Central Limit Theorem with Exchangeable Summands and Mixtures of Stable Laws as Limits

The problem of convergence in law of normed sums of exchangeable random variables is examined. First, the problem is studied w.r.t. arrays of exchangeable random variables, and the special role played by mixtures of products of stable laws - as limits in law of normed sums in different rows of the array - is emphasized. Necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence to a specific form in the above class of measures are then given. Moreover, sufficient conditions for convergence of sums in a single row are proved. Finally, a potentially useful variant of the formulation of the results just summarized is briefly sketched, a more complete study of it being deferred to a future work

Identification and Preliminary Validation in Mouse Models of Circulating Biomarkers of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal oncological malignancies in humans. Not-specific symptoms and lack of early diagnostic strategies, frequently lead to late diagnosis which limited therapeutic possibilities (Korc, 2007). The present study aimed at identifying novel potential serum biomarkers for early detection of PDAC.In the first phase, two different mouse models of PDAC were characterized: genetically engineered mice (GEMs) (Hingorani et al., 2003) which developed PanIN (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) lesions and three PDAC patient-derived xenograft.In the second phase, the two mouse models were used to evaluate the reliability of 3 circulating molecules as early diagnostic biomarkers of PDAC. The plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and thrombospondin-2 (THBS-2) were tested on GEMs and PDAC-PDXs bearing mice by ELISA tests, during tumor development, and at sacrifice by immunohistochemistry performed on pancreatic tissue.The three established PDAC-PDXs were found to better reproduce the tumor of origin after intra-pancreas transplantation compared to the subcutaneous ones, and to maintain molecular and morphological features over different passages.At sacrifice, histopathological analysis demonstrated different stages of PanIN lesions in GEMs and the presence of a well-developed pancreatic tumor in all the mice orthotopically inoculated with the PDAC-PDXs.Plasma levels of MMP-7, TIMP-1 and THBS-2 were progressively upregulated, over the time, in GEMs and in PDAC-PDX bearing mice.In both animal models, immunohistochemistry revealed stromal immunoreactivity for TIMP-1 and THBS-2, while MMP-7 expression was mainly localized on epithelial cells. All the markers showed progressive increase of staining intensity along with PanIN progression.In conclusion, the investigated circulating molecules represent promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of PDAC and to monitor the response to treatment in human patients. Both tumoral cells and associated stroma play a role in the production and release of such biomarkers

Tumor Microenvironment In Experimental Models Of Human Cancer: Morphological Investigational Approaches

Introduction. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is defined as the non-tumoral part of tumors. It is composed of different cell populations and structures (such as tumor-associated vasculature, immune-inflammatory cells, fibroblasts…) (Hanahan and Coussens, 2012). TME could either promote or antagonize tumor growth and has a great potential as target for novel therapeutic strategies. Along with several methods (i.e. molecular assays), morphological techniques allow to evaluate the components of TME in the setting of their action. The aim of this work was to set up and define valuable morphological approaches useful in the investigation of the TME.Materials and methods. Histological and immunohistochemical techniques, along with digital image analysis, were tested on experimental mouse models (both xenograft and genetically engineered mice) of four different human tumors (ovarian cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colon adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma).Results. Concerning the vascular compartment, CD31 immunostaining and double-immunofluorescence with CD31 and a-SMA (pericytes marker) allowed to respectively quantify vessels and evaluate their maturation degree. Immunohistochemical detection of previously administrated Pimonidazole, revealed variable extended areas of hypoxia within tumoral masses in a consistent pattern between frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples.Concerning the stromal component, anti-human MHC I and specie-specific markers for Vimentin demonstrated the host-derivation of stroma in xenotumors, while Sirius Red histochemical staining allowed the quantification of desmoplasia in models of PDAC.Concerning immune-inflammatory cells, an immunohistochemical panel with CD3 (T lymphocytes), B220 (B lymphocytes), MPO (neutrophils) and Iba-1 (macrophages), showed high reliability in characterizing the tumoral infiltrate. Moreover, the application of markers specific for different macrophage subsets confirmed the higher prevalence of M2 (Arginase I positive) on M1 (iNOS positive) macrophages. YM1 demonstrated a low performance in detecting the M2 population (Fig. 1).Discussion and conclusions. Due to the microenvironmental heterogeneity which influence tumor development and biological behavior, a sole quantification is unreliable for characterizing the TME. Considering that, morphological techniques proved to be a valuable approach, allowing the evaluation of the spatial distribution and mutual interaction between the different elements. Additional studies are needed for further investigate the biological significance of spatial distribution of the components of the TME

Comparación de técnicas de clasificación deductivas para estimar la distribución potencial de insectos cuarentenarios

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar el desempeño de los criterios de clasificación nítidos y difusos en la construcción de modelos deductivos de la distribución potencial de insectos exóticos. Considerando criterios de clasificación binaria nítida y difusa, de capas ráster de temperatura máxima, media y mínima diaria, se generó un índice de riesgo bioclimático relativo, considerando el número de días con condiciones óptimas para el desarrollo de Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) y Cerotoma arcuatus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad de los modelos. Los modelos deductivos de distribución potencial de especies realizados mediante clasificación difusa, serían más robustos y menos restrictivos en la determinación de áreas de riesgo fitosanitario potencial que aquellos realizados con criterios de clasificación nítidos. Estos últimos serían más sensibles y tendrían mayor capacidad de discriminar áreas con diferentes perfiles de riesgo ambiental.The objective of this paper was to evaluate the performance of crisp and fuzzy classification criteria in the construction of deductive potential distribution models of exotic insects. As case studies, Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Cerotoma arcuatus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were selected. Considering crisp and fuzzy classification for raster layers of maximum, average and minimum daily temperature, a relative bioclimatic risk index was generated. The number of days with optimal conditions for pests’ development was considered. Sensitivity analyses of both models were performed. Considering each case evaluated and the variables used, deductive pest distribution models made by fuzzy classification was more robust and less conservative in the determination of potential phytosanitary risk areas than those made with crisp classification criteria. This last case was more sensitive and would have a greater capacity to discriminate areas with different environmental risk profiles.Fil: Heit, Guillermo Eugenio. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomia. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Zoología Agrícola; ArgentinaFil: Sione, Walter Fabian. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Rí­os. Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología. Centro Regional de Geomática; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján; ArgentinaFil: Claps, Lucia Elena. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo. Instituto Superior de Entomología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Aceñolaza, Pablo Gilberto. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentin

Does Cultural Diversity of Board of Directors Affect Corporate Environmental Performance? Evidence From the Energy Sector

This paper has a twofold objective. First, it intends to investigate if and how the cultural diversity of the board of directors affects the corporate environmental performance of energy firms. Second, it aims at verifying if the relationship between board cultural diversity and corporate environmental performance varies across different legal systems. To address this topic, panel data methodology was used on a sample of 153 firms operating in the energy sector, from 32 countries, over the period 2013-2018. The findings suggest that a higher board’s cultural heterogeneity positively affects corporate environmental performance. Moreover, the study reveals that this link is stronger among energy firms from civil law countries compared to energy firms from common law countries

The Virtuous Circle of Intellectual Capital and Corporate Environmentalism: Evidence from the Food Industry

The purpose of this paper is to address the relationship between intellectual capital and corporate environmentalism, assuming that intellectual capital may be an important precondition to foster environmental commitment and that, on the other side, corporate environmentalism may positively determine the level of intellectual capital in a reciprocal and virtuous circle. To address this topic, we conducted two OLS regression analysis on a worldwide sample of 235 firms operating in the food industry, over an eight years’ time horizon (2010-2017), with 1,686 firm-year observations gathered from Asset-4ESG and Worldscope. Results confirm our hypotheses thus providing important theoretical and managerial implications

Plan de negocios para la producción y comercialización de barras energéticas y chocolates de quinua orgánico de la Coorporación de Productores y Comercializadores Orgánicos “Bio Taita Chimborazo”, del cantón Colta, provincia Chimborazo, para el período 2018 - 2023

El presente proyecto denominado plan de negocios para la producción y comercialización de barras energéticas y chocolates de quinua orgánico de la Corporación de Productores y Comercializadores orgánicos “BIO TAITA CHIMBORAZO, del cantón Colta, provincia Chimborazo, para el período 2018 - 2023., tiene como objetivo determinar la aceptabilidad del nuevo producto, a través del análisis del sector, así como de las zonas involucradas en este estudio. A través del estudio de mercado se determinó el nivel de oferentes y demandantes, además se determinó la aceptación del consumidor con un precio inicial de $1,00. La empresa estará conformada por un financiamiento del 25$ 81.103,66 y una Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) de 17% con un periodo de recuperación en 4 año 7 mes y una Relación Beneficio Costo de $1,12 dólares. Al concluir al trabajo se logró realizar un análisis y un estudio de las variables de marketing mix, permitiendo relacionar a las expectativas de los clientes, de esta forma aplicar las estrategias adecuadas de mercado y llevar a cabo la ejecución del plan de acción para cumplir con sus objetivos a corto o largo plazo. Se recomienda aplicar el Plan de Negocios para introducir en nuevos nichos de mercado los productos comercializados permitiendo mejorar el posicionamiento comercial frente a la competenciaThe current project called Business Plan For The Production And Commissioning Of Energy Bars And Organic Quinoa Chocolates of the Organic Producers and Trade Organizations Cooperators “BIO TAITA CHIMBORAZO”, of Colta canton, Chimborazo province, for the period 2018-2023. The purpose of this study is to determine the acceptability of the new product through the analysis of the sector, as well as of the areas involved in this study, through the market study, the level of offer and demand was determined, and the consumer acceptance with a starting price of$1.00, the company “Corporation” will be made up of a 25% financing to the “Corporación Financiera Nacional” and the 60% is own capital. In the financial evaluation, a Current Net Value was determined (CNV) $81.103,66 and a Inter Rate of Return (IRR) of 17$1,12 dollars. When the work was accomplished, it was possible to perform an analysis and a study of the marketing mix variables, allowing to relate to the clients expectations, in this way apply the appropriate market strategies and carry out the execution of the action plan to fulfill its short or long term objectives. It is recommended to apply the Business Plan to introduce in new niche markets the commercialized products allowing to improve the commercial positioning in front of the competition

Evidence of double-loop hysteresis in disordered ferroelectric crystal

Double-loop electric-field vs polarization hysteresis is investigated in a depoled compositionally disordered lithium-enriched potassium tantalate niobate crystal. Comparing electro-optic response and dielectric spectroscopy indicates that the anomalous response occurs for those temperatures in which the sample also manifests a temperature hysteresis in the low-frequency dielectric function. An electric-field hysteresis at concurrent temperatures suggests an underlying role of reorienting mesoscopic polar regions that accompany the nonergodic phase. Published under license by AIP Publishing

Aortic valve sclerosis is associatedwith systemic endothelial dysfunction

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to examine the association between aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and systemic endothelial manifestations of the atherosclerotic process.BackgroundClinical and experimental studies suggest that AVS is a manifestation of the atherosclerotic process. Systemic endothelial dysfunction is an early sign of the atherosclerotic process and can be assessed by ultrasonography of the brachial artery.MethodsA total of 102 in-hospital patients (76 men; mean age 63.5 ± 9.7 years) referred to the stress echocardiography laboratory underwent: 1) transthoracic echocardiography, with specific assessment of AVS (thickened valve leaflets with a transaortic flow velocity <2.5 m/s); 2) stress echocardiography; 3) coronary angiography, with evaluation of the Duke score (from 0 [normal] to 100 [most severe disease]); and 4) an endothelial function study, with assessment of endothelium-dependent, post-ischemic, flow-mediated dilation (FMD).ResultsAortic valve sclerosis was present in 35 patients (group I) and absent in 67 (group II). Groups I and II were similar in terms of the frequency of stress-induced wall motion abnormalities (35.3% vs. 19.4%, p = NS) and the angiographic Duke score (33.8 ± 28.6 vs. 35.2 ± 29.1, p = NS). Patients with AVS showed a markedly lower FMD than those without AVS (2.2 ± 3.5% vs. 5.3 ± 5.3%, p < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, only FMD was highly predictive of AVS, with an odds ratio of 1.18 for each percent decrease in FMD (95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.32; p = 0.01).ConclusionsAortic valve stenosis is associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction. This observation may provide a mechanistic insight into the emerging association between AVS and cardiovascular events

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Properties of Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis Tenuifolia L.) Grown under Different Plastic Films and with Different UV-B Radiation Postharvest Treatments

: Rocket species are rich in nutrients with well-known bioactive activity, but their content depends on several factors, such as plant-UV radiation interaction. In this work, we measured the production of nutritional elements in wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) leaves as a function of exposure to UV-B radiation by adopting a combined approach. The wild rocket plants were grown under three greenhouse cover films (A, B, and C) having different transmittivity to UV-B and the fresh-cut leaves were exposed to UV-B in postharvest for 45, 150, 330, and 660 s. The content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and the antioxidant activity were determined. Chlorophyll, carotenoids, and total phenolic content were significantly increased by the combination of Film C and treatment with UV-B for 45 s. The predominant phenolic compounds were kaempferol, isorhamnetin, and quercetin. Film C also elicited an increase in ascorbic acid (the most abundant antioxidant compound in the range 374-1199 per 100 g of dry matter) and antioxidant activity. These findings highlighted an increase in bioactive compound content in the wild rocket when it was cultivated under Film C (diffused light film with a tailored UV-B transmission dose) and treated with UV-B radiation for 45 s postharvest, corresponding to an energy dose of 0.2 KJ m-2