bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Social Responsibility: Motives and Financial Performance
Authors: Atmeh Muhannad , Shaban Mohammad , Alsharairi Malek
Published: November 2020

The relationship between companies and society has been questioned for a long time. However, the effect of the motives behind CSR regarding the companies’ actual engagement with CSR has received little attention, especially in emerging markets. This paper tackles this issue for the first time using a sample of Jordanian companies. We explore the effect of two types of motives on the level of engagement in CSR: extrinsic motive (financial) and intrinsic motives (ethical and altruistic). The relationship between the company’s actual financial performance and CSR is also investigated. Primary data were collected using a questionnaire, distributed to Jordanian company’s managers in five sectors: pharmaceutical, technology and telecommunication, construction, farming, and financial services. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to depict the relationships. Results show that the intrinsic motives have a significant effect on CSR, while the extrinsic motive has none. When intrinsic motives were tested separately, results showed that the ethical motive had a significant effect, while the altruistic had no effect. In both cases, CSR was shown to be more significantly driven by the company’s financial performance. Different stakeholders such as policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors may use the results of this study to increase companies’ involvement in CSR.
OurPlaces: Cross-Cultural Crowdsourcing Platform for Location Recommendation Services
Authors: Nguyen Luong Vuong , Jung Jason J. , Hwang Myunggwon
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a cross-cultural crowdsourcing platform, called OurPlaces, where people from different cultures can share their spatial experiences. We built a three-layered architecture composed of: (i) places (locations where people have visited); (ii) cognition (how people have experienced these places); and (iii) users (those who have visited these places). Notably, cognition is represented as a paring of two similar places from different cultures (e.g., Versailles and Gyeongbokgung in France and Korea, respectively). As a case study, we applied the OurPlaces platform to a cross-cultural tourism recommendation system and conducted a simulation using a dataset collected from TripAdvisor. The tourist places were classified into four types (i.e., hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and attractions). In addition, user feedback (e.g., ratings, rankings, and reviews) from various nationalities (assumed to be equivalent to cultures) was exploited to measure the similarities between tourism places and to generate a cognition layer on the platform. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the OurPlaces-based system, we compared it with a Pearson correlation-based system as a baseline. The experimental results show that the proposed system outperforms the baseline by 2.5% and 4.1% in the best case in terms of MAE and RMSE, respectively.
Alternative Splicing: Expanding the Landscape of Cancer Biomarkers and Therapeutics
Authors: Bessa Cláudia , Matos Paulo , Jordan Peter , Gonçalves Vânia
Published: November 2020

Alternative splicing (AS) is a critical post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism used by more than 95% of transcribed human genes and responsible for structural transcript variation and proteome diversity. In the past decade, genome-wide transcriptome sequencing has revealed that AS is tightly regulated in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific manner, and also frequently dysregulated in multiple human cancer types. It is currently recognized that splicing defects, including genetic alterations in the spliced gene, altered expression of both core components or regulators of the precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing machinery, or both, are major drivers of tumorigenesis. Hence, in this review we provide an overview of our current understanding of splicing alterations in cancer, and emphasize the need to further explore the cancer-specific splicing programs in order to obtain new insights in oncology. Furthermore, we also discuss the recent advances in the identification of dysregulated splicing signatures on a genome-wide scale and their potential use as biomarkers. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic opportunities arising from dysregulated splicing and summarize the current approaches to therapeutically target AS in cancer.
Checkpoint Kinase 1 Pharmacological Inhibition Synergizes with DNA-Damaging Agents and Overcomes Platinum Resistance in Basal-Like Breast Cancer
Authors: Nieto-Jimenez Cristina , Alcaraz-Sanabria Ana , Martinez-Canales Sandra , Corrales-Sanchez Veronica , Montero Juan Carlos , Burgos Miguel , Nuncia-Cantarero Miriam , Pandiella Atanasio , Galan-Moya Eva M. , Ocaña Alberto
Published: November 2020

Basal-like breast cancer is an incurable disease with limited therapeutic options, mainly due to the frequent development of anti-cancer drug resistance. Therefore, identification of druggable targets to improve current therapies and overcome these resistances is a major goal. Targeting DNA repair mechanisms has reached the clinical setting and several strategies, like the inhibition of the CHK1 kinase, are currently in clinical development. Here, using a panel of basal-like cancer cell lines, we explored the synergistic interactions of CHK1 inhibitors (rabusertib and SAR020106) with approved therapies in breast cancer and evaluated their potential to overcome resistance. We identified a synergistic action of these inhibitors with agents that produce DNA damage, like platinum compounds, gemcitabine, and the PARP inhibitor olaparib. Our results demonstrated that the combination of rabusertib with these chemotherapies also has a synergistic impact on tumor initiation, invasion capabilities, and apoptosis in vitro. We also revealed a biochemical effect on DNA damage and caspase-dependent apoptosis pathways through the phosphorylation of H2AX, the degradation of full-length PARP, and the increase of caspases 3 and 8 activity. This agent also demonstrated synergistic activity in a platinum-resistant cell line, inducing an increase in cell death in response to cisplatin only when combined with rabusertib, while no toxic effect was found on non-tumorigenic breast tissue-derived cell lines. Lastly, the combination of CHK1 inhibitor with cisplatin and gemcitabine resulted in more activity than single or double combinations, leading to a higher apoptotic effect. In conclusion, in our study we identify therapeutic options for the clinical development of CHK1 inhibitors, and confirm that the inhibition of this kinase can overcome acquired resistance to cisplatin.
Evaluation of Liver Quality after Circulatory Death versus Brain Death: A Comparative Preclinical Pig Model Study
Authors: Danion Jérôme , Thuillier Raphael , Allain Géraldine , Bruneval Patrick , Tomasi Jacques , Pinsard Michel , Hauet Thierry , Kerforne Thomas
Published: November 2020

The current organ shortage in hepatic transplantation leads to increased use of marginal livers. New organ sources are needed, and deceased after circulatory death (DCD) donors present an interesting possibility. However, many unknown remains on these donors and their pathophysiology regarding ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). Our hypothesis was that DCD combined with abdominal normothermic regional recirculation (ANOR) is not inferior to deceased after brain death (DBD) donors. We performed a mechanistic comparison between livers from DBD and DCD donors in a highly reproducible pig model, closely mimicking donor conditions encountered in the clinic. DCD donors were conditioned by ANOR. We determined that from the start of storage, pro-lesion pathways such as oxidative stress and cell death were induced in both donor types, but to a higher extent in DBD organs. Furthermore, pro-survival pathways, such as resistance to hypoxia and regeneration showed activation levels closer to healthy livers in DCD-ANOR rather than in DBD organs. These data highlight critical differences between DBD and DCD-ANOR livers, with an apparent superiority of DCD in terms of quality. This confirms our hypothesis and further confirms previously demonstrated benefits of ANOR. This encourages the expended use of DCD organs, particularly with ANOR preconditioning.
Visceral Obesity and Its Shared Role in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scoping Review of the Pathophysiology and Pharmacological Treatments
Authors: Aparecida Silveira Erika , Vaseghi Golnaz , de Carvalho Santos Annelisa Silva , Kliemann Nathalie , Masoudkabir Farzad , Noll Matias , Mohammadifard Noushin , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: November 2020

The association between obesity, cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been demonstrated in animal and epidemiological studies. However, the specific role of visceral obesity on cancer and CVD remains unclear. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a complex and metabolically active tissue, that can produce different adipokines and hormones, responsible for endocrine-metabolic comorbidities. This review explores the potential mechanisms related to VAT that may also be involved in cancer and CVD. In addition, we discuss the shared pharmacological treatments which may reduce the risk of both diseases. This review highlights that chronic inflammation, molecular aspects, metabolic syndrome, secretion of hormones and adiponectin associated to VAT may have synergistic effects and should be further studied in relation to cancer and CVD. Reductions in abdominal and visceral adiposity improve insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and cytokines, which consequently reduce the risk of CVD and some cancers. Several medications have shown to reduce visceral and/or subcutaneous fat. Further research is needed to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms by which visceral obesity may cause both cancer and CVD. The role of visceral fat in cancer and CVD is an important area to advance. Public health policies to increase public awareness about VAT’s role and ways to manage or prevent it are needed.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Levothyroxine-Treated Hypothyroid Women and Women without Hypothyroidism: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Romero-Gómez Benjamín , Guerrero-Alonso Paula , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto , Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel
Published: November 2020

The use of levothyroxine is not always related to the elimination of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The aim of this study is to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of a group of hypothyroid women under levothyroxine treatment with that of a group of non-hypothyroid women. Methodology: A case–control study was performed. We used convenience sampling. The case group consisted of 152 levothyroxine-treated hypothyroid women; the control group consisted of 238 women without hypothyroidism disorders. All of the participants were euthyroid according to the clinical practice guidelines. We used as instruments the Short Form-12 questionnaire (SF-12v1) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: Hypothyroid women scored significantly lower in HRQOL in SF-12v1 mental and physical components than the control group (mental component summary: 41.23 ± 12.12 vs. 46.45 ± 10.22, p < 0.001; physical component summary: 49.64 ± 10.16 vs. 54.75 ± 5.76, p < 0.001). body mass index (BMI) and age showed an influence on the physical component (p < 0.001 in both variables). Adjusted for age and BMI, hypothyroidism was still related to worse scores (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Despite being euthyroid, women with hypothyroidism showed a poorer quality of life than women without hypothyroidism. Health professionals need to assess the HRQOL of women with hypothyroidism. Further research on HRQOL and hypothyroidism is needed.
Prognostic Significance of Primary Tumor Location in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Treated with Nephroureterectomy: A Retrospective, Multi-Center Cohort Study in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Lian-Ching , Chang Chao-Hsiang , Huang Chi-Ping , Huang Chao-Yuan , Hong Jian-Hua , Tai Ta-Yao , Weng Han-Yu , Lo Chi-Wen , Tsai Chung-You , Lee Yu-Khun , Tsai Yao-Chou , Hsueh Thomas Y. , Chen Yung-Tai , Chen I-Hsuan , Chiang Bing-Juin , Tseng Jen-Shu , Wu Chia-Chang , Lin Wei-Yu , Chien Tsu-Ming , Sheu Zai-Lin , Li Ching-Chia , Ke Hung-Lung , Li Wei-Ming , Lee Hsiang-Ying , Wu Wen-Jeng , Yeh Hsin-Chih
Published: November 2020

We sought to examine the effect of tumor location on the prognosis of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). This retrospective study came from the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group, which consisted of 2658 patients at 15 institutions in Taiwan from 1988 to 2019. Patients with kidney-sparing management, both renal pelvic and ureteral tumors, as well as patients lacking complete data were excluded; the remaining 1436 patients were divided into two groups: renal pelvic tumor (RPT) and ureteral tumor (UT), with 842 and 594 patients, respectively. RPT was associated with more aggressive pathological features, including higher pathological T stage (p < 0.001) and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (p = 0.002), whereas patients with UT often had synchronous bladder tumor (p < 0.001), and were more likely to bear multiple lesions (p = 0.001). Our multivariate analysis revealed that UT was a worse prognostic factor compared with RPT (overall survival: HR 1.408, 95% CI 1.121–1.767, p = 0.003; cancer-specific survival: HR 1.562, 95% CI 1.169–2.085, p = 0.003; disease-free survival: HR 1.363, 95% CI 1.095–1.697, p = 0.006; bladder-recurrence-free survival: HR 1.411, 95% CI 1.141–1.747, p = 0.002, respectively). Based on our findings, UT appeared to be more malignant and had a worse prognosis than RPT.
Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children in North-Eastern Poland
Authors: Zdanowicz Katarzyna , Kucharska Magdalena , Sobaniec-Lotowska Maria Elzbieta , Lebensztejn Dariusz Marek , Daniluk Urszula
Published: November 2020

Background: An increase in the incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis worldwide is being observed in children. The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, clinical manifestations, biochemical markers and endoscopic features of children with eosinophilic esophagitis in comparison to patients with non-eosinophilic esophagitis. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included newly diagnosed children with eosinophilic (EoE) and non-eosinophilic (non-EoE) esophagitis based on endoscopic and histopathological results between January 2013 and December 2018. Result: Among 433 of enrolled children with esophagitis, 36 (8.31%) were diagnosed with EoE (median age of 10 years). Male predominance and an increased percentage of allergy cases in the EoE group were noticed. Dysphagia was the only symptom that significantly differentiated both groups (p = 0.006). Endoscopic findings with relevant relationships with EoE included linear fissuring, decreased vascular pattern, trachealization and whitish exudates. No significant difference in the prevalence of other reported diseases between groups was observed. Conclusion: The results of EoE analysis in children from North-Eastern Poland did not differ from reports from other countries. The reported symptoms were not specific for EoE, and only dysphagia and some endoscopic lesions were helpful to differentiate children with EoE from non-EoE.
Acoustic Characteristics of Small Research Vessels
Authors: Parsons Miles , Meekan Mark
Published: November 2020

Vessel noise is an acute and chronic stressor of a wide variety of marine fauna. Understanding, modelling and mitigating the impacts of this pollutant requires quantification of acoustic signatures for various vessel classes for input into propagation models and at present there is a paucity of such data for small vessels (<25 m). Our study provides this information for three small vessels (<6 m length and 30, 90 and 180 hp engines). The closest point of approach was recorded at various ranges across a flat, ≈10 m deep sandy lagoon, for multiple passes at multiple speeds (≈5, 10, 20, 30 km h−1) by each vessel at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Radiated noise levels (RNLs) and environment-affected source levels (ASLs) determined by linear regression were estimated for each vessel and speed. From the slowest to fastest speeds, median RNLs ranged between 153.4 and 166.1 dB re 1 µPa m, whereas ASLs ranged from 146.7 to 160.0 dB re 1 µPa m. One-third octave band-level RNLs are provided for each vessel–speed scenario, together with their interpolated received levels with range. Our study provides data on source spectra of small vessels to assist in understanding and modelling of acoustic exposure experienced by marine fauna.
Impact of Drug-Gene-Interaction, Drug-Drug-Interaction, and Drug-Drug-Gene-Interaction on (es)Citalopram Therapy: The PharmLines Initiative
Authors: Bahar Muh. Akbar , Lanting Pauline , Bos Jens H. J. , Sijmons Rolf H. , Hak Eelko , Wilffert Bob
Published: November 2020

We explored the association between CYP2C19/3A4 mediated drug-gene-interaction (DGI), drug-drug-interaction (DDI) and drug-drug-gene-interaction (DDGI) and (es)citalopram dispensing course. A cohort study was conducted among adult Caucasians from the Lifelines cohort (167,729 participants) and linked dispensing data from the IADB.nl database as part of the PharmLines Initiative. Exposure groups were categorized into (es)citalopram starters with DGI, DDI and DDGI. The primary outcome was drug switching and/or dose adjustment, and the secondary was early discontinuation after the start of (es)citalopram. Logistic regression modeling was applied to estimate adjusted odd ratios with their confidence interval. We identified 316 (es)citalopram starters with complete CYP2C19/3A4 genetic information. The CYP2C19 IM/PM and CYP3A4 NM combination increased risks of switching and/or dose reduction (OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.03–7.29). The higher effect size was achieved by the CYP2C19 IM/PM and CYP3A4 IM combination (OR: 4.38, 95% CI: 1.22–15.69). CYP2C19/3A4 mediated DDIs and DDGIs showed trends towards increased risks of switching and/or dose reduction. In conclusion, a DGI involving predicted decreased CYP2C19 function increases the need for (es)citalopram switching and/or dose reduction which might be enhanced by co-presence of predicted decreased CYP3A4 function. For DDI and DDGI, no conclusions can be drawn from the results.
Effects of Sintering Temperature Variation on Synthesis of Glass-Ceramic Phosphor Using Rice Husk Ash as Silica Source
Authors: Abdul Wahab Rabiatul Adawiyah , Mohd Zaid Mohd Hafiz , Aziz Sidek Hj. Ab , Amin Matori Khamirul , Fen Yap Wing , Yaakob Yazid
Published: November 2020

In this study, the authors attempted to propose the very first study on fabrication and characterization of zinc-boro-silicate (ZBS) glass-ceramics derived from the ternary zinc-boro-silicate (ZnO)0.65(B2O3)0.15(RHA)0.2 glass system through a conventional melt-quenching method by incorporating rice husk ash (RHA) as the silica (SiO2) source, followed by a sintering process. Optimization of sintering condition has densified the sintered samples while embedded beta willemite (β-Zn2SiO4) and alpha willemite (α-Zn2SiO4) were proven in X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) has shown the distribution of willemite crystals in rhombohedral shape crystals and successfully form closely-packed grains due to intense crystallization. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of all sintered ZBS glasses presented various emission peaks at 425, 463, 487, 531, and 643 nm corresponded to violet, blue, green, and red emission, respectively. The correlation between the densification, phase transformation, microstructure, and photoluminescence of Zn2SiO4 glass-ceramic phosphor is discussed in detail.
Thermal and Flame Retardant Properties of Phosphate-Functionalized Silica/Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Il Jin , Ko Jae Wang , Song Min Seop , Cheon Ji Won , Lee Dong Jin , Park Jun Woo , Yu Seunggun , Lee Jin Hong
Published: November 2020

We report a flame retardant epoxy nanocomposite reinforced with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenantrene-10-oxide (DOPO)-tethered SiO2 (DOPO-t-SiO2) hybrid nanoparticles (NPs). The DOPO-t-SiO2 NPs were successfully synthesized through surface treatment of SiO2 NPs with (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS), followed by a click reaction between GPTMS on SiO2 and DOPO. The epoxy nanocomposites with DOPO-t-SiO2 NPs as multifunctional additive exhibited not only high flexural strength and fracture toughness but also excellent flame retardant properties and thermal stability, compared to those of pristine epoxy and epoxy nanocomposites with a single additive of SiO2 or DOPO, respectively. Our approach allows a facile, yet effective strategy to synthesize a functional hybrid additive for developing flame retardant nanocomposites.
Preliminary Study on the Activity of Phycobiliproteins against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Righini Hillary , Francioso Ornella , Di Foggia Michele , Quintana Antera Martel , Roberti Roberta
Published: November 2020

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are proteins of cyanobacteria and some algae such as rhodophytes. They have antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activity at the human level, but there is a lack of knowledge on their antifungal activity against plant pathogens. We studied the activity of PBPs extracted from Arthrospiraplatensis and Hydropuntiacornea against Botrytiscinerea, one of the most important worldwide plant-pathogenic fungi. PBPs were characterized by using FT-IR and FT-Raman in order to investigate their structures. Their spectra differed in the relative composition in the amide bands, which were particularly strong in A. platensis. PBP activity was tested on tomato fruits against gray mold disease, fungal growth, and spore germination at different concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 1.2, 2.4, and 4.8 mg/mL). Both PBPs reduced fruit gray mold disease. A linear dose–response relationship was observed for both PBPs against disease incidence and H. cornea against disease severity. Pathogen mycelial growth and spore germination were reduced significantly by both PBPs. In conclusion, PBPs have the potential for being also considered as natural compounds for the control of fungal plant pathogens in sustainable agriculture.
Recovery of Chromium from Slags Leachates by Electrocoagulation and Solid Product Characterization
Authors: Pikna Lubomir , Hezelova Maria , Morillon Agnieszka , Algermissen David , Milkovic Ondrej , Findorak Robert , Cesnek Martin , Briancin Jaroslav
Published: November 2020

Slags produced in the steelmaking industry could be a source of chromium. Slags contain, depending on different types of slags, between 2 to 5 wt.% of Cr. Roasting of slag with NaOH, followed by subsequent leaching can produce leachates which can be efficiently processed using electrocoagulation (EC). This paper provides results from the EC process optimization for Cr(VI) solutions with initial concentration 1000 mg/L of Cr(VI). Influence of pH, current intensity and NaCl concentration on the efficiency of chromium recovery, energy consumption as well as solid product composition is discussed in detail. Optimum of pH = 6 was chosen for EC processing of Cr leachates as well as current intensities of 0.1–0.5 A because of the higher Cr/Fe ratio in solid product compared to higher current intensities. Results of EC processing of four real leachates of electric arc furnace carbon steel slag (EAFC), electric arc furnace stainless steel slag (EAFS), low carbon ferrochrome slag (LC FeCr) and high carbon ferrochrome slag (HC FeCr) were evaluated. Comparison of the results of four real leachate samples is presented. Obtained final solid product was identified as (Fe0.6 Cr0.4)2O3 and with up to 20% of Cr could be used as source of chromium in the ferrochrome production.
Cyclodextrin-Based Contrast Agents for Medical Imaging
Authors: Shepelytskyi Yurii , Newman Camryn J. , Grynko Vira , Seveney Lauren E. , DeBoef Brenton , Hane Francis T. , Albert Mitchell S.
Published: November 2020

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are naturally occurring cyclic oligosaccharides consisting of multiple glucose subunits. CDs are widely used in host–guest chemistry and biochemistry due to their structural advantages, biocompatibility, and ability to form inclusion complexes. Recently, CDs have become of high interest in the field of medical imaging as a potential scaffold for the development of a large variety of the contrast agents suitable for magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, photoacoustic imaging, positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and computed tomography. The aim of this review is to summarize and highlight the achievements in the field of cyclodextrin-based contrast agents for medical imaging.
Solubility and Thermal Degradation of Quercetin in CO2-Expanded Liquids
Authors: Cunico Larissa P. , Cobo Andrés Medina , Al-Hamimi Said , Turner Charlotta
Published: November 2020

The solubility of quercetin and its thermal degradation was studied in CO2-expanded ethanol and ethyl lactate. An equipment setup was constructed that enabled the separation of the products of degradation while quantifying the solubility of quercetin. Three different conditions of temperature were analyzed (308, 323, and 343 K) at 10 MPa. Higher solubility and thermal degradation of quercetin were observed for CO2-expanded ethyl lactate in comparison with CO2-expanded ethanol. At the same time, as the amount of CO2 was increased in the CO2-expanded liquids mixtures, the thermal degradation of quercetin decreased for almost all the conditions of temperature considered in this work. The importance of considering thermal degradation while performing solubility measurements of compounds that are thermally unstable such as quercetin was highlighted.
Development of Taccalonolide AJ-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes for Treatment of Clear Cell Renal-Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Han Jing , Zhang Siwang , Niu Junxin , Zhang Chunli , Dai Weichen , Wu Yuanyuan , Hu Lihong
Published: November 2020

Background: Microtubule-targeted drugs are the most effective drugs for adult patients with certain solid tumors. Taccalonolide AJ (AJ) can stabilize tubulin polymerization by covalently binding to β-tubulin, which enables it to play a role in the treatment of tumors. However, its clinical applications are largely limited by low water solubility, chemical instability in water, and a narrow therapeutic window. Clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (cc RCC) accounts for approximately 70% of RCC cases and is prone to resistance to particularly targeted therapy drugs. Methods: we prepared a water-soluble cyclodextrin-based carrier to serve as an effective treatment for cc RCC. Results: Compared with AJ, taccalonolide AJ-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (AJ-HP-β-CD) exhibited superior selectivity and activity toward the cc RCC cell line 786-O vs. normal kidney cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibiting migration and invasion of tumor cells in vitro. According to acute toxicity testing, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of AJ-HP-β-CD was 10.71 mg/kg, which was 20 times greater than that of AJ. Assessment of weight changes showed that mouse body weight recovered over 7–8 days, and the toxicity could be greatly reduced by adjusting the injections from once every three days to once per week. In addition, we inoculated 786-O cells to generate xenografted mice to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of AJ-HP-β-CD in vivo and found that AJ-HP-β-CD had a better tumor inhibitory effect than that of docetaxel and sunitinib in terms of tumor growth and endpoint tumor weight. These results indicated that cyclodextrin inclusion greatly increased the anti-tumor therapeutic window of AJ. Conclusions: the AJ-HP-β-CD complex developed in this study may prove to be a novel tubulin stabilizer for the treatment of cc RCC. In addition, this drug delivery system may broaden the horizon in the translational study of other chemotherapeutic drugs.
Promising Roles of Alternative Medicine and Plant-Based Nanotechnology as Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Chandra Harish , Singh Chanchal , Kumari Pragati , Yadav Saurabh , Mishra Abhay P. , Laishevtcev Aleksey , Brisc Ciprian , Brisc Mihaela Cristina , Munteanu Mihai Alexandru , Bungau Simona
Published: November 2020

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered to be the most common infections worldwide, having an incidence rate of 40−60% in women. Moreover, the prevalence of this disorder in adult women is 30 times more than in men. UTIs are usually found in many hospitals and clinical practice; as disorders, they are complicated and uncomplicated; in uncomplicated cases, there is no structural or functional abnormality in the urogenital tract. However, obstruction, retention of urine flow and use of catheters increase the complexity. There are several bacteria (e.g., E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, etc.) successfully residing in the tract. The diagnosis must not only be accurate but rapid, so early detection is an important step in the control of UTIs caused by uropathogens. The treatment of UTIs includes appropriate antimicrobial therapy to control the infection and kill the causal microbes inside the body. A long-time usage of antibiotics has resulted in multidrug resistance causing an impediment in treatment. Thus, alternative, combinatorial medication approaches have given some hope. Available treatments considered Homeopathic, Ayurvedic, Unani, and other herbal-based drugs. There are new upcoming roles of nanoparticles in combating UTIs which needs further validation. The role of medicinal plant-based nanotechnology approaches has shown promising results. Therefore, there must be active research in phyto-based therapies of UTIs, such as Ayurvedic Biology.
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Ayahuasca Beverages
Authors: Simão Ana Y. , Gonçalves Joana , Gradillas Ana , García Antonia , Restolho José , Fernández Nicolás , Rodilla Jesus M. , Barroso Mário , Duarte Ana Paula , Cristóvão Ana C. , Gallardo Eugenia
Published: November 2020

Ayahuasca is a beverage consumed at shamanic ceremonies and currently has gained popularity on recreational scenarios. It contains beta-carboline alkaloids and N,N-dimethyltryptamine, which possesses hallucinogenic effects. Only a few studies have elicited the psychoactive effects and the dose of such compounds on neurological dopaminergic cells or animals. In this work, we aimed to study the cytotoxic effects of these compounds present in ayahuasca beverages and on five different teas (Banisteriopsis caapi, Psychotria viridis, Peganum harmala, Mimosa tenuiflora and Dc Ab (commercial name)) preparations on dopaminergic immortalized cell lines. Moreover, a characterization of the derivative alkaloids was also performed. All the extracts were characterized by chromatographic systems and the effect of those compounds in cell viability and total protein levels were analyzed in N27 dopaminergic neurons cell line. This is the first article where cytotoxicity of ayahuasca tea is studied on neurological dopaminergic cells. Overall, results showed that both cell viability and protein contents decreased when cells were exposed to the individual compounds, as well as to the teas and to the two mixtures based on the traditional ayahuasca beverages.
A General and Scalable Synthesis of Polysubstituted Indoles
Authors: Tejedor David , Diana-Rivero Raquel , García-Tellado Fernando
Published: November 2020

A consecutive 2-step synthesis of N-unprotected polysubstituted indoles bearing an electron-withdrawing group at the C-3 position from readily available nitroarenes is reported. The protocol is based on the [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of N-oxyenamines generated by the DABCO-catalyzed reaction of N-arylhydroxylamines and conjugated terminal alkynes, and delivers indoles endowed with a wide array of substitution patterns and topologies.
Genome Survey Sequencing of In Vivo Mother Plant and In Vitro Plantlets of Mikania cordata
Authors: Hong Yongfeng , Huang Xia , Li Chunmei , Ruan Xiaoxian , Wang Zhen , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting
Published: November 2020

Mikania cordata, the only native congener of the invasive weed Mikania micrantha in China, is an ideal species for comparative study to reveal the invasion mechanism. However, its genome resources are lagging far behind its congener, which limits the comparative genomic analysis. Our goal is to characterize the genome of M. cordata by next-generation sequencing and propose a scheme for long-read genome sequencing. Previous studies have shown that the genomic resources of the host plant would be affected by the endophytic microbial DNA. An aseptic sample of M. cordata will ensure the proper genome in downstream analysis. Because endophytes are ubiquitous in the greenhouse-grown M. cordata, the in vitro culture with cefotaxime or timentin treatment was undertaken to obtain the aseptic plantlets. The in vivo mother plant and in vitro plantlets were used to survey the genome. The microbial contamination in M. cordata was recognized by blast search and eliminated from the raw reads. The decontaminated sequencing reads were used to predict the genome size, heterozygosity, and repetitive rate. The in vivo plant was so contaminated that microbes occupied substantial sequencing resources and misled the scaffold assembly. Compared with cefotaxime, treatment with timentin performed better in cultivating robust in vitro plantlets. The survey result from the in vitro plantlets was more accurate due to low levels of contamination. The genome size was estimated to be 1.80 Gb with 0.50% heterozygosity and 78.35% repetitive rate. Additionally, 289,831 SSRs were identified in the genome. The genome is heavily contaminated and repetitive; therefore, the in vitro culture technique and long-read sequencing technology are recommended to generate a high-quality and highly contiguous genome.
In Vivo Antifungal Activity of South African Medicinal Plant Extracts against Fusarium Pathogens and Their Phytotoxicity Evaluation
Authors: Seepe Hlabana A. , Lodama Kafua E. , Sutherland René , Nxumalo Winston , Amoo Stephen O.
Published: November 2020

Smallholder farmers play a major role in crop production towards household food security, particularly in resource-poor communities. Maize is a common crop produced in smallholder farming and it is cultivated from seeds that has been stored and re-used for years. Spoilage of stored grains is a major challenge, which leads to yield loss and poor seed quality. The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo antifungal activity of selected plant extracts against Fusarium pathogens on maize seeds, and to evaluate their phytotoxicity on seed germination and seedling growth. Fresh leaves collected from eight medicinal plants were dried and selectively extracted with water, ethyl acetate or acetone. The dried extracts were evaluated for antifungal activity against Fusarium pathogens (F. proliferatum, F. oxysporum, F. subglutinans, F. verticilloides, F. semitectum, F. chlamydosporum, F. solani, F. equisite and F. graminearum) inoculated on maize seeds. Melia azedarach acetone extract showed strong antifungal activity (97% inhibition) against F. proliferatum while combined acetone extracts from Combretum erythrophyllum and Quercus acutissima exhibited 96%, 67% and 56% inhibition against F. verticilloides, F. proliferatum and F. solani, respectively. With the exception of Quercus acutissima ethyl acetate, none of the extracts significantly inhibited seed germination when compared to untreated seeds. This study showed that plant extracts could control Fusarium diseases without any adverse effects on maize seed germination or plant growth.
Experimental Study and Mathematical Modeling of Convective Thin-Layer Drying of Apple Slices
Authors: Royen Mohammad Jafar , Noori Abdul Wasim , Haydary Juma
Published: November 2020

This work represents an experimental study and mathematical modeling of convective apple slice drying. The influence of multiple process parameters such as temperature, air humidity, air velocity and slice thickness on process kinetics, product water activity and parameters of empirical models has been investigated. Drying characteristics of apple slices were monitored at temperatures of 40, 45 and 50 °C, air velocities of 0.6, 0.85 and 1.1 m/s., slice thicknesses of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm, and in relative air humidity ranges of 25–28, 35–38 and 40–45%. During the process, samples were dried from an initial moisture content of 86.7% to that of 20% (w.b), corresponding to product water activity of 0.45 ± 0.05. By increasing the temperature from 40 to 50 °C, the time for reaching the required product water activity decreased by about 300 min. Sample thickness is the most significant parameter; by increasing the slice thickness from 4 to 12 mm, the time required to achieve the required water activity increased by more than 500 min. For all experimental runs, parameters of five different thin-layer empirical models were estimated. A thin-layer model sensible to process conditions such as temperature, air velocity, layer thickness and air relative humidity was developed and statistically analyzed.
HPIPS: A High-Precision Indoor Pedestrian Positioning System Fusing WiFi-RTT, MEMS, and Map Information
Authors: Huang Lu , Yu Baoguo , Li Hongsheng , Zhang Heng , Li Shuang , Zhu Ruihui , Li Yaning
Published: November 2020

In order to solve the problem of pedestrian positioning in the indoor environment, this paper proposes a high-precision indoor pedestrian positioning system (HPIPS) based on smart phones. First of all, in view of the non-line-of-sight and multipath problems faced by the radio-signal-based indoor positioning technology, a method of using deep convolutional neural networks to learn the nonlinear mapping relationship between indoor spatial position and Wi-Fi RTT (round-trip time) ranging information is proposed. When constructing the training dataset, a fingerprint grayscale image construction method combined with specific AP (Access Point) positions was designed, and the representative physical space features were extracted by multi-layer convolution for pedestrian position prediction. The proposed positioning model has higher positioning accuracy than traditional fingerprint-matching positioning algorithms. Then, aiming at the problem of large fluctuations and poor continuity of fingerprint positioning results, a particle filter algorithm with an adaptive update of state parameters is proposed. The algorithm effectively integrates microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor information in the smart phone and the structured spatial environment information, improves the freedom and positioning accuracy of pedestrian positioning, and achieves sub-meter-level stable absolute pedestrian positioning. Finally, in a test environment of about 800 m2, through a large number of experiments, compared with the millimeter-level precision optical dynamic calibration system, 94.2% of the positioning error is better than 1 m, and the average positioning error is 0.41 m. The results show that the system can provide high-precision and high-reliability location services and has great application and promotion value.
A Wide Frequency Scanning Printed Bruce Array Antenna with Bowtie and Semi-Circular Elements
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , McEvoy Patrick , Ammann Max J.
Published: November 2020

A printed edge-fed counterpart of the wire Bruce array antenna, for frequency scanning applications, is presented in this paper. The unit-cell of the proposed antenna consists of bowtie and semi-circular elements to achieve wide bandwidth from below 22 GHz to above 38 GHz with open-stopband suppression. The open-stopband suppression enables a wide seamless scanning range from backward, through broadside, to forward endfire. A sidelobe threshold level of −10 dB is maintained to evaluate efficient scanning performance of the antenna. The antenna peak realized gain is 15.30 dBi, and, due to its compact size, has the ability to scan from −64° to 76°.
Cascade AOA Estimation Algorithm Based on Flexible Massive Antenna Array
Authors: Kim Tae-yun , Hwang Suk-seung
Published: November 2020

The Angle-of-Arrival (AOA) has a variety of applications in civilian and military wireless communication fields. Due to the rapid development of the location-based service (LBS) industry, the importance of the AOA estimation technique has increased. Although a large antenna array is necessary to estimate accurate AOA information of many signals, the computational complexity of conventional AOA estimation algorithms, such as Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC), is dramatically increased. In this paper, we propose a cascade AOA estimation algorithm employing CAPON and Beamspace MUSIC, based on a flexible (on/off) antenna array. First, this approach roughly finds AOA groups, including several signal AOAs using CAPON, by applying some of the antenna elements. Then, it estimates each signal AOA in the estimated AOA groups using Beamspace MUSIC by applying the full size of the antenna array. In addition to extremely low computational complexity, the proposed algorithm also has similar estimation performance to that of MUSIC. In particular, the proposed cascade AOA estimation algorithm is highly efficient when employing a massive antenna array. Representative computer simulation examples are provided to illustrate the AOA estimation performance of the proposed technique.
Experimental Validation of an Inductive System for Magnesium Level Detection in a Titanium Reduction Reactor
Authors: Krauter Nico , Eckert Sven , Gundrum Thomas , Stefani Frank , Wondrak Thomas , Khalilov Ruslan , Dimov Ivan , Frick Peter
Published: November 2020

In order to precisely determine the magnesium level in a titanium reduction retort by inductive methods, many interfering influences have to be considered. By using a look-up-table method, the magnesium level can be reliably identified by taking into account the interfering effects of the titanium sponge rings forming at the walls with their unknown geometrical and electrical parameters. This new method uses a combination of numerical simulations and measurements, whereby the simulation model is calibrated so that it represents the experimental setup as closely as possible. Previously, purely theoretical studies on this method were presented. Here, the practical feasibility of that method is demonstrated by performing measurements on a model experiment. The method is not limited to the production of titanium but can also be applied to other applications in metal production and processing.
Jeans Instability of Dissipative Self-Gravitating Bose–Einstein Condensates with Repulsive or Attractive Self-Interaction: Application to Dark Matter
Authors: Chavanis Pierre-Henri
Published: November 2020

We study the Jeans instability of an infinite homogeneous dissipative self-gravitating Bose–Einstein condensate described by generalized Gross–Pitaevskii–Poisson equations [Chavanis, P.H. Eur. Phys. J. Plus2017, 132, 248]. This problem has applications in relation to the formation of dark matter halos in cosmology. We consider the case of a static and an expanding universe. We take into account an arbitrary form of repulsive or attractive self-interaction between the bosons (an attractive self-interaction being particularly relevant for the axion). We consider both gravitational and hydrodynamical (tachyonic) instabilities and determine the maximum growth rate of the instability and the corresponding wave number. We study how they depend on the scattering length of the bosons (or more generally on the squared speed of sound) and on the friction coefficient. Previously obtained results (notably in the dissipationless case) are recovered in particular limits of our study.
Automated Multi-Level Dynamic System Topology Design Synthesis
Authors: Kort Aart-Jan , Wijkniet Jan , Serebrenik Alexander , Hofman Theo
Published: November 2020

Designing new mechatronic systems for vehicle applications is a complex and time-consuming process. The increasing computational power allows us to generate automatically novel and new mechatronic discrete-topology concepts in an efficient manner. Using state-of-the-art computational design synthesis techniques assures that the complete search space, given a finite set of system elements, is processed to find all feasible topologies. The topology generation is done by converting the design synthesis problem into a constraint satisfaction problem. Accordingly, this mathematical problem is solved by assigning the presence of components and connections to variables, whereby a set of mathematical constraints need to be satisfied. These constraints capture, in essence, formalized engineering knowledge. After solving this problem, the results are post-processed to discard redundant topologies due to isomorphism. In this paper, a newly developed software application with automated constraint generation is presented that facilitates the topology generation with multiple system levels in a loop. The scalability of the problem and the different levels of expressiveness are analyzed, and the influence of the abstraction level choice on the search space is discussed. Finally, a relevant mechatronic design study from the automotive engineering field is discussed concerning the topology synthesis of alternative electro-hydraulic actuation systems being part of new continuously variable transmission topologies, thus showing its applicability.
MANAJEMEN PERENCANAAN DAN PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN (BOS) SEKOLAH DASAR DI KOTA PADANG
Authors:   S2 Pascasarjana, Universitas Negeri Padang, Yosli Risdal , Rukun Kasman , Giatman Muhammad
Published: November 2020

School financial management or financial School Operational Assistance is carried out directly by the school, but is guided and supervised by the education office. The authorized school, called School Based Management, manages school finances based on BOS technical guidelines and technical guidelines from the city BOS manager. Financial management is carried out through the stages of planning, realization and reporting. The smooth management of school finances depends on good management, starting from the decision maker to the lowest level, namely the school. The smoothness of financial management has an impact on other fields in the administration of education.
PEMBELAJARAN DARING PADA ANAK USIA SEKOLAH DASAR MASA PENDEMI COVID-19 DI KECAMATAN PAUH KOTA PADANG
Authors:   STKIP Pesisir Selatan, Handayani Revi , Arif Muhammad ,   STKIP Pesisir Selatan, Syam Alexander ,   STKIP Pesisir Selatan
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini mencoba mengambarkan situasi kegalauan di tengah masyarakat dalam sitem pembelajaran daring (Online). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif yaitu penelitian yang mengambarkan kondisi apa adanya, penelitian ini lebih menekankan pada makna dan hasilnya, jenis penelitian ini biasanya digunakan untuk menganalisa kejadian, fenomena, atau keadaan kenyataan sosial. Dalam penelitian kualitatif, data diperoleh dari berbagai macam sumber, teknik pengumpulan data melalui intrument yang dilakukan oleh peneliti, seperti observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Subjek penelitian adalah informan yaitu orang yang memberikan gambaran situasi kekinian yaitu social situation atau situasi sosial yang terdiri dari tiga elemen, yaitu tempat (palce), pelaku (actors), dan aktivitas (activity) yang berintekrasi secara sinergis. Lalu dilakukan analisa dan kesimpulan. Lokasi penelitian ini adalah Kecamatan Pauh Kota Padang. Penelitian ini melihat bahwa dalam implementasinya pembelajaran daring (online) ini menuai banyak problema, mengingat lebih jauh banyak orang tua dari murid sekolah dasar yang kurang memahami dan mengerti mengunakan aplikasi ini kalau untuk Sekolah Dasar yang ada di sekitar Kecamatan Pauh Padang ini untuk akses sinyal mungkin tidak begitu terkendala karena terletak di Kota. Dapat dilihat dari hasil penelitian ini pembelajaran daring dapat terlaksana dengan baik apabila adanya kerjasama antara guru, siswa dan orang tua dalam belajar dirumah Akan tetapi saat ini Bagaimanapun keadaanya inilah satu-satunya pilihan ditengah pendemi global Covid -19 ini sebagai solusi dari pemerintah agar proses belajar mengajar tetap berjalan walaupun tidak begitu efektif.