bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of some novel 2-(3-cyano -6-(thiophen- 2-yl)-4,4′- bipyridin-2- yloxy)acetohydrazide derivatives: assessment of their cytotoxic activity
Authors: Al Shareef Hossa F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA new series of pyrazole, bipyridine, N-amide derivatives and Schiff bases was synthesized using compound 2-(3-cyano-6- (thiophen-2-yl)-4,4′- bipyridin-2-yloxy) acetohydrazide (3) as a starting material. The compounds structures were confirmed depending on the spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. Also, the compounds were evaluated as anticancer agents by the compounds screened towards adenocarcinoma breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The compounds showed a promising cytotoxic effect against human breast cancer cells. Compound 7c showed the most effective activity compared to other compounds with (IC50 = 0.6 ± 0.01 μg mL−1) in comparison with the reference drug doxorubicin (IC50 = 1.6 ± 0.02 μg mL−1). While compound 3 is closely active with doxorubicin. Also compounds 2, 4, 6, 7a, 7b and 7d showed noticeable cytotoxic effect. Early and late apoptotic cells were detected using Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide staining technique. The results of biologically screening of the tested compounds give an idea about the importance in the compounds acting against breast cancer and may lead to the discovery of a potent anticancer agent.
The ChemicalToolbox: reproducible, user-friendly cheminformatics analysis on the Galaxy platform
Authors: Bray Simon A. , Lucas Xavier , Kumar Anup , Grüning Björn A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHere, we introduce the ChemicalToolbox, a publicly available web server for performing cheminformatics analysis. The ChemicalToolbox provides an intuitive, graphical interface for common tools for downloading, filtering, visualizing and simulating small molecules and proteins. The ChemicalToolbox is based on Galaxy, an open-source web-based platform which enables accessible and reproducible data analysis. There is already an active Galaxy cheminformatics community using and developing tools. Based on their work, we provide four example workflows which illustrate the capabilities of the ChemicalToolbox, covering assembly of a compound library, hole filling, protein-ligand docking, and construction of a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model. These workflows may be modified and combined flexibly, together with the many other tools available, to fit the needs of a particular project. The ChemicalToolbox is hosted on the European Galaxy server and may be accessed viahttps://cheminformatics.usegalaxy.eu.
Certain Grüss-type inequalities via tempered fractional integrals concerning another function
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Rashid Saima , Abdeljawad Thabet 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe study a generalized left sided tempered fractional (GTF)-integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel. Then we investigate several kinds of inequalities such as Grüss-type and certain other related inequalities by utilizing the GTF-integral. Additionally, we present various special cases of the main result. By utilizing the connection between GTF-integral and Riemann–Liouville integral concerning another functionΨin the kernel, certain distinct particular cases of the main result are also presented. Furthermore, certain other inequalities can be formed by applying various kinds of conditions on the functionΨ.
The steepest descent of gradient-based iterative method for solving rectangular linear systems with an application to Poisson’s equation
Authors: Kittisopaporn Adisorn , Chansangiam Pattrawut 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe introduce an effective iterative method for solving rectangular linear systems, based on gradients along with the steepest descent optimization. We show that the proposed method is applicable with any initial vectors as long as the coefficient matrix is of full column rank. Convergence analysis produces error estimates and the asymptotic convergence rate of the algorithm, which is governed by the term $\sqrt {1-\kappa^{-2}}$1−κ−2, where κ is the condition number of the coefficient matrix. Moreover, we apply the proposed method to a sparse linear system arising from a discretization of the one-dimensional Poisson equation. Numerical simulations illustrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed method in comparison to the well-known and recent methods.
Identification of carnivore kill sites is improved by verified accelerometer data
Authors: Petroelje Tyler R. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Svoboda Nathan J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Quantifying kill rates is central to understanding predation ecology. However, estimating kill rates and prey composition in carnivore diets is challenging due to their low densities and cryptic behaviors limiting direct observations, especially when the prey is small (i.e., < 5 kg). Global positioning system (GPS) collars and use of collar-mounted activity sensors linked with GPS data can provide insights into animal movements, behavior, and activity.

Methods
We verified activity thresholds for American black bears (Ursus americanus), a bobcat (Lynx rufus), and wolves (Canis spp.) with GPS collars containing on-board accelerometers by visual observations of captive individuals’ behavior. We applied these activity threshold values to GPS location and accelerometer data from free-ranging carnivores at locations identified by a GPS cluster algorithm which we visited and described as kill sites or non-kill sites. We then assessed use of GPS, landscape, and activity data in a predictive model for improving detection of kill sites for free-ranging black bears, bobcats, coyotes (C. latrans), and wolves using logistic regression during May–August 2013–2015.

Results
Accelerometer values differed between active and inactive states for black bears (P < 0.01), the bobcat (P < 0.01), and wolves (P < 0.01). Top-performing models of kill site identification for each carnivore species included activity data which improved correct assignment of kill sites by 5–38% above models that did not include activity. Though inclusion of activity data improved model performance, predictive power was less than 45% for all species.

Conclusions
Collar-mounted accelerometers can improve identification of predation sites for some carnivores as compared to use of GPS and landscape informed covariates alone and increase our understanding of predator–prey relations.
Family Club Denmark #strongertogether - a volunteer intervention for disadvantaged families: study protocol for a quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Pontoppidan Maiken , Thorsager Mette , Larsen Arendse Tange , Friis-Hansen Mette 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Need-oriented family support programs are examples of voluntary-based interventions increasingly recognized by the public sector as an important contribution to health and social care provision. Voluntary interventions are attractive because of their focus on activism, inclusion, and participation, but also their low cost and easy accessibility. There is an increasing demand for documentation of the effectiveness of family support programs. Methodologically sound studies are, however, limited and findings are generally inconsistent. This trial aims to assess the effectiveness of the volunteer-based intervention Family Club Denmark on parental stress, mental health, development and well-being of parents and children and to get insight into the experiences of both volunteers and families.

Methods
This is a prospective quasi-experimental trial with two conditions: (1) intervention group participating in Family Club Denmark and (2) wait-list control group. Participants are families with children aged 2–12 years who wish to participate in the program. Participants are allocated to intervention primarily after a first-come-first-serve principle, and further families will join the wait-list and be offered participation after around 6 months. Quantitative data are collected through web surveys at three time-points: at baseline, post-intervention (6 months after baseline), and follow-up (12 months after baseline). The primary outcome is mental health. Secondary outcomes include parenting behavior, parenting stress, self-efficacy and self-worth, family routines and child well-being. Qualitative data are collected through observations, focus groups, and interviews.

Discussion
This trial is among the first experimental studies of a group-based third sector need-oriented family support program offered to a wide array of families. The trial will provide important knowledge on the effectiveness of a volunteer-based family intervention on important outcomes such as mental health, self-efficacy, family routines. Furthermore, the trial will provide knowledge on volunteer, parent, and child experiences with participating in the intervention and knowledge on how to conduct experimental trails in a complex volunteer environment.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.govNCT03657888 (registered 29.08.2018).
Comparison of two time-marching schemes for dynamic rupture simulation with a space-domain BIEM
Authors: Noda Hiroyuki , Sato Dye S. K. , Kurihara Yuuki 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe boundary integral equation method (BIEM) is one of the important numerical techniques used to simulate geophysical phenomena including dynamic propagation, nucleation, and sequence of earthquake ruptures. We studied the stability and convergence of two time-marching schemes numerically for 2-D problems in Mode I, II, and III conditions. One was a conventional method based on piecewise-constant spatiotemporal distribution of the rate of displacement gap$$ V $$V(CM), and the other was a slightly modified scheme from a predictor–corrector method previously applied to a spectral BIEM (NL). In the stability analysis, we simulated behavior of a traction-free fault under uncorrelated random distributions of initial traction. The growth rate of the perturbation is negative in a parameter regime of complex shape with CM, which has two numerical parameters, and the intersection for all the modes is very restricted as reported previously. In contrast, NL has only one parameter and yields simpler and a wide parameter regime of stability, conceivably allowing more flexible meshing on the fault. In the convergence analysis in which a smooth problem was solved, CM resulted in a numerical error scaled as$$ \Delta x^{1} $$Δx1while NL led to the scaling of$$ \Delta x^{2} $$Δx2typically or of$$ \Delta x^{1.5} $$Δx1.5under certain conditions in Mode II problems. NL requires negligible additional computational costs and modification of the code is quite straightforward relative to CM. Therefore, we conclude that NL is a useful time-marching scheme that has wide applicability in simulations of earthquake ruptures although the reason for the rather complicated convergence behavior and verification of the findings here to more general conditions deserve further study.
Realization approach of non-linear postseismic deformation model for Taiwan semi-kinematic reference frame
Authors: Chen Kwo-Hwa , Chuang Ray Y. , Ching Kuo-En 
Published: June 2020

AbstractSurface displacements associated with earthquake-cycle deformation of active faults significantly influence the accuracy of geodetic datum and reference frames, especially for the Taiwan area with high plate convergence and deformation rates. Following the current architecture of the semi-kinematic reference frame in Taiwan, which does not particularly consider the non-linear behavior of postseismic deformation, we explored the methods to implement a non-linear postseismic deformation model using the 2003 Chengkung earthquake as an example. Together with linear interseismic function, we utilized a logarithmic function to approximate the non-linear postseismic decays. For the time series without preseismic observations, we removed the interseismic velocities by spatial interpolation and fitted the resultant time series with the logarithmic function. After estimating postseismic decays for all GPS stations, we conducted two grid models of accumulative displacements for only postseismic deformation and total deformation after the earthquake. The first grid model provides a useful prediction for tracking surface movements, and the latter model provides a straightforward view to access the timing and amount of displacements to correct the semi-kinematic reference frame. The implementation of the grid models can well approximate non-linear postseismic trends for the semi-kinematic reference frame.
Notes on the arthropod fauna of Salas y Gómez island, Chile
Authors: Hershauer Samantha N. , Pakarati Sebastian Yancovic , Wynne J. Judson 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Salas y Gómez is a small, volcanic island largely untouched by humans due to its diminutive size and remoteness. Since the waters surrounding Salas y Gómez were established as Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park in 2010, marine investigations have been the primary research focus. Secondarily, nesting seabird communities have been censused since 2011.

Methods and findings
In 2016, terrestrial arthropods were sampled on the island. Two observers sampled two locations for 30 min per site. Fifteen morphospecies were identified including at least one likely undescribed species.

Conclusions
Our work represents the most comprehensive terrestrial arthropod inventory of Salas y Gómez island to date. We are hopeful the recommendations provided will spur additional research to both characterize the island’s arthropod community, as well as identify species of management concern.
Realizing ecosystem-safe hydropower from dams
Authors: Ahmad Shahryar Khalique , Hossain Faisal 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor clean hydropower generation while sustaining ecosystems, minimizing harmful impacts and balancing multiple water needs is an integral component. One particularly harmful effect not managed explicitly by hydropower operations is thermal destabilization of downstream waters. To demonstrate that the thermal destabilization by hydropower dams can be managed while maximizing energy production, we modelled thermal change in downstream waters as a function of decision variables for hydropower operation (reservoir level, powered/spillway release, storage), forecast reservoir inflow and air temperature for a dam site with in situ thermal measurements. For data-limited regions, remote sensing-based temperature estimation algorithm was established using thermal infrared band of Landsat ETM+ over multiple dams. The model for water temperature change was used to impose additional constraints of tolerable downstream cooling or warming (1–6 °C of change) on multi-objective optimization to maximize hydropower. A reservoir release policy adaptive to thermally optimum levels for aquatic species was derived. The novel concept was implemented for Detroit dam in Oregon (USA). Resulting benefits to hydropower generation strongly correlated with allowable flexibility in temperature constraints. Wet years were able to satisfy stringent temperature constraints and produce substantial hydropower benefits, while dry years, in contrast, were challenging to adhere to the upstream thermal regime.
Molecular identification of Trypanosoma brucei brucei and in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of different parts of methanolic extract of Senna occidentalis
Authors: Alhafiz Zainab Aliyu , Abdulsalami Mohammed Sani , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Bulus Timothy , Suleiman Ahmed Babangida 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective
The present study investigated the anti-Trypanosoma brucei brucei activity of methanolic extract of Senna occidentalis roots, leaves, stem bark, and seed in vitro and bioactive components of the most active plant part.

Materials and methods
Trypanosoma brucei brucei was identified by PCR, cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) and incubated at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Subsequently, the cultured T. brucei brucei were incubated with 500 μg/ml concentration of different parts of S. occidentalis plant and the most potent fraction was identified and subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results
Amplicons of the rRNA gene of T. brucei brucei detected had a size of 1200 bp. The anti-trypanosomal activities indicated that the root extract of the plant was the most active at 500 μg/ml with inhibitory activity of 88.89% and fractions (2 and 5) the most active with IC50 values of 1.49 and 1.16 μg/ml respectively.

Conclusion
Results from this study insinuates that phenolic and simple aliphatic compounds might play key role in the anti-trypanosomal activity of S. occidentalis roots.
Characterization of plasma secretory phospholipase A2 activity in the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)
Authors: Baker Sarah , Merchant Mark 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPlasma phospholipase A2(PLA2) enzyme activity is a key component of innate immunity in most vertebrates. We evaluated circulating secreted PLA2activity of prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) by incubation of plasma with bacteria labeled with fluorescent membrane lipids.ResultsIncubation of bacteria with increasing volumes of plasma resulted in volume-dependent lysis of fatty acids from bacterial membranes. The activity was rapid, with substantial activity recorded after only 5 min of incubation with labeled bacteria, and a linear response for 20 min. In addition, the lysis activity was temperature-dependent, increasing activities from 5 to 20 °C, peak activities at 25–30 °C, and then decreasing activities from 35 to 40 °C. Furthermore, the activity was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner byp-bromophenacyl bromide, a specific inhibitor of PLA2activity, which indicated that the observed activities were due to the presence of PLA2in the plasma ofC. viridis.ConclusionsThis study represents the first description of secretory PLA2activity in the plasma of a snake. Our study shows that in addition to being an important component of snake venom, PLA2enzymes play an important role in the snake’s immune response.
The impact of contactless payment on cash usage at an early stage of diffusion
Authors: Trütsch Tobias 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of contactless payment on consumers’ demand for cash at an early stage of diffusion. The specific devices that are investigated are debit and credit cards, in which the feature is embedded. A novel balanced panel dataset drawn from representative surveys on consumer payment behavior in the USA from 2009 to 2013 is analyzed to account for unobserved heterogeneity in cash usage. The results show that contactless credit and debit cards exert no statistically significant effect on cash usage after controlling for unobserved heterogeneity. Consumers’ decision to use contactless payment is an endogenous choice. Card-affined individuals replace conventional card payments with contactless card payments. Hence, the overall effect on cash usage remains unaffected.
Natural infection potential and efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against Orosanga japonica (Melichar)
Authors: Akıner M. Mustafa , Öztürk Murat , Güney İbrahim , Usta Asu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, potential of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) isolates from dead samples of Orosanga japonica (Melichar) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) was evaluated. Infected specimens with fungi results confirmed that the samples were Beauveria bassiana after morphological and molecular identification. Amplicons produced two haplotypes (h = 2), which included one polymorphic site after sequence and named isolates 1 and 2. Two haplotypes were rooted with MK229193.1, MG345084.1 B. bassiana Genbank samples. Two-year survey results of the EPF effects revealed the highest mortality and natural infection rates in the field. Natural mortality rates varied between 80.35% (Fındıklı-August) and 94.8% (Çayeli-September) in 2018 and between 79.82% (Alipaşa-August) and 97.75% (Fındıklı- September) in 2019. For nymphs, the lowest LT50 value was found at 2.92 days for isolate 1 and 2.56 days for isolate 2, with a concentration of 1 × 106 conidia/ml, using the leaf dipping method. For adults, the lowest LT50 value was found at 3.02 days for isolate 1 and 3.15 days for isolate 2, with a concentration of 1 × 106 conidia/ml, using the direct spraying method. Nymph LT50 values were found a little bit lower than adults. Direct spraying methods results gave a high LT50 value for nymph in contrast to adult. Although the LT50 ratios gave high/low degree in different isolates, methods and life stages, non-significant differences were found between each other’s (p > 0.05). In general, B. bassiana natural infection rates were found high in August and September during the 2 years. Efficacy of the two isolates, which derived from naturally infected O. japonica specimens, increased with concentration. The two isolates can potentially be used for O. japonica integrated management, as a fungal biocontrol agent, but their toxicological effects on beneficial insects, such as honeybees, will need to be determined.
Carbonized lignosulfonate-based porous nanocomposites for adsorption of environmental contaminants
Authors: Yao Jenevieve , Odelius Karin , Hakkarainen Minna 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCarbon-based adsorbents possess exceptional adsorption capability, making them an ideal platform for the remediation of environmental contaminants. Here, we demonstrate carbonized lignosulfonate (LS)-based porous nanocomposites with excellent adsorption performance towards heavy metal ions and cationic dye pollutants. Through microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization, a green approach was employed to carbonize lignosulfonate to carbon spheres. The LS-derived carbon spheres were then oxidized into nanographene oxide (nGO) carbon dots. A facile two-step procedure that involved the self-assembly of nGO and gelatin into a hydrogel precursor coupled with freeze-drying enabled the construction of three-dimensional (3D) free-standing porous composites without the use of organic solvents or chemical crosslinking agents. The favorable pore structure and abundance of surface functional groups on the nGO/gelatin porous composite proved to substantially facilitate the adsorption of Cu(II) in comparison to conventionally-used activated carbon. Further enhancement of adsorption performance was achieved by introducing additional surface functional groups through a non-covalent functionalization of the porous composite with lignosulfonate. The presence of negatively-charged sulfonate groups increased the Cu(II) equilibrium adsorption capacity (66 mg/g) by 24% in comparison to the non-functionalized nGO/gelatin counterpart. Both functionalized and non-functionalized composites exhibited significantly faster adsorption rates (40 min) compared to many graphene- or GO-based adsorbents reported in literature. In addition to the adsorption of heavy metal ions, the composites also demonstrated good adsorption capacity towards cationic dyes such as methylene blue. This paves the way for a high value-added application of lignin in environmental remediation and opens up new possibilities for the development of sustainable materials for adsorption and water purification.