bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nestedness and turnover of riverine species and functional diversity using eDNA and traditional approaches
Authors: Seymour Mathew , Edwards François , Cosby Jack , Scarlet Pete , Bista Iliana , Brailsford Francesca , Glanville Helen , de Bruyn Mark , Carvalho Gary , Creer Simon
Published: October 2020

Accurately assessing community diversity in time and space, and linking these patterns to ecological theory, is essential for effective environmental monitoring. Freshwater macroinvertebrates are an important group of taxa routinely used for riverine environmental assessments due to their wide biological, functional and phylogenetic diversity and their responses to environmental factors. Recently, eDNA metabarcoding based sampling and identification has been shown to increase the accuracy of biodiversity assessments, while reducing cost and time, compared to traditional methods. Here, we present results from a field comparison of eDNA versus traditional riverine biodiversity techniques to assess freshwater macroinvertebrates. In addition, we investigated the effects of landuse and seasonality on community and functional diversity, to infer the underlying regional ecological temporal and spatial dynamics. Comparison of biodiversity dynamics based on traditional and eDNA survey methods showed significant differences in taxonomic groups identified between methods, landuse type, and method x season interactions. Our findings are the first example of eDNA derived functional spatio-temporal and dynamics, indicating that the regional shifts in diversity and function are linked to regional seasonal fluctuations in fine particle matter versus localized landuse type. Beta diversity components (nestedness and turnover) differed significantly along the environmental gradient, but in different directions, for each methodology. Overall, our findings show that eDNA based ecological assessment is effective in assessing temporal and spatial diversity and functional dynamics of macroinvertebrates, while demonstrating that these data can be used to infer effective biodiversity assessment and management strategies.
Olefin Metathesis–Based Chemically Recyclable Polymers Enabled by a Fused-Ring Monomer
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Sathe Devavrat , Zhou Junfeng , Chen Hanlin , Su Hsin-Wei , Xie Wei , Hsu Tze-Gang , Schrage Briana , Smith Travis , Ziegler Christopher
Published: October 2020

A promising solution to address the challenges in plastics sustainability is to replace current polymers with chemically recyclable ones that can depolymerise into their constituent monomers for circular use of materials. Despite the progress, few depolymerisable polymers exhibit the excellent thermal stability and strong mechanical properties of traditional polymers. Here we report a series of chemically recyclable polymers that show excellent thermal stability (decomposition temperature > 370 ºC) and tunable mechanical properties. The polymers are formed via ring-opening metathesis polymerisation of cyclooctene with a trans-cyclobutane installed at the 5,6-positions. The additional ring converts the non-depolymerisable polycyclooctene into a depolymerisable polymer by reducing the ring strain energy in the monomer (from 8.2 kcal/mol in unsubstituted cyclooctene to 4.9 kcal/mol in the fused ring). The fused-ring monomer enables a broad scope of functionalities to be incorporated, providing access to chemically recyclable elastomers and plastics that show promise as next-generation sustainable materials.
Multiple Fano resonances Based on the Rectangular cavity resonator and crescent-shaped cavity resonator
Authors: Zhu Jun , Wang Ge
Published: October 2020

World is rich in unconventional oil and various alternatives to petroleum. However, conventional oil production declines so quickly that it is likely these unconventional oil resources cannot be put into production fast enough, and thus will not be compensated sufficiently. We realize detecting rapid detection of water content in heavy oil. The waveguide consists of a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide, rectangular cavity resonator, and crescent-shaped cavity resonator. The effects of the coupling distance, geometry of the crescent-shaped cavity resonator and its rotation angle, and length and width of the rectangular cavity resonator on the Fano resonance lines were numerically analyzed. Multiple Fano resonances can be produced as the rotation angle of the crescent-shaped cavity resonator is adjusted, and the sensor’s refractive index sensitivity was found to be \(935.71 \text{n}\text{m}/\text{R}\text{I}\text{U}\). By measuring the water content in heavy oil, we found that the Fano resonance lines shift toward shorter wavelengths as the volume fraction of water content increases. The detection resolution in heavy oil \(1.79\times {10}^{-9}\). The results presented here show that water content in heavy oil can be calculated using the measured change in the Fano resonance wavelength.
Effects of living cover on the soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions of hazelnut orchard
Authors: Ma Wenxu , Yang Zhen , Hou Sihao , Ma Qinghua , Liang Lisong , Wang Guixi , Liang Chunli , Zhao Tiantian
Published: October 2020

Background: Living covers are an important management measure for orchards in China, which has a certain influence on soil properties, microorganisms and micro-ecological environment. However, there are few studies on the effects of living covers on the soil changes in hazelnut orchard. In this study, we compared living cover treatment by Vulpia myuros and no cover treatment, and analyzed the changes on the soil properties, microorganisms and microbial function by using high-throughput ITS rDNA and 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. Results: The consequences demonstrated that the total organic carbon content of living cover treatment in the 20-40 cm soils increased by 32.87 % and 14.82 % respectively in May and July compared with no cover treatment, and living cover treatment by Vulpia myuros can also significantly increased the contents of total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP) and available potassium (AK) in the soil samples. Moreover, the influence of seasons is not as significant as that of soil depth. The living cover treatment significantly improved the soil enzymes activity levels. Among the four kind of soil enzymes, the soil invertase activity of living cover treatment was 50.94 % greater than that of no cover treatment in 0-20 cm soils and 52.17 % in 20-40 cm soils in May. The consequences demonstrated that Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phylum in all samples, while Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi were the dominant bacterial phylum, but different treatments impacted the composition of fungal and bacterial communities. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that living cover with Vulpia myuros significantly changed the soil fungal community structure whereas the bacterial community structure may be more sensitive to seasonal changes. At the microbial functional level, the pathotrophs, saprotrophs and symbiotrophs accounted for approximately 36.69 %, 49.80 % and 2.59 % of no cover treatment fungal OTUs respectively whereas in living cover treatment was 19.76 %, 41.51 % and 6.89 %. Conclusions: According to this study, we believe that the living cover with Vulpia myuros has a favorable regulating influence on soil properties, microbial community and microbial function, and can be considered as a management measure for hazelnut orchards management.
Youth-Centered Maternity Care: A Binational Qualitative Comparison of the Experiences and Perspectives of Latina Adolescents and Healthcare Providers
Authors: Decker Martha J. , Pineda Noelle , Gutmann-Gonzalez Abigail , Brindis Claire D.
Published: October 2020

Background: Although there is growing recognition of the importance of person-centered maternity care, the needs and perspectives of pregnant adolescents are rarely considered. The purpose of this study was to compare the maternity care experiences of Mexican-origin adolescents in Guanajuato, Mexico and Fresno, California from both youth and healthcare provider perspectives. Methods: Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 89 respondents, including pregnant and parenting adolescents as well as providers between December 2016 and July 2017. Transcripts in English and Spanish were coded and analyzed using Dedoose software. Results were compared by location and between youth and providers. Results: Four themes emerged regarding patient-provider interactions: the need for communication and clear explanations, respectful versus judgmental providers, engaging youth in decision-making, and a focus on the age of the youth and their partners. While youth had similar perspectives and priorities in both locations, youth in Mexico reported more negative healthcare experiences than youth in California. Perspectives varied between the youth and providers, with providers in both California and Mexico identifying several structural challenges in providing quality care to adolescents. In California, challenges to supporting immigrant Latina adolescents and their families included language and translation issues as well as barriers to care due to immigration status and documentation. In both locations, providers also mentioned high patient caseloads and their own concerns about the youth’s life choices. Conclusion: Youth-centered care requires more effective and respectful patient-provider communication, where adolescents are engaged in their healthcare decision-making and delivery options. Changes in patient-provider interactions can help improve the maternity care experiences and outcomes of Latina adolescents. Healthcare systems and providers need to reconfigure their approaches to focus on the needs and priorities of adolescents.
Valvular lesions and Epilepsy, Khartoum, Sudan 2018
Authors: Abbasher Khabab , AlHusseini Radi Tuffaha , Sidig Amira , Digna Mutaz F. , Hussien Abbasher , Abbasher Hussien , Aldar Mohammed M. , Eladil Omer , Hajnoor Khalid , Abbasher Mohammed
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Epilepsy is either; idiopathic when there is no underlying cause or secondary if there is an underlying cause of egg brain tumors, stroke. There is a strong in conjunction between epilepsy and valvular lesions. Objective: To study the relationship between valvular lesions and Epilepsy among Sudanese epileptic patients. Methodology: Almost 50 Sudanese patients with valvular lesions were included in the study during Jane 2018 to Jane 2019. Result: Out of 50 patients (48%) males while females (52%). Almost 40% of the patients were found to have generalized tonic colonic epilepsy, while 60% have focal epilepsy. Pure MS was the common valvular lesion observed. 14% of the patients had atrial fibrillation, especially with mitral stenosis .4% of the patients underwent valvotomy. Abnormal EEG was observed in 64% of the patients. Abnormal brain MRI was detected in 50% of the patients. Almost all the patients 100% diagnosed as having valvular lesions before being diagnosed with epilepsy. Conclusion: There is a strong relationship between valvular lesions and epilepsy, most probably due to association with coexist arrhythmias resulting in cerebral infarction, tight valvular lesions, and rarely follow valvotomy valvular replacement.
LMWF5A suppresses cytokine release by modulating select inflammatory transcription factor activity in stimulated PBMC
Authors: Thomas Gregory , Frederick Elizabeth , Thompson Lisa , Bar-Or Raphael , Mulugeta Yetti , Hausburg Melissa , Roshon Michael , Mains Charles , Bar-Or David
Published: October 2020

Background Dysregulation of transcription and cytokine expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety inflammatory diseases. The resulting imbalance between inflammatory and resolving transcriptional programs can cause an overabundance of pro-inflammatory, classically activated macrophage type 1 (M1) and/or helper T cell type 1 (Th1) products, such as IFNγ, TNFα, IL1-β, and IL12, that prevent immune switching to resolution and healing. The low molecular weight fraction of human serum albumin (LMWF5A) is novel biologic drug that is currently under clinical investigation for the treatment of osteoarthritis and the hyper-inflammatory response associated with COVID-19. This study aims to elucidate transcriptional mechanisms of action involved with the ability of LMWF5A to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Methods ELISA arrays were used to identify cytokines and chemokines influenced by LMWF5A treatment of LPS-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The resulting profiles were analyzed by gene enrichment to gain mechanistic insight into the biologic processes and transcription factors (TFs) underlying the identified differentially expressed cytokines. DNA-binding ELISAs, luciferase reporter assays, and TNFα or IL-1β relative potency were then employed to confirm the involvement of enriched pathways and TFs.Results LMWF5A was found to significantly inhibit a distinct set of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, IL-12, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11) associated with pro-inflammatory M1/Th1 immune profiles. Gene enrichment analysis also suggests these cytokines are, in part, regulated by NF-κB and STAT transcription factors. Data from DNA-binding and reporter assays support this with LMWF5A inhibition of STAT1α DNA-binding activity as well as a reduction in overall NF-κB-driven luciferase expression. Experiments using antagonists specific for the immunomodulatory and NF-κB/STAT-repressing transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), indicate these pathways are involved in the LMWF5A mechanism of action by reducing LMWF5A drug potency as measured by TNFα and IL-1β release. Conclusion In this report, we provide evidence that LMWF5A reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release by activating the immunoregulatory transcription factors PPARγ and AhR. In addition, our data indicate that LMWF5A suppresses NF-κB and STAT1α pro-inflammatory pathways. This suggests that LMWF5A act through these mechanisms to decrease pro-inflammatory transcription factor activity and subsequent inflammatory cytokine production.
When can physical distancing be relaxed? A health production function approach for COVID-19 control policy
Authors: Wibowo Dradjad H.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundPhysical distancing measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic come at a heavy short-term economic cost. But easing the measures too early carries a high risk of transmission re-escalations. To assess if physical distancing can be relaxed, a number of epidemic indicators are used, most notably the reproduction number R. Many developing countries, however, have limited capacities to estimate R accurately. This study aims to demonstrate how health production function can be used to assess the state of COVID-19 transmission and to determine a risk-based physical distancing relaxation policy.MethodsThe author establishes a short-run health production function, representing the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases, from the standard SIR model. Three zones defining the state of transmission are shown. The probability of meeting a policy target, given a production elasticity range, is computed. The method is applied to France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the US, and to Indonesia as an example of application in developing countries. ResultsAs of June 30, 2020, France, Germany, Italy and the UK have arrived in the “green zone” where relaxation can be considered. The US is still in the “red zone” where physical distancing still needs to be applied. France, Germany and Italy can set a policy target of maximum daily-cases of 500, while the UK has to make do with a target of 1,100 daily-cases. France, Germany, Italy and the UK still exhibit a relatively high risk of their daily-cases failing to meet the policy target or even rising. Indonesia is still in the “red zone”, so it comes as no surprise that the country’s daily-cases rose sharply after relaxation of physical distancing. ConclusionsShort-run health production function can be used to assess the state of COVID-19 transmission and to determine a risk-based physical distancing relaxation policy. Given its simplicity and minimum data requirement, the approach is very useful for developing countries which are unable to have reliable estimates of the reproduction number R. Follow-up research from this study may include estimating an economically optimal date for relaxing distancing measures and application of this method to other epidemics.
Litíase biliar em paciente masculino de 6 anos: relato de caso
Authors: Spaziani Amanda Oliva , Chalub Laura dos Reis , Abílio Cinthia , Vicentini João Vitor Soares , Rezende Cleidjane Furtado , Manaia Clerson Rodrigues , Rueda André Fraga , Faidiga Leonardo , Antonio Luiz Gustavo Madi
Published: October 2020

Os cálculos vesiculares, ou litíase, correspondem a depósitos de líquidos digestivos desidratados que se formam na vesícula biliar. A doença calculosa da vesícula biliar tem uma prevalência que varia de acordo com as populações estudadas. Considerando a importância do tema, esse estudo visa relatar um caso de litíase biliar em paciente do sexo masculino, seis anos, recebido em unidade de emergência com febre e dor em hipocôndrio direito e evolução para colecistectomia e herniorrafia umbilical, sete meses após, de forma eletiva. A litíase biliar é uma patologia rara em idade pediátrica, frequentemente está presente no contexto de malformações da árvore biliar ou hemólise crônica.Descritores: Litíase; Doenças dos Ductos Biliares; Colelitíase.ReferênciasOliveira RS, Silva PD, Queiroz CAS, Terra-Júnior JA, Crema E. Prevalence of bacteriobilia in patients undergoing elective colecystectomy. Arq Bras Cir Dig. 2018;31(3):e1392.Leão JD, Silva LR, Martins LR, Andréa Fernanda Lopes dos Santos. Associação entre cálculos biliares e consumo alimentar. Rev Interdiscip. 2017;10(4):31-8.Oliu Lambert H, de la Cruz Castillo NA, Piña Prieto LR, Domínguez González EJ, Romero García LI. Caracterización de pacientes con litiasis vesicular operados por mínimo acceso. Medisan. 2016;20(9):69-76.Teive MB, Cantarelli MP, Mendes AC, Dametto G, Matiollo C. A composição química dos cálculos da vesícula biliar – um estudo em pacientes de Santa Catarina. ACM Arq Catarin Med. 2018;47(1):133-40.TabNet: procedimentos hospitalares do SUS – colecistectomia. Brasília, DF: DATASUS; 2018.Leite S, Silva HM, Guerra IC, Flores H, Carvalho F, Silva ES et al. Litíase biliar em idade pediátrica: que abordagem?. Nascer e Crescer. 2015;24(Suppl 2):S14.Nunes MMA, Medeiros CCM, Silva LR. Litíase biliar em adolescentes obesos atendidos em ambulatório. J Pediatr (Rio J.). 2014;90(2):203-8.Suavinha, FF, Faria ÉF, Costa Neto DB, Coelho FJT. Síndrome colestática na infância: relato de caso. Rev Pato Tocantins. 2016;3(2):11-20.
On-farm Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars in Coastal Virginia
Authors: Flanagan Roy D. , Samtani Jayesh B. , Manchester Mikel Ann , Romelczyk Stephanie , Johnson Charles S. , Lawrence Watson , Pattison Jeremy
Published: October 2020

Strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) are one of the major high-value crops in North America. There is increasing interest in commercial strawberry production for local markets in Virginia and surrounding states, but information on the performance of newer cultivars is extremely limited. We tested 10 commercially available June-bearing cultivars [Benicia, Camarosa, Camino Real, Chandler, Strawberry Festival, Flavorfest, FL Radiance, Treasure, Sweet Charlie, and Winterstar™ (FL 05-107)] and two day-neutral cultivars (Albion and San Andreas) for their spring and summer fruiting capacity in Virginia production systems in a randomized, replicated study, at three on-farm locations. Data were collected on vegetative growth, yield performance, fruit quality, sweetness, and fruit diameter. Cultivars with the highest total yields averaged across all three locations were Benicia, Camino Real, Chandler, and Camarosa. ‘Camino Real’ had the highest marketable yield at all three locations, not significantly different from ‘Chandler’, and ‘Benicia’ and ‘Camarosa’ had the highest marketable yield at two of the three locations. ‘Flavorfest’ and ‘Sweet Charlie’ had the highest total soluble solids concentration for the harvest season. Overall, for all locations, ‘Benicia’ and ‘Camino Real’ had the largest fruit diameter, and ‘Strawberry Festival’ had the smallest fruit diameter.
Impact of splits on stock splits ratios around announcement day: empirical evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Anjali , Kumar Arya Purushottam
Published: October 2020

Stock split should not have any impact on share prices, and there should be no value creation. The purpose of this study is to find any impact of stock splits announced in India between 1999 and 2019 on stock returns. The study aims to find differences in the impact of stock splits on stock returns with differences in stock split ratios. To examine the impact, the study includes 224 splits and adopts the standard event study methodology to find results. The presence of an abnormal return around split announcement day is the main factor, which determines the impact of stock split on the stocks. Average Abnormal Returns and Cumulative Average Abnormal Returns on percentage basis, z-test and p-value are used to statistically analyze the impact on stock prices around the announcement day of splits. These tests are used across different window periods (e.g., 20 days, 10 days and 5 days) around the event day (announcement day) to check if the impact of the event continues or decreases over time. The results point to a significant positive impact of stock splits on the returns of stock around the day the split was announced. The results also show that the impact is stronger for stock splits with ratios 10:1 (2.72 percent) and 10:2 (2.14 percent). It can be suggested that 10:1 and 10:2 are the most popular split ratios that receive maximum ongoing response to splits in the announcement window.
Geochemistry pollution status and ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metals in the Pahang River sediment after the high magnitude of flood event
Authors: Lim K. Y. , Zakaria N. A. , Foo K. Y.
Published: October 2020

The present work is aimed at assessing the aftermath effects of the 2014 flood tragedy on the distribution, pollution status and ecological risks of the heavy metals deposited in the surface river sediment. A series of environmental pollution indexes, specifically the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) have been adopted. Results revealed that the freshly deposited sediments collected soon after the flood event were dominated by Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd, with the average concentrations of 38.74, 16,892, 17.71, 4.65, 29.22, 42.36 and 0.29 mg/kg, respectively. According to the heavy metal pollution indexes, Pahang River sediments were moderately to severely contaminated with Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cr, while Cd with the highest risk of 91.09 was the predominant element that illustrated an aesthetic ecological risk to the water body after the tragic flood event. The findings highlighted a critical deterioration of the heavy metals content, driven by the catastrophic flood event, which has drastically altered their geochemical cycles, sedimentary pollution status and biochemical balance of the river's environment.
An approach to evaluate non-point source pollution in an ungauged basin: a case study in Xiao'anxi River Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Li , Zhang Xing , Liu Lingxue , Chen Ting , Liu Xing , Ren Yufeng , Zhang Hairong , Li Xiaodong , Ao Tianqi
Published: October 2020

It is challenging to evaluate non-point source pollution (NPSP) quantitatively and comprehensively in a basin without gauged data. In this paper, the export coefficient model (ECM), source strength coefficient method (SSCM), and the equivalent pollution loading method (EPLM) were integrated to evaluate NPSP in the Xiao’anxi River Basin (XRB) in 2018. The results showed that NPSP is the primary pollution type in the study area for 68.1% of the total pollution load. The primary pollutant was total nitrogen (TN), which accounted for 56.16% of the total pollution. Moreover, rural residents' living sewage accounted for 48.81% of NPSP, which was the primary pollution source. The evaluation results are consistent with field investigation, which indicates that the proposed integration method is capable of NPSP assessment in an ungauged basin. In addition, the hydrological analogy method and Q–V linear fitting were used to determine the discharge and flow velocity to calculate water environmental capacity, and compare with the prediction of NPSP in the study area in 2022. It was found that the critical rehabilitation regions are Bachuan Town, Nancheng Town, and Er'ping Town. Furthermore, the primary pollutants, TN and total phosphorus (TP), exceeded the water environmental capacity by 76.67% and 48.58%, respectively.
Calibration method for Manning's roughness coefficient for a river flume model
Authors: Li Yujian , Geng Yixin , Mao Liang
Published: October 2020

This paper takes the Tarim River as an example to study the selection of Manning's roughness coefficient (n) in numerical simulation and presents a new method for calibrating Manning's roughness coefficient of a flume model. The measured topographic data and hydraulic data obtained from the flume experiments are taken as the initial boundary conditions in flow simulation, and n value for a flume model of the Qiman reach of Tarim River is calibrated by using a CCHE2D model. The consistency between the simulated water surface and the measured water surface with different n value is compared by using the error analysis method. Manning's n value for a flume model which meets the minimum error requirements is determined. The relative error between n value obtained by the empirical method and n value obtained by the numerical simulation method is analyzed. The result shows that the calibration method of n value for a flume model by using the CCHE2D model and error analysis presented in this paper is feasible and reliable.
Simultaneous determination of 11 illicit drugs and metabolites in wastewater by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Wang Xin , Wang Roujia , Luo Ruxin , Shi Yan , Shen Baohua , Liu Wei , Yu Zhiguo , Xiang Ping
Published: October 2020

Assessing collective drug consumption based on the concentrations of illicit drugs and their metabolites in wastewater is a new technology. Currently, this technology is receiving attention in China, and methods for multiple illicit drug detection in wastewater are urgently needed. In our study, a method with a short runtime (7 min), a small solid-phase extraction (SPE) loading volume (50 mL) and high sensitivity (lower limits of quantitation (LLOQs) ranged from 0.2 to 5 ng/L) was developed for the simultaneous determination of amphetamines, ketamine, opiates, cocaine and their metabolites in wastewater. Samples were enriched by SPE on a mixed-mode sorbent (Oasis MCX) and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.1 to 2 ng/L, and the LLOQs varied between 0.2 and 5 ng/L. Moreover, the method developed was applied to real wastewater samples collected from 15 different wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In the results, the most abundant compounds were morphine (1.8–46.6 ng/L) and codeine (3.7–24.9 ng/L), which were detected in 13 WWTPs. After successful optimization of the UPLC-MS/MS conditions and sample loading pH, the method developed is able to meet the needs of common illicit drug monitoring and high-throughput analysis requirements.
Enhanced removal of nutrients and heavy metals from domestic-industrial wastewater in an academic campus of Hanoi using modified hybrid constructed wetlands
Authors: Huong Mai , Costa Dan-Tam , Van Hoi Bui
Published: October 2020

Vietnam, like many developing countries, is facing serious water quality issues due to discharging wastewaters without treatment or with improper treatment, which can constitute a potential risk for aquatic ecosystems, food safety and human health. Hybrid constructed wetlands with four substrate layers (HCW) and modified hybrid constructed wetland (MHCW-1 and MHCW-2) with seven substrate layers were designed to evaluate the enhanced treatment capacity for wastewaters. To this end, we carried out an outdoor experiment at the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Vietnam to treat its wastewaters from April to August 2019. All constructed wetland units were planted with reed Phragmites australis and cyperus Cyperus alternifolius; and specifically wetland MHCW-2 was cultured with earthworm Perionys excavates. Results indicated that MHCW-1 and MHCW-2 with seven substrate layers had higher removal efficiencies of -N, TKN and TP than HCW system. More substrate layers in MHCW-1 and MHCW-2 also resulted in increase of Cu and Pb removal efficiencies, with 73.5%, 79.4%, 71.5% and 67.8%, respectively. Particularly, earthworm addition in MHCW-2 was more efficient in decreasing the concentrations of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), with removal efficiency over 70%.
Case study of H2S release and transport in a trunk sewer with drops
Authors: Yang Zhi , Zhu David Z. , Yu Tong , Edwini-Bonsu Stephen , Shypanski Adam , Liu Yanchen
Published: October 2020

Field work was performed to investigate the release of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and its transport in the sewer trunk with drops in the Bonnie Doon area in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in order to develop a proper odor control strategy. The liquid sulfide concentration in the upstream trunk was low (less than 1.0 mg/L), and no H2S gas was detected in the head space under this low concentration. However, high H2S gas concentration was detected in the middle reach of the trunk due to the stripping effect of the three drops (2.7 m, 5.2 m and 2.0 m) along the trunk. The released H2S at drops was then transported in the sewer system and emitted at various locations and caused odor concerns. These drops played an important role in H2S release, and the overall H2S mass transfer coefficient at drops was much higher than that in normal gravity sewers. The overall oxygen and H2S mass transfer coefficient (KLa) was estimated to be around 200 h−1 and 300 h−1 at the first two drops, respectively. Field sampling of biofilm indicates that Desulfomicrobium was identified as the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) responsible for sulfide generation in sewer wall biofilm and Thiobacillus was the only predominant member in manhole wall biofilm contributing to sewer manhole corrosion.
Nanocarrier-based Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapeutics: A Review of the Last Decade
Authors: Sohail Muhammad , Guo Wenna , Li Zhiyong , Xu Hui , Zhao Feng , Chen Daquan , Fu Fenghua
Published: October 2020

In recent years, due to the shortcomings of conventional chemotherapy, such as
poor bioavailability, low treatment index, and unclear side effects, the focus of cancer research
has shifted to new nanocarriers of chemotherapeutic drugs. By using biodegradable
materials, nanocarriers generally have the advantages of good biocompatibility, low side effects,
targeting, controlled release profile, and improved efficacy. More to the point, nanocarrier
based anti-cancer drug delivery systems clearly show the potential to overcome the problems
associated with conventional chemotherapy. In order to promote the in-depth research
and development in this field, we herein summarized and analyzed various nanocarrier based
drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, including the concepts, types, characteristics, and
preparation methods. The active and passive targeting mechanisms of cancer therapy were
also included, along with a brief introduction of the research progress of nanocarriers used for
anti-cancer drug delivery in the past decade.
Qiliqiangxin Prescription Promotes Angiogenesis of Hypoxic Primary Rat Cardiac Microvascular Endothelial Cells via Regulating miR-21 Signaling
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Zhang Jingjing , Fu Mingqiang , Wang Jingfeng , Cui Xiaotong , Song Yu , Han Xueting , Liu Yuan , Zhou Jingmin , Ge Junbo
Published: October 2020

Background and Objective:

Angiogenesis is the most important repair process of tissues subjected
to ischemic injury. The present study aims to investigate whether the pro-angiogenic effect of Qiliqiangxin prescription
(QL) is mediated through miR-21 signaling.

Methods:

Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) were isolated and cultured from 2-3 weeks old SD
rats by the method of planting myocardium tissues. The purity was identified by CD31 immunofluorescence
staining. CMECs were then cultured under 1% O2 hypoxia or normoxia condition for 24h in the presence or
absence of QL pretreatment (QL, 0.5mg/ml, 24h). The mimics and inhibitors of miR-21 were transfected into
CMECs. miR-21, HIF-1α, and VEGF expressions of CMECs were then detected by qRT-PCR and/or Western
blot. The proliferation, migration, and tube formation functions of CMECs were assessed using the BrdU assay,
wound healing test, and tube formation assay, respectively.

Results:

The results showed that compared with the control group, hypoxia significantly upregulated the expression
of miR-21 and impaired CMECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation functions. Compared with
the hypoxia group, QL further upregulated miR-21, HIF-1α, and VEGF expressions, and improved cell proliferation,
migration, and tube formation of hypoxic CMECs. These effects of QL were abolished by a knockdown
of miR-21. Conversely, treatment with miR-21 mimics further enhanced QL induced changes in hypoxic
CMECs.

Conclusions:

Results indicate that the pro-angiogenesis effects of QL on hypoxic CMECs are mediated by activating
miR-21 and its downstream HIF-1α/VEGF pathway possibly.
Dynamic Behavior of Biomaterials Uncovered by Cryo-electron Microscopy
Authors: Zhao Yimin , Zhao Yizhen , Peng Bingquan , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2020

Structural biology develops rapidly with time. The static structure analysis of
biomaterials is not enough to satisfy the studies of their functional mechanisms, with a huge
obstacle for the dynamic process of biological complexes. The rapid development of cryo-electron
microscopy (cryo-EM) technology makes it possible to observe the near-atomic resolution
structures and dynamic nature of biological macromolecules, in the fields of dynamic
characteristics of proteins, protein-protein interactions, molecular recognition, and structure-based
design. In this review, we systematically elaborate the contribution of cryo-EM technology in the
field of biomaterials such as ribosome motion, membrane protein structure and conformational
space, dynamic transmission within the plasma membrane and clinical applications. We also put
forward a new standpoint in the development of cryo-EM technology.
Biological Role of AKT and Regulation of AKT Signaling Pathway by Thymoquinone: Perspectives in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Junaid Md. , Akter Yeasmin , Afrose Syeda Samira , Tania Mousumi , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman
Published: October 2020

Background:

AKT/PKB is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions, and
its overexpression is related to carcinogenesis. AKT stimulates different signaling pathways that are
downstream of activated tyrosine kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, hence functions as an
important target for anti-cancer drugs.

Objective:

In this review article, we have interpreted the role of AKT signaling pathway in cancer and
the natural inhibitory effect of Thymoquinone (TQ) in AKT and its possible mechanisms.

Method:

We have collected the updated information and data on AKT, its role in cancer and the inhibitory
effect of TQ in AKT signaling pathway from Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science,
Elsevier, Scopus, and many more.

Results:

Many drugs are already developed, which can target AKT, but very few among them have
passed clinical trials. TQ is a natural compound, mainly found in black cumin, which has been found
to have potential anti-cancer activities. TQ targets numerous signaling pathways, including AKT, in
different cancers. In fact, many studies revealed that AKT is one of the major targets of TQ. The preclinical
success of TQ suggests its clinical studies on cancer.

Conclusion:

This review article summarizes the role of AKT in carcinogenesis, its potent inhibitors in
clinical trials, and how TQ acts as an inhibitor of AKT and TQ’s future as a cancer therapeutic drug.
ENTPDases from Pathogenic Trypanosomatids and Purinergic Signaling: Shedding Light towards Biotechnological Applications
Authors: da Silva Walmir , da Rocha Torres Nancy , de Melo Agripino Joice , da Silva Victor Hugo Ferraz , de Souza Anna Cláudia Alves , Ribeiro Isadora Cunha , de Oliveira Tatiana Aparecida , de Souza Luciana Angelo , Andrade Lethicia Kelly Ramos , de Moraes João Victor Badaró , Diogo Marcel Arruda , de Castro Raíssa Barbosa , Polêto Marcelo Depolo , Afonso Luis Carlos Crocco , Fietto Juliana Lopes Rangel
Published: October 2020

ENTPDases are enzymes known for hydrolyzing extracellular nucleotides and playing an essential
role in controlling the nucleotide signaling via nucleotide/purinergic receptors P2. Moreover,
ENTPDases, together with Ecto-5´-nucleotidase activity, affect the adenosine signaling via P1 receptors.
These signals control many biological processes, including the immune system. In this context, ATP is
considered as a trigger to inflammatory signaling, while adenosine (Ado) induces anti-inflammatory response.
The trypanosomatids Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi, pathogenic agents of Leishmaniasis
and Chagas Disease, respectively, have their own ENTPDases named “TpENTPDases,” which can affect
the nucleotide signaling, adhesion and infection, in order to favor the parasite. Besides,
TpENTPDases are essential for the parasite nutrition, since the Purine De Novo synthesis pathway is
absent in them, which makes these pathogens dependent on the intake of purines and nucleopurines for
the Salvage Pathway, in which TpENTPDases also take place. Here, we review information regarding
TpNTPDases, including their known biological roles and their effect on the purinergic signaling. We
also highlight the roles of these enzymes in parasite infection and their biotechnological applications,
while pointing to future developments.
Withdrawal Notice: Ionic Liquid Mediated Synthesis of Schiff bases Bearing Thiazole and Indole Moieties
Authors: Jawale Dhanaji , Wagare Devendra , Lingampalle Dinesh , Netankar Prashant
Published: October 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the authors and editor of the journal "Current Organic Synthesis."

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be simultaneously
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the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal right to take appropriate action against the
authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright
of their article is transferred to the publishers if and when the article is accepted for publication.
Exploring the Molecular Mechanisms of 17β-HSD5-induced Carcinogenicity of Catha edulis via Molecular Modeling Approach
Authors: Saeed Maria , Ashraf Sajda , Alsanosi Rashad , Alhazmi Hassan A. , AlBratty Mohammed , Najmi Asim , Khalid Asaad , Ul-Haq Zaheer
Published: October 2020

Background:

The tradition of khat chewing has been deep-rooted in the African and Arabian
Peninsula for centuries. Due to its amphetamine-like psycho-stimulant or euphoric effect, khat
has been used by millions in Somalia, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The long-term use of khat
can induce many major health outcomes, which may be serious and irreversible.

Objective:

Prolonged use of khat constituents has been associated with different types of cancers such
as prostatic, breast and ovarian cancer. However, it has been very difficult to identify the molecular
targets involved in khat carcinogenesis that interact with the Khat constituents by in vitro/in vivo
experimental tools.

Methods:

In silico tools were used to predict potential targets involved in the carcinogenesis of khat.
Pass on-line prediction server was used for the prediction of a potential molecular target for khat constituents.
Molecular Dynamics simulation and MM-GBSA calculation of the predicted target were
carried out.

Results:

Molecular Dynamics simulation and MM-GBSA calculation revealed that among khat constituents,
β-sitosterol showed a high binding affinity towards 17β-HSD5. On the other hand, this
study highlights for the first time some new interactions, which were observed in the case of cathine,
cathinone and nerol during the simulation.

Conclusion:

In silico molecular dynamic simulation tools were used for the first time to investigate
the molecular mechanism of widely used leaves of psychoactive khat (Catha edulis) constituent. The
present study provides deep insight to understand the effect of khat constituents involved in the impairment
of the reproductive system and its binding to 17β-HSD5. ADMET profiling also suggested
that few khat constituents do not fulfill the requirements of the Lipinski rule of five i.e. poor absorption
and blood-brain barrier impermeability.
Effect of Lapachol on the Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase Related to the Invasion of Human Fibrosarcoma Cells
Authors: Kim Jaeryeon , Kim Moon-Moo
Published: October 2020

Background:

Anti-cancer effect of lapachol contained in Tabebuia avellandae has been
poorly understood until now.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of lapachol on MMPs related
to cell invasion. Its action mechanism was elucidated by analyzing the activity and the expression
of MMPs and the proteins involved in the signaling pathway of cell invasion.

Methods:

The cytotoxicity of lapachol was evaluated by MTT assay in HT1080 cells. The effects
of lapachol on the expression and the activation of MMPs were analyzed by western blot, immunofluorescence
staining, and gelatin zymography assays. Their gene expression was analyzed
by RT-PCR, and metastasis was evaluated by cell invasion assay.

Results:

Lapachol below 2 μM showed no cytotoxicity. It was observed that lapachol above 0.5
μM inhibited the activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 stimulated by PMA. In particular, the protein
and gene expression levels of MMP-2 stimulated by PMA were remarkably decreased in the presence
of lapachol at 1 μM compared with the PMA treatment group. In addition, lapachol increased
the expression level of TIMP-1 compared with the PMA treatment group. Moreover, lapachol decreased
the expression level of p-p38 among MAPKs compared with the PMA treatment group. It
was also found that the expression level of p65, a part of NF-kB, in nuclei was reduced in the presence
of lapachol above 0.5 μM compared with the PMA treatment group. In addition, lapachol inhibited
the invasion of human fibrosarcoma cells stimulated with VEGF.

Conclusion:

Above results suggest that lapachol could play an important role in the modulation of
MMPs related to cell invasion via the increase in TIMP-1 expression as well as the inactivation of
p38 through NF-kB transcription factor.
ANALISA MINAT INVESTASI PASAR MODAL PADA MAHASISWA FEB DI UNIVERSITAS PAPUA
Authors: Yuliani Witha , Usman Sarah , Sudarwadi Dirarini
Published: October 2020

Abstrak: Analisa Minat Investasi Pasar Modal Pada Mahasiswa di Universitas Papua. Tujuan penelitian untuk menguji seberapa besar pengaruh pengetahuan dan motivasi investasi terhadap minat investasi di Pasar Modal pada mahasiswa FEB UNIPA. Rancangan penelitian secara kuantitatif dengan jenis masalah deskriptif. Populasi penelitian yaitu mahasiswa peserta sosialisasi Pasar Modal. Sampel penelitian sebanyak 76 mahasiswa melalui rumus slovin dari total 323 mahasiswa yang menjadi populasi, diambil dengan teknik Simple Random Sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan metode kuesioner. Uji instrumen menggunakan uji validitas dan uji reliabilitas. Teknik analisis data yaitu tabulasi data, analisis statistik deskriptif, dan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil analisis menyatakan variabel pengetahuan investasi berpengaruh sebesar 21%, dan motivasi investasi sebesar 58,3%. Variabel independen secara simultan mempengaruhi variabel dependen sebesar 57,2%. Variabel motivasi berperan lebih besar, sehingga Bursa Efek Indonesia perlu memfokuskan pada peningkatan motivasi investasi mahasiswa. Untuk peneliti selanjutnya, sebaiknya menggunakan variabel lain selain dari variabel independen pada penelitian ini.Kata kunci: Pengetahuan, Motivasi, Investasi, Mahasiswa, Papua Barat
PENERAPAN TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL PADA PENGGUNAAN E-MONEY STUDI PADA WILAYAH NON PERKOTAAN
Authors: Nustini Yuni , Adhinagari Annisa H.
Published: October 2020

Abstrak: Penerapan Technology Acceptance Model pada Penggunaan e-Money Studi pada Wilayah Non-Perkotaan. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi warga di wilayah non-perkotaan dalam menggunakan e-money (uang elektronik). Penelitian ini penting untuk dilaksanakan mengingat pemerintah telah mencanangkan cash less society. Di duga saat ini secara masyarakat Indonesia yang berdomisili di wilayah non-perkotaan belum terbiasa menggunakan e-money. Sampel dikumpulkan secara acak (random) dari orang-orang yang berdomisili di Kabupaten Sleman DIY dan dipilih dengan kriteria yang telah menggunakan e-money. Analisis data dengan regresi linier berganda di uji menggunakan software SPSS.  Hasil pengujian data menunjukkan bahwa semua (empat) hipotesis didukung. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa selain masyarakat perkotaan, masyarakat non-perkotaan juga memiliki persepsi yang baik dan menerima pemakaian e-money sebagai alat pembayaran.  Dengan demikian program cash less society yang dicanangkan oleh pemerintah RI akan didukung sepenuhnya oleh masyarakat Indonesia.Kata kunci: e-Money, Cash Less Society, Technology Acceptance Model
PENGARUH BEBAN PAJAK, MEKANISME BONUS, EXCHANGE RATE, DAN KEPEMILIKAN ASING TERHADAP INDIKASI MELAKUKAN TRANSFER PRICING
Authors: Prananda Rihhadatul 'Aisy , Triyanto Dedik Nur
Published: October 2020

Abstrak: Pengaruh Beban Pajak, Mekanisme Bonus, Exchange Rate, dan Kepemilikan Asing Terhadap Indikasi Melakukan Transfer Pricing. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji apakah Beban Pajak, Mekanisme Bonus, Exchange Rate, dan Kepemilikan Asing berpengaruh terhadap Indikasi Melakukan Transfer Pricing pada perusahaan pertambangan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama periode 2014-2018. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah nonprobability sampling dengan jenis purposive sampling sehingga diperoleh sebanyak 75 sampel dari 15 perusahaan pertambangan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia selama periode 2014-2018. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah metode analisis regresi logistik dengan bantuan dari aplikasi IBM SPSS 25. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel Beban Pajak dan Kepemilikan Asing secara parsial berpengaruh positif terhadap Indikasi Melakukan Transfer Pricing, sedangkan variabel Mekanisme Bonus dan Exchange Rate secara parsial tidak berpengaruh terhadap Indikasi Melakukan Transfer Pricing.Kata kunci: Beban Pajak, Exchange Rate, Kepemilikan Asing, Mekanisme Bonus, dan Transfer Pricing