mitigate stress associated with oral clothianidin exposure in honey bee adults. An apiary was established where pollen traps deprived half of the colonies of pollen, which was then supplemented to the others. Adults were fed 0, 10, 40, 200, or 400 µg/L clothianidin in the laboratory, and larval and adult lipids and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were compared between feeding treatments. Survival at sublethal concentrations of clothianidin was significantly reduced for adult bees reared in pollen deprived colonies. Adult SOD activity was affected by clothianidin dose but not larval feeding treatment, though within the pollen-deprived cohort, SOD was greater in controls than those fed clothianidin. Larval SOD differed between field replicates, with supplemented colonies having slightly higher activity levels during a period of pollen dearth, indicating that supplementation during these periods is particularly important for mitigating oxidative stress within the hive. Larval lipids were significantly higher in supplemented colonies during a substantial pollen flow, though adult lipids were unaffected by feeding treatment. These results suggest that during periods of pollen dearth, oxidative stress and adult worker longevity will be improved by supplementing colonies with locally collected pollen.
Correlation of Perfusion Index Change and Analgesic Efficacy in Transforaminal Block for Lumbosacral Radicular Pain
Authors: Lee Jin Young , Kim Eung Don , Kim Yoo Na , Kim Ji Seob , Sim Woo Seog , Lee Hae Jin , Park Hyun Joon , Park Hue Jung
Published: January 2019

Transforaminal epidural injection is used to treat radicular pain. However, there is no objective method of assessing pain relief following transforaminal injection. Perfusion index is a metric for monitoring peripheral perfusion status. This study evaluates the correlation between perfusion index change and analgesic efficacy in transforaminal blocks for lumbosacral radicular pain. We retrospectively analyzed data of 100 patients receiving transforaminal block for lumbosacral radicular pain. We assessed perfusion index before treatment and at 5, 15, and 30 min following the block. We defined responders (group R) and non-responders (group N) as those with ≥50% and <50% pain reduction, respectively, 30 min following block. Clinical data and perfusion index of the groups were analyzed. Ninety-two patients were examined, of whom 57 (61.9%) and 35 (38.0%) patients reported ≥50% and <50% pain reduction, respectively. Group R had a significantly higher perfusion index change ratio 5 min following the block (p = 0.029). A perfusion index change ratio of ≥0.27 was observed in group R (sensitivity, 75.4%; specificity, 51.4%; AUC (area under the curve), 0.636; p = 0.032). A perfusion index change ratio of ≥0.27 at 5 min after block is associated with, but does not predict improvement in, pain levels following lumbosacral transforaminal block.
Genetic Determinants and Prediction of Antibiotic Resistance Phenotypes in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Lauener Francis , Imkamp Frank , Lehours Philippe , Buissonnière Alice , Benejat Lucie , Zbinden Reinhard , Keller Peter , Wagner Karoline
Published: January 2019

Helicobacter pylori is a major human pathogen. Diagnosis of H. pylori infection and determination of its antibiotic susceptibility still mainly rely on culture and phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) that is time-consuming and laborious. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has recently emerged in medical microbiology as a diagnostic tool for reliable drug resistance prediction in bacterial pathogens. The aim of this study was to compare phenotypic DST results with the predictions based on the presence of genetic determinants identified in the H. pylori genome using WGS. Phenotypic resistance to clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, levofloxacin, and rifampicin was determined in 140 clinical H. pylori isolates by E-Test®, and the occurrence of certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in target genes was determined by WGS. Overall, there was a high congruence of >99% between phenotypic DST results for clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and rifampicin and SNPs identified in the 23S rRNA, gyrA, and rpoB gene. However, it was not possible to infer a resistance phenotype for metronidazole based on the occurrence of distinct SNPs in frxA and rdxA. All 140 H. pylori isolates analysed in this study were susceptible to tetracycline, which was in accordance with the absence of double or triple nucleotide substitutions in the 16S rRNA gene.
Methods Used to Assess the 3D Accuracy of Dental Implant Positions in Computer-Guided Implant Placement: A Review
Authors: Pyo Se-Wook , Lim Young-Jun , Koo Ki-Tae , Lee Jungwon
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this review is to examine various assessment methods in order to compare the accuracy between the virtually planned and clinically achieved implant positions. In this review, comparison methods using pre- and post-operative computed topography (CT) data and digital impressions for definitive prosthesis will be described. The method for the displacement and strain for quantification of the error will also be explored. The difference between the planned and the actual implant placement position in guided implant surgery is expressed as an error. Assessing the accuracy of implant-guided surgery can play an important role as positive feedback in order to reduce errors. All of the assessment methods have their own inevitable errors and require careful interpretation in evaluation.
Acute Responses of Novel Cardiac Biomarkers to a 24-h Ultra-Marathon
Authors: Żebrowska Aleksandra , Waśkiewicz Zbigniew , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Mikołajczyk Rafał , Kawecki Damian , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Beat
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to examine the acute effect of an ultra-endurance performance on N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac specific troponin T (cTnT), creatinine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), ischemia modified albumin (IMA), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) and cardiovascular function. Cardiac biomarkers were evaluated in 14 male ultra-marathoners (age 40 ± 12 years) during a 24 h ultra-marathon at five points (i.e., Pre-race; Marathon, 12-h run, 24-h run, and 48-h post-race). All subjects underwent baseline echocardiography assessment at least 10 days prior to the ultra-marathon and 48 h post-race. The average distance covered during the race was 149.4 ± 33.0 km. Running the ultra-marathon led to a progressive increase in hsCRP and H-FABP concentrations (p < 0.001). CK-MB and cTnT levels were higher after a 24-h run compared to pre-race (p < 0.05). Diastolic function was altered post-race characterized by a reduction in peak early to late diastolic filling (p < 0.01). Running an ultra-marathon significantly stimulates specific cardiac biomarkers; however, the dynamic of secretion of biomarkers linked to myocardium ischemia were differentially regulated during the ultra-marathon race. It is suggested that both exercise duration and intensity play a crucial role in cardiovascular adaptive mechanisms and cause risk of cardiac stress in ultra-marathoners.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Journal of Developmental Biology in 2018
Authors: Journal of Developmental Biology Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Design of a Tunable Snapshot Multispectral Imaging System through Ray Tracing Simulation
Authors: Ding Mengjia , Yuen Peter WT , Piper Jonathan , Godfree Peter , Chatterjee Ayan , Zahidi Usman , Selvagumar Senthurran , James David , Richardson Mark
Published: January 2019

Research on snapshot multispectral imaging has been popular in the remote sensing community due to the high demands of video-rate remote sensing system for various applications. Existing snapshot multispectral imaging techniques are mainly of a fixed wavelength type, which limits their practical usefulness. This paper describes a tunable multispectral snapshot system by using a dual prism assembly as the dispersion element of the coded aperture snapshot spectral imagers (CASSI). Spectral tuning is achieved by adjusting the air gap displacement of the dual prism assembly. Typical spectral shifts of about 1 nm at 400 nm and 12 nm at 700 nm wavelength have been achieved in the present design when the air-gap of the dual prism is changed from 4.24 mm to 5.04 mm. The paper outlines the optical designs, the performance, and the pros and cons of the dual-prism CASSI (DP-CASSI) system. The performance of the system is illustrated by TraceProTM ray tracing, to allow researchers in the field to repeat or to validate the results presented in this paper.
A Divisia User Cost Interpretation of the Yield Spread Recession Prediction
Authors: Mattson Ryan S.
Published: January 2019

A re-evaluation of the role of interest rates is necessary in the wake of the Great Recession. This paper will re-evaluate the interpretation and empirical use of the yield spread as a predictor of recessions, focusing on the simplified methodology in a New York Federal Reserve Bank paper by Estrella and Trubin. Using the user cost difference formula to calculate bond prices following the methodology in the Divisia literature begun by William A. Barnett and a unique data set from the Center for Financial Stability, the yield spread is shown to be a form of the user cost difference, and use of the user cost is shown to marginally improve the predictive abilities of the yield spread. Further research into this view of the link of interest rates and economic activity is proposed.
Can We Forecast Daily Oil Futures Prices? Experimental Evidence from Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Luo Zhaojie , Cai Xiaojing , Tanaka Katsuyuki , Takiguchi Tetsuya , Kinkyo Takuji , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a novel approach, based on convolutional neural network (CNN) models, that forecasts the short-term crude oil futures prices with good performance. In our study, we confirm that artificial intelligence (AI)-based deep-learning approaches can provide more accurate forecasts of short-term oil prices than those of the benchmark Naive Forecast (NF) model. We also provide strong evidence that CNN models with matrix inputs are better at short-term prediction than neural network (NN) models with single-vector input, which indicates that strengthening the dependence of inputs and providing more useful information can improve short-term forecasting performance.
What Determines Utility of International Currencies?
Authors: Ogawa Eiji , Muto Makoto
Published: January 2019

In previous studies, we estimated a time series of coefficients on five international currencies (the US dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, and the Swiss franc) in a utility function. We call the coefficients utilities of international currencies. The time series show that the utility of the US dollar as an international currency has remained in the first position in the changing international monetary system despite of the fact that the euro was created as a single common currency for European countries. On one hand, the utility of the Japanese yen has been declining as an international currency. In this paper, we investigate what determines the utility of international currencies. We use a dynamic panel data model to analyze the issue with Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Specifically, liquidity shortage in terms of an international currency means that it is inconvenient for economic agents to use the relevant currency for international economic transactions. In other words, liquidity shortages might reduce the utility of an international currency. In this analysis we focus on liquidity premium which represents a liquidity shortage in terms of an international currency. Our empirical results showed not only inertia in terms of change but also the impact of a liquidity shortage in an international currency on the utility of the relevant international currency.
Lean, Green and Clean? Sustainability Reporting in the Logistics Sector
Authors: Lambrechts Wim , Son-Turan Semen , Reis Lucinda , Semeijn Janjaap
Published: January 2019

Transport and logistics activities contribute heavily to global sustainability problems, yet the implementation of corporate social responsibility and sustainability reporting in the sector lags behind. This paper aims to analyze sustainability reporting in the logistics sector, with focus on environmental, social and economic indicators. An extensive operationalization of sustainability indicators is used to examine and analyze the sustainability reports of 52 organizations in the logistics sector worldwide. Results show that the sector does not agree on the materiality of sustainability indicators. Furthermore, sustainability reporting seems to be incompatible with daily operations, leading to obscurity in reports. This contrast, between the necessary existence of organizations in the logistics sector and their undesirable environmental and social effects, calls for future research into how organizations are coping with this paradox. A viable way forward is needed in order to ensure materiality in the sectors’ efforts toward sustainability reporting.
Morphology Study on Inclusion Modifications Using Mg–Ca Treatment in Resulfurized Special Steel
Authors: Shen Ping , Fu Jianxun
Published: January 2019

In resulfurized special steel, MnS and Al2O3 are two main inclusions that deteriorate fatigue life and machinability. It is important that these two inclusions should be well controlled to increase steel quality and usage performance. In the present study, a Mg–Ca treatment was employed to modify the MnS and Al2O3 inclusions in resulfurized steels to reduce detrimental effects on fatigue life and machinability. In the laboratory study, Ni–Mg alloy was added to 16MnCrS5 and 49MnVS3 steels. Both Al2O3 and CaO–Al2O3 were gradually modified to MgO·Al2O3 and MgO, being surrounded by MnS, that is, a complex inclusion with an oxide core and sulfide outer layer was formed. The amount of the complex inclusion increased with Mg content. In the hot forging experiment, non-Mg treated inclusions were in the morphology of long strip, while those with Mg treatment were seen to be less deformed with spherical morphology of low aspect ratio in which case inclusions had less effect on steel mechanical properties. The Mg–Ca treatment was also applied to the manufacture of resulfurized special steel in steel plants. The scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometer and statistical results agreed well with those in the laboratory studies.
Facile Preparation of Micrometer KClO4/Zr Energetic Composite Particles with Enhanced Light Radiation
Authors: Kang Xiaoli , Li Chunhong , Zheng Zhou , Cui Xudong
Published: January 2019

Developing energetic composite materials consisting of fuel and oxidizer is an effective strategy to enhance the energy release property. However, this strategy has rarely been applied in Potassium Perchlorate (KClO4)-containing energetic materials, even though KClO4 is a much stronger oxidizer than most previously reported metal-oxide oxidizer. One of the main obstacles is the lack of simple and in situ ways to introduce KClO4 into the composite. In present work, micrometer KClO4/Zirconium (KClO4/Zr) composite particles were successfully prepared using a facile chemical solution-deposition method. The structure and particle morphologies of as-obtained KClO4/Zr composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscope (SEM)-EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer). The evolutionary combustion behavior was evaluated using flame-based light-radiation spectra and successive photography technique. Results showed that the morphology, light-radiation properties and flame-evolution characteristics of KClO4/Zr composite varied with the content of KClO4 and the particle size of Zr. Compared with the mechanical mixture of KClO4/Zr, the KClO4/Zr composite showed much higher light-radiation intensity and longer light-emission duration time after reasonably controlling the preparation parameters. Flame photographs revealed that the enhanced light radiation of KClO4/Zr composite should be ascribed to higher use efficiency of “oxygen” in the oxidizer, which promoted both the solid–solid and solid–gas reaction pathways between KClO4 and Zr.
Surface Texture Analysis of Hardened Shafts after Ceramic Ball Burnishing
Authors: Dzionk Stefan , Scibiorski Bogdan , Przybylski Wlodzimierz
Published: January 2019

This article represents the results of testing the surface condition of shafts manufactured by the burnishing process. The shafts with a hardness of approximately 62 HRC (Rockwell C). were burnished with a ceramic ball (Si3N4), where the force range was controlled by the means of a hydraulic system. The machining process consisted of hard turning shafts with cubic boron nitride (CBN) inserts, followed by burnishing with the use of various machining parameters, such as feed and force. The research focused on the examination of burnished surfaces, which was conducted for various structures after hard turning, and with variable burnishing parameters. The results obtained for the decrease of roughness are presented as the relation between the parameters Rat/Rab, which is approximately 2, while for Rpkt/Rpkb, it is around 3.7, respectively. Sat/Sab is around 2, while Spkt/Spkb is around 3.5 (where an index denotes the t-surface after turning, and the index b-surface after burnishing). The structure of the surface after burnishing and turning is described with roughness parameters, as well as with the photographs of the specimen surface, and the bearing area curve.
Effect of Time-Varying Factors on Optimal Combination of Quality Inspectors for Offline Inspection Station
Authors: Babar Ramzan Muhammad , Mohsin Qureshi Shehreyar , Irshad Mari Sonia , Saad Memon Muhammad , Mittal Mandeep , Imran Muhammad , Waqas Iqbal Muhammad
Published: January 2019

With advanced manufacturing technology, organizations like to cut their operational cost and improve product quality, yet the importance of human labor is still alive in some manufacturing industries. The performance of human-based systems depends much on the skill of labor that varies person to person within available manpower. Much work has been done on human resource and management, however, allocation of manpower based on their skill yet not investigated. For this purpose, this study considered offline inspection system where inspection is performed by the human labor of varying skill levels. A multi-objective optimization model is proposed based on Time-Varying factors; inspection skill, operation time and learning behavior. Min-max goal programming technique was used to determine the efficient combination of inspectors of each skill level at different time intervals of a running order. The optimized results ensured the achievement of all objectives of inspection station: the cost associated with inspectors, outgoing quality and inspected quantity. The obtained results proved that inspection performance of inspectors improves significantly with learning and revision of allocation of inspectors with the proposed model ensure better utilization of available manpower, maintain good quality and reduce cost as well.
Comparison of the Orthogonal Polynomial Solutions for Fractional Integral Equations
Authors: Daşcıoğlu Ayşegül , Salınan Serpil
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a collocation method based on the orthogonal polynomials is presented to solve the fractional integral equations. Six numerical examples are given to illustrate the method. The results are compared with the other methods in the literature, and the results obtained by different kinds of polynomials are compared.
Accurate Approximate Solution of Ambartsumian Delay Differential Equation via Decomposition Method
Authors: Ebaid Abdelhalim , Al-Enazi Asmaa , Albalawi Bassam Z. , Aljoufi Mona D.
Published: January 2019

The Ambartsumian delay equation is used in the theory of surface brightness in the Milky way. The Adomian decomposition method (ADM) is applied in this paper to solve this equation. Two canonical forms are implemented to obtain two types of the approximate solutions. The first solution is provided in the form of a power series which agrees with the solution in the literature, while the second expresses the solution in terms of exponential functions which is viewed as a new solution. A rapid rate of convergence has been achieved and displayed in several graphs. Furthermore, only a few terms of the new approximate solution (expressed in terms of exponential functions) are sufficient to achieve extremely accurate numerical results when compared with a large number of terms of the first solution in the literature. In addition, the residual error using a few terms approaches zero as the delay parameter increases, hence, this confirms the effectiveness of the present approach over the solution in the literature.
Development of an Integrated Mariculture for the Collagen-Rich Sponge Chondrosia reniformis
Authors: Gökalp Mert , Wijgerde Tim , Sarà Antonio , De Goeij Jasper M. , Osinga Ronald
Published: January 2019

In this study, novel methods were tested to culture the collagen-rich sponge Chondrosia reniformis Nardo, 1847 (Demospongiae, Chondrosiida, Chondrosiidae) in the proximity of floating fish cages. In a trial series, survival and growth of cultured explants were monitored near a polluted fish farm and a pristine control site. Attachment methods, plate materials, and plate orientation were compared. In a first trial, chicken wire-covered polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was found to be the most suitable substrate for C. reniformis (100% survival). During a second trial, survival on chicken wire-covered PVC, after six months, was 79% and 63% for polluted and pristine environments, respectively. Net growth was obtained only on culture plates that were oriented away from direct sunlight (39% increase in six months), whereas sponges decreased in size when sun-exposed. Chicken wire caused pressure on explants and it resulted in unwanted epibiont growth and was therefore considered to be unsuitable for long-term culture. In a final trial, sponges were glued to PVC plates and cultured for 13 months oriented away from direct sunlight. Both survival and growth were higher at the polluted site (86% survival and 170% growth) than at the pristine site (39% survival and 79% growth). These results represent a first successful step towards production of sponge collagen in integrated aquacultures.
Asperlin Stimulates Energy Expenditure and Modulates Gut Microbiota in HFD-Fed Mice
Authors: Wu Chongming , Zhou Yue , Qi Guihong , Liu Dong , Cao Xiaoxue , Yu Jiaqi , Zhang Rong , Lin Wenhan , Guo Peng
Published: January 2019

Asperlin is a marine-derived, natural product with antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic activities. In the present study, we showed that asperlin effectively prevented the development of obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Oral administration of asperlin for 12 weeks significantly suppressed HFD-induced body weight gain and fat deposition without inhibiting food intake. Hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis were also substantially ameliorated. A respiratory metabolism monitor showed that asperlin efficiently increased energy expenditure and enhanced thermogenic gene expression in adipose tissue. Accordingly, asperlin-treated mice showed higher body temperature and were more tolerant of cold stress. Meanwhile, asperlin also increased the diversity and shifted the structure of gut microbiota. Oral administration of asperlin markedly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, leading to a higher Bacteroidetes-to-Fimicutes ratio. The HFD-induced abnormalities at both phylum and genus levels were all remarkably recovered by asperlin. These results demonstrated that asperlin is effective in preventing HFD-induced obesity and modulating gut microbiota. Its anti-obesity properties may be attributed to its effect on promoting energy expenditure.