bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I study of selinexor in combination with dexamethasone, ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell or natural-killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Tang Tiffany , Martin Peter , Somasundaram Nagavalli , Lim Cindy , Tao Miriam , Poon Eileen , Yunon Maica JD. , Toh Shu Q. , Yan Sean X , Farid Mohamad , Chan Jason Y. , Lim Soon T.
Published: November 2020

Selinexor is a selective inhibitor of nuclear export with anti-cancer properties. We performed a phase I study to determine the safety and maximum tolerated dose of selinexor when combined with high-dose dexamethasone, ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (DICE) in relapsed/refractory T-cell lymphoma (TCL) and natural-killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL). Patients with relapsed/refractory TCL and NKTL were treated with standard dose ICE, dexamethasone 20 mg on days 3 to 7, and escalating doses of oral selinexor on days 3, 5 and 7 in a 3+3 design. Dose levels (DL) 1, 2 and 3 were 40, 60 and 80 mg, respectively. Eleven patients with a median age of 60 years were enrolled; six at DL1 and five at DL2. Patients had received a median of two (range, 1-4) prior lines of treatment and seven had primary refractory disease at entry into the study. Patients received a median of three cycles (range, 1-6) of selinexor-DICE. The most common grade 1 or 2 toxicities included nausea (64%), fatigue (55%), and anorexia (45%) and the most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities included thrombocytopenia (82%), anemia (82%), neutropenia (73%), and hyponatremia (73%). Two patients developed dose-limiting toxicities at DL2 and one at DL1. Five patients discontinued treatment for reasons other than disease progression or lack of response. Of the ten evaluable patients, the overall and complete response rates were 91% and 82%, respectively. The maximum tolerated dose of selinexor was 40 mg when combined with DICE. The combination showed promising complete response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory TCL and NKTL but was poorly tolerated. (clinicaltrials. gov identifier: NCT03212937).
Komunikasi, Lingkungan, Gangguan Interupsi, Beban Kerja dan Edukasi Mempengaruhi Medication Error Perawat Di Instalasi Rawat Inap Rumah Sakit
Authors: Hasibuan Ahmad Safii , Ishak Syamsopyan , Yetti R Erni
Published: November 2020

Keputusan Menteri Kesehatan tentang Standar Pelayanan Minimal menyatakan bahwa diharapkan tidak adanya kejadian kesalahan pemberian obat sebesar 100%, hal itu berarti bahwa seharusnya kejadian kesalahan pemberian obat atau medication error   tidak boleh terjadi satupun dalam pelayanan kesehatan. Terjadinya medication error   di instalasi Rawat Inap RSUD Kota Padangsidimpuan tahun 2015-2017 sebanyak 13 kejadian, meskipun sebagian besar kasus tidak terjadi dampak yang sangat fatal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap terjadinya medication error   yang dilakukan perawat Instalasi Rawat Inap RSUD Kota Padangsidimpuan. Jenis penelitian ini adalah survei analitik dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Populasi adalah seluruh perawat yang secara langsung berinteraksi dengan pasien. sebesar 122 perawat yang terbagi dari 11 ruangan didapat sampel sebanyak jumlah sampel keseluruhan sebanyak 93 perawat. Data diperoleh dengan wawancara menggunakan kuesioner dan dianalisis menggunakan uji regresi logistik berganda dengan α = 0,05 dan tingkat kepercayaan 95%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa variabel yang memberikan pengaruh signifikan terhadap variabel terhadap terjadinya medication error   yang dilakukan perawat Instalasi Rawat Inap RSUD Kota Padangsidimpuan adalah variabel kondisi lingkungan dengan nilai p value = 0,002, variable beban kerja dengan nilai p value = 0,007, dan variable edukasi dengan nilai p value = 0,001. Kesimpulan diperoleh bahwa manajemen RSUD Kota Padangsidimpuan perlu memberikan sosialisasi di bidang pengetahuan dan keterampilan mengenai obata-obatan atau farmakologi maupun medication error guna meminimalisir angka kejadian medication error   hingga 0 untuk dapat memenuhi Standar Pelayanan Minimal Rumah Sakit.
Determination Of Proximate Composition And Crude Yeild Of Shrimp Shells(Peneaus Semisulcatus)
Authors: Sathyaruban Sutharshiny , Yohi Shivatharsiny , Kuganathan Sivashanthini
Published: November 2020

The present study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of green tiger prawn and to select the suitable solvent system for carotenoid extraction. Samples (P. semisulcatus) were purchased from the landsites and transported to the laboratory in an ice box. The whole shrimp were peeled manually, and the residues, consisting head, tail and shells are separated. The moisture content, total lipid, protein, and ash content were quantified using standard methods. Weight of extracted crude of shrimp shells and retention factor (Rf) for the shrimp shell powder were determined using different pure and mixed organic solvents. Moisture content of the fresh shrimp shells was found to be 76.40 ± 0.92 %. In the present study, quantification showed that the shrimp shells are significantly rich in ash content (25.52 ± 0.06 % in dry weight). Significantly (p < 0.05) the highest crude yield of 10.24 ± 0.02 % was obtained from shrimp shells, when the dried shrimp shells powder was dissolved with the mixture of acetone and ethanol (1:1) than the other solvents. The lowest crude yield (2.32 ± 0.01 %) was extracted with ether. The highest Rf was obtained when the shrimp shell crude was dissolved with the mixture of acetone and ethanol (1:1). It can be recommended from our findings that the dried shrimp shells of Peneaus semisulcatus would be directly utilized for formulations of poultry animal feeds and sea cucumber juvenile feeds due to its high ash content. The mixture of the acetone and ethanol (1:1) would be the better choice for obtaining the highest crude yield from the shrimp shells.
Аналіз основ та вироблення рекомендацій щодо початку роботи із системою доктринального забезпечення Сухопутних військ США в контексті приведення доктринального забезпечення Збройних Сил України до стандартів НАТО
Authors: Rossiytsev Victor
Published: November 2020

Статья будет интересна для специалистов составляющих сил обороны, занимающихся их развитием и которые работают над изучением и внедрением современных стандартов и принципов ведущих стран НАТО. США является передовой страной НАТО и их вооруженные силы оказывают значительное влияние на современное состояние и перспективы этого военно-политического блока. Статья сфокусирована на доктринальном обеспечения СВ США. По своему значению, Доктрины СВ США возможно приравнять к руководящими документами уровня отдельной составляющей сил обороны. Сейчас система доктринального обеспечения Сухопутных войск США открыта и находится в свободном доступе в сети интернет. Тысячи доктринальных и других военных руководящих публикаций СВ США дают исчерпывающий перечень ответов на вопросы о современных стандартах функционирования вооруженных сил в мирное и военное время. Спектр вопросов варьируется от порядка взаимодействия между различными составляющими сил обороны до принципов здорового питания и сна отдельного военнослужащего.

Статья написана в контексте реформы системы доктринального обеспечения Вооруженных Сил Украины. Реформа предусматривает разработку до конца 2020 года 272 новых доктринальных документов с учетом стандартов НАТО и опыта Операции Объединенных сил (Антитеррористической операции) на востоке Украины. Таким образом, перед разработчиками новых доктрин стоит задача в короткие сроки изучить и обобщить опыт ООС (АТО), требования как действующих национальных руководящих документов так и стандартам ведущих стран НАТО и подготовить на их основе такие доктринальные документы, которые позволят эффективно выполнять задачи возложенные на Вооруженные Силы Украины. Однако работа с доктринальными документами другой страны, кроме знания иностранного языка и соответствующей военной терминологии, требует понимания основ работы с доктриной соответствующего государства. Статья предоставляет минимальный набор знаний, который позволит начать уверенную работу с доктринальными публикациями СВ США и ускорить процесс их изучения.
A Rare Complication of Bariatric Surgery; Guillain Barre Syndrome
Authors:   Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, Ates Mehlika Panpalli , Dibek Dilara Mermi ,   Department of Neurology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey, Guven Hayat ,   Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey, Comoglu Selim Selcuk ,   Department of Neurology, University of Health Sciences, Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Published: November 2020

Objectives: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by rapidly progressive paresis and sensory disturbances. Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG), used of morbid obesity, is the standard surgical treatment method for Bariatric Surgery (BS). Neurological complications of BS are also increasing with growing obesity prevalence. We present a case of developed acute polyneuropathy after BS. Study Design-Methods: The presentation of GBS is ascending paralysis, reduction/loss of muscle stretch reflexes, and albumino-cytologic dissociation in the CSF. The diagnosis was made using anamnesis, neurological examination, Electroneuromyography (ENMG) and laboratory findings. Results: Neurological complications of BS are usually related to micronutrients deficiencies secondary to malabsorbtion after surgery. The complications are seen variable which are count encephalopathy, optic neuropathy, myelopathy, polyradiculoneuropathy, and polyneuropathy. Conclusions: Among these, GBS appears to be a very rare complication in BS. It is important to consider the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, and discrimination of GuillainBarré syndrome. Because of, their treatments are different.
‘She shook her heavy tresses, and their perfume filled the place’: The Seductive Fragrance of ‘that awful sorceress’: H. Rider Haggard'sfemme fatale, Ayesha
Authors: Stewart Jemma
Published: November 2020

This paper explores perfume, scent, and floriography as an aspect of the archetype of the femme fatale, specifically in the context of the late-Victorian Gothic and its afterlives. As an expansion of the concept of a masculine-Gothic language of flowers, this article analyses H. Rider Haggard's Ayesha, a central character within his popular romance, She, by reviewing the significance of the artificially floral in her development. Perfume and floriography in She convey not only the aura of mystically seductive danger intrinsic to the creation of the femme fatale, but also suggest the longevity, originality and power imbued in this archetype. The article argues that much of Ayesha's complexity and continued appeal rests on the idea that the Gothic and perfume significantly influence her portrayal as a femme fatale whilst allowing for her individuality.
Imperial Gothic for Global Britain: BBC'sTaboo(2017–present)
Authors: Mousoutzanis Aris
Published: November 2020

This article discusses the BBC drama Taboo (2017–present) as a contemporary example of imperial Gothic and places the series in the context of a current trend of ‘imperial nostalgia’ in British culture. It provides a close reading of the series with regard to its use of gothic traits like the exploration of morbid psychology, the function of the ghost as a metaphor for past trauma, the use of locale for gothic effect, and the evocation of body horror. By reading this contemporary narrative against this generic tradition, the paper highlights the ability of the Gothic to reflect on historical transformations and contemporary manifestations of discourses of Empire. The series, the discussion argues, seeks to critique Empire by portraying it as the agent of monstrosity and horror but eventually reproduces stereotypes of colonial otherness that were fundamental to imperialist ideologies. In this sense, Taboo is a text just as ambivalent as earlier imperial Gothic texts.
THE PHENOMENON OF UNCLAIMED LANDS IN AGRICULTURE: SIBERIAN SPECIFICITY
Authors: Fadeeva Olga P. , Nefedkin Vladimir I.
Published: November 2020

The article is devoted to the transformation’s problems study of the "virtual" land shares into efficiently used land plots. The focus is on the analysis of the reasons for the departure of a significant part of agricultural land from the sphere of organized land use and the emergence of such a phenomenon as “unclaimed land shares”. In-depth interviews with officials and specialists of local authorities were used as a method of obtaining information. The empirical basis of the study was an array of transcribed interviews obtained with the direct participation of the authors during a field study in the southern regions of the Tyumen region in 2017. The main problems associated with the identification and municipalization of “unclaimed shares” are presented, as well as the reasons for the unwillingness of some rural residents to enter into formal land ownership rights. Institutional defects in the regulation of land relations in the context of the transition to a unified state register of real estate are noted. It is concluded that the emergence and solution of the problem of unclaimed land and unformulated property rights is largely associated with agricultural and food policies pursued by federal and regional authorities, as well as with the actions of local administrations.
HOW DOES CITY SIZE DISTRIBUTION IN RUSSIA CHANGE?
Authors: Bufetova Anna N.
Published: November 2020

The abolition of centralized regulation of the economy launched processes changing the settlement system and the structure of the urban system. At the same time, it is the urban settlement system that determines the resource efficiency, and space is one of these resources. In this work, we studied the dynamics of the city-size distribution in Russia in the post-Soviet period and the patterns of cities mobility within the distribution that had induced it. The research method is based on the use of the apparatus of Markov chains, estimation and analysis of transition probability matrices. The results showed a difference, and in some cases the opposite direction, of mobility patterns and dynamics of the city size distribution for the groups of cities located in the western and eastern parts of the country, as well as for groups of cities of different sizes. In general, the identified features of mobility patterns and the dynamics of the city size distribution reflect the trend of population concentration in large cities, the degradation of the urban periphery, the “compression” of the urban system of the eastern part of the country, the decrease in the diversity of the urban system in both western and eastern parts of the country, and the increase in territorial contrasts between their urban systems.
TRANSFORMATION OF SPATIAL PROPORTIONS OF MODERN RUSSIA’S DEVELOPMENT: DIRECTIONS, RATES, FACTORS
Authors: Kolomak Evgeniya A.
Published: November 2020

The paper studies the spatial proportions of Russian development and their change since the beginning of the XXI century. Several indicators of economic activity are used: population, employment, fixed assets and GRP. Several directions of transformation are considered: West-East, "center" - "periphery", regions of mining and processing specialization. The methods of research are the Theil index and estimates of regression equations. The analysis showed that there is a movement of economic activity from East to West, from the "periphery" to the "center" and from resource to manufacturing regions, the combination of these processes leads to higher concentration and growth of interregional differences in the country. Spatial changes in modern Russia are influenced by factors of market and agglomeration nature, such as the capacity and availability of markets, the presence of large cities, acting as centers of development.
SCHEME FOR ASSIGNING CADASTRAL NUMBERS TO CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Klyushnichenko Viktor N.
Published: November 2020

For unambiguous identification of real estate objects, schemes for assigning cadastral numbers were developed, which allow identifying and finding the desired object from millions of others. However not everything is yet resolved in this area. In particular, the scheme for assigning cadastral numbers to capital construction projects requires improvement. The purpose of the work is to develop a mechanism for identifying any object located on a land plot. The relevance of the topic is that the implementation of the proposed scheme provide more accurate identification of objects throughout Russia. The paper analyzes the existing methods of assigning cadastral numbers to real estate, and offers a method to increase the unambiguity of identification of capital construction projects.
BIM DESIGN OF OPTIMAL INSOLATION OF PREMISES TO INCREASE THEIR INVESTMENT ATTRACTIVENESS
Authors: Alenin Ilya E. , Dubrovsky Alexey V. , Talapov Vladimir V.
Published: November 2020

Building information modeling is a complex process of building a computer simulation model of an object. Information modeling creates a database for the building. The information is supplemented with the results of model calculations of object parameters. For example: internal volume, amount of energy needed for heating or lighting. The article considers an example of information modeling of a building - the «Academy» house of culture for the purpose of studying the natural illumination of the building and determining its optimal location relative to the cardinal directions. There is evidence that the position of the building does not provide the maximum natural insolation of the interior. Calculations were made to determine the total values of solar illumination of the building. The dependence of the building's energy efficiency on its natural illumination is shown. Conclusions about the need to use BIM design technologies when creating building projects to ensure maximum natural illumination of premises and increase their investment attractiveness are made.
Hollywood Survival Strategies in the Post-COVID 19 Era
Authors: Johnson Michael
Published: November 2020

Since the arrival of the Coronavirus in the United States, Americans have been forced to quarantine themselves at home in dramatic fashion, unlike almost any other time in the nation’s history. Moreover, the American workforce has been equally impacted by virtue of state-imposed shutdowns that have affected innumerable businesses, including the Hollywood entertainment industry, which is the subject of this research. I examine how commercial entertainment conglomerates like AT&T, Comcast, Disney, ViacomCBS, and Fox have responded to mandatory closures for businesses that employ a human workforce upon whom they rely for their labor, and to human consumers they seek to distribute their film and television commodities to for profit . Using textual and discourse analyses in a political economic theoretical framework, I review contemporary reports about the economic conditions which have influenced the industry’s technological adaptation and innovation and argue that the Hollywood television and film industries will capitalize upon this current public health crisis as a motivator to adopt streaming platforms as the new preferred distribution mechanism of entertainment long after COVID 19 is a memory. This qualitative research examines the technological adaptations employed by these entertainment conglomerates to analyze (1) how the transition to streaming video on demand has occurred, and evaluates (2) what the adoption of these survival strategies mean for Hollywood’s long-term economic future and survival in a “digitally competitive” (Smith and Telang 2017) marketplace.
Characteristics of Mothers Before and During Pregnancy Causing Postpartum Hemorrhage in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Setyorini Dhiana , Cahyono Intim , Hasanah Nur
Published: November 2020

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the direct causes of maternal mortality with the highest percentage. Postpartum hemorrhage is the bleeding that occurs due to the blood loss of 500 ml or more from the reproductive organs after labor. The objective of this present research was to understand the characteristics of mothers before and during pregnancy that induce postpartum hemorrhage in Surabaya. The research method employed was a control case design consisting of 180 postpartum mothers, being analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression. The research was conducted in Soewandi Hospital and Haji Hospital Surabaya. The research results revealed that characteristics of mothers before pregnancy causing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage were as follows: a) Age < 20 and > 35 (66.7%), b) multi-parity (61.14%), pregnancy spacing ≤ 24 months (70.4%), d) possessing postpartum hemorrhage history (93.3%) and e) suffering from anemia (80.8%). Characteristics of mothers during pregnancy were among others : Double pregnancy (71.4%), preeclampsia (79.5%) and obesity (70.6%). It is expected that the cadres of health staffs recognize the characteristics of these mothers and are able to detect earlier any postpartum hemorrhage that occurs to pregnant women so that earlier prevention actions may be taken.

Keywords: causing factor; before and during pregnant; postpartum hemorrhage
Reflexões sobre intencionalidade, conteúdo e forma do ato pedagógico na sociedade de classes
Authors: Pasqualini Juliana Campregher
Published: November 2020

A pedagogia histórico-crítica constitui-se como esforço coletivo de formulação de uma teoria pedagógica que possa orientar a atividade pedagógica a serviço dos interesses históricos da classe explorada da sociedade. O ponto de partida da proposição histórico-crítica é a análise crítica da relação escola-sociedade, reconhecendo a escola como instituição necessariamente atravessada pelas determinações e contradições da sociedade capitalista. Sendo assim, a instituição escolar colabora para a reprodução das relações de dominação e exploração que sustentam o modo de vida regido pelo imperativo de reprodução ampliada e incessante do capital. Não obstante, essa mesma instituição contém em si contradições que podem ser tensionadas na direção dos interesses da massa trabalhadora, com destaque à possibilidade de acesso ao conhecimento teórico sobre a realidade, que tem sido mantido como propriedade privada e privilégio da classe exploradora e de segmentos minoritários da classe explorada (...).
O comportamento humano tem história?
Authors: Castro Laís , Januario Erika Ramos , Corbelo Luana Gois , Merega Luana Wolfart , Costa Willian Gabriel Tavares , Tuleski Silvana Calvo
Published: November 2020

A Psicologia Histórico-Cultural é a abordagem teórica adotada, baseada nos pressupostos elaborados por Vigotski, Leontiev e Luria, que pautam suas compreensões no método materialista histórico desenvolvido por Marx e Engels. Considera-se, nesse sentido, que as elaborações teóricas surgem de necessidades reais, ou seja, a partir do modo como os seres humanos produzem sua vida material, criam-se necessidades que precisam ser respondidas, explicadas, justificadas ou terem caminhos apontados por concepções teóricas. As teorias são, portanto, datadas historicamente e visam responder às necessidades de determinada época. Dessa forma, Tuleski (2008) ressalta a importância de se compreender a Psicologia Histórico-Cultural como resultado das lutas reais travadas pelos homens e mulheres de sua época. Foi em meio à luta pela transformação radical da sociedade russa e da necessidade de se revolucionar as relações sociais de produção que surge a necessidade da construção de um novo ser humano que fosse compatível com esta nova forma de sociabilidade que estava sendo gestada. Isso significa que, ainda que a Psicologia Histórico-Cultural tenha sido originalmente construída a quase um século, é necessário operar as devidas mediações no que se refere a sua aplicabilidade no cenário do capitalismo atual. Contudo, considera--se que categorias como trabalho enquanto fundante do ser social, bem como as elaborações acerca da constituição do comportamento denominado humano proporcionam uma leitura historicizada da realidade social considerando a dialética singular-particular-universal, que subsidiarão as análises conduzidas neste capítulo.
Design and Assembly of a Thin-Plate Mechatronic Atomizer by 3D Printing
Authors: Chen Chin-Tai , Hsu Hsin-Fang
Published: November 2020

Microfluidic structures and devices have been studied over decades for the transport of liquid through internal channels using versatile microfabrication schemes such as surface and bulk micromachining technologies. One challenge in consideration of the device design involves the breakthrough of microfluidic reservoir and channels being substantially limited in two-dimensional (2D) geometry. However, recent progress of the emerging 3D printing technologies has showed great potential to overcome this problem in a simple manner. This paper comprehensively reports an additive manufacturing of polylactic acid (PLA) layers to significantly improve the complexity in the formation of the 3D microfluidic structures as compared to conventional micro-manufacturing techniques. Moreover, a handheld mechatronic device with a small height of ~10 mm, assembled with a thin planar atomizer and a micro controller, was produced and demonstrated for generation of droplets (~6 μm in diameter). Both the analytical and experimental results indicated that the grids of channel microstructures were simply varied by different line widths (300–500 μm) and spacing (250–400 μm) 3D printed within the device, thereby providing the design capability for capillary flow. In this regard, a variety of complex micro devices fabricated via computer-aided design (CAD) and the 3D printing method could be applied for more applications than ever, such as microfluidic delivery of biomedical materials and health care devices of a small size.
Utilization of FPGA for Onboard Inference of Landmark Localization in CNN-Based Spacecraft Pose Estimation
Authors: Cosmas Kiruki , Kenichi Asami
Published: November 2020

In the recent past, research on the utilization of deep learning algorithms for space applications has been widespread. One of the areas where such algorithms are gaining attention is in spacecraft pose estimation, which is a fundamental requirement in many spacecraft rendezvous and navigation operations. Nevertheless, the application of such algorithms in space operations faces unique challenges compared to application in terrestrial operations. In the latter, they are facilitated by powerful computers, servers, and shared resources, such as cloud services. However, these resources are limited in space environment and spacecrafts. Hence, to take advantage of these algorithms, an on-board inferencing that is power- and cost-effective is required. This paper investigates the use of a hybrid Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Systems-on-Chip (SoC) device for efficient onboard inferencing of the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) part of such pose estimation methods. In this study, Xilinx’s Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC device is used and proposed as an effective onboard-inferencing solution. The performance of the onboard and computer inferencing is compared, and the effectiveness of the hybrid FPGA-CPU architecture is verified. The FPGA-based inference has comparable accuracy to the PC-based inference with an average RMS error difference of less than 0.55. Two CNN models that are based on encoder-decoder architecture have been investigated in this study and three approaches demonstrated for landmarks localization.
SIRT1 Activation Using CRISPR/dCas9 Promotes Regeneration of Human Corneal Endothelial Cells through Inhibiting Senescence
Authors: Joo Hye Jun , Ma Dae Joong , Hwang Jin Sun , Shin Young Joo
Published: November 2020

Human corneal endothelial cells (hCECs) are restricted in proliferative capacity in vivo. Reduction in the number of hCEC leads to persistent corneal edema requiring corneal transplantation. This study demonstrates the functions of SIRT1 in hCECs and its potential for corneal endothelial regeneration. Cell morphology, cell growth rates and proliferation-associated proteins were compared in normal and senescent hCECs. SIRT1 was activated using the CRISPR/dCas9 activation system (SIRT1a). The plasmids were transfected into CECs of six-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats using electroporation and cryoinjury was performed. Senescent cells were larger, elongated and showed lower proliferation rates and lower SIRT1 levels. SIRT1 activation promoted the wound healing of CECs. In vivo transfection of SIRT1a promoted the regeneration of CECs. The proportion of the S-phase cells was lower in senescent cells and elevated upon SIRT1a activation. SIRT1 regulated cell proliferation, proliferation-associated proteins, mitochondrial membrane potential, and oxidative stress levels. In conclusion, corneal endothelial senescence is related with a decreased SIRT1 level. SIRT1a promotes the regeneration of CECs by inhibiting cytokine-induced cell death and senescence. Gene function activation therapy using SIRT1a may serve as a novel treatment strategy for hCEC diseases.
Disorders of Dental Hard Tissues Induced by Radioiodine-131 (I-131) Therapy Used in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mester Alexandru , Piciu Andra , Piciu Doina , Petean Ioan , Lucaciu Patricia Ondine , Apostu Dragos , Moisescu-Goia Cristina , Voina-Tonea Andrada , Moldovan Marioara
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the effects of I-131 on enamel and dentin in healthy human incisive permanent maxillary teeth. Our in vitro model analogue with the in vivo conditions of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients treated with I-131, consisted in a solution of I-131 dissolved in artificial saliva. A total of 48 teeth were divided into eight groups (n = 6): control, irradiation groups at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 192 h, respectively. At the end of radiation exposure, radioiodine activity of specimens was assessed. Fine microstructure, nanostructure, surface roughness, and hidroxyapatite (HAP) crystallite diameter were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) to both enamel and dentin structures. There is a constant increase of radioactivity in dental structures at 3, 6, 12, 24 h, due to progressive retention and I-131 migration, with a maximum at 36 h. Enamel showed notable alterations, which was correlated with the increase of the treatment time. A relevant visible distance between the HAP prisms was observed after 24 h. The surface suffered a loss in its compact structure. I-131 acts in the same way on HAP crystallites in dentin as in those in enamel. It was noticed that their morpho-dimensional changes occurred only after 12 h of treatment. Radioiodine-131 determines degradation of enamel and dentin by starting from the alteration of the crystalline network of HAP prisms, transforming them from compact materials into an agglomeration of rocky submicron structures.
Indocyanine Green and Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin Complex for Enhanced Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Jo Gayoung , Lee Bo Young , Kim Eun Jeong , Park Min Ho , Hyun Hoon
Published: November 2020

A feasible and biocompatible supramolecular complex self-assembled from indocyanine green (ICG) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (Mβ-CD) was developed for targeted cancer imaging, which enhanced fluorescence-guided photothermal cancer therapy. This study confirmed that the formation of an inclusion complex of the heterocyclic ICG moiety and Mβ-CD inner cavity could result in improved tumor targetability compared with free ICG. The ICG-CD complex could be used as a bifunctional phototherapeutic agent for targeted cancer phototherapy due to the high tumor targetability of the Mβ-CD moiety and effective photothermal performance of the near-infrared (NIR) ICG moiety. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the photothermal effect exerted by the ICG-CD complex significantly enhanced the temperature at the tumor site by 56.2 °C within 5 min. Targeting HT-29 tumors using the ICG-CD complex resulted in an apparent reduction in tumor volumes over the 9 days after photothermal treatment. Moreover, no tumor recurrence or body weight loss were observed after administering a single dose of ICG-CD complex with NIR laser irradiation. Therefore, the administration of the biocompatible ICG-CD complex in combination with NIR laser treatment can be safely explored as a potential strategy for future clinical applications.
New Model of Ventral Spinal Cord Lesion Induced by Balloon Compression in Rats
Authors: Krupa Petr , Stepankova Katerina , Kwok Jessica CF. , Fawcett James W. , Cimermanova Veronika , Jendelova Pavla , Machova Urdzikova Lucia
Published: November 2020

Despite the variety of experimental models of spinal cord injury (SCI) currently used, the model of the ventral compression cord injury, which is commonly seen in humans, is very limited. Ventral balloon compression injury reflects the common anatomical mechanism of a human lesion and has the advantage of grading the injury severity by controlling the inflated volume of the balloon. In this study, ventral compression of the SCI was performed by the anterior epidural placement of the balloon of a 2F Fogarty’s catheter, via laminectomy, at the level of T10. The balloon was rapidly inflated with 10 or 15 μL of saline and rested in situ for 5 min. The severity of the lesion was assessed by behavioral and immunohistochemical tests. Compression with the volume of 15 μL resulted in severe motor and sensory deficits represented by the complete inability to move across a horizontal ladder, a final Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) score of 7.4 and a decreased withdrawal time in the plantar test (11.6 s). Histology and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant loss of white and gray matter with a loss of motoneuron, and an increased size of astrogliosis. An inflation volume of 10 μL resulted in a mild transient deficit. There are no other balloon compression models of ventral spinal cord injury. This study provided and validated a novel, easily replicable model of the ventral compression SCI, introduced by an inflated balloon of Fogarty´s catheter. For a severe incomplete deficit, an inflated volume should be maintained at 15 μL.
Wideband Radar Absorbing Structure Using Polyaniline-Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Thomas Paulbert , Abdulhakim Libimol V. , Pushkaran Neeraj K. , Karuvandi Aanandan C.
Published: November 2020

A wideband non-resonant absorber is proposed, and its radar cross section (RCS) reduction is investigated. A discussion on the functional materials available is followed by the design of an absorber on a Plexiglas substrate with polyaniline-graphene nanocomposite as layered square inclusions with thicknesses and conductivities scaled to golden ratio. The measured dielectric properties of polyaniline-graphene nanocomposites are used in the fullwave simulation. The design parameters have been identified and optimized using CST Microwave Studio. As designed structure is fabricated and the reflection is measured. The objective of the work is to demonstrate the use of non-metallic conducting polymer composites devoid of metals for radar absorbing material (RAM) structural designs. The structure is an all-polymer and electrically thin design with a potential to be 3D printed to suit the target object.
Concentration and Dilution of Ultrafine Bubbles in Water
Authors: Tanaka Shunya , Naruse Yuri , Terasaka Koichi , Fujioka Satoko
Published: November 2020

Submicron-sized bubbles are now officially called ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) by the international standard. The concentration of UFBs is generally low (<109 particles/mL; <0.001 vol%) compared to other colloidal dispersions. To overcome this practical problem, we concentrated UFBs in ultrapure water prepared by a commercial UFB generator and quantified the effect of rotary evaporation of the dispersion media on the stability of UFBs. The UFB dispersions were characterized by a particle tracking analysis (PTA) instrument. The experimental results showed that the UFBs can be diluted and concentrated without changing the size distribution and there was little or no loss of UFBs. By using a rotary evaporator, UFB dispersions were about 30-fold concentrated and the resultant number concentration reached over 3 × 1010 particles/mL. Increasing the concentration of UFBs allowed for satisfactory dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. The differences among the three algorithms for analyzing the raw data, i.e., autocorrelation function, obtained by DLS are discussed, along with the characteristics of the particle size distribution derived from each algorithm.
Power Loss-Aware Transactive Microgrid Coalitions under Uncertainty
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad , Mollahasani Shahram , Erol-Kantarci Melike
Published: November 2020

Peer-to-peer energy trading within microgrid (MG) communities emerges as a key enabler of the future transactive distribution system and the transactive electricity market. Energy trading within MGs refers to the idea that the surplus energy of one MG can be used to satisfy the demand of another MG or a group of MGs that form an MG community. These communities can be dynamically established through time, based on the variations of demand and supply of the interconnected MGs. In many modern MGs, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been considered as a viable storage option due to their ease of use (plug-and-play) and their growing adoption rates by drivers. On the other hand, the dynamic nature of EVs escalates the uncertainty in the transactive distribution system. In this paper, we study the problem of energy trading among MGs and EVs with the aim of power loss minimization where there is uncertainty. We propose a novel Bayesian Coalition Game (BCG) based algorithm, which allows the MGs and EVs to reduce the overall power loss by allowing them to form coalitions intelligently. The proposed scheme is compared with a conventional coalitional game theory-based approach and a Q-learning based approach. Our results show significant improvement over other compared techniques.
Design of Microgrid Protection Schemes Using PSCAD/EMTDC and ETAP Programs
Authors: Shin Hyun , Chae Sang Heon , Kim Eel-Hwan
Published: November 2020

Steady-state, harmonics, and transient analysis of a power system by using a detailed simulation model is essential to microgrid operation before the installation of new power facilities, because the microgrid, which is a small-scale independent power grid consisting of distributed resources and an energy storage system, has no choice but to include many inverters consisting of switching devices. Accordingly, in the case of an accident in a microgrid system, various power system simulation tools must be used to calculate the fault current for grid protection components. Specifically, Modelling using Power System Computer Aided Design (PSCAD)/Electro-Magnetic Transient Design and Control (EMTDC) can perform detailed modeling of switching devices into each inverter, and Electrical Transient Analyzer Program (ETAP) can design protection relays. From this perspective, this study designed whole protection components in a microgrid system, including the capacity of switching devices for fault ride through a protective relay and the capacity of the circuit breaker. The parameters of an actual microgrid on the San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, were used to make a detailed simulation model in both PSCAD/EMTDC and ETAP. The capacities of the switching devices were estimated by using PSCAD/EMTDC. Additionally, the rated breaking capacities and the setting values of the protective relay were also calculated from the result of an ETAP simulation.
Dynamic Modeling and Simulation of Non-Interconnected Systems under High-RES Penetration: The Madeira Island Case
Authors: Ntomalis Stefanos , Iliadis Petros , Atsonios Konstantinos , Nesiadis Athanasios , Nikolopoulos Nikos , Grammelis Panagiotis
Published: November 2020

The defossilization of power generation is a prerequisite goal in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transit for a sustainable economy. Achieving this goal requires increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar and wind power. The gradual shrinking of conventional generation units in an energy map introduces new challenges to the stability of power systems as there is a considerable reduction of stored rotational energy in the synchronous generators (SGs) and the capability to control their power output, which has been taken for granted until today. Inertia and primary reserve reduction have a substantial effect on the ability of the power system to maintain its security and self-resilience during contingency events. Such issues become more evident in the case of non-interconnected islands (NII) as they have unique features associated with their small size and low inertia. The present study examines in depth the NII system of Madeira, which is composed of thermal, hydro, solid-waste, wind and solar generation units, and additional RES integration is planned for the near future. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations are performed for both the current and future states of the system, including the installation of planned variable RES capacities. To alleviate the stability issues that occurred in the high-RES scenario, the introduction of a utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS), capable of mitigating the active power imbalance due to the power system’s disturbances resultant of RES penetration, is examined. In addition, a comparison between a flywheel energy storage system (FESS) and BESS is shortly investigated. The grid has been modeled and simulated utilizing the open-source, object-oriented modeling language Modelica. The dynamic simulation results proved that battery storage is a promising technology that can be a solution for transitioning to a sustainable power system, maintaining its self-resilience under severe disturbances such as rapid load changes, the tripping of generation units and short-circuits.
Could Global Intensification of Nitrogen Fertilisation Increase Immunogenic Proteins and Favour the Spread of Coeliac Pathology?
Authors: Penuelas Josep , Gargallo-Garriga Albert , Janssens Ivan A. , Ciais Philippe , Obersteiner Michael , Klem Karel , Urban Otmar , Zhu Yong-Guan , Sardans Jordi
Published: November 2020

Fertilisation of cereal crops with nitrogen (N) has increased in the last five decades. In particular, the fertilisation of wheat crops increased by nearly one order of magnitude from 1961 to 2010, from 9.84 to 93.8 kg N ha−1 y−1. We hypothesized that this intensification of N fertilisation would increase the content of allergenic proteins in wheat which could likely be associated with the increased pathology of coeliac disease in human populations. An increase in the per capita intake of gliadin proteins, the group of gluten proteins principally responsible for the development of coeliac disease, would be the responsible factor. We conducted a global meta-analysis of available reports that supported our hypothesis: wheat plants growing in soils receiving higher doses of N fertilizer have higher total gluten, total gliadin, α/β-gliadin, γ-gliadin and ω-gliadin contents and higher gliadin transcription in their grain. We thereafter calculated the per capita annual average intake of gliadins from wheat and derived foods and found that it increased from 1961 to 2010 from approximately 2.4 to 3.8 kg y−1 per capita (+1.4 ± 0.18 kg y−1 per capita, mean ± SE), i.e., increased by 58 ± 7.5%. Finally, we found that this increase was positively correlated with the increase in the rates of coeliac disease in all the available studies with temporal series of coeliac disease. The impacts and damage of over-fertilisation have been observed at an environmental scale (e.g., eutrophication and acid rain), but a potential direct effect of over-fertilisation is thus also possible on human health (coeliac disease).
Consumers’ Attitude towards the Sustainability of Different Food Categories
Authors: Sánchez-Bravo Paola , Chambers Edgar , Noguera-Artiaga Luis , López-Lluch David , Chambers Edgar , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel A. , Sendra Esther
Published: November 2020

Currently, poverty, climate change, environmental pollution and the depletion of natural resources have generated a greater concern for sustainability. The objective is the survival of the human species and the persistence of all components of the biosphere. To achieve sustainability, human participation is essential; sustainable consumption depends on consumers’ perceptions of sustainability and how they affect their behavior. The aim of this study was to understand consumers’ perceptions and attitudes towards food sustainability based on country, age, gender, income and education level. An online survey was carried out in countries in Europe, America and Asia. Consumers were asked questions organized into food categories. The results showed that consumers’ attitude towards sustainability is understood differently in each country, even within the same food category. Consumers with lower education level showed the lowest knowledge and concern about food sustainability. Older generations were less aware of sustainability and its related problems. While income level presented unclear results, gender did not affect attitude towards food sustainability. Therefore, to achieve a sustainable future, raising awareness among the population is increasingly necessary. Consequently, segmenting training campaigns according to the group they are aimed at will provide a greater impact and, therefore, greater awareness.
Comment on the Correlation between Complete Blood Count Parameters and Appendix Diameter for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Akbulut Sami , Sahin Tevfik Tolga
Published: November 2020

We read the recent article published by Daldal and colleague with great interest [...]
Dual-Inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA as Potential Therapy for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ton Anh-Tien , Singh Kriti , Morin Hélène , Ban Fuqiang , Leblanc Eric , Lee Joseph , Lallous Nada , Cherkasov Artem
Published: November 2020

Resistance to androgen-receptor (AR) directed therapies is, among other factors, associated with Myc transcription factors that are involved in development and progression of many cancers. Overexpression of N-Myc protein in prostate cancer (PCa) leads to its transformation to advanced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) that currently has no approved treatments. N-Myc has a short half-life but acts as an NEPC stimulator when it is stabilized by forming a protective complex with Aurora A kinase (AURKA). Therefore, dual-inhibition of N-Myc and AURKA would be an attractive therapeutic avenue for NEPC. Following our computer-aided drug discovery approach, compounds exhibiting potent N-Myc specific inhibition and strong anti-proliferative activity against several N-Myc driven cell lines, were identified. Thereafter, we have developed dual inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA through structure-based drug design approach by merging our novel N-Myc specific chemical scaffolds with fragments of known AURKA inhibitors. Favorable binding modes of the designed compounds to both N-Myc and AURKA target sites have been predicted by docking. A promising lead compound, 70812, demonstrated low-micromolar potency against both N-Myc and AURKA in vitro assays and effectively suppressed NEPC cell growth.