bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelos de clasificación y predicción de quiebra de empresas: Una aplicación a empresas chilenas
Authors: Romani Chocce Gianni A. , Bravo Palma Ángela , Aroca González Patricio , Aguirre Aguirre Nelson , Leiton Vega Paola , Muñoz Carrazana Javier
Published: April 2019

La clasificación y predicción de quiebra de empresas es un tema ampliamente tratado en el ámbito internacional, sin embargo existen pocos estudios de este tipo aplicados a las empresas chilenas. En este contexto, el objetivo de esta investigación es identificar cuál es el modelo que clasifica y predice, con mayor grado de confiabilidad, la quiebra de empresas en Chile. Con tal fin, se comparan tres modelos comúnmente utilizados: Análisis Discriminante Múltiple (ADM), Regresión Logística (LOGIT) y Redes Neuronales (RN), los que utilizan diferentes índices financieros, variables macroeconómicas y otras variables de control. Los modelos fueron aplicados a una muestra de 98 empresas, seleccionadas accidentalmente, sin restricción de giro comercial, 49 quebradas y 49 no quebradas. El resultado de la investigación muestra que si bien el modelo de Redes Neuronales resultó superior, tanto al modelo ADM como al LOGIT, en lo que respecta a clasificación y predicción, se requiere de otras herramientas para determinar el conjunto óptimo de variables a utilizar.
Estudio experimental del efecto del lenguaje (inglés y español) sobre la eficacia de la publicidad con estudiantes universitarios puertorriqueños e hispanos.
Authors: Lebrón Carlos
Published: April 2019

Aunque la población de Puerto Rico cuenta con un gran porcentaje de residentes con algún conocimiento del inglés (bilingües), la gran mayoría se comunica mediante el español, que es su lengua materna. No es de extrañar que la mayoría de los anuncios en los medios de comunicación puertorriqueños utiliza el lenguaje español. En este estudio se prueba experimentalmente la suposición de sentido común, de que la publicidad en español es significativamente superior a la publicidad en inglés, cuando está dirigida a los hispanos puertorriqueños que viven en Puerto Rico. El componente de valor social de la teoría de los valores de consumo se utilizó para generar varias hipótesis que favorecen el uso de la lengua inglesa. El experimento utilizaba anuncios ilustrados impresos (como si fueran de revistas) para probar las hipótesis, todos ellos relacionados con la relativa efectividad del español frente a los anuncios en inglés. Los resultados muestran que los anuncios en español y los anuncios en inglés fueron más o menos lo mismo en cuanto a su eficacia de persuasión.
Una nueva propuesta para modelar y proyectar la actividad económica en Puerto Rico
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos A.
Published: April 2019

Los procesos para proyectar y modelar la actividad económica en Puerto Rico son fundamentales en la toma de decisiones tanto para el sector público, como para el sector privado. No llevar a cabo este proceso en la forma correcta puede acarrear costos altos, los cuales se reflejan en ineficiencias en los procesos de decisión. En este trabajo se presenta un método alterno para modelar la actividad económica, basado en la teoría económica y la información estadística y matemática de las series a estudiar.
Empresarios asiáticos de segunda y tercera generación en el Reino Unido
Authors: Dhaliwal Spinder
Published: April 2019

Esta investigación explora el rol de la segunda y tercera generación de empresarios asiático- británicos nacidos y educados en el Reino Unido. La herramienta de investigación que se empleó consistió de entrevistas cualitativas a una muestra de 10 participantes: 5 hombres y 5 mujeres. Se les administró un cuestionario que incluyó temas sobre la generación de la banca, estilos gerenciales, uso de tecnología y la expansión. Además, se incluyó el tema sobre los conflictos entre fundadores y sucesores.La investigación arroja luz sobre varios aspectos desatendidos en el empresarismo étnico, como son los aspectos sobre género y etnicidad. La mitad de los participantes fueron mujeres, con lo que se pretendió explorar la participación de éstas en la administración de empresas, tema que no se había estudiado hasta el momento. Entre las recomendaciones, se insta a todos los que ostentan el poder decisional, a reconocer la importancia de la diversidad de las minorías étnicas en los negocios.
Pelayanan Pastoral Dengan Aspek-Aspeknya di Gereja Bethel Indonesia Jemaat Sungai Yordan Surabaya
Authors: Pranoto Fatony , Eliawaty Ivonne , Permana Surja
Published: April 2019

Pastoral service is a spiritual service and should not be ignored in the pastoral ministry. At GBI the Jordan River Surabaya has provided several models of material services: Money / goods to help congregations in need; Spiritually: introducing people to Jesus Christ and to life in the Holy Spirit or led by the Spirit, new born life becomes a new creation (not only identity / without repentance; Healing: making others healthy, both physical, mental and emotional as well as; Prophetic: changing the way of human life in the structure of society. Improve people’s way of life (especially in rural areas).
Mindfulness en la Psicosis: Un Estudio Piloto
Authors: Miró María Teresa , Arceo Joaquín , Ibáñez Ignacio
Published: April 2019

Se presenta la visión fenomenológica de la psicosis así como sus implicaciones culturales. También se abordan las modificaciones convenientes en la práctica de mindfulness a la hora de utilizarla como una herramienta terapéutica y segura en el tratamiento psicológico de los pacientes psicóticos. Por último, se presentan datos sobre la viabilidad y eficacia de este planteamiento en el marco de un estudio piloto llevado a cabo en un centro público de rehabilitación/ recuperación psicosocial.
Reproductive Biology of Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton)
Authors: Drummond Frank
Published: April 2019

Wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton, is a native forest understory plant that is managed as a fruit crop. Over the past 51 years, experiments have been conducted to investigate its reproduction. A model was developed that predicts bloom to begin at 100° days (base 4.4 °C) after 1 April and to end at 500° days for a period of three to four weeks. Flower stigmas are only receptive to pollen deposition for eight to 10 days, and the rate of fruit set declines rapidly after four days. Placement of pollen upon receptive stigmas suggests that fruit set occurs with as little as a single pollen tetrad. Twelve tetrads result in 50% fruit set. Several years of exploratory fruit set field experiments show viable seeds per berry, which result from pollination with compatible genotype pollen, is associated with larger berry mass (g). Decomposition of the total variance in fruit set shows that stem variation explains 65% to 79% of total variance in the fruit set. To a lesser extent, the field, year, and clone also explain the percent fruit set variation. Variation between stems may be due to variation in the number of flowers. Fruit set tends to decrease as the flower density increases, possibly due to the limitation of pollinators.
Water-Saving Irrigation Strategies in Potato Fields: Effects on Physiological Characteristics and Water Use in Arid Region
Authors: Zin El-Abedin Tarek K. , Mattar Mohamed A. , Al-Ghobari Hussein M. , Alazba Abdulrahman A.
Published: April 2019

In this study, field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of two water-saving practices—partial root-zone drying (PRD) and deficit irrigation (DI)—on potato growth and yield in comparison with full irrigation (FI). The required FI amount was applied to the potato plants to enable 100% crop evapotranspiration, and the plants received 70% and 50% of the irrigation amount of FI for DI (DI70 and DI50) and PRD (PRD70 and PRD50), respectively. The physiological characteristics of the potatoes during the 2014–2015 seasons indicated that the relative chlorophyll contents were not significantly higher for the DI and PRD treatments than for the FI treatment. The DI50 had the lowest net photosynthesis rate (p < 0.05) while DI50 and PRD50 had significantly lower stomatal conductance (gs) values in both years. Meanwhile, the values of the PRD treatments were lower than those of DI treatments based on the transpiration rates. The xylem (abscisic acid) based on PRD50 had an average increase of 0.38 mol/m2 s due to decreasing gs values compared with other water-saving irrigation treatments. However, the FI and DI treatments had increased fresh tuber yields compared with the yields of PRD treatments. Furthermore, the PRD70 and PRD50 treatments significantly reduced the water productivity (WP) values by 30.16% and 41.32%, respectively, relative to that of FI.
Antifungal Activity in Compounds from the Australian Desert Plant Eremophila alternifolia with Potency Against Cryptococcus spp.
Authors: Hossain Mohammed A. , Biva Israt J. , Kidd Sarah E. , Whittle Jason D. , Griesser Hans J. , Coad Bryan R.
Published: April 2019

Plant metabolites that have shown activity against bacteria and/or environmental fungi represent valuable leads for the identification and development of novel drugs against clinically important human pathogenic fungi. Plants from the genus Eremophila were highly valued in traditional Australian Aboriginal medicinal practices, and E. alternifolia was the most prized among them. As antibacterial activity of extracts from E. alternifolia has been documented, this study addresses the question whether there is also activity against infectious fungal human pathogens. Compounds from leaf-extracts were purified and identified by 1- and 2-D NMR. These were then tested by disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays against ten clinically and environmentally relevant yeast and mould species. The most potent activity was observed with the diterpene compound, 8,19-dihydroxyserrulat-14-ene against Cryptococcus gattii and Cryptococcus neoformans, with minimum inhibition concentrations (MIC) comparable to those of Amphotericin B. This compound also exhibited activity against six Candida species. Combined with previous studies showing an antibacterial effect, this finding could explain a broad antimicrobial effect from Eremophila extracts in their traditional medicinal usage. The discovery of potent antifungal compounds from Eremophila extracts is a promising development in the search for desperately needed antifungal compounds particularly for Cryptococcus infections.
Exhausted Woods from Tannin Extraction as an Unexplored Waste Biomass: Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Pollutant Adsorption Properties and Activating Effects of Hydrolytic Treatments
Authors: Panzella Lucia , Moccia Federica , Toscanesi Maria , Trifuoggi Marco , Giovando Samuele , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: April 2019

Exhausted woods represent a byproduct of tannin industrial production processes and their possible exploitation as a source of antioxidant compounds has remained virtually unexplored. We herein report the characterization of the antioxidant and other properties of practical interest of exhausted chestnut wood and quebracho wood, together with those of a chestnut wood fiber, produced from steamed exhausted chestnut wood. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays indicated good antioxidant properties for all the materials investigated, with exhausted chestnut wood, and, even more, chestnut wood fiber exhibiting the highest activity. High efficiency was observed also in the superoxide scavenging assay. An increase of the antioxidant potency was observed for both exhausted woods and chestnut wood fiber following activation by hydrolytic treatment, with an up to three-fold lowering of the EC50 values in the DPPH assay. On the other hand, exhausted quebracho wood was particularly effective as a nitrogen oxides (NOx) scavenger. The three materials proved able to adsorb methylene blue chosen as a model of organic pollutant and to remove highly toxic heavy metal ions like cadmium from aqueous solutions, with increase of the activity following the hydrolytic activation. These results open new perspectives toward the exploitation of exhausted woods as antioxidants, e.g., for active packaging, or as components of filtering membranes for remediation of polluted waters.
CFD-Based Comparison Study of a New Flow Diverting Stent and Commercially-Available Ones for the Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Catalán-Echeverría Borja , Kelly Michael E. , Peeling Lissa , Bergstrom Donald , Chen Xiongbiao , Malvè Mauro
Published: April 2019

Flow-diverting stents (FDSs) show considerable promise for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms by diverting blood flow away from the aneurysmal sacs, however, post-treatment complications such as failure of occlusion and subarachnoid haemorrhaging remain and vary with the FDS used. Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this study aimed to investigate the performance of a new biodegradable stent as compared to two metallic commercially available FDSs. CFD models were developed for an idealized cerebral artery with a sidewall aneurysmal sac treated by deploying the aforementioned stents of different porosities (90, 80, and 70 % ) respectively. By using these models, the simulation and analysis were performed, with a focus on comparing the local hemodynamics or the blood flow in the stented arteries as compared to the one without the stent deployment. For the comparison, we computed and compared the flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS) and pressure distributions, as well as the WSS related indices, all of which are of important parameters for studying the occlusion and potential rupture of the aneurysm. Our results illustrate that the WSS decreases within the aneurysmal sac on the treated arteries, which is more significant for the stents with lower porosity or finer mesh. Our results also show that the maximum WSS near the aneurysmal neck increases regardless of the stents used. In addition, the WSS related indices including the time-average WSS, oscillatory shear index and relative residence time show different distributions, depending on the FDSs. Together, we found that the finer mesh stents provide more flow reduction and smaller region characterized by high oscillatory shear index, while the new stent has a higher relative residence time.
Optimal Configuration of Integrated Energy System Based on Energy-Conversion Interface
Authors: Yu Zicong , Yang Xiaohua , Zhang Lu , Zhu Yongqiang , Xia Ruihua , Zhao Na
Published: April 2019

Aiming at the optimal configuration of a regional integrated energy system (IES), this paper proposes an energy-conversion interface (ECI) model that simplifies the complex multienergy network into a multi-input–multioutput dual-port network, consequently achieving the energy-coupling relationship between the energy-supply side and the demand side. An optimized configuration model of the ECI was constructed by considering economic performance, such as device-installation cost, operation and maintenance cost, and environmental cost, as well as energy-saving performance, such as energy-utilization efficiency. Then, the ECI optimal-configuration model was established by taking a campus in northern China as an example. To verify the validity of the model, device planning quantity and daily energy scheduling of the integrated energy system of the campus were obtained by solving the model with the particle-swarm optimization method. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the system to energy prices and the reweight approach for the targets are also given in this paper, providing a decision-making basis for system planning.
Real-Time Prediction of Fuel Consumption Based on Digital Map API
Authors: Zhao Qi , Chen Qi , Wang Li
Published: April 2019

At present, digital maps can estimate the travel time of each trip’s route but cannot offer a fuel consumption estimation at the same time. In this paper, we develop a fuel consumption model based on the Vehicle Specific Power (VSP) distribution, which can connect the traffic condition prediction with the fuel consumption model to predict fuel consumption. First, the traffic condition forecasting and the trip time of each route can be obtained through the digital map Application Programming Interface (API). Secondly, the users need to provide the engine displacement of their vehicles to match the fuel consumption model. Then, the fuel consumption prediction application based on Android is developed to forecast the fuel consumption by using traffic prediction data. Finally, the fuel consumption provided by the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) data is used to verify the proposed application, and the forecasting error is less than 20%.
MgO Dispersed on Activated Carbon as Water Tolerant Catalyst for the Conversion of Ethanol into Butanol
Authors: Cimino Stefano , Apuzzo Jessica , Lisi Luciana
Published: April 2019

MgO supported on activated carbon (AC) with a load ranging from 10% to 30% has been investigated as catalyst for the conversion of ethanol into butanol at 400 °C in a fixed bed reactor at different GHSV. Catalysts have been characterized by XRD, SEM/EDX, and N2 physisorption at 77 K. The high dispersion of MgO into the pores of the support provides strongly enhanced performance with respect to bulk MgO. MgO/AC catalysts have been also tested under wet feed conditions showing high water tolerance and significantly larger butanol yield with respect to an alumina supported Ru/MgO catalyst. After wet operation, the increased surface area of the catalyst leads to better performance once dry feed conditions are restored.
Shear Capacity of Textile-Reinforced Concrete Slabs without Shear Reinforcement
Authors: Bielak Jan , Adam Viviane , Hegger Josef , Classen Martin
Published: April 2019

A reliable and economic utilization of textile-reinforced concrete in construction requires appropriate design concepts. Unlike designs for bending, the development of models for shear is still the subject of current research. Especially for thin slabs, systematic experimental investigations are lacking. In this paper, the results of an experimental campaign on 27 carbon-textile reinforced slab segments tested in three-point bending are presented. The shear-span to depth ratio and member size were key variation parameters in this study. Increasing the structural depth of members led to a reduction in relative shear strength, while variation of shear slenderness controlled the efficiency of direct stress fields between load introduction and support. Interestingly, direct load transfer was activated up to a shear slenderness ratio of 4, which is significantly higher than in reinforced concrete (a/d < 2.5–3) and may result from the bond characteristics of the textile reinforcement. The experimental shear strengths were compared to predictions from existing models for shear of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-reinforced concrete. The study shows that these FRP calculation models also predict the ultimate shear force for textile-reinforced concrete (TRC) tests presented in this paper with sufficient accuracy. Existing approaches for the size effect seem transferable as well. In order to validate the models for general use in TRC shear design, a compilation and comparison with larger experimental databases is required in future works.
Observations of X-rays from Laboratory Sparks in Air at Atmospheric Pressure under Negative Switching Impulse Voltages
Authors: Rahman Mahbubur , Hettiarachchi Pasan , Cooray Vernon , Dwyer Joseph , Rakov Vladimir , Rassoul Hamid K.
Published: April 2019

We present observations of X-rays from laboratory sparks created in the air at atmospheric pressure by applying an impulse voltage with long (250 µs) rise-time. X-ray production in 35 and 46 cm gaps for three different electrode configurations was studied. The results demonstrate, for the first time, the production of X-rays in gaps subjected to switching impulses. The low rate of rise of the voltage in switching impulses does not significantly reduce the production of X-rays. Additionally, the timing of the X-ray occurrence suggests the possibility that the mechanism of X-ray production by sparks is related to the collision of streamers of opposite polarity.
The Role of Vacuum Fluctuations and Symmetry in the Hydrogen Atom in Quantum Mechanics and Stochastic Electrodynamics
Authors: Maclay G. Jordan
Published: April 2019

Stochastic Electrodynamics (SED) has had success modeling black body radiation, the harmonic oscillator, the Casimir effect, van der Waals forces, diamagnetism, and uniform acceleration of electrodynamic systems using the stochastic zero-point fluctuations of the electromagnetic field with classical mechanics. However the hydrogen atom, with its 1/r potential remains a critical challenge. Numerical calculations have shown that the SED field prevents the electron orbit from collapsing into the proton, but, eventually the atom becames ionized. We look at the issues of the H atom and SED from the perspective of symmetry of the quantum mechanical Hamiltonian, used to obtain the quantum mechanical results, and the Abraham-Lorentz equation, which is a force equation that includes the effects of radiation reaction, and is used to obtain the SED simulations. We contrast the physical computed effects of the quantized electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations with the role of the real stochastic electromagnetic field.
Innovative Incremental Capacity Analysis Implementation for C/LiFePO4 Cell State-of-Health Estimation in Electrical Vehicles
Authors: Riviere Elie , Sari Ali , Venet Pascal , Meniere Frédéric , Bultel Yann
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a fully embedded state of health (SoH) estimator for widely used C/LiFePO4 batteries. The SoH estimation study was intended for applications in electric vehicles (EV). C/LiFePO4 cells were aged using pure electric vehicle cycles and were monitored with an automotive battery management system (BMS). An online capacity estimator based on incremental capacity analysis (ICA) is developed. The proposed estimator is robust to depth of discharge (DoD), charging current and temperature variations to satisfy real vehicle requirements. Finally, the SoH estimator tuned on C/LiFePO4 cells from one manufacturer was tested on C/LiFePO4 cells from another LFP (lithium iron phosphate) manufacturer.
Coffee Drinking and Emotions: Are There Key Sensory Drivers for Emotions?
Authors: Bhumiratana Natnicha , Wolf Mona , Chambers IV Edgar , Adhikari Koushik
Published: April 2019

In the past couple of decades the coffee market has exploded, and to remain competitive, it is important to identify the key drivers for consumer acceptance of coffee. This study expanded on the previous emotion study on a population of coffee drinkers in Manhattan, Kansas, USA and focused on identifying the sensory drivers of emotional responses elicited during the coffee drinking experience (CDE). A trained coffee panel performed a descriptive analysis of six coffee samples and identified the key sensory attributes that discriminated each coffee. Utilizing Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR), the descriptive data were then mapped with the emotion data to identify sensory drivers for eliciting the emotional responses. The sensory characteristics of dark roast coffee (roast–aroma and flavor, burnt–aroma and flavor, bitter, and body) might elicit positive-high energy feelings for this population of coffee users. Tobacco (flavor) and cocoa (aroma) may also be responsible for positive emotions (content, good, and pleasant). Citrus and acidity seemed to be negative sensory drivers as they induced the feeling of off-balance. Sensory descriptive data could be useful to describe emotion profiles elicited by coffee drinking, which could help the coffee industry create coffee products for different segments of coffee drinkers.
The Effect of Juicing Methods on the Phytochemical and Antioxidant Characteristics of the Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica)—Preliminary Findings on Juice and Pomace
Authors: Gouws Caroline A. , Georgouopoulou Ekavi , Mellor Duane D. , Naumovski Nenad
Published: April 2019

Prickly Pear (PP) is often overlooked due to its’ short shelf-life. Juicing may improve marketability but often affects quality, thereby warranting investigation. Purple PP (whole (WF) and flesh (FF)) was juiced using blenders; stick (SB) and jug (JB); and juicers; commercial (CJ) and cold-pressed (CP). Juices and methanolic (70%) pomace extracts were analysed for; bioactives; Total Phenolic (TPC; µgGAE/mL), Flavonoid (TFC; µgCE/mL) and Betalain Content (TBC; mg/100 g; Betacyanin; BE; Betaxanthin; IE); and antioxidant characteristics; DPPH, FRAP (µMTE) and vitamin C (mgAAE/mL). Juicing techniques had effects on phytochemicals in; juice: TPC (WF/FF; p = 0.022–0.025), TFC (FF; p = 0.034), Betacyanin (WF/FF; p = 0.029–0.026), FRAP (WF/FF; p = 0.016–0.024) and Vitamin C (WF/FF; p = 0.015–0.016); and pomace: TPC (WF/FF; p = 0.015), TBC (FF; p = 0.034), Betacyanin (FF; p = 0.047), Betaxanthin (FF; p = 0.017), DPPH (WF/FF; p = 0.016–0.024), FRAP (WF/FF; p = 0.015–0.023) and Vitamin C (WF/FF; p = 0.016–0.022). Processing-style (blend/juice) affected; TPC, DPPH and FRAP in juice and pomace. Overall, fruit-preparation (WF/FF) had minimal effects. Additionally, correlations existed between; juice TFC and TBC (p = 0.001; τ = −0.044); TBC and vitamin C (p = 0.001; τ = −0.637); pomace TPC and DPPH (p = 0.003; τ = 0.440), TPC and vitamin C (p = 0.011; τ = 0.440); and TFC and FRAP (p = 0.001; τ = 0.519). The best methods overall for juice were SB (FRAP), JB (TPC, TBC), CJ (TFC) and CP (DPPH, VitC); and for pomace extracts; SB(FRAP), JB (TPC, VitC), CJ(TFC), and CP (TBC, DPPH).
Cytotoxicity of Extracts from New Zealand Surf Clams Against Organ Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Odeleye Tinu , White William Lindsey , Lu Jun
Published: April 2019

In this study, we examined the cytotoxic effects of four fractions from three species of New Zealand (NZ) surf clam on four common organ cancer cells. In most cases, a dose- and time-dependent inhibition on the proliferation of the cancer cells was observed. This was most significant in WiDr (colon) cells, where the percentages of viability reduced to as low as 6%, 5%, and 17% (at 1000 µg 72 h) by extracts from Diamond shell, Storm shell, and Tua tua species, respectively. A549 (lung) cells were the least susceptible to the treatment, with viability percentages at 82%, 15%, and 45%, under the same conditions. Induction of caspase-dependent apoptosis and alterations to the cell cycle further supported the observed morphological analysis. The ethanol, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate fractions of NZ surf clam, rich in lipids and proteins, were more potent than their water-based counterpart. This is the first demonstration where extracts from NZ surf clams show the ability to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cell lines. We suggest that NZ surf clam extracts have the potential to be further studied and developed as candidates for cancer supplementary management/treatment.
A Novel Toolkit for Characterizing the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Engineered Neural Tissues
Authors: Robinson Meghan , Valente Karolina Papera , Willerth Stephanie M.
Published: April 2019

We have designed and validated a set of robust and non-toxic protocols for directly evaluating the properties of engineered neural tissue. These protocols characterize the mechanical properties of engineered neural tissues and measure their electrophysical activity. The protocols obtain elastic moduli of very soft fibrin hydrogel scaffolds and voltage readings from motor neuron cultures. Neurons require soft substrates to differentiate and mature, however measuring the elastic moduli of soft substrates remains difficult to accurately measure using standard protocols such as atomic force microscopy or shear rheology. Here we validate a direct method for acquiring elastic modulus of fibrin using a modified Hertz model for thin films. In this method, spherical indenters are positioned on top of the fibrin samples, generating an indentation depth that is then correlated with elastic modulus. Neurons function by transmitting electrical signals to one another and being able to assess the development of electrical signaling serves is an important verification step when engineering neural tissues. We then validated a protocol wherein the electrical activity of motor neural cultures is measured directly by a voltage sensitive dye and a microplate reader without causing damage to the cells. These protocols provide a non-destructive method for characterizing the mechanical and electrical properties of living spinal cord tissues using novel biosensing methods.
RKKY Interaction in Graphene at Finite Temperature
Authors: Kogan Eugene
Published: April 2019

In our publication from eight years ago (Kogan, E. 2011, vol. 84, p. 115119), we calculated Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction between two magnetic impurities adsorbed on graphene at zero temperature. We show in this short paper that the approach based on Matsubara formalism and perturbation theory for the thermodynamic potential in the imaginary time and coordinate representation which was used then, can be easily generalized, and calculate RKKY interaction between the magnetic impurities at finite temperature.
Influence of the Incorporation of Basic or Amphoteric Oxides on the Performance of Cu-Based Catalysts Supported on Sepiolite in Furfural Hydrogenation
Authors: Guerrero-Torres Antonio , Jiménez-Gómez Carmen P. , Cecilia Juan A. , García-Sancho Cristina , Quirante-Sánchez José J. , Mérida-Robles Josefa M. , Maireles-Torres Pedro
Published: April 2019

Cu-based catalysts supported on sepiolite have been tested in vapor-phase hydrogenation of furfural. The incorporation of basic or amphoteric metal oxides (magnesium oxide, zinc oxide, or cerium oxide) improves the catalytic behavior, reaching a maximum furfural conversion above 80% after 5 h of reaction at 210 °C. In all cases, the main product is furfuryl alcohol, obtaining 2-methylfuran in lower proportions. The incorporation of these metal oxide species ameliorates the dispersion of metallic Cu nanoparticles, increasing the number of available Cu0-sites, which enhances the catalytic performance. The presence of acid sites favors the hydrogenolysis of furfuryl alcohol towards 2-methylfuran, although it also causes an increase of carbon species on its surface, which is associated with the catalytic deactivation of the catalyst along the time-on-stream.
Production of 1,3-Propanediol from Pure and Crude Glycerol Using Immobilized Clostridium butyricum
Authors: Dolejš Igor , Líšková Monika , Krasňan Vladimír , Markošová Kristína , Rosenberg Michal , Lorenzini Fabio , Marr Andrew C. , Rebroš Martin
Published: April 2019

The present study describes the production of the value-added chemical 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) from crude glycerol, a waste by-product formed during biodiesel production. The efficiency, robustness, and stability of the process were improved by immobilization of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium butyricum into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. The highest average productivity, 6.8 ± 0.2 g/(L·h), was achieved in 10 consecutive, repeated batch fermentations, with an initial concentration of pure glycerol 45.5 ± 0.7 g/L, after 2.5 h. The highest final concentration and yield of 1,3-PD, 28.3 ± 0.6 g/L, and 0.42 ± 0.01 g/g, respectively, were achieved in eleven repeated batch fermentations, after increasing the initial pure glycerol concentration to 70.4 ± 1.9 g/L. Two different types of crude glycerol, produced from used cooking oil (UCO) and rapeseed oil (RO), were tested in repeated batch fermentations, with an average productivity achieved of 2.3 ± 0.1 and 3.5 ± 0.3 g/(L·h), respectively. The highest final concentration and yield of 1,3-PD, 12.6 ± 0.9 g/L, and 0.35 ± 0.02 g/g, respectively, were observed in fifteen repeated batch fermentations with RO crude glycerol. An excellent stability of the immobilized anaerobic bacteria and increase of productivity in fermentation of crude glycerol was demonstrated.
CD44 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Docetaxel-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells Likely via Induction of Hippo-Yap Signaling
Authors: Lai Chih-Jen , Lin Ching-Yu , Liao Wen-Ying , Hour Tzyh-Chyuan , Wang Horng-Dar , Chuu Chih-Pin
Published: April 2019

Patients receiving docetaxel developed a drug resistance within a few months. We generated docetaxel-resistant PC/DX25 and DU/DX50 CRPC cells from PC-3 and DU-145 PCa cells, respectively. We investigated the mechanism behind why PC/DX25 and DU/DX50 cells exhibited higher migration and invasion ability. Transwell assays were used to measure the migration and invasion of PCa cell. Fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis was used to determine the population of cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cell. Micro-Western Array (MWA) was used to study the changes of the protein profile. FACS analysis revealed that PC/DX25 cells and DU/DX50 cells contain higher CD44+ population. MWA and Western blotting assay revealed that protein expression of CD44, YAP, CYR61, CTGF, phospho-ERK1/2 T202/Y204, ERK and vimentin was elevated in PC/DX25 cells. Knockdown of CD44 or YAP suppressed migration and invasion of PC/DX25 and DU/DX50 cells. Knockdown of CD44 decreased expression of YAP, CTGF and CYR61 but increased phosphorylation of S127 on YAP. CD44 knockdown also suppressed protein level of AKT, phospho-AKT T308, phospho-ERK1/2 T202/Y204 and vimentin. CD44 promotes migration and invasion of docetaxel-resistant PCa cells probably via induction of Hippo-Yap signaling pathway and CD44/YAP pathway may be a therapeutic target for docetaxel-resistant PCa.
Deubiquitinase DUB3 Regulates Cell Cycle Progression via Stabilizing Cyclin A for Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Hu Bin , Deng Tanggang , Ma Hongchang , Liu Yan , Feng Peifu , Wei Dong , Ling Neng , Li Ling , Qiu Siyuan , Zhang Lin , Peng Bo , Liu Jing , Ye Mao
Published: April 2019

The deubiquitinase DUB3 is frequently overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and contributes to its malignant phenotype. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of DUB3 in NSCLC is largely unknown. In this study, we report that DUB3 regulates cell cycle progression by deubiquitinating cyclin A that links to proliferation of NSCLC cells. We found that knockdown of DUB3 decreases cyclin A levels, whereas overexpression of DUB3 strongly increases cyclin A levels. Mechanistically, DUB3 interacts with cyclin A, which removes the polyubiquitin chains conjugated onto cyclin A and stabilizes the cyclin A protein. Furthermore, we demonstrate that DUB3 regulates cell cycle progression by stabilizing cyclin A, because ablation of DUB3 arrests cell cycle from G0/G1 to S phase and the resulting effect can be rescued by introducing cyclin A into NSCLC cells. Functionally, we found that the effect of DUB3 on cyclin A mediates proliferation of NSCLC cells. Moreover, a significant correlation between DUB3 abundance and cyclin A expression levels were also found in NSCLC samples. Taken together, these results reveal that DUB3 functions as a novel cyclin A regulator through maintaining cyclin A stability, and that the DUB3-cyclin A signaling axis plays a critical role in cell cycle progression for proliferation of NSCLC.
Studying Heterotypic Cell–Cell Interactions in the Human Brain Using Pluripotent Stem Cell Models for Neurodegeneration
Authors: Song Liqing , Yan Yuanwei , Marzano Mark , Li Yan
Published: April 2019

Human cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide novel tools for recapitulating the cytoarchitecture of the human brain and for studying biological mechanisms of neurological disorders. However, the heterotypic interactions of neurovascular units, composed of neurons, pericytes (i.e., the tissue resident mesenchymal stromal cells), astrocytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells, in brain-like tissues are less investigated. In addition, most cortical organoids lack a microglia component, the resident immune cells in the brain. Impairment of the blood-brain barrier caused by improper crosstalk between neural cells and vascular cells is associated with many neurodegenerative disorders. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with a phenotype overlapping with pericytes, have promotion effects on neurogenesis and angiogenesis, which are mainly attributed to secreted growth factors and extracellular matrices. As the innate macrophages of the central nervous system, microglia regulate neuronal activities and promote neuronal differentiation by secreting neurotrophic factors and pro-/anti-inflammatory molecules. Neuronal-microglia interactions mediated by chemokines signaling can be modulated in vitro for recapitulating microglial activities during neurodegenerative disease progression. In this review, we discussed the cellular interactions and the physiological roles of neural cells with other cell types including endothelial cells and microglia based on iPSC models. The therapeutic roles of MSCs in treating neural degeneration and pathological roles of microglia in neurodegenerative disease progression were also discussed.
The Copper(II)-Assisted Connection between NGF and BDNF by Means of Nerve Growth Factor-Mimicking Short Peptides
Authors: Naletova Irina , Satriano Cristina , Pietropaolo Adriana , Gianì Fiorenza , Pandini Giuseppe , Triaca Viviana , Amadoro Giuseppina , Latina Valentina , Calissano Pietro , Travaglia Alessio , Nicoletti Vincenzo Giuseppe , La Mendola Diego , Rizzarelli Enrico
Published: April 2019

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a protein necessary for development and maintenance of the sympathetic and sensory nervous systems. We have previously shown that the NGF N-terminus peptide NGF(1-14) is sufficient to activate TrkA signaling pathways essential for neuronal survival and to induce an increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. Cu2+ ions played a critical role in the modulation of the biological activity of NGF(1-14). Using computational, spectroscopic, and biochemical techniques, here we report on the ability of a newly synthesized peptide named d-NGF(1-15), which is the dimeric form of NGF(1-14), to interact with TrkA. We found that d-NGF(1-15) interacts with the TrkA-D5 domain and induces the activation of its signaling pathways. Copper binding to d-NGF(1-15) stabilizes the secondary structure of the peptides, suggesting a strengthening of the noncovalent interactions that allow for the molecular recognition of D5 domain of TrkA and the activation of the signaling pathways. Intriguingly, the signaling cascade induced by the NGF peptides ultimately involves cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) activation and an increase in BDNF protein level, in keeping with our previous result showing an increase of BDNF mRNA. All these promising connections can pave the way for developing interesting novel drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.
Surface Functionalization of Cotton Fabric with Fluorescent Dendrimers, Spectral Characterization, Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Grabchev Ivo , Staneva Desislava , Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Alexandrova Radostina
Published: April 2019

Poly(propylenimine) dendrimers from first and third generations modified with 1,8-naphthalimide units and their Zn(II) complexes have been investigated by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. These dendrimers have been deposited on a cotton cloth by the extraction method, producing yellow-colored textile materials. They have been characterized by defining their color coordinates L*a*b*, XYZ and xy. The antimicrobial activity of dendrimers has been investigated in vitro against model gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. Being deposited onto the surface of cotton fabric, the studied dendrimers reduced bacterial growth and prevented the formation of bacterial biofilm. Anticancer and cytotoxicity activities have also been performed against HeLa and Lep-3 human tumor cell lines as model systems.
Use of Telemedicine to Improve Neonatal Resuscitation
Authors: Donohue Lee T. , Hoffman Kristin R. , Marcin James P.
Published: April 2019

Most newborn infants do well at birth; however, some require immediate attention by a team with advanced resuscitation skills. Providers at rural or community hospitals do not have as much opportunity for practice of their resuscitation skills as providers at larger centers and are, therefore, often unable to provide the high level of care needed in an emergency. Education through telemedicine can bring additional training opportunities to these rural sites in a low-resource model in order to better prepare them for advanced neonatal resuscitation. Telemedicine also offers the opportunity to immediately bring a more experienced team to newborns to provide support or even lead the resuscitation. Telemedicine can also be used to train and assist in the performance of emergent procedures occasionally required during a neonatal resuscitation including airway management, needle thoracentesis, and umbilical line placement. Telemedicine can provide unique opportunities to significantly increase the quality of neonatal resuscitation and stabilization in rural or community hospitals.
Information for Adaptation and Response to Flooding, Multi-Stakeholder Perspectives in Nigeria
Authors: Lamond Jessica , Adekola Olalekan , Adelekan Ibidun , Eze Bassey , Ujoh Fanan
Published: April 2019

Provision of data and information for disaster risk reduction is increasingly important to enable resilience. However, the focus of provision in many African countries is limited to national scale risk assessment and meteorological data. The research aimed to consider the perspectives on availability and access to information of different local urban actors that require reliable and specific information to make informed decisions. The research used workshop discussions and questionnaires to collect views from stakeholders in flood risk management in Nigerian cities about their current access to information and requirements. The results confirmed that stakeholders and communities agree in recognising the importance of climate information. Findings identified issues surrounding communication between agencies, government and technical experts. The role of the media and business in filling the vacuum left by state provision of information was further highlighted, demonstrating the potential for Private Public Partnerships in supporting adaptation and response to flooding. However, significant differences in access between sub-groups were also revealed such that some marginalised groups may be excluded from information. It follows that climate services, data and information provision need to be collaboratively designed in order to be more inclusive, meet user requirements and build community capacity.
Climate Change and Migration for Scandinavian Saami: A Review of Possible Impacts
Authors: Kelman Ilan , Næss Marius
Published: April 2019

Migration, especially of indigenous peoples, related to or influenced by climate change continues to gain increasing research and policy attention. Limited material remains for this topic for Scandinavia’s indigenous people, the Saami. This paper contributes to filling this gap by providing a review for the Scandinavian Saami of the possible impacts of climate change on migration. Environmental influences, social influences, and a synthesis through livelihoods impacts, including for reindeer herding, is provided, followed by a discussion of Saami responses to climate change and migration mainly through a governance analysis. Overall, climate change’s impacts on the Saami do not necessarily entail abandoning their traditions, livelihoods, or homes. Instead, the most significant impact is likely to be migrants moving into the Arctic to pursue resource opportunities. Working collaboratively with the Saami, policies and practices are needed to ensure that indigenous interests are respected and that indigenous needs are met.
Retention Forestry Supports Bird Diversity in Managed, Temperate Hardwood Floodplain Forests
Authors: Machar Ivo , Schlossarek Martin , Pechanec Vilem , Uradnicek Lubos , Praus Ludek , Sıvacıoğlu Ahmet
Published: April 2019

The retention forestry approach is considered as one of the potentially effective tools for sustainable forest management for conservation of biodiversity in managed temperate and boreal forests. Retention of old-growth forest structures (e.g., very large old living trees) in forest stands during clear-cutting provides maintenance of key habitats for many old-growth forest interior-species. Most of ecological studies on green tree retention (GTR) consequences for biodiversity have been focused on birds. However, the long-term studies of GTR impacts on forest birds are very poor. In this paper, we focused on assessment of the long-term consequences of leaving legacy oak trees on the cut areas for bird diversity 18–22 years after clear-cutting in managed temperate European hardwood floodplain forests. Results based on bird counting using mapping of bird nesting territories revealed a key importance of legacy oak trees for maintaining bird diversity in the study area. These results are widely applicable for managed temperate hardwood forests with serious dominance of oak (Quercus sp.) in forest stands. Legacy oak trees in this habitat type are keystone structures for bird diversity. Retention approach focused on these trees is potentially an important conservation tool for preserving forest bird diversity and other associated species in temperate hardwood forests managed by clear-cutting.
A Nonlinear Coupled-Mode Model for Waves Propagating in Vertically Sheared Currents in Variable Bathymetry—Collinear Waves and Currents
Authors: Belibassakis Kostas , Touboul Julien
Published: April 2019

A novel coupled-mode model is developed for the wave–current–seabed interaction problem, with application in wave scattering by non-homogeneous, sheared currents over general bottom topography. The formulation is based on a velocity representation defined by a series of local vertical modes containing the propagating and evanescent modes, able to accurately treat the continuity condition and the bottom boundary condition on sloping parts of the seabed. Using the above representation in Euler equations, a coupled system of differential equations on the horizontal plane is derived, with respect to the unknown horizontal velocity modal amplitudes. In the case of small-amplitude waves, a linearized version of the above coupled-mode system is obtained, and the dispersion characteristics are studied for various interesting cases of wave–seabed–current interaction. Keeping only the propagating mode in the vertical expansion of the wave potential, the present system is reduced to a one-equation, non-linear model, generalizing Boussinesq models. The analytical structure of the present coupled-mode system facilitates extensions to treat non-linear effects and further applications concerning wave scattering by inhomogeneous currents in coastal regions with general 3D bottom topography.