bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of introducing Type&Screen system on rational use of transfusions
Authors: Stefanović Aleksandar , Čolak Emina , Stanojević Gordana , Nikolić Ljubinka
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The number of blood donors at the global level has decreased primarily due to ethical and age-related changes in the structure of the planet's population. In addition, there is over ordering of blood for surgical patients. Accordingly, there is a need for rationalizing the testing i.e. reducing the number of cross-matchings and decrease in the use of blood. A type and screen (T&S) upon admission is sufficient for most patients. Determination of ABO blood group and Rh type, and screens for clinically significant alloantibodies is denoted as type and screen (T&S). Aim: Comparison of pharmaco-economic effect using transfusion indices on the number of performed cross-matches and the amount of packed red blood cells issued. Material and Methods: The authors present the comparison between the year 2010 before the introduction of the Type and Screen (T&S) system and the year 2019 when the T&S system and restrictive policy in transfusion practice, were introduced. Data for 2010 were collected from written transfusion protocols of the clinic, and for 2019 were obtained from the hospital information system (Heliant) and written transfusion protocols. The difference between two groups of data was examine with Chi-square test and Fisher exact test, with the reliability level set at p<0.05. Results: With the introduction of the T&S system, the number of cross-matches was reduced from 0.63 to 0.49 and the number of blood units was reduced from 0.21 to 0.11 per hospitalized patient, which at the level of one clinic represents a significant pharmacoeconomic contribution of approximately 50%. In our study, after processing T&S in ordering of blood, the indices (CTR, %T, TI) failed to improve. Despite of unsatisfactory transfusion indices, the application of restrictive indication policies in accordance with national and international guidelines has led to highly significant reduction in the consumption of total blood from 3243 to 1867 blood units. The BOQ as an overall assessment of the results after the introduction of the T&S procedure indicated improvement. Conclusions: The introduction of validation in blood transfusion indirectly draws the attention of prescribing physicians to take into account the significance of blood therapy. The effects of the introduction of the T&S method and restrictive transfusion policy are savings in blood consumption, decreased number of patients tested, a significant reduction in used blood units, and the number of performed cross-matches, despite the increased number of patients.
Impact of climatic factors on growth and development of Cichorium Endivia in greenhouse in Leningrad region, Russia
Authors: Lavrishcheva Tatiana , Lavrishchev Anton , Litvinovich Andrey
Published: September 2021

The paper discusses the results of the study of the effect of climatic factors on the yield and biometric indicators of various varieties of endive chicory (Cichorium endivia (L.)) over a two-year study grown in the summer-autumn period in the plastic greenhouses on the experimental plots of the St. Petersburg Agrarian University, Pushkin, Russia. The plants of the genus Chicory are known and valued for their unique medicinal and nutritional properties. Total of 14 varieties of domestic and foreign Cichorium endivia breeding were studied. The study was carried out in 2015 and 2016years that were sharply differed in the amount of precipitation and temperature. The climate of Leningrad region is characterised with humid and long-lasting cold season. The aim of the research was to identify the variety of endive chicory that is most suitable and tolerant for the climatic conditions of Leningrad region, Russia. During the growing season the plant biometric parameters such as plant height (cm), rosette diameter of leaves (cm), and number of leaves (pieces) were measured. During harvesting, additional parameters such as biomass of plants and leaves, the area of the assimilation surface were determined. The decrease in plant biometric parameters during the phenological observations in September 2016 was associated with an increased amount of precipitation in July-August. The results showed that the variety "Broad Betavian fullhearted" was the most sensitive to the adverse effects of weather, showing the largest variation in biometrics over the studied years. In plants of this variety the mass of leaves decreased by 9.2 times, the area of the assimilation surface was reduced by 11.6 times, while the crop shortfall in 2016 was almost 90%. The varieties "Green curled" and "Scarola bionda" were the most tolerant to weather conditions. These varieties were characterized by the maximum yield in both years of research: "Green curled"-7.90 kg/m 2 and 2.87 kg/m 2 , "Scarola bionda"-8.06 kg/m 2 and 2.84 kg/m 2 in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Generally, the result of the study showed that most of the studied varieties were sensitive to the amount of precipitation and the number of sunny days. The study made it possible to identify the most sensitive and most tolerant varieties of endive chicory for growing in the Leningrad region.
Toward a Holistic Contemplative Vision:
Authors: Lingner Christian
Published: September 2021

Ignatian spirituality is characterized by an emphasis on contemplation as a means of discernment, an approach that highlights the unity of the interior and ethical dimensions of the Christian life. Yet Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises are also defined by the modus operandi of the contemplative method outlined therein, one that highlights the imagination’s role in a receptive and interactive engagement with the person of Christ as depicted in the Gospels. Though 20th century German Catholic philosopher Josef Pieper is most commonly associated with his popular works on Aquinas and the cardinal virtues, there is a contemplative undercurrent throughout his writing that corresponds with the thought of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Pieper defines contemplation as “a visual perception prompted by loving acceptance,” stressing both the receptive posture of the individual but also the intrinsic pairing of contemplation and ethics in an active response of embracing existence. Much as Ignatius believes the imagination, the inner capacity that links creativity and memory in an individual, to be pertinent to spiritual development, so Pieper asserts that an imaginative representation of Being through the creation of art and participation in communal worship proceeds from love and cultivates the individual’s capacity to perceive lovingly.
Love as Seeing in Truth: Sartre and Stein on Self-Constitution
Authors: Cloutier Chase
Published: September 2021

Realizing who I am and who I am called to be depends in part on my relation to others. Others empathizing with me significantly impacts my self-understanding and character formation. The possibility of a positive encounter is vital because of its role in self-constitution. Both Jean-Paul Sartre and Edith Stein recognized the great import of the gaze of another in the realization of one's own personhood and personal development. However, due to different appraisals of the meaning of human life, Stein evaluates the ultimate import of intersubjective experience as positive whereas Sartre deems it negative. Sartre characterizes interpersonal relations as necessarily combative and conflictual: in order to realize one's full stature and freedom, one must objectify the other so as to escape the other's dominating look. For Sartre the only look one can receive is a look of hatred which attacks and steals one's dignity. On the other hand, Stein proposes that the look of the other has the power to reveal the true and full potential of the self, even counteracting false self-appraisal. A look or attitude of love from another can reveal one's capacity for virtue and initiate one along this path of virtue. In order to overcome the wounds of cultural commodification of the person, we must approach one another in love. Though Sartre offers a particularly incisive diagnosis of “fallen” intersubjectivity and interpersonal relations of objectification, Stein's thought can work to correct and complete his insights on the look of the other, offering a basis for understanding “redeemed” interpersonal relationships in a civilization of love.
Laser underwater ranging based on wavelet transform
Authors: Liu Xin-Yu , Yang Su-Hui , Liao Ying-Qi , Lin Xue-Tong ,   School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China,   Key Laboratory of Information Photonics Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Published: September 2021

This paper proposes an underwater ranging method based on wavelet transform. First, according to the band-pass filtering characteristics of the wavelet transform, the time-domain signal is decomposed in the frequency domain. The wavelet basis functions with high similarity are established. These wavelet basis functions contain complete frequency domain information of time-domain signals. This method can improve the ability to decompose frequency domain of time-domain signals and extract the information about the effective frequency domain. Then, using the multiple frequency domain decomposition approximations, the effective frequency domain information contained in the time domain signal is completely extracted.

The time-frequency signal of wavelet time-frequency fusion ranging takes the energy consistency of the time-frequency domain signal as the link and uses the binary spline interpolation structure to realize the time-frequency combination of the signal. In this method, the time-domain signal is first decomposed and filtered by wavelet time-domain to obtain more complete time-domain effective information. But at this time, the time-domain signal is the superimposed form of frequency-domain information, so the energy domain information contained in the time-frequency signal is decomposed into the wavelet frequency domain through the binary spline interpolation, and the energy expression form of the time-frequency signal can be obtained. The target is locked by finding the position of the maximum value of energy corresponding to the time-frequency domain of the signal to achieve the purpose of precise ranging. By performing the wavelet multi-layer time-domain decomposition filtering first, the frequency domain decomposition range can be effectively reduced, thereby avoiding data redundancy and reducing the ability to realize the effective frequency domain resolution.

By using this method we successively carry out continuous light underwater ranging experiments with different attenuation length water bodies and different modulation frequencies, and analyze the influence of this method on continuous light underwater detection. Experiments verify that this ranging method successfully achieves the accurate measurement of targets within 8 attenuation lengths within an output power of 2.3 W, and its ranging accuracy is less than 1 cm; the use of wavelet time-frequency fusion ranging can pass the frequency domain energy decomposition capability enhancement, to a certain extent, compensates for the measurement error caused by the significant attenuation of the effective signal. Therefore, the ranging method can be applied to signals with complex frequency domain information or including a bandwidth.
Thermal property of graphene/silicon carbide heterostructure by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Liu Dong-Jing , Wang Shao-Ming , Yang Ping ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China,   School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin 541004, China
Published: September 2021

In order to regulate thermal transfer characteristics of graphene/silicon carbide heterogeneous interface, the influence of temperature, size and material defect rate on thermal conductance of heterogeneous interface are studied by the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method. The sandwich model of graphene/silicon carbide heterostructures with different lengths and thickness is built by Material Studio. The reasons for the change of thermal conductance are analyzed from the two aspects of phonon density of states and phonon participation rate. When the system temperature is below the Debye temperature of silicon carbide and graphene, the quantum corrections is used to calculate the thermal conductance of heterostructure in the paper. The results show that the thermal conductance increases with the increase of temperature under both interfacial forces, but the thermal conductance of heterogeneous interface under covalent bond is higher than under van der Waals force. The main reason is that the density of states of graphene in a range of 10—30 THz increases significantly with the increase of temperature. The thermal conductance of heterogeneous interface decreases with the increase of silicon carbide layers, and decreases by 30.5% when the number of silicon carbide layers increases from 10 to 20. The thermal conductance of heterostructure is the lowest in the thermal conductances of 4 layers, it is considered that more phonons are transferred from local to delocalized mode in the middle and low frequency band. The introduction of vacancy defects can effectively improve the interface thermal conductance. At different temperatures, the interfacial thermal conductance first increases and then decreases with the increase of graphene defects, and the defect rate when the interfacial thermal conductance reaches the maximum value and the degree of interfacial thermal conductance decrease after reaching the maximum value is related to temperature. When the defect rate of silicon carbide and graphene are 20% and 35% respectively at 300 K, the interface thermal conductance reaches a maximum value. When the temperature is 900 K, the thermal conductance of graphene/silicon carbide heterogeneous interface reaches a maximum value when the defect rate is 30%. It is considered that the introduction of defects will hinder the medium frequency phonons from realizing the heat transport. The results show that the size effect and vacancy defect can be utilized to modify the heterogeneous interface, which is beneficial to the design and thermal management of the third-generation semiconductor micro-nano devices.
Independent validation of downscaled climate estimates from a coastal Alaska watershed using local historical weather journals
Authors: Williamson Emily R. , Sergeant Christopher J.
Published: September 2021

Downscaling coarse global and regional climate models allows researchers to access weather and climate data at finer temporal and spatial resolution, but there remains a need to compare these models with empirical data sources to assess model accuracy. Here, we validate a widely used software for generating North American downscaled climate data, ClimateNA, with a novel empirical data source, 20th century weather journals kept by Admiralty Island, Alaska homesteader, Allen Hasselborg. Using Hasselborg’s journals, we calculated monthly precipitation and monthly mean of the maximum daily air temperature across the years 1926 to 1954 and compared these to ClimateNA data generated from the Hasselborg homestead location and adjacent areas. To demonstrate the utility and potential implications of this validation for other disciplines such as hydrology, we used an established regression equation to generate time series of 95% low duration flow estimates for the month of August using mean annual precipitation from ClimateNA predictions and Hasselborg data. Across 279 months, we found strong correlation between modeled and observed measurements of monthly precipitation (ρ = 0.74) and monthly mean of the maximum daily air temperature (ρ = 0.98). Monthly precipitation residuals (calculated as ClimateNA data - Hasselborg data) generally demonstrated heteroscedasticity around zero, but a negative trend in residual values starting during the last decade of observations may have been due to a shift to the cold-phase Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Air temperature residuals demonstrated a consistent but small positive bias, with ClimateNA tending to overestimate air temperature relative to Hasselborg’s journals. The degree of correlation between weather patterns observed at the Hasselborg homestead site and ClimateNA data extracted from spatial grid cells across the region varied by wet and dry climate years. Monthly precipitation from both data sources tended to be more similar across a larger area during wet years (mean ρ across grid cells = 0.73) compared to dry years (mean ρ across grid cells = 0.65). The time series of annual 95% low duration flow estimates for the month of August generated using ClimateNA and Hasselborg data were moderately correlated (ρ = 0.55). Our analysis supports previous research in other regions which also found ClimateNA to be a robust source for past climate data estimates.
Seagrass contribution to blue carbon in a shallow karstic coastal area of the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Cota Lucero Tania C. , Herrera-Silveira Jorge A.
Published: September 2021

Seagrass meadows provide multiple ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. However, seagrass meadows are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide. Determining the magnitude of the carbon stocks in seagrass meadows at the regional scale allows for the estimation of their global magnitude and identification of their importance in regional environmental mitigation strategies. The objective of the present study was to determine the structure of seagrass meadows in the Los Petenes Biosfera Reserve (LPBR) and evaluate their contributions to sinks of carbon in this system, located in Yucatan, which is considered the region with the largest seagrass extension in Mexico. Analyses of the seagrass meadows were executed following standardized protocols (spectral analysis, and isotope and carbon stock analyses). The LPBR stores an average of 2.2 ± 1.7 Mg C ha−1 in living biomass and 318 ± 215 Mg C ha−1 in sediment (top 1 m), and this carbon stock decreases with water depth. The seagrass community extends 149,613 ha, which represents the largest organic carbon stock (47 Tg C) documented in seagrass meadows in Mexico. Macroalgae and seagrass represent 76% of the organic carbon stored in sediment. If LPBR seagrass meadows are lost due to natural or anthropogenic impacts, 173 Tg CO2eqemissions could be released, which corresponds to the emissions generated by fossil fuel combustion of 27% of the current Mexican population. This information emphasizes the importance of seagrass meadows as a carbon sink in the region and their contribution to climate change mitigation, thus allowing for the implementation of necessary conservation strategies.
A New L-Stable Third Derivative Hybrid Method for Solving First Order Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Adoghe Lawrence Osa
Published: September 2021

In this paper, an L-stable third derivative multistep method has been proposed for the solution of stiff systems of ordinary differential equations. The continuous hybrid method is derived using interpolation and collocation techniques of power series as the basis function for the approximate solution. The method consists of the main method and an additional method which are combined to form a block matrix and implemented simultaneously. The stability and convergence properties of the block were investigated and discussed. Numerical examples to show the efficiency and accuracy of the new method were presented.
Screening of Genotypes against Major Sucking Insect- Pests of Mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia] in Arid Region
Authors: Naga K. L. , Naqvi A. R. , Naga B. L. , Deshwal H. L. , Jhumar L.
Published: September 2021

Aim: Some genotypes of mothbean were screened for their comparative preference against jassids, whiteflies and thrips.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out during Kharif season in Randomized Block Design with three Replications. Ten genotypes (viz., RMO-225, RMO-40, RMO-423, RMO-435, RMO-257, RMO-25, RMO-141, RMO-20-36, RMO-04-01-28 and RMO-28-80) were screened against major sucking insect pests which were replicated thrice.

Observations: The observations were recorded after two weeks of sowing at weekly intervals after two weeks of sowing. The pest populations were recorded on five randomly selected and tagged plants per plot in early hours when insect have minimum activity.

Results: The data revealed that none of the genotypes ware found free from sucking insect pest attack. On the basis of peak population, the genotypes RMO-25 and RMO-141 were categorized as least preferred to jassids, whiteflies and thrips, whereas, RMO-435, RMO-225 and RMO-04-01-28 as highly preferred to jassids and whiteflies and RMO-435, RMO-225 and RMO-257 as highly resistant to thrips.

Conclusion: It is well known that certain genotypes of crops are less attacked by a specific insect-pest than others because of natural resistance. In the integrated pest management programme, growing of varieties (RMO-25 and RMO-141) with less preference to sucking insect-pests is one of the most important tools without additional cost.
Convalescent Plasma for COVID-19- is it Time to Say Goodbye? A Single-Center, Retrospective, Observational Study from Northern India
Authors: Setia Rasika , Dogra Mitu , Thangavel Gokhula Prasath , Yadav Ramesh , Rahman Amena Ebadur , Bhasin Atul , Pande Rajesh Kumar , Nayar Sandeep , Singal R. K. , Vardani Anil , Pande Deepak Gargi , Saini R. N. , GulatI Tribhuvan , Singh Vivek Pal , Kalra Sunny , Anand Gagan , Garg Manish , Ghai Santosh , Agarwal N. M.
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic continues threatening the world with no effective treatment to tackle the menace. Till date, there is conflicting evidence on efficacy of CP in reducing COVID-19 related mortality. The objective of this study was to see disease progression and 7, 14 and 28-day mortality after CP therapy and analyze CP efficacy with/without Remdesivir.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-centre observational study done from August 20, 2020, to 20 November 2020. Records of 294 COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe disease given CP therapy were analysed based on disease progression and length of hospital stay, further subcategorized on age, clinical profile, risk factors, ward/ICU, ventilatory support and co-administration of Remdesivir.

Results: Lowest 7-day mortality rate was seen within age group 20-40 years (0%) and was highest in ≥61 years (24.3%). 87 patients on ventilatory support showed higher 28day mortality (48.28%) compared to non-ventilated (10.14%), (P<0.00001). Lesser 7-day mortality was seen in early CP therapy ≤3 days of admission (P=0.01). Patients requiring ICU admission showed higher 14 and 28-day mortality compared to ward P=0.001%). Median (IQR) length of hospital stay from CP transfusion was shorter, 4 (3 to 9) days in group 2 (CP only) compared to 7 (4 to 12) days in group1 (CP+Remdesivir ).

Conclusion: CP therapy in ≤3 days of hospital admission in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe infection not on ventilatory support showed reduction in mortality and length of hospital stay. Length of hospital stay was shorter in the CP-only group as compared to the CP+ Remdesivir group.
“Homoeopathic Perspective of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Hyperactive Type – A Review”
Authors: Gnnanaprakasham M. , Mathew Sunny , Mohan N. D.
Published: September 2021

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed neuropsychiatric condition affecting the children and adolescence. Nearly 8 percent of   school - going children were diagnosed as ADHD and mostly as hyperactive type. More than 60 percent of children with ADHD were progressed to grow with the symptoms into adulthood which causes significant impaired academic achievements, poor interpersonal skills, disordered social activities, and various psychiatric disorders like learning disability, substance abuse, mood disorders, disruptive behavior disorder, etc., Homoeopathy a unique system of medicine which provides a beneficial effect on the human body through its ultra-diluted and potentized drug substances adopting holistic approach. There are reliable sources where homoeopathy proves its efficacy in treating ADHD children. This article provides a cluster of remedies derived through repertorisation considering only the symptoms of ADHD hyperactive type which will be helpful in cases where the individualization of the child is difficult to achieve. Considering the symptomatology of ADHD hyperactive type mentioned in DSM V criteria the most indicated remedies among various remedies were Medorrhinum, Nux. Vom, Carcinosinum, Hyoscyamus, Anacardium, Chamomilla, Veratrum. Album, Coffea Cruda, Tarentula etc.
Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Serum Calcium Level: A Study on Rabbit Model
Authors: Memon Rizwan Ahmed , Memon Fazeela Rizwan , Memon Ali Raza , Memon Jamshaid Ul Qadir , Laghari Jawaid Hussain , Shams Salman , Memon Ashfaq Rahim
Published: September 2021

Background: Proton Pump inhibitors (PPI) are widely used all over the world as therapeutic agents as well as prophylactic agent at different age groups for multiple gastrointestinal disorders etc. it inhibits the hydrogen potassium pump (H/K ATPase Pump). PPI interferes the calcium absorption and thus disturbs acid secretion which leads to decrease the calcium level in the body.

Objective: The present design is to evaluate the effects of PPI on serum calcium level in rabbit model.

Study Design: Randomized Control Trial/ Study on Rabbit Model.

Place and Duration of Study: This experimental study was done at Department of Pharmacology Isra Medical University Hyderabad (November 2020 to March 2021

Material & Methods: A total 20 healthy male rabbits with weight between 1-2kg were included in this study. While female rabbits, ill rabbits and rabbits with weight less than 1kg were excluded from study. Ten rabbits were given omeprazole sachet of 20mg orally dissolve in water once a day and 10 rabbits were given sachet of esomeprazole of 20mg dissolve in water once a day upto 90 days regularly. At different levels of study blood samples were obtained from vein near ear of rabbits and samples were centrifuged for 10minutes to obtain the serum. Then serum was sent to Isra Diagnostic Laboratory for analysis of serum calcium levels of all samples at different levels of study.

Results: Serum calcium levels of all rabbits were analyzed at three different levels of study, at zero level before starting of experiment, at level I after completion of one month of experiment and level II after the completion of three months of experiment. The normal serum calcium level in rabbits is 13-15mg/dl.8There was a significant decline in serum calcium level in Group A (Omeprazole Group), while in Group B (Esomeprazole Group) there was no significant relation between decreased serum calcium levels.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there is significant relation of longterm usage of PPI on serum calcium level.
Trends in Resistance to Cefazolin in a Military Hospital in Alkharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: September 2021

Aim: This study aimed to describe the trends in resistance to cefazolin in a military hospital in Alkharj.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study that was conducted in Alkharj to describe the trends in resistance to cefazolin from 1st of January 2020 to 30th of June 2021. The results of bacterial cultures were collected from the microbiology laboratory in the hospital.

Results: The susceptibility rate of gram negative bacteria to cefazolin in 2020 was more than 50% except Enterobacter cloacae (susceptibility rate=0) and that the resistance of Escherichia coli to cefazolin was increased from 36% in 2020 to 48% in 2021. The present study showed that cefazolin should not use to treat infections caused by Enterobacter cloacae because of the high resistance rate (100%).

Conclusion: The present study showed that the bacterial resistance of several pathogens to cefazolin was high. It is important to monitor antimicrobial susceptibility continuously and to use antibiotics wisely to minimize emergence of drug resistant bacteria.
Knowledge and Perception about Diabetes and its Risk Factors
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Alrawili Abdulrahman S. , Alkhawaja Faisal Z , Alqahtani Huwayzi F. , Alanazi Rayan H.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that increases the risks of developing other diseases in diabetic patients and can affect their quality of life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine knowledge and perception of risk of diabetes mellitus among the public in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology: The survey in the present cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the public knowledge and perception of risk of diabetes mellitus using a validated survey. The survey was converted to an online form using Google Forms.

Results: About 79.69% of the respondents use one or more medication and 70.31% of them had at least one chronic disease. About 34.37 % of the respondents were overweight respondents or had obesity. About 93.75% of the respondents said that they know the main risk factors and the protective factors of diabetes. More than 90 % of them have a good knowledge about diabetes and about antidiabetic drugs but more than 54% of them said that they need additional information about diabetes and about antidiabetic medications.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that more efforts should be made to increase the public knowledge about diabetes and an awareness program including lectures, workshops are essential to avoid getting diabetes among the public and to maintain good glycemic control among diabetic patients.
Simultaneous Photocatalytic Esterification and Addition Reaction of Fatty Acids in Kemiri Sunan (Reutealis trisperma sp.) Oil over CuO/TiO2 Catalyst - A Novel Approach
Authors: Redjeki Athiek Sri , Sukirno Sukirno , Slamet Slamet
Published: September 2021

A novel approach, namely photocatalytic esterification and addition reaction of unsaturated fatty acids using CuO/TiO2 catalyst has been investigated in kemiri sunan oil. The objectives of this study are to reduce the free fatty acid (FFA) content by using catalyst CuO/TiO2, characterization of the catalyst  and the operation condition of reaction. The CuO/TiO2 catalyst was synthesized by the impregnation of TiO2 P25 powder with copper nitrate solution as a precursor and followed by calcination. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Transmission electron microscopes (TEM) result showed that copper oxide was highly dispersed on the TiO2 surface. The X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) result showed that Cu is in the state of CuO (Cu2+), while Ti is in Ti4+ ( TiO2). The bandgap energy of CuO/TiO2 was smaller than TiO2 P25. It was  found that the reactions conducted in the presence of CuO/TiO2 in a photoreactor under UV irradiation can  perform esterification and addition reaction of the FFA,  simultaneously. The optimum reduction of the FFA was under condition of 4% loading CuO/TiO2, 4 hours reaction time, 30:1 (mole/mole) methanol to oil ratio, 5% (w/w) catalyst amount. The conversion of  FFA was at around 59%. The Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) results showed that the addition reaction of -eleostearic acid simultaneously occured at 100% conversion. Although the photocatalyst selectivity in FFA reduction was relatively  low, but double bond reduction of -eleostearic acid (C18:3) was very high. The reduction of multiple double bond is considered as positive poin to improve the oxidative stability of the product. The simultaneous esterification and addition reactions mechanism has been proposed. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
A meta‐analysis comparing first‐line immunosuppressants in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Giovannelli Jonathan , Ciron Jonathan , Cohen Mikael , Kim Ho‐Jin , Kim Su‐Hyun , Stellmann Jan‐Patrik , Kleiter Ingo , McCreary Morgan , Greenberg Benjamin M. , Deschamps Romain , Audoin Bertrand , Maillart Elisabeth , Papeix Caroline , Collongues Nicolas , Bourre Bertrand , Laplaud David , Ayrignac Xavier , Durand‐Dubief Françoise , Ruet Aurélie , Vukusic Sandra , Marignier Romain , Dauchet Luc , Zephir Hélène ,   NEMOS (Neuromyelitis Optica Study Group in Germany), NOMADMUS (Neuromyelitis Optica study Group in France), OFSEP (Observatoire Français de la Sclérose en Plaques) investigators
Published: September 2021

Objective

As phase III trials have shown interest in innovative but expensive drugs in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), data are needed to clarify strategies in the treatment of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). This meta‐analysis compares the efficacy of first‐line strategies using rituximab (RTX), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), or azathioprine (AZA), which are still widely used.

Methods

Studies identified by the systematic review of Huang et al. (2019) were selected if they considered at least two first‐line immunosuppressants among RTX, MMF, and AZA. We updated this review. The Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and ClinicalTrials databases were queried between November 2018 and April 2020. To be included, the hazard ratio (HR) [95% CI] for the time to first relapse after first‐line immunosuppression had to be available, calculable, or provided by the authors.

Results

We gathered data from 919 NMO patients (232 RTX‐, 294 MMF‐, and 393 AZA‐treated patients). The risk of first relapse after first‐line immunosuppression was 1.55 [1.04, 2.31] (p = 0.03) for MMF compared with RTX, 1.42 [0.87, 2.30] (p = 0.16) for AZA compared with RTX, and 0.94 [0.58, 1.54] (p = 0.08) for MMF compared with AZA.

Interpretation

The findings suggest that RTX is more efficient than MMF as a first‐line therapy. Even if the results of our meta‐analysis cannot conclude that RTX has a better efficacy in delaying the first relapse than AZA, the observed effect difference between both treatments combined with the results of previous studies using as outcome the annualized relapse rate may be in favor of RTX.
Despite differing diagnostic criteria, DSM‐5 and DSM‐IV diagnoses comparable
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2021

While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) has served as the standard diagnostic tool for substance use disorders (SUDs) since its publication eight years ago, many researchers continue to rely on older Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV) criteria that have been used over the years in numerous clinical studies and in prominent surveys such as the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This in theory could create discrepancies between diagnoses based on differences in the diagnostic manuals, but a new analysis suggests that studies using the different criteria are largely comparable.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence from π‐Conjugated Chiral Perylene Diimide Luminophores: The Bay Position Effect
Authors: Kitahara Maho , Mishima Kohei , Hara Nobuyuki , Shizuma Motohiro , Kanesaka Aoba , Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Imai Yoshitane
Published: September 2021

Three types of chiral perylene diimide luminophores bearing ethynyl, phenyl, and ethynylphenyl substituents (BPP‐Ethy, BPP‐Ph, and BPP‐EthyPh) at the bay positions were prepared. The chiroptical properties of the compounds in their solution (in CHCl3) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)‐film solid states were investigated. Similar to the chiral BPP molecules bearing no substituents at the bay position, BPP‐Ethy, BPP‐Ph, and BPP‐EthyPh luminophores emitted no clear circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) in CHCl3 solution. In contrast, the chiral BPP‐Ethy, BPP‐Ph, and BPP‐EthyPh luminophores exhibited intense aggregation‐induced enhanced CPL (AIEnh‐CPL) in the PMMA‐film state; BPP exhibited similar properties. Although the four luminophores were of the same absolute configurations, the CPL signs of the chiral BPP‐EthyPh were opposite to those of BPP, BPP‐Ethy, and BPP‐Ph. This could be attributed to the effects of the substituents at the bay position.
Effective visible‐light CO2 photoreduction over (metallo)porphyrin‐based metal–organic frameworks to achieve useful hydrocarbons
Authors: Hariri Roya , Dehghanpour Saeed
Published: September 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have proved to be particularly appropriate for CO2 conversion. In the present work, we report metalloporphyrin‐based MOFs, PCN‐222(M) (M = Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu), which promote photocatalytic CO2 conversion to valuable chemicals. These ultra‐highly stable frameworks are constructed from Zr6 clusters and metalloporphyrin linkers. Metalloporphyrinic MOF has been synthesized and employed as a visible‐light photocatalyst for carbon dioxide to form formate. The effect of metalloporphyrinic PCN‐222(M) on CO2 reduction has been studied. Remarkably, PCN‐222(M) is highly efficient in visible light‐driven CO2 reduction into formate ion compared with the nonmetal porphyrinic PCN‐222. Metal ions of porphyrinic linkers play a great role in CO2 sorption, light harvesting, bandgap, photoluminescence (pL) intensity, and charge transfer, which influence CO2 reduction. CO2 adsorption and activation over metal ions of porphyrinic linkers play a significant part in the improvement of the conversion efficiency; the product obtained was characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) analyses. The reaction mechanism has been discussed in detail.
Functional and ecological correlates of the primate jaw abductors
Authors: Dickinson Edwin , Pastor Francisco , Santana Sharlene E. , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: September 2021

While the adductor musculature of the primate jaw has been extensively analyzed within the context of dietary and social ecology, little is known about the corresponding muscles of jaw abduction. Nonetheless, these muscles significantly contribute to a species' maximum gape potential, and thus might constrain dietary niche diversity and impact social display behaviors. In this study, we quantify the architectural properties of the digastric (a jaw abductor) and lateral pterygoid (a jaw abductor and anterior translator) across a broad sample of male and female anthropoid primates. We test the hypothesis that the abductor musculature reflects specialization to dietary and behavioral ecology. Our sample comprises 14 catarrhine and 13 platyrrhine species spanning a wide range of dietary and social categories. All specimens were sharp dissected and muscles subsequently chemically digested using a standardized protocol. Our findings demonstrate that relative fascicle lengths within the lateral pterygoid (but not the digastric) are significantly greater within species that habitually consume larger food items. Meanwhile, canine length is more strongly associated with fascicle lengths in the digastric than in the lateral pterygoid, particularly within males. Neither dietary mechanical resistance nor the intensity of social competition relates to the size or architectural properties of the jaw abductors. These findings suggest that dietary—and to a lesser extent, socioecological—aspects of a primate's life history may be reflected in the architecture of these muscles, albeit to varying degrees. This underlines the importance of considering the complete masticatory apparatus when interpreting the evolution of the primate jaw.
Plasmon Coupling‐Induced Hot Electrons for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Yuan Xu , Zhen Wenlong , Yu Sijia , Xue Can
Published: September 2021

We present the fabrication of core‐shell‐satellite Au@SiO2‐Pt nanostructures and demonstrate that LSPR excitation of the core Au nanoparticle can induce plasmon coupling effect to initiate photocatalytic hydrogen generation from decomposition of formic acid. Further studies suggest that the plasmon coupling effect induces a strong local electric field between the Au core and Pt nanoparticles on the SiO2 shell, which enables creation of hot electrons on the non‐plasmonic‐active Pt nanoparticles to participate hydrogen evolution reaction on the Pt surface. In addition, small SiO2 shell thickness is required in order to obtain a strong plamon coupling effect and achieve efficient photocatalytic activities for hydrogen generation.
A Comprehensive Study of the Ca2+ Ion Binding of Fluorescently Labelled BAPTA Analogues
Authors: Csomos Attila , Kontra Bence , Jancsó Attila , Galbács Gábor , Deme Ruth , Kele Zoltán , Rózsa Balázs József , Kovács Ervin , Mucsi Zoltán
Published: September 2021

Since its development, the ionophore BAPTA (1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)‐ethane‐N,N,N’,N’‐tetraacetic acid) has been used unchanged in calcium sensing applications. In this work we present a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study of novel alterations in the structure of BAPTA, with a focus on the systematic modification of the chain connecting the two aromatic rings of the molecule (denoted as “linker”). A bis‐(diethylamino)xantene fluorophore was also attached to the structures in a fixed position and the structure‐fluorescence response relationship of these molecules was investigated in addition. The effect of the linker's length, the number of oxygen atoms in this chain and even the removal of one of the rings was tested; these all proved to significantly alter the characteristics of the compounds. For example, it was found that the second aromatic ring of BAPTA is not essential for the turn‐on of the fluorescence. We also demonstrated that successful sensing can be realized even by replacing the chain with a single oxygen atom, which suggests the availability of a new calcium binding mode of the chelator. The reliable turn‐on characteristic, the steep Ca2+ fluorescence titration curve and the intense fluorescence emission combine to make this compound a prospective candidate as a calcium sensing molecular probe in diagnostic neurobiological applications.
Hydration activity and mechanical properties of steel slag used as cementitious materials
Authors: Hou Jiwei , Liu Jiaxiang
Published: September 2021

The massive steel slag not only occupies land resources but also pollutes the environment, so it is necessary to efficiently utilize steel slag. In this article, the hydration activity and mechanical properties of steel slag used as cementitious materials were studied. Results showed the steel slag was difficult to hydrate at room temperature within 3 days. After the steel slag was autoclaved at 215°C, 2 MPa for 3 h, its hydration degree was 1/3 of that of Portland cement. The expansion rate of the steel slag‐cement cementitious materials increased linearly with the increase of steel slag content. When the content of steel slag was 60%, the specimen was cracked under boiled conditions and pulverized under autoclaved conditions. The strength of mortar first increased and then decreased with the increase of steel slag content. When the content of steel slag was 10%, the mortar produced the highest 28‐day compressive strength of 49.01 MPa and flexural strength of 8.78 MPa.
Glacial landscape configuration influences channel response to flooding
Authors: Reid David A. , Hassan Marwan A. , McCleary Richard
Published: September 2021

The influence of glaciation‐induced watershed configuration on channel response to flooding remains a topic of comparatively little research despite the prevalence of paraglacial landscapes. This study examines the response of Guichon Creek, a 1,200 km2 catchment in the southern interior of British Columbia, to major flood events during consecutive freshets with return periods of 20–40 years. The glacial history of the Guichon Creek landscape has influenced the spatial pattern of sediment availability to the channel, with erosion of thick glaciofluvial deposits located adjacent to the mainstem channel leading to extensive destabilization of downstream reaches. Over the two flood events, Guichon Creek widened by a factor of eight, but only downstream of sediment sources. Where sediment was not available to enter the channel, major changes in width were not observed. At least 163,000 ± 83,000 m3 and 73,890 ± 11,752 m3 of sediment entered the stream channel during the 2017 and 2018 freshets, respectively, representing an input more than 200 times the mean annual transport capacity. Between 40% and 60% of this sediment was of a sufficient caliber to be transported as bedload. While aggradation and degradation exceeding several meters in depth was observed at some sites, net increase in storage was small, indicating substantial sediment export. Specific patterns of channel change downstream of sediment input sites correspond to gradients in stream power. We present a conceptual model contrasting profile form, sediment availability, and transport capacity between a previously glaciated and a non‐glaciated basin of similar size and relief. These findings illustrate the broad implications of glacial landscape history on channel response to flooding, and have direct implications for river management, particularly as it pertains to channel stability and aquatic habitat.
Unlocking our understanding of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams with genomic tools
Authors: Blackman Rosetta C , Altermatt Florian , Foulquier Arnaud , Lefébure Tristan , Gauthier Maïlys , Bouchez Agnès , Stubbington Rachel , Weigand Alexander M , Leese Florian , Datry Thibault
Published: September 2021

Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) – waterways in which flow ceases periodically or that dry completely – are found worldwide, and their frequency and extent are expected to increase in the future in response to global climate change and growing anthropogenic demand for fresh water. Repeated wet–dry cycles generate highly dynamic settings within river networks composed of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, which act as evolutionary triggers for aquatic and terrestrial biota. Drying also alters functions and processes within river networks, with consequences for ecosystem services. Despite the emergence of promising conceptual and methodological developments, our understanding of the occurrence and diversity of organisms in these ecosystems is limited primarily due to their coupled aquatic–terrestrial characteristics. Novel genomic tools based on high‐throughput sequencing have the potential to tackle unanswered questions of pivotal importance to predict future change in IRES. Here, we outline why genomic tools are needed to assess these dynamic ecosystems from the population to the metacommunity scale, and their potential role in bridging ecological–evolutionary dynamics.