bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the mechanism for guaranteeing deposits of bankdepositors in EU and Ukraine
Authors: Pidvysotskyi Yan
Published: December 2019

The purpose of the article is to substantiate the mechanism for guaranteeingdeposits of bankrupt banks in the EU countries and to provide recommendationsregarding approaches to attracting deposits from the population of the bankingsector of Ukraine. Methodology. The research methodology consists in the use oftotality of methods: dialectical, statistical, historical, comparative. The scientificnovelty of the work lies in the provision of a number of recommendations on thebasis of the mechanism for recovering deposits analysis in EU countries regardingapproaches to attracting deposits from the public to the banking sector of Ukraine.Conclusions. In spite of common rules and norms for compensation to depositorsof guaranteed amounts in EU countries, each country has its own peculiarities interms of supervision, regulation of the compensation procedure, the assetmanagement structure of bankrupt banks, and the like. The deposit guaranteesystem needs to be improved not only in the EU, but in Ukraine as well. In orderto attract deposits in Ukraine, it is necessary to increase the guarantee amount,as well as to change the approaches to the supervision for banking system.
Business communication – a driving force competitiveness
Authors: Gorban Yuriy
Published: December 2019

A review of the textbook Business Communication in International Management »: Educ. tool / Batchenko LV, Bondar IS, Rusavska VA – Kiev: Lira-K Publishing House, 2017 – 304 p.
Innovative methods of managing organizations of socio-cultural sphere of rural territories of Ukraine
Authors: Atamanyuk Oleksandr
Published: December 2019

The subject of the research is a set of innovative organizationaland managerial relations that effectively transform the socio-cultural sphere ofthe rural territories of Ukraine. The goal of writing this article is to developpractical and scientifically-methodical recommendations on how to increase theefficiency of using the potential of management (through innovative methods) inthe socio-cultural sphere of the rural territories of Ukraine. Methodology of thework – system-structural and comparative studies (for the formation of themechanism of effective innovative methods of managing organizations of the sociocultural sphere) monographic analysis (when studying the problems of functioningbased on limited state funding); historical and economic analysis (in assessing thestate and dynamics of the development of organizations of the socio-cultural sphereof the rural territories of Ukraine). Results of work-analysis of the managementof organizations of the socio-cultural sphere of the rural territories of Ukrainewas carried out, the implementation of which revealed the depressed andunderdeveloped infrastructure of the socio-cultural sphere of the rural territoriesof Ukraine, which increases the disorder and the poor quality of management ofthis sphere; it was proposed to implement the latest innovative methods in themanagement of organizations of the socio-cultural sphere of the rural territoriesof Ukraine within the framework of civil responsibility, parity in the relationsbetween the state and the citizen and the system of controlling weak areas ofmanagement. Presents innovative management techniques for the regulation ofbusiness processes that contribute to solving various shortcomings in the activitiesof socio-cultural organizations and significantly increases the efficiency andcompetitiveness of such an institution in the socio-cultural sphere of rural territoriesof Ukraine. Conclusions-the introduction of a management system that uses amore efficient organization of staff labor, as well as the use of the controllingprocess, provides a new optimal path for the development of domestic social andcultural institutions in rural areas in conditions of a shortage of state funding.Controlling as the leading function of the Directorate becomes a prerequisite forsuccessful operation in order to achieve strategic results. Its importance lies inthe fact that in the management process, the controlling process becomes not justan element of management, but a system by which all management decisions areformed.
Determination of Serviceability Limits of a Turboshaft Engine by the Criterion of Blade Natural Frequency and Stall Margin
Authors: Dvirnyk Yaroslav , Pavlenko Dmytro , Przysowa Radoslaw
Published: December 2019

This paper analyzes the health and performance of the 12-stage axial compressor of the TV3-117VM/VMA turboshaft operated in a desert environment. The results of the dimensional control of 4800 worn blades are analyzed to model the wear process. Operational experience and two-phase flow simulations are used to assess the effectiveness of an inlet particle separator. Numerical modal analysis is performed to generate the Campbell diagram of the worn blades and identify resonant blade vibrations which can lead to high cycle fatigue (HCF): mode 7 engine order 30 in the first stage and mode 8 engine order 60 in the fourth. It is also shown that the gradual loss of the stall margin over time determines the serviceability limits of compressor blades. In particular, the chord wear of sixth-stage blades as high as 6.19 mm results in a reduction of the stall margin by 15–17% and a permanent stall at 770–790 flight hours. In addition, recommendations setting out go/no-go criteria are made to maintenance and repair organizations.
From Emergence to Flowering: Four Beet (Beta vulgaris ssp.) Cultivars’ Phenological Response to Seed Priming
Authors: Salimi Zahra , Boelt Birte
Published: December 2019

Beta vulgaris comprise various variety groups that are cultivated for vegetative or reproductive production. As a biennial crop, beets have a photothermal induction requirement for the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive stage. Bolting and flowering are not desirable when beets are cultivated for vegetative production and are suppressed during breeding programs, though these structures are important in seed production. Therefore, the potential of seed hydro priming as an enhancement technique to partially induce vernalization in seeds was evaluated. Following hydro priming, seeds were sown in October 2018 and evaluated during three selected phenological stages. Treating seeds with hydro priming significantly improved the emergence rate in all four tested cultivars. Moreover, treatments significantly lowered the required growing degree days (GDD) for transition to the reproductive stage in all four tested cultivars. Regardless of the treatment effect on an individual developmental stage, the treatment efficiency should be evaluated on the whole production process, depending on the purpose of production. The focus of this study was mainly on improvement of seed production performance. The outcome showed the potential of priming to influence the reproductive stages of the plant life cycle rather than just the germination.
Incorporation of Manure into Ridge and Furrow Planting System Boosts Yields of Maize by Optimizing Soil Moisture and Improving Photosynthesis
Authors: Qin Anzhen , Fang Yanjie , Ning Dongfeng , Liu Zhandong , Zhao Ben , Xiao Junfu , Duan Aiwang , Yong Beibei
Published: December 2019

A sustainable management strategy of soil fertility and cropping system is critical to guaranteeing food security. However, little is known about the effects of soil amendment strategies on crop growth via regulating soil moisture and photosynthesis in a ridge and furrow cropping system. Here, field experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 in semi-arid areas of Loess Plateau, northwest China to investigate the effects of integrated use of ridge and furrow planting and manure amendment on grain yields of maize. Four treatments were designed: CK (flat planting with 100% chemical fertilizer), RFC (ridge and furrow planting with 100% chemical fertilizer), RFR (ridge and furrow planting with 100% control-released fertilizer), and RFM (ridge and furrow planting with 50% manure fertilizer + 50% N fertilizer). On average, RFM increased photosynthetic rates (Pn) by 74%, followed by RFR by 47%, and RFC by 26%, compared to CK. Also, stomatal conductance (Cd), transpiration rates (Tr), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) were highest with RFM, followed by RFR and RFC. Averaged across the two years, RFM conserved 10% more soil water storage (SWS) than CK did at harvest, followed by RFR with an increment by 8%. However, RFC consumed more soil water than CK did, with its ETc 8% higher than CK. Consequently, spring maize treated with RFM suffered less drought stress, especially in 2017 when precipitation was insufficient. On average, grain yields and water use efficiency of RFM were increased by 18% and 27%, compared to CK. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that there existed significant positive correlation between SWS in top layers and grain yields, while SWS in deep layers had negative effects on grain yields. In conclusion, the incorporation of manure into ridge and furrow planting system can be an efficient agronomic practice to improve plant photosynthesis, optimize soil moisture, and boost grain yields in semi-arid areas of Loess Plateau, northwest China.
Optimal LED Wavelength Composition for the Production of High-Quality Watermelon and Interspecific Squash Seedlings Used for Grafting
Authors: Bantis Filippos , Koukounaras Athanasios , Siomos Anastasios S. , Radoglou Kalliopi , Dangitsis Christodoulos
Published: December 2019

Watermelon is cultivated worldwide and is mainly grafted onto interspecific squash rootstocks. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be implemented as light sources during indoor production of both species and their spectral quality is of great importance. The objective of the present study was to determine the optimal emission of LEDs with wide wavelength for the production of watermelon and interspecific squash seedlings in a growth chamber. Conditions were set at 22/20 °C temperature (day/night), 16 h photoperiod, and 85 ± 5 μmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density. Illumination was provided by fluorescent (FL, T0) lamps or four LEDs (T1, T2, T3, and T4) emitting varying wide spectra. Watermelon seedlings had greater shoot length, stem diameter, cotyledon area, shoot dry weight-to-length (DW/L) ratio, and Dickson’s quality index (DQI) under T1 and T3, while leaf area and shoot dry weight (DW) had higher values under T1. Interspecific squash seedlings had greater stem diameter, and shoot and root DW under T1 and T3, while leaf and cotyledon areas were favored under T1. In both species, T0 showed inferior development. It could be concluded that a light source with high red emission, relatively low blue emission, and a red:far-red ratio of about 3 units seems ideal for the production of high-quality watermelon (scion) and interspecific squash (rootstock) seedlings.
Neudesin Neurotrophic Factor Promotes Bovine Preadipocyte Differentiation and Inhibits Myoblast Myogenesis
Authors: Su Xiaotong , Wang Yaning , Li Anqi , Zan Linsen , Wang Hongbao
Published: December 2019

Neudesin neurotrophic factor (NENF) is a secreted protein that is essential in multiple biological processes, including neural functions, adipogenesis, and tumorigenesis. In our previous study, NENF was significantly inhibited in the bovine adipocytes-myoblasts co-culture system. However, studies on NENF regulation of bovine muscle development and involvement in the cross-talk between adipose tissue and skeletal muscle have not been reported. Hence, the aim of this study was to clarify the functional roles of NENF in bovine preadipocytes and myoblasts. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to examine the spatial expression patterns of NENF in different tissues, and the results showed that NENF was highly expressed in the muscle of four-day-old and 24-month-old Qinchuan cattle. Compared with four-day-old Qinchuan cattle, the expression level of NENF was significantly up-regulated in 24-month-old bovine adipose tissue. To explore the roles of NENF in bovine myoblast and preadipocyte differentiation, small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the NENF gene were transfected into bovine preadipocytes and myoblasts to knock down the expression of the NENF gene. The results showed that the knockdown of NENF in differentiating adipocytes attenuated lipid accumulation, decreased the mRNA expression of adipogenic key marker genes PPARγ, CEBPα, CEBPβ, FASN, and SCD1, and decreased the protein expression of PPARγ, CEBPα, and FASN. The formation of myotubes was significantly accelerated, and the mRNA expression levels of myogenic marker genes MYOD1, MYF5, MYF6, MEF2A, MEF2C, and CKM, and the protein expression levels of MYOD1, MYF6, MEF2A, and CKM were up-regulated in myoblasts where NENF was knocked down. In short, the knockdown of NENF inhibited preadipocyte differentiation and promoted myoblast myogenesis.
A Smart High-Voltage Cell Detecting and Equalizing Circuit for LiFePO4 Batteries in Electric Vehicles
Authors: Farzan Moghaddam Ali , Van den Bossche Alex
Published: December 2019

A battery management system (BMS) plays an important role in electric vehicles (EVs) in order to achieve a reasonable-lasting lifetime. An equalizing method is essential in order to obtain the best performance. A monitoring system is required to check if any cell voltage is high or low. In this paper, an equalizing and monitoring system for an ultra-light electric vehicle is proposed. The monitoring system detects if one cell is fully charged or all cells are fully charged and the equalizing system tops each cell at the desired voltage. To solve this issue, a light-emitting diode (LED) band gap is used as a voltage reference to inform the user if any cell is at its high voltage. A smart monitoring displays on the liquid crystal display (LCD), if one cell is high or all cells are high. This detection also provides a signal to the microcontroller to turn on/off the charger if all cells are high. Also, a Bluetooth module was designed to command the microcontroller the charger to turn on/off via voice/text message by using a smartphone. Additionally, a new smart monitoring system based on the Bluetooth model (HC05) and mobile app has been made in order to monitor individual cell voltage. A major feature of the system is to draw a very-low current, so that the system does not contribute significantly to the self-discharge of the battery and the circuit does not need sophisticated control. Manufacturers of large electric vehicles may have more intelligent systems that may require a permanent connection to the grid and allow high standby losses, where more state of charge (SOC) may be lost per day. The paper is rather focused on reducing the standby losses, and to activate the equalizer only when charging and/or driving. The experimental results are performed in order to verify the feasibility of the proposed circuit.
Sensitive Detection of E. coli in Artificial Seawater by Aptamer-Coated Magnetic Beads and Direct PCR
Authors: Kotsiri Zoi , Vantarakis Apostolos , Rizzotto Francesco , Kavanaugh Devon , Ramarao Nalini , Vidic Jasmina
Published: December 2019

The ‘One Health’ approach recommended by WHO recognizes the inseparable link between human, animal and environmental health [...]
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping for Austria Using Geons and Optimization with the Dempster-Shafer Theory
Authors: Gudiyangada Nachappa Thimmaiah , Tavakkoli Piralilou Sepideh , Ghorbanzadeh Omid , Shahabi Hejar , Blaschke Thomas
Published: December 2019

Landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) can serve as a basis for analyzing and assessing the degree of landslide susceptibility in a region. This study uses the object-based geons aggregation model to map landslide susceptibility for all of Austria and evaluates whether an additional implementation of the Dempster–Shafer theory (DST) could improve the results. For the whole of Austria, we used nine conditioning factors: elevation, slope, aspect, land cover, rainfall, distance to drainage, distance to faults, distance to roads, and lithology, and assessed the performance and accuracy of the model using the area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristics (ROC). We used three scale parameters for the geons model to evaluate the impact of the scale parameter on the performance of LSM. The results were similar for the three scale parameters. Applying the Dempster–Shafer theory could significantly improve the results of the object-based geons model. The accuracy of the DST-derived LSM for Austria improved and the respective AUC value increased from 0.84 to 0.93. The resulting LSMs from the geons model provide meaningful units independent of administrative boundaries, which can be beneficial to planners and policymakers.
Autologous Tooth Graft after Endodontical Treated Used for Socket Preservation: A Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Minetti Elio , Palermo Andrea , Ferrante Franco , Schmitz Johannes H. , Lung Ho Henry Kim , Dih Hann Simon Ng. , Giacometti Edoardo , Gambardella Ugo , Contessi Marcello , Celko Martin , Ballini Andrea , Mortellaro Carmen , Trisi Paolo , Mastrangelo Filiberto
Published: December 2019

The aim of the study was to evaluate the tooth extracted use as autologous tooth graft after endodontic root canal therapies used for socket preservation. To this purpose, the Tooth Transformer shredding and decontamination machine has been used. The graft obtained in this way, was inserted at the time of the extraction or at a second surgery altogether with the chosen regenerative therapy. This clinical trial enrolled patients with post-estractive defects requiring the restoration bone dimension and shape in the maxillary and mandibular zone. In addition, 98 patients with 119 extraction sockets were enrolled across 10 standardized centers. An innovative preparation method, using the dedicated automated device Tooth Transformer, able to transform autologous teeth in suitable grafting material, has been used. The extracted tooth was cleaned and treated using a Tooth Transformer and made a socket preservation. Thirteen Biopsies were realized to analyze the histologic outcomes at the average time of four months to demonstrate that the autologous tooth graft made from root after endodontic therapy should be used in human bone regeneration as graft for dental implant placement.
Quasi Delay Insensitive Majority Voters for Triple Modular Redundancy Applications
Authors: Balasubramanian Padmanabhan , Maskell Douglas L. , Mastorakis Nikos E.
Published: December 2019

Mission- and safety-critical applications tend to incorporate triple modular redundancy (TMR) in their hardware implementation to reliably withstand the fault or failure of any one of the function modules during normal operation, and the function module may be a circuit or a system. In a TMR implementation, two identical copies of a function module are used in addition to the original function module, and the correct operation of at least two function modules is required. In TMR, the corresponding primary outputs of the three function modules are combined using majority voters, which determine the actual primary outputs based on the Boolean majority. Hence, the majority voter is an important component that is useful for conveying the correct operation of a TMR implementation. In the existing literature, many designs of three-input majority voters for TMR have been discussed. However, most of these correspond to the synchronous design style and just one corresponds to the bundled-data asynchronous design style, which is not delay insensitive and hence non-robust. To our knowledge, a robust delay insensitive design of the three-input majority voter has not been considered. In this context, this article presents the designs of robust quasi delay insensitive (QDI) three-input majority voters based on QDI logic synthesis methods, and analyzes which majority voters are preferable in terms of speed, power, and area. We implement example QDI TMR circuits using a QDI full adder as the function module and QDI majority voters using 32/28 nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. The QDI TMR implementations use the delay insensitive dual rail code for data encoding, and four-phase return-to-zero and four-phase return-to-one handshake protocols for data communication.
Acoustic Design Criteria in Naturally Ventilated Residential Buildings: New Research Perspectives by Applying the Indoor Soundscape Approach
Authors: Torresin Simone , Albatici Rossano , Aletta Francesco , Babich Francesco , Oberman Tin , Kang Jian
Published: December 2019

The indoor-outdoor connection provided by ventilation openings has been so far a limiting factor in the use of natural ventilation (NV), due to the apparent conflict between ventilation needs and the intrusion of external noise. This limiting factor impedes naturally ventilated buildings meeting the acoustic criteria set by standards and rating protocols, which are reviewed in this paper for residential buildings. The criteria reflect a general effort to minimize noise annoyance by reducing indoor sound levels, typically without a distinction based on a ventilation strategy. Research has developed a number of solutions, discussed here, that try to guarantee ventilation without compromising façade noise insulation, but, currently, none have been adopted on a large scale. This concept paper highlights the main limits of the current approach. First, a fragmented view towards indoor environmental quality has not included consideration of the following acoustic criteria: (i) how buildings are designed and operated to meet multiple needs other than acoustical ones (e.g., ventilation, visual, and cooling needs) and (ii) how people respond to multiple simultaneous environmental factors. Secondly, the lack of a perceptual perspective has led acoustic criteria to neglect the multiple cognitive and behavioral factors impinging on comfort in naturally ventilated houses. Indeed, factors such as the connection with the outside and the sense of control over one’s environment may induce “adaptive acoustic comfort” opportunities that are worth investigating. The mere use of different sound level limits would not be enough to define criteria tailored to the complex user–building interaction that occurs under NV conditions. More holistic and human-centered approaches are required to guarantee not only neutrally but even positively perceived indoor acoustic environments. For this reason, this paper considers this apparent conflict from a soundscape viewpoint, in order to expose still unexplored lines of research. By underpinning a perceptual perspective and by contextualizing it, the indoor soundscape approach provides a framework capable of overcoming the limits of the traditional noise control approach. This could provide the opportunity to foster a wider adoption of NV as a passive design strategy that enhances user health and well-being, while enabling low-cost, and low-energy cooling and ventilation, thereby contributing to current climate change challenges.
Ballast Flow Characteristics of Discharging Pipeline in Shield Slurry System
Authors: Wang Yang , Xia Yimin , Xiao Xuemeng , Xu Huiwang , Chen Peng , Zeng Guiying
Published: December 2019

We adopted two-way coupling of discrete and finite elements to examine the non-spherical ballast flow characteristics in a slurry pipe system during a shield project. In the study, we considered the slurry rheological property and the flake shape of the ballast. A ballast size between 17 and 32 mm under different slurry flow rates and ballast volumetric concentration conditions was investigated for determining the law through which the mass flow rate, detained mass percentage, and ballast distribution state are influenced. The results indicate that increasing slurry flow rate and the ballast volumetric concentration increase the mass flow rate; the influence of the latter is stronger. Increases in both in the slurry flow rate and the ballast volumetric concentration can reduce the detained mass percentage in the slurry discharging pipeline, whereas increasing the ballast size has the opposite effect. The increase in both the slurry flow rate and the ballast size changes the ballast motion state. Experiments verified the numerical lifting model of the ballast in the vertical pipeline. The measurements of the actual pipeline wall thickness verified that the simulation results regarding the ballast distribution were accurate.
Influence of Soil Parameters on Detecting Voids behind a Tunnel Lining Using an Impact Echo Method
Authors: Ma Meng , Cao Rongning , Niu Chao , Zhang Hougui , Liu Weining
Published: December 2019

Tunnel lining cavities are a common problem that may affect the bearing capacity of the tunnel-supporting structure, as well as the tunnel service life. The impact echo (IE) method can be used to detect voids behind tunnel linings. For a long tunnel, the surrounding rocks/soils are inhomogeneous and anisotropic, with parameters that vary with tunnel mileages. It is interesting to analyse whether alterations of the soil parameters affect the non-destructive test results. A laboratory experiment was performed in this study, in which voids behind a concrete plate, representing the tunnel lining, were designed to model the ineffective contact between the soil and the tunnel. The IE method was employed to inspect the existence of the void using different signal analysis approaches in the time, frequency and time–frequency domains. Furthermore, the fractal box-counting dimension was calculated for the purpose of quantitative evaluation. Different soil parameters and void sizes were considered, and finally, a finite element model was built and parameter analysis was accomplished using the software ABAQUS. The results demonstrated that: (1) A comprehensive analysis of vibration signals in the time, frequency and time–frequency domains was useful for identifying voids, while the box-counting dimension was useful for evaluating voids quantitatively. (2) Soils with large density and Young’s modulus differences had a certain influence on void detection, while those with large water content and Poisson’s ratio differences had little influence. (3) The box-counting dimension value was stable within the area where the void existed behind the tunnel; when the detection point was beyond twice that of the void dimension, it was difficult to locate the void.
Future Trends for In Situ Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water Sources: The Role of Immunosensing Techniques
Authors: Felemban Shifa , Vazquez Patricia , Moore Eric
Published: December 2019

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous environmental pollutants found in water, soil, and air. Exposure to this family of chemicals presents a danger to human health, and as a result, it is imperative to design methods that are able to detect PAHs in the environment, thus improving the quality of drinking water and agricultural soils. This review presents emerging immunoassay techniques used for in situ detection of PAH in water samples and how they compare to common-place techniques. It will discuss their advantages and disadvantages and why it is required to find new solutions to analyze water samples. These techniques are effective in reducing detection times and complexity of measurements. Immunoassay methods presented here are able to provide in situ analysis of PAH concentrations in a water sample, which can be a great complement to existing laboratory techniques due to their real-time screening and portability for immunoassay techniques. The discussion shows in detail the most relevant state-of-the-art surface functionalization techniques used in the field of immunosensors, with the aim to improve PAH detection capabilities. Specifically, three surface functionalization techniques are key approaches to improve the detection of PAHs, namely, substrate surface reaction, layer-by-layer technique, and redox-active probes. These techniques have shown promising improvements in the detection of PAHs in water samples, since they show a wider linear range and high level of sensitivity compared to traditional PAH detection techniques. This review explores the various methods used in the detection of PAH in water environments. It provides extra knowledge to scientists on the possible solutions that can be used to save time and resources. The combination of the solutions presented here shows great promise in the development of portable solutions that will be able to analyze a sample in a matter of minutes on the field.
Crosstalk between SHH and FGFR Signaling Pathways Controls Tissue Invasion in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Neve Anuja , Migliavacca Jessica , Capdeville Charles , Schönholzer Marc Thomas , Gries Alexandre , Ma Min , Santhana Kumar Karthiga , Grotzer Michael , Baumgartner Martin
Published: December 2019

In the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroup of medulloblastoma (MB), tumor initiation and progression are in part driven by smoothened (SMO) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-receptor (FGFR) signaling, respectively. We investigated the impact of the SMO-FGFR crosstalk on tumor growth and invasiveness in MB. We found that FGFR signaling represses GLI1 expression downstream of activated SMO in the SHH MB line DAOY and induces MKI67, HES1, and BMI1 in DAOY and in the group 3 MB line HD-MBO3. FGFR repression of GLI1 does not affect proliferation or viability, whereas inhibition of FGFR is necessary to release SMO-driven invasiveness. Conversely, SMO activation represses FGFR-driven sustained activation of nuclear ERK. Parallel activation of FGFR and SMO in ex vivo tumor cell-cerebellum slice co-cultures reduced invasion of tumor cells without affecting proliferation. In contrast, treatment of the cells with the SMO antagonist Sonidegib (LDE225) blocked invasion and proliferation in cerebellar slices. Thus, sustained, low-level SMO activation is necessary for proliferation and tissue invasion, whereas acute, pronounced activation of SMO can repress FGFR-driven invasiveness. This suggests that the tumor cell response is dependent on the relative local abundance of the two factors and indicates a paradigm of microenvironmental control of invasion in SHH MB through mutual control of SHH and FGFR signaling.
Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Pfeffer Ulrich
Published: December 2019

Uveal melanoma (UM) is among the best characterized solid tumors [...]
Facile and Large-scale Synthesis of Defective Black TiO2−x(B) Nanosheets for Efficient Visible-light-driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Xu JingCheng , Zhang JiaJia , Cai ZhengYang , Huang He , Huang TianHao , Wang Ping , Wang XianYing
Published: December 2019

In the work, we firstly report the facile and large-scale synthesis of defective black TiO2−x(B) nanosheets via a dual-zone NaBH4 reduction method. The structure, physico-chemical, and optical properties of TiO2−x(B) nanosheets were systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. The concentration of Ti3+ can be well tuned by NaBH4 reduction. With increasing the mass ratio of NaBH4 to TiO2(B), the generation of Ti3+ defects gives rise to the increased intensity of a broad band absorption in the visible wavelength range. It is demonstrated that the TiO2−x(B) photocatalyst synthesized with the mass ratio of NaBH4 to TiO2(B) of 3:1 exhibited an optimum photocatalytic activity and excellent photostability for hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation. By combining the advantages of 2D TiO2(B) nanosheets architecture with those of Ti3+ self-doping and simultaneous production of oxygen vacancy sites, the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the defective TiO2−x(B) nanosheets was achieved.
Removal of Banana Tree Fungi Using Green Tuff Rock Powder Waste Containing Zeolite
Authors: Fujita Toyohisa , Ponou Josiane , Dodbiba Gjergj , Anh Ji-Whahn , Lu Siminig , Hamza Mohammed F. , Wei Yuezou
Published: December 2019

Hinai green tuff, which is found in Akita Prefecture, Japan, is used for the production of building materials, etc. About 60% of all stone is emitted as waste powder and therefore it is important to find ways for recycling it. In this work, the characteristics of green tuff powder have been investigated. The results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and elemental map observations indicate that the green tuff contains TiO2 on zeolite. The green tuff can therefore be used as a natural catalyst for producing hydrogen peroxide with moisture and oxygen with light. The optimum calcined temperature of the green tuff powder is about 800 °C, producing the hydroxyl radical from hydrogen peroxide decomposition without ultraviolet light (UV) and decomposition of the superoxide anion. As the application of green tuff powder, Cavendish banana trees found in the Philippines infected by a new Panama disease were treated with powder suspension in order to remove the fungus (a type of Fusarium wilt) due to the photocatalyst characteristics of powder. The suspension, prepared by using the powder was sprayed on the infected banana trees for about one month. Photograph observation indicated that the so-called 800 °C suspension spray was more effective in growing the infected banana trees.
Benchmarking Acidic and Basic Catalysis for a Robust Production of Biofuel from Waste Cooking Oil
Authors: Carlucci Claudia , Andresini Michael , Degennaro Leonardo , Luisi Renzo
Published: December 2019

The production of biodiesel at the industrial level is mainly based on the use of basic catalysts. Otherwise, also acidic catalysis allowed high conversion and yields, as this method is not affected by the percentage of free fatty acids present in the starting sample. This work has been useful in assessing the possible catalytic pathways in the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), starting from different cooking waste oil mixtures, exploring particularly acidic catalysis. It was possible to state that the optimal experimental conditions required concentrated sulfuric acid 20% w/w as a catalyst, a reaction time of twelve hours, a temperature of 85 °C and a molar ratio MeOH/oil of 6:1. The role of silica in the purification method was also explored. By evaluating the parameters, type of catalyst, temperature, reaction time and MeOH/oil molar ratios, it has been possible to develop a robust method for the production of biodiesel from real waste mixtures with conversions up to 99%.
Rewiring of Lipid Metabolism and Storage in Ovarian Cancer Cells after Anti-VEGF Therapy
Authors: Curtarello Matteo , Tognon Martina , Venturoli Carolina , Silic-Benussi Micol , Grassi Angela , Verza Martina , Minuzzo Sonia , Pinazza Marica , Brillo Valentina , Tosi Giovanni , Ferrazza Ruggero , Guella Graziano , Iorio Egidio , Godfroid Adrien , Sounni Nor Eddine , Amadori Alberto , Indraccolo Stefano
Published: December 2019

Anti-angiogenic therapy triggers metabolic alterations in experimental and human tumors, the best characterized being exacerbated glycolysis and lactate production. By using both Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis, we found that treatment of ovarian cancer xenografts with the anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) neutralizing antibody bevacizumab caused marked alterations of the tumor lipidomic profile, including increased levels of triacylglycerols and reduced saturation of lipid chains. Moreover, transcriptome analysis uncovered up-regulation of pathways involved in lipid metabolism. These alterations were accompanied by increased accumulation of lipid droplets in tumors. This phenomenon was reproduced under hypoxic conditions in vitro, where it mainly depended from uptake of exogenous lipids and was counteracted by treatment with the Liver X Receptor (LXR)-agonist GW3965, which inhibited cancer cell viability selectively under reduced serum conditions. This multi-level analysis indicates alterations of lipid metabolism following anti-VEGF therapy in ovarian cancer xenografts and suggests that LXR-agonists might empower anti-tumor effects of bevacizumab.
The Ins and Outs of Autophagic Ribosome Turnover
Authors: Kazibwe Zakayo , Liu Ang-Yu , MacIntosh Gustavo C. , Bassham Diane C.
Published: December 2019

Ribosomes are essential for protein synthesis in all organisms and their biogenesis and number are tightly controlled to maintain homeostasis in changing environmental conditions. While ribosome assembly and quality control mechanisms have been extensively studied, our understanding of ribosome degradation is limited. In yeast or animal cells, ribosomes are degraded after transfer into the vacuole or lysosome by ribophagy or nonselective autophagy, and ribosomal RNA can also be transferred directly across the lysosomal membrane by RNautophagy. In plants, ribosomal RNA is degraded by the vacuolar T2 ribonuclease RNS2 after transport by autophagy-related mechanisms, although it is unknown if a selective ribophagy pathway exists in plants. In this review, we describe mechanisms of turnover of ribosomal components in animals and yeast, and, then, discuss potential pathways for degradation of ribosomal RNA and protein within the vacuole in plants.
KRAB-Zinc Finger Protein ZNF268a Deficiency Attenuates the Virus-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Response by Preventing IKK Complex Assembly
Authors: Liu Yi , Yin Wei , Wang Jingwen , Lei Yucong , Sun Guihong , Li Wenxin , Huang Zan , Guo Mingxiong
Published: December 2019

Despite progress in understanding how virus-induced, NF-κB-dependent pro-inflammatory cytokines are regulated, there are still factors and mechanisms that remain to be explored. We aimed to uncover the relationship between KRAB-zinc finger protein ZNF268a and NF-κB-mediated cytokine production in response to viral infection. To this end, we established a ZNF268a-knockout cell line using a pair of sgRNAs that simultaneously target exon 3 in the coding sequence of the ZNF268 gene in HEK293T. HEK293T cells lacking ZNF268a showed less cytokine expression at the transcription and protein levels in response to Sendai virus/vesicular stomatitis virus (SeV/VSV) infection than wild-type cells. Consistent with HEK293T, knock-down of ZNF268a by siRNAs in THP-1 cells significantly dampened the inflammatory response. Mechanistically, ZNF268a facilitated NF-κB activation by targeting IKKα, helping to maintain the IKK signaling complex and thus enabling proper p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Taken together, our data suggest that ZNF268a plays a positive role in the regulation of virus-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. By interacting with IKKα, ZNF268a promotes NF-κB signal transduction upon viral infection by helping to maintain the association between IKK complex subunits.
A Note on the Surface Deterioration of Scrimber Composites Exposed to Artificial Ageing
Authors: Bao Minzhen , Rao Fei , He Sheng , Bao Yongjie , Wu Zaixing , Li Neng , Chen Yuhe
Published: December 2019

The effect of ultraviolet radiation on the surface deterioration of scrimber composites with different densities and levels of resin content was investigated for this paper. The surface color, gloss, roughness, and wettability of the samples were investigated to determine the extent of surface changes due to accelerated ageing. The results indicated that all scrimber composites exhibited variation in the color of their surfaces during artificial xenon light exposure. After artificial accelerated ageing, the surface contact angle and roughness were found to increase, whereas the surface gloss and surface free energy decreased. Furthermore, it was observed that the density and resin content of the scrimber composites contributed to reductions in their color variation, wettability, and roughness during weathering, which suggested that the density and resin content played important roles in determining their surface photodegradation properties. Artificial ageing resulted in the degradation of lignin and hemicellulose, thus causing severe surface characteristics.
Biotic and Abiotic Factors Associated with Colonies Mortalities of Managed Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Neov Boyko , Georgieva Ani , Shumkova Rositsa , Radoslavov Georgi , Hristov Peter
Published: December 2019

Despite the presence of a large number of pollinators of flowering plants worldwide, the European honey bee, Apis melifera, plays the most important role in the pollination of a number of crops, including all vegetables, non-food crops and oilseed crops, decorative and medical plants, and others. The experience of isolated cases of complete extinction of honey bees in individual regions has shown that this phenomenon leads to a dramatic pollination crisis and reduced ability or even total inability to grow insect-pollinated crops if relying solely on native, naturally occurring pollinators. Current scientific data indicate that the global bee extinction between the Cretaceous and the Paleogene (Cretaceous-Tertiary) occurred, which led to the disappearance of flowers because they could not produce viable fruit and germinate due to lack of pollination by bees or other animals. From the Middle Ages to the present day, there has been evidence that honey bees have always overcome the adverse factors affecting them throughout the ages, after which their population has fully recovered. This fact must be treated with great care given the emergence of a new, widespread stress factor in the second half of the 20th century—intoxication of beehives with antibiotics and acaricides, and treatment of crops with pesticides. Along with acute and chronic intoxication of bees and bee products, there are other new major stressors of global importance reducing the number of bee colonies: widespread prevalence of pathogenic organisms and pest beetles, climate change and adverse climatic conditions, landscape changes and limitation of natural habitats, intensification of agricultural production, inadequate nutrition, and introduction of invasive species. This report summarizes the impact of individual negative factors on the health and behavior of bees to limit the combined effects of the above stressors.
Native and Invasive Small Mammals in Urban Habitats along the Commercial Axis Connecting Benin and Niger, West Africa
Authors: Hima Karmadine , Houémenou Gualbert , Badou Sylvestre , Garba Madougou , Dossou Henri-Joel , Etougbétché Jonas , Gauthier Philippe , Artige Emma , Fossati-Gaschignard Odile , Gagaré Sama , Dobigny Gauthier , Dalecky Ambroise
Published: December 2019

Based on compiled small mammal trapping data collected over 12 years from Benin and Niger (3701 individual records from 66 sampling sites), located in mainland Africa, we here describe the small mammal community assemblage in urban habitats along the commercial axis connecting the two countries, from the seaport of Cotonou to the Sahelian hinterland, with a particular focus on invasive species. In doing so, we document extant species distributions, which highlight the risks of continuing the range expansion of three synanthropic invasive rodent species, namely black rats (Rattus rattus), brown rats (R. norvegicus), and house mice (Mus musculus). Using various diversity estimates and community ecology approaches, we detect a latitudinal gradient of species richness that significantly decreased Northward. We show that shrews (Crocidura) represent a very important component of micro-mammal fauna in West African towns and villages, especially at lower latitudes. We also demonstrate that invasive and native synanthropic rodents do not distribute randomly in West Africa, which suggests that invasive species dynamics and history differ markedly, and that they involve gradual, as well as human-mediated, long distance dispersal. Patterns of segregation are also observed between native Mastomys natalensis and invasive rats R. rattus and R. norvegicus, suggesting potential native-to-invasive species turn over. Consequences of such processes, especially in terms of public health, are discussed.
Arrhythmogenic Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases: A Challenge for Cardio-Rheumatology
Authors: Mavrogeni Sophie I. , Markousis-Mavrogenis George , Aggeli Constantina , Tousoulis Dimitris , Kitas George D. , Kolovou Genovefa , Iliodromitis Efstathios K. , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: December 2019

Ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) is an expression of autoimmune inflammatory cardiomyopathy (AIC), caused by structural, electrical, or inflammatory heart disease, and has a serious impact on a patient’s outcome. Myocardial scar of ischemic or nonischemic origin through a re-entry mechanism facilitates the development of VA. Additionally, autoimmune myocardial inflammation, either isolated or as a part of the generalized inflammatory process, also facilitates the development of VA through arrhythmogenic autoantibodies and inflammatory channelopathies. The clinical presentation of AIC varies from oligo-asymptomatic presentation to severe VA and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Both positron emission tomography (PET) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can diagnose AIC early and be useful tools for the assessment of therapies during follow-ups. The AIC treatment should be focused on the following: (1) early initiation of cardiac medication, including ACE-inhibitors, b-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists; (2) early initiation of antirheumatic medication, depending on the underlying disease; and (3) potentially implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) and/or ablation therapy in patients who are at high risk for SCD.
Impact of Implementing Antenatal Syphilis Point-of-Care Testing on Maternal Mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Mashamba-Thompson Tivani P. , Drain Paul K. , Kuupiel Desmond , Sartorius Benn
Published: December 2019

Background: Syphilis infection has been associated with an increased risk of HIV infection during pregnancy which poses greater risk for maternal mortality, and antenatal syphilis point-of-care (POC) testing has been introduced to improve maternal and child health outcomes. There is limited evidence on the impact of syphilis POC testing on maternal outcomes in high HIV prevalent settings. We used syphilis POC testing as a model to evaluate the impact of POC diagnostics on the improvement of maternal mortality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Methods: We extracted 132 monthly data points on the number of maternal deaths in facilities and number of live births in facilities for 12 tertiary healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa from 2004 to 2014 from District Health Information System (DHIS) health facility archived. We employed segmented Poisson regression analysis of interrupted time series to assess the impact of the exposure on maternal mortality ratio (MMR) before and after the implementation of antenatal syphilis POC testing. We processed and analyzed data using Stata Statistical Software: Release 13. (Stata, Corp LP, College Station, TX, USA). Results: The provincial average annual maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 176.09 ± 43.92 ranging from a minimum of 68.48 to maximum of 225.49 per 100,000 live births. The data comprised 36 temporal points before the introduction of syphilis POC test exposure and 84 after the introduction in primary health care clinics in KZN. The average annual MMR for KZN from 2004 to 2014 was estimated at 176.09 ± 43.92. A decrease in MMR level was observed during 2008 after syphilis POC test implementation, followed by a rise during 2009. Analysis of the MMR trend estimates a significant 1.5% increase in MMR trends during the period before implementation and 1.3% increase after implementation of syphilis POC testing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Although our finding suggests a brief reduction in the MMR trend after the implementation of antenatal syphilis POC testing, a continued increase in syphilis rates is seen in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study used one of the most powerful quasi-experimental research methods, segmented Poisson regression analysis of interrupted time series to model the impact of syphilis POC on maternal outcome. The study finding requires confirmation by use of more rigorous primary study design.