bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil mycobiota under managed and unmanaged forests of Nothofagus pumilio in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Authors: Elíades Lorena A. , Cabello Marta N. , Pancotto Verónica , Moretto Alicia , Ferreri Natalia A. , Saparrat Mario C.N. , Barrera Marcelo D.
Published: July 2019

Background: Management practices can modify the productivity of forests and the associated microbial diversity of soil. The soil mycobiota is considered a key factor in the ecological functions of forests. Forests of Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. & Endl.) Krasser (Nothofagaceae) are the main source of timber and one of the most important economic resources in the province of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). However, there is no information on the impact of forest management interventions for the soil mycobiota, which can be reliable biological indicators of disturbance.Methods: Fungi were isolated from samples of soil collected under several Nothofagus pumilio forests subjected to different types of management and periods of time since the intervention. Types of management were represented by harvested forest with a shelter wood cutting, stockpile area and control forest without intervention and the periods of time since intervention were 1, 5–10 and 50 years. Species richness, evenness and Shannon’s diversity index of the mycobiota in each condition of management were calculated. Additionally, the effect of seasonality was analysed.Results: The soil mycobiota was represented by 70 taxa. Richness and/or Shannon’s diversity index of the mycobiota between undisturbed forest and stockpile area were higher in May (autumn) than in September or November. There were no differences in mycobiota diversity between dates in the harvested forest.Conclusions: Our results indicate that the forest intervention per se did not negatively affect the soil culturable mycobiota composition of N. pumilio forests in Tierra del Fuego (Argentina).
SISTEM INFORMASI PENJUALAN DENGAN MENERAPKAN METODE SALES FORCE AUTOMATION
Authors: Sahfitri Vivi
Published: July 2019

The sales process is the most important part of the product manufacturer or the company being ditributor. Conventional sales system by the way telephone or consumer come directly to know the available or not the product needed to make consumers should take the time to do that. Such conditions can also lead to consumer dissatisfaction especially if the desired item is unavailable. Dissatisfaction with customer service can affect the indication of declining sales turnover. For that, the company needs a website-based sales information system that can be accessed by consumers anytime and anywhere so that it can expand its marketing area, and can facilitate salespeople to conduct promotions to Community. This research produces the sales information system by implementing a sales Force Automation (SFA) method which is expected to maximize the sales and focus of services to customers.
HUBUNGAN TINGKAT PENGETAHUAN DAN LAMA MENDERITA DIABETES MELLITUS (DM) DENGAN KEJADIAN ULKUS DIABETIKUM PADA PASIEN DM TIPE 2
Authors: Suryati Ida , Primal Def , Pordiati Darsis
Published: July 2019

DM is a disease where the level of glucose (simple sugar) in high blood because the body cannot release or use insulin adequately. Type 2 diabetes can cause various chronic complications such as diabetic foot disorders. The number of DM patients in Bukittinggi Achmad Mochtar Hospital has increased in the last 2 years. In 2017 there are 1,350 DM patients, in 2018 there are 1,400 DM patients who visit the International Clinic. Information obtained from officers at the Achmad Mochtar Hospital International Police that officers did not provide health promotion about diabetic ulcers to DM patients who visited the internal poly. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship level of knowledge and duration of suffering from diabetes with the incidence of diabetic ulcers. Descriptive analytic research method with cross sectional design. The population was all type 2 DM patients who visited the Bukittinggi Achmad Mochtar Hospital interne poly, with an average number of 117 people per month. The number of samples is 54 people, with sampling using accidental sampling. Data was processed and analyzed using the chi-square test. The results of univariate analysis showed that 72.2% of respondents had high level of knowledge, 61.1% had long suffered from DM and 79.6% had no diabetic ulcer. Bivariate results have a correlation between level of knowledge with the incidence of diabetic ulcer (p = 0,000) and there is a relationship between knowledge and incidence of diabetic ulcer (p = 0.036 and OR = 8.696). It was concluded that there was a relationship between level of knowledge and duration of suffering from diabetes with the incidence of diabetic ulcers. It is expected that the hospital management will make counseling information on diabetic ulcers for DM patients visiting the Bukittinggi Achmad Mochtar Hospital interne poly.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN DISCHARGE PLANNING TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN KELUARGA DALAM PERAWATAN PASCA STROKE DI RUMAH TAHUN 2019
Authors: Yaslina Yaslina , Maidaliza Maidaliza , Hayati Itra
Published: July 2019

Post-stroke patients admitted to hospital in fact did not get a good discharge planning for the family, therefore this study aims to examine the effect of giving discharge discharges on the ability of families in post-stroke care at home. The method of this research is the design of correlation with the population whose sample is the family of patients after stroke. The research was carried out on January 2, 2019 until February 10, 2019. The results showed post-stroke family ability at home before discharge planning with Mean = 12.2 and with Standard Deviation 2.1 and results of post-stroke family abilities at home after discharge planning with Mean = 21.3 and with Standard Deviation 2.9. Statistical test results obtained p value 0,000. It was concluded that this study had the effect of discharge planning on the ability of families in post-stroke care at home. And it was suggested to hospital staff to provide discharge planning about to treat post-stroke at home such as diet, exercise and ADL including: to the toilet, eat, dress, bathe, and move places.
"Would I Do This All Over Again? Mid-Career Voices in Political Science"
Authors: van Assendelft Laura , Fortna Page , Gay Claudine , Sanbonmatsu Kira
Published: July 2019

This report by the APSA Presidential Task Force on Women’s Advancement in the Profession is based on personal and confidential semi-structured interviews with individuals from three graduate programs who entered graduate school around the same time (the early 1990s) about their educational and career experiences from the decision to pursue the PhD to the present—regardless of whether or not the individuals completed the degree or work in the profession today. How do people experience the profession of political science? What explains differences in individual trajectories—both within and outside the academy? How do climate, efforts to diversify the academy, and policies such as family leave impact individual careers? What policies and practices help graduate students on the job market, and faculty on the tenure-track? What are the tradeoffs in academic and non-academic pursuits? And what is the value of the Ph.D.—inside and outside the academy?
RETRACTED: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of (E)-N'-((1-Chloro-3,4-Dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)Methylene)Benzohydrazide Derivatives as Anti-prostate Cancer Agents
Authors: Arjun H. A. , Elancheran Ramakrishnan , Manikandan N. , Lakshmithendral K. , Ramanathan Muthiah , Bhattacharjee Atanu , Lokanath N. K. , Kabilan Senthamaraikannan
Published: July 2019

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in their late '50s. PCa growth is mainly due to the activation of the androgen receptor by androgens. The treatment for PCa may involve surgery, hormonal therapy, and oral chemotherapeutic drugs. A structural based molecular docking approach revealed the findings of (E)-N'-((1-chloro-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-2-yl)methylene)benzohydrazide derivatives, where the possible binding modes of the compounds with protein (PDB ID: 3V49) are shown. The compounds (6a-k) were synthesized and characterized by using conventional methods. The compounds, 6g, 6j, and 6k were reconfirmed through single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Further, the compounds (6a-k) and standard drug were evaluated against human prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and PC-3 and the non-cancerous cell line, 3T3. Among these compounds, 6g and 6j showed higher cytotoxicity, and 6g exhibited dose-dependent activity and reduced cell viability. The mechanism of action was observed through the induced apoptosis and was further confirmed by western blot and ELISA. Molecular dynamics simulation studies were carried out to calculate the interaction and the stability of the protein-ligand complex in motion. ADME properties were predicted for all the tested compounds. These findings may give vital information for further development.
Commissioning the Acoustical Performance of an Open Office Space Following the Latest Healthy Building Standard: A Case Study
Authors: Kim Amy , Wang Shuoqi , McCunn Lindsay , Prozuments Aleksejs , Swanson Troy , Lokan Kim
Published: July 2019

Healthy building design guides are cogent and necessary. While elements that contribute to healthy buildings are multifactorial, the perception of sound versus noise is subjective and difficult to operationalize. To inform the commissioning process, the acoustics in an open office was examined following the first international building certification system that focuses on the well-being of occupants. Results highlight the role facility managers play in ensuring acoustical quality and offer suggestions to optimize healthy building rating systems. Mixed empirical evidence concerning the advantages of open office designs exists, as does evidence that noise, and a lack of privacy, affects workers’ levels of distraction and dissatisfaction. Sound masking systems can lower stress levels and augment performance. However, the sound produced by these systems can also be disruptive; conflicting information exists for facility managers to use when making decisions. The results suggest that, although objective measurements and healthy building guidelines for designing satisfactory indoor acoustic environments are important, changes to the physical environment, and acoustical systems, in particular, require iterative subjective assessments within the retrofit process to bolster occupant satisfaction. Mixed-methodologies used in this study may aid facilities managers in capturing and interpreting occupant data about physical stimuli in the workplace and improving the commissioning process.
Chromosomes I and X Harbor Consistent Genetic Factors Associated with the Anthocyanin Variation in Potato
Authors: Parra-Galindo María-Angélica , Piñeros-Niño Clara , Soto-Sedano Johana Carolina , Mosquera-Vasquez Teresa
Published: July 2019

Potatoes are an important staple food worldwide and are the third main source of antioxidants in the human diet. One of the most important antioxidant compounds in potatoes is the anthocyanin pigments. Some reports indicate a high positive correlation between color intensity, anthocyanins content, and antioxidant level in potato tubers. The variation in anthocyanins composition and content in potato tubers among diverse germplasm sources has important nutritional and health implications and constitutes an interesting trait for potato breeding programs focused on enhancing the anthocyanin and antioxidant contents of potato materials. We identified and quantified five anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, and peonidin) on tubers from the Colombian germplasm collection of Solanum tuberosum L. Group Phureja. The phenotypic data were merged into a genome-wide association study in order to identify genomic regions associated with the nutritional compounds’ variation in potatoes. The association was conducted using a 7520 single nucleotide polymorphisms markers matrix. Seven quantitative trait loci were identified. Chromosomes I and X harbored the most stable quantitative trait loci (QTL). Three quantitative trait loci were identified close to previously reported genes involved in the regulation of anthocyanins in potato tubers. The genomic regions of these QTL reveal presumptive candidate genes as genetic factors that are the basis for a better understanding of the genetic architecture of the regulation of nutritional compounds in potatoes.
A Damage Model for Concrete under Fatigue Loading
Authors: Shan Zhi , Yu Zhiwu , Li Xiao , Lv Xiaoyong , Liao Zhenyu
Published: July 2019

For concrete, fatigue is an essential mechanical behavior. Concrete structures subjected to fatigue loads usually experience a progressive degradation/damage process and even an abrupt failure. However, in the literature, certain essential damage behaviors are not well considered in the study of the mechanism for fatigue behaviors such as the development of irreversible/residual strains. In this work, a damage model with the concept of mode-II microcracks on the crack face and nearby areas contributing to the development of irreversible strains was proposed. By using the micromechanics method, a micro-cell-based damage model under multi-axial loading was introduced to understand the damage behaviors for concrete. By a thermodynamic interpretation of the damage behaviors, a novel fatigue damage variable (irreversible deformation fatigue damage variable) was defined. This variable is able to describe irreversible strains generated by both mode-II microcracks and irreversible frictional sliding. The proposed model considered both elastic and irreversible deformation fatigue damages. It is found that the prediction by the proposed model of cyclic creep, stiffness degradation and post-fatigue stress-strain relationship of concrete agrees well with experimental results.
Quantifying Power System Operational Reliability
Authors: Nepal Nahakul , Karki Rajesh
Published: July 2019

Rising uncertainty in power systems due to ongoing system and operational changes has led to increasing risks in operating a system in a reliable and economic manner. There are growing reliability concerns with the widely used methods, such as the N-1 criterion, to determine operating reserve requirement during unit commitment, and the economic load dispatch method to allocate regulating margin to respond to disturbances. These deterministic methods do not consider the uncertainty or stochastic nature of power systems and are often inadequate to maintain the required operating reliability of modern power systems. This paper introduces a reliability index, designated as the committed generators’ response risk (CGRR) that can be used to maintain a specified level of operating reliability. A probabilistic method to evaluate the CGRR is presented and validated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique. An application of the new index and the methodology is illustrated using the IEEE Reliability Test System. The CGRR provides a comprehensive operating risk measurement of the committed generation until further assistance is available to support the system, and therefore helps operators in decision making for unit commitment and dispatch of the generating units to meet the projected load in the short future time.
Composition of Clean Marine Air and Biogenic Influences on VOCs during the MUMBA Campaign
Authors: Guérette Élise-Andrée , Paton-Walsh Clare , Galbally Ian , Molloy Suzie , Lawson Sarah , Kubistin Dagmar , Buchholz Rebecca , Griffith David W.T. , Langenfelds Ray L. , Krummel Paul B. , Loh Zoe , Chambers Scott , Griffiths Alan , Keywood Melita , Selleck Paul , Dominick Doreena , Humphries Ruhi , Wilson Stephen R.
Published: July 2019

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important precursors to the formation of ozone and fine particulate matter, the two pollutants of most concern in Sydney, Australia. Despite this importance, there are very few published measurements of ambient VOC concentrations in Australia. In this paper, we present mole fractions of several important VOCs measured during the campaign known as MUMBA (Measurements of Urban, Marine and Biogenic Air) in the Australian city of Wollongong (34°S). We particularly focus on measurements made during periods when clean marine air impacted the measurement site and on VOCs of biogenic origin. Typical unpolluted marine air mole fractions during austral summer 2012-2013 at latitude 34°S were established for CO2 (391.0 ± 0.6 ppm), CH4 (1760.1 ± 0.4 ppb), N2O (325.04 ± 0.08 ppb), CO (52.4 ± 1.7 ppb), O3 (20.5 ± 1.1 ppb), acetaldehyde (190 ± 40 ppt), acetone (260 ± 30 ppt), dimethyl sulphide (50 ± 10 ppt), benzene (20 ± 10 ppt), toluene (30 ± 20 ppt), C8H10 aromatics (23 ± 6 ppt) and C9H12 aromatics (36 ± 7 ppt). The MUMBA site was frequently influenced by VOCs of biogenic origin from a nearby strip of forested parkland to the east due to the dominant north-easterly afternoon sea breeze. VOCs from the more distant densely forested escarpment to the west also impacted the site, especially during two days of extreme heat and strong westerly winds. The relative amounts of different biogenic VOCs observed for these two biomes differed, with much larger increases of isoprene than of monoterpenes or methanol during the hot westerly winds from the escarpment than with cooler winds from the east. However, whether this was due to different vegetation types or was solely the result of the extreme temperatures is not entirely clear. We conclude that the clean marine air and biogenic signatures measured during the MUMBA campaign provide useful information about the typical abundance of several key VOCs and can be used to constrain chemical transport model simulations of the atmosphere in this poorly sampled region of the world.
Proactive and Reactive Language Control in the Bilingual Brain
Authors: Seo Roy , Prat Chantel S.
Published: July 2019

The current experiment investigated bilingual language control within the dual mechanisms framework. In an fMRI investigation of morphosyntactic rule production, the presence or absence of target language cues was manipulated to investigate the neural mechanisms associated with proactive and reactive global language control mechanisms. Patterns of activation across nine regions of interest (ROIs) were investigated in seventeen early Spanish–English bilingual speakers. A cue by phase interaction in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (Pre-SMA) was observed, suggesting that these regions were more active during cue phases, and less active during execution phases, when target language cues were presented. Individual differences analyses showed that variability in proactive control (informative > non-informative cued trial activation during preparation) in the basal ganglia was correlated with proactive control in the left DLPFC, left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and right precentral ROIs. In contrast, reactive control (non-informative > informative cued activation during execution) in the anterior cingulate was correlated with reactive control in the Pre-SMA and left orbital frontal ROIs. The results suggest that, consistent with the dual mechanisms framework, bilinguals differ in the degree to which they use cues to proactively prepare to use a target language.
Relationship between Ischemic Stroke and Pulse Rate Variability as a Surrogate of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Verma Ajay K. , Aarotale Parshuram N. , Dehkordi Parastoo , Lou Jau-Shin , Tavakolian Kouhyar
Published: July 2019

Autonomic reflex ascertains cardiovascular homeostasis during standing. Impaired autonomic reflex could lead to dizziness and falls while standing; this is prevalent in stroke survivors. Pulse rate variability (PRV) has been utilized in the literature in lieu of heart rate variability (HRV) for ambulatory and portable monitoring of autonomic reflex predominantly in young, healthy individuals. Here, we compared the PRV with gold standard HRV for monitoring autonomic reflex in ischemic stroke survivors. Continuous blood pressure and electrocardiography were acquired from ischemic stroke survivors (64 ± 1 years) and age-matched controls (65 ± 2 years) during a 10-minute sit-to-stand test. Beat-by-beat heart period (represented by RR and peak-to-peak (PP) intervals), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse arrival time (PAT), an indicator of arterial stiffness, were derived. Time and frequency domain HRV (from RR intervals) and PRV (from PP intervals) metrics were extracted. PAT was lower (248 ± 7 ms vs. 270 ± 8 ms, p < 0.05) suggesting higher arterial stiffness in stroke survivors compared to controls during standing. Further, compared to controls, the agreement between HRV and PRV was impaired in stroke survivors while standing. The study outcomes suggest that caution should be exercised when considering PRV as a surrogate of HRV for monitoring autonomic cardiovascular control while standing in stroke survivors.
Methylation Dynamics of RASSF1A and Its Impact on Cancer
Authors: Malpeli Giorgio , Innamorati Giulio , Decimo Ilaria , Bencivenga Maria , Nwabo Kamdje Armel Herve , Perris Roberto , Bassi Claudio
Published: July 2019

5-methyl cytosine (5mC) is a key epigenetic mark entwined with gene expression and the specification of cellular phenotypes. Its distribution around gene promoters sets a barrier for transcriptional enhancers or inhibitor proteins binding to their target sequences. As a result, an additional level of regulation is added to the signals that organize the access to the chromatin and its structural components. The tumor suppressor gene RASSF1A is a microtubule-associated and multitasking scaffold protein communicating with the RAS pathway, estrogen receptor signaling, and Hippo pathway. RASSF1A action stimulates mitotic arrest, DNA repair and apoptosis, and controls the cell cycle and cell migration. De novo methylation of the RASSF1A promoter has received much attention due to its increased frequency in most cancer types. RASSF1A methylation is preceded by histones modifications and could represent an early molecular event in cell transformation. Accordingly, RASSF1A methylation is proposed as an epigenetic candidate marker in many cancer types, even though an inverse correlation of methylation and expression remains to be fully ascertained. Some findings indicate that the epigenetic abrogation of RASSF1A can promote the alternative expression of the putative oncogenic isoform RASSF1C. Understanding the complexity and significance of RASSF1A methylation is instrumental for a more accurate determination of its biological and clinical role. The review covers the molecular events implicated in RASSF1A methylation and gene silencing and provides a deeper view into the significance of the RASSF1A methylation patterns in a number of gastrointestinal cancer types.
Increased Soluble CrkL in Serum of Breast Cancer Patients Is Associated with Advanced Disease
Authors: Srinivasan Srimeenakshi , Godin Biana
Published: July 2019

Over-expression of Crk-like protein (CrkL), an intracellular adaptor protein, in breast cancer biopsies has been linked to poor prognosis. CrkL can be secreted from cancer cells binding to β1 integrin on the cell membrane. In this study, we evaluated, for the first time, the levels of soluble CrkL in serum of breast cancer patients. Expression of CrkL and secreted fractions from human breast cancer cell lines and clinical patient samples were assessed by immunohistochemistry and Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). CrkL levels in tissues and sera of patients with different disease stages were compared and statistically analyzed by Chi-square test and Student’s t-test. Culture media from human breast cancer cell lines SUM159, MDA-MB231, and MCF7 showed over a 21-, 15-, and 11-fold higher concentration of soluble CrkL as compared to normal breast epithelium cell line MCF10A. Expression of CrkL was elevated in 85% of breast tumor tissue sections. Serum levels of CrkL were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in healthy donors. All patients with metastatic disease had significantly elevated concentration of soluble CrkL in the serum with on average three-fold increase from the baseline. The data suggest that soluble fraction of CrkL can be further evaluated as a serum biomarker for advanced disease in breast cancer patients.
The Mode of Stem Cell Division Is Dependent on the Differential Interaction of β-Catenin with the Kat3 Coactivators CBP or p300
Authors: Lukaszewicz Agnes I. , Nguyen Cu , Melendez Elizabeth , Lin David P. , Teo Jia-Ling , Lai Keane K. Y. , Huttner Wieland B. , Shi Song-Hai , Kahn Michael
Published: July 2019

Normal long-term repopulating somatic stem cells (SSCs) preferentially divide asymmetrically, with one daughter cell remaining in the niche and the other going on to be a transient amplifying cell required for generating new tissue in homeostatic maintenance and repair processes, whereas cancer stem cells (CSCs) favor symmetric divisions. We have previously proposed that differential β-catenin modulation of transcriptional activity via selective interaction with either the Kat3 coactivator CBP or its closely related paralog p300, regulates symmetric versus asymmetric division in SSCs and CSCs. We have previously demonstrated that SSCs that divide asymmetrically per force retain one of the dividing daughter cells in the stem cell niche, even when treated with specific CBP/β-catenin antagonists, whereas CSCs can be removed from their niche via forced stochastic symmetric differentiative divisions. We now demonstrate that loss of p73 in early corticogenesis biases β-catenin Kat3 coactivator usage and enhances β-catenin/CBP transcription at the expense of β-catenin/p300 transcription. Biased β-catenin coactivator usage has dramatic consequences on the mode of division of neural stem cells (NSCs), but not neurogenic progenitors. The observed increase in symmetric divisions due to enhanced β-catenin/CBP interaction and transcription leads to an immediate increase in NSC symmetric differentiative divisions. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that the complex phenotype caused by the loss of p73 can be rescued in utero by treatment with the small-molecule-specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001. Taken together, our results demonstrate the causal relationship between the choice of β-catenin Kat3 coactivator and the mode of stem cell division.
Clinical Scenarios Emerging from Combined Immunophenotypic, Molecular and Morphologic Analysis of Pancreatic Cancer: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Scenario
Authors: Karamitopoulou Eva , Gloor Beat
Published: July 2019

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with increasing incidence and dismal prognosis. The composition of the immune cell infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the dynamic interplay between cancer- and immune cells can influence and/or be influenced by tumor-intrinsic characteristics like molecular profiles and tumor cell morphology. The combined analyses of pancreatic cancer by using morphologic, genetic, and immunologic features help us understand the significant heterogeneity of the TME and recognize the different mechanisms of immune evasion. Moreover, this information may lead to the identification of novel biomarkers for more precise patient stratification and therapy guidance.
Multifunctional Albumin-Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters for the Reduction of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Latorre Ana , Latorre Alfonso , Castellanos Milagros , Rodriguez Diaz Ciro , Lazaro-Carrillo Ana , Aguado Tania , Lecea Mercedes , Romero-Pérez Sonia , Calero Macarena , Sanchez-Puelles José María , Villanueva Ángeles , Somoza Álvaro
Published: July 2019

Controlled delivery of multiple chemotherapeutics can improve the effectiveness of treatments and reduce side effects and relapses. Here in, we used albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters modified with doxorubicin and SN38 (AuNCs-DS) as combined therapy for cancer. The chemotherapeutics are conjugated to the nanostructures using linkers that release them when exposed to different internal stimuli (Glutathione and pH). This system has shown potent antitumor activity against breast and pancreatic cancer cells. Our studies indicate that the antineoplastic activity observed may be related to the reinforced DNA damage generated by the combination of the drugs. Moreover, this system presented antineoplastic activity against mammospheres, a culturing model for cancer stem cells, leading to an efficient reduction of the number of oncospheres and their size. In summary, the nanostructures reported here are promising carriers for combination therapy against cancer and particularly to cancer stem cells.
Solubility Models for the Recovery of Rosmarinic Acid from Orthosiphon Aristatus Extract Using Solid Phase Extraction
Authors: Lau Cher Haan , Chua Lee Suan
Published: July 2019

Hildebrand and Hansen solubility parameters, and log P value are widely used to determine the solubility of polymers in solvents. The models were used to explain the recovery of phytochemical, rosmarinic acid from Orthosiphon aristatus extract in C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) using the eluent consisting of ethyl acetate and chloroform in the decreasing polarity of solvent system. The experimental recovery of rosmarinic acid appeared to be well explained by the Hansen solubility model. The small difference in the Hansen solubility parameters, particularly for dispersion and hydrogen bonding forces, results in a higher polar solvent system for high rosmarinic acid recovery. The results found that the Hansen solubility model fitted well to the recovery of rosmarinic acid from crude extract with high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.8), low standard error (4.4%), and p < 0.05. Hildebrand solubility is likely to be the second fit model, whereas log P has poor R2 < 0.7 and higher standard error (7.3%). The Hansen solubility model describes the interaction of solute–solvent in three dimensions (dispersion, polar, and hydrogen bonding forces) which can accurately explain the recovery of rosmarinic acid. Therefore, Hansen solubility can be used to predict the recovery of rosmarinic acid from O. aristatus extract using SPE.
Acetylation of Alcohols, Amines, Phenols, Thiols under Catalyst and Solvent-Free Conditions
Authors: Anbu Nagaraj , Nagarjun Nagarathinam , Jacob Manju , Kalaiarasi J. Mary Vimala Kumari , Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi
Published: July 2019

In the present study, an easy and an efficient approach is reported for the acetylation of alcohols, amines, phenols, and thiols under solvent- and catalyst-free conditions. The experimental conditions were milder than conventional methods and the reactions were completed in shorter reaction time. The examined substrates afforded higher yields of the acetylated products under the short reaction time. Comparison of this work with earlier reported procedures reveals that this method offers some advantages than with reported catalysts and solvents. The as-synthesized products were characterized by 1H-NMR and GC-MS techniques to ensure their purity and identity. In addition, a possible mechanism was also proposed for this reaction.
Social Jet-Lag in Tertiary Students Following a Modern Curriculum with Few Time-Tabled Contact Hours: A Pilot Study
Authors: Leenaars Cathalijn H. C. , Lucassen Mathijs F. G. , Borger Nedim , Houben Ellen , Kalsbeek Andries
Published: July 2019

Social jet-lag (SJL) impairs academic performance, specifically for late chronotypes faced with early start times. Most modern tertiary educational systems have fewer time-tabled contact hours and consequently fewer early starts, which may limit SJL. We performed a pilot study of SJL in a convenience sample of students from Maastricht University, where problem-based learning (PBL) is implemented throughout the curricula. PBL is a modern curriculum, with only few contact hours and student-driven learning, comprising substantial amounts of self-study. Fifty-two students kept a detailed sleep diary for one week, and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Participants were divided into early and late sleepers based on a ranking of their reported sleeping times, combined with a single question on their self-reported chronotype. Late sleepers (for brevity: “Owls”; n = 22) had later midpoint-sleep (5:14 ± 0:11 on weekdays; 5:50 ± 0:07 on weekend days) than early sleepers (for brevity: “Larks”; n = 11, 3:21 ± 0:05 on weekdays; 3:41 ± 0:06 on weekend days, F = 10.8, p = 0.003). The difference between the midpoint of sleep on weekdays and weekend days was comparable for Larks and Owls (F = 1.5; p = 0.22). SJL (0:53 ± 0:06, T = 1.4; p = 0.16), total sleep duration (7:58 ± 0:08; p = 0.07), and PSQI score (4.7 ± 0.3, U = 137; p = 0.56) were comparable for Larks and Owls. Average ESS score was higher in Larks (10.7 ± 0.96) than in Owls (7.0 ± 0.72; U = 52; p = 0.007). Within this pilot study of students engaged in a problem-based learning curriculum, Owls have no selective disadvantage compared to Larks concerning sleep.
A Survey on Internet of Things and Cloud Computing for Healthcare
Authors: Dang L. Minh , Piran Md. Jalil , Han Dongil , Min Kyungbok , Moon Hyeonjoon
Published: July 2019

The fast development of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology in recent years has supported connections of numerous smart things along with sensors and established seamless data exchange between them, so it leads to a stringy requirement for data analysis and data storage platform such as cloud computing and fog computing. Healthcare is one of the application domains in IoT that draws enormous interest from industry, the research community, and the public sector. The development of IoT and cloud computing is improving patient safety, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency in the medical industry. This survey is conducted to analyze the latest IoT components, applications, and market trends of IoT in healthcare, as well as study current development in IoT and cloud computing-based healthcare applications since 2015. We also consider how promising technologies such as cloud computing, ambient assisted living, big data, and wearables are being applied in the healthcare industry and discover various IoT, e-health regulations and policies worldwide to determine how they assist the sustainable development of IoT and cloud computing in the healthcare industry. Moreover, an in-depth review of IoT privacy and security issues, including potential threats, attack types, and security setups from a healthcare viewpoint is conducted. Finally, this paper analyzes previous well-known security models to deal with security risks and provides trends, highlighted opportunities, and challenges for the IoT-based healthcare future development.
Assessing Business Risks of Natural Gas Trading Companies: Evidence from GET Baltic
Authors: Morkunas Mangirdas , Cernius Gintaras , Giriuniene Gintare
Published: July 2019

The aim of this research is to distinguish business risks that affect natural gas trading companies operating in the liberalized natural gas market and to assess them according to the potential impact on the aforementioned gas trading companies. To achieve this, a study of international scientific literature and empirical research was conducted, as well as the methods of expert survey, Analytical Hierarchy Process with different measurement scales and logical investigation. The research of the business risks of natural gas trading companies reflected that natural gas trading companies in the liberalized market distinguish in significantly different business risks’ portfolios from those that operate under monopoly conditions. It was also found that it is difficult to evaluate the business risks’ importance for the natural gas trading companies acting in liberalized markets because they characterize in a hierarchical structure, which means that they are prone to cascading effects.
Concluding Remarks: Moving Forward on Scientific Knowledge and Management Approaches to Tropical Forests in the Anthropocene Epoch
Authors: González Grizelle , Lugo Ariel E.
Published: July 2019

The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry (the Institute) celebrates its 75th Anniversary with the publication of this Special Issue of Forests. This Issue is based on presentations delivered in a symposium held in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2014. It augments a quarter century of scientific knowledge and capitalizes on a unique set of synergies chartered by a strategy based on shared stewardship, innovative transdisciplinary collaborations, and breakthroughs in science and technology. The manuscripts contained here present advancements in our approach to the development of policies for effective governance and stewardship, long-term focus for the understanding of ecosystem processes and functions, novelties given attention to cross-boundary collaborative approaches to science, and proposed alternative institutional visions in the Anthropocene. As the Institute continues to collaboratively explore new frontiers in science, we recognize advances in forestry, atmospheric sciences, modeling, hydrology, plant physiology, and microbial ecology as core to the understanding of tropical forests in the Anthropocene.
Comparing Primary and Secondary Growth of Co-Occurring Deciduous and Evergreen Conifers in an Alpine Habitat
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Jiang Yuan , Wen Yan , Ding Xinyuan , Wang Biao , Xu Junliang
Published: July 2019

Investigations on primary and secondary growth in co-occurring species will aid in assessment of the physiological adaptation of species and the prediction of forest stand structure dynamics. To explore the correlation and coordination between primary and secondary growth, we monitored the leaf phenology, shoot elongation, and stem growth of co-occurring Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr. and Picea meyeri Rehd. et Wils. in an alpine habitat, Luya Mountain (North-Central China), during the growing season of 2014. We measured bud development on terminal branches three days per week by direct observations and intra-annual stem xylem formation at weekly intervals by the microcores method. The onset sequence of three organs was the needle, shoot, and stem, without species-specific differences. Needles appeared one month earlier than stem growth in larch, while it was only one week earlier in spruce. The duration of needle growth was the shortest, followed by the shoot and stem. The timing of primary growth (i.e., onset, end, and maximum growth rate) between the two species was asynchronous, but secondary growth was synchronic with the same date of the maximum growth rate occurrence, potentially indicating species competition for resources. Unlike larch, spruce staggered growth peaks among different organs, which may effectively mitigate trees’ internal competition for resources. Soil temperature was positively correlated with both shoot and stem growth in the two species, whereas air temperature and soil water content were positively correlated with needle growth only in larch. Therefore, it can be inferred that the spruce will probably outcompete the larch at cold alpine treeline sites due to its high adaptability to acquiring and allocating resources. These results provide insight into the potential physiological correlation between primary and secondary growth and allow better prediction of future climate change effects on forest ecosystem productivity.
Tests of Hexazinone and Tebuthiuron for Control of Exotic Plants in Kauai, Hawaii
Authors: Wang Jun , Awaya Jonathan , Zhu Ye , Motooka Philip S. , Nelson Duane A. , Li Qing X.
Published: July 2019

Non-native plant species have become serious pests in Hawaii’s delicate island ecosystems. It is necessary to control invasive plants. The herbicides hexazinone and tebuthiuron were evaluated for defoliation efficacy to control several major invasive plants and for non-target effects on native plants at Site I in a rainforest at 1200 m elevation and Site II in a mesic area at 640 m elevation on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The invasive weed species in the sites included daisy fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus DC.), faya tree (Myrica faya Ait.), strawberry guava (Psidium cattleyanum Sabine), banana passion fruit (Passiflora mollissima Bailey), vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei Steud.), and highbush blackberry (Rubus argutus Link. 1822). Native plants included ohia lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha Gaudich.), naupaka (Scaevola cerasifolia Labill.), pilo (Hedyotis mannii), hona (Urera glabra (Hook. & Arn.)), aalii (Dodonaea viscosa Jacq.), and amau (Sadleria sp.). The results showed that broadcast applications of hexazinone granules and tebuthiuron pellets were effective on some of those invasive species. Herbicidal tolerance varied among the native species. For example, D. viscosa showed high tolerance to hexazinone. S. cerasifolia was susceptible to hexazinone, but not to tebuthiuron. The inconsistent defoliation of Sadleria sp. occurred among different applications rates of the two herbicides. M. polymorpha, particularly when it was small, could tolerate hexazinone and tebuthiuron. U. glabra was severely injured by the two herbicides. H. mannii was moderately tolerant to hexazinone, but fairly sensitive to tebuthiuron. The invasive loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) was highly tolerant to hexazinone, but was very sensitive to tebuthiuron. M. faya was very sensitive to hexazinone, but very tolerant to tebuthiuron. P. cattleyanum was sensitive to both herbicides. Six and nine months after hexazinone and tebuthiuron treatment, respectively, native plants were transplanted into the Sites to observe injury from residual herbicides. Approximately less than 10% mortality was observed for the out-planted native species three months after planting (MAP), indicating that the native species showed less injury in the early period of transplant. The mortality of the three endangered species Kauai hau kuahiwi (Hibiscadelphis distans), Kauai delissea (Delissea rhytidosperma H.Mann) and kawawaenohu (Alsinidendron lynchnoides), however, increased as the MAP increased. Overall, broadcast treatments of hexazinone and tebuthiuron at rates higher than 1 kg active ingredient per hectare would be problematic. The dissipation half-life values of hexazinone and tebuthiuron in the 1–15 cm layer of soils at the two sites were approximately 7 days and greater than 180 days, respectively.
Dynamics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains Isolated from Vine Bark in Vineyard: Influence of Plant Age and Strain Presence during Grape must Spontaneous Fermentations
Authors: Nadai Chiara , Vendramini Chiara , Carlot Milena , Andrighetto Christian , Giacomini Alessio , Corich Viviana
Published: July 2019

In this study, two vineyards of different age were chosen. During three years, a sampling campaign was performed for isolating vineyard-associated Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) strains. Bark portions and, when present, grape bunches were regularly collected from the same vine plants during the overall sampling period. Each bark portion was added to a synthetic must, while each grape bunch was manually crushed, and fermentations were run to isolate S. cerevisiae strains. All collected yeasts were identified at different species and strain levels to evaluate the genetic variability of S. cerevisiae strains in the two vineyards and strains dynamics. Moreover, bark-associated strains were compared with those isolated from spontaneous fermentations of grapes collected during the two harvests. Regarding the youngest vineyard, no S. cerevisiae was identified on bark and grape surface, highlighting the importance of vine age on yeast colonization. Results reported the isolation of S. cerevisiae from vine bark of the old vineyard at all sampling times, regardless of the presence of the grape bunch. Therefore, this environment can be considered an alternative ecological niche that permanently hosts S. cerevisiae. Bark-associated strains were not found on grape bunches and during pilot-scale vinifications, indicating no significative strain transfer from vine bark to the grape must. Commercial starters were identified as well both in vineyards and during vinifications.
Applications of Metschnikowia pulcherrima in Wine Biotechnology
Authors: Morata Antonio , Loira Iris , Escott Carlos , del Fresno Juan Manuel , Bañuelos María Antonia , Suárez-Lepe José Antonio
Published: July 2019

Metschnikowia pulcherrima (Mp) is a ubiquitous yeast that frequently appears in spontaneous fermentations. The current interest in Mp is supported by the expression of many extracellular activities, some of which enhance the release of varietal aromatic compounds. The low fermentative power of Mp makes necessary the sequential or mixed use with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) to completely ferment grape musts. Mp has a respiratory metabolism that can help to lower ethanol content when used under aerobic conditions. Also, Mp shows good compatibility with Sc in producing a low-to-moderate global volatile acidity and, with suitable strains, a reduced level of H2S. The excretion of pulcherrimin gives Mp some competitive advantages over other non-Saccharomyces yeasts as well as providing some antifungal properties.
Modulation of Wine Flavor using Hanseniaspora uvarum in Combination with Different Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Malolactic Fermentation Strategies
Authors: Du Plessis Heinrich , Du Toit Maret , Nieuwoudt Hélène , Van der Rijst Marieta , Hoff Justin , Jolly Neil
Published: July 2019

Hanseniaspora uvarum is one of the predominant non-Saccharomyces yeast species found on grapes and in juice, but its effect on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth and wine flavor has not been extensively studied. Therefore, the interaction between H. uvarum, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains, two LAB species (Lactobacillus plantarum and Oenococcus oeni) in combination with two malolactic fermentation (MLF) strategies was investigated in Shiraz wine production trials. The evolution of the different microorganisms was monitored, non-volatile and volatile compounds were measured, and the wines were subjected to sensory evaluation. Wines produced with H. uvarum in combination with S. cerevisiae completed MLF in a shorter period than wines produced with only S. cerevisiae. Sequential MLF wines scored higher for fresh vegetative and spicy aroma than wines where MLF was induced as a simultaneous inoculation. Wines produced with H. uvarum had more body than wines produced with only S. cerevisiae. The induction of MLF using L. plantarum also resulted in wines with higher scores for body. H. uvarum can be used to reduce the duration of MLF, enhance fresh vegetative aroma and improve the body of a wine.
A Next-Generation Core Network Architecture for Mobile Networks
Authors: Forte Andrea G. , Wang Wei , Veltri Luca , Ferrari Gianluigi
Published: July 2019

Over the years, the cellular mobile network has evolved from a wireless plain telephone system to a very complex system providing telephone service, Internet connectivity and many interworking capabilities with other networks. Its air interface performance has increased drastically over time, leading to high throughput and low latency. Changes to the core network, however, have been slow and incremental, with increased complexity worsened by the necessity of backwards-compatibility with older-generation systems such as the Global System for Mobile communication (GSM). In this paper, a new virtualized Peer-to-Peer (P2P) core network architecture is presented. The key idea of our approach is that each user is assigned a private virtualized copy of the whole core network. This enables a higher degree of security and novel services that are not possible in today’s architecture. We describe the new architecture, focusing on its main elements, IP addressing, message flows, mobility management, and scalability. Furthermore, we will show some significant advantages this new architecture introduces. Finally, we investigate the performance of our architecture by analyzing voice-call traffic available in a database of a large U.S. cellular network provider.