bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overview of the Interplay Between Cell Wall Integrity Signaling Pathways and Membrane Lipid Biosynthesis in Fungi: Perspectives forAspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Fabri João Henrique T.M. , Rocha Marina C. , Malavazi Iran 
Published: July 2019

:The cell wall (CW) and plasma membrane are fundamental structures that define cell shape and support different cellular functions. In pathogenic fungi, such as Aspegillus fumigatus, they not only play structural roles but are also important for virulence and immune recognition. Both the CW and the plasma membrane remain as attractive drug targets to treat fungal infections, such as the Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA), a disease associated with high morbimortality in immunocompromised individuals. The low efficiency of echinocandins that target the fungal CW biosynthesis, the occurrence of environmental isolates resistant to azoles such as voriconazole and the known drawbacks associated with amphotericin toxicity foster the urgent need for fungal-specific drugable targets and/or more efficient combinatorial therapeutic strategies. Reverse genetic approaches in fungi unveil that perturbations of the CW also render cells with increased susceptibility to membrane disrupting agents and vice-versa. However, how the fungal cells simultaneously cope with perturbation in CW polysaccharides and cell membrane proteins to allow morphogenesis is scarcely known. Here, we focus on current information on how the main signaling pathways that maintain fungal cell wall integrity, such as the Cell Wall Integrity and the High Osmolarity Glycerol pathways, in different species often cross-talk to regulate the synthesis of molecules that comprise the plasma membrane, especially sphingolipids, ergosterol and phospholipids to promote functioning of both structures concomitantly and thus, cell viability. We propose that the conclusions drawn from other organisms are the foundations to point out experimental lines that can be endeavored in A. fumigatus.
In Silico Screening Reveals Histone Deacetylase 7 and ERK1/2 as Potential Targets for Artemisinin Dimer and Artemisinin Dimer Hemisuccinate
Authors: Ishola Ahmed A. , Adewole Kayode E. 
Published: July 2019

Background:
Recent studies have observed overexpression of histone deacetylase 7
(HDAC7) and overactivity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in many tumors;
therefore, pharmacological interventions to inhibit overexpression of HDAC7 and overactivity of
ERK1/2 in cancerous cells holds great promise in cancer treatment. The promising anticancer
properties of artemisinin and artemisinin-derivatives (ARTs) have been validated by various experimental
reports, including advanced pre-clinical trials.

Objective:
Our aim in this in silico study is to identify additional inhibitors of HDAC7, ERK1 and
ERK2 as potential anticancer drug agents and provide insight into the molecular level of interactions
of such ligands relative to known standards.

Methods:
To achieve this aim, the binding affinities of ulixertinib (the standard ERK inhibitor),
apicidin (the standard HDAC7 inhibitor) as well as 49 ARTs for HDAC7, ERK1 and ERK2 were
evaluated using AutodockVina. The molecular binding interactions of compounds with remarkable
binding affinity for all the 3 target proteins, relative to their respective standards, were viewed with
Discovery Studio Visualizer, BIOVIA, 2016.

Results:
Out of the 49 ARTs, our study identified 2 compounds, artemisinin dimer and artemisinin
dimer hemisuccinate, as having higher binding affinities for all the target proteins compared to
their respective standard inhibitors.

Conclusion:
These findings suggest that artemisinin dimer and artemisinin dimer hemisuccinate
could be promising anticancer drug agents, with better therapeutic efficacy than ulixertinib and
apicidin for the treatment of cancer via inhibition of HDAC7, ERK1 and ERK2.
Nanoliposomal Encapsulation Enhances In Vivo Anti-Tumor Activity of Niclosamide against Melanoma
Authors: Hatamipour Mahdi , Jaafari Mahmoud R. , Momtazi-Borojeni Amir A. , Ramezani Mahin , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: July 2019

Background:
Niclosamide is an FDA-approved and old anti-helminthic drug used to treat parasitic
infections. Recent studies have shown that niclosamide has broad anti-tumor effects relevant to the treatment of
cancer. However, this drug has a low aqueous solubility hindering its systemic use. Herein, we report the preparation
and characterization of niclosamide nanoliposomes and their in vivo anti-tumor effects.

Methods:
Nanoliposomes were prepared using thin-film method and the drug was encapsulated with a remote
loading method. The nanoliposomes were investigated by the observation of morphology, analysis of particle
size and zeta potential. Additionally, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed using HPLC. We
assessed the in vitro cytotoxicity of the nanoliposomal niclosamide on B16F10 melanoma cells. Inhibition of
tumor growth was investigated in C57BL/6 mice bearing B16F0 melanoma cancer.

Results:
Analytical results indicated that the nanoliposomal system is a homogeneous and stable colloidal dispersion
of niclosamide particles. Atomic force microscopy images and particle size analysis revealed that all
niclosamide particles had a spherical shape with a diameter of approximately 108nm. According to in vitro and
in vivo studies, nanoliposomal niclosamide exhibited a better anti-tumor activity against B16F10 melanoma
tumor compared with free niclosamide.

Conclusion:
Nanoliposomal encapsulation enhanced the aqueous solubility of niclosamide and improved its
anti-tumor properties.
Dehydroandrographolide Inhibits Osteosarcoma Cell Growth and Metastasis by Targeting SATB2-mediated EMT
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Fan Yonggang , Xie Jing , Zhang Li , Li Lihua , Wang Zhenyuan 
Published: July 2019

Background:The 12-hydroxy-14-dehydroandrographolide (DP) is a predominant component of the traditional herbal medicine Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae). Recent studies have shown that DP exhibits potent anti-cancer effects against oral and colon cancer cells.Objective:This investigation examined the potential effects of DP against osteosarcoma cell.Methods:A cell analyzer was used to measure cell viability. The cell growth and proliferation were performed by Flow cytometry and BrdU incorporation assay. The cell migration and invasion were determined by wound healing and transwell assay. The expression of EMT related proteins was examined by Western blot analysis.Results:In this study, we found that DP treatment repressed osteosarcoma (OS) cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. DP treatment significantly inhibited OS cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at G2/M phase. In addition, DP treatment effectively inhibited the migration and invasion abilities of OS cells through wound healing and Transwell tests. Mechanistic studies revealed that DP treatment effectively rescued the epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT), while forced expression of SATB2 in OS cells markedly reversed the pharmacological effect of DP on EMT.Conclusion:Our data demonstrated that DP repressed OS cell growth through inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle arrest; DP also inhibited metastatic capability of OS cells through a reversal of EMT by targeting SATB2. These findings demonstrate DP’s potential as a therapeutic drug for OS treatment.
Synthesis, Structure and Luminescence Characterization of Erbium Doped Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles by Precipitation Method
Authors: Gitty Pooja , Kailasnath Madanan , Nampoori Vadakkedathu Parameswaran Narayanan 
Published: July 2019

Introduction:
Hydroxyapatite, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2, a ceramic material is the major
inorganic component in bones and teeth of animals and humans. Although erbium is one of
the prominent representative elements among the lanthanides, erbium doped hydroxyapatite
has not been studied to a greater extent. This study reports the synthesis of erbium
doped hydroxyapatite using the simple precipitation method and its structural and optical
properties.

Objective:
The primary objective of this study was to synthesize erbium doped hydroxyapatite
and to study the structural and optical properties.

Materials and Methods:
Nanocrystalline erbium doped hydroxyapatite was successfully
prepared using simple precipitation method. Average particle size of the synthesized particle
was around 8-10 nm.

Results:
The typical absorption spectra of the erbium doped hydroxyapatite sample shows
almost well defined peaks of the erbium ions. The absorption bands were observed at 360
nm, 373 nm, 448 nm, 490 nm, 524 nm and at 653 nm. The photoluminescence spectrum
showed the presence of a green band at 550 nm and a red band which peaked at 750 nm.

Conclusion:
Spherical shaped nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2 substituted
with Erbium(III) were obtained using precipitation method. The synthesized Er3+ doped
hydroxyapatite can be used for biophotonic applications, which exploits their exquisite optical
properties and infrared imaging and several other therapeutic applications.
Methods for Estimating the Actual Size of Defects Based on the Lengths of Their Frontal Images
Authors: Davydov M. N. , Lipatova A. P. , Tkachenko Yu. S. 
Published: July 2019

Purpose of research. The present paper concerns the close analysis of detecting the sizes of defects and ways of their identification. The aim is to solve the problem of rational choice of equipment, which will make it possible to fully, clearly and reliably judge the quality of the product. This is important because, depending on the material of the product, the resulting defect sizes may vary.Methods. For this purpose, this article discusses a method for determining the actual size of defects’ images in ultrasonic control of export oil pump cases made of 20GL steel grade using a flaw detector with digital-focused antenna arrays. The paper describes the main differences in the configuration of equipment that uses different techniques of image restoration, and the feasibility of applying multi-channel sensors for the control of this type parts. The design of the antenna array and phased antenna array has been considered as well as the principle of operation of sensors with phased array antenna and digital phased array antenna. The study of the cast body of export oil pump has been completed, during which defects such as “microporosity” was found. There have been identified their maximum permissible front distances and the formula to determine their actual size has been deduced. The dependence of frontal sizes of defect images on the depth of their occurrence in the product has been considered.Results. According to the obtained data, a graph of dependence of the frontal size of a defect image on the depth of occurrence has been constructed. Using this graph, it is possible to determine the maximum permissible sizes of defect images for intermiary depth, excluding calculations, which confirms the economic efficiency in the analysis of the control results using this method.Conclusion. The authors substantiate the feasibility of using equipment with phased array antenna and digital phased array antenna.
Study of the Process of Generation of Thermoelectricity in Low Grade Heat Recovery of Waste Gases
Authors: Ezhov V. S. , Semicheva N. E. , Burtsev A. P. , Zenchenkov V. I. , Ermakov D. A. 
Published: July 2019

Purpose of research.The purpose of the study is to develop an experimental design of an integrated air heater, conduct and analyze experiments as well as to determine the main characteristics of a thermoelectric generator in low-grade heat recovery of waste gases.Methods. The experimental unit consists of two blocks – a thermoelectric generator operating on the principle of cross heat exchange for heat recovery with concurrent heating of the incoming air, which is supplied as a mixture to the burner device of the boiler unit; and an adsorber block filled with blast furnace slag for cleaning the waste gases from nitrogen, sulphur and carbon oxides. To achieve these goals, the work is based on the proposed thermoelectricity effect, which works on the principle of converting thermal energy into electricity at a temperature difference between hot and cold junctions in thermoelectric sections consisting of two metals different in their electronegativity. At the same time, in an integrated air heater, the intensification of the process of adsorption of harmful components by granulated blast furnace slag takes place, which reduces the heat content and temperature of waste gases, reduces emissions of flue gases and, as a result, increases environmental safety of the area adjacent to the boiler. In particular, the study of countercurrent heat exchange in the design of the thermoelectric generator was carried out.Results.The main result of the research work is the development of an experimental design of an integrated air heater, an experimental technique and the determination of the main characteristics of the thermoelectricity generation process.Conclusion.The use of such an integrated air heater can improve the efficiency of heat-generating units of low, medium and high power installed in the central heating stations, multi-family and single-family houses. The gained electric power with the subsequent transformation can be used for power supply of automatiс equipment of boilers of low, medium and high power, and for power supply of the stations of cathodic protection against electrochemical corrosion of back-end surfaces formed as a result of the presence of water vapors in waste gases.
Load Lifting in the Exoskeleton with Gravity Compensation
Authors: Yatsun S. F. , Antipov V. M. , Karlov A. Ye. , Al Manji Hamil Hamed M. 
Published: July 2019

Purpose of research. Currently, exoskeletons are getting widespread use. They enhance human capabilities in terms of ease of movement, carrying loads and different types of activities that require considerable effort. Especially effective are those exoskeletons that make it possible to make complex types of movement of both for the lower and upper limbs, which significantly expands the capabilities of a person when performing loading and unloading operations. Relatively recently, they have started the development of exoskeletons which use the elements of gravity compensation. Therfore, the study of energy costs in the process of load lifting and the study of gravitational compensators influence on the magnitude of moments made by the electric drives of the femoral and knee joints, is relevant and is revealed in this paper.Methods. Methods of system analysis, design of biotechnical systems, control theory, theory of mechanisms and machines, methods of mathematical modeling of dynamic systems, methods of optimal planning and design were used to solve the problems. Mathematical packages Matlab/Simulink were used to make software products.Results. The study shows that the use of gravity compensators can significantly reduce the load on electrodrives. The movement of load is due to the operation of engines located in the area of ankle, knee and thigh joints. Since the movement of the exoskeleton occurs in the sagittal plane during load lifting, the position of the exoskeleton links in space is determined by four independent parameters.Conclusion. The mathematical model of load lifting by a man in an exoskeleton has been developed. Mathematical modeling of the process of load lifting with the help of exoskeleton electric drives has been made. A special attention is paid to the study of gravitational compensators influence on the magnitude of moments created by the electric drives of femoral and knee joints. It shows that the use of gravity compensators can significantly reduce the load on electric drives. Also, the study of energy costs in the process of load lifting has been conducted.
A Test of Feasibility and Acceptability of Online Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Women and Men at Risk for High Stress: Pilot Study
Authors: Jabson Tree Jennifer M , Patterson Joanne Gayle 
Published: July 2019

Background
In conservative and rural areas, where antidiscrimination laws do not exist, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people are at risk for excess stress arising from discrimination. Stress-reducing interventions delivered via innovative channels to overcome access barriers are needed.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of online mindfulness-based stress reduction (OMBSR) with LGB people in Appalachian Tennessee at high risk for stress.

Methods
In 2 pilot studies involving pre-post test designs, participants completed 8 weeks of OMBSR, weekly activity logs, semistructured interviews, and surveys of perceived and minority stress.

Results
Overall, 24 LGB people enrolled in the study and 17 completed OMBSR. In addition, 94% completed some form of mindfulness activities daily, including meditation. Participants enjoyed the program and found it easy to use. Perceived stress (Cohen, perceived stress scale-10) decreased by 23% in women (mean 22.73 vs mean 17.45; t10=3.12; P=.01) and by 40% in men (mean 19.83 vs mean 12.00; t5=3.90; P=.01) between baseline and postprogram. Women demonstrated a 12% reduction in overall minority stress (Balsam, Daily Experiences with Heterosexism Questionnaire) from baseline to 12-week follow-up (mean 1.87 vs mean 1.57; t10=4.12; P=.002). Subscale analyses indicated that women’s stress due to vigilance and vicarious trauma decreased by 21% and 20%, respectively.

Conclusions
OMBSR may be a useful tool to help LGB people reduce general and minority-specific stress in socially conservative regions lacking antidiscrimination policies.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF PRESS COATED TABLETS OF LANSOPRAZOLE
Authors: D Prasanthi , S PRASHANTI. , G MEGHANA 
Published: July 2019

Objective: Lansoprazole an proton pump inhibitor, degrades in acidic environment, hence protection of drug is done by coating the drug with enteric coating polymers. The aim and objective of the present study was to prepare enteric coated delayed release tablets of lansoprazole by using press coating technique.
Methods: Core tablets were prepared by direct compression and evaluated for their physico-chemical properties. Press coated tablets were formulated by using different combinations of ethyl cellulose, HPMC E15 and HPMC K4M as a coating layer. Core and coated tablets were optimized by dissolution studies. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies were performed to know the compatibility of drug with various excipients. Surface morphology and uniformity of coat was evaluated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stability of optimized formulation was evaluated according to ICH guidelines.
Results: Among the various formulations F5 containing ethyl cellulose: HPMC E15 (10:90) and F9 containing ethyl cellulose: HPMC K4M (25:75) were optimized based on the better drug release within 8 h. DSC studies and FTIR studies revealed compatibility of drug with excipients. Obtained SEM photographs of tablets showed that the surface of core tablet is uniformly coated with coat by press coating. Stability studies showed that the formulations were stable.
Conclusion: As a result, delayed release press coated tablets developed in this study delivered lansoprazole in the intestine and protected the drug from degradation.
Corpografías divergentes: las ciudades deseadas y las prohibidas en las experiencias travestis (Brasil)
Authors: De Souza Nascimento Silvana 
Published: July 2019

Mediante pesquisas etnográficas realizadas en dos regiones de Brasil —São Paulo y Paraíba—, este artículo reflexiona sobre las maneras en que travestis y mujeres transexuales se hacen presentes en distintos espacios urbanos y cómo construyen formas de resistencia ante las adversidades de los modelosde la ciudad moderna y las múltiples formas de violencias de las que son víctimas. Su presencia en calles, avenidas, aceras y plazas de los medios urbanos no solo desafía reglas heteronormativas, sino ideas de espacio público, prácticas sexuales, corporeidades y géneros. A partir de experiencias urbanas diversas, hay un proyecto de transformación corporal y de movilidad social común que se inscribe en una imbricación intensiva entre cuerpo trans y ciudad, produciendo procesos de desterritorialización y reterritorialización.
Macroeconomic stability as the condition for Bulgaria to join the euro area
Authors: Moździerz Anna 
Published: July 2019

Research background: The subject of research is the macroeconomic situation of Bulgaria in the context of the country's preparations for joining the euro area. In 2018, the Bulgarian government approved a plan of preparations covering the period until the end of June 2019, which assumes that the country will join the ERM II mechanism in July 2019, and the euro area on 1 January 2022. Bulgaria meets four nominal convergence criteria regarding inflation, long-term interest rate, budget deficit and public debt. The national currency is pegged to the euro under the currency board arrangement. Despite this, the implementation of this optimistic scenario may be difficult because since the 2007 crisis, the European institutions pay more attention to macroeconomic stability and the sustainability of convergence.
Purpose of the article: The aim of the article is to identify the factors destabilising macroeconomic equilibrium in Bulgaria, which are a potential obstacle to the adoption of the euro by Bulgaria on schedule.
Methods: The research was based on the changes in selected macroeconomic indicators, as well as on the method used by the European Commission to detect macroeconomic imbalances. The observation and analysis covered the 2007?2018 period.
Findings & Value added: The research results indicate that the low level of socio-economic convergence of Bulgaria and macroeconomic imbalances may delay its membership in the monetary union. Therefore, while respecting the country's aspirations to join the euro area, one cannot ignore the risk of another destabilisation of the euro area.
IoT Sensing Networks for Gait Velocity Measurement
Authors: Chou Jyun-Jhe , Shih Chi-Sheng , Wang Wei-Dean , Huang Kuo-Chin 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Gait velocity has been considered the sixth vital sign. It can be used not only to estimate the survival rate of the elderly, but also to predict the tendency of falling. Unfortunately, gait velocity is usually measured on a specially designed walk path, which has to be done at clinics or health institutes. Wearable tracking services using an accelerometer or an inertial measurement unit can measure the velocity for a certain time interval, but not all the time, due to the lack of a sustainable energy source. To tackle the shortcomings of wearable sensors, this work develops a framework to measure gait velocity using distributed tracking services deployed indoors. Two major challenges are tackled in this paper. The first is to minimize the sensing errors caused by thermal noise and overlapping sensing regions. The second is to minimize the data volume to be stored or transmitted. Given numerous errors caused by remote sensing, the framework takes into account the temporal and spatial relationship among tracking services to calibrate the services systematically. Consequently, gait velocity can be measured without wearable sensors and with higher accuracy. The developed method is built on top of WuKong, which is an intelligent IoT middleware, to enable location and temporal-aware data collection. In this work, we present an iterative method to reduce the data volume collected by thermal sensors. The evaluation results show that the file size is up to 25% of that of the JPEG format when the RMSE is limited to 0.5◦.