bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) re-irradiation for local failures following radical prostatectomy and post-operative radiotherapy
Authors: Majewski Wojciech , Miszczyk Marcin , Graupner Donata , Goc Bartłomiej , Goldner Gregor , Napieralska Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Local recurrences after radical prostatectomy (RP) and postoperative radiotherapy (RT) are challenging for salvage treatment. Retrospective analysis of own experiences with salvage re-irradiation was performed.

Methods

The study included all consecutive patients treated with salvage stereotactic body radiotherapy (sSBRT) for prostate bed recurrence following RP and postoperative RT at a single tertiary center between 2014 and 2021. Treatment toxicity defined as the occurrence of CTCAE grade ≥ 2 genito-urinary (GU) or gastro-intestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) was assessed. A PSA response, biochemical control (BC) and overall survival (OS) were also evaluated.

Results

The study group included 32 patients with a median age of 68 years and a median follow-up of 41 months, treated with CyberKnife (53%) or Linac (47%) sSBRT. Total dose of 33.75–36.25 Gy in five fractions (72%) was applied in the majority of them. Approximately 19% patients reported grade ≥ 2 GU AEs both at baseline and at three months, and grade ≥ 2 GI toxicity increased from 0% at baseline to 6% at three months after sSBRT. There was some clinically relevant increase in late toxicity with 31% patients reporting late ≥ 2 GU, and 12.5% late ≥ 2 GI AEs. Two grade 3 AEs were recorded: recto-urinary fistulas. The majority of patients showed a PSA response (91% at one year post-sSBRT). The 3‑year BC was 40% and 3‑year OS was 87%.

Conclusions

Manageable toxicity profile and satisfactory biochemical response suggest that SBRT in patients with local recurrence following RP and postoperative RT might be a salvage option for selected patients.
Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Bin , Zou Zhuan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xiao Dongqiong , Li Xihong
Published: December 2023

Purpose

There is currently no curative treatment for childhood Crohn’s disease (CD). This meta-analysis aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (ADA) in pediatric patients with CD.

Materials and methods

We searched all relevant studies in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcomes were induction (≤ 12 weeks) and maintenance (up to 48 weeks) of remission and response. Secondary outcomes were severe adverse events and opportunistic infections to ADA. The Cochrane bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials. The methodological quality of the single-arm studies was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies tool.

Results

Ten clinical trials involving a total of 885 patients were included. Results indicated that 59% (95% confidence interval [CI] 39–80%) of the subjects treated with ADA achieved induction of remission, and 60% (95% CI 35–86%) of the subjects treated with ADA achieved induction of response, 57% (95% CI 44–70%) achieved maintenance of remission, and 63% (95% CI 26–69%) achieved maintenance of response.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that ADA is effective in children and adolescents with CD and that adverse events vary but are usually not severe.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023402199.
Phase III study of bilayer sustained-release tramadol tablets in patients with cancer pain: a double-blind parallel-group, non-inferiority study with immediate-release tramadol capsules as an active comparator
Authors: Shinkai Masaharu , Katsumata Noriyuki , Kawai Shinichi , Kuyama Shoichi , Sasaki Osamu , Yanagita Yasuhiro , Yoshida Minoru , Uneda Shima , Tsuji Yasushi , Harada Hidenori , Nishida Yasunori , Sakamoto Yasuhiro , Himeji Daisuke , Arioka Hitoshi , Sato Kazuhiro , Katsuki Ryo , Shomura Hiroki , Nakano Hideshi , Ohtani Hideaki , Sasaki Kazutaka , Adachi Takeshi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

We investigated whether twice-daily administration of a bilayer tablet formulation of tramadol (35% immediate-release [IR] and 65% sustained-release) is as effective as four-times-daily IR tramadol capsules for managing cancer pain.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-comparator, non-inferiority study enrolled opioid-naïve patients using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen (paracetamol) to manage cancer pain and self-reported pain (mean value over 3 days ≥ 25 mm on a 100-mm visual analog scale [VAS]). Patients were randomized to either bilayer tablets or IR capsules for 14 days. The starting dose was 100 mg/day and could be escalated to 300 mg/day. The primary endpoint was the change in VAS (averaged over 3 days) for pain at rest from baseline to end of treatment/discontinuation.

Results

Overall, 251 patients were randomized. The baseline mean VAS at rest was 47.67 mm (range: 25.6–82.7 mm). In the full analysis set, the adjusted mean change in VAS was − 22.07 and − 19.08 mm in the bilayer tablet (n = 124) and IR capsule (n = 120) groups, respectively. The adjusted mean difference was − 2.99 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] − 7.96 to 1.99 mm). The upper 95% CI was less than the predefined non-inferiority margin of 7.5 mm. Other efficacy outcomes were similar in both groups. Adverse events were reported for 97/126 (77.0%) and 101/125 (80.8%) patients in the bilayer tablet and IR capsule groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Twice-daily administration of bilayer tramadol tablets was as effective as four-times-daily administration of IR capsules regarding the improvement in pain VAS, with comparable safety outcomes.

Clinical trial registration

JapicCTI-184143/jRCT2080224082 (October 5, 2018).
Enhanced sensing performance of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium to hydrogen sulphide gas and methylene blue dye by constructing CuO@ZnO core/shell heterostructure: A DFT/TD-DFT study
Authors: Badry Rania , Nada Nadra , El-Nahass Mahmoud M. , Elhaes Hanan , Ibrahim Medhat A.
Published: December 2023

Anthropogenic air and water pollution are two of the world's most serious public health threats, causing around 9 million fatalities each year. Accordingly, CuO, ZnO, and CuO@ZnO core/shell structures were optimized utilizing the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method to study the effect of CuO@ZnO core/shell on the sensitivity of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC). Absorption spectra and optical band gap (Eg) have been investigated utilizing the TD-DFT method. The calculated Eg values for CuO and ZnO equal 1.23 and 3.29 eV, respectively, which agree well with those reported in the literature. The effects of H2S gas and methylene blue dye (MB) adsorption on the electronic characteristics of dimer CMC /CuO@ZnO structures were investigated in terms of TDM, HOMO/LUMO energy, and molecular electrostatic potential (MESP). The TDM in dimer CMC/CuO@ZnO structure was increased to 72.152 and 67.606 Debye, while ΔE was reduced by 6.42% and 82.57% due to the adsorption of H2S and MB dye, respectively. This means that it has a faster response to MB than to H2S. Additionally, MESP confirms the increased reactivity of dimer CMC/CuO@ZnO due to the adsorption process. As a result, dimer CMC/CuO@ZnO structures appear to be attractive candidates for H2S and MB dye sensing applications.
Effect mechanism investigation of herb-partitioned moxibustion on relieving colon inflammation in Crohn disease rats based on neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Lu Chi , Xu Jing , Lu Yuan , Wu Luyi , Bao Chunhui , Ma Zhe , Zhong Rui , Wang Zhaoqin , Sun Kexin , Zheng Handan , Weng Zhijun , Huang Yan , Wu Huangan
Published: December 2023

Objective

To explore the mechanism of herb-partitioned moxibustion in relieving rat intestinal inflammation by focusing on the neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in Crohn disease (CD) development.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a herb-partitioned moxibustion group, and a mesalazine group. The CD rat model was prepared with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid except for rats in the normal group. Rats in the normal group and model group did not receive any treatment but had the same fixation as the other groups. Rats in the herb-partitioned moxibustion group received herb-partitioned moxibustion at Qihai (CV6) and bilateral Tianshu (ST25). Rats in the mesalazine group received intragastric administration of mesalazine enteric-coated tablets. The general situation of rats in each group was recorded, and the histopathological changes in the colon were observed and scored by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum concentrations of NETs DNA (NETs-DNA), neutrophil elastase (NE)-DNA, and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-DNA were detected by ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the citrullinated histone 3 (citH3), MPO, and NE protein and mRNA expression levels in rat colon tissue were observed by immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Compared with the normal group, the mucosal ulcer reached the muscularis, the epithelium was incomplete, the goblet cells decreased obviously with significant inflammatory cell infiltration in the colon; the colonic mucosa damage index (CMDI) score increased significantly (P<0.01); the serum NETs-DNA, NE-DNA, and MPO-DNA concentrations increased (P<0.05); the NE, citH3, and MPO protein and mRNA expression in the colonic tissues increased significantly in the model group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mucosal epithelium in the herb-partitioned moxibustion group and the mesalazine group was repaired and the goblet cells increased with a few infiltrating inflammatory cells in the colon; the CMDI score decreased (P<0.01); the serum NETs-DNA, NE-DNA, and MPO-DNA concentrations decreased (P<0.05); the NE, citH3, and MPO protein and mRNA expression in the colonic tissues was down-regulated (P<0.01 or P<0.05).

Conclusion

Herb-partitioned moxibustion reduced the serum NETs complex and inhibited the protein and mRNA expression of NETs complex in the colon tissue, which may be one mechanism of herb-partitioned moxibustion in relieving colon mucosal inflammation in CD.
Combined Effects of Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Growth Performance, Feed Utilization Intestinal Health, and Blood Biomarkers of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Fish Meal-Free Diets
Authors: Anany Ehab M. , Ibrahim Mostafa A. , El-Razek Ibrahim M. Abd , El-Nabawy El-Said M. , Amer Asem A. , Zaineldin Amr I. , Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O.
Published: December 2023

Aquafeed quality is the most critical factor for aquaculture sustainability. However, limitations of traditional feed ingredients such as fishmeal (FM) need alternative strategies to ensure the nutritional requirements for aquatic animals. In this trial, four test diets were formulated (2 × 2 factorial design), where FM was incorporated in two diets at 10% with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) at 1 g/kg. At the same time, FM was replaced with yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal (TM) with or without SC at 1 g/kg. The growth performance indices (final weight, weight gain, and SGR), and the feed utilization indices (FCR and PER) were markedly affected by the protein source (FM or TM) and dietary SC (P < 0.05). The protein source (FM or TM) significantly (P < 0.05) affected the whole-body protein and lipid contents, while the moisture and ash contents were unaffected (P > 0.05) by TM or SC. The growth of the intestinal villi showed a marked increase in both height and branching in the treated groups with SC along the whole length of the intestine. Furthermore, the immune cell infiltration was prominent near the intestinal crypts of the middle intestinal segments in the supplemented groups by SC. Dietary TM and SC revealed improved hepatic parenchyma in the liver tissue better than other groups. The hematological indices, including hemoglobulin, hematocrit, red blood cells, and white blood cells, were markedly affected by dietary SC (P < 0.05). The lysozyme activity and phagocytic index were markedly affected by dietary SC, while phagocytic activity was affected by dietary TM (P < 0.05). The catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde were markedly affected by the interaction between dietary protein source and SC, while superoxide dismutase was affected by dietary SC (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adding SC could enhance the utilization of TM by Nile tilapia with positive effects on the intestinal and liver histological features and the immune and antioxidative responses.
Analyzing environmental flow supply in the semi-arid area through integrating drought analysis and optimal operation of reservoir
Authors: Sedighkia Mahdi , Datta Bithin
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a novel form of environmental reservoir operation through integrating environmental flow supply, drought analysis, and evolutionary optimization. This study demonstrates that simultaneous supply of downstream environmental flow of reservoir as well as water demand is challenging in the semi-arid area especially in dry years. In this study, water supply and environmental flow supply were 40% and 30% in the droughts, respectively. Moreover, mean errors of supplying water demand as well as environmental flow in dry years were 6 and 9 m3/s, respectively. Hence, these results highlight that ecological stresses of the downstream aquatic habitats as well as water supply loss are considerably escalated in dry years, which implies even using environmental optimal operation is not able to protect downstream aquatic habitats properly in the severe droughts. Moreover, available storage in reservoir will be remarkably reduced (averagely more than 30×106 m3 compared with optimal storage equal to 70×106 m3), which implies strategic storage of reservoir might be threatened. Among used evolutionary algorithms, particle swarm optimization (PSO) was selected as the best algorithm for solving the novel proposed objective function. The significance of this study is to propose a novel objective function to optimize reservoir operation in which environmental flow supply is directly addressed and integrated with drought analysis. This novel form of optimization system can overcome uncertainties of the conventional objective function due to considering environmental flow in the objective function as well as drought analysis in the context of reservoir operation especially applicable in semi-arid areas. The results indicate that using either other water resources for water supply or reducing water demand is the only solution for managing downstream ecological impacts of the river ecosystem. In other words, the results highlighted that replanning of water resources in the study area is necessary. Replacing the conventional optimization system for reservoir operation in the semi-arid area with proposed optimization system is recommendable to minimize the negotiations between stakeholders and environmental managers.
Evaluation of the water conservation function in the Ili River Delta of Central Asia based on the InVEST model
Authors: Cao Yijie , Ma Yonggang , Bao Anming , Chang Cun , Liu Tie
Published: December 2023

The Ili River Delta (IRD) is an ecological security barrier for the Lake Balkhash and an important water conservation area in Central Asia. In this study, we selected the IRD as a typical research area, and simulated the water yield and water conservation from 1975 to 2020 using the water yield module of the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model. We further analyzed the temporal and spatial variations in the water yield and water conservation in the IRD from 1975 to 2020, and investigated the main driving factors (precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, land use/land cover change, and inflow from the Ili River) of the water conservation variation based on the linear regression, piecewise linear regression, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyses. The results indicated that from 1975 to 2020, the water yield and water conservation in the IRD showed a decreasing trend, and the spatial distribution pattern was “high in the east and low in the west”; overall, the water conservation of all land use types decreased slightly. The water conservation volume of grassland was the most reduced, although the area of grassland increased owing to the increased inflow from the Ili River. At the same time, the increased inflow has led to the expansion of wetland areas, the improvement of vegetation growth, and the increase of regional evapotranspiration, thus resulting in an overall reduction in the water conservation. The water conservation depth and precipitation had similar spatial distribution patterns; the change in climate factors was the main reason for the decline in the water conservation function in the delta. The reservoir in the upper reaches of the IRD regulated runoff into the Lake Balkhash, promoted vegetation restoration, and had a positive effect on the water conservation; however, this positive effect cannot offset the negative effect of enhanced evapotranspiration. These results provide a reference for the rational allocation of water resources and ecosystem protection in the IRD.
StockTwits classified sentiment and stock returns
Authors: Divernois Marc-Aurèle , Filipović Damir
Published: December 2023

We classify the sentiment of a large sample of StockTwits messages as bullish, bearish or neutral, and create a stock-aggregate daily sentiment polarity measure. Polarity is positively associated with contemporaneous stock returns. On average, polarity is not able to predict next-day stock returns. But when we condition on specific events, defined as sudden peaks of message volume, polarity has predictive power on abnormal returns. Polarity-sorted portfolios illustrate the economic relevance of our sentiment measure.
Liturgical Animals in a Secular Age: On Charles Taylor and James K. A. Smith
Authors: Scordino Anthony J.
Published: December 2023

Charles Taylor and James K. A. Smith occupy unique terrain among the many genealogists, cartographers, and mission-oriented Christian interpreters of secular modernity. By putting a methodological premium on philosophical(-theological) anthropology and on articulating the conditions—rather than simply the content—of belief in the West today, they approach and elucidate a well-trodden scholarly landscape in new ways. Taylor’s A Secular Age is a monumental, sui generis existential and phenomenological history of the West’s ever-evolving social imaginary, a history whose methodology and anthropological presuppositions merit extensive analysis (undertaken in part 1). In his Cultural Liturgies trilogy, James Smith takes queues from Taylor’s approach and proposes a highly congruous and complementary anthropology to which “liturgy” is the key. His work offers a lexical and hermeneutical toolkit for filling in explanatory gaps in Taylor’s narrative of Latin Christendom’s “secularization”; for further investigation into any particular feature, idea, or practice in said narrative; and for exegeting the numerous ritual and liturgical practices constitutive of every human life, including one’s own (part 2). Despite similar “diagnoses” of secular modernity’s malaise, the two thinkers offer meaningfully disparate remedial “prescriptions.” Part 3 articulates these differences, as they are important for theologians who are discerning the form Christian mission might take in secular modernity. Part 4 considers an apparent asymmetry between Smith’s diagnosis of contemporary Western Christianity’s ills and the correlate prescriptions he suggests the church adopt, as well as issues endemic to Taylor and Smith’s aims to reincarnate the modern, excarnated self. Taylor articulates the otherwise inarticulate and Smith unveils the pedagogical potency of the otherwise ordinary; when read together—especially with Smith as a constructively critical supplement to Taylor—their categories and analyses capacitate a more holistic understanding of what exactly it means to be—and to be the church—in a secular age.
Bicoherence Analysis of Oxygen Ion Cyclotron Harmonic Waves Observed by Van Allen Probes
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Kaijun , Yao Fei , Xiong Ying
Published: December 2023

Bicoherence analysis is statistically performed for the oxygen ion cyclotron harmonic (OCH) waves observed by Van Allen Probes. While OCH waves and so‐called electromagnetic ion cyclotron harmonics have indistinguishable spectral characteristics in observation, they are believed to be excited by different mechanisms with the latter being suggested to arise from nonlinear wave‐wave coupling. Our result reveals that most of the OCH wave events have small bicoherence indices, so they are unlikely excited by wave‐wave coupling. The result is not much affected by the parameter choice in the bicoherence analysis, although increasing the subinterval length and/or reducing the subinterval overlap increases the chance of getting large bicoherence index values. Furthermore, the examination of two special events with large bicoherence indices shows that the observed phase relationship among different wave components does not align with the expectation from wave‐wave coupling. The events cannot be convincingly confirmed to be generated through wave‐wave coupling.
Validation of Two Newly Developed Albedo Schemes Based on the Observations Over the Region With Evergreen Broadleaved Forest in Southern China
Authors: Wang Huan , Wei Zhigang , Huang Anning , Li Xianru , Ma Li , Guo Shitong
Published: December 2023

Existing land surface models still have large error in the simulation of surface albedo. At present, introducing the influence of meteorological factors into the albedo parameterization scheme is an effective way to improve the albedo simulation. However, the improvement of the vegetation canopy surface albedo parameterization scheme is still insufficient. Therefore, based on the radiation and meteorological observation data during 1 November 2015–30 April 2018 from a land‐atmosphere interaction observation tower in a typical secondary evergreen broadleaved forest in Southern China, this study firstly analyzed the influencing factors of canopy surface albedo. It was found that the solar elevation angle and air relative humidity are two key factors influencing the canopy surface albedo, and the impact of the solar elevation angle on canopy surface albedo is not exactly the same on diurnal and seasonal scales. Then, two new canopy surface albedo parameterization schemes of additive form and multiplicative form were proposed and introduced into CLM5 model for single point simulation. Results show that the adoption of newly developed canopy surface albedo parameterization schemes can improve the simulation of diurnal and seasonal variations of albedo and reduce the overestimation of the simulation of near‐infrared radiation albedo and visible radiation albedo in the CLM5 model, then significantly reduce the root mean square errors of reflected solar radiation and net radiation simulation.
Hydrodynamic and Morphological Adaptation of Two Consecutive Sharp Bends of the Middle Yangtze River to Upstream Damming
Authors: Liu Xin , Xia Junqiang , Deng Shanshan , Zhou Meirong , Mao Beiping , Blanckaert Koen
Published: December 2023

It remains an open question how the hydrodynamics and morphology in sharp meander bends adapt to the changes in flow and sediment conditions induced by upstream damming. This study reports a comprehensive investigation into the morphological changes, patterns of mean and secondary flows and sediment transport around two consecutive sharp bends in the Middle Yangtze River (MYR), and explains these changes from the viewpoint of flow‐sediment transport‐morphology interaction based on field measurements. With the Three Gorges Project operation, the MYR suffered a remarkable channel degradation due to a sudden decrease of incoming sediment discharge. The point bars were removed, and outer‐bank benches (OBB) formed upstream of the bend apices, which resulted in quite different flow and sediment transport patterns in the bends. The highest velocity zones and center‐region cells of secondary flow were more toward the inner bank due to the lack of point bars, and the outward migration of momentum was delayed. Flow recirculation zones were observed over the OBBs, covering 12%–58% of the channel width. The transport rates of suspended load accounted for 98% of the total sediment load, and the outward shift of the highest transport rate zone was confined by the OBBs, which reduced the effective width of sediment transport. These changes in flow and sediment transport re‐inforced the morphological changes around the sharp bends: the velocity redistribution and evolution of scour factor lagged more behind planform curvature, which further promoted the erosion of point bars and the development of OBB.
Genetic and transcriptomic analyses of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients with poor outcomes within two years of diagnosis
Authors: Ren Weicheng , Wan Hui , Own Sulaf Abd , Berglund Mattias , Wang Xianhuo , Yang Mingyu , Li Xiaobo , Liu Dongbing , Ye Xiaofei , Sonnevi Kristina , Enblad Gunilla , Amini Rose-Marie , Sander Birgitta , Wu Kui , Zhang Huilai , Wahlin Björn Engelbrekt , Smedby Karin E. , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: December 2023

Despite the improvements in clinical outcomes for DLBCL, a significant proportion of patients still face challenges with refractory/relapsed (R/R) disease after receiving first-line R-CHOP treatment. To further elucidate the underlying mechanism of R/R disease and to develop methods for identifying patients at risk of early disease progression, we integrated clinical, genetic and transcriptomic data derived from 2805 R-CHOP-treated patients from seven independent cohorts. Among these, 887 patients exhibited R/R disease within two years (poor outcome), and 1918 patients remained in remission at two years (good outcome). Our analysis identified four preferentially mutated genes (TP53, MYD88, SPEN, MYC) in the untreated (diagnostic) tumor samples from patients with poor outcomes. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis revealed a distinct gene expression pattern linked to poor outcomes, affecting pathways involved in cell adhesion/migration, T-cell activation/regulation, PI3K, and NF-κB signaling. Moreover, we developed and validated a 24-gene expression score as an independent prognostic predictor for treatment outcomes. This score also demonstrated efficacy in further stratifying high-risk patients when integrated with existing genetic or cell-of-origin subtypes, including the unclassified cases in these models. Finally, based on these findings, we developed an online analysis tool (https://lymphprog.serve.scilifelab.se/app/lymphprog) that can be used for prognostic prediction for DLBCL patients.
Immunoactivity of a hybrid membrane biosurface on nanoparticles: enhancing interactions with dendritic cells to augment anti-tumor immune responses
Authors: Yu Luying , Zhou Ao , Jia Jingyan , Wang Jieting , Ji Xueyang , Deng Yu , Lin Xinhua , Wang Fang
Published: December 2023

A hybrid membrane biosurface derived from cancer cells and activated macrophages was found to enhance the interaction of nanoparticles with immune cells, which was utilized to develop an anti-tumor nanovaccine loaded with an adjuvant.
An aminobenzannulation reaction of a propargylic ester and isocyanides to access multi-functionalized aryl amine derivatives
Authors: Ni Zihan , Hu Jie , Yin Kun , Chen Tianfang , Li Xiangning , Cui Lei , Li Chunju , Li Jian
Published: December 2023

An aminobenzannulation of two molecular isocyanides and a propargylic ester has been reported.
Extremely efficient and stable hydrogen evolution by a Pt/NiOx composite film deposited on a nickel foam using a mixed metal-imidazole casting method
Authors: Zahran Zaki N. , Tsubonouchi Yuta , Chandra Debraj , Kanazawa Tomoki , Nozawa Shunsuke , Mohamed Eman A. , Hoshino Norihisa , Yagi Masayuki
Published: December 2023

Extremely efficient and robust electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) were developed with the lowest overpotentials of only η10 = 4.2 and η100 = 26.4 mV among the state-of-the-art HER electrocatalysts under alkaline conditions.
Reimagining From Abroad: Speech-Language Pathologists as Interprofessional Partners Supporting Justice-Involved Youth in America
Authors: Perrotti Anne Marie , Martinez Sophia Janeiro , Chappell Allison , Baker Brooke D. , Jayarathna Sampath
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

With application to the United States, this tutorial explores barriers in the American juvenile justice system for justice-involved youth (JIY) with cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs). It outlines models from abroad and reimagines the American juvenile justice system to include speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as interprofessional practice partners.

Method:

Interprofessional (i.e., criminal justice, speech-language pathology) literature from the United States and overseas is reviewed and summarized to explain the American juvenile justice system, outline areas of concern for youth with CCDs, and describe potential solutions.

Results:

The application of speech-language pathology services within the juvenile justice system is explained and visually depicted. This framework was informed by intervention models and approaches from international examples.

Conclusions:

There is an opportunity to embed speech-language pathology services from intake into court action and through disposition for JIY with cognitive-communication impairments. This includes interprofessional education and development, SLPs providing direct intervention, and multidisciplinary screening efforts. Speech-language pathologists as interprofessional advocates and practice partners can improve life chances and outcomes for youth with CCDs in the juvenile justice system.
DC protection coordination for multi‐terminal HB‐MMC‐based HVDC grids
Authors: Ashrafi Niaki Seyed Hassan , Chen Zhe , Bak‐Jensen Birgitte , Sharifabadi Kamran , Liu Zhou , Hu Shuju
Published: December 2023

Fast progress of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology has been considerable over the past decades. Emerging Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) provides power systems with promising solutions to integrate large‐scale renewable energy sources, as well as multiple asynchronous power grids. Consequently, implementation of a multi‐terminal HVDC transmission system has been easier using MMC converters. However, protection of multi‐terminal MMC‐based HVDC grids under DC fault conditions is a challenge for the industry. This study sheds light on concept of system‐level DC protection coordination for multi‐terminal HVDC grids. Although, there are different protection methods for HVDC transmission systems including multi‐terminal ones, there are no well‐defined protection coordination strategies for transmission links protection and belonging HVDC converters under DC fault conditions. The proposed protection coordination prevents unnecessary tripping of MMCs in the multi‐area HVDC grids and supports the system with minimum effect on healthy parts. For the first time, different HVDC Converter Tripping (HCT) profiles are presented based on a fully selective protection strategy and their characteristics are discussed comprehensively. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy for multi‐terminal MMC‐based HVDC grids. The proposed coordination can be applied to DC grid code requirements of meshed HVDC grids in the future.
Havana, Moscow and international crises: implications for asymmetry
Authors: Bain Mervyn J.
Published: December 2023

Asymmetric relationships are key to international relations with Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine placing asymmetry at the forefront of global politics. This article’s originality arises from its examination of the effects of an international crisis involving the larger partner of an asymmetric relationship and a third-party country for the asymmetric relationship in question. Specifically, Havana–Moscow relations. Havana’s response to the August 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, the December 1979 invasion of Afghanistan and the 2022 Ukrainian invasion are examined using a rigorous historical qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources and a qualitative and quantitative analysis of bilateral trade. It is posited that during an international crisis: (1) the dynamics of the asymmetric relationship change triggering a new type of asymmetry: temporal crisis asymmetry; and (2) the bilateral relationship becomes more symmetric. Significant for other asymmetric relationships impacted by an international crisis involving the larger partner and a third-party country.
Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy in a low-energy electron microscope
Authors: Neuhaus Alexander , Dreher Pascal , Schütz Florian , Marchetto Helder , Franz Torsten , Meyer zu Heringdorf Frank
Published: December 2023

Spectroscopic photoemission microscopy is a well-established method to investigate the electronic structure of surfaces. In modern photoemission microscopes, the electron optics allow imaging of the image plane, momentum plane, or dispersive plane, depending on the lens setting. Furthermore, apertures allow filtering of energy-, real-, and momentum space. Here, we describe how a standard spectroscopic and low-energy electron microscope can be equipped with an additional slit at the entrance of the already present hemispherical analyzer to enable an angle- and energy-resolved photoemission mode with micrometer spatial selectivity. We apply a photogrammetric calibration to correct for image distortions of the projective system behind the analyzer and present spectra recorded on Au(111) as a benchmark. Our approach makes data acquisition in energy–momentum space more efficient, which is a necessity for laser-based pump–probe photoemission microscopy with femtosecond time resolution.
Origins of multi-sublattice magnetism and superexchange interactions in double–double perovskite CaMnCrSbO6
Authors: Dhawan Rakshanda , Balasubramanian Padmanabhan , Nautiyal Tashi
Published: December 2023

The multi-sublattice magnetism and electronic structure in double–double perovskite compound CaMnCrSbO6 is explored using density functional theory. The bulk magnetization and neutron diffraction suggest a ferrimagnetic order (

T

C

∼

49 K) between between Mn2+ and Cr3+ spins. Due to the non-equivalent Mn atoms (labelled as Mn(1) and Mn(2) which have tetrahedral and planar oxygen coordinations, respectively) and the Cr atom in the centre of distorted oxygen octahedron in the unit cell, the exchange interactions are more complex than that expected from a two sublattice magnetic system. The separations between the on-site energies of the d-orbitals of Mn(1), Mn(2) and Cr obtained from Wannier function analysis are in agreement with their expected crystal field splitting. While the DOS obtained from non spin-polarized calculations show a metallic character, starting from Hubbard U = 0 eV the spin-polarized electronic structure calculations yield a ferrimagnetic insulating ground state. The band gap increases with

U
eff

(U − J), thereby showing a Mott–Hubbard nature of the system. The inclusion of anti-site disorder in the calculations show decrease in band-gap and also reduction in the total magnetic moment. Due to the ∼90∘ superexchange, nearest neighbour exchange constants obtained from DFT are an order of magnitude smaller than those reported for various magnetic perovskite and double-perovskite compounds. The Mn(1)–O–Mn(2) (out of plane and in-plane), Mn(1)–O–Cr and Mn(2)–O–Cr superexchange interactions are found to be anti-ferromagnetic, while the Cr–O–O–Cr super-superexchange is found to be ferromagnetic. The Mn(2)–O–Cr superexchange is weaker than the Mn(1)–O–Cr super-exchange, thus effectively resulting in ferrimagnetism. From a simple 3-site Hubbard model, we derived expressions for the antiferromagnetic superexchange strength

J
AFM

and also for the weaker ferromagnetic

J
FM

. The relative strengths of

J
AFM

for the various superexchange interactions are in agreement with those obtained from DFT. The expression for Cr–O–O–Cr super-superexchange strength (

J
~

SS

), which has been derived considering a 4-site Hubbard model, predicts a ferromagnetic exchange in agreement with DFT. Finally, our mean field calculations reveal that assuming a set of four magnetic sub-lattices for Mn2+ spins and a single magnetic sublattice for Cr3+ spins yields a much improved T

C
, while a simple two magnetic sublattice model yields a much higher T

C
.
Constraints on the primordial curvature power spectrum by pulsar timing array data: a polynomial parameterization approach
Authors: Fei Qin
Published: December 2023

The recent stochastic signal observed jointly by NANOGrav, parkes pulsar timing array, European pulsar timing array, and Chinese pulsar timing array can be accounted for by scalar-induced gravitational waves (SIGWs). The source of the SIGWs is from the primordial curvature perturbations, and the main contribution to the SIGWs is from the peak of the primordial curvature power spectrum. To effectively model this peak, we apply the Taylor expansion to parameterize it. With the Taylor expansion parameterization, we apply Bayesian methods to constrain the primordial curvature power spectrum based on the NANOGrav 15 year data set. The constraint on the primordial curvature power spectrum possesses a degree of generality, as the Taylor expansion can effectively approximate a wide range of function profiles.
Anomalous spin Josephson effect in spin superconductors
Authors: Zeng 曾 Wen 文 , Shen 沈 Rui 瑞
Published: December 2023

The spin superconductor state is the spin-polarized triplet exciton condensate, which can be viewed as a counterpart of the charge superconductor state. As an analogy of the charge Josephson effect, the spin Josephson effect can be generated in the spin superconductor/normal metal/spin superconductor junctions. Here we study the spin supercurrent in the Josephson junctions consisting of two spin superconductors with noncollinear spin polarizations. For the Josephson junctions with out-of-plane spin polarizations, the possible π-state spin supercurrent appears due to the Fermi momentum-splitting Andreev-like reflections at the normal metal/spin superconductor interfaces. For the Josephson junctions with in-plane spin polarizations, the anomalous spin supercurrent appears and is driven by the misorientation angle of the in-plane polarizations. The symmetry analysis shows that the appearance of the anomalous spin Josephson current is possible when the combined symmetry of the spin rotation and the time reversal is broken.
Categorization of handedness based on daily activity and hand strength performance in Sumatran society
Authors: Muktiono P , Putri I A , Badriah N , Nurhayu W , Darmawan A , Mulyana J S , Maretta G , Widayati K A
Published: December 2023

Handedness is an individual’s preference to use one hand performing activities such as cutting with a knife or writing. Handedness is divided into two, right-handed and left-handed. Handedness can be influenced by genetics, prenatal development, and parenting. This study aims to analyse the categorization of handedness based on self-confessed, 10 daily uni-manual activities and hand strength performance. This study was conducted for 1 month by visiting a crowd of more than two people and providing a consent sheet following the questionnaire, personal data questionnaire including sex and age, 10 daily activity questionnaires and power grip questionnaires accompanied by power grip measurements using a dynamometer. A total of 610 individuals were assessed. The study showed that handedness could be determined by assessing self-confessed, 10 daily uni-manual activities with addition of hand strength performance. The older a person was the stronger the power grip value, those with a right-handed preference had a greater right handgrip value. Age was found did not affect handedness.
Investigating the patterns of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) inferred from the whole genome of a critically endangered species Cassine koordersii kosterm
Authors: Husaini I P A , Rinandio D S , Martiansyah I , Magandhi M , Suhatman A , Irsyam A S D , Irwanto R R , Setiawan E , Hariri M R
Published: December 2023

Cassine koordersii Kosterm. (Celastraceae) is a critically endangered species indigenous to Jember, East Java. Programs for genetic conservation and plant breeding have recently implemented next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques based on genomic data. This research aims to explore and distinguish between perfect and imperfect SSR patterns in the assembled genome. The Abyss assembler produced 3,060,362 scaffolds with 35.63 % GC content for the assembled genome. The investigation and identification of SSRs using the Krait tool found 139,236 and 582,360 sequences for including perfect and imperfect SSRs, respectively. There were six motif repeats of perfect and imperfect SSRs consisting of 73,175 and 202,438 sequences of mononucleotide (the most motif was A); 17,179 and 65,705 sequences of dinucleotide (the most motif was AT); 5,175 and 51,948 sequences of trinucleotide (the most motif was AAT); 3,824 and 14,010 sequences of tetranucleotide (the most motif was AAAT); 659 and 3,082 sequences of pentanucleotide (the most motif is AAAAT); 118 and 757 sequences of hexanucleotide (the most motif is AAAAAT). The depicted perfect and imperfect SSRs markers can be employed in future genetic studies of Cassine and related genera for either recommendation effort or improvement in conservation genetic concerns.
Yeast diversity isolated from nypa palm leaf litter in the macrohabitat of the nypa palm worm (Namalycastis rhodochorde)
Authors: Kurniatuhadi R , Setyawati T R , Yanti A H , Batua B
Published: December 2023

Yeasts are known to have broad and specific enzymatic activity, including cellulolytic activity. The diversity of yeast in the nypa palm mangrove area is thought to have a role in the organic degradation process of nypa leaf litter which supports the fermentation of nypa palm worm feed. This study aims to determine the composition and genera of yeast present in the habitat of nypa palm worms. The sampling process was determined using a purposive sampling method in Sungai Kakap Village, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan. Isolation was carried out using the pour plate method with serial dilution on the Saboraud Dextrose Agar Medium (SDA). The process of characterizing yeast genera was determined by observing the characteristics of microcolonies, type of budding cells, presence of pseudohyphae, type and number of spores, ascospore, and capsule presence. The results showed that the composition of the successfully isolated yeast was 11% of the total colonies growing on the SDA medium. Isolates NrYS1 and NrYS4 are similar to Torulaspora, while isolates NrYS2 and NrYS3 are similar to Schizosaccharomyces. Further research is needed on the potential of the four enzymatic yeasts to be used as probiotic feed for the nypa palm worm’s culture.
The conservation of wild species banana (Musa velutina H.Wendl. & Drude) through seed germination technology
Authors: Puspitaningtyas D M , Agustin E K , Wanda I F , Zanzibar M , Sahromi  , Latifah D , Widjaya A H
Published: December 2023

Musa velutina H. Wendl. & Drude is a member of the Musaceae family, which is known as the pink velvet banana. This species has problems with seed germination. The seed coat has a hard layer of the outer integument that inhibits the germination process. This study aimed to determine the effect of the soaking time at various soaking media of the seven treatments on the seed germination of M. velutina. The method used a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications. The seeds were collected from a fruit bunch of M. velutina in Bogor Botanic Gardens. The number of seeds was 10 for each treatment. The treatments in this study were scarification by seed wounds, soaking seeds in 1% H2O2 and 5% H2O2 for four days, soaking seeds in hot water at 60°C and 80°C for 1 hour, soaking seeds in water for 24 hours and 72 hours. Then, as a control, the fresh seeds were sowed directly without treatment. The results showed that soaking in water for 24 hours was the best method for the early emergence of sprouts, the percentage of germination rate, the coefficient of germination rate, and the coefficient of simultaneous germination.
Epibiont of venus clam (Gafrarium tumidum) shells: a study on Pari Island, Seribu Islands
Authors: Cintra A K A , Firdaus M R , Fitriya N , Rachman A
Published: December 2023

Molluscs play a crucial role as ecosystem engineer by providing habitat for other organisms. However, little is known about the shells’ ability to host other species, especially in tropical ecosystems like Pari Island. In sandy locations, hard substrates are scarce, but clam shells introduce substrate heterogeneity. Our study focused on the Venus Clam(Gafrarium tumidum), prevalent in the seagrass bed ecosystem on Pari Island, to explore the epibiont species residing on its shells. Epibionts were examined through visual observation and microscopy analysis in a laboratory. We found the attached epibionts were categorized into three main groups. The first group was macroalgae, specificallyPadinasp., which attached to the posterior part of the clam shell, relying on stable substrates to withstand waves. The second group encompassed microalgae, includingBacillaria, Nitzchia, Prorocentrum, Pseudo-nitzschia, Surirella, andTrichodesmium. These microalgae have diverse ecological roles, including causing harmful algal blooms and nitrogen fixation. The third group consisted of possibly cyanobacteria forming blue-green biofilms on clam shells, predominantly on recently deceased or living clams, mainly in exposed, sunlit areas. This research emphasizes the significant role of clam shells in supporting epibiont species richness in the ecosystem.
Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria exploration on butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea l) from North Maluku Indonesia
Authors: Nurhasanah  , Papuangan N , Sundari  , Lestari D A , Siswanto A E , Hindersah R , Suganda T , Karuniawan A
Published: December 2023

The Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is associated with the roots and nodules of butterfly peas (Clitoria ternatea L.). This study aims to explore the PGPR in the rhizosphere of butterfly peas and to study their potential for biofertilizer. Characterization of PGPR was based on their ability to phosphate dissolution, auxin production, and nitrogen fixation as well as synergistic and antagonistic tests, and molecular identification. A total of 11 phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere of butterfly peas while two isolates were taken from nodules. The RTF2 isolate from the rhizosphere had the highest phosphate solubility index. Meanwhile, the RTDH5-1, F1.1, and F2.1 showed strong inhibition ability against the growth of the pathogenic Rhizoctonia solani. The nitrogenase activity of isolates F2.1 and F1.1 from nodules were 0.975 μmol mL-1 g-1 h-1; while the IAA production was 7.87 and 7.05 mg L-1, respectively. The F1.1 had 100% similarity with Bacillus aryabhattai while F2.1 was 99.84% similar with Rhizobium sp. Both isolates can be used in biofertilizer formulation for North Maluku butterfly peas.