bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour-Market Integration by Responding to Work Motives: Lessons from a Study of Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Women
Authors: Goldfarb Yael , Neuman Shoshana
Published: September 2020

Low employability among specific populations (e.g. religious/traditional women, the elderly, disabled workers, and immigrants) has unfavourable consequences on the unemployed individual, society, and the state economy. The latter include poverty, a heavy toll on welfare budgets, diminished growth, and an increase in the ‘dependency ratio’. We suggest a rather novel policy (borrowed from the field of Vocational Psychology) that could lead to successful integration into the labour market of low-employability populations: The design of tailor-made training programmes that respond to work motives, coupled with a working environment that caters to special needs/restrictions, and complemented with counselling and monitoring. The suggested strategy is illustrated using a case study of Israeli ultra-Orthodox women, who exhibit lower employment rates than other Israeli women. The motives behind their occupational choices are explored based on data collected by a survey. Factor Analysis is employed to sort out the motives behind their occupational choices, and regression analysis is used to associate job satisfaction with work motivation. Policy implications are suggested based on the findings. There is already some evidence on the successful outcomes of the proposed strategy.
Progress in Graphene Synthesis and its Application: History, Challenge and the Future Outlook for Research and Industry
Authors: Madurani Kartika A. , Suprapto Suprapto , Machrita Nur Izzati , Bahar Setyadi Laksono , Illiya Wihda , Kurniawan Fredy
Published: September 2020

Graphene is a thin layer carbon material that has become a hot topic of research during this decade due to its excellent thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, current density, electron mobility and surface area. These extraordinary properties make graphene to be developed and applied in various fields. On this basis, researchers are interested to find out the methods to produce high quality graphene for industrial use. Various methods have been developed and reported to produce graphene. This paper was designed to summarize the development of graphene synthesis methods and the properties of graphene products that were obtained. The application of graphene in the various fields of environment, energy, biomedical, sensors, bio-sensors, and heat-sink was also summarized in this paper. In addition, the history, challenges, and prospects of graphene production for research and industrial purposes were also discussed.
Probing of Optoelectronic and Transport Properties of Zinc Based ZnY2X4 (X = S, Se) Spinels for Renewable Energy
Authors: Alshahrani Thamraa , Mustafa Ghulam M. , Flemban Tahani H. , Althib Hind , Al-Qaisi Samah , Kattan Nessrin A. , Mahmood Q.
Published: September 2020

The spinels chalcogenide are emerging materials for solar cells and other renewable energy applications. we have elaborated the electronic and optical properties of ZnY2(S/Se)4 by modified Becke and Johnson potential. The computed band gaps 1.66 eV and 1.10 eV correspond to visible region which increase their significance for solar cells. The optical properties are elaborated by dielectric constants, refractive index, and absorption coefficient. Furthermore, the thermoelectric properties are depicted by BoltzTraP code in terms of thermal conductivity to electrical conductivity ratio, Seebeck coefficient and figure of merit. Finally, two important ratios (i.e. Pugh’s (B/G > 1.75) and Poisson (υ > 0.26) described the brittle nature of ZnY2S4 and ductile nature of ZnY2Se4 spinels. The large value of Debye and melting temperature is reported for ZnY2S4 than ZnY2Se4.
Assessment of the role of FGF15 in mediating the metabolic outcomes of murine vertical sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Myronovych Andriy , Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Salazar-Gonzalez Rosa-Maria , Tan Brandon , Mowery Sarah , Ferguson Danielle , Ryan Karen K. , Zhang Wujuan , Zhao Xueheng , Oehrle Melissa , Setchell Kenneth D. R. , Seeley Randy J. , Sandoval Darleen A. , Kohli Rohit
Published: September 2020

In the absence of an intact fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) signaling pathway, murine vertical sleeve gastrectomy results in weight loss without all its anticipated metabolic benefits. In the absence of an intact FGF15 signaling pathway, vertical sleeve gastrectomy results in increased intestinal bile acid levels and hepatolipotoxicity.
Amelioration of sleep-disordered breathing with supplemental oxygen in older adults
Authors: Rastogi Ruchi , Badr M. S. , Ahmed A. , Chowdhuri S.
Published: September 2020

This study demonstrates for the first time in elderly adults without heart disease that intervention with supplemental oxygen in the clinical range will ameliorate central apneas and hypopneas by decreasing the propensity to central apnea through decreased chemoreflex sensitivity, even in the absence of a reduction in the plant gain. Thus, the study provides physiological evidence for use of supplemental oxygen as therapy for mild-to-moderate SDB in this vulnerable population.
Behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of pavlovian and instrumental extinction learning
Authors: Bouton Mark E. , Maren Stephen , McNally Gavan P.
Published: September 2020

This article reviews the behavioral neuroscience of extinction, the phenomenon in which a behavior that has been acquired through Pavlovian or instrumental (operant) learning decreases in strength when the outcome that reinforced it is removed. Behavioral research indicates that neither Pavlovian nor operant extinction depends substantially on erasure of the original learning but instead depends on new inhibitory learning that is primarily expressed in the context in which it is learned, as exemplified by the renewal effect. Although the nature of the inhibition may differ in Pavlovian and operant extinction, in either case the decline in responding may depend on both generalization decrement and the correction of prediction error. At the neural level, Pavlovian extinction requires a tripartite neural circuit involving the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. Synaptic plasticity in the amygdala is essential for extinction learning, and prefrontal cortical inhibition of amygdala neurons encoding fear memories is involved in extinction retrieval. Hippocampal-prefrontal circuits mediate fear relapse phenomena, including renewal. Instrumental extinction involves distinct ensembles in corticostriatal, striatopallidal, and striatohypothalamic circuits as well as their thalamic returns for inhibitory (extinction) and excitatory (renewal and other relapse phenomena) control over operant responding. The field has made significant progress in recent decades, although a fully integrated biobehavioral understanding still awaits.
Assessment of the Potential Adverse Events Related to Ribavirin-Interferon Combination for Novel Coronavirus Therapy
Authors: Shan Wenya , Hong Dongsheng , Zhu Jieqiang , Zhao Qingwei
Published: September 2020

Purpose. We aimed to analyze and evaluate the safety signals of ribavirin-interferon combination through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), so as to provide reference for the rationale use of these agents in the management of relevant toxicities emerging in patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19). Methods. Reports to the FAERS from 1 January 2004 to 8 March 2020 were analyzed. The proportion of report ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio (ROR), and Bayesian confidence interval progressive neural network (BCPNN) method were used to detect the safety signals. Results. A total of 55 safety signals were detected from the top 250 adverse event reactions in 2200 reports, but 19 signals were not included in the drug labels. All the detected adverse event reactions were associated with 13 System Organ Classes (SOC), such as gastrointestinal, blood and lymph, hepatobiliary, endocrine, and various nervous systems. The most frequent adverse events were analyzed, and the results showed that females were more likely to suffer from anemia, vomiting, neutropenia, diarrhea, and insomnia. Conclusion. The ADE (adverse drug event) signal detection based on FAERS is helpful to clarify the potential adverse events related to ribavirin-interferon combination for novel coronavirus therapy; clinicians should pay attention to the adverse reactions of gastrointestinal and blood systems, closely monitor the fluctuations of the platelet count, and carry out necessary mental health interventions to avoid serious adverse events.
In Vivo Comparison of Chlorine-Based Antiseptics versus Alcohol Antiseptic for Surgical Hand Antisepsis
Authors: Myltykbayeva Zhannur , Kovaleva Galina , Mukhitdinov Azamat , Omarova Sandugash , Nadirov Rashid
Published: September 2020

Despite being commonly used as effective preparation for surgical hand antisepsis, alcohol solutions have major drawbacks, such as drying effect, emergence of hand eczema, and other diseases. This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as antiseptic in comparison to single sodium hypochlorite and 70% ethanol. In 5-day tests, the effects of 3 antiseptics were established according to standard test methods. The antiseptics were applied to the hands of 82 volunteers, and samples of bacteria were collected on days 1 and 5, immediately after drying and 6 hours later after antiseptic application. Student’sttest and ANOVA were applied in a statistical study. The NaOCl with H2O2composition demonstrated noninferiority to both sodium hypochlorite only and alcohol products and superiority to these antiseptics on day 5 (P<0.05at a significance level of 5% for each comparative trial in this day) at equivalence margin of 20%. The effectiveness of the NaOCl plus H2O2composition as an antiseptic was explained by the formation of singlet oxygen in the system. Together, these data suggest that NaOCl and H2O2may be an effective hand antisepsis that avoids the drawbacks seen with alcohol solutions.
Perceived Stress and Its Associated Factors during COVID-19 among Healthcare Providers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chekole Yigrem Ali , Yimer Minaye Solomon , Mekonnen Abate Semagn , Mekuriaw Birhanie
Published: September 2020

Background. Coronavirus causes serious health problems worldwide including increased mental health burden to the society at large scale and particularly the healthcare providers. Understanding the immediate mental health and psychological response of the healthcare providers after a public health emergency is important for implementing better prevention and response mechanisms to a disaster. Objective. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of perceived stress and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 among healthcare providers in Dilla, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 samples selected with the systematic random sampling technique from March to April 2020. Data collection was carried out with a validated perceived stress scale adapted from the World Health Organization. Data were coded and entered into Epi Info Version 7 and were exported and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Crude and adjusted OR were analyzed using logistic regression, and the level of significance of association was determined at P value <0.05. Result. The prevalence of perceived stress among participants was 126 (51.6%). Being at the age range of 25–31 years (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1.12, 5.81), master’s and above in their qualification (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI 1.59, 22.31), nurse professionals (AOR = 8.2, 95% CI 2.69, 24.74), and pharmacist professionals (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI, 1.25, 18.64) were variables found to have a strong statistically significant association with the perceived stress of coronavirus disease. Conclusion. More than half of the study participants were found to have perceived stress for coronavirus disease. Early screening and intervention of stress among frontline healthcare providers based on the findings are suggested.
Effect of Catgut Embedment in Du Meridian Acupoint on Mental and Psychological Conditions of Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Luo Zhengjie , Hu Xuanming , Chen Chaoming , Zhu Lvqun , Zhang Wenyan , Shen You , He Jirou
Published: September 2020

Objective. To observe the influence of the catgut‐embedding method in Du Meridian acupoint on the mental and psychological state of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and analyze its possible mechanism. Methods. According to the random number table, 60 patients with GERD were randomly divided into groups of acupoint catgut embedding and Western medicine, 30 cases in each group. The acupoint group was given catgut embedment in the positive reaction points along the Du Meridian, while the Western medicine group received lansoprazole tablet. They were both treated for six weeks. Scores of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ), Zung’s Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung’s Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Health‐Related Quality of Life Scale for GERD (GERD‐HRQL) were measured before and after treatment to analyze and evaluate the differences of symptom scores and mental and psychological conditions between the two groups. Results. (1) The scores of GerdQ, GERD‐HRQL, SAS, and SDS in the two groups both significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05), and those of the acupoint group were much lower than the Western medicine group (P < 0.05). (2) The total effective rate was 90.00% in the acupoint group and 53.33% in the Western medicine group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). (3) The correlation coefficients r between the GerdQ score and scores of SAS and SDS were 0.563 and 0.322, respectively, and those between the GERD‐HRQL score and scores of SAS and SDS were, respectively, 0.506 and 0.435. Conclusion. (1) The main symptoms of GERD patients, such as acid reflux and heartburn, mental and psychological condition, and quality of life, were all improved in the two groups, but the efficacy in the acupoint group is superior to that of the Western medicine group. (2) The clinical symptoms and scores of patients’ quality of life are positively correlated with the degree of their anxiety and depression. (3) The acupoint catgut‐embedding method can effectively regulate the anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients, which complements the efficacy of proton‐pump inhibitors and benefits a wider range of population.
Essentiality of CTNNB1 in Malignant Transformation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells under Long-Term Suboptimal Conditions
Authors: Liu Jie , Zeng Sicong , Wang Yang , Yu Juan , Ouyang Qi , Hu Liang , Zhou Di , Lin Ge , Sun Yi
Published: September 2020

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) gradually accumulate abnormal karyotypes during long-term suboptimal culture, which hinder their application in regenerative medicine. Previous studies demonstrated that the activation of CTNNB1 might be implicated in this process. Hence, the hESC line with stably silenced CTNNB1 was established to further explore the role of CTNNB1 in the malignant transformation of hESCs. It was shown to play a vital role in the maintenance of the physiological properties of stem cells, such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and telomere regulation. Furthermore, the malignant transformation of hESCs was induced by continuous exposure to 0.001 μg/ml mitomycin C (MMC). The results showed that CTNNB1 and its target genes, including proto-oncogenes CCND1 and C-MYC, were aberrantly upregulated in hESCs after MMC treatment. Moreover, the high expression of CTNNB1 accelerated cell transition from G0/G1 phase to the S phase and stimulated the growth of cells containing breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycles. Conversely, CTNNB1 silencing inhibited these effects and triggered a survival crisis. The current data indicated that CTNNB1 is intimately associated with the physiological properties of stem cells; however, the aberrant expression of CTNNB1 is involved in the malignant transformation of hESCs, which might advance the process by facilitating telomere-related unstable cell proliferation. Thus, the aberrant CTNNB1 level might serve as a potential biomarker for detecting the malignant transformation of hESCs.
Segment Stock Market, Foreign Investors, and Cross-Correlation: Evidence from MF-DCCA and Spillover Index
Authors: Xu Nan , Li Songsong
Published: September 2020

Employing the tools of multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) and Diebold–Yilmaz spillover index (D.Y. spillover index), we examine the effect that the foreign investors have on the cross-correlations between the two-segment stock markets, that are the accessible and the inaccessible stock markets, and the other ten respective stock markets. The shares cross-listed by the same corporates on both the A-share and H-share stock markets of China serve as the best sample to compile the two stock indices, which stands for the inaccessible stock market (AHA) and the accessible stock market (AHH), respectively. Empirical results show that the cross-correlations between the two-segment stock markets and the other ten pairs are multifractal, the multifractal strength of cross-correlations is stronger in AHH than AHA, and the intensified growth of the multifractal cross-correlations in AHA can be seen as the increasing of the openness in the inaccessible market. The empirical result of D.Y. spillover index is consistent with the multifractal analysis above, and another interesting finding is that among the selected markets, the three markets with the strongest spillover effects with AHA and AHH are Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, respectively, and the weakest one is Australia during the sample scenarios.
Computing Minimal Doubly Resolving Sets and the Strong Metric Dimension of the Layer Sun Graph and the Line Graph of the Layer Sun Graph
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Zafari Ali
Published: September 2020

Let G be a finite, connected graph of order of, at least, 2 with vertex set VG and edge set EG. A set S of vertices of the graph G is a doubly resolving set for G if every two distinct vertices of G are doubly resolved by some two vertices of S. The minimal doubly resolving set of vertices of graph G is a doubly resolving set with minimum cardinality and is denoted by ψG. In this paper, first, we construct a class of graphs of order 2n+Σr=1k−2nmr, denoted by LSGn,m,k, and call these graphs as the layer Sun graphs with parameters n, m, and k. Moreover, we compute minimal doubly resolving sets and the strong metric dimension of the layer Sun graph LSGn,m,k and the line graph of the layer Sun graph LSGn,m,k.
Effect of Antioxidants on the Fibroblast Replicative Lifespan In Vitro
Authors: Sadowska-Bartosz Izabela , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: September 2020

Replicative senescence is an unalterable growth arrest of primary cells in the culture system. It has been reported that aging in vivo is related to the limited replicative capacity that normal somatic cells show in vitro. If oxidative damage contributes to the lifespan limitation, antioxidants are expected to extend the replicative lifespan of fibroblasts. This article critically reviews the results of experiments devoted to this problem performed within the last decades under conditions of in vitro culture. The results of studied are heterogeneous, some papers showing no effects of antioxidants; most finding limited enhancement of reproductive capacity of fibroblasts, some reporting a significant extension of replicative lifespan (RLS). Both natural and synthetic antioxidants were found to extend the RLS of fibroblasts, either by a direct antioxidant effect or, indirectly, by activation of signaling pathways and activation of proteasomes or hormetic effects. Most significant prolongation of RLS was reported so far for nicotinamide, N-hydroxylamines, carnosine and Methylene Blue. These results may be of importance for the design of skin-protecting cosmetics.
The Effectiveness and Safety of Thunder Fire Moxibustion for Treating Allergic Rhinitis: A PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Yuan Ting , Xiong Jun , Yang Jun , Wang Xue , Jiang Yunfeng , Zhou Xiaohong , Liao Kai , Xu Lingling
Published: September 2020

Background. Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a noninfectious inflammatory disease caused by allergic individuals exposed to allergens. Western medicine therapy for treating AR causes obvious adverse events, while thunder fire moxibustion (TFM) is known as a safe and effective treatment for AR. Therefore, we conducted this meta‐analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TFM for treating AR. Methods. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM from inception to April 5, 2020, were searched without any language restriction. Reviewers identified studies, extracted data, and assessed the quality, independently. The primary outcomes were the total effective rate and the TNSS. The secondary outcomes included TNNSS, RQLQ, VAS, serum IgE, IgA, or IgG level, and adverse events. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were collected; methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB), and the level of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. Meta‐analysis was performed using the RevMan5.3.0 software. Results. A total of 18 RCTs were included, including 1600 patients. The results of this meta‐analysis showed a statistically significant effect in a total effective rate of T = TFM (RR = 1.07; 95% CI [1.03, 1.12]; P = 0.45; I2 = 0%) and T = TFM + other treatments (RR = 1.18; 95% CI [1.11, 1.25]; P = 0.03; I2 = 53%). In addition, TFM intervention also showed significant difference in total symptom score (T = TFM + other treatments) (MD = −1.42; 95% CI [−1.55, −1.29]; P = 0.03; I2 = 60%) in patients with AR. Conclusion. Existing evidence shows that TFM is safe and effective for AR. Due to the universal low quality of the eligible trials and low evidence level, we should draw our conclusions with caution. Therefore, clinical researchers should carry out more large‐sample, multicentre, high‐quality randomized controlled clinical trials in the future to verify the clinical efficacy of TFM in treating AR.
Extensor Tendon Dislocation at the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of Both Ring Fingers Caused by a Specific Hand Posture in a Shiatsu Therapist
Authors: Kamiya Mariko , Sasaki Gen , Ikuta Kensuke , Miyamoto Hideaki , Kimura Michio , Kawano Hirotaka
Published: September 2020

A 43-year-old female shiatsu therapist complained of sudden snapping of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPjs) of both ring fingers during a specific hand posture. The extensor tendon of the ring finger was dislocated ulnarly when the MCPj of the ring finger was flexed and deviated ulnarly and the MCPj of the middle finger was extended. Surgical exploration revealed an attenuated radial sagittal band. We plicated the juncturae tendinum of the extensor digitorum communis between the middle and ring fingers and released the ulnar sagittal band partially to centralise the extensor tendon excursion. Twenty-six months postoperatively, the patient regained full active and passive range of motion of all fingers without extensor tendon dislocation or snapping in either hand during work.
Comparisons of Chemical Profiles and Gastroprotective Effects of Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus Pre‐ and Poststeam Processing
Authors: Zhu Yinji , Zhang Qiuxia , Gao Ming , Wang Hongfei , He Hui , Wang Jinyu , Chen Kang
Published: September 2020

Background. Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus (CSF) is widely used as folk medicine in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The dried and steam‐processed CSF (SCSF) has been employed for harmonizing the stomach over thousands of years under the guidelines of TCM theory. However, little is known about the differences in chemical compositions between CSF and SCSF. Moreover, the gastroprotective effects of CSF and SCSF on ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injuries in rats have yet to be investigated. Consequently, the present study aimed to investigate the chemical differences and gastroprotective effects of CSF and SCSF, providing some experimental framework for the development of CSF and SCSF. Methods. The chemical compositions of CSF and SCSF extracts were determined using an ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS), and their gastroprotective effects of different doses were assessed in rats with ethanol‐induced gastric injuries on the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Results. A total of 42 components were identified in CSF and SCSF, and most of them were flavonoids, limonoids, coumarins, and glycosides. There were no differences in the compositions between CSF and SCSF, but the relative contents of the components were different. Among them, nine screened compounds were considered as potential discriminating markers responsible for the differences between CSF and SCSF. Besides, pretreatments with CSF and SCSF markedly improved the gastric mucosal injuries in rats for their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. And SCSF exhibited a better gastroprotective effect than CSF. Conclusion. The compositions of CSF were unchanged after steam‐processing, while the relative contents of their components were changed. These changes may be the major reasons for the differentiation of their efficacies. In addition, CSF and SCSF could alleviate ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injury through the enhancement of antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. SCSF exhibited a better gastroprotective effect than CSF, which emphasized the necessity of steam processing.
Biochemical Constituent of Ginkgo biloba (Seed) 80% Methanol Extract Inhibits Cholinesterase Enzymes in Javanese Medaka (Oryzias javanicus) Model
Authors: Hassan Ibrahim , Wan Ibrahim Wan Norhamidah , Yusuf Ferdaus Mohamat , Ahmad Siti Aqlima , Ahmad Syahida
Published: September 2020

Background. Pathophysiological changes leading to the death of nerve cells present in the brain and spinal cord are referred to as neurodegenerative diseases. Presently, treatment of these diseases is not effective and encounters many challenges due to the cost of drug and side effects. Thus, the search for the alternative agents to replace synthetic drugs is in high demand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the anticholinesterase properties of Ginkgo biloba seed. Methods. The seed was extracted with 80% methanol. Toxicity studies and evaluation of anticholinesterase activities were carried out in adult Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus). Phytochemical study to identify the bioactive lead constituents of the crude extract was also carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. The result shows activities with high significant differences at P<0.001 between the treated and nontreated groups. A bioactive compound (vitaxin) was identified with the aid of HPLC method. Conclusion. The presence of bioactive compound vitaxin is among the major secondary metabolites that contribute to increasing activities of this plant extract. High anticholinesterase activities and low toxicity effect of this plant show its benefit to be used as natural medicine or supplements.
Field Assessment of Neighboring Building and Tree Shading Effects on the 3D Radiant Environment and Human Thermal Comfort in Summer within Urban Settlements in Northeast China
Authors: Du Jing , Liu Lin , Chen Xin , Liu Jing
Published: September 2020

Shading is one of the most effective strategies to mitigate urban local-scale heat stress during summer. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of shading caused by buildings and trees via exhaustive field measurement research on urban outdoor 3D radiant environment and human thermal comfort. We analyzed the characteristics of micrometeorology and human thermal comfort at shaded areas, and compared the difference between building and tree shading effects as well as that between shaded and sunlit sites. The results demonstrate that mean radiant temperature Tmrt (mean reduction values of 28.1°C for tree shading and 28.8°C for building shading) decreased considerably more than air temperature Ta (mean reduction values of 1.9°C for tree shading and 1.2°C for building shading) owing to shading; furthermore, the reduction effect of shading on UTCI synthesized the variation in the above two parameters. Within the shaded areas, short-wave radiant components (mean standardized values of 0.104 for tree shading and 0.087 for building shading) decreased considerably more than long-wave radiant components (mean standardized values of 0.848 for tree shading and 0.851 for building shading) owing to shading; the proportion of long-wave radiant flux densities absorbed by the reference standing person was high, leading to a relatively high long-wave mean radiant temperature, and R2 between long-wave mean radiant temperature and air temperature exceeded 0.8. Moreover, the directional sky view factor (SVF) was utilized in this study, and it showed significant positive correlation with short-wave radiant flux densities, but no statistically evident correlation with long-wave radiant flux densities. Meanwhile, Tmrt was most relevant with SVFS⟶ with R2 of 0.9756. Furthermore, UTCI rose two categories at the sunlit areas compared with that at the shaded areas. In contrast, Ta and Tmrt played the first positive role in UTCI at shaded and sunlit areas, respectively.
Characterization of Streptomyces Isolates Associated with Estuarine Fish Chanos chanos and Profiling of Their Antibacterial Metabolites-Crude-Extract
Authors: Kurnianto Muhammad A. , Kusumaningrum Harsi D. , Lioe Hanifah N.
Published: September 2020

Streptomyces has been reported as an essential producer of bioactive substances, including antibiotics and other types of antimicrobials. This study investigated antibacterial-producing Streptomyces isolated from the gut of estuarine fish Chanos chanos, emphasizing screening for the producer of peptide-containing antibacterial compounds. Eighteen isolates were found during preliminary screening, in which four isolates showed the best antibacterial activities. Based on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characterization, as well as 16S rRNA partial sequencing, all of the four isolates belonged to Streptomyces. Three isolates were suspected as novel isolate candidates based on homology presentations and phylogenetic tree analysis. Disk-diffusion assay of the metabolite-crude-extract from the isolates showed broad-spectrum inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa InaCC B52 with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration ranging from 2.5–10 mg/mL and 5–10 mg/mL, respectively. The highest antibacterial activity with low MIC and MBC values was shown by isolate AIA-10. Qualitative HPLC profiling revealed that the metabolic-crude-extracts showed many peaks with intensive area at 210 and 214 nm, especially from SCA-11 and AIA-10, indicating the presence of peptide groups in the structure of the constituent compound. The results also suggested that crude extracts SCA-11 and AIA-10 had higher hydrophobicity properties than the other extracts. Further characterization of the active compound was needed to find out which compounds were responsible for the antibacterial activity. The results of this study indicated that some Streptomyces isolated from new environmental niches, i.e., gut of estuarine fish Chanos chanos, produce promising peptide-containing bioactive compounds.
Experimental Study on Flexible Deformation of a Flapping Wing with a Rectangular Planform
Authors: Yang Wenqing , Xuan Jianlin , Song Bifeng
Published: September 2020

A flexible flapping wing with a rectangular planform was designed to investigate the influence of flexible deformation. This planform is more convenient and easier to define and analyzed its deforming properties in the direction of spanwise and chordwise. The flapping wings were created from carbon fiber skeleton and polyester membrane with similar size to medium birds. Their flexibility of deformations was tested using a pair of high-speed cameras, and the 3D deformations were reconstructed using the digital image correlation technology. To obtain the relationship between the flexible deformation and aerodynamic forces, a force/torque sensor with 6 components was used to test the corresponding aerodynamic forces. Experimental results indicated that the flexible deformations demonstrate apparent cyclic features, in accordance with the flapping cyclic movements. The deformations in spanwise and chordwise are coupled together; a change of chordwise rib stiffness can cause more change in spanwise deformation. A certain lag in phase was observed between the deformation and the flapping movements. This was because the deformation was caused by both the aerodynamic force and the inertial force. The stiffness had a significant effect on the deformation, which in turn, affected the aerodynamic and power characteristics. In the scope of this study, the wing with medium stiffness consumed the least power. The purpose of this research is to explore some fundamental characteristics, as well as the experimental setup is described in detail, which is helpful to understand the basic aerodynamic characteristics of flapping wings. The results of this study can provide an inspiration to further understand and design flapping-wing micro air vehicles with better performance.
Solid‐Gas Flow Characteristics of Drilling Bit‐Rod Integral Structure
Authors: Zhang Hongtu , Zhang Ouya , Wei Le , Yao Banghua
Published: September 2020

Sampling based on negative pressure pneumatic conveying method is an important theory in determining coal bed methane (CBM) content. The coal‐gas two‐phase flow path is an integrated structure composed of polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit and drilling rod. In this work, CFD‐DEM coupling numerical simulation was adopted to study the solid‐gas flow characteristics of an integrated structure having PDC bit and gas velocity pipe under different gas velocity and solid mass flow rates. The results showed that the gas phase had a reverse velocity zone at the PDC bit. The reverse velocity zone gradually decreased with increase of gas velocity. In addition, a high‐velocity band in drill pipe became apparent for the particle phase; there was an obvious bottom flow characteristic at the PDC bit and an area of the highest layer thickness in the drill pipe. Under the same gas velocity, the location of the area of the highest layer thickness shifted from the drill bit with the increase of solid mass flow rate. Increase in the gas velocity resulted in a rapid increase of the velocity of coal particles, while the bottom flow characteristics of coal particles weakened and the suspension flow gradually appeared. The results of this study are of great significance for optimizing the gas velocity based on negative pressure pneumatic conveying technique.
Determination of 8 Endogenous Alkaloid Components inBoletusUsing Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Combined with Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Junmei , Li Qiang , Fan Sufang , He Liangna , Sun Lei , Wen Di , Zhai Hongwen , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2020

A ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) method was developed for simultaneous determination of 8 endogenous alkaloid compounds inBoletus.Boletussamples were extracted by 50% (V/V) methanol-water solution, then separated by CORTECS UPLC HILIC column using a binary solvent system by gradient elution. The analytes were determined by Q-TOF/MS in TOF MS and information dependent acquisition (IDA)-MS/MS mode. The results showed that mass accuracy error of the 8 endogenous alkaloids were lower than 5.0 × 10−6, good linear relationship was got in range of 0.2–500 μg/L, and correlation coefficient was higher than 0.9990. The limit of detection was in the range of 0.002–0.100 mg/kg and the limit of quantification was in the range of 0.004–0.200 mg/kg. Recovery of the method was in range of 80.1%–101.5% with spike levels of 0.004–2.00 mg/kg, relative standard deviations were lower than 10%. The method was simple, specific, and reliable. It could be used for the rapid screening and quantitative analysis of 8 endogenous alkaloids inBoletus.
The Effect of the Primitive Irreducible Polynomial on the Quality of Cryptographic Properties of Block Ciphers
Authors: Shaukat Jamal Sajjad , Shah Dawood , Deajim Abdulaziz , Shah Tariq
Published: September 2020

Substitution boxes are the only nonlinear component of the symmetric key cryptography and play a key role in the cryptosystem. In block ciphers, the S-boxes create confusion and add valuable strength. The majority of the substitution boxes algorithms focus on bijective Boolean functions and primitive irreducible polynomial that generates the Galois field. For binary field F2, there are exactly 16 primitive irreducible polynomials of degree 8 and it prompts us to construct 16 Galois field extensions of order 256. Conventionally, construction of affine power affine S-box is based on Galois field of order 256, depending on a single degree 8 primitive irreducible polynomial over ℤ2. In this manuscript, we study affine power affine S-boxes for all the 16 distinct degree 8 primitive irreducible polynomials over ℤ2 to propose 16 different 8×8 substitution boxes. To perform this idea, we introduce 16 affine power affine transformations and, for fixed parameters, we obtained 16 distinct S-boxes. Here, we thoroughly study S-boxes with all possible primitive irreducible polynomials and their algebraic properties. All of these boxes are evaluated with the help of nonlinearity test, strict avalanche criterion, bit independent criterion, and linear and differential approximation probability analyses to measure the algebraic and statistical strength of the proposed substitution boxes. Majority logic criterion results indicate that the proposed substitution boxes are well suited for the techniques of secure communication.
Prediction and Identification of Antioxidant Peptides in Potato Protein Hydrolysate
Authors: Wu Juan , Mao Chao , Zhang Wenli , Cheng Yu
Published: September 2020

Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to cluster the possible amino acid compositions of antioxidant peptides in potato protein hydrolysate (PPH). The antioxidant peptides exhibiting high ABTS+• scavenging capacity were isolated with the procedure of ultrafiltration, gel filtration, and preparative RP-HPLC and identified by UPLC-MS/MS. Phe, Tyr, and His were shown to group together with ABTS+• scavenging capacity in component matrix plot. Three prominent peptides, namely, Phe-Tyr, Tyr-Phe-Glu, and Pro-Pro-His-Tyr-Phe, which matched the sequence of patatin and were made up of Phe and Tyr, were identified. The peptide Tyr-Phe-Glu demonstrated antioxidant activity against Caco-2 cell oxidation induced by H2O2. The results suggested that multivariate analysis could be used to predict the amino acid compositions of antioxidant peptides.
Evaluation of 1-Propanol Toxicity in B6C3F1 Mice via Repeated Inhalation over 28 and 90 Days
Authors: Cho Eun-Sang , Lee Yong-Hoon , Han Jeong-Hee , Kim Sung-jin , Park Ka-young , Jo Ji-min , Lee Sung-Bae
Published: September 2020

We evaluated the toxicity of 1-propanol exposure following repeated inhalation over 28- and 90-day periods in male and female B6C3F1 mice to confirm the potential target organs and to determine the no-observable-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs). Five mice of each sex were exposed to 1-propanol at concentrations of 0, 100, 400, or 1600 ppm for 28 days and showed no consequent toxicity. Following this, ten mice of each sex were exposed at concentrations of 0, 500, 1600, or 5200 ppm for 90 days. We observed no effects on food consumption, body weight, organ weight, clinical signs, hematology and biochemistry parameters, or gross or histological features even at the maximum concentration. Therefore, the NOAEL of inhaled 1-propanol was defined as 5200 ppm (12.8 mg/L) for male and female mice under study conditions.
Effects of Groove Feature on Shear Behavior of Steel‐Sand Interface
Authors: Guo Jukun , Wang Xiaowei , Lei Shengyou , Wang Rui , Kou Hailei , Wei Daokai
Published: September 2020

Surface groove morphology of structure and particle distribution of soil had a significant effect on the surface friction of structure. In order to investigate the interface shear stress‐shear displacement curves, interface model and interface shear strength index when normal stress, groove width, and groove angle change, the interface shear tests of standard sand with steel plates are performed using an improved direct shear apparatus. Test results indicate that the peak shear stress increases with normal stress and the intersection angle between groove direction and shear direction. When the angle increases by 45°, the peak shear stress increases range from 4% to 13%. The peak shear stress increases with groove width, for every 1 mm increase in groove width, and the increasing extent of peak shear stress ranges from 4% to 22%, 3% to 13%, and 1% to 6%, respectively. When the groove angle is 45° and 90°, the increasing extent of peak shear stress decreases with groove width, but when the groove angle is 0°, the decrease regularity of peak shear stress increasing extent is not obvious. The hyperbolic model and Gompertz‐C model are used to study the shear stress‐shear displacement curves of sand‐steel interface. The ratio of the interface peak shear stress of the hyperbolic model and Gompertz‐C model to that of the shear test ranges from 0.90 to 1.03 and 0.88 to 0.98, respectively. The interface friction angle at the sand‐steel interface ranges from 22° to 29°, and the friction angle of the rough interface is larger than that of the smooth interface. The interface friction angle increases with the intersection angle between the groove direction and the shear direction, the largest at 90°, the second at 45°, and the smallest at 0°. Under the same groove angle, the interface friction angle increases with the groove width, for every 1 mm increase in groove width, and the increasing extent of interface friction angle ranges from 4% to 15%, 4% to 7%, and 2% to 3%, respectively. The increasing extent of interface friction angle decreases with groove width, and this change rule is more obvious at the groove angle of 45° and 90° than at 0°.
Futibatinib Is a Novel Irreversible FGFR 1–4 Inhibitor That Shows Selective Antitumor Activity against FGFR-Deregulated Tumors
Authors: Sootome Hiroshi , Fujita Hidenori , Ito Kenjiro , Ochiiwa Hiroaki , Fujioka Yayoi , Ito Kimihiro , Miura Akihiro , Sagara Takeshi , Ito Satoru , Ohsawa Hirokazu , Otsuki Sachie , Funabashi Kaoru , Yashiro Masakazu , Matsuo Kenichi , Yonekura Kazuhiko , Hirai Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

FGFR signaling is deregulated in many human cancers, and FGFR is considered a valid target in FGFR-deregulated tumors. Here, we examine the preclinical profile of futibatinib (TAS-120; 1-[(3S)-[4-amino-3-[(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethynyl]-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d] pyrimidin-1-yl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-2-propen-1-one), a structurally novel, irreversible FGFR1–4 inhibitor. Among a panel of 296 human kinases, futibatinib selectively inhibited FGFR1–4 with IC50 values of 1.4 to 3.7 nmol/L. Futibatinib covalently bound the FGFR kinase domain, inhibiting FGFR phosphorylation and, in turn, downstream signaling in FGFR-deregulated tumor cell lines. Futibatinib exhibited potent, selective growth inhibition of several tumor cell lines (gastric, lung, multiple myeloma, bladder, endometrial, and breast) harboring various FGFR genomic aberrations. Oral administration of futibatinib led to significant dose-dependent tumor reduction in various FGFR-driven human tumor xenograft models, and tumor reduction was associated with sustained FGFR inhibition, which was proportional to the administered dose. The frequency of appearance of drug-resistant clones was lower with futibatinib than a reversible ATP-competitive FGFR inhibitor, and futibatinib inhibited several drug-resistant FGFR2 mutants, including the FGFR2 V565I/L gatekeeper mutants, with greater potency than any reversible FGFR inhibitors tested (IC50, 1.3–50.6 nmol/L). These results indicate that futibatinib is a novel orally available, potent, selective, and irreversible inhibitor of FGFR1–4 with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity in cell lines and xenograft models. These findings provide a strong rationale for testing futibatinib in patients with tumors oncogenically driven by FGFR genomic aberrations, with phase I to III trials ongoing.

Significance:

Preclinical characterization of futibatinib, an irreversible FGFR1–4 inhibitor, demonstrates selective and potent antitumor activity against FGFR-deregulated cancer cell lines and xenograft models, supporting clinical evaluation in patients with FGFR-driven tumors.
NSD3-Induced Methylation of H3K36 Activates NOTCH Signaling to Drive Breast Tumor Initiation and Metastatic Progression
Authors: Jeong Ga-Young , Park Mi Kyung , Choi Hee-Joo , An Hee Woon , Park Young-Un , Choi Hyung-Jun , Park Jin , Kim Hyung-Yong , Son Taekwon , Lee Ho , Min Kyueng-Whan , Oh Young-Ha , Lee Jeong-Yeon , Kong Gu
Published: September 2020

Histone methyltransferase NSD3 is frequently dysregulated in human cancers, yet the epigenetic role of NSD3 during cancer development remains elusive. Here we report that NSD3-induced methylation of H3K36 is crucial for breast tumor initiation and metastasis. In patients with breast cancer, elevated expression of NSD3 was associated with recurrence, distant metastasis, and poor survival. In vivo, NSD3 promoted malignant transformation of mammary epithelial cells, a function comparable to that of HRAS. Furthermore, NSD3 expanded breast cancer-initiating cells and promoted epithelial–mesenchymal transition to trigger tumor invasion and metastasis. Mechanistically, the long isoform (full-length transcript) of NSD3, but not its shorter isoform lacking a catalytic domain, cooperated with EZH2 and RNA polymerase II to stimulate H3K36me2/3-dependent transactivation of genes associated with NOTCH receptor cleavage, leading to nuclear accumulation of NICD and NICD-mediated transcriptional repression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, mice harboring primary and metastatic breast tumors with overexpressed NSD3 showed sensitivity to NOTCH inhibition. Together, our findings uncover the critical epigenetic role of NSD3 in the modulation of NOTCH-dependent breast tumor progression, providing a rationale for targeting the NSD3–NOTCH signaling regulatory axis in aggressive breast cancer.

Significance:

This study demonstrates the functional significance of histone methyltransferase NSD3 in epigenetic regulation of breast cancer stemness, EMT, and metastasis, suggesting NSD3 as an actionable therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer.