bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conocimiento profesoral en torno a la investigación
Authors: Zapata Lesmes Clemencia Del Consuelo , Pereira Lentino Yolanda Nohora
Published: April 2019

Este estudio fue realizado en las cinco (5) Instituciones de Educación Superior de Cartagena de Indias, que desarrollan programas de licenciaturas en educación, el caso lo constituyeron siete (7) profesores universitarios, considerados como las unidades de análisis, quienes hacen parte de los equipos de docentes investigadores de los programas de licenciaturas en educación, con el propósito de develar su conocimiento sobre investigación, desde sus concepciones y creencias sobre el tema. La metodología se enmarcó en el paradigma histórico hermenéutico de las ciencias sociales, basado un estudio de caso único, se utilizaron y cruzaron tres cuestionarios de entrevistas estructuradas, las cuales fueron sometidas a análisis de discurso, del cual emergieron las categorías: ontológica, Yo-Imagen, metacognitiva, Construcción de conocimiento, Inclusiva, tradición cultural, y la potencialidad afectiva.
Formación de maestros, campo pedagógico y deseo de saber
Authors: Cuesta Moreno Oscar Julian
Published: April 2019

El artículo propone posibles criterios para formar maestros. Para ello, en primera instancia, plantea la necesidad de reconocer el campo conceptual de la pedagogía como una condición fundamental para reivindicar el saber de los maestros y su capacidad de investigar y producir conocimientos. En segundo lugar, expone que la formación de maestros debe darse mediante el encuentro con el saber y el deseo, esto es, llevar al estudiante de las licenciaturas  a  sumergirse  en  el  campo  pedagógico.  En  tercer  lugar,  se  mostrará  la articulación de estos planteamientos con los lineamientos de la Ley General de Educación (Ley 115 de 1994). Finalmente, se propondrá una didáctica para que los estudiantes de las licenciaturas y posgrados en educación logren sumergirse en el campo conceptual de la pedagogía.
Fortalecimiento de competencias científicas: La investigación como estratégia pedagógica
Authors: Hernandez Suarez Cesar Augusto
Published: April 2019

El tema del artículo es la Investigación como Estrategia Pedagógica (I.E.P) aplicada en un proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje en la asignatura de química con estudiantes de media académica de la Institución Educativa Marcos García Carrillo de Bochalema. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar el impacto en el fortalecimiento de competencias científicas de Química usando la investigación como estrategia pedagógica (IEP) implementación aplicando una metodología cuantitativa cuasi-experimental. Se realizó la comparación del nivel de competencias científicas: uso comprensivo del conocimiento científico, indagación y explicación de fenómenos, antes y después de la aplicación de la estrategia concluyendo que ésta fortalece las tres competencias científicas en mención, aprobando la hipótesis de investigación mediante la prueba estadística de t-student. Además, se logró identificar los desempeños de los estudiantes relacionados con las competencias científicas durante el proceso implementado.
Aprendizaje Cooperativo
Authors: Saénz Corredor María José , Jiménez Gómez Danna Marcela , Ruiz Martínez Erika Alexandra
Published: April 2019

El siguiente artículo da cuenta de un ejercicio investigativo llevado a cabo a través de la metodología de investigación-acción, la cual tuvo como propósito reflexionar acerca de la incidencia de una estrategia de aprendizaje cooperativo frente al reconocimiento de la diversidad y la convivencia en el aula, en una institución de educación inclusiva, en los grados precoz, transición, primero, segundo y terceros, en la ciudad de Bogotá-Colombia. Los resultados se encuentran dirigidos hacia los alcances, aportes y dinámicas que surgieron de la estrategia aplicada, en donde se lograron reconocer dos elementos clave: la comunicación y la convivencia, aspectos esenciales que contribuyeron a la construcción de experiencias significativas de aprendizaje cooperativo implementadas con los cursos mencionados con anterioridad. De esta forma, cada uno de los elementos puestos en práctica que emergieron a lo largo del proceso se trabajaron en relación con la educación en y para la diversidad desde la primera infancia.
Ecología como estrategia de paz, Red Caquetá Paz
Authors: Gomez Cano Carlos Alberto , Gaviria Alvarado Maira Alejandra , Sánchez Castillo Verenice
Published: April 2019

Diferentes esfuerzos de programas, proyectos y organizaciones de la sociedad civil han estado orientados a mitigar los efectos negativos sobre el ambiente a través de la adopción de prácticas que fortalezcan la significancia ambiental y la paz. Con el ánimo de que estos procesos sean más conocidos por la sociedad, surge la intención de sistematizar la experiencia que ha tenido en este orden, la Red Caquetá Paz. El enfoque metodológico que siguió la investigación fue el histórico hermenéutico de tipo cualitativo. Dentro de los principales hallazgos se encontró que la Fundación Red Caquetá Paz, ha desarrollado prácticas pedagógicas significativas en ecología como estrategia de paz, que permitieron generar un ambiente de seguridad personal, económica y nutricional por lo que el acceso de los alimentos fue concebido como un medio para la construcción de paz.
La gestión educativa en los cambios curriculares
Authors: Jaimes Perdomo Claudia Xiomara
Published: April 2019

La investigación estableció la influencia que tienen los cambios educativos en el aprendizaje organizacional de una institución educativa en Colombia, en la cual se consideraron autores para cultura organizacional relacionados con: liderazgo, sistema de gestión de calidad, gestión humana y constructivismo. Se aplicó una metodología mixta, mediante un estudio de casos con corte etnográfico, se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas para recolectar la información, aplicadas a directivos y docentes, igualmente se analizaron los resultados obtenidos a partir de documentos institucionales, relacionados con el manejo del plan operativo; el liderazgo del personal directivo, los cambios curriculares y su influencia en la organización, los planes de capacitación establecidos anuales de acuerdo al diagnóstico de la evaluación institucional y los objetivos organizacionales, el manejo de incentivos en dinero y no monetarios por los proyectos de aula desarrollados por los funcionarios, así como el compromiso docente para determinar los impactos.
Musicoterapia, habla y estado de ánimo: Efecto en personas con enfermedad de Parkinson
Authors: Rojas Romero Cristian Jovan
Published: April 2019

El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el impacto de un programa de Musicoterapia en el habla y el estado de ánimo de un grupo de 9 personas con Enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). Para cual se desarrolló un programa grupal de musicoterapia de 23, con intervenciones de 1 hora 3 veces por semana. Se aplicaron pruebas pre-test y pos-test para medir cambios en el habla específicamente en: variables acústicas de la voz, diadococinesia, tasa de producción de sílabas, tasa de producción de palabras y tiempo de lectura en voz alta. A nivel del estado de ánimo, se aplicó la prueba Escala de Valoración del Estado de ánimo EVEA de Sanz (2001) antes y después del programa. Después de su aplicación se encontraron cambios estadísticamente significativos en las variables del habla: Tiempo Máximo de Fonación, Promedio de la Frecuencia Fundamental y Perturbación de la Frecuencia Fundamental, así mismo observó un efecto importante en la Intensidad y la Diadococinesia del habla. En el estado de ánimo, hubo cambios estadísticamente significativos en las variables Alegría e Ira-hostilidad, además, cambios considerables, en la Tristeza-depresión y la Ansiedad. El análisis sugiere que la Musicoterapia es una alternativa viable y favorable para la intervención del habla y el estado de ánimo en EP. No obstante, es necesario seguir investigando al respecto para comprender a mayor profundidad.
Militares de Chillan: Parámetros vocales y caracterìsticas sociodemográficas
Authors: Pérez Serey Jazmín Sarita , Sandoval Zúñiga María Soledad , Villegas Kevin
Published: April 2019

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio es describir los parámetros vocales de 49 militares de la ciudad de Chillán y relacionarlos con sus características sociodemográficas. Lo anterior fue realizado mediante el instrumento Voice Handicap Index (VHI, Núñez-Batalla et al., 2007), la Escala GRBAS (Hirano y Mc Cormick, 1998) y el Software que permite realizar el análisis acústico de la voz PRAAT (Boersma y Weenink, 2018). La metodología es cuantitativa, descriptiva y correlacional, con un diseño no experimental transversal y con una muestra probabilística aleatoria simple. Los resultados indican que más de la mitad de los militares evaluados presentan variación de los parámetros, principalmente en la intensidad de la voz, no así en la frecuencia. No obstante, existe solo correlación entre el tiempo máximo de fonación y la Edad y los Años de Servicio de los militares. En la evaluación perceptual, la afectación se da principalmente en Aspereza y Tensión en más del 73% de la muestra. Estos parámetros también se relacionan principalmente con la Edad y los Años de servicio. Aunque todos los militares perciben su voz alterada, esta afectación es más bien leve. Se concluye que la totalidad de los militares evaluados presentan alteración en uno o más de los parámetros vocales, ya sean perceptuales, acústicos o ambos, existiendo variación de ellos en base a los factores sociodemográficos como edad y años de servicio. La función laboral, el tiempo de exposición vocal y condiciones ambientales son características que en este estudio no se relacionan con la afectación de los parámetros acústicos ni perceptuales de los militares.
Hitos de la evaluación perceptual auditiva de la voz: ¿Hay evidencia?
Authors: Angel Gordillo Luisa Fernanda
Published: April 2019

La evaluación perceptual auditiva es la herramienta más antigua y con mayor uso para determinar la idoneidad de la voz humana. Como resultado de una revisión minuciosa en PubMed se identifica que este enfoque ha evolucionado en lo conceptual y lo metodológico enmarcado en tres momentos: el primero caracterizado por el uso indiscriminado de etiquetas particulares, el segundo centrado en la construcción y refinamiento de escalas con confiabilidad intra e interevaluador, y a futuro, su posicionamiento como un estándar de oro que exalta los determinantes humanos y sociales de la voz. Las escalas más utilizadas en las investigaciones fueron GRBAS y CAPE-V. Adicionalmente, se argumenta la idoneidad de los vocablos más apropiados en idioma español  para la denominación de “voice quality” equiparable a cualidad vocal (indicador descriptivo multidimensional) o calidad vocal (valoración de severidad) según corresponda.
Bioequivalence metrics for absorption rates: linearity, specificity, sensitivity
Authors: Vincze István , Endrényi László , Tóthfalusi László
Published: April 2019

Aims:In order to ensure the therapeutic equivalence of generic products, it would be important to contrast measures additional to Cmax in order to assess differences in absorption rates.  Our aim was to compare partial AUC (PAUC), Swing, and PTF to Cmax in terms of sensitivity, specificity and linearity under identical kinetic conditions.

Methods:Single-dose and multiple-dose concentration curves were generated assuming one-compartment models. Kinetic sensitivity curves were obtained by gradually changing the absorption rate constant and keeping all other parameters fixed.

Results:A metric should reflect specifically the investigated kinetic feature (e.g., the rate of absorption), be linearly related to it, and should exhibit high kinetic sensitivity.  Cmax is related nonlinearly to the rate of absorption, is nonspecific to it (reflects also the extent of absorption as well as the rates of disposition processes), lacks kinetic sensitivity even following a single administration.  Compared to Cmax, PAUC was always more sensitive under every investigated condition.  Swing and PTF showed high kinetic sensitivity but, in contrast to PAUC, they could be evaluated only in multiple-dose studies. 

Conclusion:Under identical conditions, different metrics provide widely differing point estimates.  Differences in kinetic sensitivity among bioequivalence metrics should be accounted for when results of different metrics are compared.
Foams as carrier systems for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics
Authors: Farkas Dóra , Kállai-Szabó Nikolett , Antal István
Published: April 2019

Foams are becoming more and popular in several areas of our lives, including pharmaceutics and cosmetics. They are colloid systems where gas is dispersed in liquid phase Active ingredient bearing pharmaceutical foams are traditionally applied topically (dermal, local rectal, vaginal), but formulations for other delivery routes (e.g. nanosystems parenterally, solid foams orally) are also available. Numerous advantages are attached to foams when compared to traditional vehicles, resulting in increased patient compliance. Amongst others, the suitable composition contributes to quick, oily residue‑free and convenient application even on large or hairy areas, as well as to good drug transfer rate.
The Multi-Level Perspective in Research on Sustainability Transitions in Agriculture and Food Systems: A Systematic Review
Authors: El Bilali Hamid
Published: April 2019

The multi-level perspective (MLP) is a prominent transition framework. The MLP posits that transitions come about through interaction processes within and among three analytical levels: niches, socio-technical regimes and a socio-technical landscape. This systematic review provides an overview on the use of the MLP in research on agro-food sustainability transitions. In particular, it analyses the understanding, conceptualisation and operationalisation of niches, regimes and landscapes. Niches considered in the selected papers include agro-ecology, organic agriculture, permaculture, conservation agriculture, integrated farming, and alternative food networks. Regime refers to industrial, conventional agriculture. The researched regime is often not clearly described and its operationalisation is a matter of deliberation. Landscape level is generally overlooked; when it is considered it refers to international trends and developments. Many scholars highlight the inadequacy of transition pathways in the MLP for the agro-food sector. Moreover, transition impacts are rarely addressed and the research field generally overlooks the analysis of the sustainability of niches and, consequently, of transitions. Research on transitions in the agro-food sector borrows from the MLP its generalizability and poor empirical operationalisation of niche, regime and landscape concepts. Therefore, integrative conceptualisation and operationalisation of the MLP elements is required to accommodate the complexity of sustainability transition processes and the peculiarities of the agro-food system.
Polyphenols in Almond Skins after Blanching Modulate Plasma Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Healthy Humans
Authors: Chen C.-Y. Oliver , Milbury Paul E. , Blumberg Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2019

Almond skins are a waste byproduct of blanched almond production. Polyphenols extracted from almond skins possess antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we examined the pharmacokinetic profile of almond skin polyphenols (ASP) and their effect on measures of oxidative stress. In a randomized crossover trial, seven adults consumed two acute ASP doses (225 mg (low, L) or 450 mg (high, H) total phenols) in skim milk or milk alone. Plasma flavonoids, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), oxidized GSH (GSSG), and resistance of low- density lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidation were measured over 10 h. The H dose increased catechin and naringenin in plasma, with maximum concentrations of 44.3 and 19.3 ng/mL, respectively. The GSH/GSSG ratio at 3 h after the H doses was 212% of the baseline value, as compared to 82% after milk (p = 0.003). Both ASP doses upregulated GPx activity by 26–35% from the baseline at 15, 30, 45, and 120 min after consumption. The in vitro addition of α-tocopherol extended the lag time of LDL oxidation at 3 h after L and H consumption by 144.7% and 165.2% of that at 0 h compared to no change after milk (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, ASP are bioavailable and modulate GSH status, GPx activity, and the resistance of LDL to oxidation.
A High-Resolution Ultrasonic Ranging System Using Laser Sensing and a Cross-Correlation Method
Authors: Jia Lecheng , Xue Bin , Chen Shili , Wu Hanzhong , Yang Xiaoxia , Zhai Jingsheng , Zeng Zhoumo
Published: April 2019

Ultrasound has been proven to be a valid tool for ranging, especially in water. In this paper, we design a high-resolution ultrasonic ranging system that uses a thin laser beam as an ultrasonic sensor. The laser sensing provides a noncontact method for ultrasound detection based on acousto-optic diffraction. Unlike conventional methods, the ultrasound transmitted from the transducer is recorded as the reference signal when it first passes through the laser. It can be used to improve the accuracy and resolution of the time-of-flight (TOF) by a cross-correlation method. Transducers with a central frequency of 1 MHz and diameters of 20 mm and 28 mm are used in the experiment. Five targets and a test piece are used to evaluate the ranging performance. The sound velocity is measured by the sound velocity profiler (SVP). The repeatability error of TOF is less than 4 ns, and the theoretical resolution of TOF is 0.4 ns. The results show a measurement resolution within one-tenth of the wavelength of ultrasound and an accuracy better than 0.3 mm for targets at a distance up to 0.8 m. The proposed system has potential applications in underwater ranging and thickness detection.
Computational Study of Wet Steam Flow to Optimize Steam Ejector Efficiency for Potential Fire Suppression Application
Authors: Li Ao , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Chen Timothy Bo Yuan , Wang Cheng , Liu Hengrui , Cao Ruifeng , Yang Wei , Yeoh Guan Heng , Timchenko Victoria
Published: April 2019

The steam ejector is a core component of an ejector-based refrigeration system. Additionally, steam ejectors can also be potentially applied for a fire suppression system by using pressurized steam droplets to rapidly quench and extinguish the fire. The use of steam will significantly reduce the amount of water consumption and pipe flow rate compared to conventional sprinklers. However, the efficiency of the steam ejector nozzle is one of major factors that can influence the extinguishing mechanisms and the performance of pressurized steam for fire suppression. In this article, to formulate an assessment tool for studying the ideal entrainment ratio and initial flow wetness, a wet steam model has been proposed to enhance our understanding of the condensation and evaporation effects of water droplets from a numerical perspective. The entire steam-ejector system including the nozzle, mixing chamber, throat and diffuser were modeled to study the profiles in axial pressure and temperature across the system, and were compared with self-measured experimental data. In addition, the flow and heat transfer interactions between the fluid mixture and nucleating water droplets were numerically examined by comparing initial conditions with different liquid fractions, as opposed to the ideal gas assumption. With the application of the proposed wet-steam model, the numerical model showed vast improvement in the axial pressure distribution over the ideal gas model. Through numerical conditions, it was found that reducing the wetness of the secondary inlet flow will potentially optimize the system performance with a significant increase of the entrainment ratio from 0.38 to 0.47 (i.e., improvement of around 23%).
Nanoplasmonic Sensor Based on Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission: Review
Authors: Sadrolhosseini Amir Reza , Shafie Suhaidi , Fen Yap Wing
Published: April 2019

The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is a powerful method to detect chemical molecules. Fluorescent spectroscopy is a subject of great interest in the field of material science and biology. Recently, some optical sensors, based on plasmonic properties of nanomaterial, were introduced to enhance the investigation of the interaction of molecular while detecting the low concentration of molecular. The surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE) technique is a merit and accurate method to evaluate the interaction of nanomaterials and molecular. SPCE is based on fluorescence properties of interest molecule, and the surface plasmon enhances the fluorescence signal. According to SPR theory, the condition of excitation of fluorophore could be used in obtaining the SPCE signal. SPCE can be used to detect toxic chemicals and investigate the human molecular. In this review, the theory, experimental setup, condition of SPCE, and role of metal nanoparticles in SPCE were reviewed. In the end, the application of SPCE was presented for detection and monitoring the chemical material, heavy metal, and biologic molecules.
The Monotonic Sequence Theorem and Measurement of Lengths and Areas in Axiomatic Non-Standard Hyperrational Analysis
Authors: Lovyagin Yuri N. , Lovyagin Nikita Y.
Published: April 2019

This paper lies in the framework of axiomatic non-standard analysis based on the non-standard arithmetic axiomatic theory. This arithmetic includes actual infinite numbers. Unlike the non-standard model of arithmetic, this approach does not take models into account but uses an axiomatic research method. In the axiomatic theory of non-standard arithmetic, hyperrational numbers are defined as triplets of hypernatural numbers. Since the theory of hyperrational numbers and axiomatic non-standard analysis is mainly published in Russian, in this article we give a brief review of its basic concepts and required results. Elementary hyperrational analysis includes defining and evaluating such notions as continuity, differentiability and integral calculus. We prove that a bounded monotonic sequence is a Cauchy sequence. Also, we solve the task of line segment measurement using hyperrational numbers. In fact, this allows us to approximate real numbers using hyperrational numbers, and shows a way to model real numbers and real functions using hyperrational numbers and functions.
Receptor Ligands as Helping Hands to L-DOPA in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bello Fabio , Giannella Mario , Giorgioni Gianfabio , Piergentili Alessandro , Quaglia Wilma
Published: April 2019

Levodopa (LD) is the most effective drug in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, although it represents the “gold standard” of PD therapy, LD can cause side effects, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular symptoms as well as transient elevated liver enzyme levels. Moreover, LD therapy leads to LD-induced dyskinesia (LID), a disabling motor complication that represents a major challenge for the clinical neurologist. Due to the many limitations associated with LD therapeutic use, other dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic drugs are being developed to optimize the treatment response. This review focuses on recent investigations about non-dopaminergic central nervous system (CNS) receptor ligands that have been identified to have therapeutic potential for the treatment of motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. In a different way, such agents may contribute to extending LD response and/or ameliorate LD-induced side effects.
Perception and Barriers to Implementation of Intensive and Extensive Green Roofs in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Aslam , Shams Shahriar , Amin Mahmud , Reza Md Sumon , Chowdhury Tanvir Uddin
Published: April 2019

Buildings are one of the biggest consumers of fossil fuels, and thus, contribute largely to greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, a large number of studies have been conducted and innovative ideas or green solutions have been invented, adopted, and implemented across the globe. These solutions are often contextual and heavily dependent on local environmental and socio-economic factors. Green roofs are such an example. Green roofs (both intensive and extensive) for buildings have been successfully adopted in many countries around the world. Bangladesh, a developing country that can benefit from green roofs, seems to remain in complete darkness regarding its potential. The objective of this study is to identify the reasons why green roofs have not been widely implemented in Bangladesh, especially in the capital Dhaka, even though, theoretically, the climatic conditions of this country favor this technology. This study focuses on the perception of the construction industry to comprehend the possible obstacles they are facing towards using green roofs in their designs. A questionnaire study was conducted among architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and owners who are at different levels of experience in their respective fields. The results indicate a gap in knowledge and misconceptions, which are major hindrances to the implementation of green roofs.
Achieving a Trade-Off Construction Solution Using BIM, an Optimization Algorithm, and a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Method
Authors: Jalilzadehazhari Elaheh , Vadiee Amir , Johansson Peter
Published: April 2019

The Energy Performance of Building Directive obligated all European countries to reduce the energy requirements of buildings while simultaneously improving indoor environment quality. Any such improvements not only enhance the health of the occupants and their productivity, but also provide further economic benefits at the national level. Accomplishing this task requires a method that allows building professionals to resolve conflicts between visual and thermal comfort, energy demands, and life-cycle costs. To overcome these conflicts, this study exploits the incorporation of building information modelling (BIM), the design of experiments as an optimization algorithm, and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) into a multi-criteria decision-making method. Any such incorporation can (i) create constructive communication between building professionals, such as architects, engineers, and energy experts; (ii) allow the analysis of the performance of multiple construction solutions with respect to visual and thermal comfort, energy demand, and life-cycle costs; and (iii) help to select a trade-off solution, thereby making a suitable decision. Three types of energy-efficient windows, and five types of ground floors, roofs, and external wall constructions were considered as optimization variables. The incorporation of several methods allowed the analysis of the performance of 375 construction solutions based on a combination of optimization variables, and helped to select a trade-off solution. The results showed the strength of incorporation for analyzing big-data through the intelligent use of BIM and a simulation in the field of the built environment, energy, and costs. However, when applying AHP, the results are strongly contingent on pairwise comparisons.
Ethanol-Mediated Stress Promotes Autophagic Survival and Aggressiveness of Colon Cancer Cells via Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Cernigliaro Cesare , D’Anneo Antonella , Carlisi Daniela , Giuliano Michela , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Barone Rosario , Longhitano Lucia , Cappello Francesco , Emanuele Sonia , Distefano Alfio , Campanella Claudia , Calvaruso Giuseppe , Lauricella Marianna
Published: April 2019

Epidemiological studies suggest that chronic alcohol consumption is a lifestyle risk factor strongly associated with colorectal cancer development and progression. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of ethanol (EtOH) on survival and progression of three different colon cancer cell lines (HCT116, HT29, and Caco-2). Our data showed that EtOH induces oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as demonstrated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ER stress markers Grp78, ATF6, PERK and, CHOP increase. Moreover, EtOH triggers an autophagic response which is accompanied by the upregulation of beclin, LC3-II, ATG7, and p62 proteins. The addition of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine significantly prevents autophagy, suggesting that autophagy is triggered by oxidative stress as a prosurvival response. EtOH treatment also upregulates the antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase, and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and promotes the nuclear translocation of both Nrf2 and HO-1. Interestingly, EtOH also upregulates the levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMP2 and MMP9) and VEGF. Nrf2 silencing or preventing HO-1 nuclear translocation by the protease inhibitor E64d abrogates the EtOH-induced increase in the antioxidant enzyme levels as well as the migration markers. Taken together, our results suggest that EtOH mediates both the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 to sustain colon cancer cell survival, thus leading to the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype.
LC/MS-Based Polar Metabolite Profiling Identified Unique Biomarker Signatures for Cervical Cancer and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Using Global and Targeted Metabolomics
Authors: Khan Imran , Nam Miso , Kwon Minji , Seo Sang-soo , Jung Sunhee , Han Ji Soo , Hwang Geum-Sook , Kim Mi Kyung
Published: April 2019

Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among females worldwide. Therefore, it is important to discover new biomarkers for early diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer, preferably non-invasive ones. In the present study, we aimed to identify unique metabolic signatures for CINs and cervical cancers using global and targeted metabolomic profiling. Plasma samples (69 normal, 55 CIN1, 42 CIN2/3, and 60 cervical cancer) were examined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Metabolic pathways were analyzed using the integrated web-based tool MetaboAnalyst. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the combined association of metabolites and human papillomavirus (HPV) status with the risk of cervical carcinogenesis. A total of 28 metabolites exhibiting discriminating levels among normal, CIN, and cervical cancer patients (Kruskal–Wallis test p < 0.05) were identified in the global profiling analysis. The pathway analysis showed significantly altered alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolic pathways (FDR p-value < 0.05) in both the discovery and validation phases. Seven metabolites (AMP, aspartate, glutamate, hypoxanthine, lactate, proline, and pyroglutamate) were discriminated between CINs and cervical cancer versus normal (area under the curve (AUC) value > 0.8). The levels of these metabolites were significantly high in patients versus normal (p < 0.0001) and were associated with increased risk of developing CIN2/3 and cervical cancer. Additionally, elevated levels of the seven metabolites combined with positive HPV status were correlated with substantial risk of cancer progression. These results demonstrated that metabolomics profiling is capable of distinguishing CINs and cervical cancers from normal and highlighted potential biomarkers for the early detection of cervical carcinogenesis.
Divergent Dynamics and Functions of ERK MAP Kinase Signaling in Development, Homeostasis and Cancer: Lessons from Fluorescent Bioimaging
Authors: Muta Yu , Matsuda Michiyuki , Imajo Masamichi
Published: April 2019

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway regulates a variety of biological processes including cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Since ERK activation promotes proliferation of many types of cells, its deregulated/constitutive activation is among general mechanisms for cancer. Recent advances in bioimaging techniques have enabled to visualize ERK activity in real-time at the single-cell level. Emerging evidence from such approaches suggests unexpectedly complex spatiotemporal dynamics of ERK activity in living cells and animals and their crucial roles in determining cellular responses. In this review, we discuss how ERK activity dynamics are regulated and how they affect biological processes including cell fate decisions, cell migration, embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tumorigenesis.
Prognostic Nutritional Index after Chemoradiotherapy Was the Strongest Prognostic Predictor among Biological and Conditional Factors in Localized Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Ichikawa Ken , Mizuno Shugo , Hayasaki Aoi , Kishiwada Masashi , Fujii Takehiro , Iizawa Yusuke , Kato Hiroyuki , Tanemura Akihiro , Murata Yasuhiro , Azumi Yoshinori , Kuriyama Naohisa , Usui Masanobu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Isaji Shuji
Published: April 2019

Background: In many malignancies, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), host-related inflammatory/immunonutritional markers, such as the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), and C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio are reported to be prognostic factors. However, the prognostic influence of these factors before and after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has not been studied in PDAC patients. Methods: Of 261 consecutive PDAC patients who were scheduled for CRT with gemcitabine or S1 plus gemcitabine between February 2005 and December 2015, participants in this study were 176 who completed CRT and had full data available on inflammatory/immunonutritional markers as well as on anatomical and biological factors for the investigation of prognostic/predictive factors. Results: In multivariate analysis, the significant prognostic factors were RECIST classification, cT category, performance status, post-CRT carcinoembryonic antigen, post-CRT C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, post-CRT mGPS, and post-CRT PNI. Post-CRT PNI (cut-off value, 39) was the strongest host-related prognostic factor according to the p-value. In the patients who underwent resection after CRT, median survival time (MST) was significantly shorter in the 12 patients with low PNI (<39) than in the 97 with high PNI (≥39), at 15.5 months versus 27.2 months, respectively (p = 0.0016). In the patients who did not undergo resection, MST was only 8.9 months in those with low PNI and 12.3 months in those with high PNI (p < 0.0001), and thus was similar to that of the resected patients with low PNI. Conclusions: Post-CRT PNI was the strongest prognostic/predictive indicator among the independent biological and conditional prognostic factors in PDAC patients who underwent CRT.
Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Obtained by Supercritical Antisolvent Precipitation for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Crystal Violet Dye
Authors: Franco Paola , Sacco Olga , De Marco Iolanda , Vaiano Vincenzo
Published: April 2019

In this work, the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) photocatalyst from thermal decomposition of zinc acetate (ZnAc) nanoparticles obtained by supercritical antisolvent (SAS) precipitation was investigated. The optimization of calcination conditions of the SAS ZnAc was carried out, studying the effect of temperature (in the range 300–600 °C) on the production of ZnO nanoparticles. In particular, it was demonstrated that the organic residues in ZnO and its particle size, thus the specific surface area, strongly affect the photocatalytic performances. SAS micronization of ZnAc produces regular nanoparticles with a mean diameter of about 54.5 ± 11.5 nm, whereas unprocessed ZnAc is characterized by very large crystals. The experimental results evidenced that ZnAc prepared by SAS process calcined at 500 °C showed a regular nanometric structure (mean diameter: 65.0 ± 14.5 nm) and was revealed to be the best choice for the photocatalytic removal of crystal violet dye (CV). In fact, the photocatalytic activity performances of ZnO nanoparticles prepared by this route were higher with respect to that of ZnO from unprocessed ZnAc calcined at 500 °C (which is characterized by irregular tetrapods with mean size 181.1 ± 65.5 nm). The optimized photocatalyst was able to assure the complete CV decolorization in 60 min of UV irradiation time and a mineralization degree higher than 90% after 120 min of treatment time.
Preparation of Iron Carbides Formed by Iron Oxalate Carburization for Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
Authors: Yang Xiazhen , Zhang Hong , Liu Yingxin , Ning Wensheng , Han Wenfeng , Liu Huazhang , Huo Chao
Published: April 2019

Different iron carbides were synthesized from the iron oxalate precursor by varying the CO carburization temperature between 320 and 450 °C. These iron carbides were applied to the high-temperature Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) without in situ activation treatment directly. The iron oxalate as a precursor was prepared using a solid-state reaction treatment at room temperature. Pure Fe5C2 was formed at a carburization temperature of 320 °C, whereas pure Fe3C was formed at 450 °C. Interestingly, at intermediate carburization temperatures (350–375 °C), these two phases coexisted at the same time although in different proportions, and 360 °C was the transition temperature at which the iron carbide phase transformed from the Fe5C2 phase to the Fe3C phase. The results showed that CO conversions and products selectivity were affected by both the iron carbide phases and the surface carbon layer. CO conversion was higher (75–96%) when Fe5C2 was the dominant iron carbide. The selectivity to C5+ products was higher when Fe3C was alone, while the light olefins selectivity was higher when the two components (Fe5C2 and Fe3C phases) co-existed, but the quantity of Fe3C was small.
Versatile Sulfathiazole-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Catalyst in Oxidation and Alkylation Reactions
Authors: Ostovar Somayeh , Rodríguez-Padrón Daily , Saberi Farveh , Balu Alina M. , Luque Rafael
Published: April 2019

Catalyst design and surface modifications of magnetic nanoparticles have become attractive strategies in order to optimize catalyzed organic reactions for industrial applications. In this work, silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles with a core-shell type structure were prepared. The obtained material was successfully functionalized with sulfathiazole groups, which can enhance its catalytic features. The material was fully characterized, using a multi-technique approach. The catalytic performance of the as-synthesized material was evaluated in (1) the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and (2) the microwave-assisted alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride. Remarkable conversion and selectivity were obtained for both reactions and a clear improvement of the catalytic properties was observed in comparison with unmodified γ-Fe2O3/SiO2 and γ-Fe2O3. Noticeably, the catalyst displayed outstanding magnetic characteristics which facilitated its recovery and reusability.
A Review of Low Temperature NH3-SCR for Removal of NOx
Authors: Damma Devaiah , Ettireddy Padmanabha , Reddy Benjaram , Smirniotis Panagiotis
Published: April 2019

The importance of the low-temperature selective catalytic reduction (LT-SCR) of NOx by NH3 is increasing due to the recent severe pollution regulations being imposed around the world. Supported and mixed transition metal oxides have been widely investigated for LT-SCR technology. However, these catalytic materials have some drawbacks, especially in terms of catalyst poisoning by H2O or/and SO2. Hence, the development of catalysts for the LT-SCR process is still under active investigation throughout seeking better performance. Extensive research efforts have been made to develop new advanced materials for this technology. This article critically reviews the recent research progress on supported transition and mixed transition metal oxide catalysts for the LT-SCR reaction. The review covered the description of the influence of operating conditions and promoters on the LT-SCR performance. The reaction mechanism, reaction intermediates, and active sites are also discussed in detail using isotopic labelling and in situ FT-IR studies.
Platelet Lysate Inhibits NF-κB Activation and Induces Proliferation and an Alert State in Quiescent Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Retaining Their Differentiation Capability
Authors: Romaldini Alessio , Ulivi Valentina , Nardini Marta , Mastrogiacomo Maddalena , Cancedda Ranieri , Descalzi Fiorella
Published: April 2019

Injured blood vessel repair and blood circulation re-establishment are crucial events for tissue repair. We investigated in primary cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), the effects of platelet lysate (PL), a cocktail of factors released by activated platelets following blood vessel disruption and involved in the wound-healing process triggering. PL exerted a protective effect on HUVEC in an inflammatory milieu by inhibiting IL-1α-activated NF-κB pathway and by inducing the secretion of PGE2, a pro-resolving molecule in the wound microenvironment. Moreover, PL enhanced HUVEC proliferation, without affecting their capability of forming tube-like structures on matrigel, and activated resting quiescent cells to re-enter cell cycle. In agreement with these findings, proliferation-related pathways Akt and ERK1/2 were activated. The expression of the cell-cycle activator Cyclin D1 was also enhanced, as well as the expression of the High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1), a protein of the alarmin group involved in tissue homeostasis, repair, and remodeling. These in vitro data suggest a possible in vivo contribution of PL to new vessel formation after a wound by activation of cells resident in vessel walls. Our biochemical study provides a rationale for the clinical use of PL in the treatment of wound healing-related pathologies.
Flow Cytometry-Based Characterization of Mast Cells in Human Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kritikou Eva , Depuydt Marie A.C. , de Vries Margreet R. , Mulder Kevin E. , Govaert Arthur M. , Smit Marrit D. , van Duijn Janine , Foks Amanda C. , Wezel Anouk , Smeets Harm J. , Slütter Bram , Quax Paul H.A. , Kuiper Johan , Bot Ilze
Published: April 2019

The presence of mast cells in human atherosclerotic plaques has been associated with adverse cardiovascular events. Mast cell activation, through the classical antigen sensitized-IgE binding to their characteristic Fcε-receptor, causes the release of their cytoplasmic granules. These granules are filled with neutral proteases such as tryptase, but also with histamine and pro-inflammatory mediators. Mast cells accumulate in high numbers within human atherosclerotic tissue, particularly in the shoulder region of the plaque. These findings are largely based on immunohistochemistry, which does not allow for the extensive characterization of these mast cells and of the local mast cell activation mechanisms. In this study, we thus aimed to develop a new flow-cytometry based methodology in order to analyze mast cells in human atherosclerosis. We enzymatically digested 22 human plaque samples, collected after femoral and carotid endarterectomy surgery, after which we prepared a single cell suspension for flow cytometry. We were able to identify a specific mast cell population expressing both CD117 and the FcεR, and observed that most of the intraplaque mast cells were activated based on their CD63 protein expression. Furthermore, most of the activated mast cells had IgE fragments bound on their surface, while another fraction showed IgE-independent activation. In conclusion, we are able to distinguish a clear mast cell population in human atherosclerotic plaques, and this study establishes a strong relationship between the presence of IgE and the activation of mast cells in advanced atherosclerosis. Our data pave the way for potential therapeutic intervention through targeting IgE-mediated actions in human atherosclerosis.
Characterization of Brassica rapa RAP2.4-Related Proteins in Stress Response and as CUL3-Dependent E3 Ligase Substrates
Authors: Mooney Sutton , Al-Saharin Raed , Choi Christina M. , Tucker Kyle , Beathard Chase , Hellmann Hanjo A.
Published: April 2019

The turnip Brassica rapa has important economic value and represents a good model system to study gene function in crop plants. ERF/AP2 transcription factors are a major group of proteins that are often involved in regulating stress-responses and developmental programs. Some ERF/AP2 proteins are targets of CULLIN3-based E3 ligases that use BTB/POZ-MATH proteins as substrate receptors. These receptors bind the transcription factor and facilitate their ubiquitylation and subsequent degradation via the 26S proteasome. Here, we show tissue and stress-dependent expression patterns for three Brassica rapa ERF/AP2 proteins that are closely related to Arabidopsis thaliana AtRAP2.4. Cloning of the Brassica genes showed that the corresponding proteins can assemble with a BPM protein and CULLIN3, and that they are instable in a 26S proteasome dependent manner. This work demonstrates the conserved nature of the ERF/AP2-CULLIN3-based E3 ligase interplay, and represents a first step to analyze their function in a commercially relevant crop plant.
The Formation of Layered Double Hydroxide Phases in the Coprecipitation Syntheses of [Ni0.80Co0.15](1−x)/0.95Alx(OH)2(anionn−)x/n (x = 0–0.2, n = 1, 2)
Authors: Liu Aaron , Dahn J.
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the synthesis of [Ni0.80Co0.15](1−x)/0.95Alx(OH)2 (x = 0–0.2) materials by coprecipitation to understand the formation of layered double hydroxide (LDH) phases as influenced by Al content and synthesis route. Two routes were compared: the first method dissolved all the metal reagents into one solution before addition into the reaction vessel, while the second dissolved Al into a separate NaOH solution before simultaneous addition of the Ni/Co and Al solutions into the reaction vessel. The synthesized materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emissions Spectroscopy and Thermogravimetric Analysis to understand the formation of LDH phases as influenced by Al content and synthesis method. It was found that as Al content increased, the amount of LDH phase present increased as well. No significant difference in LDH phase presence was observed for the two synthesis methods, but the morphologies of the particles were different. The method containing all the metals in one solution produced small particles, likely due to the continuous nucleation of Al(OH)3 disrupting particle growth. The method containing the separate Al in NaOH solution matched the morphology of the material with no Al, which is known to form desired large spherical particles under continuously stirring tank reactor synthesis conditions.
Environmental Variation and How its Spatial Structure Influences the Cross-Shelf Distribution of High-Latitude Coral Communities in South Africa
Authors: Porter Sean N. , Schleyer Michael H.
Published: April 2019

Coral communities display spatial patterns. These patterns can manifest along a coastline as well as across the continental shelf due to ecological interactions and environmental gradients. Several abiotic surrogates for environmental variables are hypothesised to structure high-latitude coral communities in South Africa along and across its narrow shelf and were investigated using a correlative approach that considered spatial autocorrelation. Surveys of sessile communities were conducted on 17 reefs and related to depth, distance to high tide, distance to the continental shelf edge and to submarine canyons. All four environmental variables were found to correlate significantly with community composition, even after the effects of space were removed. The environmental variables accounted for 13% of the variation in communities; 77% of this variation was spatially structured. Spatially structured environmental variation unrelated to the environmental variables accounted for 39% of the community variation. The Northern Reef Complex appears to be less affected by oceanic factors and may undergo less temperature variability than the Central and Southern Complexes; the first is mentioned because it had the lowest canyon effect and was furthest from the continental shelf, whilst the latter complexes had the highest canyon effects and were closest to the shelf edge. These characteristics may be responsible for the spatial differences in the coral communities.