bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9-based inactivation of human papillomavirus oncogenes E6 and E7 induces senescence in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Inturi Raviteja , Jemth Per 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) such as HPV16 and HPV18 can cause cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus and oropharynx. Continuous expression of the HPV viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 are essential for transformation and maintenance of cancer cells. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of E6 and E7 genes can potentially be used to treat HPV-related cancers. Previous CRISPR/Cas9 studies on inactivation of E6 and E7 genes confirmed cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Here we report that CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout of E6 and E7 can also trigger cellular senescence in HPV18 immortalized HeLa cells. Specifically, HeLa cells in which E6 and E7 were inactivated exhibited characteristic senescence markers like enlarged cell and nucleus surface area, increased β-galactosidase expression, and loss of lamin B1 with detection of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments. Furthermore, the knockout of HPV18 E6 and E7 proteins resulted in upregulation of p53/p21 and pRb/p21 levels in senescent cells. These senescent cells were devoid of characteristic apoptotic markers and re-introduction of codon-modified HPV18 E6 decreased p53 levels. Taken together, our study demonstrates that cellular senescence is as an alternative outcome of HPV oncogene inactivation by the CRISPR/Cas9 methodology.
Review of histopathologic findings of endometrial biopsy done at a tertiary referral hospital in urban Ethiopia
Authors: Tolu Lemi B , Kabtamu Solomon , Abedella Mustefa , Feyissa Garumma Tolu , Senbeto Elias 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAn endometrial sampling procedure is a gold standard for the diagnostic evaluation of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) with primary aim to identify the cause, especially to determine whether carcinoma or premalignant lesions are present. The objective of the study is therefore to review endometrial biopsy specimen histopathological findings and associated factors at a tertiary referral hospital in urban Ethiopia.MethodologyThis is a two years retrospective analysis of cases of patients for whom endometrial biopsy was taken at a territory referral hospital in urban Ethiopia. Odd’s ratios, 95% confidence interval and p-value set at 0.05 were used to determine the statistical significance of the associations.ResultsA total of 277 patient records were analyzed and mean and the median age of the study patients were 41.89 and 40.00 years respectively. The commonest histopathologic finding was endometrial polyp 66 (23.83%), followed by proliferative endometrium 47 (16.97%) and secretory endometrium 25(9.03%). Endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial malignancy, and pregnancy complications were reported in 9 (3.25%), 13 (4.69%), and 25 (9.03%) of cases respectively. Endometritis was detected in 20(7.22%), while Tuberculous (TB) endometritis was reported in 3(1.08%) of cases only. Inconclusive and inadequate sample was reported in 30 (10.83%) and 34 (12.27%) of cases respectively. Endometrial polyp was associated with 40-49 years of age (OR= 12.56, 95% CI: 2.58-61.23).ConclusionsEndometrial polyp was the commonest histopathologic finding followed by proliferative and secretory endometrium respectively. Rate of sample inadequacy is higher than most of the study reports which mandates to improve sampling technique to increase sample adequacy and routine transvaginal ultrasound for endometrial evaluation especially for those postmenopausal women to decide the necessity of endometrial sampling.
The relict ecosystem ofGymnosporia senegalensis(Lam.) Loes. in an agricultural plastic sea: past, present and future scenarios
Authors: Mendoza-Fernández Antonio J. , Martínez-Hernández Fabián , Salmerón-Sánchez Esteban , Pérez-García Francisco J. , Teruel Blas , Merlo Encarna , Mota Juan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGymnosporia senegalensisis a shrub belonging to theCelastraceaefamily, which is native to tropical savannahs. Its only European populations are distributed discontinuously along the south-eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, forming plant communities with great ecological value, unique in Europe. As it is an endangered species that makes up plant communities with great palaeoecological significance, the development of species distribution models is of major interest under different climatic scenarios, past, present and future, based on the fact that the climate could play a relevant role in the distribution of this species as well as in the conformation of the communities in which it is integrated. Palaeoecological models were generated for the Maximum Interglacial, Last Maximum Glacial and Middle Holocene periods. The results obtained showed that the widest distribution of this species, and the maximum suitability of its habitat, occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum, when the temperatures of the peninsular southeast were not as contrasting as those of the rest of the European continent and were favored by higher rainfall. Under these conditions, large territories could act as shelters during the glacial period, a hypothesis reflected in the model’s results for this period, which exhibit a further expansion ofG. senegalensis’ ecological niche. The future projection of models in around 2070, for four Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) according to the fifth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC, showed that the most favorable areas for this species would be Campo de Dalias (southern portion of Almeria province) as it presents the bioclimatic characteristics of greater adjustment toG. senegalensis’ ecological niche model. Currently, these areas are almost totally destroyed and heavily altered by intensive agriculture under plastic, also causing a severe fragmentation of the habitat, which implies a prospective extinction scenario in the near future.
A Mathematical Model of Exploration and Exploitation in Natural Scene Viewing
Authors: Malem-Shinitski Noa , Opper Manfred , Reich Sebastian , Schwetlick Lisa , Seelig Stefan A. , Engbert Ralf 
Published: April 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the decision process underlying gaze control is an important question in cognitive neuroscience with applications in diverse fields ranging from psychology to computer vision. The decision for choosing an upcoming saccade target can be framed as a dilemma: Should the observer further exploit the information near the current gaze position or continue with exploration of other patches within the given scene? While several models attempt to describe the dynamics of saccade target selection, none of them explicitly addresses the underlying Exploration–Exploitation dilemma. Here we propose and investigate a mathematical model motivated by the Exploration–Exploitation dilemma in scene viewing. The model is derived from a minimal set of assumptions that generates realistic eye movement behavior. We implemented a Bayesian approach for model parameter inference based on the model’s likelihood function. In order to simplify the inference, we applied data augmentation methods that allowed the use of conjugate priors and the construction of an efficient Gibbs sampler. This approach turned out to be numerically efficient and permitted fitting interindividual differences in saccade statistics. Thus, the main contribution of our modeling approach is two–fold; first, we propose a new model for saccade generation in scene viewing. Second, we demonstrate the use of novel methods from Bayesian inference in the field of scan path modeling.Author summaryThe Exploration–Exploitation dilemma is general concept that has been investigated in human information processing. We investigate whether the Exploration–Exploitation trade–off is a viable approach to model sequences of fixations generated by a human observer in a free viewing task with natural scenes. Variants of the basic model are used to predict to the experimental data based on Bayesian inference. Results indicate a high predictive power for both aggregated data and individual differences across observers. The combination of a novel model with state-of-the-art Bayesian methods lends support to the Exploration–Exploitation framework in the field of eye-movement research.
Novel Deep Learning Methodology for Automated Classification of Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma Using a Small Radiographic Dataset
Authors: Prince Eric , Whelan Ros , Mirsky David M. , Hankinson Todd C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractModern Deep Learning (DL) networks routinely achieve classification accuracy superior to human experts, leveraging scenarios with vast amounts of training data. Community focus has now seen a shift towards the design of accurate classifiers for scenarios with limited training data. Such an example is the uncommon pediatric brain tumor, Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngioma (ACP). Recent work has demonstrated the efficacy of Transfer Learning (TL) and novel loss functions for the training of DL networks in limited data scenarios. This work describes a DL approach utilizing TL and a state-of-the-art custom loss function for predicting ACP diagnosis from radiographic data, achieving performance (CT AUPR=0.99±0.01, MRI AUPR=0.99±0.02) superior to reported human performance (0.87).
Do Weather Temperature and Median-age affect COVID-19 Transmission?
Authors: Elabdeen Kassem Aly Zein 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt was observed that the coldest countries and the eldest in terms of median-age were most distressed by COVID-19 pandemic, while the warmest countries and that have younger-aged population were the least affected. Therefore, this study utilized the non-linear least squares method to estimate the impact of weather temperatures and median age on COVID-19 cases per million in thirty-nine countries divided into two groups. The first group composed of twenty-four countries that announced the first COVID-19 case in January 2020, while the second group contains fifteen countries that witnessed the pandemic for the first time in February of the same year. The study revealed some major findings, which are: COVID-19 cases per million were not significantly affected by weather temperature or the median age in “January-group” countries (after 72.67 days on average), while COVID-19 cases per million increased significantly by decreasing temperatures, and increasing the median age in case of “February-group” countries (after an average of 44.80 days). This means that weather temperature and median age may influence the transmission rates of COVID-19 in its early stages, while weather temperature or median age no longer have effects in the advanced stages of the pandemic.
Links between air pollution and COVID-19 in England
Authors: Travaglio Marco , Yu Yizhou , Popovic Rebeka , Selley Liza , Leal Nuno Santos , Martins Luis Miguel 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTIn December 2019, a novel disease, coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), emerged in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) presumed to have jumped species from another mammal to humans. This virus has caused a rapidly spreading global pandemic. To date, thousands of cases of COVID-19 have been reported in England, and over 25,000 patients have died. While progress has been achieved in managing this disease, the factors in addition to age that affect the severity and mortality of COVID-19 have not been clearly identified. Recent studies of COVID-19 in several countries identified links between air pollution and death rates. Here, we explored potential links between major air pollutants related to fossil fuels and SARS-CoV-2 mortality in England. We compared current SARS-CoV-2 cases and deaths recorded in public databases to both regional and subregional air pollution data monitored at multiple sites across England. We show that the levels of multiple markers of poor air quality, including nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, are associated with increased numbers of COVID-19-related deaths across England, after adjusting for population density. We expanded our analysis using individual-level data from the UK Biobank and showed that particulate matter contributes to increased infectivity. We also analysed the relative contributions of individual fossil fuel sources on key air pollutant levels. The levels of some air pollutants are linked to COVID-19 cases and adverse outcomes. This study provides a useful framework to guide health policies in countries affected by this pandemic.
Synthesis and characterization of ZA-27/SiC nanocomposites and study of its anticorrosion performance in a 3.5% NaCl medium
Authors: Hayajneh Mohammed T. , Almomani Mohammed Ali , Alelaumi Shrouq M. 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of incorporating SiC nanoparticles into ZA-27 alloy on the corrosion behavior of the produced nanocomposites.

Design/methodology/approach
The nanocomposites were fabricated by a double-step stir casting technique. The corrosion behavior of the produced ZA-27 nanocomposites was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization test in a 3.5% NaCl medium. The surfaces of the fabricated metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) before and after corrosion tests were imaged and analyzed using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the microstructure of the produced MMNCs and morphology of its surface before and after corrosion.

Findings
The corrosion test results reveal that the fabricated nanocomposites have an improved uniform corrosion resistance when compared with the corresponding monolithic matrix alloy. On the other hand, the base monolithic alloy is less susceptible to the pitting phenomenon than the nanocomposites. The electrochemical results are consistent with the pits morphology of the corroded MMNCs.

Originality/value
This study highlights the use of SiC nano-particulates for controlling of ZA alloy corrosion behavior and enhancing its anti-corrosion characteristics which will open a new route for industrial applications. The corrosion behavior of ZA-27 alloy-based composite reinforced with different weight fractions of nano-SiC particles have an improved uniform corrosion behavior as compared with the corresponding matrix alloy.
Enablers of halal food purchase among Muslim consumers in an emerging economy: an interpretive structural modeling approach
Authors: Khan Waseem , Akhtar Asif , Ansari Saghir Ahmad , Dhamija Aruna 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThis study aims at identifying a set of determinants that affect halal food purchase intention and measures the relative ranks of these determinants in purchasing halal food among Muslim consumers in India.Design/methodology/approachInterpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach has been employed in the research, which is an expert opinion-based approach. The opinions of experienced academicians and marketing professionals have been recorded for reaching to the conclusions. Matrice d' impacts croises multiplication appliqué an classement (MICMAC) analysis has also been applied to examine the driving and dependent power of these determinants.FindingsDriver power–dependence matrix reveals that although knowledge of halal and attitude are weak drivers, yet they are strongly dependent upon other determinants. These two variables are at the top of the ISM digraph hierarchy. Food safety and halal labeling have strong driving power, as well as strong dependence. Three determinants, namely brand origin, religiosity and price, have strong driving powers and weak dependence. These variables lay at the bottom level of the ISM model.Practical implicationsThis study provides a better understanding of the determinants of halal food purchase intention. This will help the marketers for making appropriate and effective product design and other marketing strategies suited to the needs of the consumer.Originality/valueThis is the first study that examines the interrelationships between determinants and relative rank of these determinants in halal food purchase, using ISM approach and MICMAC analysis.
Attitudes toward food fraud in Israel and Germany
Authors: Levy Inna , Kerschke-Risch Pamela 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe current research focused on attitudes toward food fraud (AFF) and examined the impact of types of food fraud, gender differences, and country of residence.Design/methodology/approachA convenience sample of German (n = 151) and Israeli (n = 496) participants was recruited through an online survey. They filled out a sociodemographic questionnaire and AFF scale, which includes three subscales: organic fraud, kosher fraud, and spraying fraud.FindingsThe results indicate that there is a significant effect of type of fraud, country of residence, and gender. German participants expressed more negative attitudes toward organic food fraud and less negative attitudes toward kosher fraud than Israeli participants. Women expressed more negative attitudes toward organic and kosher food frauds than men.Originality/valueThis study offers insight into cross-cultural and gender differences in attitudes toward food fraud. The findings suggest that public attitudes toward food fraud represent not just severity of possible consequences, but also environmental and religious aspects of consumption, norms and culture.
Evaluation of the shelf-life extension and sensory properties of mahewu–A non-alcoholic fermented beverage by adding Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) powder
Authors: Mashau Mpho Edward , Jideani Afam Israel Obiefuna , Maliwichi Lucy Lynn 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effect of adding Aloe vera powder (AVP) in the production of mahewu with the aim of determining its shelf-life and sensory qualities.Design/methodology/approachMahewu was produced at home (Sample B) and in the laboratory (Sample C) using a standard home-made procedure with the addition of AVP. A control mahewu (Sample A) was produced without AVP. Shelf-life was determined by following the chemical, microbiological, physical properties at 36 ± 2 °C for 60 days and the sensory properties of the products were also evaluated.FindingsPhysicochemical analysis revealed decreases in pH ranging between 3.3 and 2.4 from day 15–60 days of storage in all three samples. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in titratable acidity (0.2–1.8%) of all mahewu samples during storage. Total soluble solids were different amongst the samples from day 15 to day 60. The colour of the products was significantly different (p = 0.05) with respect to L*, a* and b* throughout the storage period. Microbiological results revealed an increase in coliforms bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast during storage. Sensory analysis showed that the control mahewu was more preferred than AVP added mahewu.Practical implicationsThe study may help small-scale brewers to increase the shelf-life of mahewu.Originality/valueResults of this study showed that the addition of AVP extended shelf-life of mahewu up to 15 days at 36 ± 2 °C.
Impact of career shocks on Indian MBA careers: an exploratory study
Authors: Nair Vivek G. , Chatterjee Leena 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe study explores career shocks in the Indian context and examines their impact on the career development of people with MBAs.Design/methodology/approachIn-depth, semi-structured interviews with 41 Indian MBA graduates were thematically analysed to identify career shocks that resulted in different types of transitions. Eight themes were identified based on ongoing and iterative comparison of these instances.FindingsOutcomes relating to competitive examinations that determined entry into various occupations were the first career shock experienced by participants. Geographical considerations were salient in the deliberations involving events relating to marriage, eldercare and spouse relocation. Events at the workplace that signalled uncertainty, a fall-out with one's boss or a request to relocate, prompted participants to switch employers. Some of the observed differences were gender based. While female MBA graduates adapted to handle both spousal and parental responsibilities, male MBA graduates did the same to shoulder eldercare responsibilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study's retrospective design could have led to concerns regarding memory recall. The use of open-ended questions partially mitigated this, by giving participants the freedom to recount their experiences, to the extent that they could remember.Practical implicationsOrganisations in India could customise and strengthen policies to support employees who have maternity and eldercare responsibilities. Managers should make greater efforts to have open communication with their subordinates to overcome the challenges of operating in a culture with high power distance and indirect communication styles.Originality/valueThis study explored different types of career shocks and associated transitions. The Indian context, with its growing economy, large population, collectivistic culture and strong influence of family on careers, enabled a deeper examination of novel career shocks. The study also highlighted the dissimilar impact of career shocks for men and women and people at different career stages.
The influence of the tax system on the location of holding companies in Spain
Authors: Cardenas Cardenas Gilberto , Gámez Sofía García , Suarez Álvaro Salas 
Published: April 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this article is to determine the influence of the tax system on the location of holding companies in Spain.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this purpose, we have used an analysis of cointegration in time series. The independent variable used was the number of holding companies under Régimen de Entidades de Tenencia de Valores Extranjeros Spanish regime. The dependent variables were divided into two groups: fiscal and non-fiscal variables. The dependent fiscal variables are effective tax rate and double taxation convention, whereas the non-fiscal dependent variables are government effectiveness and business freedom.

Findings
The study concludes that the fiscal variables are relevant to establish a holding company in Spain, but there are other variables such as government effectiveness and business freedom that show as well as influence on the location of holding companies.

Originality/value
In the year 2015, the article The influence of the tax system on the location of holding companies in Switzerland was published in the Competitiveness Review. In this article, the influence of taxation on the decision to locate a holding company in Switzerland was analyzed. Now that the Spanish holding regime is consolidated, thanks to more than twenty years of application in our tax legislation, we consider it important to carry out an analysis of the influence of taxation in the decision to locate a holding company in our country. As already mentioned in the article published in 2015, the study of the taxation of holding companies is a topic related more to law firms and/or tax advisors than to academic research, and it is for this reason that there are few empirical studies on this topic. Hence, the research developed in this paper is important.