bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Perceived Self-efficacy and Spousal Support in Psychological Well-being of Female Entrepreneurs
Authors: Rasool Iqra , Zubair Aisha , Anwar Mubeen
Published: January 2020

The present study was attempted to investigate the role of perceived self-efficacy and spousal support in psychological well-being of female entrepreneurs. It was also intended to determine the moderating effect of spousal support in the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and psychological well-being. The sample comprised of 405 female entrepreneurs with age range from 22-49 years. Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (Rehman & Rehman, 2004), Spousal Support Inventory for Workers (Malik & Khan, 2001), and Affectometer-2 (Naheed, 1997) were used to assess major constructs of the study. Results showed that perceived self-efficacy was positively associated with spousal support and psychological well-being. Similarly, spousal support was positively linked with psychological well-being. Moreover, spousal support significantly moderated the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Differences on educational groups and type of entrepreneurship reflected differential levels of perceived self-efficacy, spousal support, and psychological well-being. Future implications of the study were also discussed.
Assessment of Software Vulnerabilities using Best-Worst Method and Two-Way Analysis
Authors: Anjum Misbah , Kapur P. K. , Agarwal Vernika , Khatri Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2020

Software is one of the most essential part in today’s world, with its requirements in every industry be it automotive, avionics, telecommunication, banking, pharmaceutical and many more. Software systems are generally a bit complicated and created by distinct programmers. Usually any mistake in the code by a programmer in the developing stage of a software can lead to loopholes that cause vulnerabilities. Vulnerability is a software flaw that an assaulter can exploit to conduct unlawful activities within a computer system. Despite the understanding of vulnerabilities by the academia and industry, the amount of vulnerabilities is growing exponentially as fresh characteristics are added to the software frequently. Developers and testers are faced with the challenge of fixing large amounts of vulnerabilities within limited resources and time. Thus, prioritizing software vulnerabilities is essential to reduce the usage of corporate assets and time, which is the motivation behind the present study. In the present paper, the issue of software vulnerability prioritization is addressed by utilizing a new multi-criterion decision-making (MCDM) technique known as the Best Worst method (BWM). Further, to assess the vulnerabilities in terms of their critical nature, we have applied Two-Way assessment technique. The BWM utilizes two pairwise comparison vectors to determine the weights of criteria. The two-way assessment framework takes into account the perspectives of both managers/developers and stakeholders/testers to highlight the severity of software vulnerabilities. This can act as a significant measure of efficiency and effectiveness for the prioritization and evaluation of vulnerability. The findings are validated with a software testing firm from North India.
Estimating the Soil Hydraulic Functions of Some Olive Orchards: Soil Management Implications for Water Saving in Soils of Salento Peninsula (Southern Italy)
Authors: Castellini Mirko , Stellacci Anna Maria , Mastrangelo Marcello , Caputo Francesco , Manici Luisa Maria
Published: January 2020

Saving water resources in agriculture is a topic of current research in Mediterranean environments, and rational soil management can allow such purposes. The Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters (BEST) procedure was applied in five olive orchards of Salento peninsula (southern Italy) to estimate the soil physical and hydraulic properties under alternative soil management (i.e., no-tillage (NT) and minimum tillage (MT)), and to quantify the impact of soil management on soil water conservation. Results highlighted the soundness of BEST predictions since they provided consistent results in terms of soil functions or capacitive-based soil indicators when (i) the entire data set was grouped by homogeneous classes of texture, bulk density, and capillarity of the soil, (ii) the predictions were compared with the corresponding water retention measures independently obtained in lab, and (iii) some correlations of literature were checked. BEST was applied to establish a comparison at Neviano (NE) and Sternatia (ST) sites. The two neighboring NT soils compared at NE showed substantial discrepancies in soil texture (i.e., sandy loam (NE-SL) or clay (NE-C)). This marked difference in soil texture could determine a worsening of the relative field capacity at the NE-SL site (relative field capacity, RFC < 0.6), as compared to NE-C where RFC was optimal. The current soil management determined a similar effect (RFC < 0.6) at Sternatia (ST-MT vs. ST-NT), but the worsening in soil properties, due to soil tillage, must be considered substantially transient, as progressive improvement is expected with the restoration of the soil structure. The results of this work suggest that strategic MT can be a viable solution to manage the soil of Salento olive orchards.
Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Grain Number in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Niu Xiaojun , Zhu Yujun , Sun Zhichao , Yu Sibin , Zhuang Jieyun , Fan Yeyang
Published: January 2020

Grains number is one of the most important agronomic traits in the determination of rice productivity. To explore the underlying genetic basis of grain number in rice, quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed using three recombinant inbred line populations derived from indica rice crosses of Teqing/IRBB lines, Zhenshan 97/Milyang 46, and Xieqingzao/Milyang 46, respectively. A total of 58 QTLs distributed on all 12 rice chromosomes were identified, including 22 for number of grains per panicle (NGP), 17 for number of spikelets per panicle, and 19 for spikelet fertility. The individual QTL counted for 1.5 to 22.1% of phenotypic variation. Among them, 15 QTLs shared by two or three populations and eight QTLs showed large effects with R2 larger than 10%. Furthermore, three QTLs with minor effects for NGP, qNGP5.5, qNGP9.1, and qNGP12.1, were detected and validated by eliminating the segregation of major-effect QTL using four residual heterozygote-derived populations. These results not only enrich our understanding of the mechanism of grain number, but also provide a foundation for cloning and selecting candidate for marker-assisted selection breeding in rice.
Antioxidant-Conjugated Peptide Attenuated Metabolic Reprogramming in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Valuparampil Varghese Mathews , Niihori Maki , Eccles Cody A , Kurdyukov Sergey , James Joel , Rafikova Olga , Rafikov Ruslan
Published: January 2020

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic cardiopulmonary disorder instigated by pulmonary vascular cell proliferation. Activation of Akt was previously reported to promote vascular remodeling. Also, the irreversible nitration of Y350 residue in Akt results in its activation. NitroAkt was increased in PAH patients and the SU5416/Hypoxia (SU/Hx) PAH model. This study investigated whether the prevention of Akt nitration in PAH by Akt targeted nitroxide-conjugated peptide (NP) could reverse vascular remodeling and metabolic reprogramming. Treatment of the SU/Hx model with NP significantly decreased nitration of Akt in lungs, attenuated right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, and reduced RV systolic pressure. In the PAH model, Akt-nitration induces glycolysis by activation of the glucose transporter Glut4 and lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA). Decreased G6PD and increased GSK3β in SU/Hx additionally shunted intracellular glucose via glycolysis. The increased glycolytic rate upregulated anaplerosis due to activation of pyruvate carboxylase in a nitroAkt-dependent manner. NP treatment resolved glycolytic switch and activated collateral pentose phosphate and glycogenesis pathways. Prevention of Akt-nitration significantly controlled pyruvate in oxidative phosphorylation by decreasing lactate and increasing pyruvate dehydrogenases activities. Histopathological studies showed significantly reduced pulmonary vascular proliferation. Based on our current observation, preventing Akt-nitration by using an Akt-targeted nitroxide-conjugated peptide could be a useful treatment option for controlling vascular proliferation in PAH.
Inflammation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Review of Potential Correlates of PTSD with a Neurological Perspective
Authors: Kim Tammy D. , Lee Suji , Yoon Sujung
Published: January 2020

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of physiological and psychosocial burden. While growing research demonstrated signs of inflammation in PTSD, specific biomarkers that may be representative of PTSD such as the detailed neural correlates underlying the inflammatory responses in relation to trauma exposure are seldom discussed. Here, we review recent studies that explored alterations in key inflammatory markers in PTSD, as well as neuroimaging-based studies that further investigated signs of inflammation within the brain in PTSD, as to provide a comprehensive summary of recent literature with a neurological perspective. A search was conducted on studies published from 2009 through 2019 in PubMed and Web of Science. Fifty original articles were selected. Major findings included elevated levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines in individuals with PTSD across various trauma types, as compared with those without PTSD. Furthermore, neuroimaging-based studies demonstrated that altered inflammatory markers are associated with structural and functional alterations in brain regions that are responsible for the regulation of stress and emotion, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Future studies that utilize both central and peripheral inflammatory markers are warranted to elucidate the underlying neurological pathway of the pathophysiology of PTSD.
Hydrogen Peroxide Mediates Artemisinin-Derived C-16 Carba-Dimer-Induced Toxicity of Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Kalen Amanda L. , Wagner Brett A. , Sarsour Ehab H. , Kumar Maneesh G. , Reedy Jessica L. , Buettner Garry R. , Barua Nabin C. , Goswami Prabhat C.
Published: January 2020

This study used a nitroaliphatic chemistry approach to synthesize a novel artemisinin-derived carba-dimer (AG-1) and determined its anti-proliferative effects in human normal and cancer cells. AG-1 treatments selectively inhibit proliferation of cancer cells compared to normal human fibroblasts. Compared to artemisinin, AG-1 is more toxic to human breast, prostate, head–neck, pancreas and skin cancer cells; 50% inhibition (IC50) 123 µM in AG-1 vs. 290 µM in artemisinin-treated breast cancer cells. AG-1 treatment decreased (~5 folds) cyclin D1 protein expression that correlated with an increase in the percentage of cells in the G1-phase, suggesting a G1 delay. AG-1-induced toxicity was independent of the DNA damage at 72 h post-treatment, as measured by micronuclei frequency and γH2AX protein levels. Results from electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed Fe-catalyzed formation of AG-1 carbon-centered radicals in a cell-free system. Flow cytometry analysis of H2DCF-DA oxidation showed a significant increase in the steady-state levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AG-1-treated cells. Pre-treatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine and antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) significantly suppressed AG-1-induced toxicity, suggesting that superoxide and hydrogen peroxide contribute to AG-1-induced toxicity in human cancer cells. AG-1 represents a novel class of anti-cancer drug that is more potent than its parent compound, artemisinin.
The Importance of Oxidative Stress in Determining the Functionality of Mammalian Spermatozoa: A Two-Edged Sword
Authors: Aitken Robert J. , Drevet Joel R.
Published: January 2020

This article addresses the importance of oxidative processes in both the generation of functional gametes and the aetiology of defective sperm function. Functionally, sperm capacitation is recognized as a redox-regulated process, wherein a low level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is intimately involved in driving such events as the stimulation of tyrosine phosphorylation, the facilitation of cholesterol efflux and the promotion of cAMP generation. However, the continuous generation of ROS ultimately creates problems for spermatozoa because their unique physical architecture and unusual biochemical composition means that they are vulnerable to oxidative stress. As a consequence, they are heavily dependent on the antioxidant protection afforded by the fluids in the male and female reproductive tracts and, during the precarious process of insemination, seminal plasma. If this antioxidant protection should be compromised for any reason, then the spermatozoa experience pathological oxidative damage. In addition, situations may prevail that cause the spermatozoa to become exposed to high levels of ROS emanating either from other cells in the immediate vicinity (particularly neutrophils) or from the spermatozoa themselves. The environmental and lifestyle factors that promote ROS generation by the spermatozoa are reviewed in this article, as are the techniques that might be used in a diagnostic context to identify patients whose reproductive capacity is under oxidative threat. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of ROS-monitoring methodologies is critical if we are to effectively identify those patients for whom treatment with antioxidants might be considered a rational management strategy.
Outcomes of Peptide Vaccine GV1001 Treatment in a Murine Model of Acute Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeon , Han Jae Joon , Lee Sang-Youp , Jung Gaon , Min Hyun Jin , Song Jae-Jin , Koo Ja-Won
Published: January 2020

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is primarily caused by damage to cochlear hair cells, associated with synaptopathy. The novel cell-penetrating peptide GV1001, an antitumor agent, also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and is otoprotective in a murine model of kanamycin-induced ototoxicity. Here, we explored whether GV1001 attenuated NIHL, and the underlying mechanism at play. We established an NIHL model by exposing 4- to 6-week-old C57/BL6 mice to white noise at 120 dB SPL for 2 h, resulting in a significant permanent threshold shift (PTS). We then subcutaneously injected saline (control), GV1001, or dexamethasone immediately after cessation of PTS-noise exposure and evaluated the threshold shifts, structural damages to outer hair cells (OHCs), and ribbon synapses. We also verified whether GV1001 attenuates oxidative stress at the level of lipid peroxidation or protein nitration in OHCs 1 h after exposure to white noise at 120 dB SPL. GV1001-treated mice exhibited significantly less hearing threshold shifts over 2 weeks and preserved OHCs and ribbon synapses compared with controls. Similarly, dexamethasone-treated mice showed comparable protection against NIHL. Importantly, GV1001 markedly attenuated oxidative stress in OHCs. Our findings suggest that GV1001 may protect against NIHL by lowering oxidative stress and may serve as preventive or adjuvant treatment.
Subjective Preferences for Birdsong and Insect Song in Equal Sound Pressure Level
Authors: Soeta Yoshiharu , Kagawa Hiroko
Published: January 2020

Birdsong is used as a sound signal for visually impaired people in train stations in Japan. However, such sound signals were reportedly difficult to be localized by over 40% of visually impaired people. More than 40% of visually impaired people reported that such sound signals were difficult to identify. The sound pressure level of birdsong is typically low because higher levels of birdsong can cause annoyance to users or residents. Therefore, preferences for birdsong should be investigated. Importantly, birdsong and insect song have been shown to have a positive effect on soundscapes. However, preferences for different types of birdsong and insect song have not been investigated. The current study sought to clarify which types of birdsong and insect song are preferred, and to determine the dominant physical parameters that relate to the preference. We evaluated subjective preferences for various types of birdsong and insect song using paired comparison tests. The relationships between subjective preference and physical parameters were examined. The results indicated that Horornis diphone and Teleogryllus emma were the most preferred types of birdsong and insect song, both of which are common in Japan. The maximum peak amplitude of the autocorrelation function, determinants of which are pitch salience, loudness, and spectral content, such as centroid, flux, and rolloff, are significant parameters influencing subjective preference.
CO2 Capture by Alkaline Carbonation as an Alternative to a Circular Economy
Authors: Santa Cruz-Navarro Dalia , Mugica-Álvarez Violeta , Gutiérrez-Arzaluz Mirella , Torres-Rodríguez Miguel
Published: January 2020

In order to combat global warming and climate change in a sustainable way, it is necessary to capture the anthropogenic CO2 emitted by different industrial sources and use it as a raw material to obtain a matrix of products for industrial use, such as metal carbonates. Therefore, this work presents the results of CO2 capture and conversion into carbonates using Sr and Ba alkaline solutions in a semi-continuous batch reactor. The results indicate that the effects of morphological characterization, purity of solids, and reaction time at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions is an inexpensive alternative process that is easily implemented in small industrial enterprises. The results yielded a 40% conversion of CO2 at the best reaction conditions with an aqueous solution of Sr(OH)2.
An Improved Anti-Interference Precoding of Large-Scale Fading System Based on Channel Inversion
Authors: Lei Wei , Cheng Li , Lei Yu , Li Zhengrong , Zou Lianying
Published: January 2020

Recently, a large-scale fading precoding (LSFP) for the wireless massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) systems has been proposed. In this precoding, the channel information of all the cells using re-use pilot sequences is processed jointly, and pilot contamination and interference due to a certain number of antennas are effectively eliminated. Additionally, recent studies have found that research in the asymptotic field can be applied to the wireless large-scale MIMO systems. In the LSFP, pilot contamination and signal interference will be completely eliminated when a number of antennas at a base station tend to be unlimited. In this research found that the LSFP method can eliminate most pilot contamination and interference in practical applications only when the number of antennas of the base station reaches hundreds of orders, which greatly increases the equipment construction cost. On the other hand, channel inversion denotes a multi-user channel modulation technology, where a vector signal generated between a user and a base station is used to form an inverse channel matrix so that the channels of each user are balanced during the transmission. In this paper, the channel inversion technology is used in the LSFP. The improved LSFP can effectively reduce the number of antennas required by the base station without affecting the performance of eliminating the pilot contamination and interference. It is shown that when the number of antennas of a base station tends to be unlimited, the improved LSFP can eliminate pilot contamination and signal interference. The simulation results show that in the same practical scenario, when the base station is equipped with the same number of antennas, the improved method can more effectively improve the anti-contamination and anti-interference performance over conventional LSFP.
Asiatic Acid, Extracted from Centella asiatica and Induces Apoptosis Pathway through the Phosphorylation p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Cisplatin-Resistant Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Liu Yen-Tze , Chuang Yi-Ching , Lo Yu-Sheng , Lin Chia-Chieh , Hsi Yi-Ting , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chen Mu-Kuan
Published: January 2020

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an important issue in Asia because of its unique geographical and ethnic distribution. Cisplatin-based regimens are commonly the first-line used chemotherapy, but resistance and toxicities remain a problem. Therefore, the use of anticancer agents derived from natural products may be a solution. Asiatic acid (AA), extracted from Centella asiatica, was found to have anticancer activity in various cancers. The aim of this study is to examine the cytotoxic effect and mediated mechanism of AA in cisplatin-resistant NPC cells. The results shows that AA significantly reduce the cell viability of cisplatin-resistant NPC cell lines (cis NPC-039 and cis NPC-BM) in dose and time dependent manners caused by apoptosis through the both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, including altered mitochondrial membrane potential, activated death receptors, increased Bax expression, and upregulated caspase 3, 8, and 9. The Western blot analysis of AA-treated cell lines reveals that the phosphorylation of MAPK pathway proteins is involved. Further, the results of adding inhibitors of these proteins indicates that the phosphorylation of p38 are the key mediators in AA-induced apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant human NPC cells. This is the first study to demonstrate the AA-induced apoptotic pathway through the phosphorylation p38 in human cisplatin-resistant nasopharyngeal carcinoma. AA is expected to be another therapeutic option for cisplatin-resistant NPC because of the promising anti-cancer effect and fewer toxic properties.
Super Critical Fluid Extracted Fatty Acids from Withania somnifera Seeds Repair Psoriasis-Like Skin Lesions and Attenuate Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) Release
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Nain Pradeep , Chauhan Anshul , Sharma Niti , Gupta Abhishek , Ranjan Ravikant , Varshney Anurag
Published: January 2020

(1) Background: Withania somnifera Dunal (Ashwagandha) is a widely used medicinal herb in traditional medicinal systems with extensive research on various plant parts. Surprisingly, seeds of W. somnifera have never been investigated for their therapeutic potential. (2) Methods: W. somnifera seeds were extracted for fatty acids (WSSO) using super critical fluid extraction, and was analyzed by gas chromatography. Its therapeutic potential in psoriasis-like skin etiologies was investigated using a 12-O tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA)-induced psoriatic mouse model. Psoriatic inflammation along with psoriatic lesions and histopathological scores were recorded. WSSO was also tested on murine macrophage (RAW264.7), human epidermoid (A431), and monocytic (THP-1) cells, stimulated with TPA or lipo poly-saccharide (LPS) to induce pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) release. NFκB promoter activity was also measured by luciferase reporter assay. (3) Results: Topical application of WSSO with concurrent oral doses significantly reduced inflammation-induced edema, and repaired psoriatic lesions and associated histopathological scores. Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines release was observed in WSSO-treated A431 and THP-1 cells, along with reduced NFκB expression. WSSO also inhibited reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. (4) Conclusion: Here we show that the fatty acids from W. somnifera seeds have strong anti-inflammatory properties, along with remarkable therapeutic potential on psoriasis-like skin etiologies.
Sodium Chloride Induced Stress Responses of Antioxidative Activities in Leaves and Roots of Pistachio Rootstock
Authors: Akbari Mohammad , Katam Ramesh , Husain Rabab , Farajpour Mostafa , Mazzuca Silvia , Mahna Nasser
Published: January 2020

Salinity substantially affects plant growth and crop productivity worldwide. Plants adopt several biochemical mechanisms including regulation of antioxidant biosynthesis to protect themselves against the toxic effects induced by the stress. One-year-old pistachio rootstock exhibiting different degrees of salinity tolerance were subjected to sodium chloride induced stress to identify genetic diversity among cultivated pistachio rootstock for their antioxidant responses, and to determine the correlation of these enzymes to salinity stress. Leaves and roots were harvested following NaCl-induced stress. The results showed that a higher concentration of NaCl treatment induced oxidative stress in the leaf tissue and to a lesser extent in the roots. Both tissues showed an increase in ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, peroxidase, and malondialdehyde. Responses of antioxidant enzymes were cultivar dependent, as well as temporal and dependent on the salinity level. Linear and quadratic regression model analysis revealed significant correlation of enzyme activities to salinity treatment in both tissues. The variation in salinity tolerance reflected their capabilities in orchestrating antioxidant enzymes at the roots and harmonized across the cell membranes of the leaves. This study provides a better understanding of root and leaf coordination in regulating the antioxidant enzymes to NaCl induced oxidative stress.
Enhancing Activity of Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr.) Sing β-1,3-Glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS) on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Mineralization of MC3T3-E1 Cells through the Involvement of BMP-2/Runx2/MAPK/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yodthong Thanintorn , Kedjarune-Leggat Ureporn , Smythe Carl , Sukprasirt Pannawich , Aroonkesorn Aratee , Wititsuwannakul Rapepun , Pitakpornpreecha Thanawat
Published: January 2020

Osteoporosis is a leading world health problem that results from an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. β-glucans has been extensively reported to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antiosteoporosis both in vitro and in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for β-glucan-mediated bone formation in osteoblasts have not yet been investigated. The oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju produces abundant amounts of an insoluble β-glucan, which is rendered soluble by enzymatic degradation using Hevea glucanase to generate low-molecular-weight glucanoligosaccharide (Ps-GOS). This study aimed to investigate the osteogenic enhancing activity and underlining molecular mechanism of Ps-GOS on osteoblastogenesis of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In this study, it was demonstrated for the first time that low concentrations of Ps-GOS could promote cell proliferation and division after 48 h of treatment. In addition, Ps-GOS upregulated the mRNA and protein expression level of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), which are both involved in BMP signaling pathway, accompanied by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization. Ps-GOS also upregulated the expression of osteogenesis related genes including ALP, collagen type 1 (COL1), and osteocalcin (OCN). Moreover, our novel findings suggest that Ps-GOS may exert its effects through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathways.
Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Phytochemicals on miRNA Regulating Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Varghese Elizabeth , Liskova Alena , Kubatka Peter , Samuel Samson Mathews , Büsselberg Dietrich
Published: January 2020

Several phytochemicals have been identified for their role in modifying miRNA regulating tumor progression. miRNAs modulate the expression of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes including the genes that regulate tumor angiogenesis. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) signaling is a central axis that activates oncogenic signaling and acts as a metabolic switch in endothelial cell (EC) driven tumor angiogenesis. Tumor angiogenesis driven by metabolic reprogramming of EC is crucial for tumor progression and metastasis in many different cancers, including breast cancers, and has been linked to aberrant miRNA expression profiles. In the current article, we identify different miRNAs that regulate tumor angiogenesis in the context of oncogenic signaling and metabolic reprogramming in ECs and review how selected phytochemicals could modulate miRNA levels to induce an anti-angiogenic action in breast cancer. Studies involving genistein, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol demonstrate the regulation of miRNA-21, miRNA-221/222 and miRNA-27, which are prognostic markers in triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Modulating the metabolic pathway is a novel strategy for controlling tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth. Cardamonin, curcumin and resveratrol exhibit their anti-angiogenic property by targeting the miRNAs that regulate EC metabolism. Here we suggest that using phytochemicals to target miRNAs, which in turn suppresses tumor angiogenesis, should have the potential to inhibit tumor growth, progression, invasion and metastasis and may be developed into an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of many different cancers where tumor angiogenesis plays a significant role in tumor growth and progression.
Exploring Protein Fold Space
Authors: Taylor William R.
Published: January 2020

The model of protein folding proposed by Ptitsyn and colleagues involves the accretion of secondary structures around a nucleus. As developed by Efimov, this model also provides a useful way to view the relationships among structures. Although somewhat eclipsed by later databases based on the pairwise comparison of structures, Efimov’s approach provides a guide for the more automatic comparison of proteins based on an encoding of their topology as a string. Being restricted to layers of secondary structures based on beta sheets, this too has limitations which are partly overcome by moving to a more generalised secondary structure lattice that can encompass both open and closed (barrel) sheets as well as helical packing of the type encoded by Murzin and Finkelstein on small polyhedra. Regular (crystalline) lattices, such as close-packed hexagonals, were found to be too limited so pseudo-latticses were investigated including those found in quasicrystals and the Bernal tetrahedron-based lattice that he used to represent liquid water. The Bernal lattice was considered best and used to generate model protein structures. These were much more numerous than those seen in Nature, posing the open question of why this might be.
The Effect of Low-Doses of Caffeine and Taurine on Convulsive Seizure Parameters in Rats
Authors: Jailani Mohamed , Mubarak Mohamed , Sarkhouh Mariam , Al Mahrezi Ahmed , Abdulnabi Habib , Naiser Mohamed , Alaradi Husain , Alabbad Abdulaziz , Hassan Maram , Kamal Amer
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Caffeine, an adenosine-receptor blocker, is believed to have neuronal excitatory effects, while Taurine, a mammalian amino acid, was shown to have neuroinhibitory effects. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acute and chronic administration of low doses of Caffeine and Taurine on the seizure threshold in rats. Methods: Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley male rats (n = 280) were divided randomly into five groups (control, acute caffeine intake, acute taurine intake, chronic caffeine intake and chronic taurine intake), with five subgroups per group according to five different doses of Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) injections. Each subgroup consisted of eight rats. Data was entered and analyzed using Microsoft EXCEL and AddinsoftTM XLSTAT (Version 2012.6.06; New York, NY, USA). p-value = 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: There was a significant decrease in the latency of PTZ-induced seizures with both acute (p-value < 0.05) and chronic (p-value < 0.01) Caffeine treatment groups. Chronic exposure to Caffeine exhibited an increase in the probability of seizures (p-value < 0.05). However, acute exposure to Caffeine did not show a significant impact on the probability of seizures. Neither acute nor chronic exposures to Taurine had an effect on the probability of seizures, nor on the latency of PTZ-induced seizures. Discussion: Our study found that acute as well as chronic exposure to low doses of Caffeine (50 and 80 mg/kg) reduces the threshold, and hence increases the likelihood for seizures since it favors a state of neuronal hyper excitability through blocking of all adenosine receptors. On the other hand, acute or chronic exposure to Taurine did not show a significant effect on the PTZ-induced seizures parameters.
Effect of KCoMoS2 Catalyst Structures on the Catalytic Performance of Higher Alcohols Synthesis via CO Hydrogenation
Authors: Qin Niannian , Mu Xiaoliang , Zhao Lu , Fang Kegong
Published: January 2020

Different structures of cobalt and potassium modified molybdenum sulfide catalyst (KCoMoS2) were synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis, coprecipitation and reverse microemulsion methods. Nitrogen adsorption, XRD, TEM, XPS and HAADF-STEM-EDS techniques were used to characterize the catalysts structures. The results indicate that the molybdenum sulfide-based catalyst synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method possessed less sheets with small lateral dimensions, while the catalysts prepared by the former two methods contained a higher number of stacking MoS2 layers. In the test of higher alcohol synthesis from CO hydrogenation, it was found that the catalyst synthesized by the reverse microemulsion method exhibited the best CO conversion and C2+OH selectivity among the prepared catalysts. The correlation study between the catalysts structure and the reaction properties implies that the shorter and thinner molybdenum sulfide sheet structure favored for the exposure of the active sites, which, in turn, brought about an enhanced CO conversion and more C2+OH formation.
Reconfigurable 3-D Slot Antenna Design for 4G and Sub-6G Smartphones with Metallic Casing
Authors: Yang Peng
Published: January 2020

The design of a reconfigurable three-dimensional (3-D) slot antenna for 4G and sub-6G smartphone application is presented in this paper. The antenna is located at the bottom of the smartphone and integrated with a metallic casing. Positive-Intrinsic-Negative (PIN) diodes are loaded at the dual-open slot and the folded U-shaped slot, respectively, which are used to realize four working states. The antenna has a compact volume of 42 × 6 × 6 mm3, which can cover the long term evolution (LTE) bands of 698–960 MHz and 1710–2690 MHz, and the sub-6G bands of 3300–3600 MHz & 4800–5000 MHz. The design processes are presented and the structure is optimized, fabricated and measured. The comparison to other state-of-the-art antennas shows that the proposed design has multiband characteristics with small size.
Image Text Deblurring Method Based on Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Wu Chunxue , Du Haiyan , Wu Qunhui , Zhang Sheng
Published: January 2020

In the automatic sorting process of express delivery, a three-segment code is used to represent a specific area assigned by a specific delivery person. In the process of obtaining the courier order information, the camera is affected by factors such as light, noise, and subject shake, which will cause the information on the courier order to be blurred, and some information will be lost. Therefore, this paper proposes an image text deblurring method based on a generative adversarial network. The model of the algorithm consists of two generative adversarial networks, combined with Wasserstein distance, using a combination of adversarial loss and perceptual loss on unpaired datasets to train the network model to restore the captured blurred images into clear and natural image. Compared with the traditional method, the advantage of this method is that the loss function between the input and output images can be calculated indirectly through the positive and negative generative adversarial networks. The Wasserstein distance can achieve a more stable training process and a more realistic generation effect. The constraints of adversarial loss and perceptual loss make the model capable of training on unpaired datasets. The experimental results on the GOPRO test dataset and the self-built unpaired dataset showed that the two indicators, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index (SSIM), increased by 13.3% and 3%, respectively. The human perception test results demonstrated that the algorithm proposed in this paper was better than the traditional blur algorithm as the deblurring effect was better.
Assessment of the Response of a Scots Pine Tree to Effective Wind Loading
Authors: Schindler Dirk , Kolbe Sven
Published: January 2020

The parameterization of hybrid-mechanistic storm damage models is largely based on the results of tree pulling tests. The tree pulling tests are used for imitating the quasi-static wind load associated with the mean wind speed. The combined effect of dynamic and quasi-static wind loads associated with wind load maxima is considered by either linearly increasing the quasi-static wind load by a gust factor or by using a turning moment coefficient determined from the relationship between maxima of wind-induced tree response and wind speed. To improve the joint use of information on dynamic and quasi-static wind loading, we present a new method that uses the coupled components of momentum flux time series and time series of stem orientation of a plantation-grown Scots pine tree. First, non-oscillatory tree motion components, which respond to wind excitation, are isolated from oscillatory components that are not coupled to the wind. The non-oscillatory components are detected by applying a sequence of time series decomposition methods including bi-orthogonal decomposition and singular spectrum analysis. Then, the wind-excited tree response components are subjected to dynamic time warping, which maximizes the coincidence between the processed data. The strong coincidence of the time-warped data allows for the estimation of the wind-induced tree response as a function of the effective wind load using simple linear regression. The slope of the regression line represents the rate of change in the tree response as the effective wind load changes. Because of the strength of the relationship, we argue that the method described is an improvement for the analysis of storm damage in forests and to individual trees.
Deformation of the Cambro-Ordovician Amdeh Formation (Members 1 and 2): Characteristics, Origins, and Stratigraphic Significance (Wadi Amdeh, Saih Hatat Dome, Oman Mountains)
Authors: Mattern Frank , Scharf Andreas , Wang Pu-Jun , Callegari Ivan , Abbasi Iftikhar , Al-Wahaibi Saja , Pracejus Bernhard , Scharf Katharina
Published: January 2020

The Angudan Orogeny affected Cryogenian to earliest Cambrian sedimentary rock formations of the Jabal Akhdar Dome of the Oman Mountains. These rocks were folded and cleaved at 525 ± 5 Ma. We studied the Cambro-Ordovician (Terreneuvian to Darriwillian) Amdeh Formation of the neighboring Saih Hatat Dome to see whether this formation was also affected by the Angudan Orogeny. The Angudan deformation within the Jabal Akhdar Dome is known for its folds and cleavage. Due to age considerations (see above), we studied the folds and cleavages within the two oldest members of the Amdeh Formation (Am 1 and Am 2) in order to compare them with the ones that are known from the Jabal Akhdar Dome to possibly detect Angudan-related deformation in Am 1 and Am 2. Angudan folds of the Jabal Akhdar Dome display fold axes that are oriented NE/SW, but the two lowest members of the Amdeh Formation reveal one set of folds with subhorizontal fold axes that trend NW-NNW/SE-SSE. The lack of Angudan-related folds suggests that the lowest Amdeh Member (Am 1) postdates the Angudan Orogeny. The age of Am 1 is uncertain. Based on our structural results, we consider an upper Terreneuvian age (late stage 2) for Am 1. The folds in Am 1 and 2 are related to the Late Cretaceous–Cenozoic Semail Orogeny (term introduced here). The observed fold vergences (mainly to the W and SW) were caused by shear deformation during descent into the subduction zone by simple shear. The contact between the stratigraphically underlying Hiyam Formation and the Amdeh Formation is generally considered to be an unconformity. We observed a distinct NW/SE-striking deformation zone along the contact of both formations which is located in proximity to the largest observed fold. Tectonically, this contact is defined by the sinistral Wadi Amdeh Fault (name introduced here). The unconformity should be present in the subsurface of the southwestern fault block. Near the contact between the Hiyam and the Amdeh formations, a 20 cm thick unit of reddish cataclasite/tectonic breccia occurs within the basal part of Am 1 which represents a deformed acidic layer or sill. This rock unit could be the first evidence for Cambrian igneous activity.
Cancer Prevention Using Machine Learning, Nudge Theory and Social Impact Bond
Authors: Misawa Daitaro , Fukuyoshi Jun , Sengoku Shintaro
Published: January 2020

There have been prior attempts to utilize machine learning to address issues in the medical field, particularly in diagnoses using medical images and developing therapeutic regimens. However, few cases have demonstrated the usefulness of machine learning for enhancing health consciousness of patients or the public in general, which is necessary to cause behavioral changes. This paper describes a novel case wherein the uptake rate for colorectal cancer examinations has significantly increased due to the application of machine learning and nudge theory. The paper also discusses the effectiveness of social impact bonds (SIBs) as a scheme for realizing these applications. During a healthcare SIB project conducted in the city of Hachioji, Tokyo, machine learning, based on historical data obtained from designated periodical health examinations, digitalized medical insurance receipts, and medical examination records for colorectal cancer, was used to deduce segments for whom the examination was recommended. The result revealed that out of the 12,162 people for whom the examination was recommended, 3264 (26.8%) received it, which exceeded the upper expectation limit of the initial plan (19.0%). We conclude that this was a successful case that stimulated discussion on potential further applications of this approach to wider regions and more diseases.
A Spatial-Temporal Resolved Validation of Source Apportionment by Measurements of Ambient VOCs in Central China
Authors: Shen Longjiao , Wang Zuwu , Cheng Hairong , Liang Shengwen , Xiang Ping , Hu Ke , Yin Ting , Yu Jia
Published: January 2020

Understanding the sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is essential in the implementation of abatement measures of ground-level ozone and secondary organic aerosols. In this study, we conducted offline VOC measurements at residential, industrial, and background sites in Wuhan City from July 2016 to June 2017. Ambient samples were simultaneously collected at each site and were analyzed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/flame ionization detection system. The highest mixing ratio of total VOCs was measured at the industrial site, followed by the residential, and background sites. Alkanes constituted the largest percentage (>35%) in the mixing ratios of quantified VOCs at the industrial and residential sites, followed by oxy-organics and alkenes (15–25%).The values of aromatics and halohydrocarbons were less than 15%. By contrast, the highest values of oxy-organics accounted for more than 30%. The model of positive matrix factorization was applied to identify the VOC sources and quantify the relative contributions of various sources. Gasoline-related emission (the combination of gasoline exhaust and gas vapor) was the most important VOC-source in the industrial and residential areas, with a relative contribution of 32.1% and 40.4%, respectively. Industrial process was the second most important source with a relative contribution ranging from 30.0% to 40.7%. The relative contribution of solvent usage was 6.5–22.3%. Meanwhile, the relative contribution of biogenic emission was only within the range of 2.0–5.0%. These findings implied the importance of controlling gasoline-related and industrial VOC emissions in reducing the VOC emissions in Wuhan.
A Longitudinal Assessment of Two Suicide Prevention Training Programs for the Construction Industry
Authors: Ross Victoria , Caton Neil , Gullestrup Jorgen , Kõlves Kairi
Published: January 2020

As part of a suite of early intervention training and support services, Mates in Construction (MATES) provide two general awareness programs to promote mental health and suicide awareness and encourage help-offering and help-seeking in construction workers. General awareness training (GAT) is a one-hour session delivered to all construction workers on large to medium worksites, while MATES awareness training (MAT) maintains similar content but is of shorter duration and delivered informally to small workplaces. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two programs using a before, after and follow-up design. Construction workers undertaking MAT or GAT training completed a short survey before and after their training and again at follow-up. Linear mixed-effect modelling indicated that GAT and MAT training provided similar results in improving suicide awareness and help-seeking intentions. Some variables showed a significant increase from pre-intervention to the three-month follow-up, indicating the long-term impact of some aspects of the training. The findings demonstrating the effectiveness of MAT training have important implications for MATES, as the training can be delivered to much smaller workplaces, making the program more widely available to the construction industry.
Body Fat and Muscle Mass in Association with Foot Structure in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wyszyńska Justyna , Leszczak Justyna , Podgórska-Bednarz Justyna , Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Rachwał Maciej , Dereń Katarzyna , Baran Joanna , Drzał-Grabiec Justyna
Published: January 2020

Prior studies have investigated associations between body mass index (BMI) and foot structure; however, these studies are limited only to the evaluation of the longitudinal arch of the foot and do not evaluate associations with body composition. Therefore, this study examined associations between body fat percentage (BFP) and muscle mass percentage with foot structure in adolescents. This study was conducted with 158 healthy subjects aged from 11 to 13 years. Body fat percentage and muscle mass percentage were estimated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. A podoscope was used to calculate Clarke’s angle (CL), the Wejsflog index (WI), hallux valgus angle (ALPHA), and the angle of the varus deformity of the fifth toe (BETA). Lower values of CL were found in participants with excessive BFP (p = 0.021). No differences were observed in the values of the Wejsflog, ALFA or BETA indices between normal and excessive BFP groups. Participants with the lowest muscle mass percentage were significantly more likely to have lower values of CL and WI (p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively). Excess BFP appeared to have a significant effect on the longitudinal arch and low muscle mass percentage on the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot in adolescents. There was no association between fat and muscle content with positions of the big and fifth toes.