bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrelación de la productividad en el sector artesanal y la vinculación con la colectividad: red de artesanos de la parroquia Atahualpa, provincia de Santa Elena, año 2015
Authors: Arriaga Baidal Germán , Reyes Tomalá Mariela , Carriel Wang Juan , Figueroa Tigrero Ivette
Published: June 2017

Uno de los ámbitos del quehacer de las universidades es su vinculación con la comunidad, debiendo de generar una interrelación de productividad en ambas partes, de esta manera se conecta con la docencia; y, la vigoriza. La Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena y el Departamento de Vinculación, a través de la Carrera de Contabilidad y Auditoría desarrollan este proceso, con el diseño y la ejecución de proyectos que aportan al desarrollo y generan alternativas de solución a los problemas de las comunidades. Actualmente, se debate si la vinculación es entendida como el momento en el cual la universidad se interrelaciona con los actores sociales externos, sin considerar la participación que tienen los estudiantes y los docentes en ese proceso, y sus efectos, tanto en la colectividad como en la docencia universitaria. En la búsqueda de productividad, cada docente vinculador prepara y ejecuta una serie de acciones con el fin incidir, positivamente, en el proceso de formación del estudiante y del vinculado, siendo su participación en proyectos de vinculación, un momento valioso que también es considerado como indicador de productividad – calidad, en el ámbito de la docencia.  Abstract One of the areas of the work of the universities is their relationship with the community, which must generate a productivity interrelationship in both parts. Thus, she connects with teaching and invigorates it. The Santa Elena Peninsula State University and the Department of Linkage through the Accounting and Auditing Career develop this process, with the design and execution of projects that contribute to the development and generate alternative solutions to the problems of the communities. It is currently debated, if the link is understood as the moment in which the university relates to external social actors, without considering the participation of students and teachers in that process, and its effects, both in the community and in University teaching. In the pursuit of productivity, each linking teacher prepares and executes a series of actions, in order to have a positive impact on the student's and the trainee's training process, and their participation in linking projects, a valuable moment that is also considered as an indicator Of productivity - quality, in the field of teaching.
Observatorio turístico: Una herramienta de gestión para el turismo de sol y playa en la provincia de Santa Elena
Authors: Mendoza Efren , Yumisaca Jhony , Freire Rendón Mercedes , Ullauri Narcisa
Published: June 2017

El turismo en la provincia de Santa Elena se ha convertido en un factor de gran relevancia  apoyado no solo por las políticas gubernamentales, sino también con iniciativas por parte de empresarios y comunidades. La planificación turística se consolida como la mejor herramienta para el desarrollo acertado y sostenible de la actividad apuntando hacia los objetivos establecidos en el Plan Nacional del Buen Vivir, siguiendo los lineamientos del PLANDETUR 2020, y acogiendo a la vez las recomendaciones basadas en larealidad donde el turismo surge. Una de las necesidades evidentes se fundamenta en la carencia de información confiable disponible acerca de las características de la demanda respecto a la oferta del turismo de sol y playa, producto estrella de la provincia, datos que respalden la toma de decisiones pertinentes para cada uno de los actores que integran este amplio sector. El presente artículo muestra algunos resultados alcanzados dentro dela investigación con la aplicación de acciones emprendidas para el diseño de un observatorio turístico direccionado al turismo de sol y playa en Santa Elena, monitoreadas a través del establecimiento de una línea base de directrices de un sistema de gestión de información turística, y del establecimiento del perfil delademanda nacional.   AbstractTourism in the province of Santa Elena has become a sector of great importance, which has been not only supported by government policies, but also by initiatives of businessmen and communities. Tourism planning has become the best tool for successful and sustainable development of the activity aiming towards the objectives set in the National Plan for Good Living, by following the guidelines established by PLANDETUR (Strategic Development Plan for Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador) 2020, while accepting at the same time, the recommendations based on reality where tourism arises. One of the tangible needs is based on the lack of reliable information available about the characteristics of the demand in respect to the Sun and Beach tourism offer; which is the leading product of the province.  This data is significant to support decision-making for each of the actors that make up this vast sector.  This paper shows some results obtained in the investigation through the application of actions taken to design a tourist observatory targeted to the Sun and Beach tourism in Santa Elena, and monitored through the establishment of a base for the guidelines of a management system for tourism information, and by the establishment of the profile of domestic demand.
A new species of Leiorreuma (Ascomycota, Ostropales) from Great Nicobar Island, India
Authors: Singh Pushpi , Ram T.A.M. Jagadeesh , Singh K. P.
Published: June 2017

Leiorreuma nicobarense Pushpi Singh, Jagadeesh and Kr. P. Singh, a new species from Great Nicobar Island, India is described and illustrated. It is characterized by its sessile lirellae with widely exposed densely whitish pruinose disc, inspersed hymenium, 8-spored asci with 6-locular ascospores and presence of stictic, constictic and hypostictic acids. Key to species occurring in India is provided.Keywords: Ascomycota; Lichenized fungi; New species; Taxonomy; Sundaland.Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 24(1): 912, 2017 (June)
Barriers and Chemistry in a Bottle: Mechanisms in Today’s Oxygen Barriers for Tomorrow’s Materials
Authors: Michiels Youri , Puyvelde Peter , Sels Bert
Published: June 2017

The stability of many organic compounds is challenged by oxidation reactions with molecular oxygen from the air in accordance with thermodynamics. Whereas glass or metal containers may protect such products, these packaging types also offer severe disadvantages over plastics. Large-scale packaging, especially for food and beverage industries, has shifted towards polymeric materials with passive and active oxygen barrier technologies over the last decades. Even though patent literature is flooded with innovative barrier systems, the mechanisms behind them are rarely reported. In a world where packaging requirements regarding recyclability and safety are continuously getting stricter, accompanied by the appearance of emerging applications for plastic oxygen barriers (such as organic semi-conductors), research towards new materials seems inevitable. To this cause, proper in-depth knowledge of the existing solutions is a prerequisite. This review therefore attempts to go deep into the problems at hand and explain the chemistry behind the existing solution strategies and finally discusses perspectives suggesting new applications such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and solar cells.
Electrochemistry of White Wine Polyphenols Using PEDOT Modified Electrodes
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Türke Alexander , Kilmartin Paul
Published: June 2017

The conducting polymer PEDOT (poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) has been polymerized onto 3 mm and 10 µm electrodes from a propylene carbonate solution. The electrodes have then been tested in a Chardonnay wine, including dilutions in a model wine solution, with comparisons made to scans with a glassy carbon electrode. A well-defined oxidation peak was obtained for the white wine at PEDOT in the 400 to 450 mV (Ag/AgCl) range, where peaks were also obtained for the representative phenolics caffeic acid and catechin. The voltammetry at PEDOT was typical of a surface-confined process. Significant preconcentration, leading to an increased current response, was noted over a period of 20 min of holding time. Extensive PEDOT growth was observed in the microelectrode case, leading to current densities for the oxidation of caffeic acid over 1000 times greater than those observed at the macroelectrode, matching the high surface area and fractal-type growth observed in SEM images.
Thermal Analysis and Energy-Efficient Solutions to Preserve Listed Building Façades: The INA-Casa Building Heritage
Authors: Mortarotti Gianluca , Morganti Michele , Cecere Carlo
Published: June 2017

Energy efficiency of building heritage derived from pre-regulation period is one of the most debated topics in Europe. Building façades, through opaque walls and thermal bridges, are a major source of transmission heat losses and require sustainable and consistent solutions. Aiming to achieve an energy demand reduction, thermal features of building façades were evaluated by field measurements and simulations for one INA-Casa listed apartment building built in the 1950s. Non-destructive insulating solutions have been proposed and a comparison between transmission heat loss coefficient in the current situation and the designed intervention was made. Results show that before the renovation, opaque walls and thermal bridges respectively contributed to 25% and 44% of total transmission heat loss in the case-study building façade. After the renovation, total impact was reduced up to 70% depending on whether high performance windows were replaced; in particular, the impact of opaque walls and thermal bridges were reduced by 66% and 82%, respectively. Interventions performed primarily on the internal layer of the façade with insulation elements, when appropriately designed, strengthen the negative effects of thermal bridges in junctions. Findings show that an accurate insulation design allows for both more efficient conditions and the preservation of the heritage-listed buildings.
Assessing Autophagy in Mouse Models and Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Wang Fengjuan , Li Baihui , Schall Nicolas , Wilhelm Maud , Muller Sylviane
Published: June 2017

Autophagy is a tightly regulated mechanism that allows cells to renew themselves through the lysosomal degradation of proteins, which are misfolded or produced in excess, and of damaged organelles. In the context of immunity, recent research has specially attempted to clarify its roles in infection, inflammation and autoimmunity. Autophagy has emerged as a spotlight in several molecular pathways and trafficking events that participate to innate and adaptive immunity. Deregulation of autophagy has been associated to several autoimmune diseases, in particular to systemic lupus erythematosus. Nowadays, however, experimental data on the implication of autophagy in animal models of autoimmunity or patients remain limited. In our investigations, we use Murphy Roths Large (MRL)/lymphoproliferation (lpr) lupus-prone mice as a mouse model for lupus and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome, and, herein, we describe methods applied routinely to analyze different autophagic pathways in different lymphoid organs and tissues (spleen, lymph nodes, salivary glands). We also depict some techniques used to analyze autophagy in lupus patient’s blood samples. These methods can be adapted to the analysis of autophagy in other mouse models of autoinflammatory diseases. The understanding of autophagy implication in autoimmune diseases could prove to be very useful for developing novel immunomodulatory strategies. Our attention should be focused on the fact that autophagy processes are interconnected and that distinct pathways can be independently hyper-activated or downregulated in distinct organs and tissues of the same individual.
Effect of Cold-Spray Conditions Using a Nitrogen Propellant Gas on AISI 316L Stainless Steel-Coating Microstructures
Authors: Adachi Shinichiro , Ueda Nobuhiro
Published: June 2017

Cold-spray techniques have been a significant development for depositing metal coatings in recent years. In cold-spray processes, inexpensive nitrogen gas is widely used as the propellant gas in many industries. However, it is difficult to produce austenitic stainless steel coatings with dense microstructures with cold-spray techniques when using nitrogen propellant gas because of work hardening. In this study, the effects of cold-spray conditions using a nitrogen propellant gas on AISI 316L stainless steel coatings were examined. It was found that a higher nitrogen propellant gas temperature and pressure produce coatings with dense microstructures. The measured AISI 316L coating hardness values suggest that AISI 316L particles sprayed at temperatures of 700 and 800 °C soften due to the heat, allowing uniform deformation on the substrate and consequently forming dense coating microstructures. In addition, AISI 316L powder with particle diameters of 5–20 µm resulted in a denser coating microstructure than powder with particle diameters of 10–45 and 20–53 µm. Finally, the standoff distance between the nozzle and the substrate also affected the AISI 316L coating microstructures; a standoff distance of 40 mm produced the densest microstructure.
Electro-Infiltration of Cytochrome C into a Porous Silicon Network, and Its Effect on Nucleation and Protein Crystallization—Studies of the Electrical Properties of Porous Silicon Layer-Protein Systems for Applications in Electron-Transfer Biomolecular Devices
Authors: Serrano-De la Rosa Laura , Moreno Abel , Pacio Mauricio
Published: June 2017

In this work, we report the electrical properties of cytochrome C (Cyt C) inside porous silicon (PSi). We first used two techniques of protein infiltration: classic sitting drop and electrochemical migration methods. The electrochemically assisted cell, used for the infiltration by electro-migration, improved the Cyt C nucleation and the crystallization behavior due to the PSi. We were able to carry out the crystallization thanks to the previous infiltration of proteins inside the Si pores network. We then continued the protein crystal growth through a vapor diffusion set-up. Secondly, we applied both forward and reverse bias currents only to the infiltrated Cyt C. Finally, the electrical characteristics were compared to the control (the protein molecules of which were not infiltrated) and to the samples without protein infiltration. The linker used in the sitting drop method influenced the electrical properties, which showed a modification in the current density. The simple drop method showed a current density of ~42 A/cm2; when employing the electrochemical cell technique, the current density was ~318 A/cm2; for the crystallized structures, it was ~0.908 A/cm2.
Salivary Immune and Metabolic Marker Analysis (SIMMA): A Diagnostic Test to Predict Caries Risk
Authors: Mira Alex , Artacho Alejandro , Camelo-Castillo Anny , Garcia-Esteban Sandra , Simon-Soro Aurea
Published: June 2017

By using ELISA and colorimetric tests, we have measured 25 compounds in individuals with and without dental caries at different time points of dental biofilm formation and time of the day. We find that some compounds appear to be affected by circadian rhythms, others by dental plaque maturity, and others show constant values during a 24 h period. Using univariate analysis and cross-validation techniques, we have selected six components measured at specific time points that maximize the diagnostic separation of health and disease conditions. Two out of the six selected compounds are related to immune competence, another two to the adhesion capacity of micro-organisms, and another two to acid production or pH buffering. We conclude that, in order to design a robust caries risk test, the time of saliva sampling must be standardized and biomarkers from different categories must be included. The preliminary data shown in this paper provide a proof of principle of a caries risk test based on risk-associated categories. Thus, the test will provide not only a general caries risk assessment, but also the likely biological origin of that risk, namely: immune imbalance, and/or a tendency to adhesion of cariogenic organisms, and/or a lack of acid buffering. When tested longitudinally and validated in larger cohorts, this could open the possibility to develop preventive and personalized treatments.
Integration of the Production Logging Tool and Production Data for Post-Fracturing Evaluation by the Ensemble Smoother
Authors: Jung Seungpil
Published: June 2017

A post-fracturing evaluation is essential to optimize a fracturing design for a multi-stage fractured well located in unconventional reservoirs. To accomplish this task, a production logging tool (PLT) can be utilized to provide the oil production rate of each fracturing stage. In this research, a practical method is proposed to integrate PLT and surface production data into a reservoir model. It applies the ensemble smoother for history-matching to integrate various kinds of dynamic data. To investigate the validity of the proposed method, three cases are designed according to the frequency of PLT surveys. Each fracture half-length calibrated by PLT data is similar to the true value, and the dynamic behavior also has the same trend as true production behavior. Integration with PLT data can reduce error ratios for fracture half-length down to 48%. In addition, it presents the applicability of reserve prediction and uncertainty assessment. It has been proven that the more frequently PLTs are surveyed, the more accurate the results. By sensitivity analysis of PLT frequency—a cost-effective strategy—a combination of only one PLT survey and continuous surface production data is employed to demonstrate this proposed concept.
Do We Need Gas as a Bridging Fuel? A Case Study of the Electricity System of Switzerland
Authors: Díaz Paula , Van Vliet Oscar , Patt Anthony
Published: June 2017

Many future electricity scenarios, including those from the International Energy Agency, use natural gas to bridge the transition to renewables, in particular as a means of balancing intermittent generation from new renewables. Given that such strategies may be inconsistent with strategies to limit climate change to below 2 °C, we address the question of whether such use of gas is necessary or cost effective. We conduct a techno-economic case study of Switzerland, using a cost optimization model. We explore a range of electricity costs, comparing scenarios in which gas is used as a source of base-load power, a source of balancing capacity, and not used at all. Costs at the high end of the range show that a complete decarbonization increases system-wide costs by 3% compared to a gas bridging scenario, and 13–46% compared to a carbon-intensive scenario, depending on the relative shares of solar and wind. Costs at the low end of the range show that system-wide costs are equal or lower for both completely decarbonized and gas bridging scenarios. In conclusion, gas delivers little to no cost savings as a bridging fuel in a system that switches to wind and solar.
Numerical Modeling of Oxygen Carrier Performances (NiO/NiAl2O4) for Chemical-Looping Combustion
Authors: Blas Lucia , Dutournié Patrick , Jeguirim Mejdi , Josien Ludovic , Chiche David , Bertholin Stephane , Lambert Arnold
Published: June 2017

This work was devoted to study experimentally and numerically the oxygen carrier (NiO/NiAl2O4) performances for Chemical-Looping Combustion applications. Various kinetic models including Shrinking Core, Nucleation Growth and Modified Volumetric models were investigated in a one-dimensional approach to simulate the reactive mass transfer in a fixed bed reactor. The preliminary numerical results indicated that these models are unable to fit well the fuel breakthrough curves. Therefore, the oxygen carrier was characterized after several operations using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) coupled with equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX). These analyses showed a layer rich in nickel on particle surface. Below this layer, to a depth of about 10 µm, the material was low in nickel, being the consequence of nickel migration. From these observations, two reactive sites were proposed relative to the layer rich in nickel (particle surface) and the bulk material, respectively. Then, a numerical model, taking into account of both reactive sites, was able to fit well fuel breakthrough curves for all the studied operating conditions. The extracted kinetic parameters showed that the fuel oxidation was fully controlled by the reaction and the effect of temperature was not significant in the tested operating conditions range.
Correlation Analysis between Different Types of Corrosion of Concrete Containing Sulfate Resisting Cement
Authors: Ondrejka Harbulakova Vlasta , Estokova Adriana , Kovalcikova Martina
Published: June 2017

Utilization of pozzolanic materials (fly ash, slag, zeolite, metakaolin, microsilica and more) in the manufacturing of cement and concrete has increased considerably over the last decades. Another option is to use concrete containing sulfate resisting cement. This could help minimize the harmful impacts on concrete exposed to an aggressive environment. The issue of the deteriorative impact of the three types of concrete corrosion (acidic, sulfate and leaching) investigated using correlation analysis is presented in the paper. Concentrations of silicon and calcium leached out from the concrete samples into the liquid phase and the measured pH values were used as input data for a mathematical approach to the study of sulfate resisting cement. The performance of sulfate resisting cement-based concrete was improved when exposed to sulfate attack, but not in the case of leaching corrosion caused by water.
Dynamics of H3K4me3 Chromatin Marks Prevails over H3K27me3 for Gene Regulation during Flower Morphogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Engelhorn Julia , Blanvillain Robert , Kröner Christian , Parrinello Hugues , Rohmer Marine , Posé David , Ott Felix , Schmid Markus , Carles Cristel
Published: June 2017

Plant life-long organogenesis involves sequential, time and tissue specific expression of developmental genes. This requires activities of Polycomb Group (PcG) and trithorax Group complexes (trxG), respectively responsible for repressive Histone 3 trimethylation at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) and activation-related Histone 3 trimethylation at lysine 4 (H3K4me3). However, the genome-wide dynamics in histone modifications that occur during developmental processes have remained elusive. Here, we report the distributions of H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 along with expression changes, in a developmental series including Arabidopsis thaliana leaf and three stages of flower development. We found that chromatin mark levels are highly dynamic over the time series on nearly half of all Arabidopsis genes. Moreover, during early flower morphogenesis, changes in H3K4me3 prevail over changes in H3K27me3 and quantitatively correlate with expression changes, while H3K27me3 changes occur later. Notably, we found that H3K4me3 increase during the early activation of PcG target genes while H3K27me3 level remain relatively constant at the locus. Our results reveal that H3K4me3 predicts changes in gene expression better than H3K27me3, unveil unexpected chromatin mechanisms at gene activation and underline the relevance of tissue-specific temporal epigenomics.
Banking on Blockchain: Costs Savings Thanks to the Blockchain Technology
Authors: Cocco Luisanna , Pinna Andrea , Marchesi Michele
Published: June 2017

This paper looks at the challenges and opportunities of implementing blockchain technology across banking, providing food for thought about the potentialities of this disruptive technology. The blockchain technology can optimize the global financial infrastructure, achieving sustainable development, using more efficient systems than at present. In fact, many banks are currently focusing on blockchain technology to promote economic growth and accelerate the development of green technologies. In order to understand the potential of blockchain technology to support the financial system, we studied the actual performance of the Bitcoin system, also highlighting its major limitations, such as the significant energy consumption due to the high computing power required, and the high cost of hardware. We estimated the electrical power and the hash rate of the Bitcoin network, over time, and, in order to evaluate the efficiency of the Bitcoin system in its actual operation, we defined three quantities: “economic efficiency”, “operational efficiency”, and “efficient service”. The obtained results show that by overcoming the disadvantages of the Bitcoin system, and therefore of blockchain technology, we could be able to handle financial processes in a more efficient way than under the current system.
Effects of Pup Separation on Stress Response in Postpartum Female Rats
Authors: Kalyani Manu , Callahan Phyllis , Janik James , Shi Haifei
Published: June 2017

There is a complex collection of neuroendocrine function during the postpartum period. Prolactin (PRL) released by suckling stimulus and its PRL receptors (PRL-R) in the central nervous system (CNS) are involved in hyporesponsiveness of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in lactating mammals including rodents and humans. It is not clear how long it takes to reestablish the attenuated HPA axis activity of lactating rats to a pre-pregnancy state after pup separation. We first tested the hypothesis that HPA axis activity in response to an acute stress in postpartum rats would return to a pre-pregnancy state after pup separation. Restraint stress for 30 min was performed at the end of pup separation as an acute stressor. Plasma levels of corticosterone (CORT) were measured following restraint stress or no-stress (control) in virgin rats and postpartum rats housed with their pups or with pup removal for different periods of time of one hour, 24 h, or eight days. We then tested the hypothesis that circulating PRL level and CNS PRL-R gene expression were involved in mediating the acute stress response in postpartum rats. Plasma levels of PRL and PRL-R mRNA levels in the choroid plexus of the CNS were determined in both no-stress and stress, virgin rats, and postpartum rats housed with their pups or with pup removal for various periods, and their correlation with plasma CORT levels was assessed. The results demonstrated that PRL levels declined to virgin state in all postpartum rats separated from their pups, including the dams with one-hour pup separation. Stress-induced HPA activity dampened in lactating rats housed with pups, and returned to the pre-pregnancy state after 24 h of pup separation when both circulating PRL level and CNS PRL-R expression were restored to a pre-pregnancy state. Additionally, basal plasma CORT and CNS PRL-R expression were significantly correlated in rats with various pup status. This study suggested that stress-induced HPA activation occurred when PRL-R expression was similar to the level of virgin females, indicating that PRL-R upregulation contributes to an attenuated HPA response to acute stress. Understanding neuroendocrine responses to stress during the postpartum period is critical to understand postpartum-related neuropsychiatric illnesses and to maintain mental health in postpartum women.
The between Now and Then of Lung Cancer Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
Authors: Visconti Roberta , Morra Francesco , Guggino Gianluca , Celetti Angela
Published: June 2017

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. Disappointingly, despite great effort in encouraging screening or, at least, a close surveillance of high-risk individuals, most of lung cancers are diagnosed when already surgically unresectable because of local advancement or metastasis. In these cases, the treatment of choice is chemotherapy, alone or in combination with radiotherapy. Here, we will briefly review the most successful and recent advances in the identification of novel lung cancer genetic lesions and in the development of new drugs specifically targeting them. However, lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related mortality also because, despite impressive initial responses, the patients often develop resistance to novel target therapies after a few months of treatment. Thus, it is literally vital to continue the search for new therapeutic options. So, here, on the basis of our recent findings on the role of the tumor suppressor CCDC6 protein in lung tumorigenesis, we will also discuss novel therapeutic approaches we envision for lung cancer.
Phytochemicals Targeting Estrogen Receptors: Beneficial Rather Than Adverse Effects?
Authors: Lecomte Sylvain , Demay Florence , Ferrière François , Pakdel Farzad
Published: June 2017

In mammals, the effects of estrogen are mainly mediated by two different estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ. These proteins are members of the nuclear receptor family, characterized by distinct structural and functional domains, and participate in the regulation of different biological processes, including cell growth, survival and differentiation. The two estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes are generated from two distinct genes and have partially distinct expression patterns. Their activities are modulated differently by a range of natural and synthetic ligands. Some of these ligands show agonistic or antagonistic effects depending on ER subtype and are described as selective ER modulators (SERMs). Accordingly, a few phytochemicals, called phytoestrogens, which are synthesized from plants and vegetables, show low estrogenic activity or anti-estrogenic activity with potentially anti-proliferative effects that offer nutraceutical or pharmacological advantages. These compounds may be used as hormonal substitutes or as complements in breast cancer treatments. In this review, we discuss and summarize the in vitro and in vivo effects of certain phytoestrogens and their potential roles in the interaction with estrogen receptors.
Secretion of IFN-γ Associated with Galectin-9 Production by Pleural Fluid Cells from a Patient with Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Zhao Jingge , Shiratori Beata , Chagan-Yasutan Haorile , Matsumoto Makoto , Niki Toshiro , Tanaka Michinori , Takahashi Yayoi , Usami Osumu , Ashino Yugo , Hattori Toshio
Published: June 2017

In this study, we investigated the role of a matricellular protein galectin-9 (Gal-9) in pleural effusion related to tuberculosis (TB). Plasma and pleural fluid of a patient with extrapulmonary TB were analyzed for cytokine content by ELISA and Luminex. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and pleural fluid cells (PFCs) were examined for interferon-γ (IFN-γ) secretion by the enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay or IFN-γ ELISA, for apoptosis and necrosis by Cell Death Detection ELISA, and also underwent cell sorting. The results indicate that compared to plasma, pleural fluid had increased levels of IFN-γ (1.6 vs. 55.5 pg/mL), IL-10, IL-12p40, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Gal-9 (3.0 vs. 936.0 pg/mL), respectively. PFCs culture supernatant exhibited higher concentration of Gal-9 compared to PBMCs in culture, consistent with enriched Gal-9 staining in the granuloma that is in closer vicinity to PFCs compared to PBMCs. PFCS displayed higher IFN-γ secretion after stimulation with TB antigens ESAT-6/CFP-10. Furthermore, in PFCs, Gal-9 alone could stimulate IFN-γ synthesis in culture or ELISPOT, which was inhibited by a Gal-9 antagonist lactose, and which may promote apoptosis and necrosis. These findings suggest that Gal-9 could modulate immune responses and participate in immunopathology of pleural effusion during TB.
Biocompatibility of HbV: Liposome-Encapsulated Hemoglobin Molecules-Liposome Effects on Immune Function
Authors: Azuma Hiroshi , Fujihara Mitsuhiro , Sakai Hiromi
Published: June 2017

Hemoglobin vesicles (HbVs) are oxygen carriers consisting of Hb molecules and liposome in which human hemoglobin (Hb) molecules are encapsulated. Investigations of HbV biocompatibility have shown that HbVs have no significant effect on either the quality or quantity of blood components such as RBC, WBC, platelets, complements, or coagulation factors, reflecting its excellent biocompatibility. However, their effects on the immune system remain to be evaluated. HbVs might affect the function of macrophages because they accumulate in the reticuloendothelial system. Results show that splenic T cell proliferation is suppressed after injection of not only HbV but also empty liposome into rat, and show that macrophages that internalized liposomal particles are responsible for the suppression. However, the effect is transient. Antibody production is entirely unaffected. Further investigation revealed that those macrophages were similar to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in terms of morphology, cell surface markers, and the immune-suppression mechanism. Considering that MDSCs appear in various pathological conditions, the appearance of MDSC-like cells might reflect the physiological immune system response against the substantial burden of liposomal microparticles. Therefore, despite the possible induction of immunosuppressive cells, HbVs are an acceptable and promising candidate for use as a blood substitute in a clinical setting.
Production and New Extraction Method of Polyketide Red Pigments Produced by Ascomycetous Fungi from Terrestrial and Marine Habitats
Authors: Lebeau Juliana , Venkatachalam Mekala , Fouillaud Mireille , Petit Thomas , Vinale Francesco , Dufossé Laurent , Caro Yanis
Published: June 2017

The use of ascomycetous fungi as pigment producers opens the way to an alternative to synthetic dyes, especially in the red-dye industries, which have very few natural pigment alternatives. The present paper aimed to bio-prospect and screen out 15 selected ascomycetous fungal strains, originating from terrestrial and marine habitats belonging to seven different genera (Penicillium, Talaromyces, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Dreschlera, and Paecilomyces). We identified four strains, Penicillium purpurogenum rubisclerotium, Fusarium oxysporum, marine strains identified as Talaromyces spp., and Trichoderma atroviride, as potential red pigment producers. The extraction of the pigments is a crucial step, whereby the qualitative and quantitative compositions of each fungal extract need to be respected for reliable identification, as well as preserving bioactivity. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for more sustainable and cost-effective extraction methods. Therefore, a pressurized liquid extraction technique was carried out in this study, allowing a greener and faster extraction step of the pigments, while preserving their chemical structures and bioactivities in comparison to conventional extraction processes. The protocol was illustrated with the production of pigment extracts from P. purpurogenum rubisclerotium and Talaromyces spp. Extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid-chromatography combined with photodiode array-detection (HPLC-DAD) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The more promising strain was the isolate Talaromyces spp. of marine origin. The main polyketide pigment produced by this strain has been characterized as N-threoninerubropunctamine, a non-toxic red Monascus-like azaphilone pigment.
The Clinical and Economic Impact of Inaccurate EGFR Mutation Tests in the Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Cheng Mindy M. , Palma John F. , Scudder Sidney , Poulios Nick , Liesenfeld Oliver
Published: June 2017

Advances in personalized medicine are supported by companion diagnostic molecular tests. Testing accuracy is critical for selecting patients for optimal therapy and reducing treatment-related toxicity. We assessed the clinical and economic impact of inaccurate test results between laboratory developed tests (LDTs) and a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved test for detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Using a hypothetical US cohort of newly diagnosed metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and EURTAC (erlotinib versus standard chemotherapy as first-line treatment for European patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer) clinical trial data, we developed a decision analytic model to estimate the probability of misclassification with LDTs compared to a FDA-approved test. We estimated the clinical and economic impact of inaccurate test results by quantifying progression-free and quality-adjusted progression-free life years (PFLYs, QAPFLYs) lost, and costs due to incorrect treatment. The base-case analysis estimated 2.3% (n = 1422) of 60,502 newly diagnosed metastatic NSCLC patients would be misclassified with LDTs compared to 1% (n = 577) with a FDA-approved test. An average of 477 and 194 PFLYs were lost among the misclassified patients tested with LDTs compared to the FDA-approved test, respectively. Aggregate treatment costs for patients tested with LDTs were approximately $7.3 million more than with the FDA-approved test, due to higher drug and adverse event costs among patients incorrectly treated with targeted therapy or chemotherapy, respectively. Invalid tests contributed to greater probability of patient misclassification and incorrect therapy. In conclusion, risks associated with inaccurate EGFR mutation tests pose marked clinical and economic consequences to society. Utilization of molecular diagnostic tests with demonstrated accuracy could help to maximize the potential of personalized medicine.
Safety Evaluation of Evacuation Routes in Central Tokyo Assuming a Large-Scale Evacuation in Case of Earthquake Disasters
Authors: Yamamoto Kayoko , Li Ximing
Published: June 2017

The present study aims to conduct a quantitative evaluation of evacuation route safety using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm for risk management in central Tokyo. Firstly, the similarity in safety was focused on while taking into consideration road blockage probability. Then, by classifying roads by means of the hierarchical cluster analysis, the congestion rates of evacuation routes using ACO simulations were estimated. Based on these results, the multiple evacuation routes extracted were visualized on digital maps by means of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and their safety was evaluated. Furthermore, the selection of safe evacuation routes between evacuation sites for cases when the possibility of large-scale evacuation after an earthquake disaster is high is made possible. As the evaluation method is based on public information, by obtaining the same geographic information as the present study, it is effective in other areas, regardless of whether the information is from the past or future. Therefore, in addition to spatial reproducibility, the evaluation method also has high temporal reproducibility. Because safety evaluations are conducted on evacuation routes based on quantified data, the selected highly safe evacuation routes have been quantitatively evaluated, and thus serve as an effective indicator when selecting evacuation routes.
Self-Sterilizing Sputtered Films for Applications in Hospital Facilities
Authors: Rtimi Sami , Giannakis Stefanos , Pulgarin Cesar
Published: June 2017

This review addresses the preparation of antibacterial 2D textile and thin polymer films and 3D surfaces like catheters for applications in hospital and health care facilities. The sputtering of films applying different levels of energy led to the deposition of metal/oxide/composite/films showing differentiated antibacterial kinetics and surface microstructure. The optimization of the film composition in regards to the antibacterial active component was carried out in each case to attain the fastest antibacterial kinetics, since this is essential when designing films avoiding biofilm formation (under light and in the dark). The antimicrobial performance of these sputtered films on Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were tested. A protecting effect of TiO2 was found for the release of Cu by the TiO2-Cu films compared to films sputtered by Cu only. The Cu-released during bacterial inactivation by TiO2-Cu was observed to be much lower compared to the films sputtered only by Cu. The FeOx-TiO2-PE films induced E. coli inactivation under solar or under visible light with a similar inactivation kinetics, confirming the predominant role of FeOx in these composite films. By up-to-date surface science techniques were used to characterize the surface properties of the sputtered films. A mechanism of bacteria inactivation is suggested for each particular film consistent with the experimental results found and compared with the literature.
Ultrasonic Assisted-Reflux Synergistic Extraction of Camptothecin and Betulinic Acid from Camptotheca acuminata Decne. Fruits
Authors: Li Chunying , Zhang Yukun , Zhao Chunjian , Ni Yujiao , Wang Kaiting , Zhang Jingjing , Zhao Wenyan
Published: June 2017

A novel and efficient ultrasonic assisted-reflux synergistic extraction (UARSE) method for extracting camptothecin (CPT) and betulinic acid (BA) from Camptotheca acuminata Decne. fruits has been developed in this study. The advantages of the ultrasonic and reflux extraction methods have been combined in the UARSE method and used to extract CPT and BA for the first time. The parameters influencing the efficiency of UARSE were optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) to obtain the maximum extraction yield of CPT and BA. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: 225 W for the ultrasonic power; 24 min for the extraction time; and 32 mL/g for the liquid–solid ratio. The extraction yields obtained by UARSE were 2.386 ± 0.112 mg/g for CPT and 17.192 ± 0.808 mg/g for BA, which were 1.43-fold and 1.33-fold, respectively, higher than by using heating reflux extraction (HRE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). In addition, the 24-min extraction time using UARSE was 80% and 60% less than those provided by HRE and UAE, respectively. Therefore, UARSE can be considered a rapid and efficient method for extracting CPT and BA from the fruits of C. acuminata Decne.
Spectroscopic Investigation of the Interaction of the Anticancer Drug Mitoxantrone with Sodium Taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC) and Sodium Taurocholate (NaTC) Bile Salts
Authors: Enache Mirela , Toader Ana Maria , Neacsu Victoria , Ionita Gabriela , Enache Madalin I.
Published: June 2017

The focus of the present work was to investigate the interaction of the anticancer drug mitoxantrone with two bile salts, sodium taurodeoxycholate (NaTDC) and sodium taurocholate (NaTC). Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy were used to quantify the interaction and to obtain information on the location of mitoxantrone in bile salt micelles. The presence of submicellar concentrations of both bile salts induces mitoxantrone aggregation and the extent of drug aggregation in NaTDC is higher than in NaTC. For micellar bile salts concentrations, mitoxantrone monomers are entrapped in the micellar core. Binding constants, micelle/water partition coefficients and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters for binding and partitioning processes were estimated using the changes in monomer absorbance in the presence of bile salts. Binding interaction of mitoxantrone is stronger for NaTDC than NaTC micelles, whereas partitioning efficiency is higher for NaTC micelles for all investigated temperatures. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that both binding and partitioning processes are spontaneous and entropy controlled. The spectral behavior and thermodynamic parameters indicate distinct types of mitoxantrone interaction with NaTDC and NaTC micelles supported by the differences in nature and structure of bile salts micelles.
I-V and C-V Characterization of a High-Responsivity Graphene/Silicon Photodiode with Embedded MOS Capacitor
Authors: Luongo Giuseppe , Giubileo Filippo , Genovese Luca , Iemmo Laura , Martucciello Nadia , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: June 2017

We study the effect of temperature and light on the I-V and C-V characteristics of a graphene/silicon Schottky diode. The device exhibits a reverse-bias photocurrent exceeding the forward current and achieves a photoresponsivity as high as 2.5 A / W . We show that the enhanced photocurrent is due to photo-generated carriers injected in the graphene/Si junction from the parasitic graphene/SiO2/Si capacitor connected in parallel to the diode. The same mechanism can occur with thermally generated carriers, which contribute to the high leakage current often observed in graphene/Si junctions.
Margarines and Fast-Food French Fries: Low Content of trans Fatty Acids
Authors: Astiasarán Iciar , Abella Elena , Gatta Giulia , Ansorena Diana
Published: June 2017

The lipid fraction of margarines and fast food French fries, two types of foods traditionally high in trans fatty acids (TFA), is assessed. TFA data reported worldwide during the last 20 years have been gathered and show that some countries still report high TFA amounts in these products. The content of TFA was analysed in margarines (two store and four premium brands) and French-fries from fast-food restaurants (five chains). All samples were collected in Pamplona (Navarra, Spain). The margarines showed mean values of 0.68% and 0.43% (g TFA/100 g fat) for the store and premium brands, respectively. The French fries’ values ranged from 0.49% to 0.89%. All samples were lower than the 2% set by some European countries as the maximum legal content of TFA in fats, and contained less than 0.5 g/serving, so they could also be considered “trans free products”. This work confirmed that the presence of TFA is not significant in the two analysed products and contributes updated food composition tables, key tools for epidemiological and nutrition studies.
Statistical and Dynamical Properties of Topological Polymers with Graphs and Ring Polymers with Knots
Authors: Deguchi Tetsuo , Uehara Erica
Published: June 2017

We review recent theoretical studies on the statistical and dynamical properties of polymers with nontrivial structures in chemical connectivity and those of polymers with a nontrivial topology, such as knotted ring polymers in solution. We call polymers with nontrivial structures in chemical connectivity expressed by graphs “topological polymers”. Graphs with no loop have only trivial topology, while graphs with loops such as multiple-rings may have nontrivial topology of spatial graphs as embeddings in three dimensions, e.g., knots or links in some loops. We thus call also such polymers with nontrivial topology “topological polymers”, for simplicity. For various polymers with different structures in chemical connectivity, we numerically evaluate the mean-square radius of gyration and the hydrodynamic radius systematically through simulation. We evaluate the ratio of the gyration radius to the hydrodynamic radius, which we expect to be universal from the viewpoint of the renormalization group. Furthermore, we show that the short-distance intrachain correlation is much enhanced for real topological polymers (the Kremer–Grest model) expressed with complex graphs. We then address topological properties of ring polymers in solution. We define the knotting probability of a knot K by the probability that a given random polygon or self-avoiding polygon of N vertices has the knot K. We show a formula for expressing it as a function of the number of segments N, which gives good fitted curves to the data of the knotting probability versus N. We show numerically that the average size of self-avoiding polygons with a fixed knot can be much larger than that of no topological constraint if the excluded volume is small. We call it “topological swelling”.