bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of pigments in artworks by inverse tangent derivative of spectrum and a new filtering method
Authors: Fazlali Fatemeh , KANDI Saeideh GORJI 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Nowadays, employing an economical and non-destructive method for identifying pigments utilized in the artworks is vital due to their antiquity value. One of the non-destructive methods for this purpose is spectrophotometry, which is based on the selected absorption of light. Mathematical descriptive methods such as derivatives of the reflectance spectrum, the Kubelka-­Munk function and logarithm are being used to clarify the spectrophotometric data. In the present study, the mentioned mathematical descriptive methods were applied to identify the most common pigments used in Iranian artwork but were not efficient for the samples. Therefore, inverse tangent derivative equation was used on spectral data for the first time and a considerable difference in the profile of reflectance curves was found. In the next part, to have a simpler and more practical method it was suggested to use filters made up of pure pigments. By using these filters and placing them on the samples, imaging was done. Then, images of samples with and without filter were evaluated and pure pigments were distinguished. The mentioned methods were also exerted to identify pigments in a modern Iranian art painting specimen. The results confirmed that these methods provide reliable answers indicating that physical methods (alongside chemical methods) can also be effective in determining the types of pigments.
Prevalence of ocular inflammation among patients with active tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in a tertiary hospital in Japan: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Ohara Hiromi , Harada Yosuke , Hiyama Tomona , Yamane Ken , Higaki Maria , Kobayashi Takayuki , Ikegami Yasuhiko , Yuasa Yuki , Kiuchi Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of ocular involvement among patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection in a Japanese hospital.Materials and Methods Patients with active TB or NTM infection at Yoshijima Hospital from April 2017 to July 2018 were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent ophthalmic examinations, including fundus evaluation under pupil dilation, before initiation of antibiotic therapy. Patients with ocular inflammation were regularly followed up by ophthalmologists.Results In total, 101 patients with active TB and 27 patients with active NTM infection underwent ophthalmic examinations during the study period. No ocular symptoms were reported. Seven patients with TB (6.9%) had ocular inflammation; four had bilateral involvement. In these seven patients, ocular inflammation comprised retinal vasculitis (n=2), anterior uveitis (n=2), choroiditis (n=2), and vitritis (n=1). Female sex was associated with higher prevalence of ocular inflammation among patients with TB. Conversely, no patients with NTM infection had ocular inflammation.Conclusion Ocular inflammation was present in approximately 7% of patients with active TB. Although TB choroiditis is presumed to be rare in Japan, approximately 30% of the patients with ocular inflammation exhibited choroidal lesions in this study. In contrast, no ocular inflammation was observed among patients with systemic NTM infection.
Management Reform at the Discretion of Public Hospitals in Japan
Authors: Miura Motoi , Nakata Yoshinori , Murakami Masayasu 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the management reform carried out at the discretion of each public hospital has affected the management efficiency of public hospitals.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of public hospitals in Japan. The dependent variable was a technical efficiency score calculated using data envelopment analysis. The independent variable was the presence or absence of a reform plan. Nine control variables were collected in this study; hospital location conditions, nursing standards, transfer to other accounts ratio, disaster base hospital designation, clinical training hospital designation, population under 15 years old, number of hospitals per 1,000 km2, number of beds per 100,000 population, and population density. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: There was no significant difference in technical efficiency in univariate analysis and multivariate analysis between public hospitals with and without reform plan.Conclusions: Management efficiency did not improve among public hospitals with management reforms plans. The reason for this lack of improvement is considered to be due to the fact that the management reforms plans were formulated and implemented at each hospital’s discretion.
Glioblastoma Presenting Only as Cortical "Ribbon Sign" in the Early Stage: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Ji-ping , Cui Chun-xiao , Lin Hao-zhi , Duan Chong-feng , Niu Lei , Liu Xue-Jun 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GB) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor and occurs predominantly in the white matter of the brain. MRI often shows an irregular mass with uneven internal signals, necrosis, surrounding edema and a space-occupying effect. The malignant degree of GB is high, and it often relapses after surgery. Case presentation: A 66-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital due to sudden left superior strabismus and convulsions . During the patient’s first hospitalization, MRI showed only an abnormal cortical signal, and the diagnosis was viral encephalitis.After the treatment of antiepileptic, antiviral and relieving brain edema, the patient was discharged. Seven months later, he was admitted to the hospital again because of memory impairment and slow reaction speed. MRI showed that there was an obvious mass in the original lesion area, and this was diagnosed as glioblastoma. Postoperative pathology confirmed glioblastoma (WHO) grade IV. Conclusions: The clinical diagnosis, treatment and imaging manifestations of this case of GB are reported as follows to improve understanding of this type of GB, which only has cortical abnormal signals in the early stage, to reduce misdiagnosis.
Phytocompounds of Rheum emodi, Thymus serpyllum and Artemisia annua inhibit COVID-19 binding to ACE2 receptor: In silico approach
Authors: Rolta Rajan , Salaria Deeksha , Kumar Vikas , SOURIRAJAN ANURADHA , DEV KAMAL 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
COVID-19 has been declared as global epidemic and currently there is no drug/vaccine available to treat COVID-19. All over the world, several studies are being conducted to discover the antiviral drugs against COVI-19. Traditional medicinal plants have long history to treat viral infections. We adopted in silico approach to find out if unique phytocompounds such as emodin (Rheum emodi), thymol and carvacrol (Thymus serpyllum) and artemisnin (Artemisia annua) could physically bind COVID-19 target proteins such as SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6VXX), SARS-CoV-2 spike ectodomain structure (PDB ID: 6VYB), and SARS coronavirus spike receptor-binding domain (PDB ID: 2AJF) and in turn preventCOVID-19 binding to the host receptor ACE2. Since Chloroquine (a standard antimalarial drug) has been looked as potential therapy against COVID-19, we also compared the binding of chloroquine and plant origin artemisnin antimalarial drug for its interaction with 6VXX, 6VY and 2AJF. Molecular docking studies using AutoDock/Vina software revealed that among all the phytocompounds artemisinin showed best binding affinity with 6VXX, 6VYB and 2AJF with Etotal -10.5 KJ mol-1, -10.3 KJ mol-1, and -9.1 KJ mol-1 respectively. Whereas emodin, carvacrol and thymol binds with 6VXX, 6VYB and 2AJF with Etotal -6.4, -6.8, -6.9 KJ mol-1, -8.8, -6.8, -7.4 KJ mol-1, and -6.9, -7.4, -7.2 respectively. Similarly, with Autodock/Vina chloroquine showed less binding affinity with 6VXX (-5.6 KJ mol-1), 6VYB (-5.9 KJ mol-1) and 2AJF (-6.4 KJ mol-1) as compared to all phytocompounds. Toxicity prediction showed non-toxicity and non-carcinogen by admetSAR and PROTOX‑II software.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antidiabetic Potential of Armoracia Rusticana: Pharmacological and Computational Approach
Authors: Javaid Anam , Ashfaq Usman Ali , Zafar Zeeshan , Akmal Arina , Taj Saman , Khalid Hina 
Published: May 2020

Aims & Objective:
Armoracia rusticana has high medicinal values and is an excellent
source of phytochemicals. This study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of bioactive
compounds from Armoracia rusticana.

Methods:
The antidiabetic analysis revealed that Armoracia rusticana was highly active against α-
glucosidase with IC50 values of 5.6 μg/ml. Furthermore, molecular docking was used to identify
the active constituents against α-glucosidase, while using acarbose as a controlled drug.

Results:
Upon phytochemical screening, it was found that six out of ten phytochemicals were
successfully docked in the respective binding sites. The lead phytochemical was Quercetin 3-Obeta-
D-xylopyranoside, which displayed a more binding score as compared to acarbose. They were
subjected to analyze for drug-like properties, which further strengthen its validation.

Conclusion:
It was, therefore, concluded that Armoracia rusticana might potentially be used in the
amelioration of type 2 diabetes. Potential molecules identified from this study could be considered
as a lead drug to cure diabetes mellitus.
Evaluating Pharmacokinetic and Distribution Characteristics for A New Antitumor Activity Ortho-aryl Chalcone Compound of OC26 in Rats by LC-MS/MS Method
Authors: Chen Lexing , Li Shiying , Liu Jiang , Gan Xia , Jiang Zhounan , Xu Jun , Cai Shaohui 
Published: May 2020

Introduction:
OC26, an ortho-aryl chalcone compound, shows excellent antitumor activity
in vitro and vivo. However, the pharmacokinetic characteristics of OC26 have not been comprehensively
reported. It is essential to investigate the correlation of pharmacological response.

Objective:
To further explore OC26, this study aims to develop an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-
tandem mass spectrometric (UPLC-MS/MS) method to reveal the pharmacokinetics and distribution
characteristics in rats of OC26.

Methods:
An UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to detect OC26 in plasma and various tissues. The
protein precipitation method was applied to process the biological samples. After intravenous injection
12.5mg/kg of OC26 in rats, plasma and tissue samples were collected from rats and the method was
applied to investigate pharmacokinetic and distribution characteristics of OC26.

Results:
Calibration curve samples of OC26 concentration range from 20 to 2000 ng/mL with the
goodness of fit (r2> 0.99). The precisions for the method were within 12.3%, while the accuracies for
the method were within ±11% (bias). The matrix effect had no influence on the accuracy and precision
of the method. After intravenous injection 12.5mg/kg of OC26 in rats, OC26 was rapidly eliminated
(t1/2=31.39±7.87min, MRT0→∞=15.03±2.55min) from rat plasma and widely distributed
(Vd=4.83±0.96L/kg) in tissues. The highest concentration of OC26 was detected in the brain in which
peak content (~8962.78ng/g at 15min) was over 5-fold higher than that of in other tissues, which
prompted new potential targets in the brain. Besides, lung and heart also detected quite a high level of
OC26. Benefited from quick elimination in the collected tissues and plasma, long-term accumulation
was not observed as chronic toxicity might be less.

Conclusions:
This UPLC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to detect OC26 and provide a theoretical
basis for the further study of OC26.
Tax Retirement Savings Decisions Using an Excel Spreadsheet Approach
Authors: Lee Lorraine S. , Hansen Victoria , Brink William 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Accounting academia and professional organizations alike emphasize the need for the integration of technology and information systems into the accounting curriculum. This case integrates taxation concepts (individual retirement savings) and information systems and technology skills (advanced Excel). The case, which can be implemented at the undergraduate or graduate level, requires students to use advanced Excel technical functionality to calculate the tax implications of retirement investing scenarios using three specific types of tax-deferred retirement accounts—a traditional 401(k), a traditional IRA, and a Roth IRA. As many students who complete this case will work for public accounting firms that offer retirement plans, they will benefit academically, professionally, and personally from the knowledge and skills learned in this case.
Piperazine derivatives as dangerous abused compounds
Authors: Welz Anna , Koba Marcin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Piperazine derivatives are a group of compounds with a psychostimulant effect. They are an alternative to illegal drugs. They are being searched for recreational use due to their psychoactive and hallucinogenic effects. The high popularity of these compounds can be noticed all over the world due to easy purchase, lack of legal regulations and incorrect assessment of the safety of use. The recreational use of piperazine derivatives can often result in chronic and acute health problems and additionally with unpredictable remote effects. It is also common to take mixtures of psychoactive compounds. This hinders the correct diagnosis and treatment of patients with poisoning. The presented work is an illustration of the wide problem of piperazine derivatives abuse. The health effects and the possibility of identifying these compounds in preparations and biological material are described.
Synthesis and evaluation of bisulfate/mesylate-conjugated chlortetracycline with high solubility and bioavailability
Authors: Liu Deng , Chen Peixing , Yang Xu , Wang Jianhua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The aim of this work is to improve the solubility and bioavailability of chlortetracycline and the function of the immune response. Chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate were successfully synthesized and characterized with several techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry, which demonstrated that the C4-dimethylamino group of chlortetracycline can accept a proton from sulfuric acid and methanesulfonic acid to form the corresponding salts. In addition, chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate were more soluble in water than chlortetracycline hydrochloride, but the antibacterial activity was not enhanced. The influences of chlortetracycline hydrochloride, chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate on chlortetracycline and immunoglobulin concentrations in mouse serum were also investigated. These results suggested that the chlortetracycline bisulfate and chlortetracycline mesylate have good bioavailability and strong immune response and have potential applications in animal breeding and formulation technologies.
Meteorological Factors and Swine Erysipelas Transmission in Southern China
Authors: Hong-Yu Qin , Xiu Xin , Wanli Sha , Ben Wang , Xiansheng Hu , Lianjun Fu , Baishuang Yin 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Swine erysipelas (SE) is one of the best-known and most serious diseases that affect domestic pigs, which is caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It is endemic in Nanning and has been circulating for decades, causing considerable economic losses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of meteorological-related variations on the epidemiology of swine erysipelas in Nanning City, a subtropical city of China. Data on monthly counts of reported swine erysipelas and climate data in Nanning are provided by the authorities over the period from 2006 to 2015. Cross-correlation analysis was applied to identify the lag effects of meteorological variables. A zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression model was used to evaluate the independent contribution of meteorological factors to SE transmission. After controlling seasonality, autocorrelation and lag effects, the results of the model indicated that Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has a positive effect on SE transmission. Moreover, there is a positive correlation between monthly mean maximum temperature and relative humidity at 0-1 month lag and the number of cases. Furthermore, there is a positive association between the number of SE incidences and precipitation, with a lagged effect of 2 months. In contrast, monthly mean wind velocity negatively correlated with SE of the current month. These findings indicate that meteorological variables may play a significant role in SE transmission in southern China. Finally, more public health actions should be taken to prevent and control the increase of SE disease with consideration of local weather variations.
Immunization of Pigs with Recombinant Plasmids Containing Genes of Ubiquitinated p30, p54 and CD2v Proteins of African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Imatdinov Almaz R , Kazakova Anna S , Šekler Milanko , Morozova Diana Yu , Lyska Valentina M , Titov Ilya A , Sevskikh Timofey , Sereda Alexey D 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Three recombinant plasmid constructs, expressing chimeric proteins containing human ubiquitin fused to an ectodomain of one of the potentially protective proteins (p30, p54 and CD2v) of the attenuated MK-200 strain of African swine fever virus (ASFV), were created as potential inductors of specific antiviral cellular immunity. Three-time immunization of pigs with the mixture of these plasmids led to the formation of virus-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL), but did not induce production of virus-specific antibodies. After challenge with the homologous parental virulent ASFV strain M-78 at a dose of 103 HAD50, all five animals (four immunized pigs and one naïve) fell between the 4th and 7th days post infection. The obtained results demonstrated that induction of CTL did not protect pigs against challenge with the virulent ASFV. Balanced activation of CTL and antibody-mediated cellular mechanisms should be investigated.
Microstructural Characterization of ULC Steel
Authors: Nguyen Cao-Son , Le Hoang , Bui Anh-Hoa 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In the present study, microstructure of the ULC steel was investigated by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The pure ferrite phase consisting of various crystalline orientations, e.g. (110) and (200) etc., existed in the ULC steel. Ultra-fine grains of ferrite were observed in the ND-TD cross-section (⊥ RD), meanwhile, typical lamina were seen in the ND-RD cross-section (// RD) of the steel sheet. Grain size of the annealed steel was observed to be coarser and equiaxed in all direction. According the EBSD results, intensities of the beneficial texture {111}<001> increased in the annealed steel, but weakened in the cross-section that was parallel to rolling direction. Ratio of low-angle grain boundaries (1°< LAGBs < 15°) in the annealed steel was estimated as the higher value (93.1 %) than that in the cold-rolled steel (69.1 %).
Possibilities of Determination of Risk Elements in Alluvial Agriculture Soils in the Mže and Otava River Basins by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Menšík Ladislav , Hlisnikovský Lukáš , Holík Ladislav , Nerušil Pavel , Kunzová Eva 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The undesirable, hazardous, and risk elements are introduced into all environmental parts through human activities. They enter the soil and aquatic environment by atmospheric deposition, or by application of sewage sludge, pesticides, mineral and organic fertilisers, and by organic manures. Heavy metals (HMs) and risk elements can be determined in the soil by a wide range of analytical methods that differ in terms of time and financial costs, and the demands on service. One of the methods is the use of a portable XRF spectrometer under lab conditions, offering relatively fast determination of the concentration of chemical elements in the soil. In the presented study we evaluated the accuracy and the precision of the XRF device for analysis of the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, As, Mn, Cu, and Ni) in alluvial soils from the Mže and Otava river basins (Czech Republic), and validated and compared obtained results with the conventional lab method (ICP-OES). The soil samples (n = 502) were taken at 43 sampling sites at depths of 0 – 30, 30 – 60, and 60 – 90 cm, mainly in floodplains with Fluvisol soil type (N-year flow rates = Q100 m3/s). The multiple correlation coefficients R values ranged from 0.81 to 0.99. The R2 determination coefficients for individual HMs, measured by XRF, were determined as follows: Pb – 0.98, Zn – 0.97, Cu – 0.80, Mn – 0.79, As – 0.78, Ni – 0.66. According to our results, 66 – 98% points fit the designed models. The Pb and Zn have the best dependency (relationship tightness), and regression models are excellent. Cu, Mn, and As have a slightly worse dependency (tightness of the relationship), but the regression model is still very well suitable for agriculture practice, or for the purposes of environmental monitoring.
Changes in Soluble Protein Profile in Cotton Leaves Indicate Rubisco Damage after Treatment with Sumi-Alpha Insecticide
Authors: Asrorov Akmal M. , Matušíková Ildikó , Ziyavitdinov Jamolitdin F. , Gregorová Zuzana , Majerčíková Viera , Mamadrakhimov Azimjon A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The cotton plant suffers from many pests and due to its economic importance, the use of efficient but ecologically friendly pesticides is highly desirable. The insecticide Sumi-Alpha with active compound Esfenvalerate is widely used for cotton treatment in Uzbekistan. This insecticide is considered as moderately hazardous for different organisms of ecosystems, while more collected data and relevant research is a necessity for judgement of their safety and/or potential risk. Therefore, a comparative analysis of cotton leaves was performed to study the protein profile changes upon treatment with this insecticide. Our data showed elevated accumulation of fructose bisphosphate aldolase and degradation of RuBisCo in the treated tissue. Besides, a protein belonging to P-loop containing nucleoside triphosphate hydrolases superfamily exerted lower accumulation. Our results indicate that the applied pyrethroid pesticide possibly can affect photosynthesis performance and cause accumulation of simple saccharides which in turn might contribute to enhanced colonisation of sucking insects. Further molecular research on Sumi-Alpha effects on cotton is necessary for its safer use in agricultural practice.