bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Intelligent Advisory System to Support Managerial Decisions for A Social Safety Net
Authors: Okewu Emmanuel , Misra Sanjay , Okewu Jonathan , Damaševičius Robertas , Maskeliūnas Rytis
Published: August 2019

Social investment programs are designed to provide opportunities to the less privileged so that they can contribute to the socioeconomic development of society. Stakeholders in social safety net programs (SSNPs) target vulnerable groups, such as the urban poor, women, the unemployed, and the elderly, with initiatives that have a transformative impact. Inadequate policy awareness remains a challenge, resulting in low participation rates in SSNPs. To achieve all-inclusive development, deliberate policies and programs that target this population have to be initiated by government, corporate bodies, and public-minded individuals. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques could play an important role in improving the managerial decision support and policy-making process of SSNPs and increasing the social resilience of urban populations. To enhance managerial decision-making in social investment programs, we used a Bayesian network to develop an intelligent decision support system called the Social Safety Net Expert System (SSNES). Using the SSNES, we provide an advisory system to stakeholders who make management decisions, which clearly demonstrates the efficacy of SSNPs and inclusive development.
Unveiling International New Ventures’ Success: Employee’s Entrepreneurial Behavior
Authors: Hernandez Miguel A.
Published: August 2019

New international ventures have become an important and growing role in the economics of a country. However, it seems that the literature on international entrepreneurship has paid little attention to their employees and their contribution to the success of these firms in international markets. The employee may be a key point in explaining their rapid and fruitful international development, i.e., increasing the international entrepreneurial orientation of the company. Using case study methodology, this investigation aims to unveil the human resource management in international new ventures, complete previous models explaining these organizations, and contribute to a better understanding of their international success. The findings show that the entrepreneurs aim to foster employee entrepreneurial behavior by implementing certain human resource practices.
Infrared Thermography—A Non-Invasive Method of Measuring Respiration Rate in Calves
Authors: Lowe Gemma , Sutherland Mhairi , Waas Joe , Schaefer Allan , Cox Neil , Stewart Mairi
Published: August 2019

Respiration rate (RR) is a common measure of cattle health and welfare. Traditionally, measuring RR involves counting flank movements as the animal inhales and exhales with each breath. This method is often considered difficult, labour-intensive and impractical. We validated the use of infrared thermography (IRT) as an alternative method of non-invasively measuring RR in young calves. RR was simultaneously recorded in two ways: (1) by observing flank movements from video recordings; and (2) by observing thermal fluctuations around the nostrils during inhalations and exhalations from infrared recordings. For each method, the time taken to complete five consecutive breaths (a breath being a complete inhalation/exhalation cycle) was recorded and used to calculate RR (breaths/min). From a group of five calves, a total of 12 video recordings and 12 infrared recordings were collected. For each procedure, 47 sets of five consecutive breaths were assessed. The RRs measured from video recordings of flank movements and thermal fluctuations around the nostrils from infrared recordings were highly correlated (R2 = 0.93). Validated as a suitable method for recording RR, future research can now focus on the development of algorithms to automate the use of IRT to support its integration into existing automated systems to remotely monitor calf health and welfare.
The Use of Environmental Enrichments Affects Performance and Behavior of Growing Rabbits Housed in Collective Pens
Authors: Trocino Angela , Zomeño Cristina , Filiou Eirini , Birolo Marco , White Peter , Xiccato Gerolamo
Published: August 2019

This study assessed the effects of an elevated plastic-slatted platform and/or a plastic hiding tube in collective pens with large group sizes (27 or 36 rabbits/pen; 16 rabbits/m2) on the performance and welfare of rabbits kept from weaning (at 33 days of age) to slaughter (at 68 or 75 days of age). Growth performance, injuries, and behavior (video recorded for 24 h) of rabbits (n = 504) were recorded. The platform allowed rabbits to adopt the rearing position more frequently (+0.14 events during 2 min every 30 min across 24 h) and to rest with stretched body for longer (+3.8% of observed time) (p ≤ 0.001). Production parameters and reactivity at the open field test were not modified, but the occurrence of injured rabbits at the trial end was higher in pens with platforms (+8.9%; p ≤ 0.01). This result was possibly related to the higher group size in pens with platforms (36 rabbits) compared to those without platforms (27 rabbits). The inclusion of the tube decreased growth (−2.2 g/d; p ≤ 0.05), whereas it was scarcely used by rabbits and it did not substantially change their behavior or the occurrence of injuries. In conclusion, under the experimental conditions of this study, elevated platforms worked as a useful structural enrichment in view of animal behavior but negatively impacted on the rate of injuries, whereas the usefulness of the tube was not confirmed.
Optimization of Sonotrode Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Proanthocyanidins from Brewers’ Spent Grains
Authors: Martín-García Beatriz , Pasini Federica , Verardo Vito , Díaz-de-Cerio Elixabet , Tylewicz Urszula , Gómez-Caravaca Ana María , Caboni Maria Fiorenza
Published: August 2019

Brewing spent grains (BSGs) are the main by-product from breweries and they are rich of proanthocyanidins, among other phenolic compounds. However, literature on these compounds in BSGs is scarce. Thus, this research focuses on the establishment of ultrasound-assisted extraction of proanthocyanidin compounds in brewing spent grains using a sonotrode. To set the sonotrode extraction up, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effects of three factors, namely, solvent composition, time of extraction, and ultrasound power. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of proanthocyanidin compounds were performed using HPLC coupled to fluorometric and mass spectrometer detectors. The highest content of proanthocyanidins was obtained using 80/20 acetone/water (v/v), 55 min, and 400 W. The established method allows the extraction of 1.01 mg/g dry weight (d.w.) of pronthocyanidins from BSGs; this value is more than two times higher than conventional extraction.
Regulation of Inflammatory Response and the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species by a Functional Cooked Ham Reformulated with Natural Antioxidants in a Macrophage Immunity Model
Authors: Serrano Antonio , Ros Gaspar , Nieto Gema
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, more consumers demand healthier products. A way to offer such products is to functionalize them using health-promoting bioactive compounds. Meat and meat products are high in essential nutrients; however, their excessive consumption implies a high intake of other substances that, at levels above recommended uptake limits, have been linked to certain non-communicable chronic diseases. An effective way to reduce this danger is to reformulate meat products. In this study, natural botanical extracts rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds were used to improve the health properties of a cooked ham with an optimal nutritional profile (i.e., low in fat and salt). The RAW 264.7 mouse cell line was used as an inflammatory model and was stimulated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide to evaluate changes in inflammatory biomarkers such as tumour necrosis factor alpha, the interleukins (ILs) IL-1β and IL-6, nitric oxide and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed that the use of natural extracts in optimized cooked ham significantly downregulated inflammatory markers and reduced the levels of intracellular ROS. Thus, the present study proposed a new functional cooked ham with potential health properties via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant in vitro activity.
The Modern Use of an Ancient Plant: Exploring the Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Potential of the Maltese Mushroom (Cynomorium Coccineum L.)
Authors: Zucca Paolo , Bellot Sidonie , Rescigno Antonio
Published: August 2019

In the continuous scientific search for new safe and effective drugs, there has recently been a rediscovery of natural substances as a potential reservoir of innovative therapeutic solutions for human health, with the prospect of integrating with and sometimes replacing conventional drugs. Cynomorium coccineum subsp. coccineum is a holoparasitic plant well known in ethnopharmacology, although its current use as a curative remedy is reported only in some ethnic groups of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Often known as ‘Maltese mushroom’ due to its unique appearance and the absence of chlorophyll, C. coccineum is present in almost all of the Mediterranean Basin. It is only recently that a few research groups have begun to look for confirmation of some of its traditional uses to highlight previously unknown biological activities. Here, we review the recent scientific findings on the plant’s phytochemistry and the most significant descriptions of some of its antioxidant and biological activities (antimicrobial, anticancer, pro-erectile, and anti-tyrosinase enzyme) both in vivo and in vitro. Some of these may be promising from the perspective of food and cosmetic formulations. The purpose of this review is to provide an initial impetus to those who, in the foreseeable future, will want to increase the knowledge and possible applications of this plant full of history, charm, and mystery.
In Vitro Digestion of Human Milk: Influence of the Lactation Stage on the Micellar Carotenoids Content
Authors: Xavier Ana A. O. , Garrido-López Juan E. , Aguayo-Maldonado Josefa , Garrido-Fernández Juan , Fontecha Javier , Pérez-Gálvez Antonio
Published: August 2019

Human milk is a complex fluid with nutritive and non-nutritive functions specifically structured to cover the needs of the newborn. The present study started with the study of carotenoid composition during progress of lactation (colostrum, collected at 3–5 d postpartum; mature milk, collected at 30 d postpartum) with samples donated from full-term lactating mothers (women with no chronic diseases, nonsmokers on a regular diet without supplements, n = 30). Subsequently, we applied an in vitro protocol to determine the micellarization efficiency of the carotenoids, which were separated by HPLC and quantified by the external standard method. That in vitro protocol is tailored for the biochemistry of the digestive tract of a newborn. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report of carotenoids micellar contents, obtained in vitro. This study reveals, from the in vitro perspective, that colostrum and mature milk produce significant micellar contents of carotenoids despite lipids in milk are within highly complex structures. Indeed, the lactation period develops some influence on the micellarization efficiency, influence that might be attributed to the dynamics of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) during the progress of lactation.
Microtexture Performance of EAF Slags Used as Aggregate in Asphalt Mixes: A Comparative Study with Surface Properties of Natural Stones
Authors: Vaiana Rosolino , Balzano Filippo , Iuele Teresa , Gallelli Vincenzo
Published: August 2019

Steelmaking industries produce a large amount of solid wastes that need to be adequately managed in order to ensure environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of their disposal on earth pollution. Electric arc furnace (EAF) slags are those wastes deriving from secondary steelmaking production; these slags can be re-used and recycled in many industrial applications such as the production of asphalt mixes. In this paper authors investigate the surface performance of EAF slags used as second-hand aggregate in asphalt mixes. In particular, slags behavior under polishing is compared to other types of aggregate commonly used for asphalt concrete such as limestone, basalt, and kinginzite. Several devices (skid tester, laser profilometer, polishing machine) were used to collect experimental data; the analysis of microtexture was carried out by comparing aggregate surface performance before and after polishing. Results show that EAF slags are positively comparable to basalt as concerns the polishing behavior; good correlations between skid resistance and some microtexture indicators are also carried out.
Experimental Study on Energy Dissipation Performance and Failure Mode of Web-Connected Replaceable Energy Dissipation Link
Authors: Yin Zhanzhong , Huang Zhaosheng , Zhang Hui , Feng Dazhe
Published: August 2019

In the current design method of the eccentrically braced frame structure, the energy dissipation link and the frame beam are both designed as a whole. It is difficult to accurately assess the degree of damage through this method, and it is also hard to repair or replace the energy dissipation link after strong seismic events. Meanwhile, the overall design approach will increase the project’s overall cost. In order to solve the above mentioned shortcomings, the energy dissipation link is designed as an independent component, which is separated from the frame beam. In this paper, the energy dissipation link is bolted to the web of the frame beam. Both finite element simulation and test study of eight groups of energy dissipation links have been completed to study their mechanical behaviors, and the energy dissipation links have been studied in the aspects of length, cross section, and stiffener spacing. The mechanical behaviors include the energy dissipation behavior, bearing capacity, stiffness, and plastic rotation angle. The results indicate clearly that the hysteretic loop of links in the test and finite element analysis is relatively full. By comparing the experimental and finite element simulation data, it can be found that the general shape and trend of hysteretic loop, skeleton curve, and stiffness degradation curve are basically the same. The experiment data explicitly shows that the energy dissipation link of web-connected displays good ductility and stable energy dissipation ability. In addition, the replaceable links possess good rotational capacity when the minimum rotation angle of each specimen in the test is 0.16 rad. The results of the experiment show that the energy dissipation capacity of the link is mainly related to the section size and the stiffening rib spacing of the link. The energy dissipation ability and deformation ability of the link is poorer as the section size becomes larger; meanwhile, these abilities are reduced with the decrease of the stiffening spacing. The experiment result shows that the damage and excessive inelastic deformations are concentrated in the link to avoid any issues for the rest of the surrounding elements, and the links can be easily and inexpensively replaced after strong seismic events. The results are thought provoking, as they provide a theoretical basis for the further study of the eccentrically braced frame structure with replaceable links of web-connected. In future work, the author aims to carry out his studies through optimized design methodology based on the yielding criterion.
TF-YOLO: An Improved Incremental Network for Real-Time Object Detection
Authors: He Wangpeng , Huang Zhe , Wei Zhifei , Li Cheng , Guo Baolong
Published: August 2019

In recent years, significant advances have been gained in visual detection, and an abundance of outstanding models have been proposed. However, state-of-the-art object detection networks have some inefficiencies in detecting small targets. They commonly fail to run on portable devices or embedded systems due to their high complexity. In this workpaper, a real-time object detection model, termed as Tiny Fast You Only Look Once (TF-YOLO), is developed to implement in an embedded system. Firstly, the k-means++ algorithm is applied to cluster the dataset, which contributes to more excellent priori boxes of the targets. Secondly, inspired by the multi-scale prediction idea in the Feature Pyramid Networks (FPN) algorithm, the framework in YOLOv3 is effectively improved and optimized, by three scales to detect the earlier extracted features. In this way, the modified network is sensitive for small targets. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed TF-YOLO method is a smaller, faster and more efficient network model increasing the performance of end-to-end training and real-time object detection for a variety of devices.
Efficient Resource Management for Sum Capacity Maximization in 5G NOMA Systems
Authors: Ali Azhar , Baig Amna , Awan Ghulam , Khan Wali , Ali Zain , Sidhu Guftaar Ahmad
Published: August 2019

The modern cellular technologies are expected to provide high data rates and massive connectivity in fifth generation (5G) systems; however, this may be impossible through traditional radio access techniques. Recently, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has emerged as one of the promising cellular techniques for modern cellular communications with its ability to provide access for multiple users to the network over the same system resources. This paper studies resource management problem for downlink transmission of multiuser NOMA system. Our objective is to optimize both frequency and power resources for sum capacity maximization while taking into account each user minimum capacity requirement. Firstly, the problem of resource management decouples into two subproblems, that is, efficient sub-channel assignment and optimal power allocation, respectively. Secondly, for given power at base station, we design two sub-optimal algorithms for sub-channel assignment based on user channel condition and user minimum capacity requirement, respectively. Lastly, for any given sub-channel assignment, the problem first transforms into standard convex optimization problem and then we employ duality theory. To evaluate our proposed NOMA scheme, the enhanced version of existing NOMA optimization scheme is also presented as a benchmark. Results demonstrate that the proposed NOMA resource management scheme outperforms the benchmark NOMA optimization scheme in terms of sum capacity.
High Contribution of Biomass Combustion to PM2.5 in the City Centre of Naples (Italy)
Authors: Sirignano Carmina , Riccio Angelo , Chianese Elena , Ni Haiyan , Zenker Katrin , D’Onofrio Antonio , Meijer Harro A.J. , Dusek Ulrike
Published: August 2019

A better knowledge of the local and regional sources of the atmospheric particulate matter provides policy makers with the proper awareness when acting to improve air quality, in order to protect public health. A source apportionment study of the carbonaceous aerosol in Naples (Italy) is presented here, in order to improve this understanding in a vulnerable urban area. The aim of this study is quantifying directly fossil and non-fossil contributions to carbonaceous aerosol, by means of radiocarbon measurements. This is the first time that such an approach is implemented in this area. Fine particles with diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) were collected daily on top of a building in the city center, from November 2016 until January 2017. The carbonaceous aerosol was separated into organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), by a two-step thermal desorption method. Subsequent radiocarbon analysis enabled the partitioning of the major sources of carbonaceous aerosol into fossil and non-fossil ones by applying radiocarbon isotopic mass balance. The PM2.5 concentration was on average 29 ± 3 µg⁄m3 (mean ± standard error; n = 18), with a maximum of 68.6 ± 0.7 µg⁄m3 on a day when air masses back-trajectories suggest a local origin and stagnant airflow conditions in the region. The carbonaceous component accounts for roughly half of the PM2.5 mass. Fossil fuel emissions are a minor source of OC (23%), but the dominant source of EC (66%), which is directly emitted during combustion processes. However, overall only 30% of the total carbon is of fossil origin, accounting for 14% of PM2.5 mass. Surprisingly, a comparable contribution is due to primary biomass burning carbon, which accounts in total for 15% of PM2.5 mass. Traffic pollution, the main cause of fossil fuel emissions in urban areas, is a significant, but not the predominant source of carbonaceous particle concentration. These findings support the conclusion of a predominant contribution from non-fossil sources to the carbon in airborne particulate matter, which policy makers should take into account when planning mitigation strategies to improve urban air quality.
Impact of Desert Dust on Air Quality: What is the Meaningfulness of Daily PM Standards in Regions Close to the Sources? The Example of Southern Tunisia
Authors: Bouet Christel , Labiadh Mohamed Taieb , Rajot Jean Louis , Bergametti Gilles , Marticorena Béatrice , Henry des Tureaux Thierry , Ltifi Mohsen , Sekrafi Saâd , Féron Anaïs
Published: August 2019

Desert dust is now recognized as a major health hazard. However, there still exists a lack of measurements of desert dust atmospheric loads in regions located in the vicinity of the major desert areas, where a growing part of the world population is living. Dust emission is a sporadic and intense phenomenon so that the classical air quality standards should not be appropriate to reflect the real population exposure to desert dust. In order to give some insight to answer this question, PM10 concentrations were continuously measured at a five-minute time step in southern Tunisia from February 2014 to February 2019. The daily and annual PM10 concentrations were first discussed according to the Tunisian air quality standards: In this relatively remote area, close to dust source, these standards were respected at the annual, but no longer at the daily scale. Measurements performed at a high temporal resolution (five minutes) allowed to discriminate the different situations that led to exceed Tunisian daily standards in southern Tunisia. In particular, intense (five-minute PM10 concentrations up to more than 1500 µg m−3) and short-lived (a few hours) dust outbreaks were regularly observed. This result raises the question of the necessity of defining specific air quality standards at the sub-daily scale in countries affected by intense desert dust outbreaks.
Biomechanical Role and Motion Contribution of Ligaments and Bony Constraints in the Elbow Stability: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Panero Elisa , Gastaldi Laura , Terzini Mara , Bignardi Cristina , Sard Arman , Pastorelli Stefano
Published: August 2019

In flexion–extension motion, the interaction of several ligaments and bones characterizes the elbow joint stability. The aim of this preliminary study was to quantify the relative motion of the ulna with respect to the humerus in two human upper limbs specimens and to investigate the constraints role for maintaining the elbow joint stability in different section conditions. Two clusters of four markers were fixed respectively to the ulna and humerus, and their trajectory was recorded by a motion capture system during functional orthopedic maneuver. Considering the posterior bundle of medial collateral complex (pMUCL) and the coronoid, two section sequences were executed. The orthopedic maneuver of compression, pronation and varus force was repeated at 30°, 60° and 90° flexion for the functional investigation of constraints. Ulna deflection was compared to a baseline elbow flexion condition. With respect to the intact elbow, the coronoid osteotomy influences the elbow stability at 90° (deflection = 11.49 ± 17.39 mm), while small differences occur at 30° and 60°, due to ligaments constraint. The contemporary pMUCL section and coronoid osteotomy causes elbow instability, with large deflection at 30° (deflection = 34.40 ± 9.10 mm), 60° (deflection = 45.41 ± 18.47 mm) and 90° (deflection = 52.16 ± 21.92 mm). Surgeons may consider the pMUCL reconstruction in case of unfixable coronoid fracture.
Neuroimaging in Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Shaikh Zakir , Torres Alcy , Takeoka Masanori
Published: August 2019

Pediatric epilepsy presents with various diagnostic challenges. Recent advances in neuroimaging play an important role in the diagnosis, management and in guiding the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. Structural neuroimaging techniques such as CT and MRI can identify underlying structural abnormalities associated with epileptic focus. Functional neuroimaging provides further information and may show abnormalities even in cases where MRI was normal, thus further helping in the localization of the epileptogenic foci and guiding the possible surgical management of intractable/refractory epilepsy when indicated. A multi-modal imaging approach helps in the diagnosis of refractory epilepsy. In this review, we will discuss various imaging techniques, as well as aspects of structural and functional neuroimaging and their application in the management of pediatric epilepsy.
Gambling Problems and Alexithymia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marchetti Daniela , Verrocchio Maria Cristina , Porcelli Piero
Published: August 2019

Among the factors that are thought to underlie gambling problems, alexithymia has been recognized to contribute to their development. For the first time, we reviewed the literature on the relationship between alexithymia and gambling. A systematic search of literature was run in the major reference databases including PubMed, Cochrane Database for Systematic Review, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus until April 2019. The search produced 182 articles that produced 20 papers included in the review. Fourteen studies were conducted with community samples of pathological gamblers while six studies with clinical samples of disordered gamblers. All studies assessed alexithymia with the Toronto Alexithymia Scale while gambling problems were assessed mostly with the South Oaks Gambling Screen. Alexithymic features were significantly more prevalent in pathological gamblers both at the community and clinical levels, increased symptom severity, and showed interactive mechanisms with personality, psychiatric, and cognitive factors. Alexithymia is likely to associate with gambling as a coping behavior to increase emotional arousal and avoid negative emotions, according to the affect dysregulation model. Further studies are needed to widen the knowledge on this association.
The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: A Viable Target in Breast Cancer?
Authors: Bhateja Priyanka , Cherian Mathew , Majumder Sarmila , Ramaswamy Bhuvaneswari
Published: August 2019

The hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a key role in embryonic development and stem cell programs. Deregulation of the Hh pathway is a key driver of basal cell carcinoma, and therapeutic targeting led to approval of Hh inhibitor, vismodegib, in the management of this cancer. The Hh pathway is implicated in other malignancies including hormone receptor (HR+) positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Hh signaling, which is activated in human mammary stem cells, results in activation of glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors. High GLI1 expression correlates with worse outcomes in breast cancer. Non-canonical GLI1 activation is one mechanism by which estrogen exposure promotes breast cancer stem cell proliferation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Tamoxifen resistant cell lines show aberrant activation of Hh signaling, and knockdown of Hh pathway inhibited growth of tamoxifen resistant cells. As in other cancers Hh signaling is activated by the PI3K/AKT pathway in these endocrine resistant cell lines. Hh pathway activation has also been reported to mediate chemotherapy resistance in TNBC via various mechanisms including paracrine signaling to tumor micro-environment and selective proliferation of cancer stem cells. Co-activation of Hh and Wnt signaling pathways is a poor prognostic marker in TNBC. Early phase clinical trials are evaluating the combination of smoothened (SMO) inhibitors and chemotherapy in TNBC. In addition to SMO inhibitors like vismodegib and sonidegib, which are in clinical use for basal cell carcinoma, GLI1 inhibitors like GANT58 and GANT61 are in preclinical drug development and might be an effective mechanism to overcome drug resistance in breast cancer. Gene signatures predictive of Hh pathway activation could enrich for patients likely to respond to these agents.
High Level Expression of MHC-II in HPV+ Head and Neck Cancers Suggests that Tumor Epithelial Cells Serve an Important Role as Accessory Antigen Presenting Cells
Authors: Gameiro Steven F. , Ghasemi Farhad , Barrett John W. , Nichols Anthony C. , Mymryk Joe S.
Published: August 2019

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II) is associated with antigen presenting cells (APCs). During inflammation, epithelial cells can be induced to express MHC-II and function as accessory APCs. Utilizing RNA-seq data from over 500 HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we determined the impact of HPV-status on the expression of MHC-II genes and related genes involved in their regulation, antigen presentation, and T-cell co-stimulation. Expression of virtually all MHC-II genes was significantly upregulated in HPV+ carcinomas compared to HPV− or normal control tissue. Similarly, genes that encode products involved in antigen presentation were also significantly upregulated in the HPV+ cohort. In addition, the expression of CIITA and RFX5—regulators of MHC-II—were significantly upregulated in HPV+ tumors. This coordinated upregulation of MHC-II genes was correlated with higher intratumoral levels of interferon-gamma in HPV+ carcinomas. Furthermore, genes that encode various co-stimulatory molecules involved in T-cell activation and survival were also significantly upregulated in HPV+ tumors. Collectively, these results suggest a previously unappreciated role for epithelial cells in antigen presentation that functionally contributes to the highly immunogenic tumor microenvironment observed in HPV+ HNSCC.
In situ Decolorization Monitoring of Textile Dyes for an Optimized UV-LED/TiO2 Reactor
Authors: Tapia-Tlatelpa Tecilli , Trull Jose , Romeral Luis
Published: August 2019

Heterogeneous photocatalysis, using photocatalysts in suspension to eliminate diverse contaminants, including textile wastewater, has several advantages. Nevertheless, current absorbance and decolorization measurements imply sample acquisition by extraction at a fixed rate with consequent photocatalyst removal. This study presents online monitoring for the decolorization of six azo dyes, Orange PX-2R (OP2), Remazol Black B133 (RB), Procion Crimson H-EXL (PC), Procion Navy H-EXL (PN), Procion Blue H-EXL (PB), and Procion Yellow H-EXL (PY), analyzing the spectrum measured in situ by using the light scattering provided by the photocatalyst in suspension. The results obtained have corroborated the feasibility of obtaining absorbance and decolorization measurements, avoiding disturbances in the process due to a decrease in the volume in the reactor.
Synthesis of Hierarchical Titanium Silicalite-1 Using a Carbon-Silica-Titania Composite from Xerogel Mild Carbonization
Authors: Pei Xinya , Liu Xiaoxue , Liu Xiaoyu , Shan Jinling , Fu Hui , Xie Ying , Yan Xuemin , Meng Xianzhu , Zheng Yancheng , Li Geng , Wang Qi , Li Hao
Published: August 2019

Hierarchical titanium silicalite-1 (HTS-1) zeolites are an important class of catalytic materials due to their enhanced mass transfer and improved catalytic performance. In this study, HTS-1 zeolites have been successfully prepared by the hydrothermal crystallization of carbon-silica-titania (CST) composites. Compared with the direct carbonization method, the mild carbonization of SiO2-TiO2/Tween 40 xerogel in the presence of sulfuric acid can effectively improve both the content and mesoporous structure of carbon material in the CST composites, which enables carbon materials to better play the role of a mesoporous template during the crystallization process. The resultant zeolite has both ordered micropores and interconnected mesopores and macropores, which are similar to the skeleton of the carbon template trapped in the TS–1 crystals. Moreover, the HTS–1 zeolite displays outstanding catalytic performance in oxidative desulfurization of bulky sulfur compounds.
Poc1B and Sas-6 Function Together during the Atypical Centriole Formation in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jo Kyoung H. , Jaiswal Ankit , Khanal Sushil , Fishman Emily L. , Curry Alaina N. , Avidor-Reiss Tomer
Published: August 2019

Insects and mammals have atypical centrioles in their sperm. However, it is unclear how these atypical centrioles form. Drosophila melanogaster sperm has one typical centriole called the giant centriole (GC) and one atypical centriole called the proximal centriole-like structure (PCL). During early sperm development, centriole duplication factors such as Ana2 and Sas-6 are recruited to the GC base to initiate PCL formation. The centriolar protein, Poc1B, is also recruited at this initiation stage, but its precise role during PCL formation is unclear. Here, we show that Poc1B recruitment was dependent on Sas-6, that Poc1B had effects on cellular and PCL Sas-6, and that Poc1B and Sas-6 were colocalized in the PCL/centriole core. These findings suggest that Sas-6 and Poc1B interact during PCL formation. Co-overexpression of Ana2 and Sas-6 induced the formation of ectopic particles that contained endogenous Poc1 proteins and were composed of PCL-like structures. These structures were disrupted in Poc1 mutant flies, suggesting that Poc1 proteins stabilize the PCL-like structures. Lastly, Poc1B and Sas-6 co-overexpression also induced the formation of PCL-like structures, suggesting that they can function together during the formation of the PCL. Overall, our findings suggest that Poc1B and Sas-6 function together during PCL formation.
EGFR/ErbB Inhibition Promotes OPC Maturation up to Axon Engagement by Co-Regulating PIP2 and MBP
Authors: Nocita Emanuela , Del Giovane Alice , Tiberi Marta , Boccuni Laura , Fiorelli Denise , Sposato Carola , Romano Elena , Basoli Francesco , Trombetta Marcella , Rainer Alberto , Traversa Enrico , Ragnini-Wilson Antonella
Published: August 2019

Remyelination in the adult brain relies on the reactivation of the Neuronal Precursor Cell (NPC) niche and differentiation into Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells (OPCs) as well as on OPC maturation into myelinating oligodendrocytes (OLs). These two distinct phases in OL development are defined by transcriptional and morphological changes. How this differentiation program is controlled remains unclear. We used two drugs that stimulate myelin basic protein (MBP) expression (Clobetasol and Gefitinib) alone or combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or Retinoid X Receptor gamma (RXRγ) gene silencing to decode the receptor signaling required for OPC differentiation in myelinating OLs. Electrospun polystyrene (PS) microfibers were used as synthetic axons to study drug efficacy on fiber engagement. We show that EGFR inhibition per se stimulates MBP expression and increases Clobetasol efficacy in OPC differentiation. Consistent with this, Clobetasol and Gefitinib co-treatment, by co-regulating RXRγ, MBP and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) levels, maximizes synthetic axon engagement. Conversely, RXRγ gene silencing reduces the ability of the drugs to promote MBP expression. This work provides a view of how EGFR/ErbB inhibition controls OPC differentiation and indicates the combination of Clobetasol and Gefitinib as a potent remyelination-enhancing treatment.
Modulation of Agrin and RhoA Pathways Ameliorates Movement Defects and Synapse Morphology in MYO9A-Depleted Zebrafish
Authors: O’Connor Emily , Cairns George , Spendiff Sally , Burns David , Hettwer Stefan , Mäder Armin , Müller Juliane , Horvath Rita , Slater Clarke , Roos Andreas , Lochmüller Hanns
Published: August 2019

Congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a group of rare, inherited disorders characterised by impaired function of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). This is due to defects in one of the many proteins associated with the NMJ. In three patients with CMS, missense mutations in a gene encoding an unconventional myosin protein, MYO9A, were identified as likely causing their disorder. Preliminary studies revealed a potential involvement of the RhoA/ROCK pathway and of a key NMJ protein, agrin, in the pathophysiology of MYO9A-depletion. In this study, a CRISPR/Cas9 approach was used to generate genetic mutants of MYO9A zebrafish orthologues, myo9aa/ab, to expand and refine the morphological analysis of the NMJ. Injection of NT1654, a synthetic agrin fragment compound, improved NMJ structure and zebrafish movement in the absence of Myo9aa/ab. In addition, treatment of zebrafish with fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, also provided improvements to the morphology of NMJs in early development, as well as rescuing movement defects, but not to the same extent as NT1654 and not at later time points. Therefore, this study highlights a role for MYO9A at the NMJ, the first unconventional myosin motor protein associated with a neuromuscular disease, and provides a potential mechanism of action of MYO9A-pathophysiology.
HSPA8/HSC70 in Immune Disorders: A Molecular Rheostat that Adjusts Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Substrates
Authors: Bonam Srinivasa Reddy , Ruff Marc , Muller Sylviane
Published: August 2019

HSPA8/HSC70 is a molecular chaperone involved in a wide variety of cellular processes. It plays a crucial role in protein quality control, ensuring the correct folding and re-folding of selected proteins, and controlling the elimination of abnormally-folded conformers and of proteins daily produced in excess in our cells. HSPA8 is a crucial molecular regulator of chaperone-mediated autophagy, as a detector of substrates that will be processed by this specialized autophagy pathway. In this review, we shortly summarize its structure and overall functions, dissect its implication in immune disorders, and list the known pharmacological tools that modulate its functions. We also exemplify the interest of targeting HSPA8 to regulate pathological immune dysfunctions.
Factors Affecting Microalgae Production for Biofuels and the Potentials of Chemometric Methods in Assessing and Optimizing Productivity
Authors: Musa Mutah , Ayoko Godwin A. , Ward Andrew , Rösch Christine , Brown Richard J. , Rainey Thomas J.
Published: August 2019

Microalgae are swift replicating photosynthetic microorganisms with several applications for food, chemicals, medicine and fuel. Microalgae have been identified to be suitable for biofuels production, due to their high lipid contents. Microalgae-based biofuels have the potential to meet the increasing energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the present state of technology does not economically support sustainable large-scale production. The biofuel production process comprises the upstream and downstream processing phases, with several uncertainties involved. This review examines the various production and processing stages, and considers the use of chemometric methods in identifying and understanding relationships from measured study parameters via statistical methods, across microalgae production stages. This approach enables collection of relevant information for system performance assessment. The principal benefit of such analysis is the identification of the key contributing factors, useful for decision makers to improve system design, operation and process economics. Chemometrics proffers options for time saving in data analysis, as well as efficient process optimization, which could be relevant for the continuous growth of the microalgae industry.
Material Application of a Transformer Box: A Study on the Electromagnetic Shielding Characteristics of Al–Ta Coating Film with Plasma-Spray Process
Authors: Hung Fei-Shuo
Published: August 2019

In this study we present the results of two experiments. In the first one, a Ta–Al–SS (stainless steel (SS)) multilayer coating structure was prepared using plasma spraying equipment to investigate the coating structure and interface properties. In the second one, Ta–Al on multilayer glass was prepared using the sputtering process to measure the thickness effect of thin film on electromagnetic wave shielding (EMI) characteristics and on the design of high-power switchboard covers. According to the experimental results, the multilayer structure of Ta–Al on SS improves the mechanical properties of a stainless steel plate by enhancing the explosion-proof property. An appropriate thickness of the plasma-sprayed pure aluminum layer can increase the adhesion to the stainless steel substrate and buffer the stress effect. After heat treatment (annealing), the Ta–Al–SS multilayer structural characteristics are excellent and suitable for shielding effects at different temperatures and humidity, which can be used as a reference for the engineering application of communication rooms and base power stations. According to EMI test of multi-coated glass (Ta–Al–glass), by increasing the thickness of Ta layer, we cannot effectively improve full-frequency EMI shielding with improved shielding at low-mid frequency condition. In addition, the Ta–Al interface formation of an Al–Ta–O compound layer can improve the adiabatic effect to reduce the thermal conductivity.
Antireflection, Superhydrophilic Nano-Porous SiO2 Coating based on Aerosol Impact Spray Deposition Technique for Solar PV Module
Authors: Alam Kamran , Ali Saddam , Saboor Abdul , Salman Muhammad , Maoz  , Humayun Muhammad , Sadiq Muhammad , Arif Muhammad
Published: August 2019

In this research, silica nano-particles are deposited over the borosilicate glass and silicon wafer substrates by indigenously developed Aerosol impact deposition assembly using SiH4, oxygen, and helium as precursors. The coating process involves deionization of gases leading towards nucleation sites for silica in the presence of plasma, while tuning the pressure difference between reaction and deposition chamber controls the coating thickness, porosity, and refractive index. The deposited coating layer on the substrate enhanced the transmittance to 99.6% at 600 nm wavelength. The induced porous nature and the graded index of the coated layer as observed from the AFM and SEM resulted in superhydrophilic behavior with a water contact angle of near to 0°. The super-hydrophilicity of the coating contains self-cleaning properties, suggesting an improvement of the performance of solar PV modules as well.
Thickness and Structure of Adsorbed Water Layer and Effects on Adhesion and Friction at Nanoasperity Contact
Authors: Xiao Chen , Shi Pengfei , Yan Wenmeng , Chen Lei , Qian Linmao , Kim Seong H.
Published: August 2019

Most inorganic material surfaces exposed to ambient air can adsorb water, and hydrogen bonding interactions among adsorbed water molecules vary depending on, not only intrinsic properties of material surfaces, but also extrinsic working conditions. When dimensions of solid objects shrink to micro- and nano-scales, the ratio of surface area to volume increases greatly and the contribution of water condensation on interfacial forces, such as adhesion (Fa) and friction (Ft), becomes significant. This paper reviews the structural evolution of the adsorbed water layer on solid surfaces and its effect on Fa and Ft at nanoasperity contact for sphere-on-flat geometry. The details of the underlying mechanisms governing water adsorption behaviors vary depending on the atomic structure of the substrate, surface hydrophilicity and atmospheric conditions. The solid surfaces reviewed in this paper include metal/metallic oxides, silicon/silicon oxides, fluorides, and two-dimensional materials. The mechanism by which water condensation influences Fa is discussed based on the competition among capillary force, van der Waals force and the rupture force of solid-like water bridge. The condensed meniscus and the molecular configuration of the water bridge are influenced by surface roughness, surface hydrophilicity, temperature, sliding velocity, which in turn affect the kinetics of water condensation and interfacial Ft. Taking the effects of the thickness and structure of adsorbed water into account is important to obtain a full understanding of the interfacial forces at nanoasperity contact under ambient conditions.
An Unexpected Trinuclear Cobalt(II) Complex Based on a Half-Salamo-Like Ligand: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Hirshfeld Surface Analysis, Antimicrobial and Fluorescent Properties
Authors: Li Ruo-Yan , An Xiao-Xin , Wu Juan-Li , Zhang You-Peng , Dong Wen-Kui
Published: August 2019

An unexpected trinuclear Co(II) complex, [Co3(L2)2(μ-OAc)2(CH3OH)2]·2CH3OH (H2L2 = 4,4′-dibromo-2,2′-[ethylenedioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol) constructed from a half-Salamo-based ligand (HL1 = 2-[O-(1-ethyloxyamide)]oxime-4-bromophenol) and Co(OAc)2·4H2O, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra (IR), UV-Vis spectra, X-ray crystallography and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The Co(II) complex contains three Co(II) atoms, two completely deprotonated (L2)2− units, two bridged acetate molecules, two coordinated methanol molecules and two crystalline methanol molecules, and finally, a three-dimensional supramolecular structure with infinite extension was formed. Interestingly, during the formation of the Co(II) complex, the ligand changed from half-Salamo-like to a symmetrical single Salamo-like ligand due to the bonding interactions of the molecules. In addition, the antimicrobial activities of HL1 and its Co(II) complex were also investigated.
Luciferase-Based Detection of Antibodies for the Diagnosis of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Burbelo Peter D. , Chaturvedi Adrija , Notkins Abner L. , Gunti Sreenivasulu
Published: August 2019

Point-of-care tests are needed for the screening of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other malignancies. Luciferase immunoprecipitation systems (LIPS), employing light-emitting proteins, were used to examine serum antibodies against several cancer-associated targets in blood donor controls and subjects with colon cancer (CC) and HNSCC. The assessment of antibodies against the wild type p53 tumor antigen showed that approximately 25% of the CC and 20% of the HNSCC patients were seropositive. In addition, humoral responses against two p53 mutants, p53-R175H and p53-R273H, generally tracked the antibody responses seen against wild type p53. Analysis of antibodies against highly specific biomarkers of HPV-16-associated malignancy, E2, E6, and E7 oncoproteins, revealed no seropositivity in blood donors and CC patients. However, 45% (9/20) of the HNSCC patients showed E6 seropositivity, which overlapped all the detectable E2 (40%; 8/20) and E7 seropositive subjects (35%; 7/20). Using neodymium magnets, ultrarapid LIPSTICKS testing of HPV-16 E6 antibodies in <60 s per HNSCC sample demonstrated almost the same diagnostic performance (40% sensitivity and 100% specificity) as LIPS testing in 2.5 h. While additional improvements and standardization are needed, these results highlight the possibility of using these approaches for the diagnosis of HPV-16-associated HNSCC.