bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enrique Ochoa, ilustrador de Rubén Darío
Authors: Ena Bordonada Ángela
Published: February 2018

Este estudio se centra en la ilustración de las Obras Completas de Rubén Darío por el pintor y dibujante Enrique Ochoa entre 1917 y 1919, atendiendo también a la obra de este artista
Vigencia de Rubén Darío con Antonio Oliver y Carmen Conde
Authors: Díez de Revenga Francisco Javier
Published: February 2018

Reivindicación de las figuras de Antonio Oliver y Carmen Conde, artífices junto a Francisca Sánchez, de la recuperación de la documentación dejada por Rubén Darío en su casa de Madrid en 1916.
Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure on Financial Performance
Authors: Hang Ta Thi Thuy , Ngoc Bui Thi
Published: February 2018

Corporate social responsibility is the commitment by business to contribute to sustainable development through the balance of three factors which are economic, social and environmental factor. Enterprises carry out corporate social responsibility through specific activities such as controlling environmental pollution, natural resource conservation, energy conservation, employment safety, especially supporting and developing community. Corporate social responsibility disclosure plays an important role in implementation of corporate social responsibility, promotion of business’s image and creation of good impression to stakeholders. This study was conducted using a two-step Generalized Method of Moment (GMM) technique with instrumental variables for balanced panel data through the annual reports and sustainable development reports of 43 enterprises listed on the Vietnam stock market from 2006 to 2016 (473 observations). The results showed that the level of corporate social responsibility disclosure has a positive effect on return on assets. This study has important implications for enterprises in terms of investing activities and corporate social responsibility disclosure.
Edta, Water-Extractable Arsenic and Bioavailability of Arsenic in Soil/Tailings: the Effects of Zeolite and Beringite Amendments
Authors: Osei Benjamin Appiah , Ahmed Mohammed Rufai
Published: February 2018

The effects of zeolite and beringite ( 0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1 w/w) on EDTA-extractable Arsenic (As), water soluble As, and bioavailability of arsenic (As) in non-mined agricultural soil and tailings of a mined site(capped and uncapped) were studied in a pot experiment. Un-amended non-mined agricultural soil was included as a control. EDTA-extractable and water extractable forms of As were monitored for 0-12-weeks after amendments and bioavailability of As was evaluated by growing lettuce (Lactuca sativa) on amended tailings/soil for 4-12 weeks after incubation. For EDTA-extractable As at week 12, beringite amendment (60 kg ha-1 (w/w) was 29 %, 8.6 % and 26 % more efficient over zeolite for soil/capped and uncapped tailings respectively. For water-extractable As at week 12, beringite amendment 60 kg ha-1 (w/w) again recorded 84 %, 54.5 % and 72 % less extractable As over zeolite in soil/capped and uncapped tailings respectively. Analysis for bioavailable-As in edible leafy aerial parts of lettuce, indicated 52.5 %, 82.0 % and 39.0 % less extractable As for beringte over zeolite in capped and uncapped tailings (week 12, 60 kg ha-1 (w/w)... Beringite (week 12, 60 kg ha-1 w/w) reduced As of capped tailing (0.3 mg kg-1) below the FAO & WHO recommended maximum limit of 1.0 mg kg-1 for human consumption.
The Fourth Lateran Council of 1215, the Prohibition against New Religious Orders, and Religious Women
Authors: Freeman Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

This article investigates canon 13 of the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), arguing that scholars have been too ready to interpret the canon as a prohibition against new religious orders. By examining the difference between religio and ordo, and by examining the broader context of reform movements within western Christendom in the long twelfth century, including Innocent III's actions as well as grassroots initiatives, this article notes that canon 13 did not ban new orders and that it was not as restrictive as it has been considered. While this article is not the first to note this, the implications of such a reassessment still deserve more scrutiny, including the implications for women in particular. A more flexible appreciation of the context of corporate religious life out of which canon 13 grew, and to which it contributed, helps us to understand better the religious lives of thirteenth-century women, including Beguines.
Reading to Write: A Strategy for Improving the Writing Performance of Students of English Language: A Case Study of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State
Authors: Ugboja Anthony , Ifunanya Rosemary Eze , Offor Moses
Published: February 2018

This study focuses on Reading to Write as a strategy for improving the writing performance of students of English language in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. An intact class was used to investigate reading to write as a way of improving the writing performance of secondary school students. The research focused on a single class, that is, the entire population of the students in SS 2, which is made up of 56 students. This research work has adopted the transactional theory of writing and reading as the theoretical framework. Two types of questionnaires were used because of pre-test and post-test, study four essay topics were used to test the students initial competent in writing skills before we started  the training through reading to improve writing. Simple percentage was used for the pre-test and post-test study. Mean and Standard Deviation was used to analyze the student’s achievement test for both pretest and posttest while ANCOVA was used to test the hypothesis at 0.5 level of significant.From the result from pre-test and post-test, it is crystal clear that reading to write as a strategy can help to improve writing performance of the students and majority of the students has confirmed that this method should be apply in their class room in other to improve their writing skills. Recommendations are also provided.Key
The Irony of a Handshake of Friendship with the West: A Reflection on Oyono’s HouseBoy and The Oldman and the Medal
Authors: Kalu Obasi Dr Kalu,
Published: February 2018

The African proverb that ‘a set of white teeth does not indicate a pure heart’ aptly illustrates the relationship that exists between the Africa and the West. Colonization which is the image of friendship with the White man turns out to be a curse rather than a blessing. The Africans in their brotherhood temperament happily offers a handshake with the White man with the hope fostering a good relationship only to discover that the kind gesture is tampered with bad omen by his guest. The advancement of the White man was a happy thing to the Africans who assumed it to usher in good relationship between the West and the Africans. But it rather turned out to be a curse. Though belaboured in literary criticism, this paper attempts to look at the irony of the handshake as a symbolic image, exposing the White man’s wicked impressions as against the good intentions of the Africans. To do this Oyono’s Houseboy and The Old Man and the Medal are used for this study. The paper examines the degree of acceptance by the Africans and the humane acceptance of the White man and his eventual exploitative attitude toward the same people who happily accepted them. The White man’s use of violence to oppress, subjugate and assault his hosts. The paper explores the ridiculing nature of colonialism and providing the insight to view the psychology of both the White man and his African host. Allusion is also made of other texts that express the same themes.
2018 Canadian Urological Association guideline for Peyronie's disease and congenital penile curvature
Authors: Bella Anthony J. , Lee Jay C. , Grober Ethan D. , Carrier Serge , Benard Francois , Brock Gerald B.
Published: February 2018

Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a highly prevalent condition that affects the physical and psychosocial well-being and quality of life (QoL) for thousands of Canadian men. The specific etiology of PD remains poorly understood and there remains a paucity of randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating treatment interventions.1-3 PD can be found in up to 8.9% of men, a remarkable increase in cited prevalence that is attributable to growing awareness (as historical data suggested a rate of less than 1%); the burden of disease is significant, and PD is often present in otherwise healthy men. The following guidelines were crafted by the committee with a full awareness of the limitations of the literature, and sought to provide actionable recommendations to guide PD care in the Canadian health system.
Organizational Mechanisms and Practice of Innovative Talents Cultivation in Local Colleges-A Case Study of Hubei University
Authors: Hu Xin , Wan Hong , Yang Dejin , Shen Xi
Published: February 2018

The organizational mechanisms of innovative talents cultivation in Hubei University are as follows. Firstly, make top－level design on organizational administration such as improving the organization structure, setting up a committee of teaching instruction, establishing the mechanism of coordinative cultivation. Secondly, carry out a series of management system mainly contain teacher system, tutor system, credit system, and semester system. Thirdly, cultivate innovative talents by ways of cultural activities. The effective experiences on cultivating innovative talents in Hubei University mainly includes: improve the enrolment mechanism, “stage-module-personalization” cultivation model, individualized professional education based on liberal education, tutors leading function in academic guidance.
Submission Test with owned issn
Authors: User Crossref
Published: February 2018

Testing with an existing ISSN
Manufacturing of metal-polymer
composites for medical applications
Authors: Dobrzańska-Danikiewicz A.D. , Gaweł T.G. , Karska M.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to present the design and fabrication methodology
of metallic scaffolds, with the shape and dimensions defined by the designer, coated with a
thin layer of polymer.
Design/methodology/approach: The methodology proposed covers Computer Aided
Materials Design (CAMD), fabrication of metallic scaffolds using a machine for Selective
Laser Melting (SLM), the deposition of a thin layer of polymers onto scaffolds using coldwork
and hot-work polymerisers, as well as mechanical finishing. The strength of the newly
developed metal-polymer composites to three-point bending was examined and their
fractures were viewed with SEM.
Findings: A fabrication method of implants in the form of scaffolds coated with a thin layer
of polymer with the dimensions and shape closely matching the losses in a patient’s hard
and/or soft palate.
Practical implications: After clinical tests, a metal-polymer implant may be a very
beneficial alternative for patients with palate losses using traditional prostheses until now.
Originality/value: The individualised implants of palate pieces in the form of scaffolds
coated with a thin layer of polymer, submitted for patent protection, do not have their
counterparts, which is representing their originality.
Psychometric analysis of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) among Palestinian university students
Authors: Nazzal Filasteen I. , Cruz Orlanda , Neto Félix
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this research was to analyze the psychometric characteristics of the short-form UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-6) among Palestinian university students. The sample consisted of 288 university students (56% women and 44% men), aged 18-22 years. The psychometric characteristics of the ULS-6 were examined using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, and criterion-related validity methods. The unidimensionality of the ULS-6 was supported among Palestinian university students. The ULS-6 showed good psychometric characteristics, with adequate internal consistency. In addition, the ULS-6 was negatively correlated with significant others support, family support, friends support, self-esteem and satisfaction with life. The results of the present study suggested that the Arabic version of the ULS-6 constitutes a concise psychometrically sound tool to assess loneliness.
Fatores críticos de sucesso em uma pequena empresa
Authors: Ribeiro Diego Pereira , Oliveira Ualison Rébula
Published: February 2018

Os Fatores Críticos de Sucesso (FCS) são definidos como as áreas, departamentos, processos ou atividades mais relevantes de uma organização. Sua identificação e utilização no planejamento estratégico possui grande influência no alcance dos objetivos empresariais, independente do porte ou segmento da empresa. Assim, a presente pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar os FCS de uma Pequena Empresa, além de analisar os resultados de sua utilização em seu desempenho organizacional. Justifica-se a pesquisa sobre FCS em micro e pequenas empresas (MPE’s) devido à relevância desse tipo de organização para o Brasil. Apenas a título de exemplo, entre 2000 e 2011, de cada R$ 100 pagos aos trabalhadores no setor privado não agrícola, cerca de R$ 40, em média, foram pagos por MPE’s. Metodologicamente o estudo foi suportado por um estudo de caso em uma pequena empresa (PE) do comércio varejista de artigos médicos e ortopédicos e suas filiais, utilizando-se a Metodologia Delphi como técnica de coleta de dados. Obteve-se com resultados finais nove FCS, dos quais se destacam a informatização de sistemas, o treinamento de funcionários e a diversificação de produtos. Por fim, o trabalho concluiu que a compreensão dos FCS impactou diretamente em desdobramentos positivos para a estratégia e gestão da empresa alvo do estudo.
Emulation of surgical fluid interactions in real-time
Authors: Stredney Donald , Hittle Bradley , Medina-Fetterman Hector , Kerwin Thomas , Wiet Gregory
Published: February 2018

The surgical skills required to successfully maintain hemostasis, the control of operative blood, requires considerable deliberate practice. Hemostasis requires the deft orchestration of bi-dexterous tool manipulation. We present our approach to computationally emulate both irrigation and bleeding associated with neurotologic surgical technique. The overall objective is to provide a visually plausible, three dimensional, real-time simulation of bleeding and irrigation in a virtual otologic simulator system. The results present a unique simulation environment for deliberate study and practice.
Policy Implementation Analysis on the Utilization of General Practitioners at Community Health Centers in Kemayoran from January 2013 to June 2014
Authors: Padmasari Indah Raksi , Megraini Amila
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Community Health Centers (CHCs) take the frontline position of health services in Indonesia. To be able to perform their functions properly, CHCs require human resources (HR) as a driving force. One of the human resources required is a general practitioner. The policy of utilization GP sat CHCs in Jakarta provides flexibility for sub-district health centers as the implementing agency in the management of human resources. One of the variables that influence the process of policy implementation is the capability of the implementing agencies indicated through their management capabilities.This study aims to describe the policy implementation on the utilization of general practitioners at Kemayoran sub-district health centers. The research was conducted using a mixed method combining qualitative and quantitative approach. The results confirm that there has been an imbalance proportion between the workload of general practitioners at village health centers and sub-district health centers, due to the absence of standardized rules regarding the placement of general practitioners, in addition to lower capacity of the human resources available. One of the recommendations proposed is the improvement of management using a simulation model of general practitioners based on balanced workload forecasting.Keywords: policy implementation, utilization of general practitioner, forecasting, simulation model
Study on Public Health Financing in Pidie Jaya District in 2013
Authors: Hasnur Hanifah , Junadi Purnawan
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Albeit high dependency on central government transfer (around 69% of total health expenditure), funding from local PAD has been increasing. The revenue shall support priority health programs. This study aims to analyze local health financing system and as input for health program planning. Health financing portrait how fund being spent, and identfying who the  agents are as well as the beneficiaries. The study shows spending on health from local budget is Rp130,000. Expenditures on operational costs for direct activities and community-based health efforts or Upaya Kesehatan Masyarakat (UKM) are still low (41%). Puskesmas needs to do more health-related activities for babies and under-five children, and spending on under-five children activities were inexist. Performance-based budgeting at District Health Office (DHO) has not been implemented yet and poor performance of activities was due to very limited budget for conducting activities. Therefore, future planning for budgeting should consider (1) annual increase of locally derived revenue and excess fund or SILPA to improve financing of priority health programs; (2) local budget managed by DHO to be used for scaling up UKM and General Hospital uses funding managed by National Health Insurance Agency or Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) to provide quality personal care efforts or Upaya Kesehatan Perorangan (UKP), (3) financing of activities targeting babies and under-five children at Puskesmas should be improved; (4) one way of having performance-based budgeting at DHO is by full provision of operational costs for its direct activities.Keywords: local health financing, local government contribution, public health program (UKM), district
An Analysis of The National Health Insurance Policy Implementation in 2014 (Presidential Regulation No. 12 And 111/2013 on Health Insurance) from The Regulator’s Position
Authors: Hasan Muhammad Arief , Oktamianti Puput , Ayuningtyas Dumilah
Published: February 2018

Abstract. JKN (National Health Insurance) is a government program that aims to provide health assurance for all Indonesian citizens for a healthy, productive, and prosperous life. In the two years after JKN was implemented, various problems occurred. This research used the qualitative approach with the Edward II implementation theory. Results of the research indicated that there were problems in communication, stemming from the lack of socialization and inharmonic regulations, there was also the problem of the lack of healthcare resources. From the disposition side, the policy makers often obstructs the implementation preparation, this is evident from the information on determining the premium size. From the organization structure, all the stakeholders have been well coordinated. We conclude that we are not ready to implement the JKN. We recommend that mass and effective socialization program to be performed using various methods of communication and involve the community. To reduce the disparity of healthcare services, we recommend that the regional government to establish various healthcare facilities to accelerate health development. There should also be regulations that allocates healthcare staff in every corner of the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage in 2019, as stated in the National Health Insurance Road Map. Keywords: policy analysis, national health insurance, universal health coverage
The Political Aspects of the Establishment of the Planning and Budgeting Policy for The Directorate of Occupational and Sports Health of the Ministry of Health
Authors: Ramadhan Ben Fauzi , Thabrany Hasbullah , Ayuningtyas Dumilah
Published: February 2018

The process to establish a planning and budgeting policy in the Directorate for Occupational and Sports Health is very dynamic and it fluctuates according to the goals and priorities of the policy. This research aims to ascertain how far the political aspects influences the establishment process. This research was a qualitative research accomllished through in-depth interviews with related parties. The framework used the planning and budgeting systems model and process/cycle. Results of this research indicated that politics played a major role in the policy establishment process in conflicts, cooperation, and negotiations when setting the size and allocation of the budget and the targets aimed. The main points in the process are the priorities of the program, the fiscal capacity of the nation, and the results of the previous year’s evaluation. We recommend that the human resources of the directorate are equipped abilities to advocate the importance of the occupational and sports health program
An Analysis of The Hospital Bylaws Policies to Protect Healthcare Workers Against Indictments of Adverse Events
Authors: Leana Ade , Bachtiar Adang
Published: February 2018

One of the functions of hospital bylaws are a means to provide legal protection for all all parties that are related to the hospital. Legal protection is essential for prosecuted hospital staff members. One of the reasons for indictments is adverse events. The goal of this research is to discover how the hospital by-laws protects the hospital staff in the event of an indictment based on an adverse event and how the by-laws adhere to the guidelines in a comprehensive way. The research design used the qualitative method. The results of this research indicates that the hospital by-laws of RSKO Jakarta, although it has served as a protective method, it still needs further technical-operational policies as a supplement, and there are still discrepancies compared to the guidelines. We suggest that the by-laws of RSKO Jakarta are amended to adhere to the governmental guidelines and to establish supplementing technical-operational policies.
Evaluation of Poor Area Understanding Under Cigarettes in Lebak District
Authors: Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Ayuningtyas Dumilah
Published: February 2018

Regional Regulation of Lebak District No.17 of 2006 on the Implementation of Order, Hygiene and Beauty is a derivative form of Government Regulation No.109 Year 2012 About Security of Materials Containing Addictive Substance in the form of Tobacco Products for Health. One of the mandate in the regulation is the establishment of Non-Smoking Area (KTR) as an effort to protect the public against the health risks caused by the environment contaminated with tobacco smoke. Because health hazards caused by cigarettes not only affect the smokers but also passive smokers. WHO even mentioned that less than 6 million people died from smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the implementation of KTR policy in Lebak District. This research uses Triangulation mix methode, data collection is done with qualitative and quantitative approach. The results obtained only a small percentage of people who adhered to the KTR policy (28%), the community behaved positively for smoking (58%) and high knowledge of cigarette and KTR hazards (58%) and no relationship between behavior and knowledge (p value = 0.075). Implementation of the policy of No Smoking Area has not been effective because there is still a difference between implementation and guidance in the use of Excise Revenue Sharing Fund from the Ministry of Health. Local governments have not been responsive to KTR policy with the issuance of Local Regulations on Non-Cigarette Regions, the formation of supervisory teams and socialization of local regulations. Recommendations that can be submitted are the issuance of Regional Regulations on Non-Smoking Areas, and the perception agreement of the use of Tobacco Revenue Sharing Funds on policy makers
A renda da terra e suas cambalhotas: uma discussão sobre renda fundiária urbana, solo como mercadoria e a centralidade do Iguatemi
Authors: Oliveira Margarete Rodrigues Neves
Published: February 2018

Este artigo analisa o processo de produção do mais novo centro de negócios de Salvador - a centralidade da área do Iguatemi. Valendo-se de uma discussão teórica sobre a renda da terra, este trabalho utiliza categorias de análise que possibilitam desvendar o processo de valorização de trechos do solo urbano nessa cidade. Partindo da interpretação de dados oriundos de projetos de planejamento municipal, estatísticas, legislação de uso do solo, notícias da imprensa, este trabalho mostra que essa centralidade surgiu como resultado de um sistema integrado de ações de diferentes agentes governamentais e privados nos últimos 40 anos. O artigo revela que por trás de discursos oficiais de desenvolvimento urbano e de políticas governamentais de planejamento, desenvolveram-se agendas e práticas de um planejamento urbano invisível, que alocou recursos e materializou trabalho numa porção .solo virgem. da cidade do Salvador. Este processo resultou na elevação do valor da renda fundiária dessa área, o que atendeu a interesses privados. Este estudo configura-se num esforço de tornar o invisível visível e fornece algumas bases para o uso de novos e alternativos modelos de interpretação da produção do espaço urbano.

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of production of the Salvador¥s newest central business district - the Iguatemi Area. Using the Land Income Theory, this paper applies its analytical tools to reveal the process of increasing of land income on this part of the city. Based on the data from municipal planning projects, statistics, land use legislation and press coverage, the paper show s that this new center is a result of an integrated system of different governmental and private agencies actions in the last 40 years. The article reveals that behind urban development official discusses and governmental planning policies, one agenda and practices of invisible urban planning were developed, seeking to allocate resources and work in ìa virgin landî of the city of Salvador. This process resulted in the increasing of the land price, what fulfill real states¥ interests. This study is an effort of turning the invisible visible and an attempt to present new and alternative models to analyses the production of the urban space.
Da periferia distante à periferia próxima: notas sobre a construção de um bairro popular na Região Metropolitana de Salvador
Authors: Dias Patrícia Chame
Published: February 2018

Em meados dos anos 1960, Itinga - em Lauro de Freitas, município da Região Metropolitana de Salvador - era considerada uma área distante, caracterizada pela presença de grandes fazendas abandonadas, sendo, portanto, uma terra que não despertava interesse comercial. Nesta mesma década, dentre as conseqüências da inserção da Bahia no projeto de industrialização nacional, ocorreram alterações na estrutura sócio-espacial de Salvador que expandia sua ocupação e lógica para municípios contíguos, como Lauro de Freitas. Itinga, então, na condição de periferia de Salvador, passou a ser objeto interessante ao mercado imobiliário: no seu território foram implantados, rapidamente, inúmeros loteamentos populares, sem qualquer infra-estrutura, apresentando precárias condições de vida. Em 2005, Itinga, consolidada como bairro popular, contava com inúmeros loteamentos populares, estabelecimentos comerciais e de serviços públicos e privados. As condições de vida mudaram e, como dizem seus moradores, o “progresso” do bairro é visível. Porém, Itinga ainda é periferia, tanto de Salvador, como de Lauro de Freitas. Nesse sentido, este artigo pretende discutir algumas das implicações de morar na periferia, para tanto se analisam as condições de moradia em Itinga, no início de sua “urbanização” e atualmente, comparando-as com as existentes em outros bairros de Lauro de Freitas.

Abstract

In the middle of the 1960s, Itinga — located in Lauro of Freitas, municipality of the Metropolitan Area of Salvador — was considered a distant area and characterized by the presence of great abandoned farms, therefore, being a land that attract no commercial interests. On that same decade, among the consequences of the insertion of Bahia State in the national project of industrialization, it happened some alterations in the social-spatial structure of Salvador that expanded its kind of logic and spatial occupation to contiguous municipalities, like Lauro de Freitas. So, Itinga, under the condition of peripheral district of Salvador, started to be an interesting object to the real estate market: in its territory it was quickly established countless popular divisions into lots, without any infrastructure and presenting precarious life conditions. In 2005, Itinga, consolidated as popular neighborhood, counted with countless popular divisions into lots, commercial establishments and public and private services. The life conditions changed and, as their residents use to say, the “progress” of the neighborhood is visible. However, Itinga is still periphery of Salvador and, at the same time, periphery of Lauro de Freitas. In that sense, this article intends to discuss some of the consequences of living in the periphery, for so much, it analyzes the living conditions of Itinga at the beginning of its “urbanization” and nowadays, and it compares such conditions with the existent ones, in other neighborhoods of Lauro de Freitas.
Morphological Associative Memories
Authors: Valle Marcos Eduardo , Sussner Peter , Santos Alex S.
Published: February 2018

Morphological associative memories (MAMs) belong to the class of morphological neural networks that – in contrast to classical models of artificial neural networks – employ operators of mathematical morphology in order to aggregate the synaptic weights and the incoming signal. The original and most widely known MAM model as well as some recent modifications of this model can be formulated using matrix operation of a lattice algebra called minimax algebra that is closely related to the umbra approach of grayscale mathematical morphology. Fuzzy MAM models execute basic operations of fuzzy mathematical morphology in the recall phase. In this article, we briefly review the aforementioned MAM models and discuss some applications in classification, hyperspectral image analysis, and prediction.
Converting a broad matrix metalloproteinase family inhibitor into a specific inhibitor of MMP‐9 and MMP‐14
Authors: Shirian Jason , Arkadash Valeria , Cohen Itay , Sapir Tamila , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv , Shifman Julia M.
Published: February 2018

MMP‐14 and MMP‐9 are two well‐established cancer targets for which no specific clinically relevant inhibitor is available. Using a powerful combination of computational design and yeast surface display technology, we engineered such an inhibitor starting from a nonspecific MMP inhibitor, N‐TIMP2. The engineered purified N‐TIMP2 variants showed enhanced specificity toward MMP‐14 and MMP‐9 relative to a panel of off‐target MMPs. MMP‐specific N‐TIMP2 sequence signatures were obtained that could be understood from the structural perspective of MMP/N‐TIMP2 interactions. Our MMP‐9 inhibitor exhibited 1000‐fold preference for MMP‐9 vs. MMP‐14, which is likely to translate into significant differences under physiological conditions. Our results provide new insights regarding evolution of promiscuous proteins and optimization strategies for design of inhibitors with single‐target specificities.
Oil Slick Observation at Low Incidence Angles in Ku‐Band
Authors: Panfilova M. A. , Karaev V. Y. , Guo Jie
Published: February 2018

On the 20 April 2010 the oil platform Deep Water Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico suffered an explosion during the final phases of drilling an exploratory well. As a result, an oil film covered the sea surface area of several thousand square kilometers. In the present paper the data of the Ku‐band Precipitation Radar, which operates at low incidence angles, were used to explore the oil spill event. The two‐scale model of the scattering surface was used to describe radar backscatter from the sea surface. The algorithm for retrieval of normalized radar cross section at nadir and the total slope variance of large‐scale waves compared to the wavelength of electromagnetic wave (22 mm) was developed for the Precipitation Radar swath. It is shown that measurements at low incidence angles can be used for oil spill detection. This is the first time that the dependence of mean square slope of large‐scale waves on wind speed has been obtained for oil slicks from Ku‐band data, and compared to mean square slope obtained by Cox and Munk from optical data.
Strip‐Bark Morphology and Radial Growth Trends in Ancient Pinus sibirica Trees From Central Mongolia
Authors: Leland Caroline , Cook Edward R. , Andreu‐Hayles Laia , Pederson Neil , Hessl Amy , Anchukaitis Kevin J. , Byambasuren Oyunsanaa , Nachin Baatarbileg , Davi Nicole , D'Arrigo Rosanne , Griffin Kevin , Bishop Daniel A. , Rao Mukund Palat
Published: February 2018

Some of the oldest and most important trees used for dendroclimatic reconstructions develop strip‐bark morphology, in which only a portion of the stem contains living tissue. Yet the ecophysiological factors initiating strip bark and the potential effect of cambial dieback on annual ring widths and tree‐ring estimates of past climate remain poorly understood. Using a combination of field observations and tree‐ring data, we investigate the causes and timing of cambial dieback events in Pinus sibirica strip‐bark trees from central Mongolia and compare the radial growth rates and trends of strip‐bark and whole‐bark trees over the past 515 years. Results indicate that strip bark is more common on the southern aspect of trees, and dieback events were most prevalent in the 19th century, a cold and dry period. Further, strip‐bark and whole‐bark trees have differing centennial trends, with strip‐bark trees exhibiting notably large increases in ring widths at the beginning of the 20th century. We find a steeper positive trend in the strip‐bark chronology relative to the whole‐bark chronology when standardizing with age‐dependent splines. We hypothesize that localized warming on the southern side of stems due to solar irradiance results in physiological damage and dieback and leads to increasing tree‐ring increment along the living portion of strip‐bark trees. Because the impact of cambial dieback on ring widths likely varies depending on species and site, we suggest conducting a comparison of strip‐bark and whole‐bark ring widths before statistically treating ring‐width data for climate reconstructions.
Time‐Variable Transit Time Distributions in the Hyporheic Zone of a Headwater Mountain Stream
Authors: Ward Adam S. , Schmadel Noah M. , Wondzell Steven M.
Published: February 2018

Exchange of water between streams and their hyporheic zones is known to be dynamic in response to hydrologic forcing, variable in space, and to exist in a framework with nested flow cells. The expected result of heterogeneous geomorphic setting, hydrologic forcing, and between‐feature interaction is hyporheic transit times that are highly variable in both space and time. Transit time distributions (TTDs) are important as they reflect the potential for hyporheic processes to impact biogeochemical transformations and ecosystems. In this study we simulate time‐variable transit time distributions based on dynamic vertical exchange in a headwater mountain stream with observed, heterogeneous step‐pool morphology. Our simulations include hyporheic exchange over a 600 m river corridor reach driven by continuously observed, time‐variable hydrologic conditions for more than 1 year. We found that spatial variability at an instance in time is typically larger than temporal variation for the reach. Furthermore, we found reach‐scale TTDs were marginally variable under all but the most extreme hydrologic conditions, indicating that TTDs are highly transferable in time. Finally, we found that aggregation of annual variation in space and time into a “master TTD” reasonably represents most of the hydrologic dynamics simulated, suggesting that this aggregation approach may provide a relevant basis for scaling from features or short reaches to entire networks.
Turbulent Kinetic Energy in Submerged Model Canopies Under Oscillatory Flow
Authors: Zhang Yinghao , Tang Caihong , Nepf Heidi
Published: February 2018

Laboratory experiments measured the velocity inside a model meadow of submerged, flexible vegetation under 1 and 2 s period waves. The model plant consisted of a rigid stem and strap‐like blades, similar to the seagrass Zostera marina and the freshwater eelgrass Vallisneria Americana. The ratio of wave excursion (Aw) to stem spacing (S) determined whether, or not, plant‐generated turbulence enhanced the turbulence level within the meadow, compared to bare bed. Specifically, near‐bed turbulence was enhanced for conditions with Aw/S > 0.5, and for these conditions the turbulence (TKE) normalized by the RMS wave velocity squared, TKE/Uw,RMS2, increased monotonically with the plant solid volume fraction, ϕ. The plant‐generated turbulence was greater in the stem region than in the blade region, and this was attributed to the greater relative motion between the waves and rigid stem, compared to the flexible blades. A model previously developed to predict TKE in unidirectional flow through a rigid emergent canopy was modified by replacing the time‐mean current with the RMS wave velocity. With a fitted scale coefficient, the modified model predicts TKE as a function of RMS wave velocity in the meadow, stem and blade geometry, and solid volume fraction. Wave decay was also measured and shown to have a linear correlation with the measured TKE within the canopy, providing a second method to predict meadow TKE in the field.
Assessment of CO2 Storage Potential in Naturally Fractured Reservoirs With Dual‐Porosity Models
Authors: March Rafael , Doster Florian , Geiger Sebastian
Published: February 2018

Naturally Fractured Reservoirs (NFR's) have received little attention as potential CO2 storage sites. Two main facts deter from storage projects in fractured reservoirs: (1) CO2 tends to be nonwetting in target formations and capillary forces will keep CO2 in the fractures, which typically have low pore volume; and (2) the high conductivity of the fractures may lead to increased spatial spreading of the CO2 plume. Numerical simulations are a powerful tool to understand the physics behind brine‐CO2 flow in NFR's. Dual‐porosity models are typically used to simulate multiphase flow in fractured formations. However, existing dual‐porosity models are based on crude approximations of the matrix‐fracture fluid transfer processes and often fail to capture the dynamics of fluid exchange accurately. Therefore, more accurate transfer functions are needed in order to evaluate the CO2 transfer to the matrix. This work presents an assessment of CO2 storage potential in NFR's using dual‐porosity models. We investigate the impact of a system of fractures on storage in a saline aquifer, by analyzing the time scales of brine drainage by CO2 in the matrix blocks and the maximum CO2 that can be stored in the rock matrix. A new model to estimate drainage time scales is developed and used in a transfer function for dual‐porosity simulations. We then analyze how injection rates should be limited in order to avoid early spill of CO2 (lost control of the plume) on a conceptual anticline model. Numerical simulations on the anticline show that naturally fractured reservoirs may be used to store CO2.
The State of U.S. Urban Water: Data and the Energy‐Water Nexus
Authors: Chini Christopher M. , Stillwell Ashlynn S.
Published: February 2018

Data on urban water resources are scarce, despite a majority of the U.S. population residing in urban environments. Further, information on the energy required to facilitate the treatment, distribution, and collection of urban water are even more limited. In this study, we evaluate the energy‐for‐water component of the energy‐water nexus by providing and analyzing a unique primary database consisting of drinking water and wastewater utility flows and energy. These anthropogenic fluxes of water through the urban environment are used to assess the state of the U.S. urban energy‐water nexus at over 160 utilities. The average daily per person water flux is estimated at 560 L of drinking water and 500 L of wastewater. Drinking water and wastewater utilities require 340 kWh/1,000 m3 and 430 kWh/1,000 m3 of energy, respectively, to treat these resources. The total national energy demand for water utilities accounts for 1.0% of the total annual electricity consumption of the United States. Additionally, the water and embedded energy loss associated with non‐revenue water accounts for 9.1 × 109 m3 of water and 3,100 GWh, enough electricity to power 300,000 U.S. households annually. Finally, the water flux and embedded energy fluctuated monthly in many cities. As the nation's water resources become increasingly scarce and unpredictable, it is essential to have a set of empirical data for continuous evaluation and updates on the state of the U.S. urban energy‐water nexus.
ADAM17 is essential for ectodomain shedding of the EGF‐receptor ligand amphiregulin
Authors: Hosur Vishnu , Farley Michelle L. , Burzenski Lisa M. , Shultz Leonard D. , Wiles Michael V.
Published: February 2018

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐receptor ligand amphiregulin (AREG) is a potent growth factor implicated in proliferative skin diseases and in primary and metastatic epithelial cancers. AREG, synthesized as a propeptide, requires conversion to an active peptide by metalloproteases by a process known as ectodomain shedding. Although (ADAM17) a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 is a key sheddase of AREG, ADAM8‐, ADAM15‐, and batimastat (broad metalloprotease inhibitor)‐sensitive metalloproteases have also been implicated in AREG shedding. In the present study, using a curly bare (Rhbdf2cub) mouse model that shows loss‐of‐hair, enlarged sebaceous gland, and rapid cutaneous wound‐healing phenotypes mediated by enhanced Areg mRNA and protein levels, we sought to identify the principal ectodomain sheddase of AREG. To this end, we generated Rhbdf2cub mice lacking ADAM17 specifically in the skin and examined the above phenotypes of Rhbdf2cub mice. We find that ADAM17 deficiency in the skin of Rhbdf2cub mice restores a full hair coat, prevents sebaceous gland enlargement, and impairs the rapid wound‐healing phenotype observed in Rhbdf2cub mice. Furthermore, in vitro, stimulated shedding of AREG is abolished in Rhbdf2cub mouse embryonic keratinocytes lacking ADAM17. Thus, our data support previous findings demonstrating that ADAM17 is the major ectodomain sheddase of AREG.
Fabrication of Nickel–Cobalt Bimetal Phosphide Nanocages for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Qiu Bocheng , Cai Lejuan , Wang Yang , Lin Ziyuan , Zuo Yunpeng , Wang Mengye , Chai Yang
Published: February 2018

Replacement of precious metals with earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) holds great promise for realizing practically viable water‐splitting systems. It still remains a great challenge to develop low‐cost, highly efficient, and durable OER catalysts. Here, the composition and morphology of Ni–Co bimetal phosphide nanocages are engineered for a highly efficient and durable OER electrocatalyst. The nanocage structure enlarges the effective specific area and facilitates the contact between catalyst and electrolyte. The as‐prepared Ni–Co bimetal phosphide nanocages show superior OER performance compared with Ni2P and CoP nanocages. By controlling the molar ratio of Ni/Co atoms in Ni–Co bimetal hydroxides, the Ni0.6Co1.4P nanocages derived from Ni0.6Co1.4(OH)2 nanocages exhibit remarkable OER catalytic activity (η = 300 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and long‐term stability (10 h for continuous test). The density‐functional‐theory calculations suggest that the appropriate Co doping concentration increases density of states at the Fermi level and makes the d‐states more close to Fermi level, giving rise to high charge carrier density and low intermedia adsorption energy than those of Ni2P and CoP. This work also provides a general approach to optimize the catalysis performance of bimetal compounds.
Redox‐Stability of Alkoxy‐BDT Copolymers and their Use for Organic Bioelectronic Devices
Authors: Giovannitti Alexander , Thorley Karl J. , Nielsen Christian B. , Li Jun , Donahue Mary J. , Malliaras George G. , Rivnay Jonathan , McCulloch Iain
Published: February 2018

Organic semiconductors can be employed as the active layer in accumulation mode organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), where redox stability in aqueous electrolytes is important for long‐term recordings of biological events. It is observed that alkoxy‐benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) copolymers can be extremely unstable when they are oxidized in aqueous solutions. The redox stability of these copolymers can be improved by molecular design of the copolymer where it is observed that the electron rich comonomer 3,3′‐dimethoxy‐2,2′‐bithiophene (MeOT2) lowers the oxidation potential and also stabilizes positive charges through delocalization and resonance effects. For copolymers where the comonomers do not have the same ability to stabilize positive charges, irreversible redox reactions are observed with the formation of quinone structures, being detrimental to performance of the materials in OECTs. Charge distribution along the copolymer from density functional theory calculations is seen to be an important factor in the stability of the charged copolymer. As a result of the stabilizing effect of the comonomer, a highly stable OECT performance is observed with transconductances in the mS range. The analysis of the decomposition pathway also raises questions about the general stability of the alkoxy‐BDT unit, which is heavily used in donor–acceptor copolymers in the field of photovoltaics.
Elemental Ferroelectricity and Antiferroelectricity in Group‐V Monolayer
Authors: Xiao Chengcheng , Wang Fang , Yang Shengyuan A. , Lu Yunhao , Feng Yuanping , Zhang Shengbai
Published: February 2018

Ferroelectricity is usually found in compound materials composed by different elements. Here, based on first‐principles calculations, spontaneous electric polarization and ferroelectricity in 2D elemental group‐V (As, Sb, and Bi) monolayer with the puckered lattice structure similar to phosphorene is revealed. These are the first example of elemental ferroelectric materials. The polarization is due to the spontaneous lattice distortion with atomic layer buckling and has quite sizable values, comparable or even larger than that recently found in 2D monolayer compound SnTe. Interestingly, for Bi monolayer, apart from the ferroelectric phase, it is found that it can also host an antiferroelectric phase. The Curie temperatures of these elemental materials can be higher than room temperature, making them promising for realizing ultrathin ferroelectric devices of broad interest. A general model is constructed to understand and search for 2D ferroelectric and antiferroelectric materials in future studies.