bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Qualification of the Process of Electrostatic Spray Deposition
Authors: Kang Dongwoo , Kim Junwoo , Kim Inyoung , Choi Kyung-Hyun , Lee Taik-Min
Published: April 2019

The electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) is a method of coating thin films based on electrostatic atomization. This paper proposes a method of quantifying the transport of droplets using images of spray patterns measured by the vision system during the ESD process, and verifies by experiment the correlation between the quantified parameters for the dispersion shape of the spray and the thickness of the deposited thin film. When using the proposed method, the ESD process can be optimized simply by monitoring variations of the spray shapes caused by the process conditions. In addition, the proposed method can be applicable to the in-line monitoring method of the variation in the transport of droplets during the ESD process.
A Method for Diagnosing Gearboxes of Means of Transport Using Multi-Stage Filtering and Entropy
Authors: Figlus Tomasz
Published: April 2019

The paper presents a method of processing vibration signals which was designed to detect damage to wheels of gearboxes for means of transport. This method uses entropy calculation, and multi-stage filtering calculated by means of digital filters and the Walsh–Hadamard transform to process signals. The presented method enables the extraction of vibration symptoms, which are symptoms of gear damage, from a complex vibration signal of a gearbox. The combination of multi-stage filtering and entropy enables the elimination of fast-changing vibration impulses, which interfere with the damage diagnosis process, and make it possible to obtain a synthetic signal that provides information about the state of the gearing. The paper demonstrates the usefulness of the developed method in the diagnosis of a gearbox in which two types of gearing damage were simulated: tooth chipping and damage to the working surface of the teeth. The research shows that the application of the proposed method of vibration of signal processing enables observation of the qualitative and quantitative changes in the entropy signal after denoising, which are unambiguous symptoms of the diagnosed damage.
How the Choice of Distance Measure Influences the Detection of Prior-Data Conflict
Authors: Lek Kimberley , Van De Schoot Rens
Published: April 2019

The present paper contrasts two related criteria for the evaluation of prior-data conflict: the Data Agreement Criterion (DAC; Bousquet, 2008) and the criterion of Nott et al. (2016). One aspect that these criteria have in common is that they depend on a distance measure, of which dozens are available, but so far, only the Kullback-Leibler has been used. We describe and compare both criteria to determine whether a different choice of distance measure might impact the results. By means of a simulation study, we investigate how the choice of a specific distance measure influences the detection of prior-data conflict. The DAC seems more susceptible to the choice of distance measure, while the criterion of Nott et al. seems to lead to reasonably comparable conclusions of prior-data conflict, regardless of the distance measure choice. We conclude with some practical suggestions for the user of the DAC and the criterion of Nott et al.
An Improved Hierarchical WLAN Positioning Method Based on Apriori Knowledge
Authors: Fang Kwo-Ting , Lee Cheng-Tao , Sun Li-min
Published: April 2019

The hierarchical-based structure is recognized as a favorable structure for wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning. It is comprised of two positioning phases: the coarse localization phase and the fine localization phase. In the coarse localization phase, the users’ positions are firstly narrowed down to smaller regions or clusters. Then, a fingerprint matching algorithm is adopted to estimate the users’ positions within the clusters during the fine localization phase. Currently the clustering strategies in the coarse localization phase can be divided into received signal strength (RSS) clustering and 3D clustering. And the commonly seen positioning algorithms in the fine localization phase include k nearest neighbors (kNN), kernel based and compressive sensing-based. This paper proposed an improved WLAN positioning method using the combination: 3D clustering for the coarse localization phase and the compressive sensing-based fine localization. The method have three favorable features: (1) By using the previously estimated positions to define the sub-reference fingerprinting map (RFM) in the first coarse localization phase, the method can adopt the prior information that the users’ positions are continuous during walking to improve positioning accuracy. (2) The compressive sensing theory is adopted in the fine localization phase, where the positioning problem is transformed to a signal reconstruction problem. This again can improve the positioning accuracy. (3) The second coarse localization phase is added to avoid the global fingerprint matching in traditional 3D clustering-based methods when the stuck-in-small-area problem is encountered, thus, sufficiently lowered the maximum positioning latency. The proposed improved hierarchical WLAN positioning method is compared with two traditional methods during the experiments section. The resulting positioning accuracy and positioning latency have shown that the performance of the proposed method has better performance in both aspects.
Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making for Assessing the Enhanced Geothermal Systems
Authors: Raos Sara , Ilak Perica , Rajšl Ivan , Bilić Tena , Trullenque Ghislain
Published: April 2019

This paper presents the main features of a multiple-criteria decision-making tool for economic and environmental assessment of enhanced geothermal systems projects. The presented holistic approach takes into account important influencing factors such as technical specifications, geological characteristics, spatial data, energy and heat prices, and social and environmental impact. The multiple-criteria decision-making approach uses a weighted decision matrix for evaluating different enhanced geothermal systems alternatives based on a set of criterions which are defined and presented in this paper. The paper, defines and quantifies new criterions for assessing enhanced geothermal systems for a particular site. For evaluation of the relative importance of each criterion in decision making, the weight is associated with each of the listed criterions. The different scenarios of end-use applications are tested in the case study. Finally, in the case study, the data and statistics are collected from real geothermal plants. The case study provides results for several scenarios and the sensitivity analysis based on which the approach is validated. The proposed method is expected to be of great interest to investors and decision makers as it enables better risk mitigation.
Optimal Re-Dispatching of Cascaded Hydropower Plants Using Quadratic Programming and Chance-Constrained Programming
Authors: Fekete Krešimir , Nikolovski Srete , Klaić Zvonimir , Androjić Ana
Published: April 2019

Stochastic production from wind power plants imposes additional uncertainty in power system operation. It can cause problems in load and generation balancing in the power system and can also cause congestion in the transmission network. This paper deals with the problems of congestion in the transmission network, which are caused by the production of wind power plants. An optimization model for corrective congestion management is developed. Congestions are relieved by re-dispatching several cascaded hydropower plants. Optimization methodology covers the optimization period of one day divided into the 24 segments for each hour. The developed optimization methodology consists of two optimization stages. The objective of the first optimization stage is to obtain an optimal day-ahead dispatch plan of the hydropower plants that maximizes profit from selling energy to the day-ahead electricity market. If such a dispatch plan, together with the wind power plant production, causes congestion in the transmission network, the second optimization stage is started. The objective of the second optimization stage is the minimization of the re-dispatching of cascaded hydropower plants in order to avoid possible congestion. The concept of chance-constrained programming is used in order to consider uncertain wind power production. The first optimization stage is defined as a mixed-integer linear programming problem and the second optimization stage is defined as a quadratic programming (QP) problem, in combination with chance-constrained programming. The developed optimization model is tested and verified using the model of a real-life power system.
Target Setting Outlook for New Residential Building Energy Efficiency Promotion in China: A Frontline Perspective Using Delphi
Authors: Li Yinan , Zhu Neng , Qin Beibei
Published: April 2019

Promoting energy efficiency (EE) requirements for new residential buildings has been proven to be an effective way to slow down the rapid increase of energy consumption. Its successful implementation relies significantly on the attitudes and participation of various stakeholders within the industry, yet they are normally taken for granted. This paper explores and reports both the consensus among and the diversity of the attitudes of frontline stakeholders toward future EE requirements in the new residential building sector via a nationwide Delphi questionnaire distributed to 29 institutes and 25 experts. Results indicate that promotion of approximately 30% EE every five years until 2030 is suggested and that 20% EE promotion every five years is the most likely to be achieved. In addition, China should progressively adopt the energy intensity index into the current building EE evaluation system. This paper also gives a detailed description of opinions from frontline stakeholders. The findings are expected to help researchers and policymakers better understand the true attitudes of stakeholders, thereby enabling the formation of a proper outlook for new residential building EE promotion.
Patchy Fires Promote Regeneration of Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) in Pine Savannas
Authors: Robertson Kevin M. , Platt William J. , Faires Charles E.
Published: April 2019

Research Highlights: Spatial patterns of fire spread and severity influence survival of juvenile pines in longleaf pine savannas. Small areas that do not burn during frequent fires facilitate formation of patches of even-aged longleaf pine juveniles. These regeneration patches are especially associated with inner portions of openings (gaps) and where canopy trees have died in recent decades. Patterns of prescribed fire can thus have an important influence on stand dynamics of the dominant tree in pine savannas. Background and Objectives: Savannas are characterized by bottlenecks to tree regeneration. In pine savannas, longleaf pine is noted for recruitment in discrete clusters located within gaps away from canopy trees. Various mechanisms promoting this pattern have been hypothesized: light limitations, soil moisture, soil nutrients, pine needle mulching, competition with canopy tree roots, and fire severity associated with pine needle litter. We tested the hypothesis that regeneration patches are associated with areas that remain unburned during some prescribed fires, as mediated by gaps in the canopy, especially inner portions of gaps, and areas re-opened by death of canopy trees. Materials and Methods: We mapped areas that were unburned during prescribed fires applied at 1–2 year intervals from 2005–2018 in an old-growth pine savanna in Georgia, USA. We compared the maps to locations of longleaf pine juveniles (<1.5 m height) measured in 2018 and canopy cover and canopy tree deaths using a long-term (40 year) tree census. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed juveniles to be associated with unburned areas, gaps, inner gaps, and areas where canopy trees died. Conclusions: Patterns of fire spread and severity limit survival of longleaf pine juveniles to patches away from canopy trees, especially where canopy trees have died in recent decades. These processes contribute to a buffering mechanism that maintains the savanna structure and prevents transition to closed canopy forest or open grassland communities.
Inorganic Nitrogen Addition Affects Soil Respiration and Belowground Organic Carbon Fraction for a Pinus tabuliformis Forest
Authors: Zhang Huan , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Zhiyong , Zhang Yueying
Published: April 2019

The capability of forest ecosystems to sequester carbon from the atmosphere largely depends on the interaction of soil organic matter and nitrogen, and thus, this process will be greatly influenced by nitrogen deposition under the future scenario of global change. To clarify this interaction, the current study explored the variations in soil carbon fraction and soil respiration with different levels of nitrogen deposition. NH4NO3 was added at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg N ha−1 year−1 separately on twenty 100 m2 plots in a Pinus tabuliformis Carr forest in northern China. Soil samples were analyzed for their nutrient content and biophysical properties two years after nitrogen application, and the soil respiration rate was measured every month during the study period. Seasonal variation and nitrogen addition significantly affected soil respiration rate. On average, nitrogen addition significantly reduced the annual soil respiration rate by 23.74%. Fine root biomass significantly decreased by an average of 43.55% in nitrogen treatment plots compared to the control plot. However, the average proportions of autumn and winter soil respiration rates out of the annual cumulative soil respiration rate greatly increased from 23.57% and 11.04% to 25.90% and 12.18%, respectively. The soil microbial biomass carbon content in the control plot was 342.39 mg kg−1, 23.50% higher than the average value in nitrogen treatment plots. The soil dissolved organic carbon was reduced by 22.60%, on average, following nitrogen addition. Significant correlations were detected between fine root biomass and the annual cumulative soil respiration rate, soil microbial biomass carbon content, and soil dissolved organic carbon content. This demonstrates that nitrogen addition affects soil organic carbon transformation and carbon emission, mainly by depressing fine root production.
Effect of Drought and Topographic Position on Depth of Soil Water Extraction of Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litv. Trees in a Semiarid Sandy Region, Northeast China
Authors: Song Lining , Zhu Jiaojun , Zhang Jinxin , Zhang Ting , Wang Kai , Wang Guochen , Liu Jianhua
Published: April 2019

Drought and topographic position are the most important factors influencing tree growth and survival in semiarid sandy regions of Northeast China. However, little is known about how trees respond to drought in combination with topographic position by modifying the depth of soil water extraction. Therefore, we identified water sources for 33-year-old Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris L. var. mongolica Litv.) trees growing at the top and bottom of sand dunes by comparing stable isotopes δ2H and δ18O in twig xylem water, soil water at various depths and groundwater during dry and wet periods. Needle carbon isotope composition (δ13C) was simultaneously measured to assess water use efficiency. Results showed that when soil moisture was low during the dry period, trees at the top used 40–300 cm soil water while trees at the bottom utilized both 40–300 cm soil water and possibly groundwater. Nevertheless, when soil moisture at 0–100 cm depth was higher during the wet period, it was the dominant water sources for trees at both the top and bottom. Moreover, needle δ13C in the dry period were significantly higher than those in the wet period. These findings suggested that trees at both the top and bottom adjust water uptake towards deeper water sources and improve their water use efficiency under drought condition. Additionally, during the dry period, trees at the top used shallower water sources compared with trees at the bottom, in combination with significantly higher needle δ13C, indicating that trees at the bottom applied a relatively more prodigal use of water by taking up deeper water (possibly groundwater) during drought conditions. Therefore, Mongolian pine trees at the top were more susceptible to suffer dieback under extreme dry years because of shallower soil water uptake and increased water restrictions. Nevertheless, a sharp decline in the groundwater level under extreme dry years had a strong negative impact on the growth and survival of Mongolian pine trees at the bottom due to their utilization of deeper water sources (possibly groundwater).
Computational Social Science of Disasters: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Burger Annetta , Oz Talha , Kennedy William G. , Crooks Andrew T.
Published: April 2019

Disaster events and their economic impacts are trending, and climate projection studies suggest that the risks of disaster will continue to increase in the near future. Despite the broad and increasing social effects of these events, the empirical basis of disaster research is often weak, partially due to the natural paucity of observed data. At the same time, some of the early research regarding social responses to disasters have become outdated as social, cultural, and political norms have changed. The digital revolution, the open data trend, and the advancements in data science provide new opportunities for social science disaster research. We introduce the term computational social science of disasters (CSSD), which can be formally defined as the systematic study of the social behavioral dynamics of disasters utilizing computational methods. In this paper, we discuss and showcase the opportunities and the challenges in this new approach to disaster research. Following a brief review of the fields that relate to CSSD, namely traditional social sciences of disasters, computational social science, and crisis informatics, we examine how advances in Internet technologies offer a new lens through which to study disasters. By identifying gaps in the literature, we show how this new field could address ways to advance our understanding of the social and behavioral aspects of disasters in a digitally connected world. In doing so, our goal is to bridge the gap between data science and the social sciences of disasters in rapidly changing environments.
Analysis of the Structure and Use of Digital Resources on the Websites of the Main Football Clubs in Europe
Authors: Tejedor Santiago , Cervi Laura , Gordon Gerard
Published: April 2019

Football clubs can be considered global brands, and exactly as any other brand, they need to face the challenge of adapting to digital communications. Nevertheless, communication sciences research in this field is scarce, so the main purpose of this work is to analyze digital communication of the main football clubs in Europe to identify and describe what strategies they follow to make themselves known on the internet and to interact with their users. Specifically, the article studies the characteristics of web pages—considered as the main showcase of a brand/team in the digital environment—of the fifteen best teams in the UEFA ranking to establish what type of structure and what online communication resources they use. Through a descriptive and comparative analysis, the study concludes, among other aspects, that the management of communication is effective, but also warns that none of the analyzed team takes full advantage of the possibilities of interaction with the user offered by the digital scenario.
Hair of the Dog: Identification of a Cis-Regulatory Module Predicted to Influence Canine Coat Composition
Authors: Whitaker D. Thad , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: April 2019

Each domestic dog breed is characterized by a strict set of physical and behavioral characteristics by which breed members are judged and rewarded in conformation shows. One defining feature of particular interest is the coat, which is comprised of either a double- or single-layer of hair. The top coat contains coarse guard hairs and a softer undercoat, similar to that observed in wolves and assumed to be the ancestral state. The undercoat is absent in single-coated breeds which is assumed to be the derived state. We leveraged single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and whole genome sequence (WGS) data to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS), identifying a locus on chromosome (CFA) 28 which is strongly associated with coat number. Using WGS data, we identified a locus of 18.4 kilobases containing 62 significant variants within the intron of a long noncoding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) upstream of ADRB1. Multiple lines of evidence highlight the locus as a potential cis-regulatory module. Specifically, two variants are found at high frequency in single-coated dogs and are rare in wolves, and both are predicted to affect transcription factor (TF) binding. This report is among the first to exploit WGS data for both GWAS and variant mapping to identify a breed-defining trait.
Eocene Origin of Owens Valley, California
Authors: Sousa Francis J.
Published: April 2019

Bedrock (U-Th)/He data reveal an Eocene exhumation difference greater than four kilometers athwart Owens Valley, California near the Alabama Hills. This difference is localized at the eastern fault-bound edge of the valley between the Owens Valley Fault and the Inyo-White Mountains Fault. Time-temperature modeling of published data reveal a major phase of tectonic activity from 55 to 50 Ma that was of a magnitude equivalent to the total modern bedrock relief of Owens Valley. Exhumation was likely accommodated by one or both of the Owens Valley and Inyo-White Mountains faults, requiring an Eocene structural origin of Owens Valley 30 to 40 million years earlier than previously estimated. This analysis highlights the importance of constraining the initial and boundary conditions of geologic models and exemplifies that this task becomes increasingly difficult deeper in geologic time.
Social Media-Based Health Management Systems and Sustained Health Engagement: TPB Perspective
Authors: Gu Dongxiao , Guo Jingjing , Liang Changyong , Lu Wenxing , Zhao Shuping , Liu Bing , Long Tianyue
Published: April 2019

Background: With the popularity of mobile Internet and social networks, an increasing number of social media-based health management systems (SocialHMS) have emerged in recent years. These social media-based systems have been widely used in registration, payment, decision-making, chronic diseases management, health information and medical expenses inquiry, etc., and they greatly facilitate the convenience for people to obtain health services. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing sustained health engagement of SocialHMS by combining the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with the big-five theory and the trust theory. Method: We completed an empirical analysis based on the 494 pieces of data collected from Anhui Medical University first affiliated hospital (AMU) in East China through structural equation modeling and SmartPLS (statistical analysis software). Results: Openness to new experience has a significantly positive influence on attitude (path coefficient = 0.671, t = 24.0571, R2 = 0.451), perceived behavioral control (path coefficient = 0.752, t = 32.2893, R2 = 0.565), and perceived risk (path coefficient = 0.651, t = 18.5940, R2 = 0.424), respectively. Attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, and trust have a significantly positive influence on sustained health engagement (path coefficients = 0.206, 0.305, 0.197, 0.183 respectively, t = 3.6684, 4.9158, 4.3414, and 3.3715, respectively). The explained variance of the above factors to the sustained health engagement of SocialHMS is 60.7% (R2 = 0.607). Perceived risk has a significantly negative influence on trust (path coefficient = 0.825, t = 46.9598, R2 = 0.681). Conclusions: Attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, and trust are the determinants that affect sustained health engagement. The users’ personality trait of openness to new experience and perceived risk were also found to be important factors for sustained health engagement. For hospital managers, there is the possibility to take appropriate measures based on users’ personality to further enhance the implementation and utilization of SocialHMS. As for system suppliers, they can provide the optimal design for SocialHMS so as to meet users’ needs.
The Association of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections and Sleep Duration in Preschool Children—Study Protocol
Authors: Ostrzyżek-Przeździecka Katarzyna , Smeding Cynthia , Bronikowski Michał , Panczyk Mariusz , Feleszko Wojciech
Published: April 2019

Currently, there is no consensus regarding the benefits of physical activity in terms of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) among different age groups of children. The number of school students avoiding physical education is on the rise. Children of all ages spend more time on sedentary behavior, eat less nutritious food and spend less time sleeping. All of these concomitant aspects adversely affect the immune system. A coexisting problem of a growing society is a large number of URTIs which is the main reason for general practitioner intervention. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between the frequency of respiratory tract infections and the level of physical exercise in a cohort of pre-school children. This will be a cross-sectional, short-term study conducted on a single study population. We aim to recruit four-, to seven-year-old children who will be receiving activity monitoring devices for 24 h a day for 40 days. Daily step count, mean intensity of physical exercise and sleep duration will be measured. Simultaneously, their parents will receive a series of 60 questionnaires, one questionnaire per day, for the daily assessment of upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms. Our study conducted on a cohort of healthy pre-school children using uniform tools, aims to scientifically establish and quantify the relationship between physical activity and health outcomes over a specified period of time.
Social Integration, Social Support, and All-Cause, Cardiovascular Disease and Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tan Jinke , Wang Yafeng
Published: April 2019

Social relationships are associated with all-cause mortality. Substantial uncertainties remain, however, for the associations of social relationships with mortality from subtypes of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and major non-vascular diseases. This prospective cohort study estimated mortality risks according to social support and social integration utilizing a nationally representative sample of 29,179 adults ages 18 years and older. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed. Social integration, but not social support was associated with all-cause mortality risk. For CVD mortality, social integration predicted a 33% lower risk (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.53–0.86). The results were similar in magnitude for heart disease mortality. Participants with the highest social integration level had a 53%, 30%, and 47% decreased mortality risk of diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic lower respiratory diseases (CLRD) than those with the lowest level. These social integration associations were linear and consistent across baseline age, sex and socioeconomic status. We did not observe an association of social integration with the risk of cancer mortality. Our findings support the linear association of social integration but not social support with mortality from a range of major chronic diseases in the US adult population, independent of socioeconomic status (SES), behavioral risk factors, and health status.
Mosquito Acetylcholinesterase as a Target for Novel Phenyl-Substituted Carbamates
Authors: Mutunga James M. , Ma Ming , Chen Qiao-Hong , Hartsel Joshua A. , Wong Dawn M. , Ding Sha , Totrov Max , Carlier Paul R. , Bloomquist Jeffrey R.
Published: April 2019

New insecticides are needed for control of disease-vectoring mosquitoes and this research evaluates the activity of new carbamate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Biochemical and toxicological characterization of carbamates based on the parent structure of terbam, 3-tert-butylphenyl methylcarbamate, was performed. In vitro enzyme inhibition selectivity (Anopheles gambiae versus human) was assessed by the Ellman assay, as well as the lethality to whole insects by the World Health Organization (WHO) paper contact assay. Bromination at the phenyl C6 position increased inhibitory potency to both AChEs, whereas a 6-iodo substituent led to loss of potency, and both halogenations caused a significant reduction of mosquitocidal activity. Similarly, installation of a hexyl substituent at C6 drastically reduced inhibition of AgAChE, but showed a smaller reduction in the inhibition of hAChE. A series of 4-carboxamido analogs of the parent compound gave reduced activity against AgAChE and generally showed more activity against hAChE than AgAChE. Replacement of the 3-t-buyl group with CF3 resulted in poor anticholinesterase activity, but this compound did have measurable mosquitocidal activity. A series of methyl- and fluoro- analogs of 3-trialkylsilyl compounds were also synthesized, but unfortunately resulted in disappointing activity. Finally, a series of sulfenylated proinsecticides showed poor paper contact toxicity, but one of them had topical activity against adult female Anopheles gambiae. Overall, the analogs prepared here contributed to a better understanding of carbamate structure–activity relationships (SAR), but no new significant leads were generated.
Health Inequality between Migrant and Non-Migrant Workers in an Industrial Zone of Vietnam
Authors: Pham Kiet Tuan Huy , Nguyen Long Hoang , Vuong Quan-Hoang , Ho Manh-Tung , Vuong Thu-Trang , Nguyen Hong-Kong T. , Vu Giang Thu , Nguyen Huong Lan Thi , Tran Bach Xuan , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Ho Roger C. M.
Published: April 2019

Vietnam has experienced massive internal migration waves from rural to industrialized zones. However, little efforts have been made to understand differences in health conditions and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between local and migrant industrial workers. This study aimed to examine the inequality in health status and HRQOL between these workers. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 289 Vietnamese workers at three industrial areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh. Self-reported health status and HRQOL were measured using the EuroQOL-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Sociodemographic, working, and environmental factors were also investigated. Overall, the mean EQ-5D index was 0.74 (SD = 0.21) and the average number of health problems in the last 12 months in our sample was 1.91 (SD = 1.63) problems. Migrant people had a lower EQ-5D index (β = −0.08, p < 0.01) and more health problems (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) compared to local workers. Those being male, working in the same posture more than 60 min, and exposed to more hazards at work were correlated with a lower EQ-5D index and higher number of health problems. The results highlighted inequalities in health status and HRQOL between migrant and local workers. Reinforcing regular health check-ups, ensuring sufficient protective equipment and working conditions may help improve the health outcomes of the workers.
Development and Validation of a Physical Activity Educational Module for Overweight and Obese Adolescents: CERGAS Programme
Authors: Lau Xiao Chuan , Wong Yaw Loong , Wong Jyh Eiin , Koh Denise , Sedek Razalee , Jamil Ahmad Taufik , Ng Alvin Lai Oon , Hazizi Abu Saad , Ruzita Abd. Talib , Poh Bee Koon
Published: April 2019

Educational modules can be effective in educating and motivating adolescents to participate in physical activity (PA). This paper describes the development and validation of a PA educational module for use in an obesity intervention programme, CEria Respek Gigih Aktif Sihat (CERGAS). The present study was conducted in three phases: Phase I was composed of needs assessments with four focus group discussions to elicit adolescents’ opinions regarding module content and design, Phase II was the development of the PA module, while Phase III was content and face validation. A content validity index (CVI) was used to assess content validity quantitatively, with a CVI of more than 0.79 being considered appropriate. The needs assessments indicated that content of interest to adolescents included: the benefits of exercise; exercise techniques; ways to increase PA and how to stay motivated. Attractive graphic design was determined as a way to draw the adolescents’ attention. The module covered five topics: “Let’s Be Active”; “Exercise and Fitness”; “Staying Safe during Exercise and Physical Activity”; “Planning for Success” and “How to Overcome Sedentariness and Get Moving”. The module was found to have good content validity (mean CVI = 0.85). Expert members made suggestions to improve the module. These suggestions were then accepted, and the module was modified accordingly. We concluded that the module has good content validity and can be used to improve PA knowledge amongst CERGAS participants.
Global Heat Wave Hazard Considering Humidity Effects during the 21st Century
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Ning , Liu Jiawei , Zhang Zhengtao , Liu Yuan
Published: April 2019

Humidity is a significant factor contributing to heat stress, but without enough consideration in studies of quantifying heat hazard or heat risk assessment. Here, the simplified wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) considering joint effects of temperature and humidity was utilized as a heat index and the number of annual total heat wave days (HWDs) was employed to quantify heat hazard. In order to evaluate the humidity effects on heat waves, we quantified the difference in the number of HWDs over global land based on air temperature and WBGT. Spatial and temporal changes in surface air temperature, relative humidity, WBGT, and the difference in HWDs were analyzed using multi-model simulations for the reference period (1986–2005) and different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Our analysis suggests that annual mean WBGT has been increasing since 1986, which is consistent with the rising trend in surface air temperature despite a slight decrease in relative humidity. Additionally, changes in annual mean WBGT are smaller and more spatially uniform than those in annual mean air temperature as a cancelation effect between temperature and water vapor. Results show that there is an underestimation of around 40–140 days in the number of HWDs per year in most regions within 15° latitude of the equator (the humid and warm tropics) during 2076–2095 without considering humidity effects. However, the estimation of HWDs has limited distinction between using WBGT and temperature alone in arid or cold regions.
Deforestation Increases the Risk of Scrub Typhus in Korea
Authors: Min Kyung-Duk , Lee Ju-Yeun , So Yeonghwa , Cho Sung-il
Published: April 2019

Background: Scrub typhus is an important public health issue in Korea. Risk factors for scrub typhus include both individual-level factors and environmental drivers, and some are related to the increased density of vector mites and rodents, the natural hosts of the mites. In this regard, deforestation is a potential risk factor, because the deforestation-induced secondary growth of scrub vegetation may increase the densities of mites and rodents. To examine this hypothesis, this study investigated the association between scrub typhus and deforestation. Methods: We acquired district-level data for 2006–2017, including the number of cases of scrub typhus reported annually, deforestation level, and other covariates. Deforestation was assessed using preprocessed remote-sensing satellite data. Bayesian regression models, including Poisson, negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson, and zero-inflated negative binomial models, were examined, and spatial autocorrelation was considered in hierarchical models. A sensitivity analysis was conducted using different accumulation periods for the deforestation level to examine the robustness of the association. Results: The final models showed a significant association between deforestation and the incidence of scrub typhus (relative risk = 1.20, 95% credible interval = 1.15–1.24). The sensitivity analysis gave consistent results, and a potential long-term effect of deforestation for up to 5 years was shown. Conclusion: The results support the potential public health benefits of forest conservation by suppressing the risk of scrub typhus, implying the need for strong engagement of public health sectors in conservation issues from a One Health perspective.
β-Catenin/Smad3 Interaction Regulates Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Lens
Authors: Taiyab Aftab , Holms Julie , West-Mays Judith A.
Published: April 2019

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although surgery is a successful method to restore vision loss due to cataracts, post-surgical complications can occur, such as secondary cataracts, also known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO arises when lens epithelial cells (LEC) are left behind in the capsular bag following surgery and are induced to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Following EMT, LEC morphology and phenotype are altered leading to a loss of transparency and vision. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced signaling through both canonical, TGF-β/Smad, and non-canonical, β-catenin/Wnt and Rho/ROCK/MRTF-A, pathways have been shown to be involved in lens EMT, and thus PCO. However, the interactions between these signaling pathways in the lens have not been thoroughly explored. In the current study we use rat LEC explants as an ex vivo model, to examine the interplay between three TGF-β-mediated pathways using α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as a molecular marker for EMT. We show that Smad3 inhibition via SIS3 prevents nuclear translocation of β-catenin and MRTF-A, and α-SMA expression, suggesting a key role of Smad3 in regulation of MRTF-A and β-catenin nuclear transport in LECs. Further, we demonstrate that inhibition of β-catenin/CBP interaction by ICG-001 decreased the amount of phosphorylated Smad3 upon TGF-β stimulation in addition to significantly decreasing the expression levels of TGF-β receptors, TBRII and TBRI. Overall, our findings demonstrate interdependence between the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways controlling EMT in the lens.
Development-Related miRNA Expression and Target Regulation during Staggered In Vitro Plant Regeneration of Tuxpeño VS-535 Maize Cultivar
Authors: López-Ruiz Brenda A. , Juárez-González Vasti T. , Sandoval-Zapotitla Estela , Dinkova Tzvetanka D.
Published: April 2019

In vitro plant regeneration addresses basic questions of molecular reprogramming in the absence of embryonic positional cues. The process is highly dependent on the genotype and explant characteristics. However, the regulatory mechanisms operating during organ differentiation from in vitro cultures remain largely unknown. Recently, miRNAs have emerged as key regulators during embryogenic callus induction, plant differentiation, auxin responses and totipotency. Here, we explored how development-related miRNA switches the impact on their target regulation depending on physiological and molecular events taking place during maize Tuxpeño VS-535 in vitro plant regeneration. Three callus types with distinctive regeneration potential were characterized by microscopy and histological preparations. The embryogenic calli (EC) showed higher miRNA levels than non-embryogenic tissues (NEC). An inverse correlation for miR160 and miR166 targets was found during EC callus induction, whereas miR156, miR164 and miR394 displayed similar to their targets RNA accumulation levels. Most miRNA accumulation switches took place early at regenerative spots coincident with shoot apical meristem (SAM) establishment, whereas miR156, miR160 and miR166 increased at further differentiation stages. Our data uncover particular miRNA-mediated regulation operating for maize embryogenic tissues, supporting their regulatory role in early SAM establishment and basipetala growth during the in vitro regeneration process.
Rottlerin Reduces cAMP/CREB-Mediated Melanogenesis via Regulation of Autophagy
Authors: Qomaladewi Nurinanda Prisky , Kim Mi-Yeon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2019

Melanogenesis is the sequential process of melanin production by melanocytes in order to protect the skin from harmful stimuli. Melanogenesis is disrupted by radiation exposure, which results in the differentiation of melanocytes into melanoma. Recently, some methods have been developed to maintain the instability of melanogenesis in melanoma by activating cellular autophagy. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about how autophagy is involved in the regulation of melanogenesis in melanoma cells. Here, we used rottlerin as an autophagy inducer to investigate the role of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP response element binding (CREB) signaling pathway in melanogenesis. We found that rottlerin can inhibit melanin production by targeting cAMP, which is initially activated by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). Our findings suggest that rottlerin has a pivotal role as an autophagy inducer in the regulation of melanogenesis by targeting the cAMP/CREB signaling pathway.
rs4143815-PDL1, a New Potential Immunogenetic Biomarker of Biochemical Recurrence in Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer after Radiotherapy
Authors: Zanusso Chiara , Dreussi Eva , Bortolus Roberto , Romualdi Chiara , Gagno Sara , De Mattia Elena , Romanato Loredana , Sartor Franca , Quartuccio Luca , Cecchin Erika , Toffoli Giuseppe
Published: April 2019

Up to 30–50% of patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing radiotherapy (RT) experience biochemical recurrence (BCR). The immune system affects the RT response. Immunogenetics could define new biomarkers for personalization of PCa patients’ treatment. The aim of this study is to define the immunogenetic biomarkers of 10 year BCR (primary aim), 10 year overall survival (OS) and 5 year BCR (secondary aims). In this mono-institutional retrospective study, 549 Caucasian patients (a discovery set n = 418; a replication set n = 131) were affected by locally advanced PCa and homogeneously treated with RT. In the training set, associations were made between 447 SNPs in 77 genes of the immune system; and 10 year BCR and 10 year OS were tested through a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Significant SNPs (p-value < 0.05, q-value < 0.15) were analyzed in the replication set. Replicated SNPs were tested for 5 year BCR in both sets of patients. A polymorphism in the PDL1 gene (rs4143815) was the unique potential genetic variant of 10 year BCR (training set: p = 0.003, HR (95% CI) = 0.58 (0.41–0.83); replication set: p = 0.063, HR (95% CI) = 0.52 (0.26–1.04)) that was significantly associated with 5 year BCR (training set: p = 0.009, HR (95% CI) = 0.59 (0.40–0.88); replication set: p = 0.036, HR (95% CI) = 0.39 (0.16–0.94)). No biomarkers of OS were replicated. rs4143815-PDL1 arose as a new immunogenetic biomarker of BCR in PCa, giving new insights into the RT/immune system interaction, which could be potentially useful in new approaches using anti-PDL1 therapies for PCa.
Marek’s Disease Virus Regulates the Ubiquitylome of Chicken CD4+ T Cells to Promote Tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhou Xiaolu , Wu Shanli , Zhou Hongda , Wang Mengyun , Wang Menghan , Lü Yan , Cheng Zhongyi , Xu Jiacui , Ai Yongxing
Published: April 2019

Ubiquitination and deubiquitination of cellular proteins are reciprocal reactions catalyzed by ubiquitination-related enzymes and deubiquitinase (DUB) which regulate almost all cellular processes. Marek’s disease virus (MDV) encodes a viral DUB that plays an important role in the MDV pathogenicity. Chicken CD4+ T-cell lymphoma induced by MDV is a key contributor to multiple visceral tumors and immunosuppression of chickens with Marek’s disease (MD). However, alterations in the ubiquitylome of MDV-induced T lymphoma cells are still unclear. In this study, a specific antibody against K-ε-GG was used to isolate ubiquitinated peptides from CD4+ T cells and MD T lymphoma cells. Mass spectrometry was used to compare and analyze alterations in the ubiquitylome. Our results showed that the ubiquitination of 717 and 778 proteins was significantly up- and downregulated, respectively, in T lymphoma cells. MDV up- and downregulated ubiquitination of a similar percentage of proteins. The ubiquitination of transferases, especially serine/threonine kinases, was the main regulatory target of MDV. Compared with CD4+ T cells of the control group, MDV mainly altered the ubiquitylome associated with the signal transduction, immune system, cancer, and infectious disease pathways in T lymphoma cells. In these pathways, the ubiquitination of CDK1, IL-18, PRKCB, ETV6, and EST1 proteins was significantly up- or downregulated as shown by immunoblotting. The current study revealed that the MDV infection could exert a significant influence on the ubiquitylome of CD4+ T cells.
Adaptive Changes of Glioblastoma Cells Following Exposure to Hypoxic (1% Oxygen) Tumour Microenvironment
Authors: Musah-Eroje Ahmed , Watson Sue
Published: April 2019

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumour, with a median survival rate of between 15 to 17 months. Heterogeneous regions occur in glioblastoma as a result of oxygen gradients which ranges from 0.1% to 10% in vivo. Emerging evidence suggests that tumour hypoxia leads to increased aggressiveness and chemo/radio resistance. Yet, few in vitro studies have been performed in hypoxia. Using three glioblastoma cell-lines (U87, U251, and SNB19), the adaptation of glioblastoma cells in a 1% (hypoxia) and 20% (normoxia) oxygen microenvironment on proliferation, metabolism, migration, neurosphere formation, CD133 and VEGF expression was investigated. Compared to cells maintained in normoxia (20% oxygen), glioblastoma cells adapted to 1% oxygen tension by reducing proliferation and enhancing metabolism. Both migratory tendency and neurosphere formation ability were greatly limited. In addition, hypoxic-mediated gene upregulation (CD133 and VEGF) was reversed when cells were removed from the hypoxic environment. Collectively, our results reveal that hypoxia plays a pivotal role in changing the behaviour of glioblastoma cells. We have also shown that genetic modulation can be reversed, supporting the concept of reversibility. Thus, understanding the degree of oxygen gradient in glioblastoma will be crucial in personalising treatment for glioblastoma patients.