bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
نظريات هيكل التمويل الحديثة : تطبيق عملي لنظرية الالتقاط ودورة حياة الشركة/ بحث تحليلي لعينة من الشركات الاجنبية
Authors: هاشم صبيحة قاسم , ناجي هالة تركي
Published: December 2018

يهدف البحث الى التعرف على اهم النظريات الحديثة للهيكل المالي وتم التركيز على نظرية الالتقاط المالية بين المنشآت في مرحلتين مختلفتين من دورة حياتها، يطلق عليها النمو والنضج.

كما تناول البحث موضوع الهيكل المالي ويعد أهم المواضيع التي نالت اهتمامات البحث العلمي في مجال الإدارة المالية، أذ ظهرت عدة نظريات حول اختيار الهيكل المالي المناسب للمنشأة وتغيير السلوك التمويلي لها، وبالرغم من ذلك لا يوجد اتفاق على نظرية معينة تجيب عن مختلف التساؤلات في هذا الصدد، ولاسيما قضية الهيكل المالي الامثل .

فيما تجلت متغيرات البحث في متغير واحد مستقل وهو ما يمثله معدل نمو المبيعات فيما اتضح المتغير المعتمد في معدل نمو الارباح المحتجزة , اما مجتمع البحث فقد تمثل ب(23) شركة امريكية كبيرة الحجم ومتنوعة النشاطات المدرجة في fortune 500  , وقد تم استخدام بعض الاساليب الاحصائية المتمثلة والمتمثلة بحساب t)  الجدولية( وt) المحسوبة( لمعرفة قوة الارتباط بين المتغيرين وفضلا عن تم استخدام (fالجدولية( و f) المحسوبة( لمعرفة درجة التأثير بين المتغيرين .

وقد توصل البحث إلى عدة استنتاجات كان من ابرزها وجود مجموعة من العوامل الظاهرة والخفية التي تؤثر من شأنها على السلوك التمويلي الذي تتبعه الشركات خلال مراحل دورة حياتها ومن اهم تلك العوامل الارباح المحتجزة . اما اهم التوصيات التي خرج بها البحث الحالي هو تشجيع الشركات على الاهتمام بدورة حياة المنشأة من الناحية المالية وتحديد السلوك المالي الذي تتبعه الشركات في كل مرحلة
دور ابعاد الريادة الاستراتيجية في تحسين الاداء المصرفي المتميز دراسة تحليلية في عينة مختارة من المصارف العراقية الخاصة
Authors: الشمري صادق راشد
Published: December 2018

يرمي البحث الى تحليل دور الريادة الاستراتيجية على وفق الاداء المصرفي المتميز لعينة من المصارف العراقية الخاصة وهي (المصرف الوطني الاسلامي، المصرف الاهلي العراقي، مصرف بغداد، مصرف الشرق الاوسط العراقي للاستثمار) وقد انطلق البحث من مشكلة اساسية تنبثق من تساؤل تسعى اجابته الى توصيف المشكلة وهي تحسين الاداء المصرفي من خلال الريادة الاستراتيجية ولتحقيق هدف البحث فقد تم اعداد استمارة استبانة تضمنت عدد من الاسئلة حول متغيرات البحث المستقلة والمعتمدة حيث تمثل المتغير المستقل بالريادة الاستراتيجية واشتملت على اربعة ابعاد هي (الثقافة الريادية, القيادة الريادية, العقل الريادي والموارد المدارة استراتيجيا) واما المتغير المعتمد فهو (الاداء المتميز) باعتماد اربعة مقاييس هي (مقياس مالي, مقياس تسويقي, مقياس الموارد, ومقياس دعم الادارة العليا) وقد عرضت الاستمارة على عينة من موظفي الادارة العليا والوسطى في المصارف الاربعة للاجابة عليها وقد توصلت الدراسة الى ادراك عينة البحث لاهمية ابعاد الريادة الاستراتيجية في تحقيق الاداء المتميز وتوصي بضرورة تبني المصارف اليات وابعاد الريادة الاستراتيجية لتحسين ادائها
سعر صرف الدينار العراقي مابين النظام الواقعي والنظام المعلن للمدة (2004-2012)
Authors: داغر محمود محمد , مهوس حسين عطوان
Published: December 2018

يعـد فهم سياسة سعر الصرف مسألة جوهرية بغية التعرف على الآلية التي يعمل بها الاقتصاد الكلي، كما أنَّه من الحيوي للتحليل الاقتصادي الكلي والعمل التجريبي التفريق بين أنظمة الصرف المعلنة وأنظمة الصرف المطبقة فعلاً، إذ أثبتت المسوحات والدراسات الصادرة عن صندوق النقد الدولي بأنَّ هناك تبايناً مابين حقيقة نظام الصرف De facto regime ( نظام الصرف الذي يطبقه البلد فعلياً) وما بين النظام المعلن شرعيا De jure (النظام المعلن عنه عبر وثائق وكتابات المسؤولين الرسميين للمصرف المركزي)، وتطلق الدراسات على نظام الصرف الواقعي De facto (بوصفه الأساس في تقويم السياسة النقدية) نظام الصرف المحفز للإستقرار.

      شهدت السياسة النقدية في العراق بعد حصول البنك المركزي على الإستقلالية عام 2004 تحولاً كبيراً، ولكن في ظل نظام مالي يفتقر للتطور وارتفاع السيولة المصرفية  تكون القنوات المعتادة لإنتقال أثر السياسة النقدية غير فاعلة، ومن ثم، فإنَّ الأداة الرئيسة المتاحة للبنك المركزي العراقي هي سعر الصرف، إذ تبنى الأخير سعر الصرف مثبتاً إسمياً Nominal anchor لسياستهِ النقدية، وبذلك فإنَّ مستويات التدخل عبر السوق المفتوحة(مزادات العملة) في العراق، هي التي تعكس حقيقة نظام الصرف بواقعيته De facto وليس بإعلانه عبر الوثائق الرسمية De jure، مما يعني أنَّ تبايناً ما بين نظام الصرف الواقعي و بين نظام الصرف المعلن، إذ إنَّ ريعية الاقتصاد العراقي وضعف مرونة جهازه الانتاجي، فضلاً عن التوسع بالانفاق الحكومي ببنيتهِ التشغيلية على حساب الاستثمارية، كل ذلك أسهم في زَعْزَعَة الاستقرار السعري، الأمر الذي فرض قيداً على السلطة النقدية لتثبيت سعر صرف الدينار أملاً في تحقيق اسقراراً سعرياً
دور المهارات القيادية في الثقة التنظيمية بحث تحليلي في مركز وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي العراقية
Authors: جادر سهير عادل , مرجاح زهراء غانم
Published: December 2018

المستخلص

شكلت المهارات القيادية والثقة التنظيمية المرتكزين الفكريين اللذان استند اليهما البحث الحالي اذ مثلت المهارات القيادية متغيرها التفسيري فيما مثلت الثقة التنظيمية المتغير الاستجابي .

يهدف البحث الى اختبار علاقة وتأثير المهارات القيادية بأبعادها في الثقة التنظيمية بأبعادها ولغرض تحقيق أهدافه فقد صيغت فرضيتان رئيسيتان تتعلق باختبار التأثير والعلاقة بين متغيرات البحث ولغرض اختبار تلك الفرضيات طبق البحث على عينة من ورؤساء الأقسام ومسؤولي الشعب في مركز وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي حيث كانت العينة متكونة (90) مسؤولاً (مدير قسم، ومسؤول شعبة) بالاعتماد على الاستبانة كأداة أساسية لجمع البيانات والمعلومات ولأجل اختبار مخطط البحث وفرضياتها فقد تم اعتماد المنهج الوصفي التحليلي بالإضافة الى الاستعانة ببرنامج التحليل الاحصائي((Spss للوصول الى النتائج.

وبناءً على وصف متغيرات البحث  وتشخيصها واختبار مخطط البحث وفرضياته فقد توصل إلى مجموعة من النتائج أهمها:

* وجود علاقة ارتباط معنوية بين مهارات القيادية بدلالة متغيراتها والثقة التنظيمية بمتغيراته في الوزارة المبحوثة.

* وجود علاقة تأثير معنوية للمهارات القيادية  بدلالة متغيراتها في الثقة التنظيمية بدلالة متغيراته في الوزارة المبحوثة.

واستناداً إلى ما توصل إليه البحث من استنتاجات فقد وضعت مجموعة من التوصيات كانت اهمها ضرورة استثمار علاقة الارتباط والاثر بين متغيرات البحث في الوزارة المبحوثة في الخطط المستقبلية للوزارة للإفادة من معطياتها في تحسين الأداء وتعزيز الثقة في مختلف المستويات التنظيمية.
Guided Discovery Worksheet for Increasing Mathematical Creative Thinking and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Yuliani Tripatika , Noer Sri Hastuti , Rosidin Undang
Published: December 2018

This research development aimed to develop of worksheet based on guided discovery for increasing mathematical creative thinking and student’s self-efficacy. Development stage in this study is a preliminary study, planning, development of worksheet, worksheet validation, and field testing. The subject of this research is the students of class 10A3 and 10A5 MAN 1 Central Lampung in the Academic of 2017/2018. The data of this research were obtained by observation, interview, mathematicalcreative thinking ability test and self-efficacy scale. The result of the validity by subject matter expert and media expert showed that the worksheet is considered excellent. The Initial field testing results indicate that worksheet is included in either category. The field testing results showed that (1) the student’s mathematical creative thinking aspect was effective because seen from the N-Gain of 0,54 which included in the category of moderate improvement and (2) the student’s self-efficacy was effective because seen from the N-Gain of 0,36 which included in the category of moderate improvement. It can be concluded that worksheet based on guided discovery effective way to improve the mathematical creative thinking ability and student’s self-efficacy.
Risk Assessment in PPP Projects by Applying Different MCDM Methods and Comparative Results Analysis
Authors: Valipour Alireza , Sarvari Hadi , Tamošaitiene Jolanta
Published: December 2018

Recently, risk assessment has become one of the most challenging issues in the areas of construction and public-private partnerships (PPPs). To address risk assessment issues, various decision-making techniques have been proposed, each with its own specific disadvantages and advantages. This paper investigates step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA), complex proportional assessment (COPRAS), fuzzy analytic network process (FANP), fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (FTOPSIS), simple additive weighting (SAW) and evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) in order to define how various multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) methods compare when used for risk assessment in PPP projects. For this study, 5 risk assessment criteria and 10 types of risk used in Iranian highway PPP projects were selected. Four suitability and applicability tests were used to measure agreement between the rankings derived from the MADM methods. Final results show that all techniques had approximately the same rankings of risk assessment, with the SWARA, COPRAS, and EDAS methods performing slightly better. The findings of this study will help the parties in PPP and construction projects to select the best risk assessment method.
Differential Gene Expression in the Model Actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) Supports Nitrogen Mining Dependent on the Plant Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio
Authors: Finn Damien , Catton Kerrilyn , Heenan Marijke , Kopittke Peter M. , Ouwerkerk Diane , Klieve Athol V. , Dalal Ram C.
Published: December 2018

Nitrogen mining is the process whereby microbial communities catabolise recalcitrant long-term organic matter (OM) to meet nutritional requirements that are not ensured by labile OM. Microbial degradation of recalcitrant OM impacts soil fertility and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural systems. Here we conducted a transcriptomics study to track differential gene expression in the model soil Actinomycete Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) during the decomposition of mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues of relatively low and high carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratios (17.3 and 35.7, respectively) at 1, 7, and 14 days of incubation. A negative binomial general linear model showed that plant variety predominantly affected transcription (p < 0.001), although time of incubation also had an effect (p = 0.01). In the high C:N ratio treatment, the expression of cellulases, chitinase, N-acetylglucosaminidase, secreted peptidases, and mineral nitrogen (N) metabolism were increased after 24 h. The low C:N ratio treatment demonstrated preferential expression of glutamate dehydrogenase, transporters involved in glutamate uptake and glycolysis, indicating more efficient N and carbon (C) assimilation. After 14 days, the low C:N ratio treatment showed increased transcription of extracellular enzymes, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glutamate transport. These results show an important role for added plant organic N content in determining when the transcription of genes associated with N mining occurs.
Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytoprotective Properties of Ethanolic Mint Extracts from Algeria on 7-Ketocholesterol-Treated Murine RAW 264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Brahmi Fatiha , Nury Thomas , Debbabi Meryam , Hadj-Ahmed Samia , Zarrouk Amira , Prost Michel , Madani Khodir , Boulekbache-Makhlouf Lila , Lizard Gérard
Published: December 2018

The present study consisted in evaluating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties of ethanolic extracts from three mint species (Mentha spicata L. (MS), Mentha pulegium L. (MP) and Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds (MR)) with biochemical methods on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages (a transformed macrophage cell line isolated from ascites of BALB/c mice infected by the Abelson leukemia virus). The total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid contents were determined with spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activities were quantified with the Kit Radicaux Libres (KRLTM), the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The MS extract showed the highest total phenolic content, and the highest antioxidant capacity, while the MR extract showed the lowest total phenolic content and the lowest antioxidant capacity. The cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities of the extracts were quantified on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with 7-ketocholesterol (7KC; 20 µg/mL: 50 µM) associated or not for 24 h and 48 h with ethanolic mint extracts used at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/mL). Under treatment with 7KC, an important inhibition of cell growth was revealed with the crystal violet test. This side effect was strongly attenuated in a dose dependent manner with the different ethanolic mint extracts, mainly at 48 h. The most important cytoprotective effect was observed with the MS extract. In addition, the effects of ethanolic mint extracts on cytokine secretion (Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein (MCP)-1, Interferon (IFN)-ϒ, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) were determined at 24 h on lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.2 µg/mL)-, 7KC (20 µg/mL)- and (7KC + LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Complex effects of mint extracts were observed on cytokine secretion. However, comparatively to LPS-treated cells, all the extracts strongly reduce IL-6 secretion and two of them (MP and MR) also decrease MCP-1 and TNF-α secretion. However, no anti-inflammatory effects were observed on 7KC- and (7KC + LPS)-treated cells. Altogether, these data bring new evidences on the potential benefits (especially antioxidant and cytoprotective properties) of Algerian mint on human health.
Comparison of the Blade Element Momentum Theory with Computational Fluid Dynamics for Wind Turbine Simulations in Turbulent Inflow
Authors: Ehrich Sebastian , Schwarz Carl Michael , Rahimi Hamid , Stoevesandt Bernhard , Peinke Joachim
Published: December 2018

In this work three different numerical methods are used to simulate a multi-megawatt class class wind turbine under turbulent inflow conditions. These methods are a blade resolved Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation, an actuator line based CFD simulation and a Blade Element Momentum (BEM) approach with wind fields extracted from an empty CFD domain. For all three methods sectional and integral forces are investigated in terms of mean, standard deviation, power spectral density and fatigue loads. It is shown that the average axial and tangential forces are very similar in the mid span, but differ a lot near the root and tip, which is connected with smaller values for thrust and torque. The standard deviations in the sectional forces due to the turbulent wind fields are much higher almost everywhere for BEM than for the other two methods which leads to higher standard deviations in integral forces. The difference in the power spectral densities of sectional forces of all three methods depends highly on the radial position. However, the integral densities are in good agreement in the low frequency range for all methods. It is shown that the differences in the standard deviation between BEM and the CFD methods mainly stem from this part of the spectrum. Strong deviations are observed from 1.5 Hz onward. The fatigue loads of torque for the CFD based methods differ by only 0.4%, but BEM leads to a difference of up to 16%. For the thrust the BEM simulation results deviate by even 29% and the actuator line by 7% from the blade resolved case. An indication for a linear relation between standard deviation and fatigue loads for sectional as well as integral quantities is found.
Effects of Sterilization on Bioactives of Jatropha dioica and Opuntia oligacantha Extracts, and on Antimicrobial Capacity against Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Terrazas-Hernández Jorge , Santos-López Eva , Cariño-Cortés Raquel , Jiménez-Alvarado Rubén , López-Palestina César , Hernández-Fuentes Alma
Published: December 2018

Natural extracts have been used as antimicrobial agents, and extracts of the rhizomes of the dragon’s blood plant (Jatropha dioica) and of the fruit of xoconostle ‘Ulapa’ (Opuntia oligacantha) are among these agents. To be able to use the extracts, it is necessary to eliminate their natural microbiota by the means of sterilization methods; however, the effects of thermal sterilization on their properties have not been evaluated. The objective of the study was to evaluate the physico-chemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of extracts of the rhizomes of dragon’s blood and the fruit of xoconostle, when not sterilized, and when sterilized by autoclaving. The contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans were not affected in autoclave-sterilized extracts of dragon’s blood rhizomes, and naringenin, apigenin, galagina, vanillic, and caffeic acid were detected, while in autoclave-sterilized extracts of xoconostle fruits, the betalain content decreased, with galagin, gallic, vanillic, and p-coumaric acid being identified. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the extract sterilized by autoclaving dragon’s blood was 2 mg/mL, and for the extract sterilized by autoclaving xoconostle, it was 28 mg/mL. Both represent natural alternatives as antimicrobial agents against S. mutans.
Valorization of Waste Glycerol to Dihydroxyacetone with Biocatalysts Obtained from Gluconobacter oxydans
Authors: Stasiak-Różańska Lidia , Berthold-Pluta Anna , Dikshit Pritam Kumar
Published: December 2018

Waste glycerol is the main by-product generated during biodiesel production, in an amount reaching up to 10% of the produced biofuel. Is there any method which allows changing this waste into industrial valuable compounds? This manuscript describes a method for valorization of crude glycerol via microbial bioconversion. It has been shown that the use of free and immobilized biocatalysts obtained from Gluconobacter oxydans can enable beneficial valorization of crude glycerol to industrially valuable dihydroxyacetone. The highest concentration of this compound, reaching over 20 g·L−1, was obtained after 72 h of biotransformation with free G. oxydans cells, in a medium containing 30 or 50 g·L−1 of waste glycerol. Using a free cell extract resulted in higher concentrations of dihydroxyacetone and a higher valorization efficiency (up to 98%) compared to the reaction with an immobilized cell extract. Increasing waste glycerol concentration to 50 g·L−1 causes neither a faster nor higher increase in product yield and reaction efficiency compared to its initial concentration of 30 g·L−1. The proposed method could be an alternative for utilization of a petrochemical waste into industry applicated chemicals.
A Novel Markerless Lung Tumor-Tracking Method Using Treatment MV Beam Imaging
Authors: Rozario Timothy , Chiu Tsuicheng D. , Chen Mingli , Jia Xun , Lu Weiguo , Bereg Sergey , Mao Weihua
Published: December 2018

A novel method was developed to track lung tumor motion in real time during radiation therapy with the purpose to allow target radiation dose escalation while simultaneously reducing the dose to sensitive structures, thereby increasing local control without increasing toxicity. This method analyzes beam’s eye view radiation therapy treatment megavoltage (MV) images with simulated digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) as references. Instead of comparing global DRRs with projection images, this method incorporates a technique that divides the global composite DRR and the corresponding MV projection into sub-images called tiles. Registration is performed independently on tile pairs in order to reduce the effects of global discrepancies due to scattering or imaging modality differences. This algorithm was evaluated by phantom studies while simulated tumors were controlled to move with various patterns in a complex humanoid torso. Approximately 15,000 phantom MV images were acquired at nine gantry angles, with different tumors moving within ranges between 10 and 20 mm. Tumors were successfully identified on every projection with a total maximum/average error of 1.84/0.98 mm. This algorithm was also applied to over 5,000 frames of MV projections acquired during radiation therapy of five lung cancer patients. This tumor-tracking methodology is capable of accurately locating lung tumors during treatment without implanting any internal fiducial markers nor delivering extra imaging radiation doses.
Developments in Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy
Authors: Haridass Anoop
Published: December 2018

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is the technique of accurately delivering high doses of radiotherapy to small volume targets in a single or small number of sessions. The high biological effective dose of this treatment is reflected in the high rates of local control achieved across multiple tumour sites. Toxicity of the treatment can be significant and ongoing prospective trials will help define the utility of this treatment as an alternative to surgery in treating primary tumours and oligometastatic disease. Longer follow-up and survival data from prospective trials will be essential in determining the value of this resource-intensive treatment. The opportunity to combine this treatment with systemic therapies and its potential synergy with immunotherapy opens up interesting avenues for research in the future.
Nucleophilic Dearomatization of Activated Pyridines
Authors: Bertuzzi Giulio , Bernardi Luca , Fochi Mariafrancesca
Published: December 2018

Amongst nitrogen heterocycles of different ring sizes and oxidation statuses, dihydropyridines (DHP) occupy a prominent role due to their synthetic versatility and occurrence in medicinally relevant compounds. One of the most straightforward synthetic approaches to polysubstituted DHP derivatives is provided by nucleophilic dearomatization of readily assembled pyridines. In this article, we collect and summarize nucleophilic dearomatization reactions of pyridines reported in the literature between 2010 and mid-2018, complementing and updating previous reviews published in the early 2010s dedicated to various aspects of pyridine chemistry. Since functionalization of the pyridine nitrogen, rendering a (transient) pyridinium ion, is usually required to render the pyridine nucleus sufficiently electrophilic to suffer the attack of a nucleophile, the material is organized according to the type of N-functionalization. A variety of nucleophilic species (organometallic reagents, enolates, heteroaromatics, umpoled aldehydes) can be productively engaged in pyridine dearomatization reactions, including catalytic asymmetric implementations, providing useful and efficient synthetic platforms to (enantioenriched) DHPs. Conversely, pyridine nitrogen functionalization can also lead to pyridinium ylides. These dipolar species can undergo a variety of dipolar cycloaddition reactions with electron-poor dipolarophiles, affording polycyclic frameworks and embedding a DHP moiety in their structures.
ATG9A Is Overexpressed in Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Its In Vitro Extinction Leads to the Inhibition of Pro-Cancer Phenotypes
Authors: Claude-Taupin Aurore , Fonderflick Leïla , Gauthier Thierry , Mansi Laura , Pallandre Jean-René , Borg Christophe , Perez Valérie , Monnien Franck , Algros Marie-Paule , Vigneron Marc , Adami Pascale , Delage-Mourroux Régis , Peixoto Paul , Herfs Michael , Boyer-Guittaut Michaël , Hervouet Eric
Published: December 2018

Early detection and targeted treatments have led to a significant decrease in mortality linked to breast cancer (BC), however, important issues need to be addressed in the future. One of them will be to find new triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapeutic strategies, since none are currently efficiently targeting this subtype of BC. Since numerous studies have reported the possibility of targeting the autophagy pathway to treat or limit cancer progression, we analyzed the expression of six autophagy genes (ATG9A, ATG9B, BECLIN1, LC3B, NIX and P62/SQSTM1) in breast cancer tissue, and compared their expression with healthy adjacent tissue. In our study, we observed an increase in ATG9A mRNA expression in TNBC samples from our breast cancer cohort. We also showed that this increase of the transcript was confirmed at the protein level on paraffin-embedded tissues. To corroborate these in vivo data, we designed shRNA- and CRISPR/Cas9-driven inhibition of ATG9A expression in the triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-436, in order to determine its role in the regulation of cancer phenotypes. We found that ATG9A inhibition led to an inhibition of in vitro cancer features, suggesting that ATG9A can be considered as a new marker of TNBC and might be considered in the future as a target to develop new specific TNBC therapies.
MicroRNAs as Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Ischemic Stroke—A Comprehensive Review and Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Eyileten Ceren , Wicik Zofia , De Rosa Salvatore , Mirowska-Guzel Dagmara , Soplinska Aleksandra , Indolfi Ciro , Jastrzebska-Kurkowska Iwona , Czlonkowska Anna , Postula Marek
Published: December 2018

Stroke is the second-most common cause of death worldwide. The pathophysiology of ischemic stroke (IS) is related to inflammation, atherosclerosis, blood coagulation, and platelet activation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in physiological and pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases and progression of certain neurological diseases, such as IS. Several different miRNAs, and their target genes, are recognized to be involved in the pathophysiology of IS. The capacity of miRNAs to simultaneously regulate several target genes underlies their unique value as diagnostic and prognostic markers in IS. In this review, we focus on the role of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in IS. We discuss the most common and reliable detection methods available and promising tests currently under development. We also present original results from bioinformatic analyses of published results, identifying the ten most significant genes (HMGB1, YWHAZ, PIK3R1, STAT3, MAPK1, CBX5, CAPZB, THBS1, TNFRSF10B, RCOR1) associated with inflammation, blood coagulation, and platelet activation and targeted by miRNAs in IS. Additionally, we created miRNA-gene target interaction networks based on Gene Ontology (GO) information derived from publicly available databases. Among our most interesting findings, miR-19a-3p is the most widely modulated miRNA across all selected ontologies and might be proposed as novel biomarker in IS to be tested in future studies.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Coculture Protects [Ca2+]i Orchestrated Oxidant Mediated Damage in Differentiated Neurons In Vitro
Authors: Alhazzani Adel , Rajagopalan Prasanna , Albarqi Zaher , Devaraj Anantharam , Mohamed Mohamed Hessian , Al-Hakami Ahmed , Chandramoorthy Harish C.
Published: December 2018

Cell-therapy modalities using mesenchymal stem (MSCs) in experimental strokes are being investigated due to the role of MSCs in neuroprotection and regeneration. It is necessary to know the sequence of events that occur during stress and how MSCs complement the rescue of neuronal cell death mediated by [Ca2+]i and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the current study, SH-SY5Y-differentiated neuronal cells were subjected to in vitro cerebral ischemia-like stress and were experimentally rescued from cell death using an MSCs/neuronal cell coculture model. Neuronal cell death was characterized by the induction of proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and -12, up to 35-fold with corresponding downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, IL-6 and -10 by approximately 1 to 7 fold. Increased intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i and ROS clearly reaffirmed oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis, while upregulation of nuclear factor NF-κB and cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 expressions, along with ~41% accumulation of early and late phase apoptotic cells, confirmed ischemic stress-mediated cell death. Stressed neuronal cells were rescued from death when cocultured with MSCs via increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, 17%; IL-6, 4%; and IL-10, 13%), significantly downregulated NF-κB and proinflammatory COX-2 expression. Further accumulation of early and late apoptotic cells was diminished to 23%, while corresponding cell death decreased from 40% to 17%. Low superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) expression at the mRNA level was rescued by MSCs coculture, while no significant changes were observed with catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Interestingly, increased serotonin release into the culture supernatant was proportionate to the elevated [Ca2+]i and corresponding ROS, which were later rescued by the MSCs coculture to near normalcy. Taken together, all of these results primarily support MSCs-mediated modulation of stressed neuronal cell survival in vitro.
Thickness Study of Er-Doped Magnesium Zinc Oxide Diode by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Hsu Yu-Ting , Lee Che-Chi , Lan Wen-How , Huang Kai-Feng , Chang Kuo-Jen , Lin Jia-Ching , Lee Shao-Yi , Lin Wen-Jen , Wang Mu-Chun , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: December 2018

Erbium-doped magnesium zinc oxides were prepared through spray pyrolysis deposition at 450 °C with an aqueous solution containing magnesium nitrate, zinc acetate, erbium acetate, and indium nitrate precursors. Diodes with different erbium-doped magnesium zinc oxide thicknesses were fabricated. The effect of erbium-doped magnesium zinc oxide was investigated. The crystalline structure and surface morphology were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The films exhibited a zinc oxide structure, with (002), (101), and (102) planes and tiny rods in a mixed hexagonal flakes surface morphology. With the photoluminescence analyses, defect states were identified. The diodes were fabricated via a metallization process in which the top contact was Au and the bottom contact was In. The current–voltage characteristics of these diodes were characterized. The structure resistance increased with the increase in erbium-doped magnesium zinc oxide thickness. With a reverse bias in excess of 8 V, the light spectrum, with two distinct green light emissions at wavelengths of 532 nm and 553 nm, was observed. The light intensity that resulted when using a different operation current of the diodes was investigated. The diode with an erbium-doped magnesium zinc oxide thickness of 230 nm shows high light intensity with an operational current of 80 mA. The emission spectrum with different injection currents for the diodes was characterized and the mechanism is discussed.
The Importance of CH···X (X = O, π) Interaction of a New Mixed Ligand Cu(II) Coordination Polymer: Structure, Hirshfeld Surface and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Seth Saikat Kumar
Published: December 2018

In this study, a new equimolar (1:1:1) mixed ligand Cu(II) polymer, [Cu(IDA)(ImP)]n (1) with iminodiacetato (IDA) and imidazo[1,2-a]-pyridine (ImP) was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray crystallography reveals that compound (1) consists of polymeric zigzag chain along [010] the carboxylate carbonyl oxygen atom by two-fold symmetry screw axis. The solid-state structure is stabilized through C–H···O hydrogen bonds and C–H···π interactions that lead the molecules to generate two-dimensional supramolecular assemblies. The intricate combinations of hydrogen bonds and C–H···π interactions are fully described along with computational studies. A thorough analysis of Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots elegantly quantify the interactions involved within the structure. The binding energies associated with the noncovalent interactions observed in the crystal structure and the interplay between them were calculated using theoretical DFT calculations. Weak noncovalent interactions were analyzed and characterized using Bader’s theory of ‘‘atoms-in-molecules’’ (AIM). Finally, the solid-state supramolecular assembly was characterized by the “Noncovalent Interaction” (NCI) plot index.
Entropy and Mutability for the q-State Clock Model in Small Systems
Authors: Negrete Oscar A. , Vargas Patricio , Peña Francisco J. , Saravia Gonzalo , Vogel Eugenio E.
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we revisit the q-state clock model for small systems. We present results for the thermodynamics of the q-state clock model for values from q = 2 to q = 20 for small square lattices of L × L , with L ranging from L = 3 to L = 64 with free-boundary conditions. Energy, specific heat, entropy, and magnetization were measured. We found that the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT)-like transition appears for q > 5, regardless of lattice size, while this transition at q = 5 is lost for L < 10; for q ≤ 4, the BKT transition is never present. We present the phase diagram in terms of q that shows the transition from the ferromagnetic (FM) to the paramagnetic (PM) phases at the critical temperature T 1 for small systems, and the transition changes such that it is from the FM to the BKT phase for larger systems, while a second phase transition between the BKT and the PM phases occurs at T 2. We also show that the magnetic phases are well characterized by the two-dimensional (2D) distribution of the magnetization values. We made use of this opportunity to carry out an information theory analysis of the time series obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. In particular, we calculated the phenomenological mutability and diversity functions. Diversity characterizes the phase transitions, but the phases are less detectable as q increases. Free boundary conditions were used to better mimic the reality of small systems (far from any thermodynamic limit). The role of size is discussed.
Additive Manufacturing of High-Entropy Alloys: A Review
Authors: Chen Shuying , Tong Yang , Liaw Peter K.
Published: December 2018

Owing to the reduced defects, low cost, and high efficiency, the additive manufacturing (AM) technique has attracted increasingly attention and has been applied in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in recent years. It was found that AM-processed HEAs possess an optimized microstructure and improved mechanical properties. However, no report has been proposed to review the application of the AM method in preparing bulk HEAs. Hence, it is necessary to introduce AM-processed HEAs in terms of applications, microstructures, mechanical properties, and challenges to provide readers with fundamental understanding. Specifically, we reviewed (1) the application of AM methods in the fabrication of HEAs and (2) the post-heat treatment effect on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. Compared with the casting counterparts, AM-HEAs were found to have a superior yield strength and ductility as a consequence of the fine microstructure formed during the rapid solidification in the fabrication process. The post-treatment, such as high isostatic pressing (HIP), can further enhance their properties by removing the existing fabrication defects and residual stress in the AM-HEAs. Furthermore, the mechanical properties can be tuned by either reducing the pre-heating temperature to hinder the phase partitioning or modifying the composition of the HEA to stabilize the solid-solution phase or ductile intermetallic phase in AM materials. Moreover, the processing parameters, fabrication orientation, and scanning method can be optimized to further improve the mechanical performance of the as-built-HEAs.
Bulk-Surface Electrothermodynamics and Applications to Electrochemistry
Authors: Dreyer Wolfgang , Guhlke Clemens , Müller Rüdiger
Published: December 2018

We propose a modeling framework for magnetizable, polarizable, elastic, viscous, heat conducting, reactive mixtures in contact with interfaces. To this end, we first introduce bulk and surface balance equations that contain several constitutive quantities. For further modeling of the constitutive quantities, we formulate constitutive principles. They are based on an axiomatic introduction of the entropy principle and the postulation of Galilean symmetry. We apply the proposed formalism to derive constitutive relations in a rather abstract setting. For illustration of the developed procedure, we state an explicit isothermal material model for liquid electrolyte|metal electrode interfaces in terms of free energy densities in the bulk and on the surface. Finally, we give a survey of recent advancements in the understanding of electrochemical interfaces that were based on this model.
Spectrum Values in Suburban/Urban Environments above 1.5 GHz
Authors: Wei Yiqiao , Hwang Seung-Hoon
Published: December 2018

Frequency bands higher than 3 GHz will be allocated for 5G telecommunication services. Therefore, investigating the spectrum values at these frequency bands is important for developing an appropriate deployment strategy. In this paper, spectrum values above 1.5 GHz are investigated in suburban and urban environments. In the suburban environment, the relative spectrum values at different positions in a cell are analyzed for frequencies ranging from 500 MHz to 1.5 GHz, 1.5 GHz to 3 GHz, and 3 GHz to 11 GHz. In the urban environment, the maximum achievable capacity of users is calculated for frequencies ranging from 500 MHz to 40 GHz. Numerical results show that spectrum values at lower frequency bands below 5 GHz present higher values at the cell-edge in the suburban environment and in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) situations in the urban environment. However, higher frequency bands have nearly the same impact as low frequency bands at the cell center in suburban environments above 5 GHz but show advantages in outdoor urban environments with line-of-sight (LoS) above 20 GHz. It should be noted that 3.5 GHz shows the highest value in NLoS situations and the indoor domain environment in UMi scenarios, while 28 GHz gives the optimum value at the cell-center and indoor areas with LoS in UMa scenarios. When considering the spectrum value for different frequency bands, the primary consideration should be whether the environment is NLoS or LoS, and the secondary consideration should be whether the environment is indoor or outdoor.
Cluster Head Relocation Based on Selfish Herd Hypothesis for Prolonging the Life Span of Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Popovic Goran , Djukanovic Goran , Kanellopoulos Dimitris
Published: December 2018

Clustering achieves energy efficiency and scalable performance in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A cluster is formed of several sensor nodes, one of them selected as the cluster head (CH). A CH collects information from the cluster members and sends aggregated data to the base station or another CH. In such a hierarchical WSN, some nodes are possibly moveable or nomadic (relocated periodically), while others are static. The mobility of sensor nodes can improve network performance and prolong network lifetime. This paper presents the idea of mobile, solar-powered CHs that relocate themselves inside clusters in such a way that the total energy consumption in the network is reduced and the network lifetime is extended. The positioning of CHs is made in each round based on a selfish herd hypothesis, where the leader retreats to the center of gravity. Based on this idea, the CH-active algorithm is proposed in this study. Simulation results show that this algorithm has benefits in terms of network lifetime and in the prolongation of the duration of network stability period.
Reduction of Structural Loads in Wind Turbines Based on an Adapted Control Strategy Concerning Online Fatigue Damage Evaluation Models
Authors: Beganovic Nejra , Njiri Jackson G. , Söffker Dirk
Published: December 2018

In recent years, the rapidly-increasing demand for energy generation from renewable resources has been noticeable. Additional requirements are consequently set on Wind Turbine (WT) systems, primarily reflected in WT size and power rating increases. With the size increase of WT, structural loads/fatigue stress on the wind turbine become larger, simultaneously leading to its accelerated aging and the shortening of its lifetime. The primary goal of this contribution is to establish an approach for structural load reduction while retaining or slightly sacrificing the power production requirements. The approach/control strategy includes knowledge about current fatigue damage and/or damage increments and consists of multi-input multi-output controllers with variable control parameters. By the appropriate selection of the designed Multi-Input Multi-Output (MIMO) controllers, the mitigation of structural loads in accordance with a predefined range of accumulated fatigue damage or damage increments, exactly to the extent required to provide a predefined service lifetime, is obtained. The validation of the aforementioned control strategy is based on the simulation results and the WT model developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The obtained results prove the efficiency of the proposed control strategy with respect to the reduction of rotor blade bending moments, simultaneously exhibiting no significant impact on the resulting power generation.
Demand-Side Management of Air-Source Heat Pump and Photovoltaic Systems for Heating Applications in the Italian Context
Authors: Bee Elena , Prada Alessandro , Baggio Paolo
Published: December 2018

Matching demand profile and solar irradiance availability is necessary to meet space heating and domestic hot water needs by means of an air-source heat pump and photovoltaic system in a single-family house. Demand-side management, with smart control of the water storage set-point, is a simple but effective technique. Several studies in the literature pursue demand-side matching and self-consumption goals through system adjustments based on the model predictive control. This study proposes a rule-based control strategy, based on instantaneous photovoltaic (PV) power production, with the purpose of enhancing the self-consumption. This strategy exploits the building’s thermal capacitance as a virtual battery, and the thermal storage capacity of the system by running the heat pump to its limit when PV surplus power is available, and by eventually using an electric heater in order to reach higher temperatures. Results of annual dynamic simulations of a building and its heating system show that the proposed rule-based control strategy is able to reduce significantly the energy exchanges between the system and the grid. Despite the enlarged renewable energy share, economic analysis points out the pursuit of the self-consumption goal may lead to a diminution of the economic advantage in the Italian context (Italian weather data and the electric power pricing scheme).
Changes in Sensitivity of Tree-Ring Widths to Climate in a Tropical Moist Forest Tree in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Islam Mahmuda , Wernicke Jakob , Bräuning Achim
Published: December 2018

Tree growth in the tropics is strongly influenced by climate. However, reported tree growth responses to climate are largely inconsistent, varying with geographic location, forest type, and tree species. It is thus important to study the growth responses of tropical trees in sites and species that are under-represented so far. Bangladesh, a country influenced by the Asian monsoon climate, is understudied in terms of tree growth response to climate. In the present study, we developed a 121-year-long regional ring-width index chronology of Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss. sampled in two moist forest sites in Bangladesh to investigate tree growth responses to climate in monsoon South Asia. Standard dendrochronological methods were used to produce the ring-width chronologies. The climate sensitivity of C. tabularis was assessed through bootstrap correlation analysis and the stationarity and consistency of climate–growth relationships was evaluated using moving correlation functions and comparing the regression slopes of two sub-periods (1950–1985 and 1986–2015). Tree growth was negatively correlated with the mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures, particularly during the early growing season (March). Likewise, precipitation negatively influenced tree growth in the later growing season (October). Besides, radial growth of Chukrasia sharply ceased in years following strong and moderate El Niño events. In parallel with a significant positive trend in local temperatures, tree growth sensitivity to early growing season (March–April) mean temperatures and July minimum temperatures increased in recent decades. Tree growth sensitivity to October precipitation and April vapor pressure deficit also increased. Overall, climate–growth relationships were stronger during the period 1986–2015 than during 1950–1985. Changes in climate sensitivity might be linked to a warming trend that induced an increase in the dry season length during recent decades. With a further predicted temperature increase at our study sites, our results suggest that radial growth of C. tabularis will further decline in response to climate warming.
Wood Density Profiles and Their Corresponding Tissue Fractions in Tropical Angiosperm Trees
Authors: De Mil Tom , Tarelkin Yegor , Hahn Stephan , Hubau Wannes , Deklerck Victor , Debeir Olivier , Van Acker Joris , De Cannière Charles , Beeckman Hans , Van den Bulcke Jan
Published: December 2018

Wood density profiles reveal a tree’s life strategy and growth. Density profiles are, however, rarely defined in terms of tissue fractions for wood of tropical angiosperm trees. Here, we aim at linking these fractions to corresponding density profiles of tropical trees from the Congo Basin. Cores of 8 tree species were scanned with X-ray Computed Tomography to calculate density profiles. Then, cores were sanded and the outermost 3 cm were used to semi-automatically measure vessel lumen, parenchyma and fibre fractions using the Weka segmentation tool in ImageJ. Fibre wall and lumen widths were measured using a newly developed semi-automated method. An assessment of density variation in function of growth ring boundary detection is done. A mixed regression model estimated the relative contribution of each trait to the density, with a species effect on slope and intercept of the regression. Position-dependent correlations were made between the fractions and the corresponding wood density profile. On average, density profile variation mostly reflects variations in fibre lumen and wall fractions, but these are species- and position-dependent: on some positions, parenchyma and vessels have a more pronounced effect on density. The model linking density to traits explains 92% of the variation, with 65% of the density profile variation attributed to the three measured traits. The remaining 27% is explained by species as a random effect. There is a clear variation between trees and within trees that have implications for interpreting density profiles in angiosperm trees: the exact driving anatomical fraction behind every density value will depend on the position within the core. The underlying function of density will thus vary accordingly.
Extensible Database of Validated Biomass Smoke Events for Health Research
Authors: Hanigan Ivan C. , Morgan Geoffrey G. , Williamson Grant J. , Salimi Farhad , Henderson Sarah B. , Turner Murray R. , Bowman David M. J. S. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: December 2018

The extensible Biomass Smoke Validated Events Database is an ongoing, community driven, collection of air pollution events which are known to be caused by vegetation fires such as bushfires (also known as wildfire and wildland fires), or prescribed fuel reduction burns, and wood heaters. This is useful for researchers of health impacts who need to distinguish smoke from vegetation versus other sources. The overarching aim is to study statistical associations between biomass smoke pollution and health. Extreme pollution events may also be caused by dust storms or fossil fuel smog events and so validation is necessary to ensure the events being studied are from biomass. This database can be extended by contribution from other researchers outside the original team. There are several available protocols for adding validated smoke events to the database, to ensure standardization across datasets. Air pollution data can be included, and free software was created for identification of extreme values. Protocols are described for reference material needed as supporting evidence for event days. The utility of this database has previously been demonstrated in analyses of hospitalization and mortality. The database was created using open source software that works across operating systems. The prospect for future extensions to the database is enhanced by the description in this paper, and the availability of these data on the open access Github repository enables easy addition to the database with new data by the research community.