bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision Support Tool for Water Reclamation Beyond Technical Considerations—Egyptian, Moroccan, and Tunisian Case Studies
Authors: Oertlé Emmanuel , Mueller Sandra Regina , Choukr-Allah Redouane , Jaouani Atef 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
While the Middle East and North African (MENA) region is facing challenges to sustain water security, water reclamation has received increasing consideration as a favorable mitigating solution. Despite the availability of adequate technologies, economic, political, legal, social, and environmental constraints often hamper stakeholders, and especially decision makers, from exploiting the existing potential into solution implementation. In the present paper, a comprehensive assessment for water reclamation and reuse was developed. This assessment consisted of 4 objectives: 1) apply a decision-support tool (DST) for water reclamation potential for municipal wastewater, 2) apply a DST for simulating and estimating the lifecycle costs of project-related technologies for water reclamation (municipal and industrial wastewater, as well as drainage canal water), 3) assess the national-level conditions for water reuse with a multicriteria decision analysis (MCA), and 4) establish exemplary strategies, barriers, and measures for water reuse. The present MCA considered 6 thematic subjects: policy and institution, economy, society, water management, legislation, and environment. The assessment was applied to food and nonfood crop irrigation in Egyptian, Moroccan, and Tunisian case studies. For all defined case studies, adapted treatment trains that could treat wastewater to the desired quality at reasonable costs were identified and are presented in the present paper. Results showed that technological options are available for water reuse, but the concept is not widely implemented in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The present paper identifies key barriers and drivers for the implementation of water reclamation for irrigation. In particular, the considered countries showed different characteristics regarding efficient water management, water pricing, subsidies and wastewater tariffs, implementation of monitoring and reporting systems, or legal aspects regarding the use of reclaimed water for food crop irrigation. Further exploration of case studies on high potential water reuse and financially affordable wastewater reclamation, particularly case studies that explore the impacts of policies and practices across countries, would be useful for helping the MENA region improve their water security situation. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:885–897. © 2020 SETAC
Known Target and Nontarget Effects of the Novel Neonicotinoid Cycloxaprid to Arthropods: A Systematic Review
Authors: Singh Anisha , Leppanen Christy 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticide class worldwide, and unfortunately, the widely used neonicotinoid imidacloprid is problematic for pollinators and other nontarget organisms. These nontarget impacts and the development of resistance prompt the ongoing development and testing of new neonicotinoids. The novel neonicotinoid cycloxaprid was described in 2011 and registered in China in 2015. Studies investigating its use and effect on target and nontarget species are recent and ongoing, and empirical evidence has not yet been collectively considered. Therefore, a systematic review was performed to identify and summarize data associated with target and nontarget, lethal and sublethal impacts of cycloxaprid for its use as a new insecticide. We performed keyword literature searches in Web of Science, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, and Google Scholar and explored citations used in identified articles. The search strategy yielded 66 citations; 25 citations fulfilled eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Under experimental conditions, cycloxaprid reduced populations of plant-feeding insect pests, suppressed populations of sucking and biting insect pests, and affected reproduction, development time, longevity, growth, gene regulation and expression, and phloem-feeding behavior of various life stages of certain insects. Studies focus on pest control efficacy and comparison with imidacloprid. Five nontarget organisms have been evaluated: Apis mellifera, Chrysoperla sinica, Harmonia axyridis, Daphnia magna, and Eisenia fetida. Variation in study design, to date, precludes a metaanalysis. However, these results provide valuable insight into possible effects to target and nontarget arthropods. Because cycloxaprid is a new insecticide, additional research is needed to clarify the mechanism of action of cycloxaprid and its metabolites, and to determine if it harms natural enemies or other nontarget organisms, if resistance develops, and if it exhibits cross-resistance with other insecticides. Although research on target arthropods will inform some effects on nontarget organisms, studies focusing explicitly on impacts to nontarget organisms are needed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:831–840. © 2020 SETAC
Bankruptcy reform in the Middle East and North Africa: Analyzing the new bankruptcy Laws in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain
Authors: Al‐Sarraf Adam 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor years, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have been trying to increase entrepreneurship rates and attract foreign investment, however, their bankruptcy statutes remained antiquated and punitive in nature. Potential start‐ups and foreign investors have been deterred from these markets due to a lack of alternative solutions to liquidation and a fear of punishment for business failure. At least seven countries in the region have now taken steps to modernize their bankruptcy laws to provide restructuring mechanisms and other measures designed to incentivize risk‐taking rather than to deter it. With this year's crash in oil prices, an unprecedented global pandemic and an imminent recession, an effective bankruptcy system has become even more critical to avoid catastrophic results for the employment rates and economic value of the companies in the region. However, despite these recent reforms, significant improvements are still needed to maximize the value and benefits of bankruptcy procedures in the face of these growing economic threats.
Effect of interpolation on specular reflections in texture‐based automatic colonic polyp detection
Authors: Kaçmaz Rukiye Nur , Yılmaz Bülent , Aydın Zafer 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReflections of LED light cause unwanted noise effects called specular reflection (SR) on colonoscopic images. The aim of this study was to seek answers to the following two questions. (a) How are the texture features used in automatic detection of polyps affected by the interpolation on specular reflections? (b) If they are affected does it really affect the classification performance? In order to answer these questions, we used 610 colonoscopy images, and divided each image into tiles whose sizes were 32‐by‐32 pixels. From these tiles, we selected the ones without any specular reflection. We added different shape and size specular reflections cropped from real images onto the reflection‐free tiles. We then used the nearest neighbors, bilinear and bicubic interpolation techniques on the tiles on which SRs were added. On these tiles we extracted 116 texture features using 3 second‐order approaches, and 4 first‐order statistics. First, we used paired sample t test. Second, we performed automatic classification of polyps and background using random forest and k nearest neighbors (k‐NN) approaches using the texture features for different combinations of specular reflections added on the tiles from the polyp or background. The results showed that depending on the size of specular reflection, interpolation can cause a significant difference between the texture features that were coming from reflection‐free tiles and the same tiles on which interpolation was performed. In addition, we note that bicubic interpolation may be preferred to eliminate specular reflection when texture features are used for background and polyp discrimination.
Anterior gradient 2 promotes tumorigenesis through upregulation of CCAAT‐enhancer binding protein beta and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐2α and subsequent secretion of interleukin‐6, interleukin‐8, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the Caki‐1 clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell line
Authors: Pajdzik Kinga , Wilamowski Mateusz , Żurawek Dariusz , Stopa Kinga B. , Nodzyński Michał , Kalita Agata , Jura Jolanta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIt has been previously established that hypoxia leads to tumor development, treatment resistance, and a poor prognosis. Under oxygen deprivation, hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are stimulated to activate the genes necessary for tumor development in a low‐oxygen environment. These genes encode regulators of angiogenesis, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. A disulfide isomerase, anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), has been shown to increase hypoxia‐inducible factor 1, alpha subunit (HIF‐1α) stability in breast cancer. Our goal was to determine if AGR2 affects the level of transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 2, alpha subunit (HIF‐2α). As a model, we used the clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cell line Caki‐1. The cells were transduced with lentiviral vector (Tet‐On) encoding AGR2. After induction of AGR2 expression, cells were grown under either hypoxic (0.5% O2) or normoxic (21% O2) conditions. Our data showed that AGR2 upregulated both HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α expression in Caki‐1 cells increasing the expression of HIF‐activated genes (glucose transporter 1, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and transforming growth factor‐alpha) under the hypoxic conditions. Under the normoxic conditions, AGR2 strongly activated CCAAT‐enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ). Upregulation of C/EBPβ correlated with increased expression and secretion of the interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8, inducing angiogenesis and inflammation in Caki‐1 cells. In summary, our studies revealed that AGR2 has essential functions in ccRCC progression through upregulation of C/EBPβ and HIF‐2α expressions, which affects cell signaling and metabolism.
Blue moon ensemble simulation of aquation free energy profiles applied to mono and bifunctional platinum anticancer drugs
Authors: Hirakawa Teruo , Bowler David R. , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Morikawa Yoshitada , Truflandier Lionel A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAquation free energy profiles of neutral cisplatin and cationic monofunctional derivatives, including triaminochloroplatinum(II) and cis‐diammine(pyridine)chloroplatinum(II), were computed using state of the art thermodynamic integration, for which temperature and solvent were accounted for explicitly using density functional theory‐based canonical molecular dynamics (DFT‐MD). For all the systems, the “inverse‐hydration” where the metal center acts as an acceptor of hydrogen bond has been observed. This has motivated to consider the inversely bonded solvent molecule in the definition of the reaction coordinate required to initiate the constrained DFT‐MD trajectories. We found that there exists little difference in free enthalpies of activation, such that these platinum‐based anticancer drugs are likely to behave the same way in aqueous media. Detailed analysis of the microsolvation structure of the square‐planar complexes, along with the key steps of the aquation mechanism, is discussed.
Modified Lennard‐Jones potentials for nanoscale atoms
Authors: Sikorska Celina , Gaston Nicola 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA classical 6–12 Lennard‐Jones (LJ) equation has been widely used to model materials and is the potential of choice in studies when the focus is on fundamental issues. Here we report a systematic study comparing the pair interaction potentials within solid‐state materials (i.e., [Co6Se8(PEt3)6][C60]2, [Cr6Te8(PEt3)6][C60]2, [Ni9Te6(PEt3)8][C60]) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and LJ parametrization. Both classical (6–12 LJ) and modified LJ (mLJ) models were developed. In the mLJ approach, the exponents 6 and 12 are replaced by different integer number n and 2n, respectively, and an additional parameter (α) is introduced to describe intermolecular distance shift arising within the geometric centers' approach (instead of the shortest interatomic distance between particles). A general LJ approach reexamination reveals that in the case of nanoatoms, the attractive term decays with distance as the inverse fourth power, and the dominating at short distances repulsive term decays as the inverse eighth power. The modification of the LJ equation is even more prominent for interaction profiles, where intermolecular distance corresponds to separation between geometric centers of particles. In this approach, the attractive term decays with distance as the inverse 12th power, while the repulsive term decays rapidly (as the inverse 24th power). Thus, the mLJ models (e.g., 4–8 LJ) rather than the 6–12 classical ones seem to be a better choice for the description of binary interactions of nanoatoms. The developed mLJ models and electronic structure characteristics give an insight into the explanation of the unique physicochemical properties of superatomic‐based solid‐state materials.
The role of beliefs about the impact of illness on fertility and close relationships for psychopathological symptoms in women treated for hypothyroidism
Authors: Wytrychiewicz Kinga , Pankowski Daniel , Janowski Konrad , Benoit Charles E. , Bargiel‐Matusiewicz Kamilla , Pisula Ewa , Walicka Magdalena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveAs demonstrated in a pilot study, hypothyroidism has a highly stressful impact on some areas of functioning. This study aims to evaluate the connection between illness‐related beliefs (IRBs) and the impact of hypothyroidism on fertility and close relationships, which were the strongest stressors, and the level of depressive, anxiety, and anger symptoms.MethodsTwo hundred and thirteen women being treated for hypothyroidism took part in an online survey and completed the modified Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Hypothyroidism Symptoms Severity rating scales, and a measure of IRBs. Other relevant clinical data were also collected.ResultMean levels of thyroid‐stimulating hormone indicated that the women were euthyroid. Four groups of participants were identified based on IRBs. The group holding a strong IRB about the negative impact of illness only on close relationships scored significantly higher on depressive symptoms than women in the other groups. The group holding strong IRBs about the negative impact of illness on both close relationships and fertility scored significantly higher on anxiety symptoms than the women in the other groups. Regression analysis showed that IRBs about the negative impact of hypothyroidism predicted anxiety, depressive, and anger symptoms.ConclusionsNegative IRBs about the impact of illness on fertility and close relationships contribute to increased levels of emotional distress symptoms in women being treated for hypothyroidism.
Resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoints blockade by monoclonal antibody drugs in cancer immunotherapy: Focus on myeloma
Authors: Isazadeh Alireza , Hajazimian Saba , Garshasbi Hamid , Shadman Behrouz , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Chavoshi Reza , Taefehshokr Sina , Farhoudi Sefidan Jadid Mahdieh , Hajiasgharzadeh Khalil , Baradaran Behzad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B‐cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic proliferation of a plasma cell in the bone marrow that produces a monoclonal immunoglobulin. The immune checkpoint inhibitors against programmed death‐1/programmed death‐1 ligand and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen 4 axis have demonstrated appropriate anticancer activity in several solid tumors and liquid cancers, and are rapidly transforming the practice of medical oncology. However, in a high percentage of patients, the efficacy of immune checkpoints blockade remains limited due to innate or primary resistance. Moreover, the malignancies progress in many patients due to acquired or secondary resistance, even after the clinical response to immune checkpoints' blockade. The evidence shows that multiple tumor‐intrinsic and tumor‐extrinsic factors and alterations in signaling pathways are involved in primary and secondary resistance to immune checkpoints blockade. Improved identification of intrinsic and extrinsic factors and mechanisms of resistance or response to immune checkpoints blockade may not only provide novel prognostic or predictive biomarkers but also guide the optimal combination/sequencing of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in the clinic. Here, we review the underlying biology and role of immune checkpoints blockade in patients with MM. Furthermore, we review the host and tumor‐related factor effects on immune checkpoints blockade in MM immunotherapy.
Enhanced performance and fouling resistance of cellulose acetate forward osmosis membrane with the spatial distribution of TiO2 and Al2O3 nanoparticles
Authors: Baniasadi Javad , Shabani Zahra , Mohammadi Toraj , Sahebi Soleyman 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDNovel nanocomposite membranes with spatial distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated for forward osmosis (FO) applications. In this work, TiO2 and Al2O3 NPs were used as hydrophilic additives in order to improve the performance and fouling resistance of cellulose acetate (CA) FO membrane.RESULTSAttenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of the NPs into the synthesized membranes. The specific reverse salt flux (SRSF) of the TiO2 modified membrane was reduced from 0.88 to 0.56 g L−1, which was attributed to enhanced hydrophilicity, porosity, and the simultaneously improved water and salt permeability coefficients. After the evaluation of CA membranes with various contents of TiO2 NPs, Al2O3 NPs were added to the membrane structure as a secondary additive under the optimized content of TiO2 NPs. Al2O3 NPs have a higher dispersion in the membrane sublayer beneath, which can affect the hydrophilicity and surface charge of the membranes. Al2O3 and TiO2 modified membranes showed the lowest values of contact angle and zeta potential in neutral pH, which was 56.7°and − 68.4 mV, respectively. This membrane showed a water flux (WF) of 15 L m−2h−1 and an SRSF of 0.36 g L−1 when using 1 mol L−1 NaCl as a draw solution. The fouling behavior of sodium alginate on the neat and modified membranes was also investigated, and the results showed a reduced fouling propensity and a superior fouling reversibility in the modified membranes.CONCLUSIONBased upon these findings, using low‐density hydrophilic NPs in the membrane structure can fabricate membranes with more hydrophilicity, excellent FO performance, and high organic fouling resistance. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Visible‐light driven photodegradation of phenol over niobium oxide‐loaded fibrous silica titania composite catalyst
Authors: Zakaria WFW , Jalil AA , Hassan NS , Ibrahim M , Azami MS 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDHeterogeneous photocatalysis has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to treating emerging pollutants in wastewater. Phenol, an extremely toxic substance among existing pollutants, can cause long‐term unintended effects when improperly disposed. An effective measure to address this problem is to develop suitable heterojunctions. Among various photocatalyst, titanium dioxide (TiO2) appears to be an excellent photocatalyst in the degradation of organic pollutants.RESULTSSynthetization of well‐constructed heterojunction composite of niobium oxide (Nb2O5) and fibrous silica titania (FST) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of phenol has been investigated. The photocatalytic performance demonstrated that 5 wt% Nb2O5 loaded on FST (5 Nb/FST) gave the maximum phenol degradation rate (1.70 × 10−2 mM min−1) of 10 mg L−1 phenol at pH 5 using 1000 mg L−1 catalyst within 180 min. Meanwhile, under the same conditions, 1 Nb/FST, FST, 10 Nb/FST and Nb2O5 only delivered 1.51 × 10−2, 1.30 × 10−2, 1.01 × 10−2 and 0.07 × 10−2 mM min−1, respectively. Further phenol photocatalytic degradation routes by 5 Nb/FST reveal that the main intermediates detected are hydroquinone, catechol, maleic, fumaric, and malonic acid.CONCLUSIONIn this work, 5 Nb2O5/FST composite, as an effective‐performance photocatalyst for phenol degradation, was well‐constructed. The advanced activity can primarily be attributed to the regulated Nb2O5 loading with FST and the effect of Nb/FST microsphere heterojunctions, synergistically. Besides, larger crystallite size, high impurity levels and Si‐O‐Nb and Nb–O–Ti bonds, offers excellent phenol degradation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Assessment of knowledge and perception about silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for treating older adults among graduating dental students
Authors: Dang Connor , Comnick Carissa L , Tabrizi Maryam , Kaufman Laura , Soto Annetty , Smith Becky M. , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dias , Tobey Tamara , Capin Oriana Reis , Scully Allison , Prince David , Xie Xian Jin , Marchini Leonardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurpose/objectivesSilver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a promising therapy for arresting and preventing caries in difficult to treat, high‐risk populations, including institutionalized older adults. This study investigates the knowledge and perceptions about SDF of graduating dental students in multiple U.S. dental schools, as well as their willingness to use SDF in their practices.MethodsA survey was designed consisting of 21 total questions: 6 questions regarding students’ demographic information and their SDF content exposure contextualization, 8 questions tailored to investigate 2 domains regarding students’ knowledge about SDF (properties and indication), and 7 questions aiming to investigate 3 domains regarding students’ perceptions about SDF (SDF usefulness, appropriateness of using SDF, and willingness to use SDF when in private practice). The survey was then distributed to graduating dental students at 7 U.S. dental schools.ResultsA total of 386 surveys (response rate of 55%) was collected from 7 schools in the Spring of 2019. The median score resulting from the SDF content exposure questions was 3 (SD = 1.43) from a range of 0‐5. The median score from knowledge about SDF properties was 4 (SD = 1.18) from a range of 0 to 6. In the multivariate analysis, a linear model found that the covariates “SDF Usefulness”, “SDF Appropriateness” and “SDF Patient Willingness to Use” were significantly associated with higher student willingness to use SDF (R2 = 0.395).ConclusionThe results indicated that the graduating students have a positive perception of SDF regarding its usefulness and appropriateness. Graduating students appear inclined to utilize SDF upon entering private practice.