bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high conservation value analysis of ecotourism areas: A case study in Tanah Laut, South Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Meldayanoor  , Hatta G M , Nugroho A , Hidayat A S
Published: February 2022

Ecotourism is responsible travel to conserve the environment, reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve the welfare of local communities. Ecotourism is not just an ordinary tourist activity, but a combination of various interests that grow out of concern for the environment and cannot be separated from conservation values. This study aims to analyze the high conservation value of ecotourism areas. Data analysis using general guidelines for the identification of high conservation values by direct observation in the field, interviews, filling out questionnaires, and the stages of activities carried out include landscape, fauna aspect assessment, flora aspect assessment, social, economic, and cultural aspect assessment, criteria and sub-criteria assessment conservation. The results showed conservation assessment in each ecotourism area has various criteria depending on the physical condition of the area and the designation/function of the area for the life of flora and fauna as well as to meet the needs of the community. The conservation assessment of ecotourism areas in Tanah Laut Regency is included in the criteria for HCV 2, HCV 4, HCV 5, and HCV 6, which are classified as areas that have natural species, areas that are important as water providers, erosion, and flood control, areas that are important for meeting needs local communities and areas that are important for the cultural identity of local communities.
Analysis of soil erosion and its relationships with land use/cover in Tabunio watershed
Authors: Nurlina  , Kadir S , Kurnain A , Ilham W , Ridwan I
Published: February 2022

Erosion is detrimental to the health of the watershed exclusively in the upstream area of the watershed because it causes a lack of soil fertility because of being carried away by water, while in the downstream, it will reduce the river’s capacity due to sediment deposits. This research aims to determine the annual rate of soil erosion and its relation to land cover using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE). Factors needed by RUSLE in estimating erosion include rain erosivity (R), Soil erodibility (K) length and slope (LS), land cover processing factor (CP), and the value of 0,61 as correction factors. We classify the result shows that the erosion rate in Tabunio watershed into five erosion classes, ranging from very light to very heavy classes. The erosion rate in the Tabunio watershed ranged from 0,000158 tons ha-1 year-1 to 9.453,6 tons ha-1 year-1. Very mild erosion occurred in 59.06% of the total area, mild erosion covered 18,80%, while moderate erosion occurred in an area 7,78%, the level of heavy erosion covers an area of 8,15%, while very heavy erosion occurred in an area of 6,21% of the total area of the Tabunio watershed. Forest dominates the erosion rate in the very mild class, the light class until the hefty class is dominated by plantation followed by settlement and mine. From this research, it is known that land cover and land use do not significantly affect the rate of erosion.
Characterization, diversity, and effectiveness phosphate solubilizing bacteria from the soil and rhizosphere on the growth of Glycine max L. in greenhouse
Authors: Purwaningsih S , Sutisna E , Nugroho A A
Published: February 2022

The research was conducted to know the diversity, characterization, and effectiveness of phosphate solubilizing bacteria from the soil and rhizosphere on the growth of Glycine max L. in a greenhouse. The study aims to know the population, get the pure culture of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and obtain isolates potential of the soybean growth. Isolation was done in medium Pycosvkaya. The growth characteristic of pure culture was observed using Pikovskaya medium; the clear zone surrounding the colonies indicates that the phosphate in the medium was hydrolyzed. The experiment aimed to assess the potency of the Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria to increase the growth of Glycine max L, using sand media sterilized. The strain used selected; there were ten isolates used in this research. Parameters of the investigation were the dry weight of canopy, roots, root nodules, total plants, number of nodules, and “Symbiotic Capacity.” The highest population was found from the sample soil from the rhizosphere with Sechium edule plant. Forty-five gave of pure culture, wholly able to hydrolyzed phosphate. This study showed that the strain number of 9 BTLP(2) (isolate from Zea mays plant) had given the best results on the growth of Glycine max L.
Antibacterial activity of infused peel of kaffir lime, manurun banana, and pineapple against the number of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli colonies
Authors: Budiarti L Y , Yasmina A , Nurikwan P W , Prayudi M O S , Firisa M R , Kangsudarmanto Y
Published: February 2022

The rind of the citron (Citrus hytrix DC), manurun banana (Musaparadisiaca Linn), and pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merr) fruit contains antibacterial compounds of flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which have the potential to be used as alternative antiseptic ingredients. This study aimed to analyze the antibacterial activity of kaffir kaffir lime, manurun banana, and pineapple peel-infused water on the number ofStaphylococcus aureusandEscherichia colibacteria colonies. The research design used a post-test-only with control group design. The test treatments were an infusion of three types of fruit peel at concentrations of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, 70% alcohol, and distilled water. The results of the analysis of research data using the ANOVA test and Duncan’s post-hock test (0.05), showed that there were differences in the number of test bacteria in all the fruit peel infusions tested. The least number of bacteria was in the kaffir lime peel infusion treatment. The conclusion is that there are differences in the antibacterial activity of the infusion of the kaffir lime, manurun banana, and pineapple peel infused water on the number of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria colonies; 100% kaffir lime peel infused water had a better effect on reducing the number of tested bacterial colonies than other tested infusion treatments (p < 0.05).
The potency of culturable fungi from tidal and non-tidal swamplands in Indonesia
Authors: Susilowati D N , Widawati S , Suliasih  , Arrofaha N , Radiastuti N , Yuniarti E
Published: February 2022

Tidal and non tidal swamp land in Indonesia is a relatively large sub-optimal land resource and has not been used optimally for agricultural land due to various problems. Technological innovation for swamp land, especially for fertilization (biofertilizer) must pay attention to the indigenous microbial community, so that the application of biofertilizer can be effective. The aim of this research was to culturable fungal diversity and their potential of the tidal swamp soil in South Kalimantan and non tidal swamp soil in South Sumatra. The research was conducted in the Microbiology laboratory – ICABIOGRAD. Two samples were isolated from tidal and non tidal swamp soils in South Kalimantan and South Sumatra. Serial dilution methods and molecular identification were used to assess the diversity of fungal species. Production of IAA, siderophores, and ACC Deaminase was evaluated. Results showed there are 11 species consisting of Trichoderma asperellum KS.26.1, Penicillium sp. KS.26.2, T.asperellum KS.26.3, P.simplicissimum SS.27.1, P.janthinellum SS.27.2, Talaromyces calidicanius SS.27.3, P.citrioviride SS.27.4, P.citrioviride SS.27.5, P.citrioviride SS.27.1 PDA, P.citrioviride SS.27.2 PDA, P.citrioviride SS.27.3 PDA were identified from both tidal and non-tidal swamplands. Potential analysis showed that all fungal isolates were able to produce IAA, siderophores, and ACC Deaminase. The fungal diversity was higher in the non-tidal swampland than the tidal swampland as revealed by the differences in percentage occurrence of fungal species. There are potential indigenous fungal in the swampland to be used to improve productivity of the soils.
Characterization of PGPR isolated from rhizospheric soils of various plant and its effect on growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Agustiyani D , Purwaningsih S , Dewi TK , Nditasari A , Nugroho A A , Sutisna E , Mulyani N , Antonius S
Published: February 2022

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are commonly used as biofertilizers for agricultural crops. In addition, screening and selection of effective PGPR for a particular plant is necessary to meet plants specific need and condition. Present study was aimed to obtain PGPR isolates which are effective and compatible for Radish. A total of 15 PGPR isolates had been isolated from various plant roots and in vitro screening was done for different plant growth promotion activities. The result showed that 7 isolates were able to produce IAA at the range of 10.2-125.3 μg ml−1, 10 isolates were positive for phosphate solubilizing, 10 isolates had nitrogen fixing activities, 11 isolates were protease positive, 12 isolates were capable to produce ACC-deaminase enzyme, 7 isolates produced siderophore, 8 isolates produced HCN, and 9 isolates produced ammonia. The effect of 15 PGPR on Radish growth in the green house showed that all isolates had effects on increasing growth and tuber formation compared to control. Nine isolates significantly increased the wet weight shoot plants, the highest effect was reached by Kbm 10.3 isolate (168.5 g), while control only reached 81.5 g. Eight isolates had a significant effect on increasing tuber formation, the highest was Kbm 2.10 isolate (176 g), while control only reached 54.7 g. Kbm 10.3 and Kbm 2.10 isolates seemed to have the highest impact in promoting growth and tuber formation. Those two isolates were analyzed using 16s rDNA sequences, they have close evolutionary relationship with Bacillus megaterium (Kbm 2.10) and Paraburkholderia tropica (Kbm 10.3).
Characterization of plant growth promoting bacteria isolated from water in mangrove ecosystem
Authors: Widawati S , Suliasih  , Sugiharto A , Suyadi  , Sudiana I M
Published: February 2022

Mangrove is a unique and dynamic coastal ecosystem that is characterized by high salinity. It creates an ecological niche with varied environmental conditions and microbial communities, including Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria (NFB) and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), which have great potential as Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). The study aims to obtain isolates of indigenous bacteria in a varied saline environment of the mangrove ecosystem that has the characteristics to promote plant growth or potential as PGPB. The bacteria were isolated from the mangrove ecosystem, which is the water of brackish zone using specific media with total plate count (TPC) technique. Furthermore, the PGPB characterization was analyzed using nitrogenase, ACC-deaminase, cellulose, salinity, Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA), dissolved P, and phosphatase (PME-ase) indicators in triplicate. The results showed that water salinity and pH in the mangrove ecosystem ranged from 1.12 to 1.73 ppt and 6.56 to 7.44, respectively. Furthermore, the bacteria isolated from water in the mangrove ecosystem produced IAA (6 isolates), dissolved P, acid and alkaline PMEase (11 isolates), saline tolerance (33 isolates), cellulose (14 isolates), nitrogenase (18 isolates), and ACC-deaminase (2 isolates) activity. One of the isolates (AZT5.1) identified as Bacillus cereus has potential as PGPB with the value of IAA production (18.61 ppm), 1.1cm P halo zone dissolved, 569.45 ppm dissolved P, 11.2 μg/pnitrofenol g−
1h−1 acid, and 12.85 μg/pnitrofenol g−
1h−1 alkaline PME-ase production, 1.30 cm cellulose halo zone, saline tolerance, nitrogenase, and ACC-deaminase activity. Therefore, the PGPB from this bacterium was the highest compared to other isolates.
Screening of L-asparaginase-producing endophytic bacteria from mangrove Rhizophora mucronata
Authors: Nafisaturrahmah A , Susilowati A , Pangastuti A
Published: February 2022

L-asparaginase is an enzyme that converts L-asparagine to L-aspartate and ammonia. L-asparaginase is recommended as medical treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and other malignant cancers. Bacteria are the most effective source of L-asparaginase as they can easily be cultured so that the enzyme can be extracted and purified. The commercial L-asparaginase is now available from bacterial but has many side effects for the patients. Therefore, the alternative source of this enzyme is highly necessary to be explored for a more effective and safer future production of L-asparaginase. For this reason, this study was carried out to investigate the endophytic bacteria producing L-asparaginase from mangrove Rhizophora mucronata. The samples of the mangrove plants, i.e., roots, stems, and leaves, were surface sterilized with alcohol and sodium hypochlorite. Endophytic bacteria were screened for L-asparaginase production using the rapid plate assay on Minimal Salt Medium with L-Asparagine as a substrate. Asparaginase-producing endophytes were detected by a pink zone formation on the agar, indicating the hydrolysis of asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia, which changed the phenol red dye indicator from yellow (acidic conditions) to pink (alkaline conditions). The results revealed that out of the mangroves taken from the seaside, i.e., between sea and land, there were six bacterial colonies from the roots, 12 bacterial colonies from the stems, and 20 bacterial colonies from the leaves, each showing positive L-asparaginase. The isolated bacteria had varied colony morphology and different ability to produce the L-asparaginase enzyme.
Exploration, identification, and in vitro antagonism test of Trichoderma spp. against Ganoderma spp. at PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro palm oil plantation, Central Kalimantan
Authors: Saragih R , Simanjorang M , Angrelina I , Irvanto D , Retnosari E , Murgianto F , Ardianto A
Published: February 2022

Trichoderma spp. is one of the biocontrol agents that have important benefits for agriculture in Indonesia. Exploration is carried out at PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro Oil Palm Plantations in high yield blocks. This study aims to identify and determine the isolates of Trichoderma spp. and to find out its in vitro antagonism against Ganoderma spp. Morphological identification of Trichoderma spp. carried out using a trinocular microscope. There were six isolates analyzed based on internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS) in ribosomal DNA region using PCR technique with ITS 1 and ITS 4. The results of this research showed that Trichoderma spp. original from PT BGA Central Kalimantan has diverse characteristics. Sequencing analysis showed that six isolates were in one group with Trichoderma asperellum isolates T5 (Acc. No. MH809176), IIPR-80 (Acc. No. MK841018) and TV5 (Acc. No. MH393299). Based on the antagonism test, it was found that six isolates were able to inhibit the growth of Ganoderma spp. with an average percentage value is ≥50%.
Chemical properties of solo black garlic fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Setiyoningrum F , Priadi G , Afiati F
Published: February 2022

Several research report shown a fermentation could increase or produce a new compound in a material. Research of solo black garlic involved fermentation process of fresh garlic prior to aging process was limited. The aim of this research was to examine chemical properties of solo black garlic fermented in medium containing S. cerevisiae before its aged. The variance result shown that there was an interaction between fermentation and aging time on its antioxidant capacity, total flavonoids and total polyphenol significantly. The treatment of fermentation of fresh solo garlic in medium containing S. cerevisiae for 4 days and continued by aging for 21 days gave the best chemical properties on solo black garlic, with 95.88% of antioxidant capacity, 89.74 mg GAE/g of total flavonoid and 108.92 mg QE/g of total polyphenol. Comparing with control-without fermented by S. cerevisiae, those treatment gave a better chemical properties. Futhermore, profiling by LC-MS-QTOF revealed that several alkaloids, polyphenol and flavonoids compound was founded in those sample. Thatfindings indicate that fermented by S. cerevisiae prior to aging process could be considered for increasing of solo black garlic’s functional properties.
Production of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 3CL-protease: The key for the development of protease inhibitors screening kit in search of potential herb cure for COVID-19
Authors: Haniyya  , Ulfah M , Riswoko A , Mulyawati L , Ernawati T , Helianti I
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused millions of deaths and socio-economics damage worldwide. Corresponding to this, many studies on antiviral drugs exploration are rising to investigate the potential of drug compounds that can repress the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting its main protease named 3-chymotrypsin like protease (3CLpro). Without 3CLpro splicing, polyproteins of SARS-CoV-2 will not function to form new virions. We conducted an in silico thermodynamic study, and found several already known compounds from natural sources such as lovastatin, quinidine, and quinine were potential in inhibiting 3CLpro. However, most of the findings still need further wet-lab experiments to confirm their activity against it. To facilitate rapid screening of protease inhibitors, we aim to develop a screening kit for researchers with focus studies on herbal sources for COVID-19 treatments. Hence, the development of 3CLpro as the target of inhibition screening is essential. Our current work focused on the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL Pro gene harbored by pET-32b(+) in E. coli BL21(DE3) and its purification. The recombinant E.coli were cultivated in LB media at 37 °C with 5 hours IPTG-induced phase followed by crude protein lysate extraction by sonication, and then Ni-NTA purification. A band of recombinant 3CLpro protein (33.8 kDa) detected by SDS PAGE and Western blotting after Ni-NTA purification was specific and clear, showing the right size of our protein interest. A final concentrated protein mixture obtained by 10-kDa membrane filtration displayed >90% purity with a total protein of 2.497 mg mL−1. Further functional assays and inhibitory tests with several natural compounds showed that 3CLpro functioned well as a drug target.
Extraction methods effect on antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of ‘pasak bumi’ (Eurycoma longifolia Jack.) root
Authors: Anwar K , Lutpi A , Melinda A , Hadi S
Published: February 2022

Pasak bumi (Eurycoma longifoliaJack.) has various benefits, such as the root of E. longifolia is often used as an anti-microbial, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, dysentery and aphrodisiac. The antioxidant activity is closely related to the ability ofE. longifoliaroot to maintain a fit condition. The benefits of the medicinal plants can be felt by the general public after going through both traditional and modern processing processes. One of the modern processing methods is to isolate secondary metabolites in plants or known as extraction. This study aims to determine the antioxidant activity of the roots of extractedE. longifoliausing 96% ethanol solvent with different extraction methods. Extraction was performed by maceration, percolation, reflux, and soxhletation methods. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using the DPPH(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. The results shows that the antioxidant activity of E. longifolia extract using various extraction methods in the order soxhletation > reflux > percolation > maceration. From this research, it can be concluded that the percolation can be developed as extraction method ofE. longifoliaroots.
Inhibition of SARS-Cov-2 proteases by medicinal plant bioactive constituents: Molecular docking simulation
Authors: Firdayani  , Riswoko A , Helianti I
Published: February 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus that has caused the corona pandemic since 2019 or known as Covid-19. The cleavage of its polyprotein started this viral replication into functional viral proteins by two proteases: 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL protease), also known as main protease (Mpro), and Papain-like protease (PLpro). Medicinal plant bioactive constituents could potentially become protease inhibitor agents of this virus and prevent viral replication. Thus, further might be developed into drug candidates for diseases with no specific drug currently available. The first step of discovering the medicine is virtual screening with a molecular docking simulation approach. The stable conformation structure of the bioactive compounds was docked into the enzymes SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (PDB ID: 6XMK) and SARS-CoV-2 Papain-Like Protease (PDB ID: 7CMD). Molecular docking simulations were operated using Molegro Virtual Docker (MVD) program after the validation process. In this study, analysis of the docking simulation was carried out of compounds in Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus niruri L., Aloe vera, and Sonchus arvensis. They are medicinal plants that have been used as a medicine for generations and may have potential as antivirals. A docking score with a more negative presentation binding energy value has a more significant potential to be a lead compound. Several potential compounds were evaluated for their absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. This method can reduce the trial and error factor in the drug discovery stage, although it needs further proof by experimentation in a wet laboratory.
Study of the effect of microbial addition in seed germination and seedling growth of Cryptocarya densiflora L
Authors: Sugiharto A , Latifah D , Rakhmawati S U , Subowo Y B , Harto
Published: February 2022

Cryptocarya densiflora L belongs to the Lauraceae family that is famous for its utilization of its leaves, stems, roots, and fruit. These species are also widely spread. The hardness of its seed coats inhibits its germination. Various efforts to accelerate the germination process by immersion in water or chemicals have done. However, the application of microbes has never been reported. Naturally, C. densiflora seeds fall to the ground directly in contact with soil microbes that might play a significant role in the germination process. This research aims to reveal the effect of inoculants’ application originated from soil microbes, Aspergillus niger, and natural microbial consortia in germination and growth of seedling C. densiflora. The experiments employed a completely randomized design using two main treatments, the inoculant formula, and the growing media. Inoculant formula factors consist of Formula 1 (A. niger), Formula 2 (microbial consortia), and Control, while the growing media consists of 3 types, A (soil and sand/1:1), B (soil, sand, and compost/1:1:1), and C (sand). All growing media were treated with 2 different treatments, sterilized (S) and non-sterilized (N). The growth stage was observed for 12 weeks after sowing with the following observed parameters: pH of the media at the end of the experiment, the percentage of sprout growth, plant height, number of leaves, root length, wet and dry weight of roots, and shoots. The results showed that the addition of microbial inoculant significantly affected the germination of C. densiflora seeds in all parameters measured, both for media A and B (sterile and non-sterile). Formula 1 gave the best results on all media, especially sterile media with parameters of plant height, number of leaves, root length, wet and dry weight of roots and shoots. The presence of microbes significantly affected germination and C. densiflora seedling growth.
Effect of grain moisture on dehulling of Nymphaea pubescens seed
Authors: Fatimah  , Fitrial Y , Rukmini  , Nugroho A
Published: February 2022

Grain Nymphaea pubescens has been widely consumed as traditional food such as snack bars and cake in South Kalimantan. The first experiment of this study focused on the difference in moisture content of N. pubescens seed after harvest to prevent seed decay and higher dehulling recovery. Dehulling was performed with a laboratory model seed polisher/dehulling apparatus. Dehulling experiments were carried out on samples exhibiting moisture contents ranging from 10% to 20.6 %. Dehulling of N. pubescens seed was affected by moisture content. The optimum grain moisture for dehulling N. pubescens seed was 10% and 13.2%, respectively, with a higher amount of dehulled seed, resulting in dehulling efficiency of 48.6% and 45.6 %, respectively, and lower levels of powder and broken seed. The dehulling efficiency decreased with an increased moisture content of N. pubescens seed.
Antioxidant activity profile of extract and fraction of kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) fruits prepared by different methods
Authors: Nur S , Aswad M , Yulianti R , Sami F J , Burhan A , Fadri A , Khairi N , Nursamsiar
Published: February 2022

The public widely uses kersen (Muntingia calaburaL) fruit for consumption and treatment because Kersen fruit has various vitamins, minerals, and secondary metabolite compounds that reduce free radicals. The purpose of this study was to see the effectiveness of kersen fruit as an antioxidant agent. In this study, the samples used were ethanol extract (EE), Aqueous ethanol fraction (EF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), and n-hexane (HF) fraction from kersen fruit (Muntingia calaburaL). The samples were evaluated by observing the antioxidant activity profile using various methods, i.e., nitric oxide, β-carotene bleaching assay, hydroxyl radicals, and iron chelating. The results of this study showed that the IC50values of EE (31.05 μg/mL), AEF (33.86 μg/mL), FEA (40.48 μg/ml) gave powerful antioxidant activity while HF showed weak results (459 μg/ml). In the nitric oxide method. The hydroxyl radical method with IC50values of 32.06 μg/mL (EE), 38.73 μg/mL (EF), 22.18 μg/mL (EAF) gave very strong activity, and 53.37 μg/mL (HF) with strong activity. The β-carotene bleaching method gave powerful antioxidant activity results with IC50values <50 μg/mL in each sample. The Iron Chelation method showed weak antioxidant activity (IC50> 200 μg/mL) of each sample. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions in kersen fruit has a different activity profile according to the test method used.
Structures, properties and applications of two-dimensional metal nitrides: from nitride MXene to other metal nitrides
Authors: Zheng Fangfang , Xiao Xu , Xie Juan , Zhou Liujiang , Li Youyong , Dong Huilong
Published: February 2022

The two-dimensional (2D) metal nitrides (MNs), including group IIA nitrides, group IIIA nitrides, nitride MXene and other transition metal nitrides (TMNs), exhibit unique electronic and magnetic characteristics. The 2D MNs have been widely studied by experimental and computational approaches and some of them have been synthesized. Herein we systematically reviewed the structural, electronic, thermal, mechanical, magnetic and optical properties of the 2D MNs that have been reported in recent years. Based on their unique properties, the related applications of 2D MNs on fields like electronics, spintronics, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage were discussed. Additionally, the lattice structures and synthetic routes were also summarized as supplements of the research progress of 2D MNs family. Furthermore, we provided insights into the research prospects and future efforts that need to be made on 2D MNs.
Feasibility of applying the lower cut-off frequency for the density radial coverage extension in EAST reflectometry measurement
Authors: HUANG Jia , HAN Xiang , YE Kaixuan , ZHANG Tao , WEN Fei , WU Mingfu , GENG Kangning , LI Gongshun , ZHONG Fubin , LIU Yukai , XIANG Haoming , YANG Shuqi , ZHANG Shoubiao , GAO Xiang , ZHUANG Ge
Published: February 2022

The extraordinary mode (X-mode) lower cut-off frequency is proposed for use in the reflectometry diagnostic on ITER for the electron density profile measurement, which is a trade-off between extreme plasma parameters and the accessible probing frequency. In contemporary experiments, the lower cut-off frequency can be identified at the probing frequency below the electron cyclotron frequency (f
ce) under certain plasma conditions. We provide here, for the first time, the experimental validation of the use of the lower cut-off frequency for the density profiles via the reflectometry measurement on EAST. The corresponding group delay of the lower cut-off frequency evolves continuously with the upper one, revealing a reasonable radial coverage extension of reflectometry measurement toward the plasma core. It is concluded that the lower cut-off frequency can be used as a supplement to the upper one in the density profile inversion process, which is of particular interest in the high magnetic field and/or density discharge to extend the radial coverage of reflectometry measurement.
Quantitative analysis of the main components in ceramic raw materials based on the desktop LIBS analyzer
Authors: ZHANG Peng , SUN Lanxiang , YU Haibin , ZENG Peng
Published: February 2022

The concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Na2O, CaO, MgO, Fe2O3 and TiO2, and loss on ignition (L.O.I.) are the main inorganic components of geological samples. Concentrations of the eight oxides and L.O.I. are also the main indicators of concern in the production of building ceramics. Quantitative analysis of the eight oxides and L.O.I. was performed using fiber-laser-based laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). A combination of continuous background deduction, full width at half maximum (FWHM) intensity integral and spectral sum normalization was proposed for data processing. After the data processing combined the continuous background deduction, FWHM intensity integral and spectral sum normalization, the mean absolute errors (MAEs) of the calibration of L.O.I., SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Na2O, CaO, MgO, Fe2O3 and TiO2 was reduced from 2.03%, 12.06%, 4.84%, 1.10%, 0.69%, 0.31%, 0.11%, 0.20% and 0.10% to 1.80%, 9.48%, 2.12%, 0.36%, 0.58%, 0.11%, 0.08%, 0.19% and 0.05%, respectively. This multivariate method was further introduced and discussed to improve the analysis performance. The MAEs of L.O.I., SiO2, Al2O3, K2O and Na2O were further reduced to 1.12%, 2.07%, 1.38%, 0.35% and 0.43%, respectively. The results show that the overall prediction error can meet the requirements for the production of building ceramics. The LIBS desktop analyzer has great potential in detection applications on geological samples.
Towards a 𝐺𝐿_{𝑛} variant of the Hoheisel phenomenon
Authors: Humphries Peter , Thorner Jesse
Published: February 2022

Let

π
\pi

be a unitary cuspidal automorphic representation of

G
L

n

\mathrm {GL}_n

over a number field, and let

π
~

\widetilde {\pi }

be contragredient to

π
\pi

. We prove effective upper and lower bounds of the correct order in the short interval prime number theorem for the Rankin–Selberg

L
L

-function

L
(
s
,
π
×

π
~

)

L(s,\pi \times \widetilde {\pi })

, extending the work of Hoheisel and Linnik. Along the way, we prove for the first time that

L
(
s
,
π
×

π
~

)

L(s,\pi \times \widetilde {\pi })

has an unconditional standard zero-free region apart from a possible Landau–Siegel zero.
Machine learning methods for prediction of cancer driver genes: a survey paper
Authors: Andrades Renan , Recamonde-Mendoza Mariana
Published: February 2022

Identifying the genes and mutations that drive the emergence of tumors is a critical step to improving our understanding of cancer and identifying new directions for disease diagnosis and treatment. Despite the large volume of genomics data, the precise detection of driver mutations and their carrying genes, known as cancer driver genes, from the millions of possible somatic mutations remains a challenge. Computational methods play an increasingly important role in discovering genomic patterns associated with cancer drivers and developing predictive models to identify these elements. Machine learning (ML), including deep learning, has been the engine behind many of these efforts and provides excellent opportunities for tackling remaining gaps in the field. Thus, this survey aims to perform a comprehensive analysis of ML-based computational approaches to identify cancer driver mutations and genes, providing an integrated, panoramic view of the broad data and algorithmic landscape within this scientific problem. We discuss how the interactions among data types and ML algorithms have been explored in previous solutions and outline current analytical limitations that deserve further attention from the scientific community. We hope that by helping readers become more familiar with significant developments in the field brought by ML, we may inspire new researchers to address open problems and advance our knowledge towards cancer driver discovery.
Colostomy granulomas, not always what they seem
Authors: Lecot Frederik , Sheahan Kieran , Reynolds Ian S. , Hechtl Daniel , Arya Shobhit , Kennelly Rory
Published: February 2022

We present the resection specimen of a patient with adenocarcinoma masquerading as colostomy granulomas on a background of Crohn's.
Isolation and characterization mesenchymal stem cells from red panda (Ailurus fulgens styani) endometrium
Authors: Wang Dong-Hui , Wu Xue-Mei , Chen Jia-Song , Cai Zhi-Gang , An Jun-Hui , Zhang Ming-Yue , Li Yuan , Li Fei-Ping , Hou Rong , Liu Yu-Liang
Published: February 2022

Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (eMSCs) are undifferentiated endometrial cells with self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation and high proliferation potential. Nowadays, eMSCs have been found in a few species, but it has never been reported in endangered wild animals, especially the red panda. In this study, we successfully isolated and characterized the eMSCs derived from red panda. Red panda eMSCs were fibroblast-like, had a strong proliferative potential and a stable chromosome number. Pluripotency genes including Klf4, Sox2 and Thy1 were highly expressed in eMSCs. Besides, cultured eMSCs were positive for MSC markers CD44, CD49f and CD105 and negative for endothelial cell marker CD31 and haematopoietic cell marker CD34. Moreover, no reference RNA-seq was used to analyse the eMSCs transcriptional expression profile and key pathways. Compared with skin fibroblast cell group, 9104 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, among which are 5034 genes upregulated, 4070 genes downregulated and the top 20 enrichment pathways of DEGs in Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes Genomes (KEGG) mainly associated with G-protein coupled receptor signalling pathway, carbohydrate derivative binding, nucleoside binding, ribosome biogenesis, cell cycle, DNA replication, Ras signalling pathway and purine metabolism. Among the DEGs, some representative genes about promoting MSCs differentiation and proliferation were upregulated and promoting fibroblasts proliferation were downregulated in eMSCs group. Red panda eMSCs also had multiple differentiation ability and could differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes and hepatocytes. In conclusion, we, for the first time, isolated and characterized the red panda eMSCs with ability of multiplication and multilineage differentiation in vitro. The new multipotential stem cell could be beneficial not only for the germ plasm resources conservation of red panda, but also for basic or pre-clinical studies in the future.
David Edwards and the Later Stuart Underground Press
Authors: Hone Joseph
Published: February 2022

This article investigates the English underground press in the later Stuart period. Following the end of pre-publication licensing in 1695, the ongoing threat of government reprisals meant that controversial political and religious tracts continued to be printed in secret; yet the survival of the underground press into this period has been neglected in recent works of political, religious, social, cultural and literary history. The dominant view, established by some of the most influential book historians of the past century, is that the materials necessary for a study of secret printing do not survive. This article argues otherwise. Through a detailed case-tudy of the career of one such printer, David Edwards, it illustrates how the clandestine activities of a subset of printers helped shape contemporary debate. Combining historical and bibliographical modes of investigation, this article explores the fundamental mechanics of how controversial tracts, written and printed in secret, reached the public. It examines Edwards’s training under the Whig printer Thomas Braddyll, his subsequent links to the exiled Jacobite court, the clandestine techniques he used to disguise his activities, and the authorship of books he printed. These included the use of indentures and tokens to ensure against imposters and tweaking copy texts to mask distinctive stylistic tics. The article concludes by arguing that the vibrant culture of partisan print associated with the later Stuart public sphere was enabled not solely by the demise of pre-publication licensing in 1695, but also by the persistence of the underground press.
Prospective validation and extension of the Multimodality Prognostic Score for the treatment allocation of pleural mesothelioma patients
Authors: Greb Daria , Hebeisen Monika , Matter Alessandra , Opitz Isabelle , Lauk Olivia
Published: February 2022

OBJECTIVES

Patient allocation to multimodality treatment in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to validate our previously established Multimodality Prognostic Score (MMPS) (tumour volume before chemotherapy, histological subtype, C-reactive protein before chemotherapy and tumour progression after chemotherapy) and to extend the score with additional blood parameters for better patient outcome.

METHODS

Patients with histologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma and curative intended therapy with clinical stage T1–T3 N0–N2 M0 were eligible. The existing MMPS was validated and further additional blood markers (erythrocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated for potential incorporation.

RESULTS

For the validation of the existing MMPS, as the first part of this analysis, 117 patients treated as of September 2011 were included. A total of 88 patients were treated with macroscopic complete resection, whereas 29 patients were treated with palliative or no surgery. Patients treated with macroscopic complete resection and a high MMPS showed statistically significant lower overall survival. In the second part, the extension of the MMPS with additional blood parameters was analysed. Albumin, the only parameter showing evidence for having influence on overall survival, was further added to the extended MMPS. When comparing the performance measures Area under the curve (AUC) and Brier score, the extended score performed better (higher AUC, lower Brier score) than the original MMPS.

CONCLUSIONS

The extended score with albumin showed improved performance in comparison to the original score. The extended MMPS also may help allocating patients to surgery.
The paradox of “Malthusian urbanization”: urbanization without growth in the Republic of Genoa, 1300–1800
Authors: Oddo Luigi , Zanini Andrea
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the relationships between urbanization and long-term economic growth in the pre-industrial world. To this end, we compiled a novel dataset collecting all currently available data on urban and rural populations in an Italian pre-unification state, the Republic of Genoa. Data show the paradoxical coexistence of high urbanization levels with cyclical Malthusian stagnations. Putting together empirical results and historical evidence, we interpreted this puzzle, highlighting how a high degree of urbanization could be the consequence of widespread poverty, rather than a measure of rising standards of living. To describe this phenomenon, we coined the term “Malthusian urbanization”.
The association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and echocardiographic parameters in hospitalised adults with COVID-19 - a retrospective analysis
Authors: Agarwal R , Priyonugroho G , Hertine S , Wicaksono S H , Almazini P , Zamroni D , Muliawan H S
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker with prognostic value in several cardiovascular conditions. Hyperinflammation contributes to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by a multi-organ dysfunction. Cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 include arrhythmias, myocardial damage, acute heart failure, and acute coronary syndrome. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be used to assess cardiovascular structure and function non-invasively.

Purpose

To investigate the association between NLR at admission and TTE abnormalities in hospitalised adults with COVID-19.

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study was conducted at a COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia. All consecutive hospitalised adults with confirmed COVID-19 who underwent TTE assessments between 3 April 2020 to 6 April 2021 were included. Comprehensive data including NLR at admission, demographics, co-morbidities, peak severity of COVID-19, and TTE parameters were extracted from electronic medical records. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal NLR cut-off for prediction of severe-critical COVID-19. Patients with high and low NLR were compared using the chi-square test and odds ratios (OR), with a confidence level of 95%.

Results

A total of 487 patients were included in this study. From ROC curve analysis, the area under curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76 – 0.84). The optimal NLR cut-off was determined as 4.42, which predicted severe-critical COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 74.5% and a specificity of 74.6%. Based on this, the low NLR and high NLR groups had 223 and 264 patients, respectively.  Male sex, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease occurred more frequently in the high NLR group (P < 0.05). On TTE assessment, the high NLR group had higher odds of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (OR: 2.49; 95% CI: 1.14 – 5.45), LV wall motion abnormalities (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.41 – 4.87), valve abnormalities (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.35 – 3.07), and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (OR: 10.55; 95% CI: 2.46 – 45.25).

Conclusions

COVID-19 patients with a high NLR at admission had higher odds of abnormal TTE findings, including LV systolic dysfunction, LV wall motion abnormalities, valve abnormalities, and RV dysfunction. This indicates a possible link between inflammation and cardiovascular dysfunction in COVID-19, which must be confirmed in larger prospective studies. Abstract Figure. ROC Curve Analysis  Abstract Figure. Odds Ratios for TTE Abnormalities
Evaluation of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction by global longitudinal strain using 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography in patients having angina with normal epicardial coronary arteries
Authors: Hoque MD S , Ahmed C M , Osmany DMM F , Banerjee S K
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Self

Background

Global longitudinal strain (GLS), assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography would be a trustworthy noninvasive tool to detect subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in patients having angina with normal epicardial coronary arteries.

Objective

The primary objective of the study to detect subclinical LV systolic dysfunction by GLS using 2D-STE in patient having angina with normal coronary arteries and also by conventional echocardiogram at baseline.

Materials and Methods

This was a comparative case control study that was conducted during the period of  March 2018 to August 2018. The study included 60  patients who have been suffering from angina like syndrome despite normal coronary arteries along with 60 normal healthy individuals . All subjects were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE ) and GLS using 2D speckle-tracking analysis to assess resting LV systolic function . The results of all three planes in GLS (the apical four-chamber , two-chamber , and three-chamber  views) were combined in a single bull’s eye summary (agreeing with the standard 17-segment model), which presented the analysis of each segment along with a global peak systolic strain value for the LV.

Results

This study identified normal reference value of the mean GLS in healthy control group was  −19.7 ± 1.84%.  GLS assessed by 2D STE was significantly impaired in patients having angina like syndrome with normal epicardial coronary arteries (-18.78 ± 1.87 vs -19.7 ± 1.84%;  p < 0.007) than healthy control group despite preserved  LVEF. In case group, 8 out of 60 patients (13.3 %) had more negative global longitudinal strain than control  subject.

Conclusions

Patients having angina with normal epicardial coronary arteries are likely to have microvascular disease. GLS assessed by 2D STE has the potential to improve the value of conventional echocardiography in the detection of the coronary microvascular disease. Despite normal LVEF, significant impairment of LV global longitudinal systolic function  can differentiate microvascular  group of  patients from others who have angina with  normal coronaries.
When type 2 diabetes coexists with atrial fibrillation in Middle Eastern patients: Clinical profiles and utilization of oral anticoagulant agents
Authors: Hammoudeh A , Alzyoud W , Ja"ara D , Bahour M , Nasereddin R , Al-Mousa E , Badaineh Y
Published: February 2022

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

The Jordan Atrial Fibrillation (JoFib) Study

Background. Studies from different regions in the world have shown that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have unfavorable baseline clinical profile, higher prevalence of comorbidities and higher risk scores compared with those who do not have T2D. It is largely unknown if this applies to Middle Eastern (ME) patients. 

Purpose. To evaluate baseline clinical features, prevalence of comorbid diseases, CHA2DS2-VASc scores in AF patients with T2D, and the utilization of oral anticoagulant agents (OACs) compared with those who do not have T2D in a large ME cohort. 

Methods. Of 2163 AF patients enrolled in the Jordan AF study (May 2019 - January 2021), 953 (44.1%) had T2D and 1210 (55.9%) did not have T2D. Nonvalvular AF (NVAF) was diagnosed in 94% and 89% of both groups, respectively. Compared with AF patients who did not have T2D, those with T2D were older (mean age 70.3 ± 9.7 years vs. 65.9 ± 15.1 years, p < 0.001), more likely to be women (56.3% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.05), and had higher prevalence of hypertension (88.6% vs. 63.7%, p < 0.001) and obesity (71.9% vs. 43.6%, p < 0.001). More AF patients with T2D had high risk CHA2DS2-VASc score (>3 in women and >2 in men) than those with no T2D (96.9% vs. 72.3%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, they had higher prevalence of past stroke/systemic embolization (19.2% vs. 15.0%, p = 0.01), heart failure (29.3% vs. 19.7%, p < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (14.0% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.001). OACs utilization was not different in AF patients with or without T2D (83.4% vs. 85.9%, p = 0.19, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that high CHA2DS2-Vasc and low HAS-BLED scores, age 50-75 years, history of stroke, and non-paroxysmal AF, but not T2D, were associated with higher rates of OACs utilization among patients with NVAF. 

Conclusions. The coexistence of AF and T2D in a large Middle Eastern cohort was associated with unfavorable baseline clinical profile and risk scores. The great majority of AF patients were prescribed OACs, independent of the presence or absence of T2D.