bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Horacio. Arte poética (Epístola a los Pisones)
Authors: Picasso Muñoz Julio
Published: July 2019

Julio Picasso Muñoz, reconocido humanista, autor del Fondo Editorial UCSS y docente de la Universidad Católica Sedes Sapientiae, ofrece una notable traducción de uno de los escritos más famosos del latino Horacio. El texto se enriquece aún más con la labor del especialista al ofrecer una sintética presentación y valiosas notas. Cabe recordar que la presente es una traducción íntegra.
Peningkatan Pertumbuhan Ikan Nila (Oreochromis niloticus) Melalui Pemberian Immunostimulan Ragi Roti (Saccharomyces cereviciae)
Authors: Bugis Achmad A , Manoppo Henky
Published: July 2019

This research aimed to examine the effect of baker’s yeast as immunostimulant on growth of nile tilapia and to find out a proper dose of baker’s yeast that promoted optimal growth of fish. Juveniles with an average weight of 31.83 g were obtained from stock available at Aquaculture Study Program of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.  This research was conducted at the experimental ponds located at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences for three months. During the experiment, fish was fed with pellet supplemented with baker’s yeast as treatment for four weeks as much as 4%/bw/day, twice daily.  The doses of baker’s yeast consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg pellet. Fish growth including absolute and relative growth was measured at two weeks interval.  Research results showed that  after two weeks of feeding, supplementation of baker’s yeast did not affect the growth of fish but after four weeks of feeding, supplementation of baker’s yeast significantly increased fish growth. Fish fed pellet supplemented with 10 g baker’s yeast displayed the highest growth. As conclusion, supplementation of baker’s yeast in fish food could enchance the growth of fish.   Keywords:  Oreochromis niloticus, immunostimulant, baker’s yeast, growth
Kelangsungan Hidup Larva Ikan Nila yang Berasal Dari Induk yang Diberi Pakan Berimunostimulan
Authors: Maleko Ayu , Sinjal Hengky J , Manoppo Henky
Published: July 2019

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of feed supplemented with baker’s yeast on survival rate of nile tilapia larvae and to determine the effective dose of baker’s yeast that could optimally improve larval quality.  The research was conducted at Pathology and Clinic of Fish Disease from June – September 2014.  Fish as brood stock candidates was cultivated at five concrete tanks (2x1x1 m3) at a density of 30 fish per tank.  Each tank was equipped with water inlet, outlet and water pump for recirculating and aerating.  After seven days of adaptation, fish was fed pellet supplemented with baker’s yeast at five different doses (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 g/kg food) for four consecutive weeks at 4%/bb/day, twice daily.  Larva was captured with seser and moved into five glass aquaria with density of 20 larvae/aquarium and reared for two weeks.  Data collected was survival rate of larvae achieved until the end of larval rearing.  Research result showed that larvae produced by brood stock fed food supplemented with 10 g baker’s yeast per kg food had the highest survival rate namely 60%.  As conclusion, supplementation of baker’s yeast into brood stock feed might increase survival rate of larvae.   Keywords:  nile tilapia, baker’s yeast, larvae, survival rate
Anemia en niños de 6 a 36 meses en un Centro de Salud urbano. Huánuco, 2016
Authors: Cóndor-Cisneros Julio , Baldeón-Wong Eduardo
Published: July 2019

Con el objetivo de determinar si el incumplimiento de la lactancia materna exclusiva, la inadecuada suplementación con multimicronutrientes y la enfermedad diarreica aguda están relacionados con la anemia en niños de 6 a 36 meses, atendidos en el centro de salud Clas Pillco Marca, durante el 2016. Se realizó un estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, con diseño de casos y controles independientes, analítico, observacional y retrospectivo en 86 historias clínicas de niños y niñas de 6 a 36 meses de edad, 43 historias clínicas tanto para casos y para los controles. Se evidenció que la lactancia materna no exclusiva p=0,0002, la inadecuada suplementación con multimicronutrientes p=0,000, y la presencia de enfermedad diarreica aguda p=0,000, resultaron significativos con relación a la presencia de anemia en los niños de 6 a 36 meses de edad. Se concluye que hay asociación significativa entre el incumplimiento de lactancia materna exclusiva, la inadecuada suplementación con multimicronutrientes, y la presencia de enfermedad diarreica aguda, como factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de la anemia en los niños en estudio. Por otro lado no se encontró asociación significativa entre las características socio demográfico: sexo, edad y condición socioeconómica de la madre; como factores de riesgo asociados al desarrollo de la anemia.
Radial-to-Axillary Nerve Transfer Resolves Symptoms of Axillary Nerve Injury Due to Proximal Humerus Fracture-Dislocation in an Elderly Patient Treated With Hemiarthroplasty
Authors: Willis Chad B. , Ahmadi Shahryar
Published: July 2019

Proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients are a common injury that can often be treated nonoperatively. However, surgery is indicated with some fracture patterns. Arthroplasty is an attractive option with poor bone quality, when there is a low likelihood of success with open reduction and internal fixation, and due to a timely return to function and weight bearing of the extremity in this patient population. A prerequisite for shoulder function for both native and replacement joints is a functional deltoid. Unfortunately, elderly patients with complex fracture patterns can sustain axillary nerve palsies that make management more difficult. The authors present a case of an elderly patient with a complex fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus with traumatic axillary nerve palsy treated with hemiarthroplasty, followed by radial-to-axillary nerve transfer after the deltoid failed to improve. Congruency of the joint was restored and significant improvement in objective scoring metrics was achieved, making nerve transfer in this clinical scenario a viable option. [
Orthopedics
. 2019; 42(4):e395–e398.]
Practitioner's View on the Future of Economic Decision-Making in Project Management
Authors: Galli Brian J.
Published: July 2019

As of now, the best means to plan for the future is project management because it has been proven effective in problem-solving and generating solutions. Few projects entail economic decision-making because of the cost factor, but the wrong decisions can be made because of the complications that come with making economic decisions. However, financial decision-making does not only entail gathering information and making decisions accordingly. The economy must be analyzed and the future economy must be estimated for any economic decisions to be viable. This study highlights the future trend, as well as the significance of economic decision-making within project management. Furthermore, it tests several factors: economic decision-making influence, creativity, risk profile, and the management team size for a successful project. Primarily, this study will assess how significant economic decision-making is in project management.
Digital Government as Implementation Means for Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Marcovecchio Ignacio , Thinyane Mamello , Estevez Elsa , Janowski Tomasz
Published: July 2019

One of the challenges for implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the measurement of indicators that represent progress towards such goals. Measuring such progress enables data-driven decision-making and management of SDG-relevant projects and strategies. The premise of this research is that measuring such indicators depends on measuring so-called means of implementation, i.e. activities that directly contribute to the achievement of SDGs. Building on this premise, this article studies how the measurement of digital government (DG) can contribute to the measurement of SDGs. In particular, how the indicators originating in three DG measurement instruments can inform the SDG indicators. The main finding is an alignment matrix, showing how the DG indicators contribute with varying level of specificity to the measurement of 10 SDG indicators.
The Impact of Employee Happiness on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Study of Executive Level Employees in Selected Mobile Telecommunication Companies
Authors: Palihakkara N. , Weerakkody W. A. S.
Published: July 2019

At present,  employees are not only concern about the pay which they receive for their work but also,  the work environments, relationship with the supervisors and coworkers, expecting self-respect and ownership of one’s own work.  Thus, the employees expect from employers to accommodate them with long term, continuous happiness at work.  Therefore, employers focus on maintaining sustainable workforce through promoting employee happiness, which ultimately leads to build high levels of organizational citizenship behaviour. The main purpose this study was to identify the impact of employee happiness on organizational citizenship behaviour with special reference to the executive level employees in selected leading mobile telecommunication companies.  Standard questionnaire was used to collect the primary data from 153 executive level employees using simple random sampling technique.  Research includes the dimensions of employee happiness according to the Fisher’s conceptualization of happiness and how each dimension links to create organizational citizenship behaviour in employees, which ultimately used to build a relationship between employee happiness and organizational citizenship behaviour. Further, study tested results obtained from frequencies, mean analysis and correlation analysis revealed that there is a positive strong relationship between the employee happiness and organizational citizenship behaviour.  Thus, the research further analyzed the impact of the two variables and results depicted that there is a significant impact of employee happiness on organizational citizenship behaviour.
Remedying Foreign Language Anxiety through CLIL? A mixed-methods study with pupils, teachers and parents
Authors: Simons Mathea , Vanhees Claudio , Smits Tom , Van De Putte Karen
Published: July 2019

Foreign Language Anxiety (FLA) is an important challenge for language learning. In Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), subjects are taught in a language that is not the learners’ mother tongue; a context that could reduce FLA. This study analyzes whether CLIL can positively influence FLA and which characteristics determine its presence in a CLIL context. Data were collected from 225 pupils, their parents and teachers in Flemish-speaking Belgium. Quantitative and qualitative methods were applied, with pre- and post-measurement. Results indicate that CLIL can indeed positively influence FLA. Pupils experienced growth in their self-confidence to use the foreign language. Their teachers observed more active participation, especially from more silent and less proficient pupils. The parents also noticed an increase in communicative attitudes. We found eight variables to have an influence. The foreign language used in CLIL appeared to have the most important influence besides the pupils’ interest in language learning and their personality traits, extraversion and agreeableness

 
Las lenguas oficiales del Estado español en los textos legales, ¿fomento o reconocimiento del plurilingüismo?
Authors: Escoriza Morera Luis
Published: July 2019

The use of different languages within the same geographical area usually generates different opinions about how these should be controlled within public ambits, such as education, media or public administration. Our main goal is to provide an analysis of the existing points of view with regard to the use of Spanish and the other co-official languages in Spain, stressing the legal framework that justifies them, as well as their underlying objectives and possible consequences. Our intention is to discuss if these texts are aimed to simply recognize the official character of two languages or if they pursue the development of a linguistic planning that guarantees the use of both within the public ambit.
Comparison between the assimilation of IASI Level 2 ozone retrievals and Level 1 radiances in a chemical transport model
Authors: Emili Emanuele , Barret Brice , Le Flochmoën Eric , Cariolle Daniel
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The prior information used for Level 2 (L2) retrievals in the thermal infrared can influence the quality of the retrievals themselves and, therefore, their further assimilation in atmospheric composition models. In this study we evaluate the differences between assimilating L2 ozone profiles and Level 1 (L1) radiances from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI). We minimized potential differences between the two approaches by employing the same radiative transfer code (Radiative Transfer for TOVS, RTTOV) and a very similar setup for both the L2 retrievals (1D-Var) and the L1 assimilation (3D-Var). We computed hourly 3D-Var analyses assimilating L1 and L2 data in the chemical transport model MOCAGE and compared the resulting O3 fields among each other and against ozonesondes. We also evaluated the joint assimilation of limb measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) in combination with IASI to assess the impact of stratospheric O3 on tropospheric analyses. Results indicate that significant differences can arise between L2 and L1 assimilation, especially in regions where the L2 prior information is strongly biased (at low latitudes in this study). In these regions the L1 assimilation provides a better variability of the free-troposphere ozone column. L1 and L2 assimilation instead give very similar results at high latitudes, especially when MLS measurements are used to constrain the stratospheric O3 column. A critical analysis of the potential benefits and drawbacks of L1 assimilation is given in the conclusions. We also list remaining issues that are common to both the L1 and L2 approaches and that deserve further research.
Isotopic evidence for alteration of nitrous oxide emissions and producing pathways contribution under nitrifying conditions
Authors: Humbert Guillaume , Sébilo Mathieu , Fiat Justine , Lang Longqi , Filali Ahlem , Vaury Véronique , Spérandio Mathieu , Laverman Anniet M.
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions by a nitrifying biofilm reactor were investigated with N2O isotopocules. The site preference of N2O (15N-SP) indicated the contribution of producing and consuming pathways in response to changes in oxygenation level (from 0 to 21 % O2 in the gas mix), temperature (from 13.5 to 22.3 °C), and ammonium concentrations (from 6.2 to 62.1 mg N L−1). Nitrite reduction, either nitrifier-denitrification or heterotrophic denitrification, was the main N2O producing pathway under the tested conditions. Nitrite oxidation rates decreased as compared to ammonium oxidation rates at temperatures above 20 °C and sub-optimal oxygen levels, increasing N2O production by the nitrite reduction pathway. Below 20 °C, a difference in temperature sensitivity between hydroxylamine and ammonium oxidation rates is most likely responsible for an increase in the N2O production via the hydroxylamine oxidation pathway (nitrification). A negative correlation between the reaction kinetics and the apparent isotope fractionation was additionally shown from the variations of δ15N and δ18O values of N2O produced from ammonium.
Attachment and intrasexual competitiveness in committed individuals from chile
Authors: Fernandez Ana Maria , Muñoz-Reyes José Antonio , Buunk Abraham P. , Pavez Paula , Figueroa Oriana
Published: July 2019

The present research examined the association between intrasexual competitiveness (as an adaptive feature of human mating) and adult attachment dimensions (which develop throughout ontogeny and are relatively stable patterns of relationship approaching in adulthood), postulating that the dimensions of attachment will be predictive of intrasexual competitiveness (the negative perception of same sex-others as potential mating rivals), but in particular attachment anxiety should be correlated to intrasexual competitiveness. We assessed intrasexual competitiveness and the attachment dimensions (closeness, dependence, anxiety, and avoidance) in a sample of 323 adult heterosexual men and women which were currently involved in a romantic relationship and were married or in a cohabiting living arrangement. The results show the expected prediction of intrasexual competitiveness by attachment anxiety, but not by any other adult attachment dimension, suggesting that individuals who develop attachment anxiety are characterized by increased same-sex rivalry and competitiveness, which may negatively affect their same-sex close relationships, in addition to other interpersonal realms.
Nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay of the ferric and cupric reductase mRNAs FRE1 and FRE2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Peccarelli Megan , Scott Taylor D. , Kebaara Bessie W.
Published: July 2019

The nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway regulates mRNAs that aberrantly terminate translation. This includes aberrant mRNAs and functional natural mRNAs. Natural mRNA degradation by NMD is triggered by mRNA features and environmental cues. Saccharomyces cerevisiae encodes multiple proteins with ferric and cupric reductase activity. Here, we examined the regulation by NMD of two mRNAs, FRE1 and FRE2, encoding ferric and cupric reductases in S. cerevisiae. We found that FRE2 mRNAs are regulated by NMD under noninducing conditions and that the FRE2 3′‐UTR contributes to the degradation of the mRNAs by NMD. Conversely, FRE1 mRNAs are not regulated by NMD under comparable conditions. These findings suggest that regulation of functionally related mRNAs by NMD can be differential and conditional.
Sperm–Particle Interactions and Their Prospects for Charge Mapping
Authors: Magdanz Veronika , Gebauer Johannes , Sharan Priyanka , Eltoukhy Samar , Voigt Dagmar , Simmchen Juliane
Published: July 2019

In this article, a procedure to investigate sperm charge distribution by electrostatic sperm–particle interactions is demonstrated. Differently chargedparticles are fabricated and their attachment distribution on the bovine sperm membrane is investigated. The sperm‐particle attachment sites are observed using bright field and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The findings suggest that the charge distribution of the sperm membrane is not uniform, and although the overall net charge of the sperm cell is negative, positively charged areas are especially found on the sperm heads. The newly developed method is used to investigate the dynamic charge distribution of the sperm cell membrane upon maturation induced by heparin, as a representation of the multitude of changes during the development of a sperm.
Thermoresponsive Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Contrast‐Enhanced Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Cui Dong , Li Pengcheng , Zhen Xu , Li Jingchao , Jiang Yuyan , Yu Aixi , Hu Xiang , Pu Kanyi
Published: July 2019

Photoacoustic (PA) agents with biomarker‐activated signals are developed to enhance the signal‐to‐background ratios (SBRs) for in vivo imaging; however, their SBRs still heavily rely on the concentration difference of biomarkers between diseased and normal tissues. By contrast, external stimuli can provide a remote way to noninvasively control the signal generation from the PA agents and in turn enhance SBR, which are less exploited. This study reports the development of thermoresponsive semiconducting polymer brush with poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide)‐r‐(hydroxypropyl acrylate) (PDMA‐r‐HPA) grafts for contrast‐enhanced in vivo imaging. Such a polymer is amphiphilic and can self‐assemble into the nanoparticle (termed as SPNph1) in an aqueous medium, and has lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) at 48 °C. Thus, SPNph1 not only has higher photothermal conversion efficiency than the control polymer without PDMA‐r‐HPA grafts, but also can undergo phase separation to form large nanoparticles, leading to enhanced PA signals above LCST. The thermoresponsive PA property of SPNph1 enables in situ remote manipulation of PA signals by photoirradiation to further enhance the tumor SBR. Thus, this study introduces a new generation of organic PA agents with thermoresponsive signal for high‐contrast in vivo imaging.
Reduced Efficiency Roll‐Off and Improved Stability of Mixed 2D/3D Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes by Balancing Charge Injection
Authors: Fakharuddin Azhar , Qiu Weiming , Croes Guillaume , Devižis Andrius , Gegevičius Rokas , Vakhnin Alexander , Rolin Cedric , Genoe Jan , Gehlhaar Robert , Kadashchuk Andrey , Gulbinas Vidmantas , Heremans Paul
Published: July 2019

Perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have reached external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) over 21%. Their EQE, however, drops at increasing current densities (J) and their lifetime is still limited to just a few hours. The mechanisms leading to EQE roll‐off and device instability require thorough investigation. Here, improvement in EQE, EQE roll‐off, and lifetime of PeLEDs is demonstrated by tuning the balance of electron/hole transport into a mixed 2D/3D perovskite emissive layer. The mixed 2D/3D perovskite layer induces exciton confinement and beneficially influences the electron/hole distribution inside the perovskite layer. By tuning the electron injection to match the hole injection in such active layer, a nearly flat EQE for J = 0.1–200 mA cm−2, a reduced EQE roll‐off until J = 250 mA cm−2, and a half‐lifetime of ≈47 h at J = 10 mA cm−2 is reached. A model is also proposed to explain these improvements that account for the spatial electron/hole distributions.
Waimānalo Pono Research Hui: A Community–Academic Partnership to Promote Native Hawaiian Wellness through Culturally Grounded and Community‐Driven Research and Programming
Authors: Chung‐Do Jane J. , Ho‐Lastimosa Ilima , Keaulana Samantha , Ho Kenneth , Hwang Phoebe W. , Radovich Theodore , Albinio Luana , Rogerson Ikaika , Keli‘iholokai LeShay , Deitschman Kirk , Spencer Michael S.
Published: July 2019

Although Hawai‘i is often portrayed as an idyllic paradise and is recognized as one of the healthiest States in the United States, pervasive health disparities exist among Native Hawaiians. Similar to other indigenous populations across the globe, these disparities are linked to unjust social and economic policies rooted in colonization and historical trauma. Western‐centric efforts to address these disparities have yielded limited results. Consequently, indigenous frameworks to decolonize western‐centric research processes have emerged. The Waimānalo Pono Research Hui is an example of a community–academic partnership that uses indigenous methodologies and principles of community‐based participatory research as the foundation to engage Native Hawaiian community members in research. Monthly gatherings are held where community members and academic researchers share a meal and discuss community priorities with the goal of shaping research and programming that are rooted in Native Hawaiian values. A mission for the group has been created as well as protocols for community engagement to ensure all projects that work with the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui are ethically sound and grounded in the community's preferences, cultural knowledge, and lived experiences. Our community members continually report that the Waimānalo Pono Research Hui has positively transformed their perception of and willingness to engage in research. Similarly, university students and academic researchers express how much their knowledge about working with communities has grown and inspired them. Creating spaces for communities and researchers to build authentic relationships and engage in ongoing conversations can promote culturally grounded and community‐driven research and programming.
Oil Phytosterol Concentration in Sunflower Presents a Dilution Response with Oil Weight per Grain
Authors: González Belo Raúl , Velasco Leonardo , Nolasco Susana M. , Izquierdo Natalia G.
Published: July 2019

Phytosterols are plant sterols that present several benefits for human health. In crop species, such as sunflower, oil phytosterol concentration shows genetic and environmental variations. The reasons that cause such varied concentration of phytosterols in the oil are unknown. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationships between phytosterol concentration and composition and grain oil content in sunflower. Two sets of samples, with lines and hybrids grown in different environments in Argentina and Spain, were used to establish and validate the relationships between phytosterols and grain oil content. Oil phytosterol concentration decreased in both types of genotypes, lines, and hybrids, when oil content per grain increased. A dilution‐like relationship accounted for 82% of the variability in phytosterol concentration among genotypes and environments. Phytosterol concentration rapidly increased with oil contents lower than 11.4 mg per grain. This relationship was observed for total phytosterols and each type of the phytosterols analyzed. With low oil per grain, phytosterol composition varied, with higher proportions of β‐sitosterol and Δ7‐stigmastenol. The relationships established in this work could serve to design breeding and crop management strategies.
How valid are 11‐plus tests? Evidence from Kent
Authors: Brown Anna , Fong Sarah
Published: July 2019

Despite profound influence of selection‐by‐ability on children's educational opportunities, empirical evidence for the validity of 11‐plus tests is scarce. This study focused on secondary selection in Kent, the largest grammar school area in England. We analysed scores from the ‘Kent Test’ (the 11‐plus test used in Kent), Cognitive Assessment Tests (CAT4) and Key Stage 2 Standardised Assessment Tests (KS2) using longitudinal data of two year cohorts (N1 = 95, N2 = 99) from one primary school. All the assessment batteries provided highly overlapping information, with the decisive effect of content area (e.g. verbal vs maths) over task type (e.g. knowledge‐loaded vs knowledge‐free). Thus, the value in differentiating ‘pure’ (i.e. knowledge‐free) ability in 11‐plus testing is questionable. KS2 and Kent Test aggregated scores overlapped very strongly, sharing nearly 80% of variance; moreover, KS2‐based eligibility decisions had higher sensitivity than the Kent Test in predicting the actual admissions to grammar schools after Head Teacher Assessment (HTA) appeals have taken place. Finally, the use of multiple pass marks for each Kent Test component, as well as the total score, was found to increase the chance of false rejection. This study provides preliminary evidence that national examinations could be a good basis for selection to grammar schools; it challenges the use of complex admission rules and multiple decisions, and questions the value of 11‐plus tests.
Antimetastatic effects of calycosin on osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanism
Authors: Qiu Rubiao , Li Xueyu , Qin Kaibing , Chen Xiong , Wang Ruyue , Dai Yan , Deng Li , Ye Yu
Published: July 2019

Osteosarcoma (OS) refers to a malignant tumor with potential invasiveness and metastasis; however, the current chemotherapy of OS is lacking. Thus, the alternative drug for treating OS is urgent to explore. Calycosin (CC) is evidenced in our previous study to play the anti‐OS benefits for suppressing cancer cell proliferation. Consequently, further investigation of CC‐medicated anti‐invasive and metastatic effects against OS is needed. In the current study, the clinical samples of OS patients were collected for biological and staining assays, such as enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction. Meanwhile, the cell line and tumor‐bearing nude mice were employed in assessing antimetastatic effects of CC against OS through biochemical tests and immunoassays. As a result, the OS patients exhibited upregulated neoplastic expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cellular mRNAs and proteins of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B alpha (IκBα), and epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2). In cell‐line study, CC‐treated human OS cells exhibited induced cell apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, and cellular MMP2 and PCNA concentration, inhibited cell migration, lowered expressions of IκBα ECT2 mRNAs, and proteins. In tumor‐bearing nude mice study, CC‐treated mice resulted in the dose‐dependent reductions of tumor weights and intracellular MMP2 contents. As shown in further assays, neoplastic expressions of interleukin 6 protein, IκBα, ECT2 mRNAs, and proteins were downregulated dose‐dependently in CC‐treated tumor‐bearing mice. In conclusion, these investigative findings suggest that CC may play the potential anti‐invasive benefits against OS through suppressing metastasis‐associated IκBα/ECT2 molecular pathway.
Mechanism and Control of the Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation of Oleochemicals from Sustainable Sources
Authors: Jameel Froze , Kohls Emilija , Stein Matthias
Published: July 2019

The transformation of chemical production processes to a sustainable feedstock from renewable sources requires a careful assessment of current thermodynamic data, reaction mechanisms and kinetics. The Pd‐catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of the long chain olefin methyl 10‐undecenoate (10‐UME) from castor oil with methanol yields the building blocks for a renewable polyamide. The mechanism for the complex multi‐step reaction cycle including active catalyst formation was elucidated. The experimental catalyst selectivity with 1,2‐bis(di‐tert‐butylphosphino‐methyl)benzene (1,2‐DTBPMB) as a ligand towards the desired linear diester product can be reproduced and rationalized. The mechanisms of possible side reactions and well as catalyst inhibition by carbon monoxide were also investigated. Solvent effects have an influence on reaction equilibria and transition barriers. These were considered in polar (methanol) and nonpolar (dodecane) media using implicit or mixed cluster/continuum solvation models when explicit solvent coordination was critical.
Discovery of New Thioviridamide‐Like Compounds with Antitumor Activities
Authors: Li Yuqing , Liu Jingyu , Tang Haoyu , Qiu Yanping , Chen Dandan , Liu Wen
Published: July 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Thioviridamide is a structurally unique compound with potent antitumor activity. The biosynthesis of thioviridamide follows a typical pathway as ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified peptides, making the genome mining‐based discovery of thioviridamide‐like compounds rational. Taking advantage of the linkage between the precursor peptide and the metabolite skeleton, we identified a new biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces sp. NRRL S‐87 that could encode thioviridamide analogues. Overexpression of the whole gene cluster led to the isolation and structure elucidation of TVA‐YJ‐4 and TVA‐YJ‐5, two novel thioviridamide‐like compounds featuring N‐terminal capping groups. Chemical screening of the fermentation extracts also detected TVA‐YJ‐6, another new thioviridamide‐like compound with representative methionine sulfoxide. Detailed analysis further revealed that these structural modifications were introduced during the compound extraction process instead of through genuine enzymatic reactions. TVA‐YJ‐4 and TVA‐YJ‐5 display slightly reduced cytotoxic activities against a panel of tumor cell lines in comparison with their parental natural product, TVA‐YJ‐2. Our work will expand the membership of this rare class of compounds and promote related biosynthetic studies.
Mucosal gene expression changes induced by anti‐TNF treatment in inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Milanesi Elena , Dobre Maria , Manuc Teodora E. , Becheanu Gabriel , Tieranu Cristian G. , Ionescu Elena M. , Manuc Mircea
Published: July 2019

In the last two decades anti‐tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been widely used to induce and maintain clinical and endoscopical remission, completely changing management of the disease. In this study, we aimed to identify gene expression changes in inflamed mucosa from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients treated with 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) (N = 25) or anti‐TNF agents (N = 12) compared to drug‐free IBD patients (N = 12) and non‐IBD control subjects (N = 18). The mucosal expression of 84 genes previously associated with IBD was evaluated by qPCR. We found that both therapeutic regimens induce a decrease in LCN2, NOS2, and TFF1, the levels of which are overexpressed in drug‐free patients compared to non‐IBD control subjects. Interestingly, a stronger effect of anti‐TNF drugs was observed on LCN2 and TFF1 levels. However, 5‐ASA seems to induce a more robust reduction of NOS2 expression. Moreover, we found that anti‐TNF treatment significantly increased ABCB1, leading to levels similar to those found in non‐IBD control subjects.
Smaller future floods imply less habitat for riparian plants along a boreal river
Authors: Jansson Roland , Ström Lotta , Nilsson Christer
Published: July 2019

Climate‐change projections suggest large changes in riverine flow regime, which will likely alter riparian communities. In northern Europe, forecasts propose lower annual spring flood peaks and higher winter flows, resulting in narrower riparian zones. To estimate the impact of climate change on habitat extent of riparian plants, we developed a framework estimating the sensitivity and exposure of individual species to streamflow change, and surveyed five reaches along the free‐flowing Vindel River in northern Sweden. We modeled the hydrologic niche of riparian plant species based on the probability of occurrence along gradients of flood frequency and duration and used predicted future water‐level fluctuations (based on climate models and IPCC emission scenarios) to calculate changes in flow‐related habitat availability of individual species. Despite projected increases in runoff, we predict most species to decrease in riparian elevational extent by on average 12–29% until the end of the century, depending on scenario. Species growing in the upper, spring‐flood‐controlled part of the riparian zone will likely lose most habitat, with the largest reductions in species with narrow ranges of inundation duration tolerance (decreases of up to 54%). In contrast, the elevational extent of most amphibious species is predicted to increase, but conditions creating isoëtid vegetation will become rarer or disappear: isoëtid vegetation is presently found in areas where ice formed in the fall settles on the riverbank during the winter as water levels subside. Higher winter flows will make these conditions rare. We argue that our framework is useful to project the effects of hydrologic change caused by climate change as well as other stressors such as flow regulation also in other regions. With few rivers remaining unaffected by dams and other human stressors, these results call for monitoring to detect species declines. Management to alleviate species losses might include mitigation of habitat degradation from land‐use activities, more environmentally friendly flow schemes, and more intensive management options such as mowing riparian meadows no longer regularly maintained by recurrent floods.
Finite element analysis of the seismic response of ancient columns
Authors: Papadopoulos Konstantinos , Vintzileou Elizabeth , Psycharis Ioannis N.
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a numerical study of the response to earthquake actions of eight ancient Greek multidrum columns, which were chosen as representative of a broad spectrum of the ancient columns preserved to date. The study was conducted using the FE software Abaqus, in three steps. At first, the software efficiency to predict the rocking response of dry‐stone structures was verified. Afterwards, various numerical models of one typical ancient multidrum column were seismically excited. Records of four real earthquakes differing in frequency content were used for the excitation of the models. Each column model was different from the others at least in one geometric or modeling parameter. Although the examined parameters affected the numerical results, their variation did not alter significantly the overall behavior of the column. In the last step of the study, numerical models of eight columns were seismically excited using four seismic records. In these analyses, among the simulation approaches tested in the second step, the simpler one was adopted. On the basis of the numerical results, conclusions were drawn regarding the seismic resistance of the columns and its correlation with the dynamic characteristics of the columns (size, slenderness, and frequency parameter) and with the basic intensity measures and frequency content indicator of the seismic motions (PHA, PHV, PHD, and Tg). Thus, criteria of seismic collapse for the multidrum columns are proposed, which can be used for the approximate assessment of the seismic vulnerability of free‐standing ancient columns, provided that the columns are in good preservation state.
An Early Ordovician (late Tremadocian) bivalve fauna from Iran
Authors: Cope John C.W. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh
Published: July 2019

A small bivalve fauna is described from the late Tremadocian of Iran, adding to the very few localities in the world where bivalves of this age are known. In addition to indeterminate praenuculids, the fauna includes the praenuculid Pensarnia and the pteriomorphian genus Glyptarca. The former is otherwise known from South Wales and the latter, from South and Mid‐Wales and West Yunnan, China.
Health insurance enrolment in the Upper West Region of Ghana: Does food security matter?
Authors: Antabe Roger , Atuoye Kilian Nasung , Sano Yujiro , Kuuire Vincent Zubedaar , Galaa Sylvester Zachariah , Luginaah Isaac
Published: July 2019

Toward achieving universal health coverage, Ghana's national health insurance has been acclaimed as a pro‐poor scheme, yet been criticized for leaving the poor behind. Arising from this is how poverty has been operationalized and how poor people are targeted for enrolment into the scheme. We examine the role of food insecurity (not currently considered) as a multidimensional vulnerability concept on enrolment into Ghana's health insurance using binary logistics regression on cross‐sectional survey of household heads (n = 1438) in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Our analyses show that heads of severely food‐insecure households were significantly less likely to enroll in national health insurance scheme (NHIS) relative to households who reported being food‐secure (OR = 0.36, P < .05). We also found education, occupation, and religion as significant predictors of health insurance enrolment. Based on our findings, it is crucial to incorporate food security status in the identification of vulnerable people for free enrolment in Ghana's health insurance.
Language and eyewitness suggestibility
Authors: Alm Charlotte , Helmy Rehnberg Nora , Lindholm Torun
Published: July 2019

During forensic interviews, eyewitnesses are to retrieve correct information from memory. Cognitive load should be high, leading to risks of giving in to suggestive questions and difficulties in memory retrieval generally. Testifying in a non‐native vs. native language may require even more cognitive effort due to the need to inhibit the interference of the native language. Such witnesses may also be more motivated to appear credible because they often belong to ethnic outgroups relative to forensic professionals, risking more scepticism. In this study, Swedish participants (N = 51) reported their memory of a simulated crime event either in English (non‐native language) or in Swedish (native language) and were tested for suggestibility and accuracy. Results showed that English‐speaking witnesses yielded to more suggestive questions, perceived themselves as less credible but were equally accurate. Results suggest that testifying in a non‐native language is taxing cognitive resources, in turn increasing suggestibility and suboptimal memory search.
An improved temperature dependent analytical model to predict AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors AC characteristics
Authors: Khan Mohammad N. , Ahmed Umer F. , Ahmed Muhammad M. , Rehman Saif
Published: July 2019

In this paper, an improved temperature dependent model has been presented to predict AC characteristics of submicron AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The model evaluates effects of channel temperature on the device AC intrinsic parameters. It has been shown that the rise of channel temperature is almost linear in nature, and it depends upon both the ambient temperature as well as on the operating voltages of the device. By reassessing two dimensional electron gas (2‐DEG) carrier concentration, ns, high electron mobility transistor (HEMT)'s analytical I−V equations for both linear as well as saturation regions have been modified. The modeled DC characteristics showed a good degree of accuracy with the experimental data. By evaluating temperature and bias dependent charge accumulation in the depletion region of the device, an AC model for the device intrinsic parameters has been developed. S‐parameters of the device have been evaluated by using the modeled AC intrinsic parameters that showed a good agreement with the measured data. Thus, the developed technique could be a useful tool to predict AC parameters of submicron AlGaN/GaN HEMTs meant for harsh environments.
Raman spectroscopy of natural and cultured pearls and pearl producing mollusc shells
Authors: Karampelas Stefanos , Fritsch Emmanuel , Makhlooq Fatema , Mohamed Fatima , Al‐Alawi Abeer
Published: July 2019

The attractiveness of natural and cultured pearls is related, in part, to their colour. Raman spectroscopy was applied to natural and cultured pearls and the shells from 23 species of pearl producing molluscs, thus covering the majority of the natural and cultured pearls and their host animals found in the market today, in order to better understand their colouration and eventually to be able to identify the host animal. Pigments with a polyenic chain were identified in samples from 18 species. The vast majority were found to be a mixture of partially methylated polyenes, similar to those observed in octocorals. Samples with a similar colour but from different animal species can be sometimes related to a significantly different mixtures of such pigments. Only natural pearls from Pinna nobilis were found to be coloured by carotenoids. Raman spectra of other pigments were also observed on samples from four species, possibly linked with pigments from the porphyrin group.
Oxygen rotational Raman linewidth determination considering nonmonoexponential decoherence behavior
Authors: Hölzer Jonas I. , Meißner Christian , Seeger Thomas
Published: July 2019

The rotational Raman linewidth is a vital empirical parameter in determining temperature and concentration in combustion environments from pure rotational anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (RCARS). The Raman linewidth is regularly determined from the coherence dephasing time constant on a picosecond time scale. Oxy‐fuel combustion processes cannot be studied applying the well‐described nitrogen evaluation but are typically based on oxygen evaluation. Therefore, the dephasing behavior of the rotational Raman coherences of oxygen was studied by picosecond time resolved RCARS. In opposite to nitrogen, the dephasing in oxygen shows distinct quantum beating rendering monoexponential fitting functions unsuited for the evaluation. Therefore, collisional dephasing time constants were obtained from a coherent beating model function. The acquired Raman linewidths show comparable trends with increasing temperature and rotational quantum number as nitrogen but differ from O2‐linewidths used for evaluations up to now. Therefore, an improvement of temperature and concentration evaluations based on oxygen RCARS measurements by application of the S‐branch linewidth can be expected.
Raman spectroscopy for firing condition characterization: Case study of Karelian medieval pottery
Authors: Chazhengina Svetlana Y. , Summanen Irina M. , Svetov Sergey A.
Published: July 2019

Raman spectroscopy together with the scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction were applied to study the firing parameters (temperature and atmosphere) of medieval pottery from Karelian hill forts in the North‐Western Ladoga region (Russia). Because the evidences of pottery manufacture including firing facilities were not discovered during the excavations of medieval Karelian fortresses, the application of Raman spectroscopy combined with the other techniques appeared to be an effective approach to reconstruct the technology of ceramic production in medieval Karelia. Scanning electron microscopy ‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that the Karelian pottery refers to noncalcareous and low‐temperature fired ceramics. Using the thermometer based on the thermal evolution of Raman spectral parameters of the charcoal identified in the ceramic paste of some specimens, the firing temperature for those was estimated to be close to 800 °C. These data are in accordance with the more frequent occurrence of anatase rather than rutile in the studied ceramic sherds that also corresponds to low firing temperature. The presence of hematite suggests firing in oxidizing atmosphere, in rare case the detected magnetite indicated the incomplete oxidizing atmosphere. The reconstruction of Karelian pottery firing procedure based on the obtained data supposes that the firing was carried out in bonfires. The present study contributes to the deciphering the firing conditions for noncalcareous and low‐temperature burnt ceramics, for which no significant modifications of starting minerals during heating are usually observed.
New Raman–visible near‐infrared database of inorganic and mineralogical planetary and terrestrial compounds and its implications for Mars: Phyllosilicates
Authors: Ruiz‐Galende Patricia , Torre‐Fdez Imanol , Aramendia Julene , Gomez‐Nubla Leticia , Castro Kepa , Arana Gorka , de Vallejuelo Silvia Fdez‐Ortiz , Maguregui Maite , Medina Jesús , Baonza Valentín G. , Rull Fernando , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: July 2019

The European Space Agency will launch the ExoMars Martian mission in 2020, which will study traces of water activity through the geological history of Mars, as water would mean potential presence of life. In this sense, silicates, and more concretely phyllosilicates, are among the most relevant mineral phases to be studied on the Martian surface at Oxia Planum, the selected landing site. Phyllosilicates are widely spread over the planet, together with sulfates and carbonates, in places where liquid water seems to have been present, and, therefore, knowledge about their mineralogy is of high importance. Thus, the creation of Raman and visible near‐infrared (VNIR) mineralogical databases can be critical for the interpretation of both the terrestrial analogues and the upcoming data from Mars, as Raman and VNIR spectroscopies will be on board the rovers of the ExoMars as well as of the NASA Mars 2020 missions to Mars. For that purpose, several phyllosilicates of the collection of the Geominery Museum of the Spanish Geological and Miner Institute were characterized geochemically to be used as reference. A wide number Raman and VNIR spectra of common and rare phyllosilicates were collected, and several of these are presented here.