bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in coagulopathy indices in patients with severe versus non-severe COVID-19: a meta-analysis of 35 studies and 6427 patients
Authors: Polimeni Alberto , Leo Isabella , Spaccarotella Carmen , Mongiardo Annalisa , Sorrentino Sabato , Sabatino Jolanda , De Rosa Salvatore , Indolfi Ciro
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious disease that appeared in China in December 2019 and spread rapidly around the world. Several patients with severe COVID-19 infection can develop a coagulopathy according to the ISTH criteria for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) with fulminant activation of coagulation, resulting in widespread microvascular thrombosis and consumption of coagulation factors. We conducted a meta-analysis in order to explore differences in coagulopathy indices in patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19. An electronic search was performed within PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus electronic databases between December 2019 (first confirmed Covid-19 case) up to April 6th, 2020. The primary endpoint was the difference of D-dimer values between Non-Severe vs Severe disease and Survivors vs Non-Survivors. Furthermore, results on additional coagulation parameters (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time) were also analyzed. The primary analysis showed that mean d-dimer was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients with non-severe disease than in those with severe (SMD − 2.15 [− 2.73 to − 1.56], I2 98%, P < 0.0001). Similarly, we found a lower mean d-dimer in Survivors compared to Non-Survivors (SMD − 2.91 [− 3.87 to − 1.96], I2 98%, P < 0.0001). Additional analysis of platelet count showed higher levels of mean PLT in Non-Severe patients than those observed in the Severe group (SMD 0.77 [0.32 to 1.22], I2 96%, P < 0.001). Of note, a similar result was observed even when Survivors were compared to Non-Survivors (SMD 1.84 [1.16 to 2.53], I2 97%, P < 0.0001). Interestingly, shorter mean PT was found in both Non-Severe (SMD − 1.34 [− 2.06 to − 0.62], I2 98%, P < 0.0002) and Survivors groups (SMD − 1.61 [− 2.69 to − 0.54], I2 98%, P < 0.003) compared to Severe and Non-Survivor patients. In conclusion, the results of the present meta-analysis demonstrate that Severe COVID-19 infection is associated with higher D-dimer values, lower platelet count and prolonged PT. This data suggests a possible role of disseminated intravascular coagulation in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 disease complications.
Identification of targets of JS-K against HBV-positive human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2.2.15 cells with iTRAQ proteomics
Authors: Liu Zhengyun , Xu Yan , Zhang Wanling , Gao Xinghong , Luo Guo , Song Hong , Liu Jie , Wang Huan
Published: May 2021

JS-K, a nitric oxide-releasing diazeniumdiolates, is effective against various tumors. We have discovered that JS-K was effective against Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive HepG2.2.15 cells. This study used iTRAQ to identify differentially expressed proteins following JS-K treatment of HepG2.2.15 cells. Silenced Transgelin (shTAGLN-2.15) cells were constructed, and the cell viability was analyzed by the CCK8 assay after treatment with JS-K. There were 182 differentially expressed proteins in JS-K treated-HepG2.2.15 cells; 73 proteins were up-regulated and 109 proteins were down-regulated. These proteins were categorized according to GO classification. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Endocytosis, Phagosome and Proteoglycans were the most significant pathways. RT-PCR confirmed that the expression levels of TAGLN, IGFBP1, SMTN, SERPINE1, ANXA3, TMSB10, LGALS1 and KRT19 were significantly up-regulated, and the expression levels of C5, RBP4, CHKA, SIRT5 and TRIM14 were significantly down-regulated in JS-K treated-HepG2.2.15 cells. Western blotting confirmed the increased levels of USP13 and TAGLN proteins in JS-K treated-HepG2.2.15 cells. Molecular docking revealed the binding of JS-K to TAGLN and shTAGLN-2.15 cells were resistant to JS-K cytotoxicity, suggesting that TAGLN could be an important target in JS-K anti-HBV-positive liver cancer cells. These proteomic findings could shed new insights into mechanisms underlying the effect of JS-K against HBV-related HCC.
Diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging after radiation therapy for bone metastases in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Yoo Gyu Sang , Yoon Young Cheol , Park Hee Chul , Kim Hyun Su
Published: May 2021

The objectives of this study were to assess changes in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters after radiation therapy (RT) for bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate their prognostic value. This prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Fourteen patients with HCC underwent RT (30 Gy in 10 fractions once daily) for bone metastases. The ADC and DCE-MRI parameters and the volume of the target lesions were measured before (baseline) and one month after RT (post-RT). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the parameters between the baseline and post-RT MRI. The parameters were compared between patients with or without disease progression in RT fields using the Mann–Whitney test. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the interobserver agreement. The medians of the ADC, rate constant [kep], and volume fraction of the extravascular extracellular matrix [ve] in the baseline and post-RT MRI were 0.67 (range 0.61–0.72) and 0.75 (range 0.63–1.43) (× 10–3 mm2/s) (P = 0.027), 836.33 (range 301.41–1082.32) and 335.80 (range 21.86–741.87) (× 10–3/min) (P = 0.002), and 161.54 (range 128.38–410.13) and 273.99 (range 181.39–1216.95) (× 10–3) (P = 0.027), respectively. The medians of the percent change in the ADC of post-RT MRI in patients with progressive disease and patients without progressive disease were − 1.35 (range − 6.16 to 6.79) and + 46.71 (range 7.71–112.81) (%) (P = 0.011), respectively. The interobserver agreements for all MRI parameters were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.8). In conclusion, the ADC, kep, and ve of bone metastases changed significantly after RT. The percentage change in the ADC was closely related to local tumor progression.
Soil environmental quality in Nanling commodity grain base based on equal intercept transformation radar chart
Authors: Dong Hai-biao , Zhang Guang-hui , Yan Ming-jiang , Tian Yan-liang
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces for the first time the equal intercept transformation radar chart—an improved form—to the assessment of soil environmental quality of Nanling commodity grain base. The equal intercept transformation radar chart, a visual graphical data analysis method, translates data from a numerical to graphical format. This visualization enables data presentation, analysis process and results stick out a mile and is capable of fully retaining information contained in data and excavating it in depth from geometry. Moreover, it overcomes pertinently the main defect of the conventional radar chart that the evaluation result depends heavily on the order of arrangement of indicators. The results indicated that the soil environmental quality at depths of 0–60 cm in the low mountain area of the Nanling commodity grain base was the second grade, while that in the hilly and plain areas were both first grade. The indicators of poor soil environmental quality in the low mountain area were exogenous Cd and endogenous As; those in the hilly area were exogenous Cd and endogenous As and Hg; and that in the plain area was exogenous Cd. The results were in line with the actual situation of the study area.
Concurrent neuroimaging and neurostimulation reveals a causal role for dlPFC in coding of task-relevant information
Authors: Jackson Jade B. , Feredoes Eva , Rich Anina N. , Lindner Michael , Woolgar Alexandra
Published: May 2021

Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is proposed to drive brain-wide focus by biasing processing in favour of task-relevant information. A longstanding debate concerns whether this is achieved through enhancing processing of relevant information and/or by inhibiting irrelevant information. To address this, we applied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) during fMRI, and tested for causal changes in information coding. Participants attended to one feature, whilst ignoring another feature, of a visual object. If dlPFC is necessary for facilitation, disruptive TMS should decrease coding of attended features. Conversely, if dlPFC is crucial for inhibition, TMS should increase coding of ignored features. Here, we show that TMS decreases coding of relevant information across frontoparietal cortex, and the impact is significantly stronger than any effect on irrelevant information, which is not statistically detectable. This provides causal evidence for a specific role of dlPFC in enhancing task-relevant representations and demonstrates the cognitive-neural insights possible with concurrent TMS-fMRI-MVPA.
Proline codon pair selection determines ribosome pausing strength and translation efficiency in bacteria
Authors: Krafczyk Ralph , Qi Fei , Sieber Alina , Mehler Judith , Jung Kirsten , Frishman Dmitrij , Lassak Jürgen
Published: May 2021

The speed of mRNA translation depends in part on the amino acid to be incorporated into the nascent chain. Peptide bond formation is especially slow with proline and two adjacent prolines can even cause ribosome stalling. While previous studies focused on how the amino acid context of a Pro-Pro motif determines the stalling strength, we extend this question to the mRNA level. Bioinformatics analysis of the Escherichia coli genome revealed significantly differing codon usage between single and consecutive prolines. We therefore developed a luminescence reporter to detect ribosome pausing in living cells, enabling us to dissect the roles of codon choice and tRNA selection as well as to explain the genome scale observations. Specifically, we found a strong selective pressure against CCC/U-C, a sequon causing ribosomal frameshifting even under wild-type conditions. On the other hand, translation efficiency as positive evolutionary driving force led to an overrepresentation of CCG. This codon is not only translated the fastest, but the corresponding prolyl-tRNA reaches almost saturating levels. By contrast, CCA, for which the cognate prolyl-tRNA amounts are limiting, is used to regulate pausing strength. Thus, codon selection both in discrete positions but especially in proline codon pairs can tune protein copy numbers.
Unique calibration of passive air sampling for field monitoring of PAHs with polyethylene thin films across seasons and locations
Authors: Meierdierks Jana , Zarfl Christiane , Beckingham Barbara , Grathwohl Peter
Published: May 2021

For better insight into passive air sampling, we monitored PAHs with PE sheets during 8 seasons at 3 locations. A numerical model was applied to fit the limiting air-side boundary layer, which was surprisingly stable around 1 mm in all locations.
Protective effects of potential probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus (MTCC-5897) fermented whey on reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier function in a colitis-induced murine model
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Gupta Taruna , Kapila Suman , Kapila Rajeev
Published: May 2021

Role of probiotic fermented whey prepared with Lactobacillus rhamnosus on reinforcement of intestinal epithelial barrier function.
Sol–gel based structural designs of macropores and material shapes of metal–organic framework gels
Authors: Hara Yosuke , Manabe Kohei , Nakanishi Kazuki , Kanamori Kazuyoshi
Published: May 2021

We report a synthetic strategy to control macroporous structures and material shapes of metal–organic framework gels.
Scalable approach towards specific and ultrasensitive cation sensing under harsh environmental conditions by engineering the analyte–transducer interface
Authors: Mondal Sudeshna , Subramaniam Chandramouli
Published: May 2021

Ultra-selective quantification of K+, Cd2+and Hg2+in perspiration and effluent waste-water at sub-ppm levels is demonstrated using real-time analytes in media with high ionic strength, suspended bio-particulates and 3-fold higher concentration of chemical interferents.
Optical property trends in a family of {Mo6I8} aquahydroxo complexes
Authors: Marchuk Margarita V. , Vorotnikova Natalya A. , Vorotnikov Yuri A. , Kuratieva Natalia V. , Stass Dmitri V. , Shestopalov Michael A.
Published: May 2021

While investigating molybdenum clusters belonging to the family of aquahydroxo complexes, the four-component nature of the emission was demonstrated with both apical ligand type and structure density strongly affecting only the first two high energy components.
Conductive NiMn-based bimetallic metal–organic gel nanosheets for supercapacitors
Authors: Zhong Qiankun , Liu Wensheng , Yang Yong , Pan Wenkang , Wu Mingzai , Zheng Fangcai , Lian Xiao , Niu Helin
Published: May 2021

The interaction of metal ion and low molecular weight gelators easily control the growth of the NiMn MOG with different nanostructures by changing the molar ratio of Ni2+ and Mn2+.
Total synthesis of apratoxin A and B using Matteson's homologation approach
Authors: Andler Oliver , Kazmaier Uli
Published: May 2021

Apratoxin A and B are synthesizedviaMatteson homologation, which gave access to the polyketide fragment in only five homologation steps.
Tricyclic 2-benzazepines obtained via an unexpected cyclization involving nitrilium ylides
Authors: Inyutina Anna , Dar'in Dmitry , Kantin Grigory , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: May 2021

Rh(ii) carbenes obtained from (E)-3-arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones reacted with nitriles to give tricyclic 2-benzazepines.
High performance PdxCuy bimetal catalysts with adjustable Faraday current efficiency for nitrogen fixation
Authors: Zhang Hongxi , Wang Zengyao , Shen Jianfeng , Ye Mingxin
Published: May 2021

PdxCuy bimetallic catalysts have an superior NRR performance and an adjustable FE.
Switching on thermal and light-induced spin crossover by desolvation of [Fe(3-bpp)2](XO4)2·solvent (X = Cl, Re) compounds
Authors: Djemel Abdelhak , Stefanczyk Olaf , Desplanches Cédric , Kumar Kunal , Delimi Rachid , Benaceur Farouk , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Chastanet Guillaume
Published: May 2021

Two new complexes [Fe(3-bpp)2](XO4)2·solv (X = Cl, 1 and Re, 2) have been prepared. Both systems show desolvation-assisted spin crossover (DASCO) and light-induced excited spin-state trapping (LIESST) phenomena.
Cucurbitimines – imine cages with concave walls
Authors: Bourguignon Christine , Schindler Dorothee , Zhou Gangxiang , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: May 2021

Kinked tetraaldehyde building blocks lead in condensation reactions with diamines to pumpkin shaped cages – the cucurbitimines.
Electrochemical synthesis of quinazolinone via I2-catalyzed tandem oxidation in aqueous solution
Authors: Hou Huiqing , Ma Xinhua , Lin Yingying , Lin Jin , Sun Weiming , Wang Lei , Xu Xiuzhi , Ke Fang
Published: May 2021

The development of protocols for synthesizing quinazolinones using biocompatible catalysts in aqueous medium will help to resolve the difficulties of using green and sustainable chemistry for their synthesis.
On the effect of anion exchange ionomer binders in bipolar electrode membrane interface water electrolysis
Authors: Mayerhöfer Britta , Ehelebe Konrad , Speck Florian D. , Bierling Markus , Bender Johannes , Kerres Jochen A. , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Cherevko Serhiy , Peach Retha , Thiele Simon
Published: May 2021

Bipolar interfaces located directly between a proton conducting membrane and an anion exchange ionomer based anode catalyst layer are investigated in membrane electrode assemblies for water electrolysis.
Solar energy conversion and storage by photoswitchable organic materials in solution, liquid, solid, and changing phases
Authors: Qiu Qianfeng , Shi Yuran , Han Grace G. D.
Published: May 2021

This review illustrates structural design principles for molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy storage materials based on photoswitches that operate in different phases or result in a solid–liquid phase transition during their photo-isomerization.
Histone deacetylase 10, a potential epigenetic target for therapy
Authors: Cheng Fajuan , Zheng Bin , Wang Jianwei , Zhao Guiting , Yao Zhongshun , Niu Zhihong , He Wei
Published: May 2021

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) 10, a class II family, has been implicated in various tumors and non-tumor diseases, which makes the discovery of biological functions and novel inhibitors a fundamental endeavor. In cancers, HDAC10 plays crucial roles in regulating various cellular processes through its epigenetic functions or targeting some decisive molecular or signaling pathways. It also has potential clinical utility for targeting tumors and non-tumor diseases, such as renal cell carcinoma, prostate cancer, immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), intracerebral hemorrhage, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and schizophrenia. To date, relatively few studies have investigated HDAC10-specific inhibitors. Therefore, it is important to study the biological functions of HDAC10 for the future development of specific HDAC10 inhibitors. In this review, we analyzed the biological functions, mechanisms and inhibitors of HDAC10, which makes HDAC10 an appealing therapeutic target.
A Deep Learning Enhanced Novel Software Tool for Laryngeal Dynamics Analysis
Authors: Kist Andreas M. , Gómez Pablo , Dubrovskiy Denis , Schlegel Patrick , Kunduk Melda , Echternach Matthias , Patel Rita , Semmler Marion , Bohr Christopher , Dürr Stephan , Schützenberger Anne , Döllinger Michael
Published: May 2021

Purpose

High-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) is an emerging, but barely used, endoscopy technique in the clinic to assess and diagnose voice disorders because of the lack of dedicated software to analyze the data. HSV allows to quantify the vocal fold oscillations by segmenting the glottal area. This challenging task has been tackled by various studies; however, the proposed approaches are mostly limited and not suitable for daily clinical routine.

Method

We developed a user-friendly software in C# that allows the editing, motion correction, segmentation, and quantitative analysis of HSV data. We further provide pretrained deep neural networks for fully automatic glottis segmentation.

Results

We freely provide our software Glottis Analysis Tools (GAT). Using GAT, we provide a general threshold-based region growing platform that enables the user to analyze data from various sources, such as in vivo recordings, ex vivo recordings, and high-speed footage of artificial vocal folds. Additionally, especially for in vivo recordings, we provide three robust neural networks at various speed and quality settings to allow a fully automatic glottis segmentation needed for application by untrained personnel. GAT further evaluates video and audio data in parallel and is able to extract various features from the video data, among others the glottal area waveform, that is, the changing glottal area over time. In total, GAT provides 79 unique quantitative analysis parameters for video- and audio-based signals. Many of these parameters have already been shown to reflect voice disorders, highlighting the clinical importance and usefulness of the GAT software.

Conclusion

GAT is a unique tool to process HSV and audio data to determine quantitative, clinically relevant parameters for research, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngeal disorders.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.14575533
Complex WGM frequencies of gyroelectric cylindrical resonators
Authors: Katsinos Konstantinos , Zouros Grigorios P. , Kolezas Georgios D. , Pagiatakis Gerasimos K. , Roumeliotis John A.
Published: May 2021

Asymptotic closed‐form expressions for calculating complex transverse electric (TE)/transverse magnetic (TM) whispering gallery mode (WGM) frequencies in homogeneous gyroelectric circular cylindrical resonators of infinite length are derived. In addition, a volume integral equation (VIE)‐cylindrical Dini series expansion method is extended to support the prediction of complex WGMs for continuously varying highly inhomogeneous gyroelectric circular cylindrical resonators. To this end, the entire domain orthogonal vectorial basis of VIE is extended to support very large indices of the involved Dini‐type cylindrical vector wave functions via asymptotic closed‐form expressions. This way, the eigenbasis required to solve the VIE becomes free of numerical instabilities arising when very large orders of the involved Bessel functions are employed. The complex frequencies obtained by the asymptotic closed‐form expressions for the case of the homogeneous gyroelectric resonator, as well as those obtained by the VIE when the multilayered gyroelectric resonator is reduced to one layer, are validated by comparisons with the complex roots extracted by numerically solving the TE/TM characteristic equations obtained from the separation of variables method, using complex root finding techniques. We demonstrate the calculation of very high‐order WGM frequencies for cylindrical resonators composed of homogeneous and highly inhomogeneous permittivity profiles. This asymptotic theory constitutes a rigorous tool that may serve for verifying method of analytical regularisation–based numerical solutions for other non‐circular inhomogeneous cylinders, and for interpreting experimental data for applications such as WGM lasing, refractometric sensing, and magneto‐optic coupling.
Similia Similibus Curentur: Theory, History, and Status of the Constitutive Principle of Homeopathy
Authors: Schmidt Josef M.
Published: May 2021

A clear definition of its subject and correct application of its tenets are the basis of any science. Conversely, the want of a unanimous understanding of its constituting principles by the homeopathic community is undermining its scientific practice, research and discussion. To facilitate these, first and foremost the Principle of Similars, similia similibus curentur, has to be clarified and assessed in terms of its theoretical meaning, historical development, and epistemological status. Hahnemann's conceptions, explanations, and appraisals were not static but evolved and hardened over the years, especially from 1796 to 1810. While initially he related similia similibus to an imitation of similar cures by nature and proposed it as an opposition to contraria contrariis, he later generalised it to the treatment of any disease. Whilst originally he considered it to be a hermeneutical principle, or a hint towards a curative remedy, Hahnemann later dogmatised it as the only truth. Considering advances in epistemology and theory of medicine, however, the Principle of Similars may not be assessed as a final truth or natural law to be empirically verified or falsified for good, but rather as a practical maxim, guiding the artist of healing in his/her curing of diseases rationally and individually.
Fresh Cadaver Simulation Model with Continuous Extracorporeal Circulation as a Training Platform for Intracranial High-Flow Bypass: Technical Note and Rheologic Feasibility Evaluation
Authors: Santori Alejandro Mercado , Arancibia María Sol , Andaluz Norberto
Published: May 2021

Introduction As endovascular techniques evolve toward replacing open surgery, several clinical scenarios still require surgical revascularization. Characterizing this era are decreasing surgical volumes and lack of realistic training models. In an effort to develop lifelike simulation models, we developed a platform for surgical training on high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model. Our technique incorporated an extracorporeal circulating system that resembled clinical conditions and confirmed anastomosis efficacy by clinical parameters.

Methods On three fresh cadaveric heads, the subtemporal approach exposed the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) (C2) as the donor vessel for an interposition radial artery graft. Using a continuous extracorporeal circulation system, the bypass model was tested in three fresh heads and verified using clinical technologies.

Results Successful C2 ICA to M2 anastomosis was completed in all three fresh heads, confirmed with qualitative and quantitative Doppler, and indocyanine green angiography. Antegrade distribution through graft and revascularized territory was documented on postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan with radiopaque silicone injected through the ipsilateral carotid.

Conclusion This study confirmed the feasibility of a totally intracranial high-flow bypass in a fresh cadaver model that achieved hemodynamic features aligned with those of normal middle cerebral artery flow in the clinical setting.
Terahertz spoof surface plasmon sensing based on dielectric metagrating coupling
Authors: Li Xiangjun , Wang Luoyang , Cheng Gang , Hou Xiaomei , Yan Dexian , Qiu Guohua , Guo Shihui , Zhou Weidong , Li Jining
Published: May 2021

We propose a terahertz surface plasmon resonance sensor based on dielectric metagrating coupling to the spoof surface plasmon (SSP) mode on periodically grooved metal films. The well-designed silicon metagrating converts the normal incident to the necessary angle in the dielectric substrate exciting SSP with the transmission coupling between couplers and SSP metasurfaces. Using an all-dielectric metagrating as an external coupler, the tightly confined SSP mode can be excited within a small resonant cavity, causing the strong light–matter interaction. The proposed SSP dielectric meta-couplers will pave new routes for ultra-thin and compact sensing devices. The dielectric substrate thickness, the air gap distance between the substrate and the metal groove array, and metal groove gaps have remarkable influences on the characteristics of SSP sensing. The SSP sensing by metagrating coupling with the resonance frequency around 0.404 THz provides a high sensitivity of up to 335 GHz/RIU and a detection limit less than 0.0001 RIU with a frequency resolution of 33.5 MHz. Dielectric metagrating coupling SSP provides enormous potential for constructing ultra-sensitive and compact SSP sensors in the terahertz frequency region.
Strongly heat-assisted spin–orbit torque switching of a ferrimagnetic insulator
Authors: Ren Zheyu , Qian Kun , Aldosary Mohammed , Liu Yuting , Cheung Shun Kong , Ng Isaac , Shi Jing , Shao Qiming
Published: May 2021

Ferrimagnetic insulators promise low-power and high-speed spintronic applications, thanks to their insulating nature and fast dynamics near compensation points. In a ferrimagnetic insulator/heavy metal heterostructure, we investigate field- and current-induced magnetization switching at various temperatures and observe distinct magnetization switching behaviors owing to spin–orbit torque (SOT) and heating effect. We have realized SOT switching across the magnetization compensation temperature and discovered that the SOT switching is strongly heat-assisted: the temperature is always above the compensation temperature while the SOT switching happens in our case. Moreover, we show that the SOT efficiency is strongly magnetization-dependent by characterizing the current dependence of SOT efficiency and explaining the anomalous SOT switching back phenomena in the presence of a titled external field. Our results reveal the critical role of Joule heating on the dynamics of magnetic insulators and pave the way for the application of spintronic devices based on magnetic insulators.
Genomic basis of parallel adaptation varies with divergence in
Arabidopsis
and its relatives
Authors: Bohutínská Magdalena , Vlček Jakub , Yair Sivan , Laenen Benjamin , Konečná Veronika , Fracassetti Marco , Slotte Tanja , Kolář Filip
Published: May 2021

Significance

Repeated evolution tends to be more predictable. The impressive spectrum of recent reports on genomic parallelism, however, revealed that the fraction of the genome that evolves in parallel varies greatly, possibly reflecting different evolutionary scales investigated. Here, we demonstrate divergence-dependent parallelism using a comprehensive genome-wide dataset comprising 12 cases of parallel alpine adaptation and identify decreasing probability of adaptive re-use of genetic variation as the major underlying cause. This finding empirically demonstrates that evolutionary predictability is scale dependent and suggests that availability of preexisting variation drives parallelism within and among populations and species. Altogether, our results inform the ongoing discussion about the (un)predictability of evolution, relevant for applications in pest control, nature conservation, or the evolution of pathogen resistance.
University students’ perception of the factors affecting preschool and primary students’ recycling behaviour as a tool to improve environmental education in the university curriculum (Percepción de los estudiantes universitarios de los factores que influyen sobre la conducta de reciclaje de los estudiantes de educación infantil y primaria como herramienta para mejorar la educación ambiental en el currículum universitario)
Authors: Koutsos Thomas M. , Menexes Georgios C. , Balampekou Evangelia I. , Oikonomou Andreas
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this synthetic work is to examine university students’ perception of children’s relevant factors for recycling behaviour aiming to improve their university curriculum. The main idea of this analysis was to focus on faculty of education students, as they will be the future environmental educators that will provide the basic environmental knowledge to students in preschool and primary education. A systematic review was performed to reveal potential factors influencing the recycling behaviour of children, and then a new survey was conducted through a questionnaire to evaluate the 320 university students’ perception of the Faculty of Education of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on the factors affecting the preschool and primary school students towards recycling. The findings indicated that university students’ perception is in line with the bibliography and show that according to students, the family environment is the most important factor affecting children’s recycling behaviour.
Studying the specific heat of sand with an Arduino board
Authors: Pinheiro Junior Jefferson Buonafina , Soares Antonio Augusto
Published: May 2021

We present a sequence of two physics experiments, designed for use with secondary students, which investigate the specific heat of sand, both qualitatively and quantitatively, without a calorimeter. We use two LM35 temperature sensors and an Arduino prototype board for data acquisition. The results are good and allow teachers to discuss the behaviours of water and sand in the heating and cooling processes. Our proposals are suitable for use in the teaching of high school students and lead to meaningful learning about this physical property.
Integrating intratumoral and peritumoral features to predict tumor recurrence in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Lei , Wan Yidong , Luo Chen , Yang Jing , Yang Pengfei , Chen Feng , Wang Jing , Niu Tianye
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have suggested that the intratumoral texture features may reflect the tumor recurrence risk in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). The peritumoral features may be associated with the distribution of microsatellites. Therefore, integrating the imaging features based on intratumoral and peritumoral areas may provide more accurate predictions in tumor recurrence (both early and late recurrences) than the predictions conducted based on the intratumoral area only. This retrospective study included 209 ICC patients. We divided the patient population into two sub-groups according to the order of diagnosis time: a training cohort (159 patients) and an independent validation cohort (50 patients). The MR imaging features were quantified based on the intratumoral and peritumoral (3 and 5 mm) areas. The radiomics signatures, clinical factor-based models and combined radiomics-clinical models were developed to predict the tumor recurrence. The prediction performance was measured based on the validation cohort using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) index. For the prediction of early recurrence, the combined radiomics-clinical model of intratumoral area with 5 mm peritumoral area showed the highest performance (0.852(95% confidence interval (CI), 0.724–0.937)). The AUC for the clinical factor-based model was 0.805(95%CI, 0.668–0.903). For the prediction of late recurrence, the radiomics signature of intratumoral area with 5 mm peritumoral area had the optimal performance with an AUC of 0.735(95%CI, 0.591–0.850). The clinical factor-based showed inferior performance (0.598(95%CI, 0.450–0.735)). For both early and late recurrences prediction, the optimal models were all constructed using imaging features extracted based on intratumoral and peritumoral areas together. These suggested the importance of involving the intratumoral and peritumoral areas in the radiomics studies.
Measurement of topological charges of optical vortices by antiphased semicircular slit pair
Authors: Kong Qian , Cheng Chuanfu , Zhan Zijun , Liu Chunxiang , Ma Hong , Ren Xiaorong , Zhang Yuqin , Ma Li , Zeng Xiangyu , Zhang Ruirui , He Changwei , Cheng Chen
Published: May 2021

Determination of orbital angular momentum (OAM) states is a subject of crucial importance for their applications in areas ranging from classical physics to quantum information. Here, we propose the antiphase semicircular slit pair (ASSP) as a novel approach to determine the topological charge of OAM states. The ASSP contains two semicircular slits with a diameter increment and symmetrically arranged in upper and lower circle. It converts an incident OAM state into light field with two bright spots, of which the relative shift is twice as spot shift for a semicircular slit. Physically, we introduce the two models of equivalent spiral slit and the Young’s-like interference, obtaining two approximate linear relations between the shift and the incident topological charge. Analytically, the antiphase of the diffracted fields for the two semicircular slits cancels a main Bessel vortex term, and doubles the complement fields contained in that for a single semicircular slit, realizing the field with two bright intensity spots with the relative shift doubled. The diffracted field is fundamentally approximated as the weighted superposition of finite Bessel vortex eigenstates. Using shift between the bright spots, the determination of topological charge of OAM states becomes a feasible and convenient, and the experimental measurement conforms to the theory with satisfying accuracy.
A new angle on resonances in confined atoms and ions
Authors: Connerade Jean-Patrick
Published: May 2021

A new type of resonance in a confined atomic system is suggested. It would migrate strongly in energy as a function of the degree of confinement, moving up or down in the Rydberg manifold according to the properties of the confining shell.
Impacts of Hawking radiation from primordial black holes in critical collapse model on the light element abundances
Authors: Luo Yudong , Chen Chao , Kusakabe Motohiko , Kajino Toshitaka
Published: May 2021

We study the photodisintegration process triggered by the nonthermal electromagnetic Hawking radiation from primordial black holes (PBHs) in critical collapse model. We consider the simplest case that all PBHs formed at a single epoch stemming from an inflationary spectrum with a narrow peak, and an extended mass distribution is obtained due to critical phenomena of gravitational collapse. The presence of a low-mass tail of critical collapse mass function could lead to an enhancement of energetic photon emissions from Hawking radiation of PBHs.
Nuclear photodisintegration rates are calculated with a nonthermal photon spectrum derived by solving the Boltzmann equation iteratively. The exact spectrum is much different than that based on an often-used analytical bended power-law spectrum and it is found to significantly depend on the adopted PBH mass functions. With the newest observational limit on the 3He abundance in Galactic H II regions, the updated 3He constraints on PBH mass spectrum in the horizon mass range 1012–1013 g are derived.
Our results for the first time show that 3He constraints on the critical mass function are about one order of magnitude severer than the monochromatic one although the fraction of PBHs in the low-mass tail region is relatively small. The 6Li elemental abundance is also enhanced significantly for the critical mass function. More precise measurement of 6Li abundance is highly desirable to provide a promising constraint on PBHs in the future.
For monochromatic mass function, we provide the analytical bounds for photodisintegration and hadrodissociation from PBH radiation, and we report discrepancies between our updated 3He constraints and the previous results.
Facile fabrication of heterostructure with p-BiOCl nanoflakes and n-ZnO thin film for UV photodetectors
Authors: Su Longxing , Ouyang Weixin , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: May 2021

Herein, high-quality n-ZnO film layer on c-sapphire and well-crystallized tetragonal p-BiOCl nanoflakes on Cu foil are prepared, respectively. According to the absorption spectra, the bandgaps of n-ZnO and p-BiOCl are confirmed as ~3.3 and ~3.5 eV, respectively. Subsequently, a p-BiOCl/n-ZnO heterostructural photodetector is constructed after a facile mechanical bonding and post annealing process. At –5 V bias, the photocurrent of the device under 350 nm irradiation is ~800 times higher than that in dark, which indicates its strong UV light response characteristic. However, the on/off ratio of In–ZnO–In photodetector is ~20 and the Cu–BiOCl–Cu photodetector depicts very weak UV light response. The heterostructure device also shows a short decay time of 0.95 s, which is much shorter than those of the devices fabricated from pure ZnO thin film and BiOCl nanoflakes. The p-BiOCl/n-ZnO heterojunction photodetector provides a promising pathway to multifunctional UV photodetectors with fast response, high signal-to-noise ratio, and high selectivity.
Marination technology using kandis acid (Garcinia xanthochymus) biomass to improve the physical quality of culled chicken meat
Authors: Hafid H , Patriani P , Nuraini  , Ananda S H
Published: May 2021

Kandis acid (Garcinia xanthochymus) is a fruit usually dried with a sour taste and used as a spice in Indonesian cuisine. Aside from being a flavoring and enhancer of flavor images in dishes, kandis acid is also thought to be able to preserve fish. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of kandis acid in improving the quality of culled chicken meat. This study used a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment was marination of culled chicken meat in kandis acid solution consisting of 4 different concentrations, i.e., 0% or without kandis acid as a control (P0), 50 g kandis acid + 500 mL distilled water (P1), 50 g kandis acid + 750 mL distilled water (P2), and 50 grams kandis acid + 1,000 mL distilled water (P3). The results revealed that the physical quality of the culled chicken meat was affected by the kandis acid marination especially in the meat pH, which was relatively similar to the drip loss, cooking loss, and tenderness of meat. It is recommended that marination using kandis acid with a concentration of 50 g in 750 mL distilled water can effectively maintain the quality of culled chicken meat.
Production of high octane gasoline by catalytic cracking of petroleum gasoil with palm’s triglyceride and oleic acid
Authors: Azis Z , Susanto B H , Nasikin M
Published: May 2021

The use of gasoline with appropriate octane number will affect directly to meet superfine engine performance and avoiding from knocking effect. Improvement of gasoline quality in fluid catalytic cracking process usually is achieved by replacement of new catalyst which needs higher production cost. This research work aimed to describe the alternative method for improving gasoline octane in catalytic cracking by means of feedstock modification using mixture of vacuum gasoil and few of palm’s triglyceride and oleic acid. The experimental work of cracking reaction was performed in a fluid-bed reactor of ACE unit using REY zeolite catalysts at temperature of 530 °C and catalyst-oil ratio of 5.5 g/g. The liquid product was analyzed by a gas chromatograph of simulated distillation to determine yields of gasoline, light cycle oil and bottom product continued by a gas chromatograph of detailed hydrocarbon analysis to obtain hydrocarbon composition and calculated research octane number of gasoline. Analysis of gaseous product was performed using a gas chromatograph of refinery gas analyzer to detect yields of dry gas and LPG, whereas coke deposited on spent catalyst was analyzed using the infra-red method. From the research work, it was found that feedstock prepared from vacuum gasoil added with 5 % refined bleached deodorized palm oil and oleic acid (9:1) had increased gasoline RON from 91.8 to 98.2. The improvement of gasoline octane was contributed by the presence of double-bond fatty acid that triggered promoting effect to aromatisation and hydrogen transfer reactions in the formation of more iso-paraffins, olefins and aromatics in gasoline.
Synthesis of mono diacyl glycerol from palm fatty acid distillate and glycerol as antistatic agents on plastics
Authors: Setyaningsih Dwi , Faqih Ihsan Nur , Muna Neli , Jannah Qatrinada Radiyatul , Salsabila Syafira
Published: May 2021

Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) production as a CPO refining by-product reaches 1 million tons per year. PFAD can increase its added value by making it as mono-diacylglycerol (MDAG). MDAG is a nonionic surfactant. It has biodegradable properties and not irritant compared to cationic and anionic surfactants. This study aimed to determine the best temperature and reaction time for the synthesis of MDAG, to characterize the synthesized MDAG, and to apply it as antistatic agent on plastic. MDAG was produced through chemical synthesis by reacting PFAD and glycerol through an esterification process with PFAD to glycerol molar ratio 1:6. The catalyst that used in this study was para-toluenesulfonic acid (pTSA). Synthesis was carried out under various conditions of temperature (100 °C, 120 °C, and 150 °C) and reaction time (90 min and 120 min). The best conditions of synthesis reaction were at temperature 150 °C, molar ratio 1:6, and 90 min reaction time. The yield of MDAG was 14.33 %, pH value of 5, hydroxyl value 344.01 mg KOH/g that contain 93.29 % MAG, and 6.71 % DAG. The MDAG obtained from synthesis was white, dry texture, and odorless. The synthesized MDAG has met the standard because the minimum standard MAG content at commercial MDAG was 91 %. Tests on plastics showed that synthesized MDAG and commercial MDAG showed the same surface resistivity value of 1.0×1012 ohm/sq.
Sustainability of biodiesel B30, B40, and B50 in Indonesia with addition of emulsifier
Authors: Dimawarnita F , Kartika I A , Hambali E
Published: May 2021

Sustainable energy is one of the main challenges of the 21st century. Indonesia is a developing country and ranked fourth in the world population. The total increase in average population growth between 2000 and 2025 is projected at 33.2%. Thus, the problem of energy deficits must be addressed by the Government of Indonesia to overcome the shortage of energy resources in the future. The Indonesian government’s policy on biodiesel began in 2015 and continues to undergo renewal. Starting in September 2018, Indonesia set the B20 rule, and then in January 2020, it began to shift to B30. By the end of 2020, it was targeted to have moved to B50. The concept of sustainability focuses on two things: a combination of environmental and economic considerations. One of the crucial points in sustainable development related to the development of biodiesel B30, B40, and B50 is that economic growth needs to be harmonized with efforts to preserve the environment through long-term maintenance of the availability of biological resources and increasing productivity of the agricultural systems, stability of the human population, limitations on economic growth, and make improvements to the quality of the environment and ecosystem. Biodiesel in Indonesia, Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) is synthesized from palm oil. Emissions from biodiesel from vegetable oils still contain high NOx gas. When viewed from the side of the impact on the environment, the concept of biodiesel sustainability needs additives/emulsifiers so that the quality and stability of biodiesel increases. That way, the biodiesel effect may show to be environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuels.
Techno-economic analysis of furfural production with various pretreatment of oil palm empty fruit bunches using SuperPro Designer
Authors: Karimah I , Suyuditomo G , Harahap A F P , Ramadhan M Y A , Panjaitan J R H , Sahlan M , Hermansyah H , Gozan M
Published: May 2021

Oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) are solid wastes that can be processed into several chemicals, one of which is furfural. Furfural can be used as a solvent and intermediate compound in many chemical industries. Nowadays, furfural needs in Indonesia are fulfilled through import, especially from China. Therefore, developing a furfural plant in Indonesia is required to fulfill the needs for furfural in Indonesia and surrounding countries. Based on that necessity, this study provides the preliminary study and simulation of furfural production from OPEFB by three kinds of pretreatment methods: soaking in aqueous ammonia (SAA), steam explosion (SE), and ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX). Simulation is conducted using SuperPro Designer Academic License to get the plant’s mass & energy balance and economic parameters. The plant will be built in Kawasan Industri Dumai, Pelintung, Riau. Then, by assuming 7920 hours annual operation time and 2000 kg OPEFB/h input rate, the simulations showed that furfural production with AFEX pretreatment is more economically feasible than with SAA and SE pretreatment. The value of profitability parameters as follows: Internal Rate of Return (IRR) = 49.77%, Net Present Value (NPV) at i = 9.6% = USD 39,210,000, and payback time = 1.75 years.
Release property of red ginger essential oil in silica-nanocellulose composite based sachet
Authors: Fahma F , Sapoan M , Lisdayana N , Iskandar A , Sunarti T C , Sugiarto
Published: May 2021

Red ginger is an herbal plant that contains active components and can be used to control microorganisms. In this study, active packaging in the form of an antimicrobial sachet was developed. The red ginger essential oil was incorporated into silica-cellulose nanocomposite in powder form in a closed sachet. The silica-nanocellulose composite was fabricated through a sol-gel permeation process in nanocellulose hydrogel. Nanocellulose was isolated from oil palm empty fruit bunches by mechanical treatment, a combination of ultrafine grinding and ultrasonication. Nanocellulose hydrogel was immersed in a sodium silicate solution at three different times. The obtained gel was soaked in 2 M sulfuric acid for 4 hours to produce a silica-nanocellulose composite. Release property of red ginger essential oil from the closed sachet was observed. The effectiveness of the produced antimicrobial sachets depends on the release of the antimicrobial agent from the sachets.