bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Stochastic Gradient Descent for Matrix Completion Based Indoor Localization
Authors: Njima Wafa , Zayani Rafik , Ahriz Iness , Terre Michel , Bouallegue Ridha
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a high accuracy fingerprint-based localization scheme for the Internet of Things (IoT). The proposed scheme employs mathematical concepts based on sparse representation and matrix completion theories. Specifically, the proposed indoor localization scheme is formulated as a simple optimization problem which enables efficient and reliable algorithm implementations. Many approaches, like Nesterov accelerated gradient (Nesterov), Adaptative Moment Estimation (Adam), Adadelta, Root Mean Square Propagation (RMSProp) and Adaptative gradient (Adagrad), have been implemented and compared in terms of localization accuracy and complexity. Simulation results demonstrate that Adam outperforms all other algorithms in terms of localization accuracy and computational complexity.
Monitored Indoor Environmental Quality of a Mass Timber Office Building: A Case Study
Authors: Stenson Jason , Ishaq Suzanne L. , Laguerre Aurélie , Loia Andrew , MacCrone Georgia , Mugabo Ignace , Northcutt Dale , Riggio Mariapaola , Barbosa Andre , Gall Elliott T. , Van Den Wymelenberg Kevin
Published: June 2019

A broad range of building performance monitoring, sampling, and evaluation was conducted periodically after construction and spanning more than a year, for an occupied office building constructed using mass timber elements such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and roof panels, as well as glue-laminated timber (GLT) beams and columns. This case study contributes research on monitoring indoor environmental quality in buildings, describing one of the few studies of an occupied mass timber building, and analyzing data in three areas that impact occupant experience: indoor air quality, bacterial community composition, and floor vibration. As a whole, the building was found to perform well. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, were analyzed using multiple methods. Formaldehyde was found to be present in the building, though levels were below most recommended exposure limits. The source of formaldehyde was not able to be identified in this study. The richness of the bacterial community was affected by the height of sampling with respect to the floor, and richness and composition was affected by the location within the building. Floor vibration was observed to be below recognized human comfort thresholds.
Wee1 Rather Than Plk1 Is Inhibited by AZD1775 at Therapeutically Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Serpico Angela Flavia , D’Alterio Giuseppe , Vetrei Cinzia , Della Monica Rosa , Nardella Luca , Visconti Roberta , Grieco Domenico
Published: June 2019

Wee1 kinase is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk)s, crucial cell cycle progression drivers. By phosphorylating cdk1 at tyrosine 15, Wee1 inhibits activation of cyclin B-cdk1 (Cdk1), preventing cells from entering mitosis with incompletely replicated or damaged DNA. Thus, inhibiting Wee1, alone or in combination with DNA damaging agents, can kill cancer cells by mitotic catastrophe, a tumor suppressive response that follows mitosis onset in the presence of under-replicated or damaged DNA. AZD1775, an orally available Wee1 inhibitor, has entered clinical trials for cancer treatment following this strategy, with promising results. Recently, however, AZD1775 has been shown to inhibit also the polo-like kinase homolog Plk1 in vitro, casting doubts on its mechanism of action. Here we asked whether, in the clinically relevant concentration range, AZD1775 inhibited Wee1 or Plk1 in transformed and non-transformed human cells. We found that in the clinically relevant, nanomolar, concentration range AZD1775 inhibited Wee1 rather than Plk1. In addition, AZD1775 treatment accelerated mitosis onset overriding the DNA replication checkpoint and hastened Plk1-dependent phosphorylation. On the contrary selective Plk1 inhibition exerted opposite effects. Thus, at therapeutic concentrations, AZD1775 inhibited Wee1 rather than Plk1. This information will help to better interpret results obtained by using AZD1775 both in the clinical and experimental settings and provide a stronger rationale for combination therapies.
Dissecting the Prognostic Significance and Functional Role of Progranulin in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Schulze-Edinghausen Lena , Dürr Claudia , Öztürk Selcen , Zucknick Manuela , Benner Axel , Kalter Verena , Ohl Sibylle , Close Viola , Wuchter Patrick , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Lichter Peter , Seiffert Martina
Published: June 2019

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is known for its strong dependency on the tumor microenvironment. We found progranulin (GRN), a protein that has been linked to inflammation and cancer, to be upregulated in the serum of CLL patients compared to healthy controls, and increased GRN levels to be associated with an increased hazard for disease progression and death. This raised the question of whether GRN is a functional driver of CLL. We observed that recombinant GRN did not directly affect viability, activation, or proliferation of primary CLL cells in vitro. However, GRN secretion was induced in co-cultures of CLL cells with stromal cells that enhanced CLL cell survival. Gene expression profiling and protein analyses revealed that primary mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in co-culture with CLL cells acquire a cancer-associated fibroblast-like phenotype. Despite its upregulation in the co-cultures, GRN treatment of MSCs did not mimic this effect. To test the relevance of GRN for CLL in vivo, we made use of the Eμ-TCL1 CLL mouse model. As we detected strong GRN expression in myeloid cells, we performed adoptive transfer of Eμ-TCL1 leukemia cells to bone marrow chimeric Grn−/− mice that lack GRN in hematopoietic cells. Thereby, we observed that CLL-like disease developed comparable in Grn−/− chimeras and respective control mice. In conclusion, serum GRN is found to be strongly upregulated in CLL, which indicates potential use as a prognostic marker, but there is no evidence that elevated GRN functionally drives the disease.
Circulating MACC1 Transcripts in Glioblastoma Patients Predict Prognosis and Treatment Response
Authors: Hagemann Carsten , Neuhaus Nikolas , Dahlmann Mathias , Kessler Almuth , Kobelt Dennis , Herrmann Pia , Eyrich Matthias , Freitag Benjamin , Linsenmann Thomas , Monoranu Camelia , Ernestus Ralf-Ingo , Löhr Mario , Stein Ulrike
Published: June 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive primary brain tumor of adults, but lacks reliable and liquid biomarkers. We evaluated circulating plasma transcripts of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1), a prognostic biomarker for solid cancer entities, for prediction of clinical outcome and therapy response in glioblastomas. MACC1 transcripts were significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Low MACC1 levels clustered together with other prognostically favorable markers. It was associated with patients’ prognosis in conjunction with the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutation status: IDH1 R132H mutation and low MACC1 was most favorable (median overall survival (OS) not yet reached), IDH1 wildtype and high MACC1 was worst (median OS 8.1 months), while IDH1 wildtype and low MACC1 was intermediate (median OS 9.1 months). No patients displayed IDH1 R132H mutation and high MACC1. Patients with low MACC1 levels receiving standard therapy survived longer (median OS 22.6 months) than patients with high MACC1 levels (median OS 8.1 months). Patients not receiving the standard regimen showed the worst prognosis, independent of MACC1 levels (low: 6.8 months, high: 4.4 months). Addition of circulating MACC1 transcript levels to the existing prognostic workup may improve the accuracy of outcome prediction and help define more precise risk categories of glioblastoma patients.
Degradation of Crystal Violet by Catalytic Wet Peroxide Oxidation (CWPO) with Mixed Mn/Cu Oxides
Authors: Campos Ana María , Riaño Paula Fernanda , Lugo Diana Lorena , Barriga Jenny Alejandra , Celis Crispín Astolfo , Moreno Sonia , Pérez Alejandro
Published: June 2019

The environment protection has been the starting point for the development of new technologies, which allow the control of highly toxic substances present in the effluents of various industries, whose removal is not feasible by conventional methods. In this research, mixed oxide catalysts Mn and Cu in different molar ratios were prepared from the autocombustion method and characterized by XRD, XRF, TPR-H2, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The solids were evaluated in the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of crystal violet (CV) with mild conditions of reaction: 25 °C, normal pressure, airflow of 2 mL/min, and H2O2 0.1 M (2 mL/h). The experimental results indicated degradations of 100% of CV, conversion of the total organic carbon (TOC) of 74%, and elimination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 71% in 90 min of reaction. Additionally, the selectivity was monitored by CG-MS, finding that there was almost complete mineralization in a short reaction time, generating intermediate products such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, and amines that do not cause a serious risk to the environment. The Mn–Cu catalyst with molar ratios of 1:2 was the most promising catalyst, displaying a cooperative effect between the two metals, and demonstrating the importance of the redox properties for the elimination of CV dye in wastewater.
Mitochondrial Transcriptome Control and Intercompartment Cross-Talk During Plant Development
Authors: Niazi Adnan Khan , Delannoy Etienne , Iqbal Rana Khalid , Mileshina Daria , Val Romain , Gabryelska Marta , Wyszko Eliza , Soubigou-Taconnat Ludivine , Szymanski Maciej , Barciszewski Jan , Weber-Lotfi Frédérique , Gualberto José Manuel , Dietrich André
Published: June 2019

We address here organellar genetic regulation and intercompartment genome coordination. We developed earlier a strategy relying on a tRNA-like shuttle to mediate import of nuclear transgene-encoded custom RNAs into mitochondria in plants. In the present work, we used this strategy to drive trans-cleaving hammerhead ribozymes into the organelles, to knock down specific mitochondrial RNAs and analyze the regulatory impact. In a similar approach, the tRNA mimic was used to import into mitochondria in Arabidopsis thaliana the orf77, an RNA associated with cytoplasmic male sterility in maize and possessing sequence identities with the atp9 mitochondrial RNA. In both cases, inducible expression of the transgenes allowed to characterise early regulation and signaling responses triggered by these respective manipulations of the organellar transcriptome. The results imply that the mitochondrial transcriptome is tightly controlled by a “buffering” mechanism at the early and intermediate stages of plant development, a control that is released at later stages. On the other hand, high throughput analyses showed that knocking down a specific mitochondrial mRNA triggered a retrograde signaling and an anterograde nuclear transcriptome response involving a series of transcription factor genes and small RNAs. Our results strongly support transcriptome coordination mechanisms within the organelles and between the organelles and the nucleus.
The Corrosion Inhibition of AA6082 Aluminium Alloy by Certain Azoles in Chloride Solution: Electrochemistry and Surface Analysis
Authors: Xhanari Klodian , Finšgar Matjaž
Published: June 2019

The corrosion inhibition effect of five azole compounds on the corrosion of an AA6082 aluminium alloy in 5 wt.% NaCl solution at 25 and 50 °C was investigated using weight loss and electrochemical measurements. Only 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) showed a corrosion inhibition effect at both temperatures and was further studied in detail, including with the addition of potassium iodide as a possible intensifier. Surface analysis of the MBT surface layer was performed by means of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry techniques. The hydrophobicity of the MBT surface layer was also investigated.
Effects of Inducing Gamma Oscillations in Hippocampal Subregions DG, CA3, and CA1 on the Potential Alleviation of Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Pathology: Computer Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Świetlik Dariusz , Białowąs Jacek , Moryś Janusz , Klejbor Ilona , Kusiak Aida
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of the gamma oscillation function (40–130 Hz) to reduce Alzheimer’s disease related pathology in a computer model of the hippocampal network dentate gyrus, CA3, and CA1 (DG-CA3-CA1) regions. Methods: Computer simulations were made for a pathological model in which Alzheimer’s disease was simulated by synaptic degradation in the hippocampus. Pathology modeling was based on sequentially turning off the connections with entorhinal cortex layer 2 (EC2) and the dentate gyrus on CA3 pyramidal neurons. Gamma induction modeling consisted of simulating the oscillation provided by the septo-hippocampal pathway with band frequencies from 40–130 Hz. Pathological models with and without gamma induction were compared with a control. Results: In the hippocampal regions of DG, CA3, and CA1, and jointly DG-CA3-CA1 and CA3-CA1, gamma induction resulted in a statistically significant improvement in terms of increased numbers of spikes, spikes per burst, and burst duration as compared with the model simulating Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The positive maximal Lyapunov exponent was negative in both the control model and the one with gamma induction as opposed to the pathological model where it was positive within the DG-CA3-CA1 region. Gamma induction resulted in decreased transfer entropy in accordance with the information flow in DG → CA3 and CA3 → CA1. Conclusions: The results of simulation studies show that inducing gamma oscillations in the hippocampus may reduce Alzheimer’s disease related pathology. Pathologically higher transfer entropy values after gamma induction returned to values comparable to the control model.
Social-Aware Peer Selection for Device-to-Device Communications in Dense Small-Cell Networks
Authors: Nadeem Aamir , Cho Ho-Shin
Published: June 2019

Device-to-device communications refer to the emerging paradigm that permits direct communication between cellular users that are in close physical and social proximity. It is expected to become an essential aspect of the future 5G cellular communications system. As a prerequisite for device-to-device communications, a user has to select another user in its proximity that has the desired information/service and is willing to share it. In this paper, we propose a method for peer selection in dense small-cell device-to-device networks that uses multi-attribute decision modeling. The method exploits both the physical and social characteristics of the user equipment to find the most suitable peer for device-to-device communications. We assume hexagonal small-cell and macro-cell architectures with a small-cell/macro-cell base station with multiple user equipments in its coverage area to evaluate the proposed scheme’s performance. The small-/macro-cell base station exploits various social and physical attributes to rank peers and selects the best one for device-to-device communication with the requesting user. The numerical results demonstrate the proposed algorithm’s efficiency in terms of computational time, selection of the best peer, throughput, and energy efficiency of device-to-device communications.
Energy Consumption Estimation Model for Complete Coverage of a Tetromino Inspired Reconfigurable Surface Tiling Robot
Authors: Manimuthu Arunmozhi , Le Anh Vu , Mohan Rajesh Elara , Veerajagadeshwar Prabahar , Huu Khanh Nhan Nguyen , Ping Cheng Ku
Published: June 2019

As autonomous tiling devices begin to perform floor cleaning, agriculture harvesting, surface painting tasks, with minimal or no human intervention, a new challenge arises: these devices also need to be energy efficient and be constantly aware of the energy expenditure during deployments. Typical approaches to this end are often limited to fixed morphology robots with little or no consideration for reconfiguring class of robots. The main contribution of the paper is an energy estimation scheme that allows estimating the energy consumption when a tetromino inspired reconfigurable floor tiling robot, hTetro moves from one configuration to another for completing the area covering task. To this end, the proposed model applying the Newton-Raphson algorithm in combination with Pulse width modulation (PWM)-H bridge to characterize the energy cost associated with locomotion gaits across all valid morphologies and identify optimal area coverage strategy among available options is presented. We validate our proposed approach using an 8’ × 8’ square testbed where there exist 12 possible solutions for complete area coverage however with varying levels of energy cost. Then, we implemented our approach to our hTetro platform and conducted experiments in a real-life environment. Experimental results demonstrate the application of our model in identifying the optimal area coverage strategy that has the least associated energy cost.
Thermal Transformation of Carbon and Oxygen-Containing Organic Compounds in Sewage Sludge During Pyrolysis Treatment
Authors: Hu Yanjun , Lu Yanjun , Ma Wenchao , Wang Linjie , Wibowo Haryo , Huang Zhicheng , Yu Fan
Published: June 2019

Organic carbon (C) and oxygen (O) contained in sewage sludge strongly impact its thermal behavior during pyrolysis treatment. This study was aimed at getting an insight into the decomposition mechanism of organic compounds containing C and O during sludge pyrolysis using thermo-gravimetric Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and helpfully improving energy conversion of sewage sludge. The temperature domains of transformation were determined and indications of the main compounds produced during each stage were obtained. Results showed that the volatile compounds that evolved after sludge pyrolysis were mainly distributed into six groups: alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols and carboxylic acids. Comparison in thermal behavior and composition of the evolved volatile compounds were observed. In the low temperature stage (<350 °C), compounds containing O–C=O accounted for the highest proportion in the evolved gas (55%). Over 350 °C, the production of C=C, –OH, and –C6H5 compounds gradually increased; but little was found of compounds containing O–C=O. Above 550 °C, as thermal chemical reaction involving oxygen-containing groups enhanced, compounds containing O–C=O and –OH tended to disappear, and an increasing amount of macromolecular polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon was formed. Finally, the thermal transformation pathways of the oxygen and carbon-containing compounds were proposed.
An Optimal Scheduling Method for Multi-Energy Hub Systems Using Game Theory
Authors: Huang Yu , Zhang Weiting , Yang Kai , Hou Weizhen , Huang Yiran
Published: June 2019

The optimal scheduling of multi-energy hub systems plays an important role in the safety, stability, and economic operation of the system. However, due to the strong uncertainty of renewable energy access, serious coupling, and the interaction among energy hubs of multi-energy hub systems, it is difficult for the traditional optimal scheduling method to solve these problems. Therefore, game theory was used to solve the optimal scheduling problem of multi-energy hub systems. According to the internal connection mode and energy conversion relationship of energy hubs, along with the competitive and cooperative relationship between multi-energy hubs, the game theoretic optimal scheduling model of the multi-energy hub system was established. Then, two cases and 50 groups of wind speed series were used to test the robustness of the proposed method. Simulation results show that the total power injection is −16,805.8, 104.1847, and −865.561 and the natural gas injection is 46,046.81, 27,727.65, and 63,039.54 in spring/autumn, summer, and winter, respectively, which is consistent with the characteristics of the four seasons. Furthermore, the optimal scheduling method using game theory has a strong robustness in multi-energy hub systems.
Primal-Dual Learning Based Risk-Averse Optimal Integrated Allocation of Hybrid Energy Generation Plants under Uncertainty
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Xia Xuhui , Yu Guodong
Published: June 2019

A groundswell of opinion in utilizing environmentally friendly energy technologies has been put forth worldwide. In this paper, we consider an energy generation plant distribution and allocation problem under uncertainty to get the utmost out of available developments, as well as to control costs and greenhouse emissions. Different clean and traditional energy technologies are considered in this paper. In particular, we present a risk-averse stochastic mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to minimize the total expected costs and control the risk of CO2 emissions exceeding a certain budget. We employ the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) model to represent risk preference and risk constraint of emissions. We prove that our risk-averse model can be equivalent to the traditional risk-neutral model under certain conditions. Moreover, we suggest that the risk-averse model can provide solutions generating less CO2 than traditional models. To handle the computational difficulty in uncertain scenarios, we propose a Lagrange primal-dual learning algorithm to solve the model. We show that the algorithm allows the probability distribution of uncertainty to be unknown, and that desirable approximation can be achieved by utilizing historical data. Finally, an experiment is presented to demonstrate the performance of our method. The risk-averse model encourages the expansion of clean energy plants over traditional models for the reduction CO2 emissions.
Sedentary Behaviour, Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction, Happiness and Perceived Health Status in University Students from 24 Countries
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: June 2019

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the independent and combined associations of sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in university students. In a cross-sectional survey, 12,492 university students (median age 20 years, interquartile range = 3) from 24 countries responded to a questionnaire on SB, PA and well-being indicators. In adjusted linear regression, higher SB (4 to <8 h and ≥8 h) was associated with poorer life satisfaction (β = −0.21, confidence interval (CI): −0.27 to −0.14) and lower happiness (β = −0.31, CI: −0.46 to −0.17), and higher SB (≥8 h) was associated with lower perceived health (β = −0.08, CI: −0.13 to 0.03). In addition, moderate and/or high PA increased the odds for higher life satisfaction (β = 0.10, CI: 0.04 to 0.16), greater happiness (β = 0.27, CI: 0.15 to 0.39) and better perceived health (β = 0.12, CI: 0.08 to 0.15). Programmes that reduce SB and increase PA may promote life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health status in this university student population.
Assessment of Personal Occupational Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in Libraries and Media Libraries, Using Calibrated On-Body Exposimeters
Authors: Massardier-Pilonchery Amelie , Nerrière Elena , Croidieu Sophie , Ndagijimana Fabien , Gaudaire François , Martinsons Christophe , Noé Nicolas , Hours Martine
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives: With the spread of Wifi networks, safety concerns have arisen, with complaints of somatic disorders, notably in traditional libraries and media libraries. The aim of the present study was to describe the conditions and levels of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields in the real-life occupational conditions of those working in traditional libraries and media libraries. Methods: Dynamic measurements, using an exposimeter, were taken in 20 radiofrequency bands from 88 to 5850 MHz. The activity of 28 library workers was analyzed on a space-time budget. An audit of exposure sources and static measurements enabled the work-places to be mapped. Results: In seven libraries, 78,858 samples were taken over the 20 radiofrequency bands from 88 to 5850 MHz. Exposure was described for 28 working days. The median total field was 0.071 V/m (10th percentile: 0.022 V/m, 90th percentile: 0.534 V/m) and for Wifi the median field was 0.005 V/m (10th percentile: 0.005 V/m, 90th percentile: 0.028 V/m). Median individual exposure to Wifi frequency waves ranged from 0.005 to 0.040 V/m. Conclusions: Overall, the occupational exposure in this sector was close to the exposure in the general population. Peaks were due to the use of walkie-talkies by security staff. Exposure due to external sources depended on geographic location. Exposure in this occupation is well below the general occupational exposure levels, notably as regards Wifi.
Advancing our Understanding of Heat Wave Criteria and Associated Health Impacts to Improve Heat Wave Alerts in Developing Country Settings
Authors: Nori-Sarma Amruta , Benmarhnia Tarik , Rajiva Ajit , Azhar Gulrez Shah , Gupta Prakash , Pednekar Mangesh S. , Bell Michelle L.
Published: June 2019

Health effects of heat waves with high baseline temperatures in areas such as India remain a critical research gap. In these regions, extreme temperatures may affect the underlying population’s adaptive capacity; heat wave alerts should be optimized to avoid continuous high alert status and enhance constrained resources, especially under a changing climate. Data from registrars and meteorological departments were collected for four communities in Northwestern India. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to obtain the relative risk of mortality and number of attributable deaths (i.e., absolute risk which incorporates the number of heat wave days) under a variety of heat wave definitions (n = 13) incorporating duration and intensity. Heat waves’ timing in season was also assessed for potential effect modification. Relative risk of heat waves (risk of mortality comparing heat wave days to matched non-heat wave days) varied by heat wave definition and ranged from 1.28 [95% Confidence Interval: 1.11–1.46] in Churu (utilizing the 95th percentile of temperature for at least two consecutive days) to 1.03 [95% CI: 0.87–1.23] in Idar and Himmatnagar (utilizing the 95th percentile of temperature for at least four consecutive days). The data trended towards a higher risk for heat waves later in the season. Some heat wave definitions displayed similar attributable mortalities despite differences in the number of identified heat wave days. These findings provide opportunities to assess the “efficiency” (or number of days versus potential attributable health impacts) associated with alternative heat wave definitions. Findings on both effect modification and trade-offs between number of days identified as “heat wave” versus health effects provide tools for policy makers to determine the most important criteria for defining thresholds to trigger heat wave alerts.
Leisure-Time Sedentary Behavior Is Associated with Psychological Distress and Substance Use among School-Going Adolescents in Five Southeast Asian Countries: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: June 2019

Sedentary behavior has been found to be associated with poorer mental health. The aim of this study was to estimate associations of sedentary behavior with psychological distress and substance use among adolescents in five Southeast Asian countries. The cross-sectional sample included 32,696 nationally representative samples of school-going adolescents (median age 14 years) from Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Leisure-time sedentary behavior, physical activity, psychological distress and substance use were assessed by self-report. Overall, the students engaged in <1 h (35.7%), 1–2 h (31.6%), 3–4 h (18.2%), 5–6 h (7.2%), and 7 or more hours (7.2%) of sedentary time a day. The prevalence of psychological distress was 14.6% single and 8.6% multiple psychological distress, and the prevalence of current tobacco use was 13.9% and current alcohol use 12.5%. In fully adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, compared to students who spent less than one hour a day engaged in sedentary leisure time, students who spent three or more hours engaged in leisure-time sedentary behavior were more likely to have single and multiple psychological distress. In fully adjusted logistic regression analysis, five or more hours of leisure-time sedentary behavior was associated with current tobacco use and one or more hours of leisure-time sedentary behavior with current alcohol use. Findings suggest an association of leisure-time sedentary behavior with psychological distress and with substance use in this adolescent population.
Adolescent Smoking in Secondary Schools that Have Implemented Smoke-Free Policies: In-Depth Exploration of Shared Smoking Patterns
Authors: Schreuders Michael , Klompmaker Loekie , van den Putte Bas , Kunst Anton
Published: June 2019

Large numbers of adolescents smoke during school hours, despite the implementation of smoke-free school policies (SFSPs). Studies about SFSPs predominantly analyse smoking as individual behaviour, yet there is increasing recognition that smoking should be understood as social behaviour. We explored shared smoking patterns specifying where, when, and with whom, and social meanings about why groups of adolescents smoke in two Dutch schools that have implemented SFSPs. Surveys among adolescents were held to obtain contextual information about the schools. Four focus group discussions and fourteen individual interviews were held with adolescents to identify shared smoking patterns in each school. Two shared patterns were identified at a school where 17% of students smoked daily: Dependent smoking and Rebellious smoking. Both built on pro-smoking norms and underscored the benefits of smoking. Three shared patterns were identified at a school where 3% of students smoked daily: Social bonding smoking, Low-profile smoking and Smoking-friendly event smoking. These built on anti-smoking norms and helped smokers cope with negative social judgements related to smoking. We conclude that adolescent smoking during school hours is embedded in diverse shared smoking patterns. Future studies should develop more understanding about how to deal with adolescents’ shared smoking patterns that decrease the effectiveness of tobacco policies.
The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018
Authors: Wong Kapo , Chan Alan H. S. , Ngan S. C.
Published: June 2019

There has been no subsequent meta-analysis examining the effects of long working hours on health or occupational health since 1997. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a meta-analysis covering studies after 1997 for a comparison. A total of 243 published records were extracted from electronic databases. The effects were measured by five conditions, namely, physiological health (PH), mental health (MH), health behaviours (HB), related health (RH), and nonspecified health (NH). The overall odds ratio between long working hours and occupational health was 1.245 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.195–1.298). The condition of related health constituted the highest odds ratio value (1.465, 95% CI: 1.332–1.611). The potential moderators were study method, cut-point for long weekly working hours, and country of origin. Long working hours were shown to adversely affect the occupational health of workers. The management on safeguarding the occupational health of workers working long hours should be reinforced.
Phytochemicals as Novel Therapeutic Strategies for NLRP3 Inflammasome-Related Neurological, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Pellegrini Carolina , Fornai Matteo , Antonioli Luca , Blandizzi Corrado , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: June 2019

Several lines of evidence point out the relevance of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome as a pivotal player in the pathophysiology of several neurological and psychiatric diseases (i.e., Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and major depressive disorder), metabolic disorders (i.e., obesity and type 2 diabetes) and chronic inflammatory diseases (i.e., intestinal inflammation, arthritis, and gout). Intensive research efforts are being made to achieve an integrated view about the pathophysiological role of NLRP3 inflammasome pathways in such disorders. Evidence is also emerging that the pharmacological modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by phytochemicals could represent a promising molecular target for the therapeutic management of neurological, psychiatric, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. The present review article has been intended to provide an integrated and critical overview of the available clinical and experimental evidence about the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of neurological, psychiatric, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases, including PD, AD, MS, depression, obesity, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and intestinal inflammation. Special attention has been paid to highlight and critically discuss current scientific evidence on the effects of phytochemicals on NLRP3 inflammasome pathways and their potential in counteracting central neuroinflammation, metabolic alterations, and immune/inflammatory responses in such diseases.
Genetic Analysis and Evolutionary Changes of the Torque teno sus Virus
Authors: Li Gairu , Zhang Wenyan , Wang Ruyi , Xing Gang , Wang Shilei , Ji Xiang , Wang Ningning , Su Shuo , Zhou Jiyong
Published: June 2019

The torque teno sus virus (TTSuV) is an emerging virus threating the Suidae species of unclear pathogenicity, although it was previously reported as a worsening factor of other porcine diseases, in particular, porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD). Here, a comprehensive codon usage analysis of the open reading frame 1 (ORF1), which encodes the viral capsid protein, was undertaken for the first time to reveal its evolutionary history. We revealed independent phylogenetic processes for the two genera during TTSuV evolution, which was confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). A low codon usage bias was observed in different genera and different species, with Kappatorquevirus a (TTSuVk2a) displaying the highest, which was mainly driven by mutation pressure and natural selection, especially natural selection. Overall, ATs were more abundant than GCs, along with more A-ended synonymous codons in relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis. To further confirm the role of natural selection and TTSuV adaptation to the Suidae species, codon adaptation index (CAI), relative codon deoptimization index (RCDI), and similarity index (SiD) analyses were performed, which showed different adaptations for different TTSuVs. Importantly, we identified a more dominant role of Sus scrofa in the evolution of Iotatorquevirus (TTSuV1), with the highest CAI values and lowest RCDI values compared to Sus scrofa domestica. However, in TTSuVk2, the roles of Sus scrofa and Sus scrofa domestica were the same, regarding codon usage, with similar CAI and RCDI values. Our study provides a new perspective of the evolution of TTSuV and valuable information to develop control measures against TTSuV.
The Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Punica granatum and a Comparison with Other Species in Lythraceae
Authors: Yan Ming , Zhao Xueqing , Zhou Jianqing , Huo Yan , Ding Yu , Yuan Zhaohe
Published: June 2019

Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are one of the most popular fruit trees cultivated in arid and semi-arid tropics and subtropics. In this study, we determined and characterized three complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of P. granatum cultivars with different phenotypes using the genome skimming approach. The complete cp genomes of three pomegranate cultivars displayed the typical quadripartite structure of angiosperms, and their length ranged from 156,638 to 156,639 bp. They encoded 113 unique genes and 17 are duplicated in the inverted regions. We analyzed the sequence diversity of pomegranate cp genomes coupled with two previous reports. The results showed that the sequence diversity is extremely low and no informative sites were detected, which suggests that cp genome sequences may be not be suitable for investigating the genetic diversity of pomegranate genotypes. Further, we analyzed the codon usage pattern and identified the potential RNA editing sites. A comparative cp genome analysis with other species within Lythraceae revealed that the gene content and organization are highly conserved. Based on a site-specific model, 11 genes with positively selected sites were detected, and most of them were photosynthesis-related genes and genetic system-related genes. Together with previously released cp genomes of the order Myrtales, we determined the taxonomic position of P. granatum based on the complete chloroplast genomes. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that P. granatum form a single clade with other species from Lythraceae with a high support value. The complete cp genomes provides valuable information for understanding the phylogenetic position of P. gramatum in the order Myrtales.
Exosomes-Associated DNA—New Marker in Pregnancy Complications?
Authors: Konečná Barbora , Tóthová Ľubomíra , Repiská Gabriela
Published: June 2019

Despite a large number of studies, the etiology of pregnancy complications remains unknown. The involvement of cell-free DNA or fetal cell-free DNA in the pathogenesis of pregnancy complications is currently being hypothesized. Cell-free DNA occurs in different forms—free; part of neutrophil extracellular traps; or as recently discovered, carried by extracellular vesicles. Cell-free DNA is believed to activate an inflammatory pathway, which could possibly cause pregnancy complications. It could be hypothesized that DNA in its free form could be easily degraded by nucleases to prevent the inflammatory activation. However, recently, there has been a growing interest in the role of exosomes, potential protectors of cell-free DNA, in pregnancy complications. Most of the interest from recent years is directed towards the micro RNA carried by exosomes. However, exosome-associated DNA in relation to pregnancy complications has not been truly studied yet. DNA, as an important cargo of exosomes, has been so far studied mostly in cancer research. This review collects all the known information on the topic of not only exosome-associated DNA but also some information on vesicles-associated DNA and the studies regarding the role of exosomes in pregnancy complications from recent years. It also suggests possible analysis of exosome-associated DNA in pregnancy from plasma and emphasizes the importance of such analysis for future investigations of pregnancy complications. A major obstacle to the advancement in this field is the proper uniformed technique for exosomes isolation. Similarly, the sensitivity of methods analyzing a small fraction of DNA, potentially fetal DNA, carried by exosomes is variable.
Optimal Resource Allocation to Reduce an Epidemic Spread and Its Complication
Authors: Di Giamberardino Paolo , Iacoviello Daniela
Published: June 2019

Mathematical modeling represents a useful instrument to describe epidemic spread and to propose useful control actions, such as vaccination scheduling, quarantine, informative campaign, and therapy, especially in the realistic hypothesis of resources limitations. Moreover, the same representation could efficiently describe different epidemic scenarios, involving, for example, computer viruses spreading in the network. In this paper, a new model describing an infectious disease and a possible complication is proposed; after deep-model analysis discussing the role of the reproduction number, an optimal control problem is formulated and solved to reduce the number of dead patients, minimizing the control effort. The results show the reasonability of the proposed model and the effectiveness of the control action, aiming at an efficient resource allocation; the model also describes the different reactions of a population with respect to an epidemic disease depending on the economic and social original conditions. The optimal control theory applied to the proposed new epidemic model provides a sensible reduction in the number of dead patients, also suggesting the suitable scheduling of the vaccination control. Future work will be devoted to the identification of the model parameters referring to specific epidemic disease and complications, also taking into account the geographic and social scenario.
Formulation of Antimicrobial Tobramycin Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles via Complexation with AOT
Authors: Hill Marcus , Cunningham Richard N. , Hathout Rania M. , Johnston Christopher , Hardy John G. , Migaud Marie E.
Published: June 2019

Tobramycin is a potent antimicrobial aminoglycoside and its effective delivery by encapsulation within nanoparticle carriers could increase its activity against infections through a combination of sustained release and enhanced uptake. Effective antimicrobial therapy against a clinically relevant model bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) requires sufficient levels of therapeutic drug to maintain a drug concentration above the microbial inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the bacteria. Previous studies have shown that loading of aminoglycoside drugs in poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-based delivery systems is generally poor due to weak interactions between the drug and the polymer. The formation of complexes of tobramycin with dioctylsulfosuccinate (AOT) allows the effective loading of the drug in PLGA-nanoparticles and such nanoparticles can effectively deliver the antimicrobial aminoglycoside with retention of tobramycin antibacterial function.
Modeling and Analysis of Single Point Incremental Forming Force with Static Pressure Support and Ultrasonic Vibration
Authors: Bai Lang , Li Yan , Yang Mingshun , Lin Yunbo , Yuan Qilong , Zhao Renfeng
Published: June 2019

In order to solve the problem of low accuracy caused by instability and springback during the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process, static pressure support (SPS) and ultrasonic vibration (UV) are introduced into the technology for auxiliary forming. In order to qualitatively and quantitatively study the mechanism of static pressure support–ultrasonic vibration-single point incremental forming (SPS-UV-SPIF) force, a typical truncated cone is used as the research object. The working principle and motion rules of the technology are analyzed. The sheet micro-element of the sidewall area is taken as an analysis object. The spatial stress balance equation of the sheet is constructed. The various stresses are integrated and calculated. The forces in each area of the sheet are analyzed and modeled. Finally, an analytical model for SPS-UV-SPIF force is established. The influence law of the static pressure parameter and the vibration parameter on the forming force is obtained. The corresponding SPS system and UV system are designed. The Kistler forming force test system is built. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis results, which verifies the correctness of the analytical model.
Thermal Performance of Novel Multilayer Cool Coatings for Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Chen Yujing , Hu Kui , Cao Shihao
Published: June 2019

Cool coatings are typically used to address high-temperature problems with asphalt pavements, such as rutting. However, research on the effect of the coating structure on the cooling performance remains a major challenge. In this paper, we used a three-layer cool coating (TLCC) to experimentally investigate the effects of the reflective layer, the emissive layer, and the thermal insulation layer on the cooling effect using a self-developed cooling effect evaluation device (CEED). Based on the test results, we further established temperature fields inside uncoated and coated samples, which were used to study how the TLCC affects the inner temperature field. Our results showed that the reflective layer was the main parameter influencing the cooling effect (8.18 °C), while the other two layers were secondary factors that further improved the cooling effect to 13.25 °C. A comparison of the temperature fields showed that the TLCC could effectively change the internal temperature field compared with the uncoated sample, for example, by reducing the maximum temperature inside, whose corresponding position was also deeper. As the depth increased, the cooling effect of the TLCC first increased and then decreased slowly. The results emphasize the importance of considering the effect of the coating structure on the cooling performance. This study provides a reference for effectively alleviating high-temperature distresses on asphalt pavement, which is conducive to the sustainable development of pavements.
Investigation of Electroplastic Effect on Four Grades of Duplex Stainless Steels
Authors: Gennari Claudio , Pezzato Luca , Simonetto Enrico , Gobbo Renato , Forzan Michele , Calliari Irene
Published: June 2019

Since the late 1950s, an effect of electrical current in addition to joule heating on the deformation of metals called the Electroplastic Effect (EPE) has been known. It is used nowadays in the so-called Electrically Assisted Forming (EAF) processes, but the understanding of the phenomenon is not very clear yet. It has been found that EPE increases the formability of high stacking fault energy (SFE) materials, while low SFE materials reach fracture prematurely. Since Duplex Stainless Steels (DSSs) possess a microstructure consisting of two phases with very different SFE (low SFE austenite and high SFE ferrite) and they are widely used in industry, we investigated EPE on those alloys. Tensile tests at 5 A/mm2, 10 A/mm2 and 15 A/mm2 current densities along with thermal counterparts were conducted on UNS S32101, UNS S32205, UNS S32304 and UNS S32750. The DSS grades were characterized by means of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and their mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, total elongation, uniform elongation and yield stress). An increase in uniform elongation for the electrical tests compared to the thermal counterparts as well as an increase in total elongation was found. No differences were observed on the yield stress and on the ultimate tensile strength. Un uneven distribution of the current because of the different resistivity and work hardening of the two phases has been hypothesized as the explanation for the positive effect of EPE.
Triterpenoids in Echinoderms: Fundamental Differences in Diversity and Biosynthetic Pathways
Authors: Claereboudt Emily J. S. , Caulier Guillaume , Decroo Corentin , Colson Emmanuel , Gerbaux Pascal , Claereboudt Michel R. , Schaller Hubert , Flammang Patrick , Deleu Magali , Eeckhaut Igor
Published: June 2019

Echinoderms form a remarkable phylum of marine invertebrates that present specific chemical signatures unique in the animal kingdom. It is particularly the case for essential triterpenoids that evolved separately in each of the five echinoderm classes. Indeed, while most animals have Δ5-sterols, sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) and sea stars (Asteroidea) also possess Δ7 and Δ9(11)-sterols, a characteristic not shared with brittle stars (Ophiuroidea), sea urchins (Echinoidea), and crinoids (Crinoidea). These particular Δ7 and Δ9(11) sterols emerged as a self-protection against membranolytic saponins that only sea cucumbers and sea stars produce as a defense mechanism. The diversity of saponins is large; several hundred molecules have been described in the two classes of these saponins (i.e., triterpenoid or steroid saponins). This review aims to highlight the diversity of triterpenoids in echinoderms by focusing on sterols and triterpenoid glycosides, but more importantly to provide an updated view of the biosynthesis of these molecules in echinoderms.