bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Tumor Capsule Is Prognostic of Very Good Outcome in the Classical Variant of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Giani Carlotta , Torregrossa Liborio , Ramone Teresa , Romei Cristina , Matrone Antonio , Molinaro Eleonora , Agate Laura , Materazzi Gabriele , Piaggi Paolo , Ugolini Clara , Basolo Fulvio , Ciampi Raffaele , Elisei Rossella
Published: June 2021

Context

Tumor capsule integrity is becoming a relevant issue to predict the biological behavior of human tumors, including thyroid cancer.

Objective

This work aims to verify whether a whole tumor capsule in the classical variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CVPTC) could have as a predictive role of a good outcome as for follicular variant (FVPTC).

Methods

FVPTC (n = 600) and CVPTC (n = 554) cases were analyzed. We distinguished between encapsulated-FVPTC (E-FVPTC) and encapsulated-CVPTC (E-CVPTC) and, thereafter, invasive (Ei-FVPTC and Ei-CVPTC) and noninvasive (En-FVPTC and En-CVPTC) tumors, according to the invasion or integrity of the tumor capsule, respectively. Cases without a tumor capsule were indicated as invasive-FVPTC (I-FVPTC) and invasive-CVPTC (I-CVPTC). The subgroup of each variant was evaluated for BRAF mutations.

Results

E-FVPTC was more frequent than E-CVPTC (P < .001). No differences were found between En-FVPTC and En-CVPTC or between Ei-FVPTC and Ei-CVPTC. After 18 years of follow-up, a greater number of not-cured cases were observed in Ei-CVPTC with respect to Ei-FVPTC, but not in En-CVPTC to En-FVPTC. Multivariate clustering analysis showed that En-FVPTC, En-CVPTC, and Ei-FVPTC have similar features but different from I-FVPTC and I-CVPTC and, to a lesser extent, from Ei-CVPTC. A total of 177 of 614 (28.8%) cases were BRAFV600E mutated, and 10 of 614 (1.6%) carried BRAF-rare alterations. A significantly higher rate of En-CVPTC (22/49, 44.9%) than En-FVPTC (15/195, 7.7%) (P < .0001) were BRAFV600E mutated.

Conclusion

En-CVPTC is less prevalent than En-FVPTC. However, it has good clinical/ pathological behavior comparable to En-FVPTC. This finding confirms the good prognostic role of a whole tumor capsule in CVPTC as well. New nomenclature for En-CVPTC, similar to that introduced for En-FVPTC (ie, noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features; NIFTP) could be envisaged.
Do Anti-androgens Have Potential as Therapeutics for COVID-19?
Authors: Mauvais-Jarvis Franck
Published: June 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a gender disparity in severity, with men exhibiting higher hospitalization and mortality rates than women. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, infects cells following recognition and attachment of the viral spike glycoprotein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 transmembrane protein, followed by spike protein cleavage and activation by cell surface transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). In prostate cancer cells, androgen acting on the androgen receptor increases TMPRSS2 expression, which has led to the hypothesis that androgen-dependent expression of TMPRSS2 in the lung may increase men’s susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and that, accordingly, suppressing androgen production or action may mitigate COVID-19 severity by reducing SARS-CoV-2 amplification. Several ongoing clinical trials are testing the ability of androgen deprivation therapies or anti-androgens to mitigate COVID-19.

This perspective discusses clinical and molecular advances on the rapidly evolving field of androgen receptor (AR) action on cell surface transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) expression and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and the potential effect of anti-androgens on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity in male patients. It discusses limitations of current studies and offers insight for future directions.
Calcium-Sensing Receptors Control CYP27B1-Luciferase Expression: Transcriptional and Posttranscriptional Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Alice , Binmahfouz Lenah , Hancock Dale P , Anderson Paul H , Ward Donald T , Conigrave Arthur D
Published: June 2021

25-hydroxyvitamin D 1α-hydroxylase (encoded by CYP27B1), which catalyzes the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is subject to negative or positive modulation by extracellular Ca2+ (Ca2+o) depending on the tissue. However, the Ca2+ sensors and underlying mechanisms are unidentified. We tested whether calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) mediate Ca2+o-dependent control of 1α-hydroxylase using HEK-293 cells stably expressing the CaSR (HEK-CaSR cells). In HEK-CaSR cells, but not control HEK-293 cells, cotransfected with reporter genes for CYP27B1-Photinus pyralis (firefly) luciferase and control Renilla luciferase, an increase in Ca2+o from 0.5mM to 3.0mM induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in firefly luciferase activity as well as mRNA and protein levels. Surprisingly, firefly luciferase was specifically suppressed at Ca2+o ≥ 5.0mM, demonstrating biphasic Ca2+o control. Both phases were mediated by CaSRs as revealed by positive and negative modulators. However, Ca2+o induced simple monotonic increases in firefly luciferase and endogenous CYP27B1 mRNA levels, indicating that the inhibitory effect of high Ca2+o was posttranscriptional. Studies with inhibitors and the CaSR C-terminal mutant T888A identified roles for protein kinase C (PKC), phosphorylation of T888, and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 in high Ca2+o-dependent suppression of firefly luciferase. Blockade of both PKC and ERK1/2 abolished Ca2+o-stimulated firefly luciferase, demonstrating that either PKC or ERK1/2 is sufficient to stimulate the CYP27B1 promoter. A key CCAAT box (−74 bp to −68 bp), which is regulated downstream of PKC and ERK1/2, was required for both basal transcription and Ca2+o-mediated transcriptional upregulation. The CaSR mediates Ca2+o-dependent transcriptional upregulation of 1α-hydroxylase and an additional CaSR-mediated mechanism is identified by which Ca2+o can promote luciferase and possibly 1α-hydroxylase breakdown.
Very Low Vitamin D in a Patient With a Novel Pathogenic Variant in the GC Gene That Encodes Vitamin D-Binding Protein
Authors: Banerjee Ronadip R , Spence Tara , Frank Stuart J , Pandian Raj , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Argiropoulos Bob , Marcadier Julien L
Published: June 2021

Circulating plasma vitamin D metabolites are highly bound to vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), also known as group-specific component or Gc-globulin. DBP, encoded by the GC gene, is a member of the albumin family of globular serum transport proteins. We previously described a homozygous GC gene deletion in a patient with apparent severe vitamin D deficiency, fragility fractures, and ankylosing spondylitis. Here, we report an unrelated patient free of fractures or rheumatologic disease, but with very low 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D, as well as undetectable DBP measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A whole gene deletion was excluded by microarray, and Sanger sequencing of GC revealed a homozygous pathogenic variant affecting a canonical splice site (c0.702-1G > A). These findings indicate that loss of function variants in GC that eliminate DBP, and severely reduced total circulating vitamin D levels, do not necessarily result in significant metabolic bone disease. Together with our previous report, these cases support the free-hormone hypothesis, and suggest free vitamin D metabolites may serve as preferable indicators of bone and mineral metabolism, particularly when clinical suspicion of DBP deficiency is high.
Medieval Scottish Historians and the Contest for Britain
Authors: Davies Daniel
Published: June 2021

Scholars often claim that medieval writers use Britain and England interchangeably, but Britain was a contested term throughout the period. One persistent issue was how Scotland fit within Anglocentric visions of the island it shared with England and Wales. This article traces imperialist geography in English historiography via the descriptio Britanniae (description of Britain), a trope found across the Middle Ages, and the fourteenth-century Gough Map, the first sheet-map of Britain. Scottish historians rebut the claims of their Anglocentric counterparts and demonstrate their incomplete knowledge, which they zealously supplement by inventorying Scotland’s natural abundance. In particular, the article concentrates on the remarkable celebration of Scotland’s marine life in Walter Bower’s Scotichronicon (ca. 1447). Attending to the long history of these debates both reveals and counteracts the Anglocentrism of insular literary history.
Histories of Fiction
Authors: Paige Nicholas
Published: June 2021

One shared assumption of many recent efforts to delineate a history of fiction (or fictionality, typically understood as a mode of nonliteral reference) is that that term names a conceptual operation, be it intrinsic or culturally learned. This article argues that fiction is merely a particular type of classification, akin but not identical to the classifications performed by terms such as mimesis or verisimilitude. Thus it is nonsensical to claim that fiction qua concept does or does not exist at any given moment: fiction is foremost a way of grouping various literary practices, and it is those practices that emerge over time. The article then recasts the interest in the early novel’s fictionality shown by Catherine Gallagher and others as a problem of practices rather than of concepts. It tracks trends in subject matter and assertions of literal truth through a quantitative diachronic analysis of 230 years of French novels. While these trends cannot by their very nature show the birth of the concept of fiction—which was never born in the first place—they are the type of evidence that should be central to any future history of fiction.
РАЗРАБОТКА ПРОГРАММЫ ВНЕУРОЧНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПО ЭТНОКУЛЬТУРНОМУ ОБРАЗОВАНИЮ МЛАДШИХ ШКОЛЬНИКОВ CРЕДСТВАМИ ТРАДИЦИОННЫХ ЯПОНСКИХ ИСКУССТВ
Authors: Mitina Galina V. , Shalamova Ol’ga O. , Zor’kina Anna S.
Published: June 2021

Цель. Одной из приоритетных задач начального общего образования на современном этапе определено духовно-нравственное развитие младших школьников. В младшем школьном возрасте закладываются основы космополитического мировоззрения, воспитания поликультурной личности, способной к межкультурному взаимодействию. Предметом анализа в данной статье выступает поиск путей решения данной задачи. В качестве цели авторы обозначают определение методов и средств этнокультурного образования младших школьников.
Метод или методология проведения работы. Основу исследования составили методы изучения нормативных документов, анализа и обобщения психолого-педагогической литературы, изучения культурологической и этнологической литературы, моделирования образовательного процесса.
Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что авторы раскрывают особенности младшего школьного возраста, создающие основу для этнокультурного образования и воспитания поликультурной личности: восприимчивость младших школьников к эмоционально-ценностному, духовно-нравственному развитию, гражданскому воспитанию. Одним из путей формирования основ космополитического мировоззрения, воспитания поликультурной личности является погружение школьников в культуру конкретного народа. Освоение традиций, обычаев, национальных искусств возможно проводить в рамках реализации программы внеурочной деятельности «Традиционные искусства народов мира».
Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены при организации внеурочной деятельности в системе начального общего образования, подготовке педагогов для указанного уровня образования.
САМООЦЕНКА ОБУЧАЮЩИМИСЯ СТАРШИХ КЛАССОВ ВЛАДЕНИЯ КОМПОНЕНТАМИ ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКОЙ КОМПЕТЕНЦИИ (НА МАТЕРИАЛЕ МАТЕМАТИКИ)
Authors: Shestakova Lidia G. , Shmigirilova Irina B.
Published: June 2021

Предмет и цель исследования. Предметом статьи является проблема самооценки обучающимися старших классов владения исследовательской компетенцией. Цель исследования: теоретически обосновать и практически подтвердить подход к разработке инструментария проведения самооценки обучающимися старших классов владения компонентами исследовательской компетенции на материале математики.
Методы. В исследовании использовались теоретические и эмпирические методы: анализ психолого-педагогической литературы; метод моделирования сценария самооценки; экспертный метод; корреляционный анализ. В экспериментальной апробации инструментария участвовало 25 школьников одиннадцатого класса.
Результаты. Выделены этапы разработки инструментария для самооценки, которые реализованы при разработке инструментария самооценки компонентов исследовательской компетенции обучающихся. Проведена экспериментальная апробация инструментария.
Выводы. В исследовании обосновано и подтверждено, что при наличии разработанного инструментария (сценария, оценочных материалов, четких инструкций и критериев) самооценка обучающимися компонентов исследовательской компетенции является адекватной.
ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКАЯ МОДЕЛЬ «СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИЙ МИКС» ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ДОВЕРИЯ И ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ ПОВЕДЕНИЯ В КРИЗИСНОЙ СИТУАЦИИ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ КОВИД-19)
Authors: Klipova Natalia V. , Gurieva Svetlana D.
Published: June 2021

Кризисные ситуации являются испытанием для современного общества, вовлеченного в них. Разные сферы жизнедеятельности и функционирования общества подвергаются серьезному воздействию, как самого кризиса, так и последствий кризиса. Мировой кризис, известный как КОВИД-19, затронул большое количество стран и повлиял на их дальнейшее развитие, проникнув во все сферы жизни общества, включая важные артерии, такие как социальную сферу и социальное взаимодействие. По этой причине, изучение поведенческих стратегий реакции на кризис и преодоления кризиса непосредственно участниками социальных процессов, представляет собой особый научный интерес и, на данный момент, является актуальной, с точки зрения науки, и важной, с точки зрения современного общества, проблемой.
Целью данного исследования является определение методологических подходов к изучению данного явления и классификация поведенческих стратегий реакции и выхода из кризиса. Для решения поставленной цели, необходимо решение следующих задач: 1. Выявить основные параметры взаимосвязи поведенческих стратегий в кризисных ситуациях и уровнем доверия. 2. Проанализировать и систематизировать существующие стратегии поведения в кризисных ситуациях, на примере КОВИД-19. 3. Разработать на основе теоретических подходов к изучению кризисных стратегий авторскую модель, применимую к реальной практике разных стран, направленной на преодоление и борьбу с Ковид-19. 4. Провести анализ уровня доверия общества к власти и власти к обществу в выбранных странах на основе исследования компании «Hofstede Insights».
Для реализации поставленной цели и задач исследования, использовались: метод наблюдения, контент-анализ, результаты аналитико-статических отчетов, представленные на официальных сайтах, экспертное мнение специалистов, ведущих экспертов в данной области.
Поскольку доверие подвергается сильному воздействую во время кризиса, это дает нам возможность говорить о том, что доверие способно обуславливать поведение человека в кризисной ситуации. Взаимосвязь доверия и поведения отражена в предложенной авторами модели.
Авторами данной статьи была разработана модель «Стратегический микс», применительно в кризисной ситуации КОВИД-19. В основе данной модели заложены наиболее типичные реакции правительства разных стран на кризисную ситуацию и преодоление кризиса КОВИД-19.
ДИДАКТИЧЕСКИЕ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ВИРТУАЛЬНОЙ ДОСКИ MIRO И ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОГО РЕСУРСА WORDWALL ДЛЯ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ РАБОТЫ СТУДЕНТОВ В ПРОЦЕССЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ ИНОСТРАННОГО ЯЗЫКА В ВУЗЕ
Authors: Astapenko Elena V. , Bedareva Alisa V.
Published: June 2021

Введение. В настоящее время традиционные методики обучения смещаются в сторону современных информационных и коммуникационных технологий. Данный тезис встречается во многих нормативных образовательных документах, в том числе и во «Всемирной декларации о высшем образовании для XXI века: подходы и практические примеры», где подчеркивается необходимость «создания новых форм учебной среды, начиная от средств дистанционного образования и вплоть до полноценных «виртуальных» высших учебных заведений и систем, способных сокращать расстояния и разрабатывать высококачественные системы образования на благо социально-экономического развития и демократизации, а также другим наиболее актуальным приоритетам общества» [3].
Цель: представление локального опыта использования виртуальной доски Miro, а также образовательного ресурса Wordwall в качестве мультимедийного средства обучения в режиме синхронного и асинхронного обучения для организации групповой и индивидуальной работы в образовательном процесса Сибирского государственного университета науки и технологий имени М.Ф. Решетнева в условиях дистанционного обучения.
Методы и методология проведения работы. Основными методами исследования являются прогнозирование, проектирование, мониторинг результатов обучения, анкетный опрос. Исследование проводилось среди обучающихся 1–3 курса очной формы бакалавриата (38.03.01 Экономика, 38.03.02 Менеджмент, 42.03.01 Реклама и связи с общественностью) СибГУ имени М.Ф. Решетнева на протяжении осеннего семестра 2020 г.; в экспериментальном обучении приняли участие 124 человека.
Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в определении дидактических возможностей использования виртуальной доски Miro и образовательного ресурса Wordwall как одного из средств организации групповой работы в процессе дистанционного обучения на занятиях иностранному языку.
Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть использованы в реализации процесса формирования языковой компетенции, в том числе в развитии «надпрофессиональных навыков» выпускников вузов на уровне бакалавриата.
АНАЛИЗ ГЛУБИННЫХ СЕМАНТИЧЕСКИХ СТРУКТУР КАК СПОСОБ ОПЕРАЦИОНАЛИЗАЦИИ ПРОЦЕССУАЛЬНОЙ МОДЕЛИ СТРУКТУРЫ ОБРАЗА МИРА
Authors: Skleynis Viktor A.
Published: June 2021

Цель. Статья посвящена проблеме операционализации процессуальной модели структуры образа мира. Предметом анализа выступают модели систем значений. Автор ставит целью сопоставить процессуальную модель структуры образа мира с моделями систем значений, описывающих жизненный сценарий личности, а также архетипические структуры.
Метод или методология проведения работы. В качестве метода исследования нами был использован сопоставительный анализ компонентов процессуальной модели структуры образа мира с одной стороны и многоуровневых семантических структур с другой.
Результаты. Результаты работы заключаются в том, что автор рассматривает процессы развёртывания сценарных и архетипических структур как частный случай динамики процессуальной модели. С позиции уровня функционирования процесс из развёртывания может быть рассмотрен как влияние мотивационной подсистемы на целевую и функциональную, в то время как с позиции уровня обобщения – как процесс смыслообразования, характеризующийся переходом от синкретической и комплексной подсистем к понятийной. Данный процесс может осуществляться в нескольких направлениях функционирования: уровню внутренней деятельности соответствуют процессы внутриличностной динамики смысловых структур; уровню коммуникативной деятельности – процессы межличностного взаимодействия, а также взаимодействие субъекта с культурой как полем коллективных смыслов. Уровню практической деятельности можно поставить в соответствие поведенческие акты, обусловленные влиянием архетипических моделей и сценарных паттернов.
Область применения результатов. Решение задачи сопоставления моделей систем значений позволяют достичь эффекта синергии, с одной стороны позволяя дополнить представления о глубинных структурах образа мира, а с другой – использовать инструментарий психологии субъективной семантики и психосемантики для анализа процессов реализации жизненного сценария личности и архетипа. Полученные данные могут быть использованы для моделирования процессов реализации глубинных структур средствами психологии субъективной семантики при конструировании сообщения.
Ichthyofaunal diversity in snow-fed Mardi Stream of Gandaki River, Central Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Neeti , Pandey Naresh , Chitrakar Prabha
Published: June 2021

Abstract. Chapagain N, Pandey N, Chitrakar P. 2021. Ichthyofaunal diversity in snow-fed Mardi Stream of Gandaki River, Central Nepal. Biodiversitas 22: 2940-2948. This study assessed site-wise and season-wise diversity and investigated the potential environmental correlates of ichthyofaunal assemblage in snow-fed Mardi Stream of central Nepal by extensive fieldworks from June 2018 to April 2019. The ichthyofaunal diversity and community structure in the hill streams of the Nepal Himalaya are understudied. A total of 1850 individual fish belonging to 3 orders, 3 families, 9 genera, and 10 species were collected. Cypriniformes emerged as the most species-rich order, accounting for 92.6% of the total species. Based on Similarity Percentage (SIMPER) analysis, the major contributing species were Schizothorax richardsonii (27.58%), Garra annandalei (26.3%), and Naziritor chelynoides (10.82%). Diversity indices were found higher in summer season and downstream areas. Results from Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) revealed that pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), water temperature and water velocity had significant relationship with fish assemblages. The fish assemblages along the gradient of the stream may be interrupted due to climate factors and anthropogenic disturbances. This study provides baseline data on hill stream fishes of Mardi Stream which might be helpful for implementation of conservation approaches.
Examining the Impact of Professional Development on the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction for General and Special Educators
Authors: Bojanek Erin K. , Raley Sheida K. , Shogren Karrie A. , Lane Kathleen Lynne
Published: June 2021

There is limited research examining professional development for general and special education teachers implementing self-determination interventions. This study presents outcomes of a 2-day professional development training for the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) for general and special educators guided by key elements of professional development. Results suggested teachers had positive perceptions of the training and showed improvements in knowledge and skills related to self-determination, but reported no change in perceived usefulness for students. Findings suggested teachers already perceived self-determination to be important and relevant to their students and that this professional development training was successful in improving teachers' knowledge and skills. Further research is needed to examine how this training impacts teacher implementation of the SDLMI and student outcomes.
Teacher-Implemented AAC Intervention to Support Peer Interaction in an Inclusive Preschool Classroom: A Pilot Study
Authors: Therrien Michelle C. S.
Published: June 2021

Children with complex communication needs confront many barriers to peer interaction and, without intervention, are at risk for social isolation, even in inclusive classrooms. The aims of this pilot study were to determine the feasibility of training a preschool teacher to implement a peer interaction intervention and to measure the impact on the participating children. The teacher in this study was taught to program an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app and to implement a peer interaction intervention. The teacher's positive perception of the training and intervention, along with the social improvements seen in this pilot study are promising. More research is needed to increase confidence in the effectiveness of this training to support teacher-implemented intervention and peer interaction in inclusive classrooms.
Polarisation-modulated photon-counting 3D imaging based on a negative parabolic pulse model
Authors: Liu Rui , Tian Xin , Li Song
Published: June 2021

Indirect methods based on intensity for time-of-flight measurement have attracted considerable research interest in recent years because they can provide high spatial resolution in 3D imaging. However, the majority of indirect methods are inapplicable when echo signals are small (e.g., less than one photon). We propose a novel polarisation-modulated photon-counting 3D imaging method based on a negative parabolic pulse model (NPPM) to solve this problem. We measure weak signals using the number of received photons after repetitive pulsed laser emission. We establish a computational method by exploring the relationship between photon flight time that corresponds to the polarisation-modulated state of photons controlled by phase shift and calculated photon rates from received photon-counting values based on Poisson negative log-likelihood function to calculate the distance. We specifically utilise the NPPM to estimate distribution of echo signals and reduce ranging error given that echo signals are constantly time-varying. We build the first experimental system for polarisation-modulated photon-counting 3D imaging for verification by integrating it with a dual-axis galvo scanning device. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve ranging accuracy at the millimeter-level and exhibit superior 3D imaging performance even when the average received number of echo signals per pulsed laser emission is smaller than 0.05.
Distinguishing monomer and nanoparticle contributions to high-harmonic emission from laser-ablated plumes
Authors: Liang Jingguang , Lai Yu Hang , Fu Wufeng , Guo Chunlei , Li Wei
Published: June 2021

Nano-clusters and nano-particles (NPs) are attractive media for high-harmonic generation (HHG) since they combine the advantages of using atomic media (for the low average density) and bulk solid media (for the high local density). Recently, laser ablated plumes from metal nano-powders have been used as HHG media and it has been often assumed that the harmonics mainly come from the NPs in the plumes but not by the isolated atoms/ions. However, this assumption is yet to be fully justified. Here, we show that in fact both NPs and isolated monomers could dominate the harmonic spectrum, depending on which part of the plume is interacting with the driving laser. From the ablated plume of indium NPs, it is found that the harmonic spectra from the region where monomers dominate are distinctively different from the region where NPs dominate. Our results demonstrate that accurately capturing the contribution of NPs in HHG processes requires precise selection of the laser-plasma interaction region, a factor that had not been carefully considered in previous studies.
Fluctuations of the orbital angular momentum of a laser beam registered by a finite-size receiver aperture after propagation through a turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Aksenov V. P. , Dudurov V. V. , Kolosov V. V. , Filimonov G. A.
Published: June 2021

The fluctuation characteristics of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) are studied numerically in the computer experiment simulating the propagation of an OAM-carrying laser beam through a turbulent atmosphere and OAM registering by a finite-size receiver aperture. The wave-optics numerical simulation employs the conventional split-operator method (with phase screens) and the Monte Carlo averaging technique. OAM statistical characteristics in the turbulent medium are compared for two employed definitions of the specific (normalized) orbital angular momentum. For the non-vortex Gaussian beam, the correlation between OAM fluctuations and intercepted power is found to be negligibly small at arbitrary size of the receiver aperture. For the vortex Laguerre—Gaussian beam, the correlation between OAM fluctuations and intercepted power is significant (the correlation coefficient can achieve 0.7). In this case, the values of OAM variance for these definitions differ almost twice. It is shown that the OAM value averaged over realizations of the turbulent medium for the aperture size intercepting almost the entire beam power becomes equal to that in the homogeneous medium. As the aperture size decreases, the average OAM value decreases, and when the aperture size tends to zero, it tends to zero as well. The results obtained in the paper can be used in development and improvement of methods for optical transmission of information by optical beams with OAM, as well as in development of optical means for manipulating micron-sized particles.
Preparation and Characterization of 18-Crown-6 Modified Cellulose
Acetate Membrane in Uni-Univalent Aqueous Electrolyte Solutions
Authors: Tiwari A.K. , Abrar A. , Preeti
Published: June 2021

In present study, a cellulose acetate/18-crown-6 blend membrane (selective for K+ ions) was prepared
by the solvent vapourization method. The surface morphology of the modified membrane was
characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, which indicate the smooth and
homogeneous membrane surface. The effect of water and electrolyte (KCl and NaCl) concentration
on the rate of water sorption and porosity was explained on the basis of physico-chemical parameters
i.e. water content and water activity of the membrane phase. The variation of ionic transport number
with respect to water activity, i.e. [dtmK+/dam
w > dtmNa+/dam
w] has been observed in the present system.
The transport of ions under concentration gradient in term of permeability, flow and flux was estimated
by membrane/solution conductance-time data. The variations of permeability, flux and flow values
with respect to time for K+ and Na+ ions were found to be different. Membrane water activity (am
w)
decreases with the increase of external electrolyte concentration. The effective fixed charge density of
the membrane increases with increase of external electrolyte concentration. Permselectivity parameter
of the membrane in both cases decline with increase of external electrolyte concentration.
Optical Properties, Excess Volume Prediction from Refractive Index and
Intermolecular Interactions in Dibutylamine + Isomeric Butanol
Authors: Kumari Kavitha , Maken Sanjeev
Published: June 2021

The alkyl or alkanol amines are widely used as absorbent for CO2 capture owing to interaction between
amines and CO2. In order to increase the CO2 loading in amine based absorbents, blending of amine
with alkanol may be one option. As thermophysical properties of of utmost importance in designing,
in present work, the refractive index of dibutylamine (DBA) and isomeric butanol as well as their
binary mixtures at 298.15 K to 308.15 K were measured. The Δn are found positive for DBA + isomeric
butanol mixtures. The Δn values were correlated with Redlich-Kister polynomial. The refractive index
data were also predicted by various correlations and results were expressed in terms of standard
deviation. The Δn values were also employed to calculate the excess molar volume of the present
binary mixtures. Further Δn data analysed in terms of intermolecular interaction among DBA (1) +
isomeric butanol (2) mixtures.
Effects of Algal Biomass Blending on Coal Decomposition
Behaviour and Kinetics at Intermediate Pyrolysis Regimes
Authors: Nyoni Bothwell , Tsipa Phuti , Chiririwa Haleden , Hlangothi Shanganyane
Published: June 2021

Co-pyrolysis of coal with biomass is becoming a popular method of reducing the net carbon dioxide
emissions associated with the process. In present work, the pyrolysis of coal and algae was studied
using thermogravimetric methods and the kinetics were analyzed using the Coats-Redfern integral
method. The kinetics were evaluated for 1st and 2nd order reaction models. The effect brought by
blending coal with algae on kinetics was studied via the analysis of pyrolysis of different coal-algae
blends. The results revealed that the pyrolysis of coal and algae follows 2nd and 1st order kinetics with
activation energy evaluated in the range 213.4-241.8 and 108.9-122.8 kJ/mol, respectively. It was
observed that for coal-algae blending of 20-40% algae, intermediate pyrolysis, typical heating rates of
50-200 ºC/min was characterized by two distinct stages (ignoring the drying stage) that correspond to
the individual decomposition of algae and coal. However, there was an evidence of coal-algae
interactions during co-pyrolysis, which made the kinetics of the two distinct stages not to correspond
to the kinetics of the individual materials.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Activities of Dihydroaurones
Authors: Venkateswarlu Somepalli , Murty Gandrotu Narasimha , Satyanarayana Meka , Siddaiah Vidavalur
Published: June 2021

To widen aurones applicability in achromatic food and cosmetic applications, a series of dihydroaurones were designed to mimic natural aurones as well as synthetic aurones. Dihydroaurones have been synthesized from the corresponding aurones by hydrogenation. These dihydroaurones and their corresponding aurones were screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity. Synthesized dihydroaurones (3b-f) displayed superior antioxidant activity in superoxide free radical scavenging assay than the standard gallic acid. Dihydroaurones (3b-f) also exhibited significant tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity and two dihydroaurones (3h, 3j) showed promising 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity.
Concentration and Temperature Dependence of the Thermodynamic Properties of Novel
Biologically Active 3-Substituted Schiff Base of 4-Piperidyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)maleimide
Authors: Aher Jayraj , Bhagare Arun , Gaware Manoj , Lokhande Dnyaneshwar , Kardel Anant , Dhayagude Akshay , Jadhav Vikram , Mahale Keshav
Published: June 2021

In present work, the concentration and temperature dependence of the thermodynamic properties of
3-substituted Schiff base of 4-piperidyl N-(4-chlorophenyl)maleimide compound in 80% DMSO was
estimated. Concentration (0.002-0.01 M) and temperature (298-313 K) dependent densitometric and
viscometric measurement were employed to evaluate limiting molar volume (φv
0), semi-empirical
parameter (Sv), Falkenhagen (A) and Jones-Dole (B) viscosity coefficient. The obtained results suggest
the presence of weaker solute-solvent interactions and stronger solute-solute interactions. It was observed
that these interactions strongly depend on the temperature of the system. Furthermore, the Gibbs free
energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) of the system were also evaluated. The negative values of
ΔG and ΔH and positive values of ΔS indicating reaction was spontaneous and exothermic in nature.
Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Alphonsea
madraspatana Leaves against Multi Drug Resistance Bacteria
Authors: Sahu A. , Swain S.S. , Pradhan D. , Sahu D.K. , Biswasroy P. , Kar B. , Rath G. , Ghosh G.
Published: June 2021

In this study, the antimicrobial compounds present in leaves of Alphonsea madraspatana was identified
by using RP-HPLC, LC/MS and GC/MS and found to be active against multiple drug resistant (MDR)
bacteria e.g. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extraction of
dried plant leaves was performed by solvent gradient technique. Antimicrobial study was performed
with each extract. n-Hexane and methanol extracts were further subjected to analysis for identification
of potent antimicrobial compounds due to their better antimicrobial activity as compared to remaining
extracts. The methanolic extract was more active than n-hexane extract. As n-hexane extract contains
non-polar compounds, it was subjected to GC-MS analysis and methanol extract was subjected to RPHPLC
followed by LC/MS due to presence of polar components. Among the isolated compounds,
four compounds were identified as potent antimicrobial. RP-HPLC and LC/MS analysis of methanol
extract also ensured the presence of four potent antimicrobial compounds as follows: (i)
kaempferol-3-O-rotinoside-orhamnoside (m/z 748), (ii) 3-hydroxypropylglucosinolate (m/z 377), (iii)
luteolin-7-O-glucoside (m/z 448) and (iv) genistein-7-O-glycoside (m/z 432). Leaves of this plant may
be used as potent antibacterial agents due to presence of antimicrobial compounds.
Efficient and Facile Synthesis of Benzimidazole Induced Schiff Bases
and their Potent Antibacterial Activity and Computational Study
Authors: Gurav Shailesh S. , Waghmode Krishnakant T. , Nikam Bandoba T.
Published: June 2021

Synthesized benzimidazole induced Schiff base analogues were characterized by mass, 13C NMR, 1H
NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. To get more information about binding mechanism, molecular
docking studies were carried out and the obtained results concluded that the compounds could effectively
bind with receptor. in vitro Antibacterial screening was carried out against four strains (S. aureus, B.
subtilis, P. aeruginosa and E. coli) and exhibited good antibacterial activity. The gastrointestinal
absorption (HIA) and brain penetration (BBB) was evaluated by The BOILED-Egg model, which
showed that two compounds anticipated being effectively effluated by the P-glycoprotein from central
nervous system after penetration and can accounts for brain access and passive gastrointestinal
absorption. Computational screening showed 0.55 bioavailability score for all synthesized compounds.
Anti-Corrosive Behaviour of Saccharum officinarum
Extract in 15% HCl for Stainless Steel-410 Surface
Authors: Bhardwaj Nishant , Sharma Pooja , Kumar Vineet
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study is to experimentally evaluate the inhibition properties of Saccharum
officinarum extract in a 15% hydrochloric acidic media for stainless steel (SS-410). The gravimetric,
UV spectroscopy, FTIR and surface morphological studies carried out using SEM, AFM and XRD
revealed that the S. officinarum extract protected the SS 410 steel in 15% hydrochloric acidic medium.
Gravimetric analysis revealed maximum 95.92 % inhibition efficiency at 4 g/L inhibitor concentration.
The computational studies (quantum chemical calculations) were further utilized to understand the
concept of chelation mechanism. The surface film formation and other 3D features of S. officinarum
extract film over SS-410 surface was confirmed using AFM studies. Adsorption of S. officinarum
extract over SS-410 surface followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. It is clear from the theoretical
and computational studies that the S. officinarum extract acted as mixed type inhibitor by adsorption
of hybrid organic-inorganic inhibitor ingredients on SS-410. Thus, S. officinarum extract can develop
an efficient protective layer on SS-410 that has various industrial applications.
Sildenafil (VIAGRATM): A Promising Anticancer
Drug Against Certain Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Hussein Mohammed A. , Salah El-Din Mohamed M. , Saleh Esraa M. , Mostafa Ahmed T. , Abd-Elazziz Mahmoud T. , Abdelrahman Omnia M. , Mahmoud Ahmed S. , Moro Ahmed M. , Abdel-Wahab Ebtsam A. , Ali Ali A.
Published: June 2021

Sildenafil has been identified as the first agent for treating male erectile dysfunction and is a selective
inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). Its chemical structure consists of three moieties named;
1-methyl-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7(6H)-one, 5-(2-ethoxy-1-ylsulfonyl)phenyl and
4-methylpiperazine. Many articles are reported the cytotoxic activity of each moiety individually. The
combination into a single molecule (sildenafil) of these three structural features could have promising
anti-cancer and cytotoxic effects. The study evaluated sildenafil cytototoxic activity in vitro against
mammalian cell lines: MCF-7, HCT-116, HeLa cells and A-549 cells with their IC50 values. Sildenafil
showed considerable cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 28.2 ± 0.92, 45.2 ± 1.5, 30.5 ± 0.87 and 60.5 ± 3.2
μg/mL) against HCT-116, MCF-7, A-549 and HeLa cells, respectively. HCT-116 was the most sensitive
cell line towards sildenafil followed by A-549, A375, MCF-7 and HeLa cells. These findings shed
light on the antitumor activity of sildenafil and its possible impact on potentiating of cytokines, antitumor
and anti-inflammatory markers in tumour cells. These effects might be related to the structure feature
of sildenafil.
Lubricity, Tribological and Rheological Properties of
Green Ester Oil Prepared from Bio-Based Azelaic Acid
Authors: Ahmed Waled Abdo , Salih Nadia , Salimon Jumat
Published: June 2021

Plant oil derived compounds have been used as the raw material for the synthesis of green biolubricant.
Azelaic acid derived from oleic acid is one of the interesting compounds. The synthesis of azelate
esters oil based synthetic green biolubricants was carried out. The esterification process of azelaic
acid with variety type of alcohols was catalyzed by concentrated H2SO4. The yields percentages of
azelate esters oil produced were varied depending their overall molecular structure. The azelate esters
oil properties were evaluated for their suitability as a biolubricant. The results showed that the linear
azelate esters oil showed high pour point values in a range of 15 to 5 ºC for di-decyl azelate, di-octyl
azelate and di-hexyl azelate respectively. On the other hands, the branch azelate esters oil showed very
low pour point of -70, -58 and -50 ºC for di-2-butyloctyl azelate, di-2-ethylhexanol azelate and
di-2-ethylbutyl azelate, respectively. Moreover, the linear azelate esters oil gave high values of flash
point, viscosity index and oxidative stability, and they were slightly affected by branching molecule
structure. The tribological and rheological properties of high molecular azelate esters oil were also
performed. Subsequently, most of them were classified as non-Newtonian fluids and having boundary
lubrication properties with low friction coefficient. The branch azelate esters oil is plausible to be used
as green biolubricants in many applications including automotive, marine engine oils, compressor
oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils and industrial biolubricants.
Emerging Potential of Metallodrugs to Target Coronavirus:
Efficacy, Toxicity and their Mechanism of Action
Authors: Pinki  , Subhash  , Chaudhary Ashu
Published: June 2021

On eleventh March 2020, the contagion of the novel COVID-19 was announced by the WHO. Right
now, there are no new enlisted medications that can viably cure the COVID-19 contagion. Some
recently utilized drugs and combinations with their harmfulness profiles have been contemplated. The
frequently announced poisonous impacts of these medicines, for example, hepatotoxicity, retinal harm,
nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. One of the most broadly examined drugs is favipiravir. The surface
collaboration of favipiravir with organometallic composites came about by doping of transition metals
of first row of the periodic table was analyzed to choose the most reasonable metallofullerenes for
COVID-19 treatment. Some acknowledged pharmacophore edifices of bioactive constituents can be
valuable in the explanation of against SARS-CoV-2 particulars. The advantage of utilizing arrangements
encompassing phytochemicals is their sky-scraping wellbeing for ill persons and no negative reaction.
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were recently affirmed by the USFDA for anaemia therapy and
variations have additionally exhibited its effectiveness against viruses in vitro for COVID-19. The
adequacy of the Zn2+ salt enhancement could likewise be improved with Nigella sativa as its major
bioactive segment would fill in as ionophore to permit Zn2+ to enter pneumocytes-the objective cell for
the coronavirus (COVID-19). This review article depicts the utilization of medications, their usefulness
and their harmful impacts for COVID-19 patients.
Identification of Novel Bioactive Compounds, Neurosporalol 1 and 2 from an
Endolichenic Fungus, Neurospora ugadawe Inhabited in the Lichen Host,
Graphis tsunodae Zahlbr. from Mangrove Ecosystem in Puttalam Lagoon, Sri Lanka
Authors: Maduranga H.A.K. , Weerasinghe W.R.H. , Attanayake R.N. , Santhirasegaram S. , Shevkar C.D. , Kate A.S. , Weerakoon G. , Samanthi K.A.U. , Kalia K. , Paranagama P. A.
Published: June 2021

Endolichenic fungi (ELF) have been recognized as a promising source of bioactive secondary
metabolites. Sri Lanka, a biodiversity hotspot, harbours a remarkable diversity in mangrove ecosystems.
In the present study, endolichenic fungi obtained from mangrove lichens of Puttalam lagoon were
studied for their secondary metabolites. An endolichenic fungus, Neurospora ugadawe, isolated from
the lichen host Graphis tsunodae Zahlbr. was identified up to the species level. Secondary metabolites
of N. ugadawe were extracted into ethyl acetate and crude extract showed promising antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory activities. Bioassay guided separation on silica gel column chromatography and
preparative TLC were performed to isolate the bioactive pure compounds. Two novel bioactive pure
compounds were identified as Neurosporalol 1 and Neurosporalol 2. Neurosporalol 1 showed the
highest antioxidant activity compared with the positive control BHT. Further, this compound showed
very low anti-inflammatory activity compared to that of the positive control aspirin. Neurosporalol 2
showed comparable antioxidant and moderate anti-inflammatory activities.
H-Bond Interactions in Triethylene Glycol-Acetonitrile Binary Solutions: FTIR Spectral Studies
Authors: Dineshkumar P. , Naganandhini S.P. , Sangeetha T. , Arivazhagan G.
Published: June 2021

FTIR spectral signature of neat acetonitrile (AN), triethylene glycol (TEG) and their binary solutions
at various mole fractions of acetonitrile/triethylene glycol have been obtained. The spectral features
endorse that multimers of various orders coexist in liquid phase of triethylene glycol. When triethylene
glycol was dissolved in acetonitrile, the combination of multimers present in neat triethylene glycol
seems to be not disturbed much but C≡N···H(CH2/H-O) and (AN methyl)H···O(TEG C-O-C)
heteromolecular H-bonds have been formed between the triethylene glycol multimers and acetonitrile
in all the solutions. The strength of these interactions were found to be acetonitrile/triethylene glycol
concentration dependent.
Intermolecular Interactions in Acetonitrile + Acetone
Binary Mixtures: FTIR Spectroscopic Studies
Authors: Naganandhini S.P. , Sangeetha T. , Arivazhagan G.
Published: June 2021

FTIR spectra of neat acetone (ACT), neat acetonitrile (AN) and their binary solutions at various molar
ratios 1:2, 1:3, 2:1 and 3:1 (AN:ACT) have been recorded in 4000-400 cm-1 region at room temperature.
The acetone is a self-associated molecule and existed as a mixture of monomers, dimers and trimers.
The acetonitrile is also a mixture of monomer and weakly bonded dimers. The acetone is associated
through the H-bond interaction (ACT)C-H...O=C(ACT) and the acetone and acetonitrile molecules
are interacted through the non-classical H-bonds (ACT) C-H···N≡C (AN) and (AN) C-H···O=C (ACT).