bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Simulated and Observed Current Velocities in Karimata and Gaspar Straits
Authors: Trenggono Mukti , Priyono Bayu , Hidayat Rizqi Rizaldi , Agustiadi Teguh
Published: February 2021

Karimata and Gaspar Straits were the connector between the South China Sea and Indonesian Seas, which played a role in transporting the Indonesian Through Flow. The current velocities in both straits were studied by comparing outputs from the INDO12 physical ocean model simulation against observation results from the South China Sea-Indonesian Seas Transport Exchange (SITE) program. In general, the magnitudes of the zonal and meridional model current velocities are weaker than observations. Notably, the B1 and B4 moorings show uncertain model values most of the time. It is understandable considering that B1 and B4 moorings are located in a narrow strait (Gaspar Strait), near the coasts. On the contrary, B2 and B3 moorings show comparable magnitude to the two zonal and meridional components' observations Keywords: Karimata Strait, Current Velocities, INDO12, SITE Program
Unsupervised Learning Method for SAR Image Classification Based on Spiking Neural Network
Authors: Chen Jiankun , Qiu Xiaolan , Han Chuanzhao , Wu Yirong
Published: February 2021

Recent neuroscience research results show that the nerve information in the brain is not only encoded by the spatial information. Spiking neural network based on pulse frequency coding plays a very important role in dealing with the problem of brain signal, especially complicated space-time information. In this paper, an unsupervised learning algorithm for bilayer feedforward spiking neural networks based on spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) competitiveness is proposed and applied to SAR image classification on MSTAR for the first time. The SNN learns autonomously from the input value without any labeled signal and the overall classification accuracy of SAR targets reached 80.8%. The experimental results show that the algorithm adopts the synaptic neurons and network structure with stronger biological rationality, and has the ability to classify targets on SAR image. Meanwhile, the feature map extraction ability of neurons is visualized by the generative property of SNN, which is a beneficial attempt to apply the brain-like neural network into SAR image interpretation.
Planetary Wave Spectrum in the Stratosphere–Mesosphere during Sudden Stratospheric Warming 2018
Authors: Wang Yuke , Milinevsky Gennadi , Evtushevsky Oleksandr , Klekociuk Andrew , Han Wei , Grytsai Asen , Antyufeyev Oleksandr , Shi Yu , Ivaniha Oksana , Shulga Valerii
Published: February 2021

The planetary wave activity in the stratosphere–mesosphere during the Arctic major Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) in February 2018 is discussed on the basis of the microwave radiometer (MWR) measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) above Kharkiv, Ukraine (50.0° N, 36.3° E) and the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements of CO, temperature and geopotential heights. From the MLS data, eastward and westward migrations of wave 1/wave 2 spectral components were differentiated, to which less attention was paid in previous studies. Abrupt changes in zonal wave spectra occur with the zonal wind reversal near 10 February 2018. Eastward wave 1 and wave 2, observed before the SSW onset, disappear during the SSW event, when westward wave 1 becomes dominant. Wavelet power spectra of mesospheric CO variations show statistically significant periods in a band of 20–30 days using both MWR and MLS data. Approximately 10-day periods appear only after the SSW onset. Since the propagation of upward planetary waves is limited in the easterly zonal flow in the stratosphere after the zonal wind reversal during SSW, forced planetary waves in the mid-latitude mesosphere may exist due to the instability of the zonal flow.
Potential for Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Research
Authors: Singh Shruti , Roy Rupanjan
Published: February 2021

Hyaluronic acid, known also as hyaluronan, is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in the extracellular matrix. It is produced by most of the cells in the human body, possibly contributing to various fundamental biological processes. This prompts interest in its therapeutic value. Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been used for various treatments owing to its broad range of properties in medical and dental field specially in periodontology. The review gives an overview on the effects of HA on fibroblasts, bone, wound healing, periodontal regeneration, aphthous ulcer/stomatitis and stem cells. Outcomes of including Hyaluronic acid in non-surgical periodontal therapy, drug delivery system and surgical procedures such as root coverage, papilla regeneration, root conditioning, intrabony defects, guided tissue regeneration are rather optimistic. HA has shown astounding potential in treating periimplantitis. Newer frontiers have to be explored to comprehend the other promising properties of HA. Keyword – Hyaluronic Acid, Periodontology.
Penentuan Pelarut untuk Adsorpsi Oryzanol dari Minyak Bekatul dengan Investigasi Kromatografi Lapis Tipis (Thin Layer Chromatography)
Authors: Susanti Ari Diana , Sediawan Wahyudi Budi , Wirawan Sang Kompiang , Budhijanto Budhijanto
Published: February 2021

Oryzanol yang terkandung dalam minyak bekatul mempunyai kekuatan antioksidan lebih  tinggi  daripada vitamin E  dan  terbukti  mempunyai efek hipokolesteromik sehingga berguna untuk kesehatan jantung dan pembuluh darah. Metode adsorpsi menggunakan adsorben silika merupakan salah satu metode isolasi oryzanol yang menjanjikan. Keberhasilan proses pemungutan oryzanol sangat ditentukan oleh pemilihan pelarut yang digunakan karena oryzanol merupakan senyawa ester sehingga sifatnya mirip dengan sifat trigliserida minyak bekatul yang ingin dipisahkan darinya. Oleh karena itu perlu ditentukan pemodifikasi pelarut sehingga diperoleh campuran pelarut yang cocok untuk proses tersebut. Modifikasi dilakukan terhadap pelarut utama n-heksana dan pemodifikasi potensial yang digunakan adalah etil asetat, diklorometana, kloroform, dan aseton. Performa campuran pelarut diuji menggunakan metode kromatografi lapis tipis (thin layer chromatography - TLC) menggunakan plat TLC silika gel grade 60. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan  kombinasi  n-heksana/aseton  =  85/15  memberikan  hasil  pemisahan oryzanol terbaik, sedangkan kombinasi    n-heksana/etil asetat = 90/10 patut dipertimbangkan apabila elusi secara gradien dipilih dalam proses pemisahan.
Synthesis of ZnO/CuO Composite by The Electrochemical Method in The Acetat Acid Solution
Authors: Nur Adrian , Rofi’uddien Jundi , Basir Muhammad Abdul , Nazriati Nazriati , Fajaroh Fauziatul
Published: February 2021

The metal oxide composite is used to the microelectronic circuit, piezoelectric, fuel cell, sensor, catalyst, coating for preventing corrosion, and solar cell. The ZnO/CuO is one of the metal oxide composites. The combination of ZnO and CuO is the potential composite used to the catalyst and the anti-bacterial agent. The method used in this research was the electrochemical method in the acetate acid solution. The acetate acid solution used in this research is cheaper than the succinite acid used in the previous research. The electrochemical method has advantages due the easy to control and cheap. The composite resulted was analyzed by the XRD and the FTIR. The aims of this analysis are to know the crystallite phase, structure, and the functional groups of the particle resulted. The analysis showed that the ZnO-CuO composite can be resulted by the electrochemical method.
Lilin Aromaterapi dari Minyak Atsiri Kulit Jeruk Manis (Citrus sinensis)
Authors: Lestari Defe , Vidayanti Eva , Jumari Arif
Published: February 2021

Abstrak. Kulit jeruk manis saat ini hanya menjadi sampah yang belum banyak termanfaatkan. Ada senyawa kimia minyak atsiri bernilai ekonomi tinggi pada kulit jeruk yang disebut limonene yang memiliki aroma segar yang khas. Minyak atsiri Limonene diekstrak dari kulit jeruk kemudian diaplikasikan sebagai lilin aromaterapi. Pengambilan minyak atsiri menggunakan destilasi uap cair selama 3 jam. Setelah itu, minyak esensial ditambahkan ke lilin aromaterapi dan asam stearat. Volume minyak atsiri hasil destilasi pada penelitian ini adalah 2,3 mL dengan berat 1,957 gram dari 200 gram kulit jeruk. Penambahan minyak atsiri sebanyak 3 mL untuk sampel 1 dan 5 mL untuk sampel 2. Lilin aromaterapi telah diuji lama nyala api dan penerimaan produk di masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa semakin tinggi kandungan Minyak Atsiri Limonene semakin lama durasi nyala api dan semakin tinggi penerimaannya di masyarakat.

 

Abstract. Sweet orange peel is a waste. There is a high economic valued chemical compound of essential oil called limonene which has a distinctive fresh aroma. Essential oil of Limonene  was extracted from orange peel then will be applied as aromatherapy candles. The taking of essential oils is using distillation of liquid vapor for 3 hours. After that, the essential oil is added to aromatherapy wax and stearic acid. The volume of essential oil extracted from distillation in this study is 2,3 mL with weight 1.957 grams from 200 grams of orange peel. The addition of essential oil is 3 mL for sample 1 and 5 mL for sample 2.. The aromatherapy candles had tested for flame duration and product acceptance in the community. The result showed that the higher the content of Essential oil of Limonene  the longer the flame duration and the higher the acceptance in the community.

 

Keyword : sweet orange peel, essential oil of Limonene, extraction, distillation, aromatherapy candle,
Fabrication of Bioplastic from Rice Straw
Authors: Inayati Inayati , Abdulloh Abdulloh , Bagus R Zanuar
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Oil based plastics have been proven as severe pollutants for the environments as they required years to be degraded. Thus, bioplastics are very attractive as the solution of this problem as they easier to be degraded in soil. This work was aimed to fabricate bioplastics from rice straw, with addition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and glycerol. Prior to the bioplastic fabrication, cellulose was extracted from rice straw through digestion process using ethanol solution (50% w/w) and sodium hydroxide solution (8% w/w) as catalyst. Digestion process was held for 60 minutes at temperature of 120 oC. Bioplastics were produced by blending dried pulp, carboxymethyl cellulose, and glycerol. Five grams of dried cellulose was dissolved in 100 ml of water. The amount of CMC and glycerol added to the pulp solution were varied from 1 ml to 2 ml and 0.5 to 1.5 grams, respectively. Swelling test (both in water and oil) and biodegradability test were conducted to study the performance of the bioplastics. Results showed that bioplactic dissolved easily in water. During oil swelling test, it showed that higher glycerol content increases the oil proof characteristic of the bioplastic. Meanwhile, the CMC content has no impact during the oil swelling test. The best composition of the bioplastic was achieved with the CMC and glycerol contents of 1.382% (w/w) and 1,843% (w/w), respectively, with the lowest oil swelling test result of 55%. Biodegradability of the bioplactics were lower in higher CMC and glycerol contents. The best composition with maximum weight reduction of the bioplastics was achieved by the bioplastic with 0.469% (w/w) of CMC content and 0.939% (w/w) of glycerol.

Keywords: Bioplastic, Rice Straw, CMC, Glycerol, Swelling, Biodegradability
Penuntun praktikum koin genetika pada materi pewarisan sifat untuk peserta didik kelas XII: Studi pengembangan dan validasi
Authors: Uswah Nur Fajriani  , Nurulhusna Eva Fariha , Achmad Syahputra  , Sonia Ervinna  , Ristanto Rizhal Hendi , Ade Suryanda  , Rini Daniar Setyo
Published: February 2021

Kegiatan praktikum sangat diperlukan dalam pembelajaran biologi, namun kegiatan tersebut tidak akan berjalan dengan baik apabila ketersedian penuntun praktikum masih belum memadai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan dan menguji validitas perangkat penuntun praktikum koin genetika pada materi pewarisan sifat untuk siswa SMA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan dengan menggunakan 3 tahap model pengembangan 4-D yaitu define, design, dan develop. Penelitian ini telah dilakasanakan pada bulan April sampai Juni 2020. Validasi instrumen dilakukan oleh dua orang ahli yaitu guru biologi sekolah menengah atas di Jakarta. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar validasi penuntun praktikum. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penuntun praktikum valid dan layak dengan hasil penilaian rata-rata dari ahli yaitu pada aspek kebahasaan 0.952; aspek penyajian 0.916; aspek tampilan 0.916. Penuntun praktikum yang dikembangkan diharapkan dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran.
Inventarisasi tumbuhan family Asteraceae dan Araceae di Situ Agathis, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Jawa Barat
Authors: Shafyra Ia Refyta , Jayanti Yulianita Tri , Ersita Visdha , Chandrika Ni Luh , Fatwa Anggun Wening , Heryanti Erna , Wulaningsih Ratna Dewi
Published: February 2021

Situ Agathis merupakan salah satu dari enam situ yang menerima aliran air pertama ke wilayah Universitas Indonesia (UI), Depok, Jawa Barat yang memiliki fungsi ekologis sebagai penyangga bagi ekosistem teresterial dan akuatik, di daerah tersebut banyak ditumbuhi berbagai jenis tumbuhan yang seringkali dipengaruhi oleh genangan air. Famili Asteraceae dan Araceae adalah 2 contoh famili yang tumbuh di daerah sempadan Situ Agathis, Universitas Indonesia. Situ Agathis terletak pada daerah urban padat penduduk, akibatnya ekosistem Situ Agathis telah rusak karena banyaknya sampah dan limbah rumah tangga yang dibuang ke aliran sungai lalu mengalir ke Situ Agathis. Dalam hal ini peneliti melakukan studi inventarisasi tumbuhan dari Family Araceae dan Asteraceae yang ada di Situ Agathis, Universitas Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan ialah metode deskriptif dengan pengambilan data menggunakan  line transect di 3 lokasi,dimulai dari tepi bagian kanan situ, bagian tengah situ, dan tepi bagian kiri situ dan didapatkan spesies paling banyak ditemukan adalah Colocasia esculenta dari Famili Aracaeae. Famili Araceae yang ditemukan di Situ Agathis berdampak baik bagi lingkungan karena dapat dijadikan sebagai fitoremediasi dalam mempengaruhi kualitas air limbah yang tercemar di kawasan tersebut.
Favorable Lip and Oral Cancer Mortality-To-Incidence Ratios in Countries With High Human Development Index and Expenditures On Health
Authors: Sung Wen-Wei , Hsu Yong-Chen , Chen Ying-Ching , Chao Yu-Chi , Chen Chih-Jung
Published: February 2021

Background: The incidence rate of lip and oral cancer is increasing in recent years, the prognosis of which is associated with a country’s socioeconomic status. The mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) is a reasonable indicator of disparities in cancer screening and treatment. We aim to understand the association between economic status and cancer prognosis.Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The MIR was applied to evaluate the correlation to healthcare expenditures and the human development index (HDI) disparities via Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Results: The results showed that Asia has the most cases and deaths. The association of the HDI, current health expenditure (CHE), and ratio of CHE to the percentage of gross domestic product (CHE/GDP) to the crude rate (CR) of incidence show significant results (p<0.001, p=0.005, and p<0.001, respectively). However, their association with the mortality rate (p=0.303, p=0.997, and p=0.101) is not significant. In the correlation of the MIRs, the results revealed a significant association with the HDI, CHE, and CHE/GDP with the MIR (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Countries with a higher HDI, more CHE per capita, and higher CHE/GDP tend to have a lower MIR, which indicates a favorable clinical outcome.
Prolonged Carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Potential Cross-transmission among Residents in Geriatric Long-term Care Facilities
Authors: Ae Ryusuke , Sasahara Teppei , Yoshimura Akio , Kosami Koki , Hatakeyama Shuji , Sasaki Kazumasa , Kimura Yumiko , Akine Dai , Ogawa Masanori , Hamabata Kenji , Cui Longzhu
Published: February 2021

Background: Previous studies indicated residents in geriatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs) had much higher prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) carriage than the general population. Most ESBL-E carriers are asymptomatic. The study tested the hypothesis that residents with ESBL-E carriage may accumulate inside geriatric LTCFs through potential cross-transmission after exposure to residents with prolonged ESBL-E carriage.Methods: We evaluated 260 residents receiving long-term care in four LTCFs in Japan. All residents underwent initial ESBL-E testing of fecal specimens and were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1, 95 patients with ≥2 months residence at study onset; Cohort 2, 165 patients with <2 months residence at study onset or new admission during the study period. Among the 260 residents with continuous LTCF residence, 126 underwent second testing 3–12 months after the first testing and 36 residents underwent third testing ≥12 months after the second testing. Three analyses were performed: (1) ESBL-E carriage statuses in Cohort 1 and Cohort 2; (2) changes in ESBL-E carriage statuses in the second testing and third testing; and (3) lengths of positive ESBL-E carriage statuses in patients who underwent the second testing and third testing.Results: Among all 260 residents, 95 (36.5%) were positive for ESBL-E carriage in the first testing. The prevalence of ESBL-E carriage was significantly higher in Cohort 2 than in Cohort 1 (40% vs. 28%; p<0.01). In the subsequent testing results, 18.3% of residents who were negative in the first testing showed positive conversion to ESBL-E carriage in the second testing, while no patients who were negative in the second testing showed positive conversion in the third testing. The maximum length of ESBL-E carriage was 17 months.Conclusions: ESBL-E was most likely to be carried into LTCFs through admission of new residents. Some residents acquired ESBL-E through potential cross-transmission within 3–12 months after admission. Despite possible ESBL-E carriage for >1 year, no residents showed positive conversion >12 months after admission, which suggests that residents with ESBL-E carriage may not accumulate inside LTCFs. Practical infection control and prevention measures against ESBL-E by care providers could improve the ESBL-E prevalence in geriatric LTCFs.
Radiosynthesis of A Novel Antisense Imaging Probe Targeting LncRNA HOTAIR in Malignant Glioma.
Authors: Ren Jiongyu , Zhang Xiyuan , Cao Jiang , Tian Jiali , Luo Jin , Yu Yaping , Wang Fengkui , Li Jiamiao , Zhao Qian
Published: February 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR was manifested overexpressing and amplifying in many human carcinomas, which could serve as a useful target for cancer therapy. The 99mTc radiolabeled antisense oligonucleotides (ASON) could visualize the expression of HOTAIR and provide a diagnostic and therapeutic value for malignant tumors. The aim of this study was to radiosynthesis 99mTc with HOTAIR ASON and investigate the in vivo imaging in malignant glioma xenografts. Methods: The ASON targeting lncRNA HOTAIR as well as mismatched ASON probe (ASONM) were designed and modified. The radiolabeling of 99mTc with two probes was via the conjugation of bifunctional chelator HYNIC. Then the probes were purified by Sephadex G25 and tested for its radiolabeling efficiency and purity, as well as stability by iTLC and gel electrophoresis. Then the radiolabeled probes were transfected with lipofectamine 2000 for cellular uptake test and the next experimental use. Furthermore, biodistribution study and SPECT imaging was performed at different time after probes were intravenously injected in U87 tumor bearing nude mice models. All data were analyzed by statistical software. Results: The labeling efficiencies of 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON and 99mTc-HYNIC-ASONM measured by iTLC were (91 ±1.5) % and (90 ±0.6) %, respectively, and the radiochemical purity were more than 89%. The probes showed good stability within 12 hours for high radiochemical purity. Gel electrophoresis confirmed that the oligomers were successfully radiolabeled no significant degradation were found. Cellular uptake experiment showed that liposomes had ability to carry probes into cells. Biodistribution study demonstrated that liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON had significantly higher uptake in the tumor and higher tumor to muscle ratio than mismatched group. Meanwhile tumor was clearly shown at 1 hours post probe injection of Liposome coated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON on SPECT/CT imaging, compared with mismatched and blocking group. Conclusion: The Liposome encapsulated 99mTc-HYNIC-ASON probe can be radiosynthesized and used in the in vivo, real-time imaging of lncRNA HOTAIR expression in malignant glioma.
Air Pollution Associated Dry Eye Disease May Be Increased by Qi Stagnation in Young: A Nested Case-Control Study in Liaoning, China
Authors: Yu Fei , Ren Zhongjuan , Song Wei , Yan Chunhong , Li Jing , Yu Cui , He Xingru , Hao Wei
Published: February 2021

Background: Little information exists regarding the interaction of Qi stagnation and air pollution on young’s dry eye disease (DED) in fixed area with an epidemic threat. The aim of this study is to assess the modification by Qi stagnation on the associations of exposure with DED in Chinese young. Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted in Chinese young population aged 17-20 years, within a cohort of He Eye Health screening project. All cases newly diagnosed (n = 576) were matched to controls (n = 576) by age and sex. Logistic regression model was used to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of DED for exposure to different air pollutants in terms of an interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure level, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: In single-pollutant model, the DED ORs (95% CI) for the 20th to 40th percent of quintile (vs. lowest) were 2.64 (1.66, 4.18) for PM2.5, 1.70 (1.09, 2.66) for PM10, for the highest quintile (vs. lowest) were 1.74 (1.13, 2.66) for CO, and 1.57 (0.98, 2.51) NO2. In contrast, the odds ratios for the highest quintile (vs. lowest) were 0.23 (0.07, 0.78) for O3. Corresponding estimates were higher among Stagnant qi constitution [ORPM10 = 1.69 (1.08, 2.16), ORCO = 1.93 (1.19, 3.54)] than Balanced constitution [ORPM10 = 1.29 (0.79, 2.05), ORCO = 1.70 (1.09, 3.43)] for PM10 and CO2, respectively. In addition, O3 was inversely associated for Stagnant qi constitution [0.67 (0.23, 1.90)] and Balanced constitution [0.51 (0.08, 1.40)]. Conclusion: Exposure to ambient PM2.5, PM10, CO and NO2 was positively associated with DED in Chinese young population. Qi stagnation might amplify the association of exposures to PM10 and CO with DED.
Transcriptome Profiling Analysis of Muscle Tissue Reveals Potential Candidate Genes Affecting Water Holding Capacity in Chinese Simmental Beef Cattle
Authors: Du Lili , Chang Tianpeng , An Bingxing , Liang Mang , Duan Xinghai , Cai Wentao , Zhu Bo , Gao Xue , Chen Yan , Xu Lingyang , Zhang Lupei , Li Junya , Gao Huijiang
Published: February 2021

Water holding capacity (WHC) is an important sensory attribute that greatly influences meat quality. However, the molecular mechanism that regulates the beef WHC remains to be elucidated. In this study, the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles of 49 Chinese Simmental beef cattle were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), among which eight individuals with the highest WHC (H-WHC) and the lowest WHC (L-WHC) were selected for transcriptome analysis. A total of 1256 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups, of which 948 genes were up-regulated and 308 genes were down-regulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in 24 GO terms and 78 pathways. Additionally, based on protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, animal QTL database (QTLdb), and relevant literature, the study not only confirmed seven genes (HSPA12A, HSPA13, PPARg, MYH10, MYL2, MYPN, and TPI1) influenced WHC in accordance with previous studies, but also identified six genes (ITGAV, FGF2, THBS1, DCN, COL4A1, and TGFBR1) as the most promising novel candidate genes affecting the WHC. These findings could offer important insight for exploring the molecular mechanism underlying the WHC trait and facilitate the improvement of beef quality.
Associations of Body Mass Index, Visceral Fat Area, Waist Circumference, and Waist-To-Hip Ratio with Cognitive Function in Western China: Results from A WCHAT Study
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Lisha , Xia Xin , Hu Fengjuan , Luo Shuyue , Zhao Wanyu , Zhang Yan , Ge Meiling , Zhang Gongchang , Dong Birong
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesThis study examined the relationship between cognitive performance and obesity parameters, such as body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area (VFA), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in western China.Study designA cross-sectional studyMethods3914 participants, aged >50 years, were recruited in this study. Anthropometrics measurements, life-style factors, chronic disease comorbidities, and sleep qualities were recorded for each participant. Among the anthropometrics, BMP, WC, and WHR were assessed using standard procedures, while VHA was calculated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Cognitive performance was estimated using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). Finally, relationships between cognitive abilities and BMI, VFA, WC, and WHR were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. ResultsCognitive decline (CD) occurred at a rate of 13.29% among the 3914 participants. A strong correlation was observed between cognitive abilities and BMI of male patients aged 50-59 yrs (OR 1.116,95% CI1.002-1.242), in the adjusted model. Alternately, WHR was shown to be significantly related to CD in females aged >70 years (OR 0.041, 95% CI0.002-0.671). WC was shown to have a strong association with CD in males (OR 1.023,95% CI1.003-1.024). Lastly, WHR was closely connected to CD in participants with BMI < 25 kg/m2 (OR 0.022,95% CI0.002-0.209).Conclusions Our findings suggest that a higher middle age BMI is associated with CD, whereas, in the elderly population, a higher WHR is related to improved cognitive performance. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate a relationship between VFA and CD.
N-Demethylsinomenine, an Active Metabolite of Sinomenine, Attenuates Chronic Neuropathic and Inflammatory Pain in Mice
Authors: Zhou Zhiyong , Qiu Nanqing , Ou Yuntao , Wei Qianqian , Tang Wenting , Zheng Mingcong , Xing Yaluan , Li Jie-Jia , Ling Yong , Li Junxu , Zhu Qing
Published: February 2021

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem that afflicts nearly 30% of the global population, but current pharmacotherapies are insufficient. Previous report indicated that N-demethylsinomenine, an active metabolite of sinomenine, is efficacious against postoperative pain. The present study investigated whether N-demethylsinomenine is effective for chronic painful conditions or whether repeated treatment alters its effect. Both chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) intraplantar injection induced significant and reliable mechanical allodynia at least for 7 days. Acute treatment with N-demethylsinomenine (10–40 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently attenuated the mechanical allodynia both in CCI-induced neuropathic pain and CFA-induced inflammatory pain in mice. The potent of N-demethylsinomenine for reducing CFA-induced mechanical allodynia was slightly higher than sinomenine. During the period of repeated treatment, N-demethylsinomenine maintained its anti-allodynic effect against both neuropathic and inflammatory pain without producing carry-over effect. Pretreatment with bicuculline, a selective γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor antagonist, almost completely blocked the anti-allodynia of N-demethylsinomenine (40 mg/kg) both in CCI and CFA-treated mice. Our findings indicated that N-demethylsinomenine exhibits GABAA receptor-mediated anti-allodynic effects in mouse models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, suggesting it may be a useful novel pharmacotherapy for the control of chronic pain.Chemical compounds studied in this article:sinomenine (PubChem CID: 5459308), N-demethylsinomenine (PubChem CID: 9861678), bicuculline (PubChem CID: 10237)
Fecal Calprotectin is a Useful Biomarker for Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Granulocyte and Monocyte Adsorptive Apheresis in Ulcerative Colitis Patients: A Prospective Observation Study.
Authors: Ueno Nobuhiro , Sugiyama Yuya , Kobayashi Yu , Murakami Yuki , Iwama Takuya , Sasaki Takahiro , Kunogi Takehito , Takahashi Keitaro , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Ando Katsuyoshi , Kashima Shin , Inaba Yuhei , Moriichi Kentaro , Tanabe Hiroki , Taruishi Masaki , Saitoh Yusuke , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: February 2021

Background: Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) is widely used as a remission induction therapy for active ulcerative colitis (UC) patients. However, there are no available biomarkers for predicting the clinical outcome of GMA. We investigated the utility of Fecal calprotectin (FC) as a biomarker for predicting the clinical outcome during GMA therapy in active UC patients.Methods: In this multicenter prospective observation study, all patients received 10 sessions of GMA, twice a week, for 5 consecutive weeks. FC was measured at entry, one week, two weeks, and at the end of GMA. Colonoscopy was performed at entry and after GMA. The clinical activity was assessed based on the partial Mayo score when FC was measured. Clinical remission (CR) was defined as a partial Mayo score of ≤2 and endoscopic remission (ER) was defined as Mayo endoscopic subscore of either 0 or 1. We analyzed the relationships between the clinical outcome (CR and ER) and the change in FC concentration.Result: Twenty-six patients were included in this study. The overall CR and ER rates were 50.0% and 19.2%, respectively. After GMA, the median FC concentration in patients with ER was significantly lower than that in patients without ER (469 mg/kg vs. 3107 mg/kg, p=0.03). When the cut-off value of FC concentration was set at 1150 mg/kg for assessing ER after GMA, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.8 and 0.81, respectively. The FC concentration had significantly decreased by one week. An ROC analysis demonstrated that the reduction rate of FC (ΔFC) at 1 week was the most accurate predictor of CR at the end of GMA (AUC=0.852, P=0.002). When the cut-off value of ΔFC was set at ≤40% at 1 week for predicting CR at the end of GMA, the sensitivity and specificity were 76.9% and 84.6%, respectively.Conclusion: We evaluated the utility of FC as a biomarker for assessing ER after GMA and predicting CR in the early phase during GMA in patients with active UC. Our findings will benefit patients with active UC by allowing them to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures and will help establish new strategies for GMA.
Comparison of Statistical and Analytical Hierarchy Process Methods on Flood Susceptibility Mapping: In a Case Study of the Tana Sub-basin in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Wubalem Azemeraw , Tesfaw Gashaw , Dawit Zerihun , Getahun Belete , Mekuria Tamirat , Jothimani Muralitharan
Published: February 2021

The sub-basin of Lake Tana is one of the most flood-prone areas in northwestern Ethiopia, which is affected by flood hazards. Flood susceptibility modeling in this area is essential for hazard reduction purposes. For this, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), bivariate, and multivariate statistical methods were used. Using an intensive field survey, historical record, and Google Earth Imagery, 1404 flood locations were determined which are classified into 70% training datasets and 30% testing flood datasets using subset in the GIS tool. The statistical relationship between the probability of flood occurrence and eleven flood-driving factors is performed using the GIS tool. Then, the flood susceptibility map of the area is developed by summing all weighted factors using a raster calculator and classified into very low, low, moderate, high, and very high susceptibility classes using the natural breaks method. The results for the area under the curve (AUC) are 99.1% for the frequency ratio model is better than 86.9% using AHP, 81.4% using the logistic regression model, and 78.2% using the information value model. Based on the AUC values, the frequency ratio (FR) model is relatively better followed by the AHP model for regional flood use planning, flood hazard mitigation, and prevention purposes.
Longitudinal Influence of COVID-19-Related Stress on Sexual Compulsivity Symptoms in Chinese Undergraduates
Authors: Deng Jianjun , Li Tsingan , Wang Jiali , Teng Limei
Published: February 2021

Background The coping theory shows that stressful life events are associated with individuals’ psychology/behaviors, and the COVID-19 pandemic is known to have impacted individuals’ physical and mental health. Prior studies revealed that undergraduates have many sexual behavior and emotion disorders, which may be impacted during an isolation period, such as the one brought by COVID-19. However, few studies have explored the longitudinal associations between COVID-19-related stress and sexual compulsivity symptoms (SCS), and the mediating effect of emotions (i.e., depression and anxiety) on this relationship. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate these associations. Methods We employed a cross-lagged design (Time 1, 3,219 participants; Time 2, 2,998 participants) and recruited Chinese undergraduates through an online system to respond to a survey. Results Our results showed that COVID-19-related stress at Time 1 directly influenced SCS at Time 1, and there was an indirect influence via depression and anxiety at Time 1. COVID-19-related stress at Time 1 positively correlated with depression, anxiety, and SCS at Time 2, and the first could directly and positively predict SCS at Time 2. Moreover, albeit depression at Time 2 was negatively linked to SCS at Time 2, anxiety at Time 2 enhanced the effect of COVID-19-related stress on SCS. Conclusions Our findings extend the literature on SCS, showing that the higher the COVID-19-related stress, the higher the SCS, and that this effect was associated with increased anxiety in undergraduates. Thus, compared with depression, anxiety different which anxiety ought to some behavior to reduce individual inner negative emotions.
Tailoring Water Dissociation Energy by Platinum Single-Atom Catalyst Coupled with Transition Metal/metal Oxide Heterostructure for Accelerating Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Han Changbao , Zhou Kailing , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Jingbing , Yan Hui , Ke Xiaoxing , Wang Zelin , Wang Hao , Wang Changhao , Jin Yuhong
Published: February 2021

High-activity catalysts in alkaline media are compelling for durable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Single-atom catalysts (SACs) provide an effective approach to reduce the amount of precious metals meanwhile maintain their catalytic activity. However, the sluggish activity of SACs for water dissociation in alkaline media has extremely hampered advances in highly efficient hydrogen production. Herein, we developed a platinum SAC immobilized NiO/Ni heterostructure (PtSA-NiO/Ni) as an alkaline HER catalyst. It was found that Pt SACs coupled with NiO/Ni heterostructure enable the tunable binding abilities of hydroxyl ions (OH*) and hydrogen (H*), which efficiently tailors the water dissociation energy for accelerating alkaline HER. In particular, the dual active sites consisting of metallic Ni sites and O vacancies modified NiO sites near the interfaces of NiO/Ni in PtSA-NiO/Ni have preferred adsorption affinity for H* and OH* groups, respectively, which efficiently lowers the energy barrier of water dissociation of Volmer step. Moreover, anchoring Pt single atoms at the interfaces of NiO/Ni heterostructure induces more free electrons on Pt sites due to the elevated occupation of the Pt 5d orbital at the Fermi level and reaches a near-zero H binding energy (ΔGH*, 0.07 eV), which further promotes the H* conversion and H2 evolution. Further enhancement of alkaline HER performance was achieved by constructing PtSA-NiO/Ni nanosheets on the Ag nanowires to form a hierarchical three-dimensional (3D) morphology that provides abundant active sites and accessible channels for charge transfer and mass transport. Consequently, the fabricated PtSA-NiO/Ni catalyst displays extremely high alkaline HER performances with a quite high mass activity of 20.6 A mg-1 for Pt at the overpotential of 100 mV, which is 41 times greater than that of the commercial Pt/C catalyst, significantly outperforming the reported catalysts.
Mid-Term Results of Total Hip Arthroplasty Using A Three-Dimensional Porous Titanium Acetabular Cup: An Examination of Micromotion Using Subject-Specific Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Miyagawa Takaki , Matsumoto Kazu , Komura Shingo , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: February 2021

Background: We investigated the mid-term clinical and radiological results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a three-dimensional (3D) porous titanium cup and analysed the micromotion at the interface of the cup using subject-specific finite element (FE) analysis. Methods: We evaluated 73 hips of 65 patients (6 men and 59 women; mean age at the time of surgery 62.2 years, range 45-86 years) who had undergone THA using a 3D porous titanium cup. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score system. We assessed the fixation of the acetabular component based on the presence of radiolucent lines and cup migration using anteroposterior radiographs. Subject-specific FE models were constructed from computed tomography data. Results: The JOA score improved from a preoperative mean of 52.2 (range, 23-82) to a mean of 87.8 (range, 71-100) at the final follow-up. None of the patients underwent revisions during the follow-up period. Radiolucent lines were observed in 26 cases (35.6%) and frequently appeared at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3. In the FE analysis, the micromotion at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3 was significantly larger than that at Zones 1 and 2. Furthermore, micromotion was large in the groups in which radiolucent lines appeared at Zone 3. Conclusions: The mid-term clinical outcome of THA using a 3D porous titanium cup was excellent. However, radiolucent lines frequently appeared at DeLee and Charnley Zone 3. FE analysis indicated that micromotion was large at the same site, strongly suggesting that it contributes to the emergence of radiolucent lines. The 3D porous titanium cups are useful in THA, and with improvements focused on micromotion, we anticipate better long-term outcomes.
Controlling COVID-19 Propagation with Quarantine of Influential Nodes
Authors: Chaharborj Sarkhosh S. , Chaharborj Shahriar S. , See Phang Pei
Published: February 2021

We study importance of influential nodes in spreading of epidemic COVID-19 in a complex network. We will show that quarantine of important and influential nodes or consider of health protocols by efficient nodes is very helpful and effective in the controlling of spreading epidemic COVID-19 in a complex network. Therefore, identifying influential nodes in complex networks is the very significant part of dependability analysis, which has been a clue matter in analyzing the structural organization of a network. The important nodes can be considered as a person or as an organization. To find the influential nodes we use the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method with new proposed formula to obtain the efficient weights. We use various centrality measures as the multi-attribute of complex network in the TOPSIS method. We define a formula for spreading probability of epidemic disease in a complex network to study the power of infection spreading with quarantine of important nodes. In the following, we use the Susceptible–Infected (SI) model to figure out the performance and efficiency of the proposed methods. The proposed method has been examined for efficiency and practicality using numerical examples.
The effect of environmental concern on renewable energy attitude and usage intention : a case of Turkey
Authors: Arı Erkan , Yilmaz Veysel
Published: February 2021

Energy use-related environmental and social concerns and problems have led to the development of renewable (RE) energy types such as wind, solar, hydraulic, and geothermal energy. Increasing environmental concerns, as well as public awareness and positive attitudes towards sustainable energy types, have played an important role in this development. The present study investigated the effects of the mentioned environmental concerns on the attitudes towards renewable energy and renewable energy usage intention with a proposed structural model. In the first part of the proposed model, the effect of environmental concerns on the awareness and perceived benefits of RE, and in the second part, the effect of awareness and perceived benefits of RE on the RE usage intention was examined. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the model. Regarding the fitness of the model, the chi-square value was calculated as 141.77, and the (χ2/df) value as 2.36. Analysis results demonstrated that one unit increase in environmental concerns would increase awareness of RE by 0.63 and perceived benefits by 0.51 unit. It was also found that awareness of RE would increase the perceived benefits of RE and that especially the increase in awareness positively would affect RE usage intention.
Efficacy of Computed Tomography-assisted Limited Decompression in the Surgical Management of Thoracolumbar Fractures With Neurological Deficit
Authors: Shi Landa , Chou Dean , Wang Yuqiang , Alizada Mirwais , Liu Yilin
Published: February 2021

Objective: to investigate the effect of CT-assisted limited decompression in the management of single segment A3 lumbar burst fracture. Method: A retrospective study of 106 cases with a single-level Magerl type A3 lumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior internal fixation and limited decompression from January 2015 to June 2019 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups: CT-assisted and non-CT-assisted. Perioperative factors, clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, imaging parameters and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were evaluated. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the kyphosis, anterior vertebral body height loss, posterior vertebral body height loss, operative time, and postoperative complications. The visual analogue score (VAS) and spinal canal encroachment in the CT-assisted group were lower than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), the simplified HRQoL scale and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Spinal Cord Injury Grade in the CT-assisted group were higher than those in the non-CT-assisted group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: CT-assisted limited decompression in the treatment of single-segment A3 lumbar burst fracture can achieve better fracture reduction and surgical results, and improve the long-term recovery of neurological function and quality of life of the patients.
Overexpressing PTTG Family Genes Predict Poor Prognosis in KIRC
Authors: Gui Yonghui , Liu Xueni , Wang Chao , Yang Peng
Published: February 2021

Background: Pituitary tumor transforming genes (PTTG1, PTTG2 and PTTG3P) play a key role in the pathogenesis and development of human cancers. Studies show that overexpression of the PTTG genes is associated with tumor progression and migration. However, little is known about the function of the PTTG genes in the prognostic value of renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC).Methods: the expression and survival data for KIRC patients were mined from ONCOMINE, UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, TCGAportal, GEPIA2, Metascape，cBioPortal databases and STRING.Results: PTTG1, 2, and 3P mRNA and protein expression was upregulated in KIRC patients compared to normal tissues, and higher expression levels of PTTG family genes were associated with shorter overall survival (OS). what's more, overexpression of the PTTG family genes has been found to correlate with individual cancer stages and pathological tumor grades. In addition, 18% of mutations in the PTTG family genes were associated with short-term survival in patients with KIRCConclusions: we found that a single PTTG genes or PTTG family genes as a whole may be a potential prognostic biomarker for KIRC.
India’s Performance in Controlling Visceral Leishmaniasis as Compared to Brazil Over Past Three Decades: Findings From Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: DHAMNETIYA DEEPAK , Jha Ravi Prakash , . Shalini , Bhattacharyya Krittika
Published: February 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease which contributes to the mortality and morbidity significantly in India and Brazil. This study was planned to compare the trends of incidence, prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) of VL burden in India and Brazil from 1990 to 2019 using Global burden of disease study (GBD) data. The metrics are presented as age-standardized rates per 100,000 inhabitants with their respective uncertainty intervals (95%UI) and relative percentages of change. The decline in the Incidence rate is more in case of India (16.82 cases per 100,000 in 1990 to 0.60cases in 2019) as compared to Brazil (3.12 cases per 100,000 in 1990 to 2.65 cases in 2019). The annualized rate of change in number of prevalent cases for India is -0.95 (95% UI, -0.98 to -0.91) whereas for Brazil it is -0.06 (95% UI, -0.41 to 0.52). The annualized rate of change in number of DALY for India is -0.94 (95% UI, -0.96 to -0.92) whereas for Brazil it is -0.09 (95% UI, -0.25 to 0.28). The annualized rate of change in number of deaths for India is -0.93 (95% UI, -0.95 to -0.92) whereas for Brazil it is increasing i.e. 0.04 (95% UI, -0.12 to 0.51). India achieves significant reduction in the age standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALY of VL as compare to Brazil during the period of 1990 to 2019. A multi-centric study is required to assess bottleneck in the existing strategies of VLSCP in Brazil.
Structural and Thermal Studies of Fluorescein and Rhodamin6G Grafted Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Anbarasan Ramasamy , Meenarathi B. , Parthasarathy V.
Published: February 2021

The ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and ε-caprolactone (CL) was performed at 160 oC for 2 hr under N2 ambiance by using two different dyes such as fluorescein (Flur) and rhodamine6G (R6G) as novel initiators. The structure of the dye centered diblock copolymers was concluded by analyzing the NMR spectra. The melt transition temperature and thermal stability of the polymers were concluded by DSC and TGA. The FT-IR spectra concluded the structure of the dye grafted homopolymer and diblock copolymers. The increase in molecular weight (Mw) of the dye-centered diblock copolymer was concluded by the GPC measurement. The conjugation of dye with the polymer backbone was carried out by a single-step method.