bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating Value in the Entrepreneurial University: Marketization and Merchandising Strategies
Authors: Fantauzzi Chiara , Frondizi Rocco , Colasanti Nathalie , Fiorani Gloria
Published: October 2019

Higher education institutions are called to expand their role and responsibilities, by enhancing their entrepreneurial mindset and redefining relationships with stakeholders. In order to cope with these new challenges, they have started to operate in a strategic manner, by performing marketing and merchandising activities. Indeed, in a sector characterized by the presence of competitive funding models, several forms of accountability, and performance indicators, universities have become open systems and have started to operate like enterprises, considering students as customers. Given this premise, the aim of the paper is to individuate marketing and merchandising strategies in higher education and to evaluate their effectiveness in order to foster stakeholders engagement. This is in line with the entrepreneurial university model that represents the starting point of the theoretical study, then a literature review of “marketization” in higher education institutions is presented, showing how this field is not yet completely investigated. Data refer to the Italian context and are analyzed through a qualitative method. Findings suggest that most Italian universities perform merchandising strategies, but currently there is not sufficient information to evaluate their effectiveness in higher education, it was only possible to make hypotheses.
A Review of the Effects of Non-Straw Enrichment on Tail Biting in Pigs
Authors: Buijs Stephanie , Muns Ramon
Published: October 2019

Tail biting remains a common problem in pig production. As producers are reluctant to use straw to reduce this behaviour, we review studies on the effectiveness of other types of enrichment. Roughage, hessian sacks, compost, fresh wood, space dividers, rope, and providing new objects regularly can significantly reduce tail damage. These results should be interpreted with some caution, as often only one study per enrichment could be identified. No evidence was found that commonly applied enrichment objects (processed wood, plastic or metal) reduce tail biting significantly unless exchanged regularly, even though multiple studies per type of enrichment were identified. Many studies evaluated the duration of enrichment use, but few evaluated the manner of use. This hampers identification of combinations of enrichment that will satisfy the pig’s motivation to eat/smell, bite, root and change enrichments, which is suggested to reduce tail biting. New objects designed to satisfy specific motivations were shown to receive high levels of interaction, but their effectiveness at reducing tail damage remains unknown. More in-depth study of how pigs interact with non-straw enrichment, which motivations this satisfies and how this affects behaviour towards conspecifics, is necessary to optimize enrichment strategies. Optimization is necessary because ceasing tail docking in a way that improves pig welfare requires more effective enrichments than those described in this review, or alternatively, better control over other factors influencing tail biting.
In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides Isolated from Celluclast-Assisted Extract of an Edible Brown Seaweed, Sargassum fulvellum
Authors: Wang Lei , Oh Jae Young , Hwang Jin , Ko Jae Young , Jeon You-Jin , Ryu BoMi
Published: October 2019

It has been reported that enzymatic digestion of algae could improve the yield and enhance the biological activity compared to water and organic extraction. Our previous research indicated that Celluclast-assisted extract of Sargassum fulvellum (SF) possessed higher carbohydrate content and stronger antioxidant activity compared to water and other enzyme-assisted extracts. In the present study, we evaluated the antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from SF (SFPS) in vitro in Vero cells and in vivo in zebrafish. SFPS was obtained by Celluclast-assisted hydrolysis and ethanol precipitation. Results showed that SFPS contained 74.55 ± 1.26% sulfated polysaccharides and effectively scavenged 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and alkyl radicals. SFPS significantly and dose-dependently scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved cell viability. Further studies indicated that SFPS reduced apoptotic body formation through downregulation of proapoptotic protein (Bax and cleaved caspase-3) levels and upregulation of antiapoptotic protein (Bcl-xL and PARP) levels in 2,2-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH)-treated Vero cells. In addition, SFPS showed strong protective effect against AAPH-stimulated oxidative stress in vivo in zebrafish, as demonstrated by the improved survival rate, reduced heart rate, and decrease in ROS, cell death, and lipid peroxidation levels. These results suggest that SFPS possesses strong in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and can be a potential ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.
Evaluation of the Applicability of the Ramp Metering to a Freeway Using Microsimulation: A Case Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Lee Seongkwan , Shokri Amr , Al-Mansour Abdullah
Published: October 2019

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, suffers from traffic congestion like other modern societies, during peak hours but also all day long, even without any incidents. To solve this horrible traffic congestion problem, various efforts have been made from the Active Traffic Management (ATM) aspect. Ramp metering (RM) is one of the representative methods of the ATM and has already proven its value in many locations worldwide. Unfortunately, RM has not yet been fully implemented in Saudi Arabia. This research aimed to assess the applicability of RM to a freeway in Riyadh using microsimulation. The widely known software VISSIM (PTV Planung Transport Verkehr AG, Germany, 1992) was chosen to compare the performances of various RM operating scenarios, such as fixedtime operation with different sub-scenarios and traffic-responsive operation using ALINEA (Asservissement Lineaire d’entree Autoroutiere) algorithm. For the simulations, this study targeted Makkah Road, one of the major freeways in Riyadh, and collected geometrical data and traffic data from that freeway. Analysis of four main scenarios and eight sub-scenarios, proved that overall performance of the fixed-time RM operation is generally good. The sub-scenario 4V3R of the fixed-time RM operation was the best in average queue length reduction. However, the traffic-responsive operation was best in average speed improvement.
Synthesis of Mesoporous MWCNT/HKUST-1 Composite for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Sule Rasidi , Mishra Ajay K.
Published: October 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)-1) have been widely studied using the hydrothermal method. Recently, efforts have also been geared toward the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into the HKUST-1 MOF to advance its applications for gas storage as well as pollutant removal in wastewater. However, a significant reduction in the MWCNT/HKUST-1 composite surface area has limited its applications. We therefore synthesized HKUST-1 and HKUST-1 impregnated with acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (FMWCNTs). A large surface area of 1131.2 m2g−1 was obtained after acid treatment of the as-received MWCNTs. HKUST-1 was found to have an average particle diameter of 6.5 to 8 µm with a BET surface area of 1176.66 m2g−1. The FMWCNT/HKUST-1 composites had a BET surface area of 1108.85 m2/g. The addition of FMWCNTs was found to increase the parent MOF pore volume from 0.76 to 1.93 cm3g−1. A BJH desorption cumulative pore size of 6.97 nm was obtained in a composite sample. The maximum adsorption capacity of the composites was found to be greater than 100 mg/g at 298 K. The results obtained indicate that FMWCNT/HKUST-1 nanocomposites are a potential adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal in dye synthetic water.
Lateral Stability of a Mobile Robot Utilizing an Active Adjustable Suspension
Authors: Jiang Hui , Xu Guoyan , Zeng Wen , Gao Feng , Chong Kun
Published: October 2019

Mobile robots are expected to traverse on unstructured terrain, especially uneven terrain, or to climb obstacles or slopes. This paper analyzes one such passively–actively transformable mobile robot that is principally aimed at the above issue. A passive locomotion traverses on a rough and flat terrain; an active reconfiguration with an active suspension. This paper investigates the lateral stability of this mobile robot when it reconfigures itself to adjust its roll angle with the active suspension. The principles and configurations of the robot and its active suspension are presented. To analyze the effects of the suspensions’ inputs on robot stability, a mathematic model of the robot on side slopes is presented. Based on the evaluation method of the stability pyramid theory, an analytical expression representing the relationship between the input of the active suspension (linear actuator length) and stability evaluation index on transverse slopes is obtained. The results show that there is an increase in both the lateral stability and minimum lateral tip-over angle under different ground clearances when adjusting the active inputs. Furthermore, the models presented here provide theoretical references and optimization directions for the design and control of mobile robots with adjustable suspensions.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Maraging Steel Obtained by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Antunes Fernando , Santos Luís , Capela Carlos , Ferreira José , Costa José , Jesus Joel , Prates Pedro
Published: October 2019

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technology, ideal for the production of complex-shaped components. Design against fatigue is fundamental in the presence of cyclic loads, particularly for these materials which typically have significant porosity, high surface roughness and residual stresses. The main objective here is to study fatigue crack growth (FCG) in the 18Ni300 steel obtained by SLM. Typical da/dN-ΔK curves were obtained in C(T) specimens, indicating that cyclic plastic deformation may be the controlling mechanism. A complementary analysis, based on plastic CTOD range, showed a relatively low level of crack tip plastic deformation, and consequently a reduced level of plasticity induced crack closure. The curve da/dN versus plastic CTOD range is clearly above the curves for other materials.
Novel Approach to Manufacture an AUV Propeller by Additive Manufacturing and Error Analysis
Authors: Khaleed H. M. T. , Badruddin Irfan Anjum , Saquib A. N. , Addas M. F. , Kamangar Sarfaraz , Yunus Khan T. M.
Published: October 2019

Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is an unmanned tether-free vehicle which is powered by battery or fuel cell. The weight of the AUV is a major issue to be decided when considering its performance. To manufacture a propeller that is lighter in weight and able to carry the pressure applied to the blades is an involving process. The present study investigates the performance of the propeller of an AUV, manufactured by additive manufacturing, using ABS plastic material. The propeller blade designed in SolidWorks was transferred to the CUBPRO (DUO), followed by setting the parameters for a 3D printing machine. A comparative study was carried out for ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material between the required dimensions and a 3D printed model dimension propeller blade. An error analysis was carried out and we observed that ABS material is the most suitable for an AUV propeller. A stress-strain analysis for the propeller was carried out using the Finite Element Method.
Control Reference Parameter for Stance Assistance Using a Passive Controlled Ankle Foot Orthosis—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Adiputra Dimas , Abdul Rahman Mohd Azizi , Ubaidillah  , Mazlan Saiful Amri , Nazmi Nurhazimah , Shabdin Muhammad Kashfi , Kobayashi Jun , Mohammed Ariff Mohd Hatta
Published: October 2019

This paper aims to present a preliminary study of control reference parameters for stance assistance among different subjects and walking speeds using a passive-controlled ankle foot orthosis. Four young male able-bodied subjects with varying body mass indexes (23.842 ± 4.827) walked in three walking speeds of 1, 3, and 5 km/h. Two control references, average ankle torque (aMa), and ankle angular velocity (aω), which can be implemented using a magnetorheological brake, were measured. Regression analysis was conducted to identify suitable control references in the three different phases of the stance. The results showed that aω has greater correlation (p) with body mass index and walking speed compared to aMa in the whole stance phase (p1(aω) = 0.666 > p1(aMa) = 0.560, p2(aω) = 0.837 > p2(aMa) = 0.277, and p3(aω) = 0.839 > p3(aMa) = 0.369). The estimation standard error (Se) of the aMa was found to be generally higher than of aω (Se1(aMa) = 2.251 > Se1(aω) = 0.786, Se2(aMa) = 1.236 > Se2(aω) = 0.231, Se3(aMa) = 0.696 < Se3(aω) = 0.755). Future studies should perform aω estimation based on body mass index and walking speed, as suggested by the higher correlation and lower standard error as compared to aMa. The number of subjects and walking speed scenarios should also be increased to reduce the standard error of control reference parameters estimation.
Analysis of Trends in Korean BIM Research and Technologies Using Text Mining
Authors: Choo Seungyeon , Park Hyejin , Kim Taehoon , Seo Jihyo
Published: October 2019

Building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as one of the key trends in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As interest in BIM rapidly increased, the quantity of related literature also increased, thus, it has become important to analyze and identify the key topics and trends in BIM research over this period. Therefore, in order to analyze the research and technology trends related to BIM in Korea, we used the text-mining technique. In addition, by analyzing BIM-related papers using text-mining technology, we can analyze the patterns, main research trends, and trends in specific fields through data preprocessing, which formalizes the unstructured data of sentences, thus presenting us with a specific strategic plan for the future direction of research and technology related to BIM in Korea. In order to propose a strategic direction for future BIM-related research and technology in Korea, in this study, many researches related to BIM in Korea were collected and changes in the patterns and research trends of the BIM research periods were analyzed by dividing them it into the periods of introduction, development, and adaptation using text-mining methods and techniques, frequency analysis, and topic modeling methods. Therefore, in the future, BIM will be developed not only in the field of architecture but in all fields related to the construction industries, such as civil engineering, aviation, and shipping, and more active research will be conducted in various fields.
Supercontinuum Generation in the Cladding Modes of an Endlessly Single-Mode Fiber
Authors: Baselt Tobias , Nelsen Bryan , Lasagni Andrés Fabián , Hartmann Peter
Published: October 2019

In photonic crystal fibers, light guidance can be achieved by a central defect of a periodic structure of air holes in a silica glass matrix and the dispersion can be adjusted over a wide spectral range to enhance nonlinear effects. By coupling short pulse laser radiation into the core with tight confinement and utilizing the nonlinear properties of glass, this radiation can be converted to a broad spectral distribution. The tight confinement puts limits on the maximum pulse fluence propagating in the core due to the damage threshold of the glass. Therefore, when higher power spectral densities are desired, it is favorable to spread the generation of light over a much larger area to prevent fiber damage. We present here a method for generating a supercontinuum using the cladding modes of an endlessly single-mode fiber. These modes generate a supercontinuum utilizing a multimodal quasi-continuum of states, for which dispersion is governed by the guiding properties of the material between the air-filled holes in the cladding. The system also provides experimental access to unique phenomena in nonlinear optics. Simulations of the propagation properties of the core mode and cladding modes were compared with measurements of the group-velocity dispersion in a modified white-light Mach–Zehnder interferometer. The coupling of similar laser parameters into the cladding of the photonic crystal fiber enables a significant increase in conversion efficiency in the visible spectral range compared with the core-pumped case.
Characterization of Nutrient Disorders of Cannabis sativa
Authors: Cockson Paul , Landis Hunter , Smith Turner , Hicks Kristin , Whipker Brian E.
Published: October 2019

Essential plant nutrients are needed at crop-specific concentrations to obtain optimum growth or yield. Plant tissue (foliar) analysis is the standard method for measuring those levels in crops. Symptoms of nutrient deficiency occur when those tissue concentrations fall to a level where growth or yield is negatively impacted and can serve as a visual diagnostic tool for growers and researchers. Both nutrient deficiency symptoms and their corresponding plant tissue concentrations have not been established for cannabis. To establish nutrient concentrations when deficiency or toxicity symptoms are expressed, Cannabis sativa ‘T1’ plants were grown in silica sand culture, and control plants received a complete modified Hoagland’s all-nitrate solution, whereas nutrient-deficient treatments were induced with a complete nutrient formula withholding a single nutrient. Toxicity treatments were induced by increasing the element tenfold higher than the complete nutrient formula. Plants were monitored daily and, once symptoms manifested, plant tissue analysis of all essential elements was performed by most recent mature leaf (MRML) tissue analysis, and descriptions and photographs of nutrient disorder symptomology were taken. Symptoms and progressions were tracked through initial, intermediate, and advanced stages. Information in this study can be used to diagnose nutrient disorders in Cannabis sativa.
A Study Concerning Soft Computing Approaches for Stock Price Forecasting
Authors: Shi Chao , Zhuang Xiaosheng
Published: October 2019

Financial time-series are well known for their non-linearity and non-stationarity nature. The application of conventional econometric models in prediction can incur significant errors. The fast advancement of soft computing techniques provides an alternative approach for estimating and forecasting volatile stock prices. Soft computing approaches exploit tolerance for imprecision, uncertainty, and partial truth to progressively and adaptively solve practical problems. In this study, a comprehensive review of latest soft computing tools is given. Then, examples incorporating a series of machine learning models, including both single and hybrid models, to predict prices of two representative indexes and one stock in Hong Kong’s market are undertaken. The prediction performances of different models are evaluated and compared. The effects of the training sample size and stock patterns (viz. momentum and mean reversion) on model prediction are also investigated. Results indicate that artificial neural network (ANN)-based models yield the highest prediction accuracy. It was also found that the determination of optimal training sample size should take the pattern and volatility of stocks into consideration. Large prediction errors could be incurred when stocks exhibit a transition between mean reversion and momentum trend.
Caveolin-1 Regulates P2Y2 Receptor Signaling during Mechanical Injury in Human 1321N1 Astrocytoma
Authors: Martínez Magdiel , Martínez Namyr A. , Miranda Jorge D. , Maldonado Héctor M. , Silva Ortiz Walter I.
Published: October 2019

Caveolae-associated protein caveolin-1 (Cav-1) plays key roles in cellular processes such as mechanosensing, receptor coupling to signaling pathways, cell growth, apoptosis, and cancer. In 1321N1 astrocytoma cells Cav-1 interacts with the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) to modulate its downstream signaling. P2Y2R and its signaling machinery also mediate pro-survival actions after mechanical injury. This study determines if Cav-1 knockdown (KD) affects P2Y2R signaling and its pro-survival actions in the 1321N1 astrocytoma cells mechanical injury model system. KD of Cav-1 decreased its expression in 1321N1 cells devoid of or expressing hHAP2Y2R by ~88% and ~85%, respectively. Cav-1 KD had no significant impact on P2Y2R expression. Post-injury densitometric analysis of pERK1/2 and Akt activities in Cav-1-positive 1321N1 cells (devoid of or expressing a hHAP2Y2R) revealed a P2Y2R-dependent temporal increase in both kinases. These temporal increases in pERK1/2 and pAkt were significantly decreased in Cav-1 KD 1321N1 (devoid of or expressing a hHAP2Y2R). Cav-1 KD led to an ~2.0-fold and ~2.4-fold decrease in the magnitude of the hHAP2Y2R-mediated pERK1/2 and pAkt kinases’ activity, respectively. These early-onset hHAP2Y2R-mediated signaling responses in Cav-1-expressing and Cav-1 KD 1321N1 correlated with changes in cell viability (via a resazurin-based method) and apoptosis (via caspase-9 expression). In Cav-1-positive 1321N1 cells, expression of hHAP2Y2R led to a significant increase in cell viability and decreased apoptotic (caspase-9) activity after mechanical injury. In contrast, hHAP2Y2R-elicited changes in viability and apoptotic (caspase-9) activity were decreased after mechanical injury in Cav-1 KD 1321N1 cells expressing hHAP2Y2R. These findings support the importance of Cav-1 in modulating P2Y2R signaling during mechanical injury and its protective actions in a human astrocytoma cell line, whilst shedding light on potential new venues for brain injury or trauma interventions.
Epigenetic Regulation of Auxin Homeostasis
Authors: Mateo-Bonmatí Eduardo , Casanova-Sáez Rubén , Ljung Karin
Published: October 2019

Epigenetic regulation involves a myriad of mechanisms that regulate the expression of loci without altering the DNA sequence. These different mechanisms primarily result in modifications of the chromatin topology or DNA chemical structure that can be heritable or transient as a dynamic response to environmental cues. The phytohormone auxin plays an important role in almost every aspect of plant life via gradient formation. Auxin maxima/minima result from a complex balance of metabolism, transport, and signaling. Although epigenetic regulation of gene expression during development has been known for decades, the specific mechanisms behind the spatiotemporal dynamics of auxin levels in plants are only just being elucidated. In this review, we gather current knowledge on the epigenetic mechanisms regulating the expression of genes for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) metabolism and transport in Arabidopsis and discuss future perspectives of this emerging field.
Interaction of a Polyarginine Peptide with Membranes of Different Mechanical Properties
Authors: Crosio Matías A. , Via Matías A. , Cámara Candelaria I. , Mangiarotti Agustin , Del Pópolo Mario G. , Wilke Natalia
Published: October 2019

The membrane translocation efficiency of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) has been largely studied, and poly-arginines have been highlighted as particularly active CPPs, especially upon negatively charged membranes. Here we inquire about the influence of membrane mechanical properties in poly-arginine adsorption, penetration and translocation, as well as the subsequent effect on the host membrane. For this, we selected anionic membranes exhibiting different rigidity and fluidity, and exposed them to the nona-arginine KR9C. Three different membrane compositions were investigated, all of them having 50% of the anionic lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1’-rac-glycerol) (DOPG), thus, ensuring a high affinity of the peptide for membrane surfaces. The remaining 50% was a saturated PC (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DPPC), an unsaturated PC (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, DOPC) or a mixture of DOPC with cholesterol. Peptide-membrane interactions were studied using four complementary models for membranes: Langmuir monolayers, Large Unilamellar Vesicles, Black Lipid Membranes and Giant Unilamellar Vesicles. The patterns of interaction of KR9C varied within the different membrane compositions. The peptide strongly adsorbed on membranes with cholesterol, but did not incorporate or translocate them. KR9C stabilized phase segregation in DPPC/DOPG films and promoted vesicle rupture. DOPC/DOPG appeared like the better host for peptide translocation: KR9C adsorbed, inserted and translocated these membranes without breaking them, despite softening was observed.
Anti-Cancer Effects of Synergistic Drug–Bacterium Combinations on Induced Breast Cancer in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Subramaniam Menaga , Arshad Norhafiza M. , Mun Kein Seong , Malagobadan Sharan , Awang Khalijah , Nagoor Noor Hasima
Published: October 2019

Cancer development and progression are extremely complex due to the alteration of various genes and pathways. In most cases, multiple agents are required to control cancer progression. The purpose of this study is to investigate, using a mouse model, the synergistic interactions of anti-cancer agents, 1′-S-1′-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA), Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP), and cisplatin (CDDP) in double and triple combinations to treat chemo-sensitize and immune-sensitize breast cancer. Changes in tumor volume and body weight were monitored. Organs were harvested and stained using hematoxylin–eosin for histopathological assessment. Milliplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine cytokine levels, while immunohistochemistry (IHC) was conducted on tumor biopsies to verify systemic drug effects. In vivo mouse models showed tumor regression with maintenance of regular body weight for all the different treatment regimens. IHC results provided conclusive evidence indicating that combination regimens were able to down-regulate nuclear factor kappa-B activation and reduce the expression of its regulated pro-inflammatory proteins. Reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-ɣ) levels were observed when using the triple combination, which indicated that the synergistic drug combination was able to significantly control cancer progression. In conclusion, ACA, MIP, and CDDP together serve as promising candidates for further development and for subsequent clinical trials against estrogen-sensitive breast cancer.
A Review of Neurostimulation for Epilepsy in Pediatrics
Authors: Starnes Keith , Miller Kai , Wong-Kisiel Lily , Lundstrom Brian Nils
Published: October 2019

Neurostimulation for epilepsy refers to the application of electricity to affect the central nervous system, with the goal of reducing seizure frequency and severity. We review the available evidence for the use of neurostimulation to treat pediatric epilepsy, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), chronic subthreshold cortical stimulation (CSCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We consider possible mechanisms of action and safety concerns, and we propose a methodology for selecting between available options. In general, we find neurostimulation is safe and effective, although any high quality evidence applying neurostimulation to pediatrics is lacking. Further research is needed to understand neuromodulatory systems, and to identify biomarkers of response in order to establish optimal stimulation paradigms.
Calcium Regulates HCC Proliferation as well as EGFR Recycling/Degradation and Could Be a New Therapeutic Target in HCC
Authors: Modica Teresa Maria Elisa , Dituri Francesco , Mancarella Serena , Pisano Claudio , Fabregat Isabel , Giannelli Gianluigi
Published: October 2019

Calcium is the most abundant element in the human body. Its role is essential in physiological and biochemical processes such as signal transduction from outside to inside the cell between the cells of an organ, as well as the release of neurotransmitters from neurons, muscle contraction, fertilization, bone building, and blood clotting. As a result, intra- and extracellular calcium levels are tightly regulated by the body. The liver is the most specialized organ of the body, as its functions, carried out by hepatocytes, are strongly governed by calcium ions. In this work, we analyze the role of calcium in human hepatoma (HCC) cell lines harboring a wild type form of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), particularly its role in proliferation and in EGFR downmodulation. Our results highlight that calcium is involved in the proliferative capability of HCC cells, as its subtraction is responsible for EGFR degradation by proteasome machinery and, as a consequence, for EGFR intracellular signaling downregulation. However, calcium-regulated EGFR signaling is cell line-dependent. In cells responding weakly to the epidermal growth factor (EGF), calcium seems to have an opposite effect on EGFR internalization/degradation mechanisms. These results suggest that besides EGFR, calcium could be a new therapeutic target in HCC.
Salivary Gland FNA Diagnostics in a Real-Life Setting: One-Year-Experiences of the Implementation of the Milan System in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Tommola Erkka , Tommola Satu , Porre Sinikka , Kholová Ivana
Published: October 2019

The Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) was introduced in 2018 following other organ specific cytopathological reporting systems and it aimed at bringing a practical, evidence-based, user-friendly classification system with characterization and management algorithms. At the Department of Pathology, Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland all salivary fine needle aspirations (FNAs) have been given cytopathological diagnoses according to the MSRSGC since January 2018. Analyses of a one-year-period (January 2018–December 2018) consisted of 183 salivary FNA samples from 138 patients with correlation to histopathology in 90 cases with surgical follow-up. The MSRSGC performance in patient based analysis was as follows: accuracy was 90.9%, sensitivity was 61.5%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value was 89.4%, respectively. Risks of malignancy (ROMs) in MSRSGC categories were: 0.0% (0/15) in non-diagnostic category, 100.0% (1/1) in non-neoplastic category biased by only one falsely-negative lymphoma case, 14.3% (1/7) in atypia of undetermined significance category, 0.0% (0/28) in benign neoplasm category, 27.3% (3/11) in neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential category, and 100% for both suspicious for malignancy (4/4) and malignancy (4/4) categories, respectively. The MSRSGC has been proven as a reliable classification system in salivary gland FNA routine diagnostics in a tertiary care center.
Apalutamide Sensitizes Prostate Cancer to Ionizing Radiation via Inhibition of Non-Homologous End-Joining DNA Repair
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Liao Chen-Yi , Chtatou Hajar , Incrocci Luca , van Gent Dik , van Weerden Wytske , Nonnekens Julie
Published: October 2019

Androgen-deprivation therapy was shown to improve treatment outcome of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) for locally advanced prostate cancer (PCa). DNA damage response (DDR) was suggested to play a role in the underlying mechanism, but conflicting results were reported. This study aims to reveal the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in EBRT-induced DDR and to investigate whether next-generation AR inhibitor apalutamide can radiosensitize PCa. PCa cell lines and tissue slices were treated with anti-androgen alone or combined with EBRT. The effect of treatments on cell growth, tissue viability, DDR, and cell cycle were investigated. RAD51 and DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) levels were determined by Western blotting. Homologous recombination (HR) capacity was measured with the directed repeats-green fluorescent protein (DR-GFP) assay. We report the radiosensitizing effect of anti-androgens, which showed synergism in combination with EBRT in AR-expressing tumor slices and cell lines. Moreover, a compromised DDR was observed in AR-expressing cells upon AR suppression. We found that AR inhibition downregulated DNA-PKcs expression, resulting in reduced non-homologous end-joining repair. DDR through HR was a secondary effect due to cell-cycle change. These data provide a mechanistic explanation for the combination regimen and support the clinical use of apalutamide together with EBRT for localized PCa patients.
Genomic Diversity of the Major Histocompatibility Complex in Health and Disease
Authors: Kulski Jerzy K. , Shiina Takashi , Dijkstra Johannes M.
Published: October 2019

The human Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes are part of the supra-locus on chromosome 6p21 known as the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system [...]
Is NO the Answer? The Nitric Oxide Pathway Can Support Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Mediated Signaling
Authors: Differ Christopher , Klatte-Schulz Franka , Bormann Nicole , Minkwitz Susann , Knaus Petra , Wildemann Britt
Published: October 2019

The growth factor bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) plays an important role in bone development and repair. Despite the positive effects of BMP2 in fracture healing, its use is associated with negative side effects and poor cost effectiveness, partly due to the large amounts of BMP2 applied. Therefore, reduction of BMP2 amounts while maintaining efficacy is of clinical importance. As nitric oxide (NO) signaling plays a role in bone fracture healing and an association with the BMP2 pathway has been indicated, this study aimed to investigate the relationship of BMP2 and NO pathways and whether NO can enhance BMP2-induced signaling and osteogenic abilities in vitro. To achieve this, the stable BMP reporter cell line C2C12BRELuc was used to quantify BMP signaling, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and gene expression were used to quantify osteogenic potency. C2C12BRELuc cells were treated with recombinant BMP2 in combination with NO donors and substrate (Deta NONOate, SNAP & L-Arginine), NOS inhibitor (LNAME), soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor (LY83583) and activator (YC-1), BMP type-I receptor inhibitor (LDN-193189), or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor (H89). It was found that the NOS enzyme, direct NO application, and sGC enhanced BMP2 signaling and improved BMP2 induced osteogenic activity. The application of a PKA inhibitor demonstrated that BMP2 signaling is enhanced by the NO pathway via PKA, underlining the capability of BMP2 in activating the NO pathway. Collectively, this study proves the ability of the NO pathway to enhance BMP2 signaling.
Effect of Scanning Speed on the Interface Behavior and Dendrite Growth of Laser Remelted Fe-Based Ni/WC Coatings
Authors: Zhao Yuncai , Wang Li , He Wen
Published: October 2019

The flame sprayed Fe-based Ni/WC cermet coating was treated by laser remelting. The influence of scanning speeds on the interface behaviour was investigated. SEM, XRD and EDS were used to analyse the microstructure, phase composition and element distribution of the interface. The results showed that the interface of the coating contained holes and interlayer cracks and showed typical mechanical bonding features. The coatings mainly consisted of [Fe, Ni], Cr, WC, Cr7C3, Fe0.04Ni0.36, and other phases. After laser remelting, the coatings were smooth and dense due to the existence of well-developed dendrite structures and metallurgical bonding and could reach the optimal performance at 200 mm/s. New phases such as Fe2Si, Cr2Si, and W2C appeared in the remelted layers. With the increase of scanning speed, the half-peak height and average grain size became wider and smaller. At the same time, the measured dendrite spacing decreased with increasing scanning speed.
The Western Amazonian Richness Gradient for Squamate Reptiles: Are There Really Fewer Snakes and Lizards in Southwestern Amazonian Lowlands?
Authors: Rabosky Daniel L. , von May Rudolf , Grundler Michael C. , Davis Rabosky Alison R.
Published: October 2019

The lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin harbor some of the most species-rich reptile communities on Earth. However, there is considerable heterogeneity among climatically-similar sites across the Amazon basin, and faunal surveys for southwestern Amazonia in particular have revealed lower species diversity relative to sites in the northwestern and central Amazon. Here, we report a herpetofaunal inventory for Los Amigos Biological Station (LABS), a lowland site located in the Madre de Dios watershed of southern Peru. By combining active search and passive trapping methods with prior records for the site, we provide a comprehensive species list for squamate reptiles from LABS. We also estimate an “expected” list for LABS by tabulating additional taxa known from the regional species pool that we consider to have a high probability of detection with further sampling. The LABS total of 60 snake and 26 lizard taxa is perhaps the highest for any single site in the southern Amazon. Our estimate of the regional species pool for LABS suggests that the southwestern Amazonian lowlands harbor at least 25% fewer species of snakes relative to the western equatorial Amazon, a diversity reduction that is consistent with patterns observed in several other taxonomic groups. We discuss potential causes of this western Amazonian richness gradient and comment on the relationship between spatial diversity patterns in squamates and other taxa in the Amazon basin.
Spontaneous Splenic Rupture as a Rare Initial Presentation in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Kao Woei-Yau , Chan Cheng-Yi , Yiang Giou-Teng , Liao Wan-Ting , Chen Chien-Sheng
Published: October 2019

A spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare but critical diagnosis of an acute abdomen, which may accompany unspecific symptoms mimicking acute pancreatitis, rupture of aortic aneurism, or acute coronary syndrome, delaying diagnosis and treatment. In patients that have experienced a severe spleen rupture, hypovolemic shock may cause catastrophic clinical outcomes. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important in order for physicians to declare the etiology for prevention and timely correction of the shock status. Several causes of spontaneous splenic rupture have been reported, including infection, vasculitis, pancreatitis, or hematological malignancies. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains a rare but important cause of non-traumatic splenic rupture that physicians are required to assess for. Here, we describe a case presenting an acute abdomen due to spontaneous spleen rupture as the first manifestation. The purpose of this case report was to highlight the importance of considering spontaneous ruptures of the spleen as a rare but critical differential diagnosis of an acute abdomen, especially in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
The ARDL Method in the Energy-Growth Nexus Field; Best Implementation Strategies
Authors: Menegaki Angeliki N.
Published: October 2019

A vast number of the energy-growth nexus researchers, as well as other “X-variable-growth nexus” studies, such as for example the tourism-growth nexus, the environment-growth nexus or the food-growth nexus have used the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds test approach for cointegration testing. Their research papers rarely include all the ARDL procedure steps in a detailed way and thus they leave other researchers confused with the series of steps that must be followed and the best implementation paradigms so that they not allow any obscure aspects. This paper is a comprehensive review that suggests the steps that need to be taken before the ARDL procedure takes place as well as the steps that should be taken afterward with respect to causality investigation and robust analysis.
Low Cross-Polarization Improved-Gain Rectangular Patch Antenna
Authors: Singh Anurag , Vijay Sandip , Baral Rudra Narayan
Published: October 2019

In this paper, a low cross-polarization improved-gain rectangular patch antenna is presented. A patch-ground shorting pin with defected patch structure (DPS) is introduced to suppress the cross-polarization level. A High Reflective Frequency Selective Surface (HRFSS) superstrate is designed and placed over the proposed antenna at an optimized position to intensify the gain. To characterize the unit-cell of the superstrate, its transmission characteristics are extracted and discussed. Integration of the superstrate achieves a beam contraction resulting in a gain enhancement to 10.65 dBi. The proposed antenna has perfect broadside radiation with a cross-polarization level of below −30 dB in the entire half power beamwidth. The prototype of the antenna exhibits good agreement between experimental and simulated results.
Experimental Investigation on Heat Transfer Mechanism of Air-Blast-Spray-Cooling System with a Two-Phase Ejector Loop for Aeronautical Application
Authors: Li Jia-Xin , Li Yun-Ze , Cai Ben-Yuan , Li En-Hui
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an air-oriented spray cooling system (SCS) integrated with a two-phase ejector for the thermal management system. Considering its aeronautical application, the spray nozzle in the SCS is an air-blast one. Heat transfer performance (HTP) of air-water spray cooling was studied experimentally on the basis of the ground-based test. Factors including pressure difference between water-inlet-pressure (WIP) and spray cavity one (PDWIC) and the spray volumetric flow rate (SVFR) were investigated and discussed. Under a constant operating condition, the cooling capacity can be promoted by the growth factors of the PDWIC and SVFR with the values from 51.90 kPa to 235.35 kPa and 3.91 L ⋅ h − 1 to 14.53 L ⋅ h − 1 , respectively. Under the same heating power, HTP is proportional to the two dimensionless parameters Reynolds number and Weber number due to the growth of droplet-impacting velocity and droplet size as the increasing of PDWIC or SVFR. Additionally, compared with the factor of the droplet size, the HTP is more sensitive to the variation in the droplet-impacting velocity. Based on the experimental data, an empirical experimental correlation for the prediction of the dimensionless parameter Nusselt number in the non-boiling region with the relative error of only ± 10 % was obtained based on the least square method.
Connectedness Between Natural Gas Price and BRICS Exchange Rates: Evidence from Time and Frequency Domains
Authors: He Yijin , Nakajima Tadahiro , Hamori Shigeyuki
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we investigate the connectedness between natural gas and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)’s exchange rate in terms of time and frequency. This empirical work is based on the approach of connectedness proposed by Diebold and Yilmaz, who provided an effective way of valuing how much variation in one variable is responsible for the value of other variables, and the method proposed by Baruník and Křehlík, who decomposed the results from Diebold and Yilmaz into different frequencies. We also use the rolling-window method to conduct time-varying analysis. The data used in this paper are from 23 August 2010 to 20 June 2019. We find that the natural gas price hardly influences BRICS’s exchange rates, which provides an important practical implication for policymakers, especially in oil-dependent countries.
Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation Using Supported Pt and Ru Catalysts for Treatment of Distillery Wastewater (Cognac and Sugarcane Vinasses)
Authors: Le Phuong Thu , Besson Michèle
Published: October 2019

The production of brandy from wine and bioethanol from sugarcane in distilleries generates vinasses, which are effluents that are rich in organic matter. Since they have a high pollution load characterized by high chemical and biological oxygen demands and a dark color, the depollution of these effluents is inevitable. Pt and Ru catalysts supported on titania and zirconia were explored in the catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) processing of cognac and sugarcane wastewaters, in batch mode and in a trickle-bed reactor, at a temperature condition of 190 °C and a pressure condition of 70 bar air. The addition of a catalyst promoted total organic carbon (TOC) abatement and the oxidation of ammonium ions formed from organic nitrogen in the effluents to dinitrogen or nitrates. The best results in terms of selectivity to N2 were obtained by using Pt catalysts; a selectivity of 92% to N2 and a TOC removal of 90% were observed in continuous oxidation of the sugarcane vinasse.
A Procedure for Mitigating the Light Flicker in Office LED Lighting Caused by Voltage Fluctuations
Authors: Orgulan Andrej , Sukič Primož , Ribič Janez
Published: October 2019

Progress in the development of LED technologies has reached a state which justifies the replacement of lighting with traditional light sources, not only in new buildings but also in existing, older ones. One of such replacements was used as an example of a lighting flicker study presented in this paper. The results of initial measurements indicated that Rapid Voltage Changes (RVCs) are the cause of light flicker. The procedure was introduced and described in this paper to provide the necessary actions to mitigate the light flicker in LED lighting. In order to fulfil this task, the source of locally induced voltage fluctuations has to be identified. A method of identification was developed and a multi-function office printer was identified as the source of RVCs. Using a less sensitive LED driver, changing the connection point of the interfering device, and improving the electrical installation were considered as a set of possible solutions. Laboratory measurements have shown significant sensitivity of the LED driver to RVCs. The identified source of voltage disturbances was confirmed by a simulation of supply voltage variation in the presence of such device in Matlab Simulink with the use of digital flickermeter.
Wave-to-Wire Model Development and Validation for Two OWC Type Wave Energy Converters
Authors: Benreguig Pierre , Kelly James , Pakrashi Vikram , Murphy Jimmy
Published: October 2019

The Tupperwave device is a closed-circuit oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy converter that uses non-return valves and two large fixed-volume accumulator chambers to create a smooth unidirectional air flow, harnessed by a unidirectional turbine. In this paper, the relevance of the Tupperwave concept against the conventional OWC concept, that uses a self-rectifying turbine, is investigated. For this purpose, wave-to-wire numerical models of the Tupperwave device and a corresponding conventional OWC device are developed and validated against experimental tests. Both devices have the same floating spar buoy structure and a similar turbine technology. The models include wave-structure hydrodynamic interaction, air turbines and generators, along with their control laws in order to encompass all power conversion stages from wave to electrical power. Hardware-in-the-loop is used to physically emulate the last power conversion stage from mechanic to electrical power and hence validate the control law and the generator numerical model. The dimensioning methodology for turbines and generators for power optimisation is explained. Eventually, the validated wave-to-wire numerical models of the conventional OWC and the Tupperwave device are used to assess and compare the performances of these two OWC type wave energy device concepts in the same wave climate. The benefits of pneumatic power smoothing by the Tupperwave device are discussed and the required efficiency of the non-return valves is investigated.