bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Based Study of Relationship Between Motivation for Reading and Motivation for Learning in University Students
Authors: Shah Asghar Ali , Shah Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2019

The study investigated the relationship between motivation for learning and motivation for reading among university students. A convenient sample of N=300 male and female students was drawn from Punjab University Lahore, Pakistan with age range of 18 to 23 years. Two questionnaires, Motivation for Reading and Motivated strategies for learning were administered on the sample. Results indicates that female students were significantly higher on both, motivation for learning and motivation for reading as compared to male students. Correlational analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between motivation for learning and motivation for reading. Finally, linear regression analysis revealed that reading motivation is a significantly predictor of learning motivation.
Modelo predictivo para la calificación de riesgo de la COAC Jardín Azuayo mediante Lógica Difusa
Authors: Méndez Juan , Luna Kleber , Erazo Juan
Published: May 2019

La presente investigación propone un modelo de predicción de datos para la calificación de riesgo en cualquier sector, siendo aplicado a la Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito (COAC) Jardín Azuayo de la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador, las entidades financieras están sujetas a demostrar su sostenibilidad en el tiempo, por ello el problema del estudio denota que la estructura tradicional de calificación de riesgo no permite a estas entidades tener un enfoque estimado de predicción, por lo que las decisiones no se toman en el momento crítico para adoptar estrategias de cambio oportuno. El objetivo de la investigación es aplicar herramientas de avanzada que ofrece la lógica difusa como la teoría de distancias relativas de Hamming y coeficiente de adecuación con ponderación convexa, otorgando confiabilidad en los datos a partir de información ambigüa, partiendo de estructuras estáticas a sistemas dinámicos, acotando la incertidumbre, con el fin de alcanzar el perfil ideal, revelando su sostenibilidad y estructura organizacional solvente a largo plazo. Dentro de la metodología se explica en forma detallada la aplicación de estas herramientas, llegado a tratar de predecir su calificación en el ranking cooperativo de manera oportuna, para que la gerencia enfoque su estimación en los puntos críticos y en las fortalezas de la entidad, ya que en la opción más pesimista se califica como Buena (BBB+) y en la opción más optimista llega a una categorización de Excelente (A+), pero aún necesita concentrar esfuerzos para alcanzar un nivel de calificación ideal y de excelencia financiera.
Creación de un microemprendimiento de gelatinas de café en base a un proyecto de innovación realizado con alumnos de la Carrera de Administración de Empresas de la Universidad Central del Ecuador
Authors: Pérez Fernando
Published: May 2019

Se realiza este microemprendimiento a raíz de un proceso de enseñanza–aprendizaje con alumnos universitarios, durante este proceso se comparte información acerca de los beneficios del café, la gelatina y la elaboración del producto.

El café es un fruto cuyos beneficios llaman mucho la atención de los consumidores, ayuda a mantenerse despierto, es antioxidante, adelgazante, antidepresivo; entre otros beneficios poco conocidos. El consumo de gelatina favorece la digestión, la piel, al aportar al menos 30% de colágeno; y la salud ósea al ser una fuente de calcio, magnesio, fósforo, y otros minerales.

Al realizar consultas en el rango del 2013 al 2018 en Google Académico se encuentra: “gelatina”, cuenta con 91 citaciones, con un promedio de 390 papers relacionados al tema, un índice H de 4 a nivel mundial; “café” con 5787 citaciones, con un promedio de 991 papers relacionados al tema, un índice H de 23 a nivel mundial; sin embargo, al buscar la palabra “Gelticoffe”, no se han encontrado citaciones, tampoco papers relacionados al tema.

En conclusión, con respecto al tema relacionado a la gelatina y el café ya se han realizado investigaciones; aunque en el caso de la combinación de ambos, este es un producto innovador.
The thermo physical, HOMO, LUMO, Vibrational spectroscopy and QSAR study of morphonium formate and acetate Ionic Liquid Salts using computational method
Authors: Kumer Ajoy , Sarker Md. Nuruzzaman , Paul Sunanda
Published: May 2019

Morphine is considered
as the uncountable pain killer drug which is taken by both of mouth or
injection. In this case, morpholinium ILs is the most applicable molecules due
to liquid range so that the thermo-chemical, chemical reactivity and biological
interaction of most expected morphonium formate and acetate ILs is considered
under theoretical study by HyperChem 8.010 computer programming method. Some
thermodynamic parameters such as free energy, entropy, dipole moment, binding
energy, nuclear energy, electronics energy, heat of formation and QSAR
properties of molecules like charge density, surface area grid, volume, LogP,
polarizability, refractivity, molecular mass, and reactivity properties of
molecule like HOMO,  LUMO, HOMO-LUMO,
ionization potential and electron affinity were determined using the HyperChem
8.0.10 programme.  The morphonium formate
is less biological active than morphonium acetate because LogP is 1.19 and
-0.66 respectively. On the other hand, the HOMO LUMO gap in all transition
level almost same that indicate similar chemical reactivity. The binding energy
of both molecules is -3078.01 and -3351.25 kcal/mol respectively. The
vibrational spectroscopy data provides them the identification and
characterization.
Improving Students Pronunciation Using Video Dubbing (A Classroom Action Research for Tenth Grade and Eleventh Grade Students of Vocational High School)
Authors: Pamungkas Firdaus Ditya
Published: May 2019

This research aims to find out the impact of video dubbing on improving studentsâ€™ speaking pronunciation. This research was applied for the tenth grade and eleventh grade of Vocational High School in Madiun city, province of East Java, Indonesia. The subject of the research consisted of 20 students, 14 female students and 6 male students. In collecting the data, researcher used observation to observe the implementation of video dubbing during teaching learning process and used test to find the improvement of studentsâ€™ speaking pronunciation during the implementation of video dubbing. The research was conducted in two cycles, where each cycle consisted of 4 meetings. The research findings showed that the implementation of video dubbing could improve studentsâ€™ speaking pronunciation. It can be concluded that the implementation of video dubbing in learning process has beneficial effect on studentsâ€™ speaking skill, especially in pronunciation.Â Keywords: video dubbing, teaching speaking, pronunciation.
Evlilik Yolu ile Edinilen Kimliklerin Toplumsal Cinsiyet Rollerini Yeniden Üretmeye Etkisi: “Gelin”-“Görümce” Kimliği Örneği - The Effect of the Identities Acquired Through Marriage on Reproducing Gender Roles: The Identity Example Of “Bride” - “Sister-In-Law”
Authors: ATİLA DEMİR Sevim , NAM Dilek
Published: May 2019

Toplumsal ilişkiler, bireylerin sahip oldukları statü ve roller aracılığıyla şekillenir. Bireylerin kimlik edinim sürecine evlilik ilişkisi ve bu ilişki ile edinilen yeni rollerin etkisi büyüktür. Evlilik bağı ile rol ve statülerin işleyişi, eşler arası ilişkiler ile örüldüğü gibi eşlerin ailelerinin etkisi ile de belirginleşmektedir. Geleneksel aile yapısı içerisinde her statünün sahip olduğu bir rol vardır ve bu roller cinsiyet rollerinin hem taşıyıcısı hem de dönüştürücüsüdür. Bu rollerden ikisi olan gelin ve görümce rolleri ile cinsiyet rollerinin yeniden üretilerek aktarıldığı görülür. Bu çalışma “gelin” ve “görümce” rolleri ile bireylerin birbirlerine yönelik algı ve tutumlarını, toplumsal cinsiyet kavramı ile açıklamayı hedeflemektedir. Araştırma söylem analizi yaklaşımı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmaya katılan hem “gelin” hem de “görümce” kimliğine atıf yapan kişilerin birbirlerini, sahip oldukları statü üzerinden nasıl algıladıkları, söylemlerin içerdiği anlamların da ötesinde yatan durumlar, analiz edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırmanın iki boyutu bulunmaktadır. İlk boyutu içerik analizi olarak tanımlanmıştır. İçerik analizinde görüşmecilerin görüşme boyunca kullandıkları ifadeler ve tanımlamalar, konuya göre bir tabloda özetlenmiştir. Daha sonra metnin ötesindeki anlama ulaşma amacıyla eleştirel söylem analizi yaklaşımı uygulanmış, ilgili konu ve tanımlamaların ötesindeki işleyiş ve beklentilere ulaşılmaya çalışılmıştır. Buna göre “gelin”-“görümce” kimlikleri üzerinden rollerin ve sorumlulukların nasıl tanımlandıkları/onlara göre nasıl olması gerektiği ve bu söylemlerin toplumsal ilişkileri, özelde de aile ilişkilerini nasıl belirlediği tartışılmıştır. Çalışmanın kısaca sonuçlarına göre toplumsal ilişkiler ve pratikler değişmiş olsa bile özellikle “gelin” ve “görümce” kimliğine dair beklentiler ve tutumlar aynı ölçüde değişmemiştir. Bu durum özellikle evliliğe dayalı kimliklerin ediniminde cinsiyetçi yaklaşımların çok daha yaygın olduğunu göstermiştir.
Yaralı Erkeklikler: 12 Mart Romanlarında Yalnızlık, Yabancılaşma ve Öfke
Authors: Sayak Bülent
Published: May 2019

Çimen Günay Erkol (2019). Yaralı Erkeklikler: 12 Mart Romanlarında Yalnızlık, Yabancılaşma ve Öfke. Ankara: Ayizi Yayınları. 336 sayfa. ISBN: 9786052277126
The Hepatic Microenvironment and TRAIL-R2 Impact Outgrowth of Liver Metastases in Pancreatic Cancer after Surgical Resection
Authors: Miarka Lauritz , Hauser Charlotte , Helm Ole , Holdhof Dörthe , Beckinger Silje , Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Gundlach Jan-Paul , Lenk Lennart , Rahn Sascha , Mikulits Wolfgang , Trauzold Anna , Sebens Susanne
Published: May 2019

Most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing curative resection relapse within months, often with liver metastases. The hepatic microenvironment determines induction and reversal of dormancy during metastasis. Both tumor growth and metastasis depend on the Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2). This study investigated the interplay of TRAIL-R2 and the hepatic microenvironment in liver metastases formation and the impact of surgical resection. Although TRAIL-R2-knockdown (PancTu-I shTR2) decreased local relapses and number of macroscopic liver metastases after primary tumor resection in an orthotopic PDAC model, the number of micrometastases was increased. Moreover, abdominal surgery induced liver inflammation involving activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into hepatic myofibroblasts (HMFs). In coculture with HSCs, proliferation of PancTu-I shTR2 cells was significantly lower compared to PancTu-I shCtrl cells, an effect still observed after switching coculture from HSC to HMF, mimicking surgery-mediated liver inflammation and enhancing cell proliferation. CXCL-8/IL-8 blockade diminished HSC-mediated growth inhibition in PancTu-I shTR2 cells, while Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) neutralization decreased HMF-mediated proliferation. Overall, this study points to an important role of TRAIL-R2 in PDAC cells in the interplay with the hepatic microenvironment during metastasis. Resection of primary PDAC seems to induce liver inflammation, which might contribute to outgrowth of liver metastases.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles as Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Siveen Kodappully S. , Raza Afsheen , Ahmed Eiman I. , Khan Abdul Q. , Prabhu Kirti S. , Kuttikrishnan Shilpa , Mateo Jericha M. , Zayed Hatem , Rasul Kakil , Azizi Fouad , Dermime Said , Steinhoff Martin , Uddin Shahab
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. A number of factors including modulation of the tumor microenvironment, high metastatic capability, and resistance to treatment have been associated with CRC disease progression. Recent studies have documented that tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a significant role in intercellular communication in CRC via transfer of cargo lipids, proteins, DNA and RNAs to the recipient tumor cells. This transfer influences a number of immune-related pathways leading to activation/differentiation/expression of immune cells and modulation of the tumor microenvironment that plays a significant role in CRC progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Furthermore, tumor-derived EVs are secreted in large amounts in biological fluids of CRC patients and as such the expression analysis of EV cargoes have been associated with prognosis or response to therapy and may be a source of therapeutic targets. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into the role of EVs in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and its effects on CRC progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. On the other hand, the potential role of CRC derived EVs as a source of biomarkers of response and therapeutic targets will be discussed in detail to understand the dynamic role of EVs in CRC diagnosis, treatment, and management.
Assessment of Super-Hydrophobic Textured Coatings on AA6082 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Khaskhoussi Amani , Patane Salvatore , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: May 2019

Superhydrophobicity is one of the most required surface properties for a wide range of application such as self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, oil-water separation, anti-icing, and anti-bioadhesion. Recently, several methods have been developed to produce nature inspired super-hydrophobic surfaces. Nevertheless, these methods require a complicated process and expensive equipment. In order to overcome these issues, we propose three different methods to obtain nature-inspired super-hydrophobic surfaces: short-term treatment with boiling water, HF/HCl and HNO3/HCl concentrated solution etching. Afterwards, a thin layer of octadecylsilane was applied by in situ polymerization on all pre-treated surfaces. Eventually, all substrates were dried for 3 h at 100 °C to complete the silane curing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measuring system and atomic force microscope (AFM) were used to characterize the surfaces. Surface morphology analysis showed that each method results in a specific dual hierarchical nano-/micro-structure. The corresponding water contact angles ranged from 160° to nearly 180°. The best results were observed for HF etched Al 6082 surface were water contact angle above 175° was achieved. Furthermore, a scheme able to assess the relationship between hydrophobic behavior and surface morphology was finally proposed.
Non-Thermal Quantum Engine in Transmon Qubits
Authors: Cherubim Cleverson , Brito Frederico , Deffner Sebastian
Published: May 2019

The design and implementation of quantum technologies necessitates the understanding of thermodynamic processes in the quantum domain. In stark contrast to macroscopic thermodynamics, at the quantum scale processes generically operate far from equilibrium and are governed by fluctuations. Thus, experimental insight and empirical findings are indispensable in developing a comprehensive framework. To this end, we theoretically propose an experimentally realistic quantum engine that uses transmon qubits as working substance. We solve the dynamics analytically and calculate its efficiency.
On Using the t-Ratio as a Diagnostic
Authors: Magnus Jan R.
Published: May 2019

The t-ratio has not one but two uses in econometrics, which should be carefully distinguished. It is used as a test and also as a diagnostic. I emphasize that the commonly-used estimators are in fact pretest estimators, and argue in favor of an improved (continuous) version of pretesting, called model averaging.
Growth Ring Measurements of Shorea robusta Reveal Responses to Climatic Variation
Authors: Baral Sony , Gaire Narayan Prasad , Aryal Sugam , Pandey Mohan , Rayamajhi Santosh , Vacik Harald
Published: May 2019

Many tropical species are not yet explored by dendrochronologists. Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) is an ecologically important and economically valuable tree species which grows in the southern plains and mid-hills of Nepalese Central Himalayas. Detailed knowledge of growth response of this species provides key information for the forest management. This paper aims to assess the dendroclimatic potential of Shorea robusta and to understand climatic effects on its growth. A growth analysis was done by taking 60 stem disc samples that were cut 0.3 m above ground and represented different diameter classes (>10 cm to 50 cm). Samples were collected and analysed following standard dendrochronological procedures. The detailed wood anatomical analysis showed that the wood was diffuse-porous, with the distribution of vessels in the entire ring and growth rings mostly marked with gradual structural changes. The basal area increment (BAI) chronology suggested that the species shows a long-term positive growth trend, possibly favoured by the increasing temperature in the region. The growth-climate relationship indicated that a moist year, with high precipitation in spring (March–May, MAM) and summer (June–September, JJAS), as well as high temperature during winter (November–February) was beneficial for the growth of the species, especially in a young stand. A significant positive relationship was observed between the radial trees increment and the total rainfall in April and the average total rainfall from March to September. Similarly, a significant positive relationship between radial growth and an average temperature in winter (November–January) was noted.
Statistics of Extreme Waves in Coastal Waters: Large Scale Experiments and Advanced Numerical Simulations
Authors: Zhang Jie , Benoit Michel , Kimmoun Olivier , Chabchoub Amin , Hsu Hung-Chu
Published: May 2019

The formation mechanism of extreme waves in the coastal areas is still an open contemporary problem in fluid mechanics and ocean engineering. Previous studies have shown that the transition of water depth from a deeper to a shallower zone increases the occurrence probability of large waves. Indeed, more efforts are required to improve the understanding of extreme wave statistics variations in such conditions. To achieve this goal, large scale experiments of unidirectional irregular waves propagating over a variable bottom profile considering different transition water depths were performed. The validation of two highly nonlinear numerical models was performed for one representative case. The collected data were examined and interpreted by using spectral or bispectral analysis as well as statistical analysis. The higher probability of occurrence of large waves was confirmed by the statistical distributions built from the measured free surface elevation time series as well as by the local maximum values of skewness and kurtosis around the end of the slope. Strong second-order nonlinear effects were highlighted as waves propagate into the shallower region. A significant amount of wave energy was transmitted to low-frequency modes. Based on the experimental data, we conclude that the formation of extreme waves is mainly related to the second-order effect, which is also responsible for the generation of long waves. It is shown that higher-order nonlinearities are negligible in these sets of experiments. Several existing models for wave height distributions were compared and analysed. It appears that the generalised Boccotti’s distribution can predict the exceedance of large wave heights with good confidence.
A (3D-Nuclear) Space Odyssey: Making Sense of Hi-C Maps
Authors: Mota-Gómez Irene , Lupiáñez Darío G.
Published: May 2019

Three-dimensional (3D)-chromatin organization is critical for proper enhancer-promoter communication and, therefore, for a precise execution of the transcriptional programs governing cellular processes. The emergence of Chromosome Conformation Capture (3C) methods, in particular Hi-C, has allowed the investigation of chromatin interactions on a genome-wide scale, revealing the existence of overlapping molecular mechanisms that we are just starting to decipher. Therefore, disentangling Hi-C signal into these individual components is essential to provide meaningful biological data interpretation. Here, we discuss emerging views on the molecular forces shaping the genome in 3D, with a focus on their respective contributions and interdependence. We discuss Hi-C data at both population and single-cell levels, thus providing criteria to interpret genomic function in the 3D-nuclear space.
Changes in uPA, PAI-1, and TGF-β Production during Breast Cancer Cell Interaction with Human Mesenchymal Stroma/Stem-Like Cells (MSC)
Authors: Melzer Catharina , von der Ohe Juliane , Otterbein Hannah , Ungefroren Hendrik , Hass Ralf
Published: May 2019

The interactions of cancer cells with neighboring non-malignant cells in the microenvironment play an important role for progressive neoplastic development and metastasis. Long-term direct co-culture of human MDA-MB-231cherry breast cancer cells with benign human mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) MSC544GFP stably expressing mCherry and eGFP fluorescence proteins, respectively, was associated with the formation of three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids in vitro. The quantification of the breast tumor marker urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) in mono-cultured MDA-MB-231 cells revealed an approximately 14-fold enhanced expression when compared to five different normal human MSC mono-cultures. Moreover, uPA levels in 3D tumor spheroids remained elevated 9.4-fold above the average of five different human MSC cultures. In contrast, the expression of the corresponding plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) declined by 2.6-fold in the breast cancer cells and was even further reduced by 3.2-fold in the MDA-MB-231cherry/MSC544GFP 3D co-culture spheroids when compared to the various MSC populations. The supportive data were obtained for the production of TGF-β1, which is an important growth factor in the regulation of tumor growth and metastasis formation. Whereas, TGF-β1 release in MDA-MB-231cherry/MSC544GFP co-cultures was elevated by 1.56-fold as compared to MSC544 mono-cultures after 24 h; this ratio further increased to 2.19-fold after 72 h. Quantitative PCR analyses in MSC544 and MDA-MB-231 cells revealed that MSC, rather than the breast cancer cells, are responsible for TGF-β1 synthesis and that TGF-β1 contributes to its own synthesis in these cells. These findings suggested potential synergistic effects in the expression/secretion of uPA, PAI-1, and TGF-β during the co-culture of breast cancer cells with MSC.
Usefulness of Bcl-2 Expression and the Expression of Cytoplasmic Immunoglobulin Light Chains in the Differentiation Between B-Cell Lymphoma and Reactive Lymphocytic Proliferations in FNA
Authors: Brozic Andreja , Pohar Marinsek Ziva , Bucek Simon , Cemazar Maja , Kloboves Prevodnik Veronika
Published: May 2019

Flow cytometry is helpful in differentiating between B-cell lymphoma (BCL) and reactive lymphocytic proliferation (RLP) in FNA biopsies. However; the presence of inconclusive surface immunoglobulin light chains (sIg LC) poses a problem. We investigated the usefulness of additional tests; namely Bcl-2 expression and expression of cytoplasmic Ig LC (cIg LC), mainly on samples with inconclusive sIg LC. Both tests were performed on 232 FNA samples from lymph nodes. Bcl-2 alone was determined qualitatively and quantitatively on 315 samples. The quantitative test was correctly positive in 76% of cases and falsely negative in 24%. The correctly positive results of the qualitative test were 11% points lower. cIg LC correctly identified 65% of BCL with dual positive sIg LC; 36% of BCL with difficult to interpret sIg LC and only 7% of BCL with negative sIg LC. The best results in differentiating between BCL and RLP were obtained when all three tests were used together. In samples with inconclusive sIg LC and additional monoclonal or polyclonal populations the κ:λ ratios did not differentiate between RLP and BCL. We propose that in case of inconclusive sIg LC Bcl-2 test is used first. The addition of cIg LC test is sensible only in cases with dual positive and difficult to interpret sIg LC.
Single Particle Combustion of Pre-Stressed Aluminum
Authors: Hill Kevin J. , Pantoya Michelle L. , Washburn Ephraim , Kalman Joseph
Published: May 2019

An approach for optimizing fuel particle reactivity involves the metallurgical process of pre-stressing. This study examined the effects of pre-stressing on aluminum (Al) particle ignition delay and burn times upon thermal ignition by laser heating. Pre-stressing was by annealing Al powder at 573 K and quenching ranged from slow (i.e., 200 K/min) identified as pre-stressed (PS) Al to fast (i.e., 900 K/min) identified as super quenched (SQ) Al. Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis quantified an order of magnitude which increased dilatational strain that resulted from PS Al and SQ Al compared to untreated (UN) Al powder. The results show PS Al particles exhibit reduced ignition delay times resulting from elevated strain that relaxes upon laser heating. SQ Al particles exhibit faster burn times resulting from delamination at the particle core-shell interface that reduces dilatational strain and promotes accelerated diffusion reactions. These results link the mechanical property of strain to reaction mechanisms associated with shell mechanics that explain ignition and burning behavior, and show pre-stressing has the potential to improve particle reactivity.
Electrical and Structural Characteristics of Excimer Laser-Crystallized Polycrystalline Si1−xGex Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Jang Kyungsoo , Kim Youngkuk , Park Joonghyun , Yi Junsin
Published: May 2019

We investigated the characteristics of excimer laser-annealed polycrystalline silicon–germanium (poly-Si1−xGex) thin film and thin-film transistor (TFT). The Ge concentration was increased from 0% to 12.3% using a SiH4 and GeH4 gas mixture, and a Si1−xGex thin film was crystallized using different excimer laser densities. We found that the optimum energy density to obtain maximum grain size depends on the Ge content in the poly-Si1−xGex thin film; we also confirmed that the grain size of the poly-Si1−xGex thin film is more sensitive to energy density than the poly-Si thin film. The maximum grain size of the poly-Si1−xGex film was 387.3 nm for a Ge content of 5.1% at the energy density of 420 mJ/cm2. Poly-Si1−xGex TFT with different Ge concentrations was fabricated, and their structural characteristics were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that, as the Ge concentration increased, the electrical characteristics, such as on current and sub-threshold swing, were deteriorated. The electrical characteristics were simulated by varying the density of states in the poly-Si1−xGex. From this density of states (DOS), the defect state distribution connected with Ge concentration could be identified and used as the basic starting point for further analyses of the poly-Si1−xGex TFTs.
Estimation of Absolute Spin Counts in Nitronyl Nitroxide-Bearing Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Stass Dmitri , Tretyakov Evgeny
Published: May 2019

The degrees of spin labeling of a polyphenylene-based polymer and its graphitized derivative with a stable nitronyl nitroxide were evaluated by estimating the absolute numbers of spins in a set of samples using continuous wave (CW) electron spin resonance (ESR). For these particular systems, the degrees of spin labeling were found to be approximately 0.8% and 1.3%, respectively. The developed procedure complements the more advanced time-resolved/cryogenic ESR studies on these systems by focusing on the stable spin labels introduced in these magnetically intricate materials and providing an estimate of their absolute amount, which is indispensable in the development of synthetic approaches to prepare modified graphene systems and for evaluating the success of these systems.
On a Bi-Parametric Family of Fourth Order Composite Newton–Jarratt Methods for Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Sharma Janak Raj , Kumar Deepak , Argyros Ioannis K. , Magreñán Ángel Alberto
Published: May 2019

We present a new two-parameter family of fourth-order iterative methods for solving systems of nonlinear equations. The scheme is composed of two Newton–Jarratt steps and requires the evaluation of one function and two first derivatives in each iteration. Convergence including the order of convergence, the radius of convergence, and error bounds is presented. Theoretical results are verified through numerical experimentation. Stability of the proposed class is analyzed and presented by means of using new dynamics tool, namely, the convergence plane. Performance is exhibited by implementing the methods on nonlinear systems of equations, including those resulting from the discretization of the boundary value problem. In addition, numerical comparisons are made with the existing techniques of the same order. Results show the better performance of the proposed techniques than the existing ones.
Potential TSPO Ligand and Photooxidation Quencher Isorenieratene from Arctic Ocean Rhodococcus sp. B7740
Authors: Chen Yashu , Guo Mengyao , Yang Jifang , Chen Jigang , Xie Bijun , Sun Zhida
Published: May 2019

Due to its special aromatic structure, isorenieratene is thought to be an active natural antioxidant and photo/UV damage inhibitor. In this work, isorenieratene that was extracted from Rhodococcus sp. B7740 isolated from the Arctic Ocean, showed excellent scavenging ability of both singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical in the UVB-induced auto-oxidation process using the EPR method. Within an ARPE-19 cell model damaged by UVB radiation, isorenieratene showed fine protective effects (1.13 ± 0.03 fold) compared with macular xanthophylls (MXs) through upregulating of tspo. The molecular docking was firstly performed to investigate the interaction of isorenieratene with TSPO as a special ligand. Results showed isorenieratene might form a better binding conformation (S-score −8.5438) than MXs and indicate that isorenieratene not only can function as a direct antioxidant but also activate tspo in ARPE-19 cells. Thus, isorenieratene might ease the UV-related damages including age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Leri-Weill Dyschondrosteosis Syndrome: Analysis via 3DCT Scan
Authors: Al Kaissi Ali , Shboul Mohammad , Kenis Vladimir , Grill Franz , Ganger Rudolf , Kircher Susanne Gerit
Published: May 2019

Background: Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) is a pseudoautosomal form of skeletal dysplasia, characterized by abnormal craniofacial phenotype, short stature, and mesomelia of the upper and lower limbs. Methods: We describe two female patients with LWD. Their prime clinical complaints were severe bouts of migraine and antalgic gait. Results: Interestingly, via a 3D reconstruction CT scan we encountered several major anomalies. Notable features of craniosynostosis through premature fusion of the squamosal sutures and partial closure of the coronal sutures were the reason behind the development of abnormal craniofacial contour. A 3D reconstruction CT scan showed apparent bulging of the clavarium through the partially synostosed coronal and totally synostosed squamosal sutures. Additional deformities include deficient number of ribs (10 ribs on both sides), defective ossification of the ischium and dysplasia of the iliac-ischial junction, and coxa valga have been noted. Conclusions: The constellation of observed deformities can be considered as a novel features associated with LWD.
The Self-Adaptive Fuel Supply Mechanism in Micro DMFC Based on the Microvalve
Authors: Yuan Zhenyu , Chuai Wenhui , Guo Zhongming , Tu Zhaoyin , Kong Fanbo
Published: May 2019

To achieve a self-adaptive fuel supply mechanism for the micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC), we designed and developed a thermal control microvalve channel structure, where we considered the relationship between the temperature characteristics, viscosity, and velocity of the methanol solution. Both the single channel model and three-dimensional cell model for the microvalve were established using the COMSOL Multiphysics program. The results demonstrated that in the microvalve channel, the viscosity of the solution decreased, and the flow rate at the microvalve outlet increased with the increasing temperature. Meanwhile, the geometry structure of the microvalve single channel was optimized, so that the effect of the control speed of the microvalve under temperature changes became more prominent. In the full-cell model analysis, a low-velocity methanol solution at the low current density can significantly inhibit methanol crossover. At the high current densities, an increase in the methanol solution flow rate was beneficial to an increase in the cell reaction output. The μDMFC was fabricated and the experiment was conducted, where the results showed that the power density of the self-adaptive cell reached a maximum value of 16.56 mW/cm2 in 2 M methanol solution, which was up to 7% better than conventional cell performance. The proposed microvalve structure can effectively improve the output power of the μDMFC during the whole reaction process, and it may improve the stability of the cell operation.
Temporal Observation of Adipocyte Microfiber Using Anchoring Device
Authors: Yokomizo Akiyo , Morimoto Yuya , Nishimura Keigo , Takeuchi Shoji
Published: May 2019

In this paper, we propose an anchoring device with pillars to immobilize an adipocyte microfiber that has a fiber-shaped adipocyte tissue covered by an alginate gel shell. Because the device enabled the immobilization of the microfiber in a culture dish even after its transportation and the exchange of the culture medium, we can easily track the specific positions of the microfiber for a long period. Owing to the characteristics of the anchoring device, we successfully performed temporal observations of the microfiber on the device for a month to investigate the function and morphology of three-dimensional cultured adipocytes. Furthermore, to demonstrate the applicability of the anchoring device to drug testing, we evaluated the lipolysis of the microfiber’s adipocytes by applying reagents with an anti-obesity effect. Therefore, we believe that the anchoring device with the microfiber will be a useful tool for temporal biochemical analyses.
Surface Characteristics and Biological Evaluation of Si-DLC Coatings Fabricated Using Magnetron Sputtering Method on Ti6Al7Nb Substrate
Authors: Bociaga Dorota , Sobczyk-Guzenda Anna , Komorowski Piotr , Balcerzak Jacek , Jastrzebski Krzysztof , Przybyszewska Karolina , Kaczmarek Anna
Published: May 2019

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are well known as protective coatings for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the incorporation of different elements, such as silicon (Si), in the carbon matrix changes the bio-functionality of the DLC coatings. This has also been proven by the results obtained in this work. The Si-DLC coatings were deposited on the Ti6Al7Nb alloy, which is commonly used in clinical practice, using the magnetron sputtering method. According to the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, the content of silicon in the examined coatings varied from ~2 at.% up to ~22 at.%. Since the surface characteristics are key factors influencing the cell response, the results of the cells’ proliferation and viability assays (live/dead and XTT (colorimetric assays using tetrazolium salt)) were correlated with the surface properties. The surface free energy (SFE) measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis demonstrated that the polarity and wettability of the surfaces examined increase with increasing Si concentration, and therefore the adhesion and proliferation of cells was enhanced. The results obtained revealed that the biocompatibility of Si-doped DLC coatings, regardless of the Si content, remains at a very high level (the observed viability of endothelial cells is above 70%).
Development and Evaluation of an Internet-Based Diabetes Nutrition Education Resource
Authors: Zhang Zhuoshi , Monro John , Venn Bernard J.
Published: May 2019

Nutritional education for pre- and type 2 diabetes empowers individuals to make positive dietary and lifestyle choices. As the world migrates to digital devices, opportunities arise for education resources to reach a broad spectrum of society. This study aimed to develop and test the effectiveness of an electronic nutritional education resource for people with pre- and type 2 diabetes within the multi-ethnic New Zealand population. A needs assessment was conducted via ethnic-specific discussion groups (n = 29), followed by a population-based online survey (n = 448). An educational resource, including an educational video and pre- and post-questionnaires, was developed and tested online among 156 participants (17 with pre- and type 2 diabetes, 118 interested lay public and 21 health professionals). There was a strong desire to learn nutrition through simple, visual, practical, and culturally appropriate online educational resources. After interacting with the educational resource, the accuracy of identifying foods that increase blood glucose concentration improved by 17.4% (p = 0.013) in people with pre- and type 2 diabetes, 12.8% (p = 0.003) in health professionals, and 16.3% (p < 0.001) in interested lay public. There was an improvement among ethnic minority participants of 14.1% (p = 0.003). Most participants expressed intentions to make positive dietary and lifestyle choices. The electronic nutrition education resource was found to be an effective means for delivering education. It has potential to bridge the gap between the limited supply of healthcare resources and the increasing demand for diabetes nutrition education.
Nutritional Considerations for Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Delaney Christopher L. , Smale Matilda K. , Miller Michelle D.
Published: May 2019

Those with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) require important considerations with respect to food and nutrition, owing to advanced age, poor diet behaviours and immobility associated with the disease process and co-morbid state. These considerations, coupled with the economic effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy, mandate that dietetic care plays a vital role in the management of PAD. Despite this, optimising dietetic care in PAD remains poorly understood. This narrative review considers the role of medical nutrition therapy in every stage of the PAD process, ranging from the onset and initiation of disease to well established and advanced disease. In each case, the potential benefits of traditional and novel medical nutrition therapy are discussed.
The Association between Whole Grain Products Consumption and Successful Aging: A Combined Analysis of MEDIS and ATTICA Epidemiological Studies
Authors: Foscolou Alexandra , D’Cunha Nathan M. , Naumovski Nenad , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Chrysohoou Christina , Rallidis Loukianos , Matalas Antonia-Leda , Sidossis Labros S. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: May 2019

The quality of carbohydrates in the diet, including whole grains, matters greatly to health. There is emerging evidence supporting various protective effects from whole grain consumption against certain chronic diseases. However, being free of disease is not a requirement for healthy ageing, as many older adults have one or more health conditions but, when well controlled, have little influence on their wellbeing. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between whole grain consumption on successful aging, through an analysis of a sample of n = 3349, over-50-years-old men and women participating in the ATTICA and MEDIS population-based cross-sectional studies. Successful aging was evaluated using the validated successful aging index (SAI, range 0–10) comprising of health-related social, lifestyle and clinical components. High whole grain intake was positively associated with SAI as compared with low (b ± SE: 0.278 ± 0.091, p = 0.002), whereas no significant associations were observed between moderate whole grain consumption and SAI (p > 0.05). Increased whole grain intake has been associated with several health benefits, and, as is shown here, with higher successful aging levels. Therefore, consumption of whole grains should be encouraged, especially by replacing refined grains, without increasing total energy intake.
Surface Energy of Filtration Media Influencing the Filtration Performance against Solid Particles, Oily Aerosol, and Bacterial Aerosol
Authors: Jung Seojin , An Jaejin , Na Hyungjin , Kim Jooyoun
Published: May 2019

Particulate airborne pollutants are a big concern to public health, and it brings growing attention about effective filtration devices. Especially, particulate matters smaller than 2.5 µm can reach the thoracic region and the blood stream, and the associated health risk can be exacerbated when pathogenic microbials are present in the air. This study aims at understanding the surface characteristics of nonwoven media that influence filtration performance against solid particles (sodium chloride, NaCl), oily aerosol (dioctyl phthalate, DOP), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. Nonwoven media of polystyrene (PS) fibers were fabricated by electrospinning and its pristine surface energy (38.5 mN/m) was modified to decrease (12.3 mN/m) by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of octafluorocyclobutane (C4F8) or to increase (68.5 mN/m) by the oxygen (O2) plasma treatment. For NaCl particles and S. aureus aerosol, PS electrospun web showed higher quality factor than polypropylene (PP) meltblown electret that is readily available for commercial products. The O2 plasma treatment of PS media significantly deteriorated the filtration efficiency, presumably due to the quick dissipation of static charges by the O2 plasma treatment. The C4F8 treated, fluorinated PS media resisted quick wetting of DOP, and its filtration efficiency for DOP and S. aureus remained similar while its efficiency for NaCl decreased. The findings of this study will impact on determining relevant surface treatments for effective particulate filtration. As this study examined the instantaneous performance within 1–2 min of particulate exposure, and the further study with the extended exposure is suggested.
Catalyst Speciation during ansa-Zirconocene-Catalyzed Polymerization of 1-Hexene Studied by UV-vis Spectroscopy—Formation and Partial Re-Activation of Zr-Allyl Intermediates †
Authors: Panchenko Valentina N. , Babushkin Dmitrii E. , Bercaw John E. , Brintzinger Hans H.
Published: May 2019

Catalyst speciation during polymerization of 1-hexene in benzene or toluene solutions of the catalyst precursor SBIZr(μ-Me)2AlMe2+ B(C6F5)4− (SBI = rac-dimethylsilyl-bis(1-indenyl)) at 23 °C is studied by following the accompanying UV-vis-spectral changes. These indicate that the onset of polymerization catalysis is associated with the concurrent formation of two distinct zirconocene species. One of these is proposed to consist of SBIZr-σ-polyhexenyl cations arising from SBIZr-Me+ (formed from SBIZr(μ-Me)2AlMe2+ by release of AlMe3) by repeated olefin insertions, while the other one is proposed to consist of SBIZr-η3-allyl cations of composition SBIZr-η3-(1-R-C3H4)+ (R = n-propyl), formed by σ-bond metathesis between SBIZr-Me+ and 1-hexene under release of methane. At later reaction stages, all zirconocene-σ–polymeryl cations appear to decay to yet another SBIZr-allyl species, i.e., to cations of the type SBIZr-η3-(x-R-(3-x)-pol-C3H3)+ (pol = i-polyhexenyl, x = 1 or 2). Renewed addition of excess 1-hexene is proposed to convert these sterically encumbered Zr-allyl cations back to catalytically active SBIZr-σ–polymeryl cations within a few seconds, presumably by initial 1-hexene insertion into the η1- isomer, followed by repeated additional insertions, while the initially formed, less crowded allyl cations, SBIZr-η3-(1-R-C3H4)+ appear to remain unchanged. Implications of these results with regard to the kinetics of zirconocene-catalyzed olefin polymerization are discussed.
Effect of Unbleached Rice Straw Cellulose Nanofibers on the Properties of Polysulfone Membranes
Authors: Hassan Mohammad , Abou Zeid Ragab E. , Abou-Elseoud Wafaa S. , Hassan Enas , Berglund Linn , Oksman Kristiina
Published: May 2019

In addition to their lower cost and more environmentally friendly nature, cellulose nanofibers isolated from unbleached pulps offer different surface properties and functionality than those isolated from bleached pulps. At the same time, nanofibers isolated from unbleached pulps keep interesting properties such as hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, close to those isolated from bleached pulps. In the current work, rice straw nanofibers (RSNF) isolated from unbleached neutral sulfite pulp (lignin content 14%) were used with polysulfone (PSF) polymer to make membrane via phase inversion. The effect of RSNF on microstructure, porosity, hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, water flux, and fouling of PSF membranes was studied. In addition, the prepared membranes were tested to remove lime nanoparticles, an example of medium-size nanoparticles. The results showed that using RSNF at loadings from 0.5 to 2 wt.% can significantly increase hydrophilicity, porosity, water flux, and antifouling properties of PSF. RSNF also brought about an increase in rejection of lime nanoparticles (up to 98% rejection) from their aqueous suspension, and at the same time, with increasing flux across the membranes. Tensile strength of the membranes improved by ~29% with addition of RSNF and the maximum improvement was obtained on using 0.5% of RSNF, while Young’s modulus improved by ~40% at the same RSNF loading. As compared to previous published results on using cellulose nanofibers isolated from bleached pulps, the obtained results in the current work showed potential application of nanofibers isolated from unbleached pulps for improving important properties of PSF membranes, such as hydrophilicity, water flux, rejection, and antifouling properties.
Localization of Aluminum in Epidermal Cells of Mature Tea Leaves
Authors: Haruyama Yoichi , Fujiwara Tsuguhisa , Yasuda Keisuke , Saito Manabu , Suzuki Kohtaku
Published: May 2019

We have determined the distribution of aluminum in the epidermal cells of mature tea leaves using micro-beam particle-induced X-ray emission. The observed pattern of aluminum distribution in the epidermal cells suggests that aluminum exists in cell walls. Silicon exhibits a distribution that is nearly identical to that of aluminum, suggesting co-localization with aluminum.