bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Thermal Tolerance of Silicon-based Lateral Spin Valves
Authors: Yamashita Naoto , Lee Soobeom , Ohshima Ryo , Shigematsu Ei , Koike Hayato , Suzuki Yoshishige , Miwa Shinji , Goto Minori , Ando Yuichiro , Shiraishi Masashi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Improvement in the thermal tolerance of Si-based spin devices is realized by employing thermally stable nonmagnetic (NM) electrodes. For Au/Ta/Al electrodes, intermixing between Al atoms and Au atoms occurs at approximately 300°C, resulting in the formation of a Au/Si interface. The Au-Si liquid phase is formed and diffuses mainly along an in-plane direction between the Si and AlN capping layers, eventually breaking the MgO layer of the ferromagnetic (FM) metal/MgO electrodes, which is located 7 mm away from the NM electrodes. By changing the layer structure of the NM electrode from Au/Ta/Al to Au/Ta, the thermal tolerance is clearly enhanced. Clear spin transport signals are obtained even after annealing at 400°C. To investigate the effects of Mg insertion in FM electrodes on thermal tolerance, we also compare the thermal tolerance among Fe/Co/MgO, Fe/Co/Mg/MgO and Fe/Co/MgO/Mg contacts. Although a highly efficient spin injection has been reported by insertion of a thin Mg layer below or above the MgO layer, these thermal tolerances decrease obviously.
Survival of Colorectal Cancer Patients in Brunei Darussalam: Comparison between 2002-09 and 2010-17
Authors: Lee Shirley , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Abidin Nadiah 'Aqilah , Ong Sok King , Leong Elvynna , Naing Lin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in Brunei Darussalam in 2017, posing a major burden on society. METHODS This retrospective cohort study (n = 1,035 patients diagnosed with CRC in Brunei Darussalam from 1st January 2002 until 31st December 2017) aims to compare the overall survival rates of CRC patients (2002-2017), to compare survival rates between two study periods (2002-2009 and 2010-2017) and to identify prognostic factors of CRC. Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank tests were performed to analyse the overall survival rates of CRC patients. Multiple Cox regression was performed to determine the prognostic factors of CRC with adjusted hazard ratios (Adj. HRs) reported. RESULTS The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients are 78.6%, 62.5%, and 56.0% respectively from 2002-2017. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients for 2002-2009 are 82.2%, 69.6%, and 64.7%; 77.0%, 59.1%, and 51.3% for 2010-2017 respectively. A significant difference in CRC patients’ survival rate was observed between the two study periods, age groups, ethnic groups, cancer stages, and sites of cancer (p<0.001). The Adjusted Hazard Ratios (Adj. HRs) were significantly higher in the 2010-17 period (Adj. HR=1.78, p<0.001), older age group (>=60 years) (Adj. HR=1.93, p=0.005), distant cancer (Adj. HR=4.69, p<0.010), tumor at transverse colon and splenic flexure of colon (Adj. HR=2.44, p=0.009), and lower in the Chinese group (Adj. HR=0.63, p=0.003). CONCLUSION This study highlights the lower survival rates of CRC patients in 2010-2017, Malays, older patients, distant cancer, and tumors located at the latter half of the proximal colon (transverse colon), and predominantly LCRC (splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, overlapping lesion colon and colon (NOS), as well as the rectosigmoid junction and rectum (NOS)). Age, ethnicity, cancer stage, and tumor location are significant prognostic factors for CRC. These findings underscore the importance of public health policies and programmes to enhance awareness on CRC from screening to developing strategies for early detection and management, to reduce CRC-associated mortality.
Effect of Body Direction on Taking the Perspective of a Humanoid Avatar in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Ueda Sachiyo , Nagamachi Kazuya , Sugimoto Maki , Inami Masahiko , Kitazaki Michiteru 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Understanding another’s viewpoint is the ability to infer others’ minds, which is important for successful social communication. To clarify this process, we investigated whether employing a humanoid avatar as the viewpoint would facilitate an imagined perspective shift in a virtual environment. We used a task that involved reporting how an object looks by a simple direction judgment either from the avatar’s position or an empty chair’s position. We found that the humanoid avatar’s presence improved task performance. Furthermore, the avatar’s facilitation effect was observed only when the avatar was facing the visual stimulus to be judged; performance was worse when it faced backwards. This suggests that the facilitation effect is based not only on attention capture but also the embodied perspective-taking to the avatar.
WITHDRAWN: Land-Use Change Along Altitudinal Gradients in Mountain Ecosystem of Eastern Himalaya (Northeast India): Effect on Plant-Available Soil Micronutrients
Authors: Choudhury Burhan , Ansari Meraj , Chakraborty M , Meetei T 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Management of soil micronutrients for better crop produce needs sound understanding of their status and causes of variability. This is more relevant for acid soils developed in the mountain ecosystem of Eastern Himalaya (Northeast India). We assessed the status, and the effect of land use systems along wide altitudinal gradients (14 m to 4090 m masl) on soil properties and plant available micronutrient concentrations (DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn) across the region. Soils of the region varied widely in micronutrient concentrations: Fe from 0.665 to 257.1 mg kg-1 while Mn, Cu and Zn from traces to 93.4, 17.1 and 34.2 mg kg-1, respectively. On conversion of evergreen forests (EF) to upland agriculture (Shifting-SC and Settled-SA) and plantation (PH), Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations decreased significantly (p <0.05) from 30.5, 1.74 and 2.13 mg kg-1 to 6.44-17.8, 0.68-0.81 and 1.06-1.42 mg kg-1, respectively. Grass land (GL) recorded the highest Zn concentration (3.0 mg kg-1) while Mn (24.9 mg kg-1) and Cu (1.16 mg kg-1) concentrations were comparable with lowland paddy agriculture (LP) but higher than upland agriculture. Degradation of EF to scrub land (SL) recorded the lowest Mn (5.91 mg kg-1), Cu (0.59 mg kg-1), and Zn (0.68 mg kg-1) concentrations. The Fe concentration was however, comparable among EF, GL, LP and SC (40.1-52.2 mg kg-1) but increased in degraded SL (+73%) over EF (48.7 mg kg-1). Micronutrient concentrations among the land uses were inconsistent and followed the order: (i) Fe: SL>PH>LP>EF>GL>SC>SA, (ii) Mn: EF> GL> LP> PH> SC> SA>SL; (iii) Cu: EF>GL>LP>SC>SA=PH>SL; and (iv) GL>EF>LP>SC>SA>PH>SL. Four micronutrients responded differently and followed a non-linear, 6th – order polynomial trend along the altitudinal gradients (<500 m to 4100 m masl). Peak concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu were recorded at 1001-2000 m elevation while Zn was recorded at > 4000 m masl. Altitude mediated positive influence on soil properties including micronutrient concentrations were observed only in non-cultivated land uses (EF and GL) with an exception to lowland agriculture. Three key soil properties namely pH, clay and organic carbon contents contributed significant variation (54-64%) in micronutrients in the soils of the region.
Ocean Warming and Acidification Modify Top-Down and Bottom-Up Control in A Tropical Seagrass Ecosystem
Authors: Listiawati Vina , Kurihara Haruko 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Seagrass ecosystems are classified as one of the most productive ecosystems in coastal waters providing numerous of ecological functions, however various anthropogenic stressors including climate change are impacting these vulnerable habitats. Here, we investigated the independent and combined effects of ocean warming and ocean acidification on plant-herbivore interactions in a tropical seagrass community. Direct and indirect effects of high temperature and high pCO2 on the physiology of the tropical seagrass Thalassia hemprichii and sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla were evaluated. Productivity of seagrass was found to synergistically increase under the combination of high temperature and high pCO2, while sea urchin physiology including feeding rate decreased particularly under high temperature. The present study indicated that future climate change will affect the botom-up and top-down balance leading to a shift to a seagrass-dominated ecosystem, which potentially decrease biodiversity as well as ecosystem functions and services of tropical seagrass meadows.
HSF1 Promotes the Development of Endometriosis by Up-regulating PFKFB3 Expression
Authors: wang yixin , xiu jing , yang tingting , ren chune , yu zhenhai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundEndometriosis is a chronic hormonal inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue (glands and stroma) outside the uterus. Endometriosis seriously affects the physical health of women of childbearing age, often causes infertility, and affects the body and mind of patients and their families.MethodsWe examined the effect of HSF1 on endometriosis through cell count, scratch and clone formation experiments. We used real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting to detect the effect of HSF1 on mRNA and protein of endometriosis cells. Collect the cell culture medium and Glucose levels and lactate levels were determined using a glucose (GO) assay kit and a lactate assay kit. Furthermore, we established a mouse model of endometriosis, and the effect of HSF1 on endometriosis was observed by inhibiting HSF1 with KRIBB11 in the mice.ResultsHSF1 is highly expressed in endometriosis and plays an indispensable role in endometriosis development in both cell and animal studies. We found that HSF1 promotes endometriosis development and glucose consumption and lactic acid production. Further research showed that HSF1 functions in endometriosis by up-regulating PFKFB3, a key enzyme in glycolysis. And the HSF1 inhibitor KRIBB11 can abrogate all of the above experimental effects both in vivo and in vitro. ConclusionsOur study shows that HSF1 plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of endometriosis, which may become a new target for the treatment of endometriosis and provide a new idea for the clinical treatment of endometriosis.
Rapid, Quantitative, and High-Sensitivity Detection of Anti-Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibodies Using Novel Cdse/Zns-Based Fluorescence Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Li Chenxi , Qian Manyun , Hong Qiaozhen , Xin Xiaohong , Sun Zichun , Li Yafeng , Tang Bo , Gu Bing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Autoantibodies against M-type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) are specific biomarkers for idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and their quantification has been helpful to monitor disease activity. In this study, we describe a highly sensitive and rapid quantum dots-based immunochromatography assay (QD-ICA) for quantifying PLA2R autoantibodies. Serum samples from 135 biopsy-confirmed patients with nephrotic syndrome were analyzed for PLA2R autoantibodies using the novel QD-ICA as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The detection sensitivity and specificity of QD-ICA (80.9 and 100%, respectively) exceeded those of ELISA (72.1 and 98.5%, respectively). The optimum cut-off value of QD-ICA was 18.18 RU/mL and limit of detection was 2.86 relative units/mL. The novel QD-ICA outperforms ELISA in detecting PLA2R autoantibodies, with shorter detection time, fewer steps, smaller equipment size, and broader testing application, suggesting its capability to improve IMN diagnosis and monitor patient response to treatment.
Model Test Research on Pressure Wave in the Subway Tunnel
Authors: Bi Haiquan , Fang Yi , Zhou Yuanlong , Wang Honglin , Zhang Xu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The pressure wave is of crucial importance for subway development since it greatly influences the comfort while taking. As the subway lines are rapidly developing in the cities, the pressure wave in different subway tunnel constructures is urgently needed to be studied and receded. In this paper, a subway tunnel pressure wave experimental system was designed, constructed, and tested. The influence of train model head shape, train model speed, shaft number in the tunnel, and bypass number in the tunnel on the pressure wave amplitude were experimented with and analyzed. The results show that the train model head shapes significantly impact the amplitude of the initial compression wave in the tunnel. The blunter train model head generates a greater amplitude of the initial compression wave. When the train passes through a single-track tunnel, the maximum positive pressure amplitude of the pressure wave in the tunnel is at the first compression wave at the tunnel entrance. The maximum negative pressure value in the tunnel is at the superposition of the initial compression wave reflected from the first time and the train's body, which is related to the length of the train's body, tunnel length, train's speed, and sound speed. The shaft set in the tunnel decreases the amplitude of the initial compression wave in the tunnel space behind, but it will increase the pressure wave's amplitude reflected in the tunnel when the train passes through the shaft. After the bypass tunnel is added, the initial compression wave propagation in the tunnel behind the bypass tunnel is receded. Still, it also increases the negative pressure amplitude when the train passes.
Non-Epileptiform EEG Patterns in Non-Convulsive Status Epilepticus: Can Quantified SPECT Imaging be Useful?
Authors: Vendrell Albert Muñoz , Sala-Padró Jacint , Jaraba Sonia , Reynés-Llompart Gabriel , Veciana Misericòrdia , Mora Jaume , Falip Mercè 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The diagnosis of non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with non-epileptiform EEG patterns remains a challenge. Objective: To prove the usefulness of single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and its quantification (QtSPECT) in co-localizing the abnormal focus in the EEG with an area of hyperperfusion, thus helping in the diagnosis of NCSE.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted with clinical suspicion of NCSE who underwent an HMPAO-SPECT controlled by scalp-EEG showing non-epileptiform patterns, in a 5-year period. We divided our patients in confirmed NCSE (n=11) and non-NCSE (n=8), and compared the EEG and SPECT results in both groups.Results: Lateralized rhythmic delta activity (LRDA) was predominant in the NCSE group (45’4%, p=0’045), while lateralized irregular slowing was observed equally in both groups. Patients with NCSE showed significant hyperperfusion compared to non-NCSE patients (p=0.026). QtSPECT correctly classified 91% of patients in NCSE and 75% patients with non-NCSE (p=0.006).Conclusions: Regional cerebral blood flow measured with SPECT could be useful in the diagnosis of NCSE in cases of an EEG pattern with lateralized slow activity and high clinical suspicion.
A Combined Study with 18F-FDG and 11C-Methionine Dynamic PET for the Grading of Brain Gliomas.
Authors: Postnov Andrey , Vikhrova Nina , Valable Samuel , Kalaeva Diana , Konakova Tatiana , Usachev Dmitrij , Toutain Jérôme , Clerck Nora De , Derlon Jean-Michel , Pronin Igor 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: Conventional MRI based on contrast enhancement and T2/FLAIR is often not sufficient in differentiating grade II from grade III and grade III from grade IV diffuse gliomas. Here we assessed advanced metabolic imaging using two well characterized PET tracers, namely 18F-FDG and 11C-Methionine.Methods: In this prospective study, 39 patients were enrolled with diffuse gliomas of grades II, III or IV underwent dynamic [18F]-FDF-PET and [11C]-Methionine. The first minutes were taken into accountResults: The use of 11C- Methionine provided significant differences between the different histologic subgroups with a higher number of parameters than did the use of 18 F-FDG. The most informative parameter is T/Np (T/N at the peak of the first maximum) with 11C- Methionine.Conclusion: The study of the first minute passage of 18F-FDG and/or 11C- Methionine through the tumor and healthy tissues in brain gliomas could not only allow improving the identification of the different glioma grades, but also to shorten the time spent by the patients under the camera. In case of using one tracer, methionine still would be the best choice. Otherwise, the use of 18F-FDG and SUVр (SUV at the peak of the first maximum) would provide results likely comparable to methionine T/N index.
Psychological Status and Behavior Changes Among Addis Ababa People during the COVID-19 Epidemic.&nbsp;
Authors: Woldemedihin Fantaye , Anbesse Reta , Kasahun Yawukal , Melaku Mulualem 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The outbreak of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. The epidemic has brought not only the risk of being infected and death but also unbearable psychological impact like anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was investigating the psychological status and behavior changes of the public during COVID-19 epidemic.Methods: None randomly selected 300 respondents were recruited voluntarily and completed questionnaire. We used the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Self-rating Depression Scale, and Symptom Checklist-90 to evaluate psychological status. We also investigated respondents’ behavior changes. Quantitative data were analyzed by t-tests or analysis of variance, and classified data were analyzed with chi-square tests. We just simply describe the qualitative data we got by interviewing medical doctors who are working at referral and designated COVID-19 treatment hospital in Addis Ababa. Result: More respondents had state anxiety than trait anxiety (46.7% vs. 30.0%). Respectively, mild, moderate and severe depression was found among 28.1%, 7.2% and 1.4% of respondents and 27.4% had psychological abnormalities. Our analysis of the relationship between subgroup characteristics and psychological status showed that age, occupation, income level, knowledge about COVID-19, Place where the participants’ lives and confidence about overcoming the outbreak significantly influenced psychological status. Around 84.1% of respondents were avoided and significantly reduce going to public places than in previous years and 91.8 % of respondents reduced visiting families, relatives and friends and holyday-related activities during Eastern and Arafa. Conclusion: COVID-19 not only causes physical health concerns but also results in a number of psychological problems. We need to pay more attention to public psychological stress, especially among young people, as they are likely to experience anxiety, depression, and psychological abnormalities.
Teaching Self-Assessment of Doppler Ultrasound for Bubble Grading in Divers: Learning Curve, Reliability, and Surveying Precision.
Authors: Fichtner Andreas , Münch Anne , Preuss Denise , Pohl Thomas , Grab Thomas , Fieback Tobias , Koch Thea 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundObserving modern decompression protocols alone cannot fully prevent Diving Accidents especially in repetitive diving. Audio Doppler bubble measurements to estimate supersaturation are done in special professional settings only, being not available for the broad community of sports SCUBA divers. In case SCUBA divers without medical and ultrasound training could learn audio Doppler self-assessment for reliable bubble grading on a stable skill level and with an efficient single teaching intervention, this skill could add significantly to diving safety. MethodsWe taught audio Doppler self-assessment of the subclavian vein and cardiac precordial probe position to 41 divers in a 45-minute standardized training session. Assessment was made of 684 audio Doppler measurements by both the trained divers and a medical professional plus additional 2D-echocardiography as reference. ResultsAll air dives were within normal sports diving limits and decompression bubbles were observable via echocardiography in 32.3% of all measurements. The specificity of audio bubble detection was 96.1% but the sensitivity was low for lower bubble grades, increasing to 25%, 35% and 67% for higher echo-detected bubble grades 3, 4 and 5. The number of attempts to achieve a reliable venous signal within 30 seconds was 13 at the subclavian position and 18 at the precordial position. More bubble positive measurements could be detected at the precordial position for both self and medical professional assessment. The performance level of the taught skill remained stable over six months without further practice.ConclusionAudio Doppler self-assessment can be learned by people without medical and ultrasound training and a reliable venous signal can be achieved after a comparably steep learning curve. However, accurate bubble grading is not possible using audio Doppler as only higher bubble grades can be detected. Nevertheless, this qualitative finding can be important in self-evaluating decompression stress and potentially help the diver to judge on measures for avoiding decompression accidents.
Understanding How Communities Respond to COVID-19: Experiences from the Orthodox Jewish Communities of Antwerp City
Authors: Vanhamel Jef , Meudec Marie , Landeghem Ella Van , Ronse Maya , Gryseels Charlotte , Reyniers Thijs , Rotsaert Anke , Ddungu Charles , Manirankunda Lazare , Katsuva Deogratias , Grietens Koen Peeters , Nöstlinger Christiana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The importance of community involvement in the response against disease outbreaks has been well established. However, we lack insights into local communities’ experiences in coping with the current COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored both the impact of, and response to, COVID-19 within the Orthodox Jewish communities of Antwerp (Belgium) during the first lockdown period (March 2020 – May 2020).Methods: We conducted an explorative qualitative study using a participatory approach. First, we performed a community mapping to identify relevant stakeholders. Through the active involvement of a community advisory board and based on qualitative interviews with key-informants and community members, we elicited lived experiences, attitudes, and perceptions towards COVID-19. Interviews were conducted both face-to-face and using online web conferencing technology. Data were analyzed inductively according to the principles of thematic analysis.Results: Government-issued outbreak control measures presented context-specific challenges to the Orthodox Jewish communities in Antwerp. They related mainly to the remote organization of religious life, and practicing physical distancing in socially and culturally strongly connected communities. Key informants described how existing community resources were rapidly mobilized to adapt to the outbreak and to self-organize response initiatives within communities. This included the active involvement of community and religious leaders in risk communication, which proved to be of great importance to facilitate coverage and uptake of pandemic control measures while protecting essential community values and traditions. Creating bottom-up and community-adapted communication strategies, including addressing language barriers and involving Rabbis in the dissemination of prevention messages, fostered a feeling of trust in government’s response measures. However, unmet information and prevention needs were also identified, such as the need for inclusive communication by public authorities and the need to mitigate the negative effects of stigmatization.Conclusion: The experiences of Orthodox Jewish communities in Antwerp demonstrate a valuable example of a feasible community-centered approach to health emergencies. Increasing the engagement of communities in local decision-making and governance structures remains a key strategy to respond to unmet information and prevention needs.