bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Veronica beccabunga Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for The Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: SEÇKİN Hamdullah , MEYDAN İsmet
Published: February 2021

The use of nano-agents in the healthcare field is an important alternative in reducing the increasing pathogen resistance. One of the main purposes of the nano mechanism is that the secondary metabolites produced naturally in plants become more effective through metals. Silver (Ag) nanoparticles were obtained by green synthesis using Veronica beccabunga plant extract and AgNO3 in our study. Scanning electron microscopy was used for SEM, SEM / EDX images of synthesized silver nanoparticles. The interaction of V. beccabunga with Ag was explained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The characterization process was performed using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer and Fourier converted infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). It was determined that silver nanostructures have an important antioxidant potential as a result of 2,2-difenil-1-pikrilhidrazil (DPPH) analysis. The antimicrobial activity of synthesized metal nanoparticles was investigated, against some pathogens causing disease in humans, by the disk diffusion method. Ag NPs /Vb has been found to have antibacterial effects against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Escherichia coli ATCC 25952, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 microorganisms. In our current study, Ag NPs / Vb appears to provide a remarkable effect for its use in medicine, pharmacology.
Jalan Panjang Pengakuan Kesatuan Masyarakat Hukum Adat Melalui Peraturan Daerah: Beberapa Persoalan yang Belum Selesai
Authors: Barnasaputri Ikhana Indah
Published: February 2021

Pengakuan terhadap masyarakat adat sangat penting. Pengakuan tersebut akan mendorong keberadaan masyarakat adat agar dilindungi oleh undang-undang serta perlindungan hak atas tanah mereka. Jurnal ini akan menganalisis proses awal pengakuan, praktik dan implementasi pengakuan dan pasca munculnya perda tentang pengakuan masyarakat adat. Metode penelitian jurnal adalah penelitian hukum normatif dengan pendekatan patung dan pendekatan konseptual. Penulisan jurnal menggunakan interpretasi gramatikal dan interpretasi sistematis. Hasil penelitian dalam jurnal tersebut merupakan upaya perlindungan dan pemenuhan hak-hak masyarakat adat yang membutuhkan lebih dari peraturan daerah yang ada. Pemerintah daerah bersama Menteri Agraria / Kepala Badan Pertanahan Nasional dan Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan harus merinci peraturan dan kebijakan hukum, tindakan pemerintah khususnya hak atas tanah. Misalnya Keputusan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan tentang penetapan kawasan hutan “adat”; Pendaftaran ulayat atau tanah ulayat berdasarkan Peraturan Menteri Agraria / Kepala Badan Pertanahan Nasional Nomor 5 Tahun 1999, yang diganti dengan Peraturan Menteri Agraria dan Tata Ruang / Kepala Badan Pertanahan Nasional Nomor 10 Tahun 2016, yang bertentangan dengan Undang-undang dengan Peraturan Pemerintah Nomor 24 Tahun 2007 tentang Pendaftaran Tanah..
Implementasi Klausul Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) Bagi Outsourcing Employee Perusahaan yang Jatuh Pailit
Authors: Aulia Akbar Wira Maulana
Published: February 2021

Dalam kegiatan usaha bisnis alih daya (outsourcing), Ada dua bentuk perjanjian yang dapat dilakukan untuk menimbulkan hubungan kerja, yaitu perjanjian kerja waktu tertentu (PKWT) dan perjanjian kerja waktu tidak tertentu (PKWTT). Pada putusan Mahkamah Kosntitusi juga menawarkan solusi perlindungan pekerja/buruh outsourcing apabila hubungan kerja pekerja/buruh dengan perusahaan penyedia jasa telah habis. Yang pertama pekerja/buruh dapat melakukan perjanjian kerja dengan perjanjian kerja waktu tidak tertentu (PKWTT). Yang kedua yaitu pekerja/buruh diikat dengan perjanjian kerja waktu tertentu (PKWT). Dengan perjanjian ini juga diterapkan klausul Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment (TUPE) dimana pekerja mendapat perlindungan berupa pengalihan kerja dari Perusahaan Penyedia jasa yang lama ke Perusahaan Penyedia Jasa yang baru. Akibat hukum pailitnya sebuah perusahaan yang pailit, maka pekerja/buruh ketika bekerja untuk perusahaan yang pailit,memiliki hak untuk mengundurkan diri dari hubungan kerja, dan begitupula dengan kurator juga bisa memutus hubungan kerja kepada pekerja dari perusahaan yang telah dinyatakan pailit. Kemudian direktur dan komisaris dari suatu perseroan terbatas yang dinyatakan pailit tidak diperbolehkan menjadi direksi dan komisaris dari perusahaan lainnya.
Political and Econometric Analysis of Party Systems’ Transformation in the EU
Authors: Gromoglasova E. , Libman A.
Published: February 2021

The paper attempts to study how economic situation in the member countries of the European Union in 2005-2011 affected the national party systems' attitude towards the EU and the European integration (the EU cleavage). The authors made suggestion that economic decline could result in growing Euroskepticism. This hypothesis was derived from three main arguments: economic voting theory, suggesting that voters “punish” the ruling parties in case of economic decline; the role the EU plays in determining national economic policy (specifically, strict austerity requirements); the overall international context of global economic crisis. In order to measure the attitude of the national parties towards the EU, the data from the Manifesto Project Database (MPD), a large scale content analysis database of electoral promises (manifestos) of national political parties was applied. Then the authors looked at 41 elections in the EU member states in 2005-2011, for which MPD data are available, and measured the declared position of the parties participating in the elections regarding the EU. In an econometric study, the proxies of national party systems attitudes were regressed on proxies of economic situation in the EU countries, attempting to test the main hypotheses. Specifically, four proxies of attitude towards the EU were used: the share of votes obtained by euroskeptical parties; the average level of Euroskepticism in national party manifestos of all parties participating in elections; the average level of Euroskepticism of the ruling coalition emerging from elections; the average level of Euroskepticism weighted by the share of votes obtained by particular parties. The results of the estimates do not confirm that economic indicators (especially GDP and inflation) have had a significant impact on the Euroskepticism; the results are not robust and vary from specification to specification. The article shows, however, that higher unemployment levels are negatively correlated with Euroskepticism. The authors explain these findings by the predominance of expressive behavior in voting patterns in Europe. Specifically, they argue that voting was driven primarily by identity issue. However, in this case identity should be related not to ethnic or regional features, but to consumption behavior patterns. The results are also placed in a broader context, attempting to link the EU-specific findings to processes observed in other parts of the world. Acknowledgements. The authors appreciate the valuable comments by E.V. Ananyeva, N.Yu. Kaveshnikov, S.P. Peregudov, M.V. Sterzhneva, A.I. Tevdoi-Burmuli and all participants of the section “Processes of Regional Integration in Big Europe” of the 8th Congress of the Russian Association of International Studies. All mistakes and inaccuracies are the authors’ responibility.
New Government of Chile: Challenges of Equality and Efficiency
Authors: D’yakova L.
Published: February 2021

The paper specifies current politico-social situation in Chile, in particular the challenges associated with wide-scale public expectations of recent years, with development and expansion of radical and protest moods. While pointing at the advantages of Chilean development model shown over the period of 1990–2014 (namely, successful transition to democracy, efficient economy and large-scale social policy) the author turns to the analysis of the causes of political turbulence that acutely emerged at a time of President S. Piňera (2010–2014) in the form of mass youth’s protests against unpopular project of educational reform which has been proposed by the government. Against the background of rising of protest moods, supported in a greater degree by young students, and the mass social expectations, the author is dealing with different domestic and foreign policy challenges facing M. Bachelet, the newly elected President (2014–2018). This refers to implementing the promised educational reform focused on principles of free-of charge and affordability for everybody, the electoral system reform extending the area of political participation for small parties, to adoption a new Constitution. The new democratic government of Chile faces very serious challenge domestically. On the one hand, Chilean electorate demands to secure more social equality within the nation. On the other hand, there is an obvious need to promote more effective, dynamic development for creation competitive marketable economy. The article considers the first steps of M. Bachelet concerning tax and education reform, positions of the pro-Presidential parties and the center-right opposition. Finally, the author deals with the main aspects of Chile’s foreign policy agenda, in particular, participation in the Pacific Alliance, delimitation of a new sea border between Peru and Chile, as well as dealing with Bolivia’s claim to provide it an outlet to the sea via Chilean territory.
Mass Gap Problem Solution in the Superfluid Quantum Space Model
Authors: Šorli Srečko , Čelan Štefan
Published: February 2021

A given problem in physics can be solved if it is well formulated. Well formulated means that it has a bijective correspondence to physical reality. Mass Gap Problem has no bijective correspondence with the physical reality and is that’s why not solvable mathematically. It can be solved in the frame of quantum mechanics by the formulation of the photon’s mass accordingly to the Planck-Einstein relation.
Impact of Coal Mining on the Moisture Movement in a Vadose Zone in Open-pit Mine Areas
Authors: Lian Huiqin , Yi Haiyang , Yang Yi , Wu Bin , Wang Rui
Published: February 2021

Long-term dewatering of groundwater is a necessary operation for mining safety in open-pit coal mines, while extensive dewatering might cause ecological problems due to dramatical changes of moisture movement in the soil, especially in ecological-fragile areas. This paper presents a quantitative methodology to evaluate the impact of the coal mining operation on moisture movement in the vadose zone by taking the Baorixile open-pit coal mine as an example. A long-term in-situ experiments（from 2004 to 2018), laboratory analysis and numerical modelling were conducted to analyse the mechanisms and relationship among the dropping groundwater level, the vadose-zone moistures, and the ecological responses in the grassland area. The experiment data and modelling results suggest that groundwater level dropping during open-pit mining operation has limited influence on the vadose zone, exhibiting a variation of capillary water zone within a depth of 3 m while the vadose zone and soil water zone were at least 16 m deep. The critical evaporation depth of ground water is 8 m. The long-term influence radius of groundwater dewatering is about 2.72 km during the Baorixile mining operation, and the groundwater level change mainly influences the lower part of the intermediate vadose zone and the capillary water zone below 16 m, with little influence on the moisture contents in the soil water zone where the roots of shallow vegetation grow. The results from this study provide useful insight for sustainable development of coal mining in ecological-fragile areas.
Growth Restriction of Rhizoctonia Solani via Breakage of Intracellular Organelles by Crude Extract of Gallnut and Clove
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Xianfeng , Yang Chenglong , Wu Xiaomao , Li Rongyu , Li Ming
Published: February 2021

Plant diseases reduce crop yield and quality, hampering the development of agriculture. Fungicides, which restrict chemical synthesis, are the strongest controls for plant diseases. However, the harmful effects on the environment due to continued and uncontrolled utilization of fungicides has become a major challenge in recent years. Plant-sourced fungicides are a class of plant antibacterial substances or compounds that induce plant defenses. They can kill or inhibit the growth of target pathogens efficiently with no or low toxicity, degrade readily, do not prompt development of resistance, which has led to their widespread use. In this study, the growth inhibition effect of 24 plant-sourced ethanol extracts on rice sprigs was studied. Ethanol extract of gallnuts and cloves inhibited the growth of rice sprites by up to 100%. Indoor toxicity measurement results showed that the gallnut and glove constituents inhibition reached 39.23 μg/mL and 18.82 μg/mL, respectively. Extract treated rice sprigs were dry and wrinkled. Gallnut caused intracellular swelling and breakage of mitochondria , disintegration of nuclei, aggregation of protoplasts, and complete degradation of organelles in hyphae and aggregation of cellular contents. Protection of Rhizoctonia solani viability reached 46.8% for gallnut and 37.88% for clove in water emulsions of 1,000 μg/mL gallnut and clove in the presence of 0.1% Tween 80. The protection by gallnut was significantly stronger than that of clove. The data could inform the choice of plant-sourced fungicides for the comprehensive treatment of rice sprig disease. The studied extract effectively protected rice sprigs and could be a suitable alternative to commercially available chemical fungicides. Further optimized field trials are needed to effectively sterilize rice paddies.
Shellfish Chitosan Potential in Wine Clarification
Authors: Vendramin Veronica , Spinato Gaia , Vincenzi Simone
Published: February 2021

Chitosan is a chitin-derived fiber, extracted from the shellfish shells, a by-product of fish industry, or from fungi grown in bioreactors. In oenology, it is used for the control of Brettanomyces spp., for the prevention of ferric, copper and protein casse and for clarification. The International Organisation of Vine and Wine established the exclusive utilization of fungal chitosan to avoid the eventuality of allergic reactions. This work focuses on the differences between two chitosan categories, fungal and animal chitosan, characterizing several samples in terms of chitin content and degree of deacety-lation. In addition, different acids were used to dissolve chitosans, and their effect on viscosity and on the efficacy in wine clarification were observed. Results demonstrated that, even if fungal and animal chitosans shared similar chemical properties (deacetylation degree and chitin content), they showed different viscosity depending on the acid used to dissolve them. A significant difference was discovered on their fining properties, as animal chitosans showed a faster and greater sedimentation compared to the fungal, independently from the acid used for their dissolution. This suggests that physic-chemical differences in the molecular structure occur between the two chitosan categories and that this affect significantly their technologic (oenological) properties.
Non-Integrable Dynamics and Physics Beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Goldfain Ervin
Published: February 2021

The evolution of integrable classical systems leads to conserved quantities and vanishing Poisson brackets. In contrast, such invariants do not exist in the dynamics of non-integrable systems, which include (but are not limited to) deterministic models with long-term chaotic behavior. The object of this review is to briefly survey the mathematical background of nonintegrability and its role in the physics unfolding well-above the Standard Model (SM) scale.
Effects of Mesh Generation on Modeling Aluminum Anode Baking Furnaces
Authors: Libreros Jose , Lahaye Domenico , Trujillo Maria
Published: February 2021

Turbulent flow is the first and fundamental physical phenomena to evaluate when optimising cost and reducing emissions from an Anode Baking Furnace (ABF). Gas flow patterns, velocity field, pressure drop, shear stress, and turbulent dissipation rate variables are the main operational parameters to be optimised, considering a specific geometry. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) allows simulating physical phenomena using numerical methods with computer resources. In particular, the finite element method is one of the most used methods to solve the flow equations. This method requires a discretisation of the geometry of the ABF, called mesh. Hence, mesh is the main input to the finite element method. A suitable mesh for applying a discretisation method determines whether the problem can be simulated or not. Generating an appropriate mesh remains a challenge to perform accurate simulations. In this work, a comparison between meshes generated using two mesh generation tools is presented. Results of different study cases are included.
Analysis the Implementation of the Webbed Type Integrative Thematic Learning Approach in 2013 Curriculum Context in Elementary School 1 Sukarame Bayongbong Garut
Authors: Muslihah Neni Nadiroti , Nuriyanti Risma , Purnamasari Siti Ropah , Mutaqin Ejen Jenal
Published: March 2021

This study aims to describe the related planning, implementation, assessment, and obstacles the webbed type integrative thematic learning approach. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model, namely data reduction, data display and conclusions. The results showed that (1) the webbed type integrating thematic learning planning that was carried out was in accordance with the Indonesian Minister of Education and Culture Regulation No. 22/2016 on Basic and Secondary Education Process Standards. (2) the implementation of webbed type integrative thematic learning the teacher has carried out the three stages, namely preliminary activities, core activities and closing activities. (3) assessment of the webbed type of integrated thematic learning in the teacher learning process using observation sheets and assessment reflections, while the assessment at the end of teacher learning uses written tests and oral tests. (4) the obstacles experienced by the teacher, namely the determination of time allocation, the delivery of material in class I that is not in accordance with the situation and condition of the students, the teacher must be able to understand the methods and strategies
General Orthopaedic Roundtable: Continuing Education for Orthopaedic Physician Assistants
Authors: Fisher Michael , Wolfe Melina , Salzmann Bradford R. , Sasek Cody A. , Cloutier Dagan
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the Journal of Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants roundtable discussion is to give orthopaedic physician assistants (PAs) insight on how each participating editorial board member has used continuing medical educational resources throughout their careers. The educational needs of PAs change as the level of clinical knowledge and experience grows. The roundtable participants were intentionally chosen based on different levels of experience as a PA. The participants will discuss resources used at each stage in their career, factors influencing motivation to learn, and what resources are needed in addition to what are available today.
Strategi Public Relations dalam Pengembangan Brand Image Sekolah di Sekolah Dasar Islam Terpadu (SDIT) Kota Samarinda
Authors: Wijaya Ida Suryani , Al Amin M.
Published: February 2021

Public relation is an important aspect within the process of building positive image for an organization. Selecting appropriate strategy, therefore, must be applied very carefully since it determines the success or failure of the organization in the long run. This paper, thus, aims at explaining the strategy of public relation applied by Cordova Integral Islamic Elementary School in Samarinda in building a positive brand image that suits its’ long-term objectives. Utilizing qualitative approach, this paper finds out that Cordova Integral Islamic Elementary School in Samarinda applies four strategy such as research-listening, planning-decision, communication-action, and evaluation.Keywords: Image brand, organizational strategy, and public relation.
Some Common Fixed Points Theorems of Four Weakly Compatible Mappings in Metric Spaces
Authors: Ajeel Yusra Jarallah , Kadhim Samira Naji
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we proved coincidence points theorems for two pairs mappings which are defined on nonempty subset   in metric spaces by using condition (1.1). As application, we established a unique common fixed points theorems for these mappings by using the concept weakly compatible (R-weakly commuting) between these mappings.
Investigating the Development of Inhibitory Control in Early Childhood using the Tablet-based TapTap Task
Authors: Bruchhage Muriel Marisa Katharina , D'Sa Viren , Rogers John , Schneider Nora , Deoni Sean C L
Published: February 2021

The development of inhibitory control is an early construct of executive function (EF) and a key milestone of neurocognitive maturation. However, while its functional connectivity (fc) patterns have been well-defined in adults, its developmental trajectory in early childhood remains poorly understood. Using tablet-based EF tasks, we assessed inhibitory control in typically developing children between 2 to 6 years of age. Overall successful inhibition and improvement during competitive and non-competitive inhibition displayed converging patterns of fc. With increasing inhibitory control and task difficulty, additional frontal and parietal fc was recruited, and long-range connections established. Insights into early development and refinement of inhibitory control could provide essential information for the support in normal development as well as for the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders with EF and inhibition difficulties, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Clinical observation of different anti-reflux methods in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatus hernia
Authors: Ji Feng , Li Zhi-tong , Zhang Rui , Han Xin-wei , Li Chun-xia , Wang Li , Li Cheng-dong
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The COVID-19 pandemic and first-year medical students’ academic motivation
Authors: Bolatov Aidos K.
Published: February 2021

The study aimed to investigate the relationships between academic motivation and the psychological well-being of 1st-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of respondents in the cross-sectional study was 273. Intrinsic motivation was positively correlated with fear of COVID-19 and negatively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life due to the COVID-19. Extrinsic motivation positively associated with fear of COVID-19. Amotivation positively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life. In conclusion, COVID-19-related changes in quality of life and psychological destruction were predictors of academic motivation among 1st-year medical students.
Co-existing of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases: A Series of 22 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: SONG XIAOWEN , LI ZHI
Published: February 2021

Background: Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia is a fairly rare condition. Some literature have reported a few patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia suffering from vascular abnormalities. This study aimed to describe the possible coexistence of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases for the first time.Method: We retrospectively reviewed the 1175 patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia in Beijing Tiantan Hospital and the information of the 22 patients found to be coexisted with cerebrovascular diseases were described. In addition, we performed a systematic review for cases of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with vascular abnormalities.Result: 22 out of 1175 patients (1.9%) were identified to be diagnosed with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and cerebrovascular diseases including 9 intracranial aneurysms, 4 venous malformations, 2 arteriovenous malformations, 1 moyamoya disease, 2 intracranial venous stenosis and 4 cerebral ischemia with a mean age of 38.18 years old. Only 2 patients were managed surgically for craniofacial fibrous dysplasia and 6 patients were treated with neurosurgery for cerebrovascular diseases. 8 patients were closely followed and only 1 patient’s symptoms worsened.Conclusion: Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia might cause constriction of the intracranial vessels and alteration of the overall hemodynamics of the intracranial vasculature resulting in various cerebrovascular diseases. Multimodal screening and examinations seems reasonable for patients with craniofacial fibrous dysplasia for throughout treatment and prognosis evaluations
Quercetin Ameliorates Fatty Acid Oxidation in the Pathogenesis of NAFLD Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhu Wenyu , Dai Yufan , Lin Jingjing , Chen Yanhong , Rao Xiangshu , Wang Jiajun , Zhou Jiaxuan , Shen Tao
Published: February 2021

The high-fat diet (HFD) has dramatically increased the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), such that it is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. With novel knowledge on pathogenesis of NAFLD, we illustrated molecular targets for pharmacologic and experimental approaches. Our study showed that quercetin was the valuable drug candidate, and the core targets such as PPARα, MCAD, LCAD, CPT1-L, CPT2 and FATP2 which participate in fatty acid oxidation were selected to perform further in vivo experiments based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The effect was investigated in a high-fat diet-induced NAFLD male Sprague Dawley rat model by hepatic biochemical assays. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase analyses assessed liver function. Liver tissues were collected for histological staining, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting. Greatly, quercetin reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammation, ameliorated pathological liver changes, and up-regulated the expression levels of hepatic effectors in fatty acid oxidation. The results suggest the potential of quercetin as a nutritional supplement to HFD-induced NAFLD. Furthermore, the antagonist and agonist of PPARα provided a reliable scientific basis that these above-mentioned effectors were activated by quercetin via the PPAR pathway.
Formulation of Folate-conjugated, Doxorubicin-loaded Human Serum Albumin Nanoparticles for Promotion of Gene Expression Associated with Apoptosis in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Khalil Khalil A. A. , Al-Musawi Sharafaldin , Albukhaty Salim , Sulaiman Ghassan M. , Al-Karagoly Hassan , Ahmed Elsadig M. , Solaiman Mohamed T. A.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we developed a new, efficient targeting and pH-responsive formulation using folate (FA)-conjugated human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles to deliver doxorubicin (DOX) drug to renal cell carcinoma. FA was conjugated to HSA, and DOX was loaded into obtained FA-HSA NP using the desolvation method. FA-HSA-DOX NPs were examined using zeta potential and (DLS) measurements, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, FTIR, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy. Drug liberation rate, toxicity/viability rate, and the apoptosis/necrosis effect of different DOX, FA-HSA, and FA-DOX-HSA treatments were evaluated using release profile study, MTT assay, and flow cytometry methods, respectively. The expression of BAK, BCL2, BAX, and BCL-XL genes in cancer cells after treatment was analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The average size, zeta potential, and polydispersity of FA-DOX-HSA NPs were 200 ± 9 (nm), − 47 ± 7 (mv), and 0.012, respectively. This formulation showed pH-dependent drug release, high drug loading performance, sustained ability of drug release. The notable toxic properties and high apoptosis-stimulation ability of the FA-HAS-DOX NPs in RCC-GH cell lines demonstrated long-term anticancer efficacy. Also, real-time PCR results showed an increase in BAX expression and a decrease in BCL-2 L1 and BCL-XL significantly. Our findings indicate that FA-HSA NPs have no cytotoxic effect on cancer cells (RCC-GH) and healthy cells (RPTEC/TERT1). Our study provides a simple and efficient FA-HSA carrier with intrinsic biocompatibility for DOX drug delivery
A universal karyotypic system for hexaploid and diploid Avena species brings oat cytogenetics into the genomics era
Authors: Jiang Wenxi , Jiang Chengzhi , Yuan Weiguang , Zhang Meijun , Fang Zijie , Li Yang , Li Guangrong , Jia Juqing , Yang Zujun
Published: February 2021

Background

The identification of chromosomes among Avena species have been studied by C-banding and in situ hybridization. However, the complicated results from several cytogenetic nomenclatures for identifying oat chromosomes are often contradictory. A universal karyotyping nomenclature system for precise chromosome identification and comparative evolutionary studies would be essential for genus Avena based on the recently released genome sequences of hexaploid and diploid Avena species.
Results

Tandem repetitive sequences were predicted and physically located on chromosomal regions of the Avena sativa genomes. Thirteen new oligonucleotide (oligo) probes for sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were designed and then applied for chromosome karyotyping on mitotic metaphase spreads of eleven hexaploid and diploid Avena accessions. We established a high resolution standard karyotype of A. sativa based on the distinct FISH signals of multiple oligo probes. FISH painting with bulked oligos, based on wheat-barley collinear regions, was used to validate the linkage group assignment for individual A. sativa chromosomes. We integrated our new Oligo-FISH based karyotype system with earlier karyotype nomenclatures through sequential C-banding and FISH methods, then subsequently determined the precise breakage points of some chromosome translocations.
Conclusion

This new universal chromosome identification system will be a powerful tool for describing the genetic diversity, chromosomal rearrangements and evolutionary relationships among Avena species by comparative cytogenetic and genomic approaches.
Calcium peroxide pretreatment to facilitate the delignification and enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw
Authors: Sun Youshan , Zhang Xuyang , Wang Fei , Wang Meiyan
Published: February 2021

Calcium peroxide (CaO2) pretreatment was employed to remove lignin and subsequently facilitate enzymatic digestibility of wheat straw. An optimal condition was obtained at 130°C for 10 min with 0.35 g CaO2/g dried material of wheat straw and a 1:8 solid-liquid ratio. Under this condition, 57.8% of initial lignin, 7.2% of initial glucan, and 30.6% of initial xylan were removed from CaO2 pretreatment, respectively, meanwhile, a glucose recovery of 90.6 % and a xylose recovery of 65.9 % were obtained from the subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis of treated wheat straw, respectively. CaO2 pretreatment was proved to be a very effective method in delignification and improving enzymatic digestibility. Compared to raw material, the complex structure of lignocellulose was drastically disrupted with a wide emergence of scaly bulges and fully exposed microfibers, which still retained in the solid.
ZnO-CuO nanomaterials based efficient multi-functional sensor for simultaneous detection of humidity and mechanical pressure
Authors: Din Alaud , Karimov Kh. S. , Akhtar Kalsoom , Asiri Abdullah M. , Gul Saima , Khan M. I. , Khan Murad Ali , Khan Sher Bahadar
Published: February 2021

Designing of materials is a critical factor for sensitive, stable and practically applicable humidity sensor, herein we report synthesis of ZnO-CuO mixed oxide nanoparticles and their fabrication into nanocomposite with silicon adhesive as a cost-effective humidity sensor with reliable sensitivity and stability. Between the gap of pre-fixed copper electrodes on the glassy substrate, the prepared binary oxides nanoparticles of ZnO-CuO and its silicon adhesive nanocomposites were deposited for relative humidity (RH) and mechanical pressure detection as multimodal sensor. The fabricated sensor was utilized for sensing assessment of humidity and pressure which responded in impedimetric measurements of relative humidity and pressure. The impedance of the pristine mixed oxides of ZnO-CuO decreased 35 times as relative humidity increased from 10-90% RH while 24 times decrease was observed in nanocomposite sample. Capacitances increased by a factor of 125 in pristine mixed oxides of ZnO-CuO and 80 times in nanocomposite at 100 Hz working frequency with the relative humidity (RH) increase in 10 to 90% RH range. The impedance of the sensors displayed strong dependence on the mechanical pressure as well. Similarly, the impedance of the material decreased in pristine samples by 3.8 times when a mechanical pressure of 11.0 KN/m 2 was applied on the fabricated sensor while capacitance in pristine samples increased by 4.61 times at the same pressure. In the composite samples impedance decreased 1.38 times and capacitance increased under effect of the pressure accordingly on 1.47 times.
Pediatric solid organ transplantation in the era of COVID-19: A follow-up study
Authors: Shafiekhani Mojtaba , Kazemi Kourosh , Bahador Ali , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Karimzadeh Parisa
Published: February 2021

Background: We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on pediatric transplant outcomes and determine whether to continue pediatric transplant activity or not, and how policies intended our center has been effective in preventing COVID-19 among organ transplant recipients.Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of hospitalized pediatrics after organ transplantation at Shiraz transplant center since March to August 2020. All liver and kidney transplanted children were included the study and their laboratory and clinical related COVID-19 characteristics were followed up till 3 months after transplantation during hospitalization period and then weekly by the transplant committee.Results:Fifty-one patients underwent transplantation including 11 kidney and 40 liver recipients. The mean age of the pediatric cases was 6.72±5.47 years. A total of 11 patients died due to post-transplant complications, while none of the patients presented any sign or symptoms in favor of COVID-19 in the hospital course after transplantation. Six transplants including 2 kidney and 4 liver were canceled when positive PCR tests were detected in their donors before the surgery. In the three months of follow up, two patients presented with symptoms including high grade fever, malaise, rhinorrhea, and GI symptoms. Both patients had two negative PCR, and no radiologic or laboratory results regarding COVID-19 were also detected. One had positive influenza PCR, while the second one had a positive serologic test for EBV; CT, computed tomography Conclusion: transplant programs could continue their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific case selection, accurate screening methods and following protective protocols.
The Structural Equation Modeling of Personal Aspects, Environmental Aspects, and Happiness Among Older Adults Living Alone: A Cross-Sectional Study  
Authors: Hwang Eun Jeong , Sim In Ok
Published: February 2021

Background

The happiness of older adults living alone warrants attention because they are more vulnerable to unhappiness than those living with families. The present study aimed to construct and test a structural equation model to elucidate the causal relationship among participation in social activities, satisfaction with the neighborhood environment, subjective health status, and happiness in older adults living alone in South Korea.
Methods

Secondary data of 2,768 older adults (605 males and 2,163 females) living on their own were extracted from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey and used in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected via self-reported questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 and AMOS version 20.0.
Results

The hypothetical model exhibited a good fit: χ2 = 342.06 (df = 58, p < .001), goodness-of-fit index = .98, adjected goodness-of-fit index = .97, root mean square error of approximation = .04, and nonstandard fit index = .92. Participation in social activities had a significant effect on participants’ subjective health status (path coefficient = .45, p = .001) and happiness (path coefficient = .20, p = .003).
Conclusions

Interventions to improve the health and happiness of older adults living alone should aim to enhance their social and physical environmental dimensions based on the participants' various social activities and their neighborhoods' characteristics.
Integrated analysis of lncRNA and mRNA repertoires in lung from Pneumocystis infected mice
Authors: Rong Heng-Mo , Zhang Chao , Li Ting , Qian Xiao-Jun , Wang Dong , Tong Zhao-Hui
Published: February 2021

Background According to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to HIV patients withPneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), the incidence of PCP associated with HIV has fallen. There is an enhancement of population of HIV-negative patients with PCP, who receiving immunosuppressive therapies or genetic primary immune deficiency disorders. Most of the previous studies have concentrated on the immune cell responses in PCP individuals, the present study aimed to integrate lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in PCP patients without HIV.
Methods The lung tissue of WT mice and BAFF-R–/– mice were harvested at 3 weeks after infected with pneumocystis. After total RNAs being extracted, transcriptome profiling was performed following the Illumina HiSeq 3000 protocol. The microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR analysis were conducted to evaluate the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in WT-PCP mice and BAFF-R–/– PCP mice.
Results Compared with the control group, 166 mRNAs were observed to be aberrantly expressed (Fold change value≥2; P <0.05) in B cell-activating factor receptor deficient (BAFF-R–/–) PCP group, including 99 up-regulated and 67 down-regulated, while there were 39 lncRNAs differently expressed in BAFF-R–/– PCP group, including 24 up-regulated and 15 down-regulated genes. In addition, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed on all of the differently expressed genes and the data showed that BAFF-R deficiency played an important role in the primary and adaptive immune responses in PCP. Furthermore, the lncRNA and mRNA co-expression network was established. We noted that in the core network of lncRNA-TF (transcription factors) pairs could be classified into the categories including infection and immunity pathways.
Conclusion In summary, in this study we furtherly explored the role of mature B cells in the pathogenesis and disease progression of PCP and the data demonstrated that BAFF-R deficiency play a significant role in immune regulation in PCP population.
Wood Density and Dispersal Modes of Trees Regenerating in Disturbed Forests and Agroforests in Indonesia
Authors: Rahayu Subekti , Pambudi Sidiq , Permadi Dikdik , Tata Hesti Lestari , Martini Endri , Rasnovi Saida , Nuroniah Hani S. , Kindt Roeland , Nugraha Mohamad , Dewi Sonya , Noordwijk Meine van
Published: February 2021

Natural regeneration depends on surviving propagules in the soil, seed sources from a surrounding landscape mosaic, and dispersal agents. We compiled and analyzed four sets of case studies varying in degree of disturbance, for secondary forests recovering from logging, fire, and conversion to agroforest in Sumatra or Kalimantan (Indonesia) on mineral and peat soils. Data on tree species diversity, wood density frequency distribution (indicative of successional status, databases with over 6000 species exist), and dispersal modes were compared with those for less disturbed comparator forests for the same landscapes. Undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest in Kalimantan had close to 200 species of trees of more than 10 cm diameter at a 1 ha sample scale (and 450 at a 10-ha scale), regulation-based logging had little impact. Still, after the repeated fire a sample area of 2 ha was needed to reach the same species numbers. After forest conversion to low-management-intensity rubber agroforest, 50 tree species were found at a ha scale and close to 100 species in 3 ha. Peat swamp forest in Kalimantan and the Sumatra forest samples had close to 100 species in 1 to 2 ha. The Kalimantan forest after a repeated fire had a markedly higher fraction of low-wood-density trees (40%), but otherwise, all forests sampled were similar in overall wood density profiles. Logged-over forest managed by community (village forest) and rubber agroforest in Sumatra contained larger fractions of heavy-wood-density trees (including rubber). The majority of trees (50-70%) had birds, bats, and primates as dispersal agents in all sites. Logged-over forests on mineral soil had higher fractions of autochorous species (15%) compared to other sites. Anemochorous (wind-dispersed) species were most common (20%) in undisturbed lowland Dipterocarp forest and peat swamp forest recovering after logging and fire. Comparison between secondary forests and agroforests showed the influence of farmer selection regarding what is allowed to grow beyond the pole stage. Wood density and seed dispersal profile can be used as degradation indicators of species assemblages across various disturbance levels and types. They can also reflect the habitat quality of the surrounding forming restoration options.
Single-port 3-dimensional Videoscope assisted Endoscopic Nipple-sparing Mastectomy Followed by Immediate Pedicled Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) Flap Reconstruction: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Chang Yi-Lin , Lai Hung-Wen , Chen Shou-Tung , Chen Dar-Ren
Published: February 2021

Background: Minimal access surgery has become the mainstreams of breast surgery, and it is applied for benign lesion, partial mastectomy and total mastectomy. Dual axillary-areolar incision was the most frequent surgical approach in the early stage, but single axillary incision hybrid technique was proposed in recent years. Endoscopic nipple sparing mastectomy was usually applicable to patients with small to medium sized breast. Here, we reported two cases of breast cancer patients, who presented with large and ptosis breast, underwent single port 3-dimension (3D) endoscopic nipple sparing mastectomy (E-NSM) followed by pedicled transverse rectus myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction. Case presentation: The first patient was a 42-year-old woman had palpable right breast mass and enlarged axillary lymph nodes for 4 months. Core needle biopsy(CNB) revealed invasive ductal carcinoma of breast and lymph node metastasis. Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) revealed multi-centric masses in right upper breast, about 6.1 cm in size, without nipple and skin invasion, and right axillary lymphadenopathy. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was suggested, but the patient refused and preferred surgery first. She underwent single-port 3D E-NSM with immediate pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction. The post-operative recovery was uneventful except partial nipple ischemia/necrosis, which recovered after 2 to 3 months of wound care. The second case was a 39-year-old woman had one palpable mass over right breast for one month. CNB showed ductal carcinoma in situ with focal infiltrating ductal carcinoma. MRI revealed multi-focal mass, 8.7 cm in size, without skin or nipple invasion and no lymph node metastasis. NSM was suggested, but she decided to undergo single-port 3D E-NSM with immediate pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction due to previous history of Cesarean section and obese abdomen. The post-operative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: Single-port 3D E-NSM followed by pedicled TRAM flap reconstruction is a feasible, safe procedure with satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Time-consuming and technical demanding are two limiting factors of this procedure.
Psychometric Properties of an Iranian Version of the Response to Stressful Experiences Scale (RSES)
Authors: Mirzaee Amin , Nia Hamid Sharif , Ebadi Abbas , Dowran Behnaz , Salimi Seyed -Hossein
Published: February 2021

Objective: Few psychometric scales have been developed to measure resilience and related constructs such as Response to Stressful Experiences in military. This study aimed to translate and validate the Response to Stressful Experiences Scale (RSES), a measure of individual differences in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to stressful life events in Iranian Military Personnel. Method: In this methodological study, 501 Military personnel were selected by convenience sampling from three military units in Tehran, Iran .The forward backward-procedure was applied to translate the questionnaire from English into Persian. Face validity, Content validity, construct validity (EFA, CFA) and convergent validity have been employed to validate the prepared scale. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients and the test-retest were used to assess the scale reliability. Results: By performing EFA on the first sample part (n = 300), the exploratory factor analysis showed that the present scale has three factors. The factors were called as active coping, meaning-making and flexibility, resiliency, according to their content and the research, which explained 37.5% of the overall extracted variance. CFA was performed on the second part of the sample (n = 201), to test the fitness of the 3-factor solution. The confirmatory factory analysis showed a moderate fit for the data (CFI = 0.930, CMIN/DF = 1.879, RMSEA =0.060). The 3-factors subscales were associated with the Connor– Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), indicating the good convergent validity of RSES. The internal consistency was acceptable (active coping=.0.761, meaning-making and flexibility=0.863, resiliency=0.865 and Cronbach's alpha of the total was 0.920). The ICC value of 0.91 ranging from 0.79 to 0.87 was found for the whole scale and the subscales. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the Persian version of the RSES has acceptable psychometric properties. Therefore, it can be used to measure Response to Stressful Experiences or resiliency in research and clinical settings.
Melanoma-reactive TCR-modified T Cells Generated in the Absence of Activation Retain a Less-differentiated Phenotype and Have Increased Therapeutic Potential.
Authors: Wang Siao-Yi , Moore Tamson V. , Dalheim Annika V. , Scurti Gina M. , Nishimura Michael I.
Published: February 2021

Adoptive T cell therapy with T cell receptor (TCR)-modified T cells has shown promise in treating metastatic melanoma and other malignancies. However, studies are needed to improve the efficacy and durability of responses of TCR-modified T cells. Standard protocols for generating TCR-modified T cells involve activating T cells through CD3 stimulation to allow for the efficient transfer of tumor-reactive receptors with viral vectors. T cell activation results in terminal differentiation and shortening of telomeres, which are likely suboptimal for therapy. In these studies, we demonstrate efficient T cell transduction with the melanoma-reactive TIL1383I TCR through culturing with interleukin 7 (IL-7) in the absence of CD3 activation. The TIL1383I TCR-modified T cells generated following IL-7 culture were enriched with naïve (TN) and memory stem cell populations (TSCM) while maintaining longer telomere lengths. Furthermore, we demonstrated melanoma-reactivity of TIL1383I TCR-modified cells generated following IL-7 culture using in vitro assays and a superior response in an in vivo melanoma model. These results suggest that utilizing IL-7 to generate TCR-modified T cells in the absence of activation is a feasible strategy to improve adoptive T cell therapies for melanoma and other malignancies.