bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preanalytic variables in quality and quantity of nucleic acids extracted from FNA specimens of thyroid gland nodules collected in CytoLyt: Cellularity and storage time
Authors: Heymann Jonas J. , Yoxtheimer Lorene M. , Park Hyeon Jin , Fernandez Evan M. , Facey Kirk E. , Alperstein Susan A. , Tran Hung V. , Baek Inji , Scognamiglio Theresa , Rennert Hanna , Siddiqui Momin T. , Song Wei
Published: April 2020

Background

Morphologic and genetic analysis of thyroid nodules may be performed from a single vial. Preanalytic variables that affect nucleic acid extracted from a single vial are evaluated.

Methods

Thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) specimens collected in CytoLyt were evaluated. A ThinPrep slide was prepared. Extracted nucleic acids were analyzed using Oncomine Comprehensive Panel, version 2, after Ion AmpliSeq library preparation. A pathologist and a cytotechnologist enumerated specimen cellularity.

Results

Fifty‐six samples were collected from 55 nodules in 53 patients. Bethesda category correlated with cellularity (P = .01), and storage time (median, 43 days; range, 7‐77 days) was longer for specimens in categories II and III than for those in categories IV and VI (P = .01). The mean specimen DNA concentration was 4.5 ng/µL (range, 0‐23.8 ng/µL), and 25 (45%) had concentrations >3.3 ng/µL. The mean specimen RNA concentration was 4.8 ng/µL (range, 0‐42.4 ng/µL), and 31 (55%) had concentrations >1.4 ng/µL. Nucleic acid quantity increased with epithelial cellularity. Storage time weakly correlated with the quantity of extracted DNA, independent of cellularity, but not extracted RNA. Greater proportions of cell‐free DNA and lesser proportions of long, intact RNA fragments were extracted from a subset of samples with longer storage time. Among 15 single nucleotide variants, the median mutant allelic fraction was 15.1%. One false‐negative result was identified. Five specimens subsequently determined to harbor a genetic alteration failed quality metrics.

Conclusions

Cellularity and storage time affect the quantity and quality of nucleic acid extracted from thyroid FNA specimens collected in CytoLyt. Further investigation will serve to quantify the magnitude of such effects and to elucidate other contributing factors.
Possible associations between plasma fibroblast growth factor 21 levels and cognition in bipolar disorder
Authors: Omileke Favour , Ishiwata Sayuri , Matsuo Junko , Yoshida Fuyuko , Hidese Shinsuke , Hattori Kotaro , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: April 2020

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental disorder characterized by extreme changes in mood polarity. It is also characterized by cognitive and metabolic dysfunctions. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine protein that has a multifaceted function such as glucose and lipid regulation in the periphery, and neuroprotection and induction of synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Previous studies reported inconsistent results concerning peripheral FGF21 levels in patients with BD. In this study, we compared plasma FGF21 levels between 26 patients with BD and 51 healthy controls using a human FGF21 ELISA Kit. There was no significant difference in plasma FGF21 levels between the patients and controls. We found significant positive correlations between plasma FGF21 levels and some cognitive parameters (word association and motor speed). If our results are replicated that higher peripheral FGF21 may be associated with better cognitive performance in patients with BD.
Apathy symptoms induced by low‐dose venlafaxine: Two cases
Authors: Sato Shinji , Sodeyama Noriko , Matsuzaki Asaki , Shiratori Yuki
Published: April 2020

Recent guidelines regarding pharmacological interventions for major depressive disorder (MDD) recommend first using serotonin (5HT) selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or 5HT and norepinephrine (NE) reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Although SSRIs and SNRIs are effective and well‐tolerated, apathy occurs as an adverse effect in some SSRIs‐treated patients. Because apathy would be associated with the 5HT pathway, if a patient exhibits apathy symptoms under SSRIs treatment, a clinical strategy has been to change the SSRIs to treatment with an SNRIs. Here, I report two cases in which low‐dose venlafaxine, an SNRIs, induced apathy symptoms.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 supersymmetric S-folds
Authors: Guarino Adolfo , Sterckx Colin , Trigiante Mario
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Multi-parametric families of AdS4 vacua with various amounts of supersymmetry and residual gauge symmetry are found in the [SO (1, 1) × SO(6)] ⋉ ℝ12 maximal supergravity that arises from the reduction of type IIB supergravity on ℝ × S5. These provide natural candidates to holographically describe new strongly coupled three-dimensional CFT’s which are localised on interfaces of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory. One such AdS4 vacua features a symmetry enhancement to SU(2) × U(1) while preserving

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 super- symmetry. Fetching techniques from the E7(7) exceptional field theory, its uplift to a class of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 S-folds of type IIB supergravity of the form AdS4
× S1
× S5 involving S-duality twists of hyperbolic type along S1 is presented.
Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic transition regulates gap junctions of cardiomyocyte
Authors: Zhou En , Zhang Tiantian , Bi Changlong , Wang Changqian , Zhang Zongqi
Published: April 2020

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most prevalent arrhythmias. Myocardial sleeves of the pulmonary vein are critical in the occurrence of AF. Our study aims to investigate the effect of synthetic vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) on gap junction proteins in cardiomyocytes. (1) Extraction of vascular SMCs from the pulmonary veins of Norway rats. TGF-β1 was used to induce the vascular SMCs switching to the synthetic phenotype and 18-α-GA was used to inhibit gap junctions of SMCs. The contractile and synthetic phenotype vascular SMCs were cocultured with HL-1 cells; (2) Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Cx43, Cx40 and Cx45 in HL-1 cells, and RT-PCR to test microRNA 27b in vascular SMCs or in HL-1 cells; (3) Lucifer yellow dye transfer experiment was used to detect the function of gap junctions. (1) TGF- β1 induced the vascular SMCs switching to synthetic phenotype; (2) Cx43 was significantly increased, and Cx40 and Cx45 were decreased in HL-1 cocultured with synthetic SMCs; (3) The fluorescence intensity of Lucifer yellow was higher in HL-1 cocultured with synthetic SMCs than that in the cells cocultured with contractile SMCs, which was inhibited by18-α-GA; (4) the expression of microRNA 27b was increased in HL-1 cocultured with synthetic SMCs, which was attenuated markedly by 18-α-GA. (5) the expression of ZFHX3 was decreased in HL-1 cocultured with synthetic SMCs, which was reversed by 18-α-GA. The gap junction proteins of HL-1 were regulated by pulmonary venous SMCs undergoing phenotypic transition in this study, accompanied with the up-regulation of microRNA 27b and the down-regulation of ZFHX3 in HL-1 cells, which was associated with heterocellular gap junctions between HL-1 and pulmonary venous SMCs.
A compact wideband circularly polarized quadrifilar antenna with PIFA elements for UHF RFID readers
Authors: Lerkbangplad Chawanat , Namahoot Alongkorn , Akkaraekthalin Prayoot , Chalermwisutkul Suramate
Published: April 2020

In this paper, a compact circularly polarized quadrifilar antenna with planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) elements is presented. The proposed antenna consists of four PIFA elements and a Wilkinson divider-based feed network fabricated on FR-4 substrate (ɛr = 4.4, loss tangent = 0.02, thickness = 1.6 mm). The total size of the antenna is 120 × 120 × 13.2 mm3. Impedance matching with a reflection coefficient <−15 dB and an axial ratio (AR) <3 dB are achieved over the global ultra-high frequency (UHF) radio frequency identification (RFID) frequency band and beyond. The realized gain ranges from 2.25 to 3.75 dBic within the frequency band of interest from 860 to 960 MHz with a directional radiation pattern. The proposed antenna is compact, low-cost and extremely wideband in terms of matching and AR compared to state-of-the-art UHF RFID reader antennas.
Comparisons Between Jupiter's X‐ray, UV and Radio Emissions and In‐Situ Solar Wind Measurements During 2007
Authors: Dunn W. R. , Gray R. , Wibisono A. D. , Lamy L. , Louis C. , Badman S. V. , Branduardi‐Raymont G. , Elsner R. , Gladstone G. R. , Ebert R. , Ford P. , Foster A. , Tao C. , Ray L. C. , Yao Z. , Rae I. J. , Bunce E. J. , Rodriguez P. , Jackman C. M. , Nicolaou G. , Clarke J. , Nichols J. , Elliott H. , Kraft R.
Published: April 2020

We compare Chandra and XMM‐Newton X‐ray observations of Jupiter during 2007 with a rich multi‐instrument data set including upstream in situ solar wind measurements from the New Horizons spacecraft, radio emissions from the Nançay Decametric Array and Wind/Waves, and ultraviolet (UV) observations from the Hubble Space Telescope. New Horizons data revealed two corotating interaction regions (CIRs) impacted Jupiter during these observations. Non‐Io decametric bursts and UV emissions brightened together and varied in phase with the CIRs. We characterize three types of X‐ray aurorae: hard X‐ray bremsstrahlung main emission, pulsed/flared soft X‐ray emissions, and a newly identified dim flickering (varying on short time scales, but quasi‐continuously present) aurora. For most observations, the X‐ray aurorae were dominated by pulsed/flaring emissions, with ion spectral lines that were best fit by iogenic plasma. However, the brightest X‐ray aurora was coincident with a magnetosphere expansion. For this observation, the aurorae were produced by both flickering emission and erratic pulses/flares. Auroral spectral models for this observation required the addition of solar wind ions to attain good fits, suggesting solar wind entry into the outer magnetosphere or directly into the pole for this particularly bright observation. X‐ray bremsstrahlung from high energy electrons was only bright for one observation, which was during a forward shock. This bremsstrahlung was spatially coincident with bright UV main emission (power > 1 TW) and X‐ray ion spectral line dusk emission, suggesting closening of upward and downward current systems during the shock. Otherwise, the bremsstrahlung was dim, and UV main emission power was also lower (<700 GW), suggesting their power scaled together.
The 3rd AGILE Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes Catalog. Part II: Optimized Selection Criteria and Characteristics of the New Sample
Authors: Maiorana C. , Marisaldi M. , Lindanger A. , Østgaard N. , Ursi A. , Sarria D. , Galli M. , Labanti C. , Tavani M. , Pittori C. , Verrecchia F.
Published: April 2020

We present in this work the third catalog of terrestrial gamma‐ray flashes (TGFs) by the AGILE mission and the new search algorithm that was developed to produce it. We firstly introduce the new selection criteria, designed from the characteristics of WWLLN‐identified TGFs, and then applied on all data from March 2015 to September 2018. Association with sferics was performed by an independent search, described in a companion paper by Lindanger et al. (2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD031985). This search showed that many TGFs were not recognized by the existing selection algorithm, hence the need for this work. Several new selection criteria were tested and are compared in this paper. We then present the chosen selection criteria and the obtained sample, which includes 2,780 events and represents the most extensive TGF catalog available for the equatorial regions. Finally, we discuss the characteristics of this sample, including geographic distribution, intensity and duration, and seasonal variations.
Retraction Note: Disruption of the Bcr-Abl/Hsp90 protein complex: a possible mechanism to inhibit Bcr-Abl-positive human leukemic blasts by novobiocin
Authors: Wu L. X. , Xu J. H. , Zhang K. Z. , Lin Q. , Huang X. W. , Wen C. X. , Chen Y. Z.
Published: April 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
ASPP1 deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Dian , Ertay Ayse , Hill Charlotte , Zhou Yilu , Li Juanjuan , Zou Yanmei , Qiu Hong , Yuan Xianglin , Ewing Rob M. , Lu Xin , Xiong Hua , Wang Yihua
Published: April 2020

The apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (ASPP) family of proteins can regulate apoptosis by interacting with the p53 family and have been identified to play an important role in cancer progression. Previously, we have demonstrated that ASPP2 downregulation can promote invasion and migration by controlling β-catenin-dependent regulation of ZEB1, however, the role of ASPP1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. We analyzed data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and coupled this to in vitro experiments in CRC cell lines as well as to experimental pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Tissue microarrays of CRC patients with information of clinical-pathological parameters were also used to investigate the expression and function of ASPP1 in CRC. Here, we report that loss of ASPP1 is capable of enhancing migration and invasion in CRC, both in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrate that depletion of ASPP1 could activate expression of Snail2 via the NF-κB pathway and in turn, induce EMT; and this process is further exacerbated in RAS-mutated CRC. ASPP1 could be a prognostic factor in CRC, and the use of NF-κB inhibitors may provide new strategies for therapy against metastasis in ASPP1-depleted CRC patients.
Cholinergic midbrain afferents modulate striatal circuits and shape encoding of action strategies
Authors: Dautan Daniel , Huerta-Ocampo Icnelia , Gut Nadine K. , Valencia Miguel , Kondabolu Krishnakanth , Kim Yuwoong , Gerdjikov Todor V. , Mena-Segovia Juan
Published: April 2020

Assimilation of novel strategies into a consolidated action repertoire is a crucial function for behavioral adaptation and cognitive flexibility. Acetylcholine in the striatum plays a pivotal role in such adaptation, and its release has been causally associated with the activity of cholinergic interneurons. Here we show that the midbrain, a previously unknown source of acetylcholine in the striatum, is a major contributor to cholinergic transmission in the striatal complex. Neurons of the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei synapse with striatal cholinergic interneurons and give rise to excitatory responses. Furthermore, they produce uniform inhibition of spiny projection neurons. Inhibition of acetylcholine release from midbrain terminals in the striatum impairs the association of contingencies and the formation of habits in an instrumental task, and mimics the effects observed following inhibition of acetylcholine release from striatal cholinergic interneurons. These results suggest the existence of two hierarchically-organized modes of cholinergic transmission in the striatum, where cholinergic interneurons are modulated by cholinergic neurons of the midbrain.
A meta-analysis of mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms with the risk of recurrent vulvovaginal infections
Authors: Kalia Namarta , Singh Jatinder , Rauniyar Akash Kumar , Kaur Manpreet
Published: April 2020

The genetic variants of Mannose-Binding Lectin, a vital component of innate immunity have been studied with acute/recurrent vaginal infections ((R)VVI) and presented inconclusive findings. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data were conducted to assess the possible role of these variations in (R)VVI. A comprehensive search was made using PubMed, Web of Science and Google scholar till June 18, 2019. A total of 12 studies met the specified criteria and were included in the analysis. Different comparisons were made on the basis of the outcome of interest that resulted in the filtering of studies for the pooled analysis to find an association using the standard genetic models. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was chosen as the effect measure for the data synthesis. The trim and fill technique was applied to adjust the publication bias. The meta-analysis revealed the significant association (p < 0.05) of rs1800450 polymorphism with RVVI risk (OR ≥ 3.5) in all the genetic models. The subgroup analysis identified the same association in Caucasian and Mixed ethnicity. Quantitative synthesis based on RVVC showed>3.5 fold risk of disease development accredited to rs1800450. A combined evaluation of Exon1 variants showed no association with (R)VVI. This meta-analysis suggests rs1800450 polymorphism as a genetic predisposing factor for RVVI, but to reinforce, further studies with a larger sample size are warranted.
A dual supramolecular crosslinked polyurethane with superior mechanical properties and autonomous self-healing ability
Authors: Xu Shaobin , Sheng Dekun , Zhou Yan , Wu Haohao , Xie Haopu , Tian Xinxin , Sun Yinglu , Liu Xiangdong , Yang Yuming
Published: April 2020

The dual-dynamic networks endow polyurethane with excellent mechanical properties and autonomous self-healing ability.
Trifunctional catalytic activities of trimetallic FeCoNi alloy nanoparticles embedded in a carbon shell for efficient overall water splitting
Authors: Khalid Mohd. , Honorato Ana M. B. , Tremiliosi Filho Germano , Varela Hamilton
Published: April 2020

FeCoNi alloy nanoparticles highly distributed in a nitrogen doped carbon shell for OER, HER, EOR and overall water splitting.
A rapid protocol to distinguish between Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium based on the characteristic fingerprint and UHPLC-Q-TOF MS methods
Authors: Shi Liqiang , Wang Rongjin , Liu Tianshu , Wu Jiajie , Zhang Hongxu , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shu , Liu Zhongying
Published: April 2020

Citri Exocarpium Rubrum and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium were successfully distinguished by the characteristic fingerprint and UHPLC-Q-TOF MS methods.
A hybrid hydrogel with in situ formed Ag-nanoparticles within 3D networks that exhibits broad antibacterial activities
Authors: Wei Chuan-Wan , Gong Xiao-Qing , Wang Xiao-Juan , Yang Xin-Zhi , Gao Shu-Qin , Lin Ying-Wu
Published: April 2020

A new hybrid hydrogel was constructed by in situ forming Ag NPs within the 3D network of a hydrogel that exhibits both excellent injectability and broad antibacterial activities, which makes it a potential candidate for various biomedical applications.
Fluorine-induced emission enhancement of tolanes via formation of tight molecular aggregates
Authors: Morita Masato , Yamada Shigeyuki , Konno Tsutomu
Published: April 2020

Incorporation of fluorine atoms into the tolane backbone constructed tight crystal packing structures to suppress molecular motions, which provided dramatic enhancement of photoluminescence efficiency in crystalline state.
In situ growth of well-aligned Ni-MOF nanosheets on nickel foam for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of typical volatile organic compounds
Authors: Ding Xin , Liu Hongli , Chen Jiangyao , Wen Meicheng , Li Guiying , An Taicheng , Zhao Huijun
Published: April 2020

Well-aligned Ni-MOF nanosheet arrays vertically grown on nickel foam were synthesized via a facile in situ solvothermal strategy, which exhibited remarkably improved photocatalytic activities to typical VOCs under visible light irradiation.
A covalently crosslinked silk fibroin hydrogel using enzymatic oxidation and chemoenzymatically synthesized copolypeptide crosslinkers consisting of a GPG tripeptide motif and tyrosine: control of gelation and resilience
Authors: Sogawa Hiromitsu , Katashima Takuya , Numata Keiji
Published: April 2020

A covalently crosslinked silk fibroin hydrogel was successfully formedviaan enzymatic crosslinking reaction using copolypeptides, which consist of a glycine–proline–glycine tripeptide motif and tyrosine, as linker molecules.
Improved upper bound on the complementary error function
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Fang Jinpan , Lin Jaduo , Zhao Shancheng , Xiao Fengjun , Wen Jinming
Published: April 2020

The complementary error function is a fundamental function in statistics and plays a central role in numerous applications. Its upper bound is essential for simplifying many performance analysis in communications. This Letter develops a new upper bound, which is sharper than existing upper bounds, on the complementary error function. Simulation tests are also performed to illustrate the sharpness of the new upper bound.
Experimental comparison of clinically used ion beams for imaging applications using a range telescope
Authors: Kopp Benedikt , Meyer Sebastian , Gianoli Chiara , Magallanes Lorena , Voss Bernd , Brons Stephan , Parodi Katia
Published: April 2020

In particle therapy, the x-ray based treatment planning converting photon attenuation values to relative stopping power ratio (RSP) introduces clinically relevant range uncertainties. Recently, novel imaging technologies using transmission ion beams have been investigated to directly assess the water equivalent thickness (WET) of tissue, showing improved accuracy in RSP reconstruction, while potentially reducing the imaging dose. Due to their greater availability, protons have been mostly used for ion imaging. To this end, in this work, the influence of three ion species (protons, helium and carbon ions) on the image quality of radiographic WET retrieval has been explored with a dedicated experimental setup and compared to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Three phantom setups with different tissue interfaces and features have been irradiated with clinically validated proton, helium and carbon ion pencil beams under comparable imaging dose and beam settings at the Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center. Ion radiographies (iRADs) were acquired with an integration mode detector, that functions as a range telescope with 61 parallel plate ionization chambers. For comparison, experiments were reproduced in-silico with FLUKA MC simulations. Carbon ions provide iRADs with highest image quality in terms of normalized root mean square error, followed by helium ions and protons. All ions show similar capabilities of resolving WET for the considered phantoms, as shown by the similar average relative error < 3%. Besides for the slab phantom, MC simulations yielded better results than the experiment, indicating potential improvement of the experimental setup. Our results showed that the ability to resolve the WET is similar for all particles, intrinsically limited by the granularity of the detector system. While carbon ions are best suited for acquiring iRADs with the investigated integration mode detector, helium ions are put forward as a less technical challenging alternative.
Biodiesel production from Kesambi (Schleichera oleosa) oil using multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported zinc oxide as a solid acid catalyst
Authors: Asri N P , Yuniati Y , Hindarso H , Suprapto  , Yogaswara R R
Published: April 2020

The development of heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production became a hot topic among scientists because of its many advantages including easy separation and catalyst reusability. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes supported zinc oxide (MWCNTsZ) as a solid acid catalyst had been successfully prepared via the stober-like process. There are several % loading of ZnO variations ranging from 10 – 35 % of catalyst weight. These catalysts were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area analysis, and scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) analysis. Transesterification of kesambi (Schleichera oleosa) oil also had been done to test the activity of the solid catalyst. The potential of this catalyst is shown from its large surface area with the maximum surface area until 409 m2/gram. However, the quantity of dispersed zinc oxide (ZnO) on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) via that modified Stober preparation is quite small lower than 5% weight. This phenomenon is resulting in a low yield of biodiesel after 3 h of transesterification reaction. The highest yield of biodiesel is obtained with 20% weight of loading ZnO variable producing 13.82% yield of methyl ester.
Sonochemical synthesis of SrTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction material
Authors: Istighfarini V N , Aprilia S N L , Prasetyo A
Published: April 2020

A composite SrTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction photocatalyst was prepared by sonication methods. The heterojunction material SrTiO3/TiO2 was synthesized using an ultrasonic cleaning bath for 4 hours, by mixing SrTiO3 and TiO2 with variations in the comparison of mol 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:6. Characterization using XRD shows heterojunction material consisting of SrTiO3 and TiO2 anatase without any impurities, with the morphological surface observed using SEM indicating the agglomerated small particles. The bandgap of heterojunction material with a variation in mol SrTiO3: TiO2 of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:6 are 3.11; 3.09; 3.07; and 3.07 eV respectively. The all of bandgap is lower than the SrTiO3 and TiO2 bandgap, i.e. 3.2 eV.
Isolation, identification, and bioactivity of steroids isolates from Hydrilla verticillata petroleum ether fraction
Authors: Fasya A G , Amalia S , Megawati D S , Salima F , Kusuma V A , Purwantoro B
Published: April 2020

Hydrilla verticillata contains some active compounds that potential as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antimicrobial and antitumor. One of the active compounds in Hydrilla verticillata is steroids. This research aimed to isolate, to identify and to determine the toxicity and antioxidant activity of steroid compounds in petroleum ether (PE) fraction of Hydrilla verticillata. Hydrilla verticillata biomass powder was extracted by maceration using ethanol solvent. The ethanol extract was hydrolyzed with 2 N of hydrochloric acid and then partitioned with petroleum ether solvent. The steroid compounds from petroleum ether fraction were separated with Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and Column Chromatography. The steroid isolates were identified by UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometer. The toxicity level and antioxidant assay of steroid isolates were determined by BSLT and DPPH method, respectively. The result of the study showed that extraction through maceration produced 4.54% yield, whereas the product yield of the partition using petroleum ether was 65.41%. The steroid isolates from TLC and Column Chromatography separation has toxicity and antioxidant properties. The LC50 value of steroid TLC isolate was 1.41 and 12.2 ppm. The LC5o value of steroid Column Chromatography isolates (H2, H4 and H10) were 4.32, 8.24 and 10.35 ppm. The EC50 value of H2 Column Chromatography isolate was 23.00 ppm.
Anticancer activity in 2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxy-phenilimino)-methyl)-phenol compound on T47D breast cancer cells
Authors: Sukria L , Hayati E K , Hanapi A , Adawiyah R , Ningsih R
Published: April 2020

2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxyphenilimino)-methyl)-phenol compound is a Schiff base compound synthesized from vanillin and p-anisidin. The purpose of this research is to determine the stability of the 2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxyphenilimino) methyl) phenol compound and to test the anticancer activity of 2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxyphenilimino) methyl) phenol in inhibiting T47D breast cancer cells. The stability of the 2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxy-phenylimino)-methyl)- phenol compound was carried out by characterization using chemical tests, identification using FTIR and GC-MS. While the anticancer activity test of compound 2-methoxy-4-((4- methoxifenilimino) methyl) phenol using the MTT method. The results of re-characterization using chemical tests, identification of FTIR and KG-SM showed the compound was still stable. The IC50 value of compound 2-methoxy-4-((4-methoxyphenilimino) methyl) phenol was 353,038 μg/mL which showed weak activity in inhibiting T47D breast cancer cells.
Effect of doping Fe3+ and Cu2+ on the microstructure and electrical properties of cryptomelane-type MnO2 prepared by sol-gel method
Authors: Hastuti E , Agustin W R , Yuliana I
Published: April 2020

Manganese oxide (MnO2) is an alternative metal oxide material that has potential as an energy storage application. In this study, the cryptomelane-type MnO2 doped Fe3+ and Cu2+ were successfully prepared using the sol-gel method. Fumaric acid is added to the KMnO4 in aqueous solution and modified with FeCl3.6H2O and CuCl2.2H2O to form different properties. Phase transformation and lattice parameters of the products were characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD). SEM observed the morphology of the sample, and electrical properties were tested using RCL meter. The results showed that adding Fe3+ and Cu2+ provided a higher value of conductivity and capacity of MnO2.
Analysis of 1,4 naphthoquinone in the Indonesian medical plant from extract Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr by UHPLC
Authors: Annisa R , Hendradi E , Yuwono M
Published: April 2020

Medicinal plants are widely used for the preparation of various pharmaceutical forms. Eleutherine palmifolia is a typical plant in Central Borneo in Indonesian. 1,4 naphthoquinone is a bioactive compound from E. palmifolia which has potential as a medicinal ingredient, one of which is anticancer. This study aimed to determine the levels of 1.4 naphthoquinone as a marker compound for the standardization of standardized herbal medicine (OHT) formulas of E. palmifolia extract. The separation was carried out with Thermo Fisher Scientific UHPLC Ultimate 3000 RS coupled with a diode array detector, and the C18 column was employed. The UV detection was performed at 254 nm, and the run time of 0.8 minutes. The mobile phase consists of an isocratic method, 95% methanol (A) and 0.5% chloroform (B). The results showed that 1,4 naphthoquinone was eluted at 3.260 min. The response of the standard 1,4 naphthoquinone linear in the concentration range of 3.0-21.0 μg/mL with r
2 = 0.9951. The accuracy of this method, which was 99.95% with RSD value ≤ 2%. UHPLC method was developed, which has been validated and shown applies to the determination and quantification of 1,4 naphthoquinone in E. palmifolia. Analysis of 1.4 naphthoquinone levels contained in E. palmifolia 12 μg/mL was 7.79 μg/mL ± 0.01.
Applying a stock-based model for estimating the amount of personal computer waste
Authors: Siringo R , Herdiyansyah H , Kusumastuti R D
Published: April 2020

The fourth industrial revolution has triggered an increase in the demand for information and communication technology equipment. Computers are useful in modern days and it is reflected in the ownership of these appliances which experienced steady growth in recent years. In 2017, about 20% of Indonesian households possess these devices. Undoubtedly, it will correspond to the escalating volume of computer waste. Furthermore, it raises concerns since valuable as well as toxic materials are embedded in e-waste. On the other hand, proper e-waste management is absent in the country. The current study aims to quantify the amount of computer waste generated in Indonesia by applying a stock-based model. The flow model is developed based on the secondary data of household ownership of computers, and the usage period is estimated using the lifetime distribution. The result indicates that computer lifespan in the country is 4.51 years. Besides, the 15 years prediction shows that in 2012 and 2026 the quantity of computer waste is about 1.16 million and 7.47 million respectively. It implies that the amount of e-waste will continue to increase. Therefore, it is imperative to design and implement sustainable e-waste management.
Construction analysis of the string motion model on Sasando musical instrument
Authors: Kusumastuti A , Brylliant D N , Hidayati N A
Published: April 2020

String is one of mathematical modelling object has been studied in the world. In this paper, researchers focus on the construction analysis of the string motion model on Sasando. The purpose of the research is to determine the form of the string motion on Sasando musical instrument and validating the model. Construction analysis was done by identifying problems, variables, parameters, energies, and the forces occur on the string of Sasando. Based on the identifying results, mathematical model that represents the problem of string motion on Sasando expressed as a second-order linear partial differential equation with u denote the vertical displacement experienced by the string at the point x at time t. The first step of the validation test is simulations of mathematical models using Matlab. The result obtained shows the oscillatory motions and the string move towards the equilibrium position. It shows that mathematical model of the string motion on Sasando reliable to real case. However, the result of first step validation test are not sufficient to determine validity of the model and next step validation test are needed to complete this research.
Legal politics and public policies in the industrial era 4.0 (an Indonesian legal civilization discourse perspective of prophetic science religiousity)
Authors: Lutfi M
Published: April 2020

Discourse on the legal politics and public policy is an object of study that is never dry to continue to be explored and developed in accordance with the development of a nation’s civilization. Looking at the issue in the industrial era 4.0 is a complexity. Various problems of state administration seemed to never end with the tragedy that stained the face of the motherland. The scientists in measuring solutions sometimes go too far between theories that are within the boundaries of diction and the realm of implementation of the stakeholders who are invisiting conscience. As if the reformation never guarantees who knows how long this nation will rise from adversity that has already spread to all lines. Is this country essentially being tested, regarding the political configuration and consistency of the constitutional “khiitah”? Or the problem of waves of corruption, collusion, nepotism and demoralization? This problem can certainly occur, when the people’s representatives are more loyal to the pragmatic interests of the party through political promises of campaign that are suspended in action, so they tend not to care about the true mandate giver. Responding to the various empirical phenomena is not only needed a comprehensive legal breakthrough as a solution for the achievement of the nation’s development goals towards a better. The mouth of this simple paper invites for a moment to discuss the nature of the country in the frame of prophetic religiousity as an alternative solution to the intellectual errors that are materealist-secular and far from the values of transcendence.
The earthquake events and impacts mapping in Bali and Nusa Tenggara using a clustering method
Authors: Harini S , Fahmi H , Mulyanto A D , Khudzaifah M
Published: April 2020

This article proposes the mapping of earthquake potential zones in Regional Center 3 (Bali and Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia) using the clustering method. A suitable clustering method to group spatial and non-convex data, such as earthquake data, is the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Application with Noise (DBSCAN). We modify the epsilon parameter with the magnitude because it reflects the impact of the earthquake happens so that the epsilon value will be different for each point. Before the clustering process, magnitude is converted to kilometers (km) to determine the earthquake impact region, which will be used as epsilon. The earthquake impact region is obtained by computing the radius of the earthquake using the McCue Earthquake Perception Radius equation. This approach gives a good result for mapping the potential earthquake zones indicated by the cluster validity index that gives an average higher than 0 using the Silhouette index.
Crop productivity and financial feasibility of corn farming with various diverse fertilizer treatments on dry land
Authors: Krismawati A , Sugiono
Published: April 2020

In order to improve growth and increase the crop yield, the balanced fertilizer application of Nitrogen (N), Phosphor (P), and Potassium (K) is highly required. The objective research was to study effectiveness of inorganic fertilizer NPK – MgO “Ecobion” on growth and yield of maize. The research was performed on dry land, Dengkol Village, Singosari Subdistrict, Malang Regency. The research applied Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. Combined inorganic fertilizing management of NPK –MgO “Ecobion” consisted of 8 levels, such as A = without fertilization, B = 350 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36 + 450 kg NPK “Phonska”/ha, C = 350 kg Urea/ha + 50 kg SP-36/ha + 200 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion”/ha, D = 300 kg Urea/ha + 25 kg SP-36/ha + 300 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion”/ha, E = 250 kg Urea/ha + 400 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion”/ha, and F = 200 kg Urea/ha + 500 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion”/ha. Data analysis used ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and followed by DMRT test 5%. Result of analysis on inorganic nutrient NPK-MgO “Ecobion” including NPK, due to N = 13.91%, P2O5 total = 12.73%, and K2O = 18.54%, so that cumulative contents of N, P and K > 30% that is 45.18% and each content of N, P, and K is higher than 8.0%. The study also revealed that fertilizing management F= 200 kg Urea/ha + 500 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion”/ha had the best growth (plant height, number of leaf per plant, stem diameter, Leaf Area (LA), Leaf Area Index (LAI), yield components (diameter of ear, ear length, weight of 100 grains, ear weight per plant, and yield of dry grains) in comparison with other fertilizations and produced the highest dry grains of maize, 8.72 ton/ha, with the gross weight IDR. 33,855,000 and the highest net income (profit) (IDR. 21,657,500; R/C-ratio = 2.77. Fertilizing management F = 200 kg Urea/ha + 500 kg NPK – MgO “Ecobion” showed 189.6% effectiveness (RAE > 100%).
A Novel Coated of Mg/Fe Layered Double Hydroxide on Date Palm Stones
Authors: Abdul-Hameed H M , Al Juboury M F
Published: April 2020

Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide coated low cost activated carbon (AC-Mg/Fe) was synthesized to be as a novel material by a co-precipitation method. The using of Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) and Specific surface area of materials by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis (BET) were employed for characterize the synthesized coated adsorbent. The XRD and SEM displayed that the particles on the surface of low cost activated carbon are regular and good-defined, and the structure of LDHs is typical lamellar. The crystallite size of the coated adsorbent according to the XRD analysis was to be 96.7 nm. The contents of the Fe and Mg after modification increase noticeably according to the EDS analysis. From BET analysis, it was an increasing in the specific surface area of the adsorbent from 22.57 m2/g (before synthesize) to 81.77 cm/g (after synthesize). This analysis resulted in successfully coated Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide (Mg/Fe-LDH) on activated carbon for preparing of a high capacity adsorbent and magnetic sorbent for easy separation by magnetic field.
A sequence of polynomials with optimal condition number
Authors: Beltrán Carlos , Etayo Ujué , Marzo Jordi , Ortega-Cerdà Joaquim
Published: April 2020

We find an explicit sequence of univariate polynomials of arbitrary degree with optimal condition number. This solves a problem posed by Michael Shub and Stephen Smale in 1993.
CRNT4SBML: a Python package for the detection of bistability in biochemical reaction networks
Authors: Reyes Brandon C , Otero-Muras Irene , Shuen Michael T , Tartakovsky Alexandre M , Petyuk Vladislav A
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Signaling pathways capable of switching between two states are ubiquitous within living organisms. They provide the cells with the means to produce reversible or irreversible decisions. Switch-like behavior of biological systems is realized through biochemical reaction networks capable of having two or more distinct steady states, which are dependent on initial conditions. Investigation of whether a certain signaling pathway can confer bistability involves a substantial amount of hypothesis testing. The cost of direct experimental testing can be prohibitive. Therefore, constraining the hypothesis space is highly beneficial. One such methodology is based on chemical reaction network theory (CRNT), which uses computational techniques to rule out pathways that are not capable of bistability regardless of kinetic constant values and molecule concentrations. Although useful, these methods are complicated from both pure and computational mathematics perspectives. Thus, their adoption is very limited amongst biologists.

Results

We brought CRNT approaches closer to experimental biologists by automating all the necessary steps in CRNT4SMBL. The input is based on systems biology markup language (SBML) format, which is the community standard for biological pathway communication. The tool parses SBML and derives C-graph representations of the biological pathway with mass action kinetics. Next steps involve an efficient search for potential saddle-node bifurcation points using an optimization technique. This type of bifurcation is important as it has the potential of acting as a switching point between two steady states. Finally, if any bifurcation points are present, continuation analysis with respect to a user-defined parameter extends the steady state branches and generates a bifurcation diagram. Presence of an S-shaped bifurcation diagram indicates that the pathway acts as a bistable switch for the given optimization parameters.

Availability and implementation

CRNT4SBML is available via the Python Package Index. The documentation can be found at https://crnt4sbml.readthedocs.io. CRNT4SBML is licensed under the Apache Software License 2.0.
EpiGEN: an epistasis simulation pipeline
Authors: Blumenthal David B , Viola Lorenzo , List Markus , Baumbach Jan , Tieri Paolo , Kacprowski Tim
Published: April 2020

Simulated data are crucial for evaluating epistasis detection tools in genome-wide association studies. Existing simulators are limited, as they do not account for linkage disequilibrium (LD), support limited interaction models of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and only dichotomous phenotypes or depend on proprietary software. In contrast, EpiGEN supports SNP interactions of arbitrary order, produces realistic LD patterns and generates both categorical and quantitative phenotypes.

Availability and implementation

EpiGEN is implemented in Python 3 and is freely available at https://github.com/baumbachlab/epigen.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
p-Toral Approximations Compute Bredon Homology
Authors: Arone Gregory , Dwyer W G , Lesh Kathryn
Published: April 2020

We study Bredon homology approximations for spaces with an action of a compact Lie group G. We show that if M is a coMackey functor satisfying mild p-locality conditions, then Bredon homology of a G-space X with coefficients in M is determined by fixed points of p-toral subgroups of G acting on X. As an application we prove a vanishing result for the Bredon homology of the complex ${{\mathcal{L}}}_{n}$ of direct-sum decompositions of ${{\mathbb{C}}}^{n}$.
EFFECT OF AIR VELOCITY ON INHALATION DOSES DUE TO RADON AND THORON PROGENY IN A TEST CHAMBER
Authors: Mishra Rosaline , Prajith Rama , Rout Rajeswari Pradhan , Sriamirullah Jalaluddin , Sapra Balwinder Kaur
Published: April 2020

Inhalation doses due to radon and thoron are predominantly due to the inhalation of progeny of Radon and Thoron. The progeny/decay-products of radon and thoron are particulates unlike their parent gas and exhibit different physical properties like attachment to the aerosols and deposition on different surfaces. All these properties in turn depend on the environmental conditions such as air velocity, aerosol concentration, attachment rate, etc. The role of air velocity on deposition on surfaces decides the progeny particles left in the air for inhalation. Therefore, in the present work, we have studied the effect of air velocity on the inhalation dose due to radon and thoron progeny at the centre of a 0.5-m3 calibration chamber as well as on all surfaces. Hence, the studies were carried out at different air velocities, and inhalation doses were measured using deposition-based direct radon and thoron progeny sensors.
Structures and photophysical properties of two luminescent bipyridine compounds: 2′,6′-difluoro-6-[3-(pyridin-2-yloxy)phenyl]-2,3′-bipyridine and 2′,6′-dimethoxy-6-[3-(pyridin-2-yloxy)phenyl]-2,3′-bipyridine
Authors: Park Ki-Min , Yang Kiyull , Moon Suk-Hee , Kang Youngjin
Published: April 2020

The title compounds, C21H13F2N3O (1) and C23H19N3O3 (2), have been synthesized by typical cross-coupling reactions. Both compounds have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Bipyridine 1 exhibits a fully extended structure in which the terminal pyridine rings are oriented away from each other, while bipyridine 2 displays a bent structure in which terminal pyridine rings are oriented in the same direction. Several intermolecular interactions lead to the formation of two- and three-dimensional supramolecular networks in the crystal structures of 1 and 2, respectively. Compound 1 bears fluorine substituents and emits a strong fluorescence with λmax = 325 nm, while methoxy-substituted compound 2 displays red-shifted emissions with λmax = 366 nm. The emissions observed in both compounds originate from phenyl- and 2,3′-bipyridine-based π–π* transitions, according to theoretical calculations. Both compounds have high triplet energies (T1) ranging from 2.64 to 2.65 eV, which makes them potential host materials in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).
The interplay between social crowding and power on solo diners’ attitudes toward menus with popularity and scarcity cues
Authors: Hwang YooHee , Su Na , Mattila Anna
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interactive effect of social crowding and solo consumers’ sense of power on attitudes toward the restaurant menu with popularity and scarcity cues.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 181 US consumers were recruited. Using a quasi-experimental design, social crowding and promotional cues on a restaurant menu were manipulated and solo consumers’ sense of power was measured.

Findings

Low-power individuals exhibited more favorable attitudes toward the menu with a popularity cue at a crowded restaurant. High-power individuals’ attitudes toward the menu were equally favorable across the two promotional cues and crowding levels.

Practical implications

Restaurant managers might want to leverage popularity cues on the menu during peak hours to appeal to solo diners. After diners indicate their dining type (alone vs with others) in kiosks and tablets, restaurants can tailor promotional cues accordingly. Restaurants can also embed more popularity cues in dinner (vs lunch) menus because dinner is more hedonic and social in nature.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the crowding literature by examining promotional cues on the menu and sense of power as moderators of consumer responses to crowding. This study further adds to the solo consumption literature by extending the notion of power and social crowding to ethnic dining contexts.