bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Model Proposal For Digital Twin Development: Essential Oil Extraction Perspective
Authors: de Andrade Matheus Antonio Nogueira , Lepikson Herman Augusto , Machado Carlos Alberto Tosta 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Digital twins are becoming a powerful tool to enhance industrial processes worldwide. This paper proposes a model for the creation of industrial processes’ digital twins using a steam distillation process for essential oil extraction as a case study. Case Description: A grey box modeling is suggested combining a machine learning based model with physical modeling to improve the process. Real time simulation and a hybrid control strategy are used, linked to reinforcement learning and proportional integral derivative control, focusing on the yield increase and optimization. Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence enhancements were suggested. Discussion and Evaluation: Digital twins, in combination with Artificial Intelligence can be of great help to support companies with the decision-making challenges. Furthermore, some benefits that Artificial Intelligence can bring to the process were enlightened. Computer Vision approaches were also discussed. Conclusions: A creation method is elaborated to support other applications of digital twins in industrial processes in the future. In order to apply it to different processes, generalization capabilities must be proved.
Cardiothoracic Ratio Measurement Using Artificial Intelligence: Observer and Method Validation Studies
Authors: Saiviroonporn Pairash , Rodbangyang Kanchanaporn , Tongdee Trongtum , Chaisangmongkon Warasinee , Yodprom Pakorn , Siriapisith Thanogchai , Wonglaksanapimon Suwimon , Thiravit Phakphoom 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technique for cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) measurement is a promising tool that has been technically validated but not clinically evaluated on a large dataset. This study observes and validates AI and manual methods for CTR measurement on a large dataset and investigates the clinical utility of the AI method.
Results

Five thousand normal chest x-rays and 2,517 images with cardiomegaly and CTR values, were analyzed using manual, AI-assisted, and AI only methods. AI methods obtained CTR values from a VGG-16 U-Net model. An in-house software was used to aid the study and to record measurement time. Intra and inter-observer experiments were performed on manual and AI-assisted methods and the average of each method was employed in a method variation study. AI outcomes were graded in the AI-assisted method as excellent (accepted by both users independently), good (required adjustment), and poor (failed outcome). Bland-Altman plot with coefficient of variation (CV), and coefficient of determination (R-squared) were employed to evaluate agreement and correlation between measurements. Finally, the performance of a cardiomegaly classification test was evaluated using a CTR cutoff at the standard (0.5), optimum, and maximum sensitivity. Manual CTR measurements on cardiomegaly data were comparable to the previous radiologist reports (CV of 2.13% vs 2.04%). The observer and method variations from the AI method were about three times higher than from the manual method (CV of 5.78% vs 2.13%). AI assistance resulted in 40% excellent, 56% good, and 4% poor grading. AI assistance significantly improved agreement on inter-observer measurement compared to manual methods (CV; bias: 1.72%; -0.61% vs 2.13%; -1.62%) and was faster to perform (2.2 ± 2.4 secs vs 10.6 ± 1.5 secs). R-squared and classification-test were not reliable indicators to verify that the AI method could replace manual operation.
Conclusion

AI alone is not suitable to replace manual operation due to its high variation, but it is useful to assist the radiologist because it can reduce observer variation and operation time. Agreement of measurement should be used to compare AI and manual methods, rather than R-square or classification performance tests.
Facile Preparation of Commercial Bi2O3 Nanoparticle Decorated Activated Carbon for Pseudocapacitive Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Üner Osman , Aslan Naim , Sarıoğlu Akın , Semerci Fatih , Koc Mumin Mehmet 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, a facile method to prepare commercial nano-Bi2O3/carbon composites with high pseudocapacitive properties was presented. The inorganic-organic composites synthesized by using commercial bismuth oxide and active carbon with different weight ratio. The composites were characterized using microscopic, spectroscopic, and diffractive methods. Our assessments confirmed that active carbons were successfully doped with commercial Bi2O3 nanoparticles with different dopant rates. The composites exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 517 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g for 20% Bi2O3 nanoparticle doped activated carbon samples. Augmented discharging time was also achieved for increased Bi2O3 nanoparticle doping rate. Increased Bi2O3 dopant rate also increased the calculated specific capacitance.
An Almahata Sitta EL3 fragment: Implications for the Unique Thermal History of Enstatite Chondrites
Authors: Kimura Makoto , Weisberg Michael K. , Takaki Asako , Imae Naoya , Yamaguchi Akira 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Almahata Sitta is a polymict breccia, consisting of many kinds of clasts. Here we present our mineralogical and petrological results on an EL3 fragment, MS-177 from Almahata Sitta. This fragment shows a typical type 3 chondritic texture, consisting of well-defined chondrules often with olivine, isolated silicate minerals, and opaque nodules. Although these components are typical of EL3 chondrites, the mineral abundances and compositions are different from the other EL3s. Diopside is highly abundant. On the other hand, perryite and daubreelite were not found. The major pyroxene is orthoenstatite, and the silica phase is quartz. Fe-Ni metal has relatively high P contents. Troilite is enriched in Cr and Mn. Keilite and buseckite are present in MS-177. From the mineralogy and texture, MS-177 experienced a high-temperature event under subsolidus conditions. Shock-induced heating for a short duration might explain this high-temperature event. This is supported by shock-induced darkened feature of MS-177. We suggest that other E3 chondrites also experienced heating events under such subsolidus conditions on their parent bodies. On the other hand, the high abundance of diopside cannot be explained by a secondary thermal event and may have been a primary feature of MS-177, formed before accretion to the parent body.
Is it true aleurone in the thick aleurone rice mutant?
Authors: Yu Ronald , Wu Xiaoba , Howitt Crispin A. , Bird Anthony R. , Liu Chun-Ming , Larkin Philip J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Diet-related non communicable diseases (NCDs) impose a heavy burden on human health worldwide. Rice is a good target for diet-related disease prevention strategies because it is widely consumed. Liu et al. demonstrated that increasing the number of cell layers and thickness of putative aleurone in ta2-1 (thick aleurone 2-1) mutant rice enhances simultaneously the content of multiple micronutrients. However, the increases of aleurone-associated nutrients were not proportional to the increases in the aleurone thickness. Results In this study, first, cytohistological analyses and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that the multilayer in ta2-1 exhibited aleurone cell structural features. Second, we detected an increase in insoluble fibre and insoluble bound-phenolic compounds, a shift in aleurone-specific NNSP (neutral non-starch polysaccharide) profile, enhancement of phytate and minerals such as iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, and manganese, enrichment of triacylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine but slight reduction in free fatty acid, and an increase in oleic fatty acid composition. Conclusion These findings support our hypothesis that the expanded aleurone-like layers in ta2-1 maintained the distinctive aleurone features and composition associated with true aleurone. We provide perspectives to achieve even greater filling of this expanded micronutrient sink to alleviate the burden of NCDs.
Serum and Aqueous Humor Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic factor in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Cha Yu Wan , Kim Seong Taeck 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeThis study designed to compare the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum and aqueous humor (AH) of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).MethodsThis prospective, observational study consists of 30 patients with POAG, 30 patients with NTG, and 30 healthy controls. The serum and AH BDNF levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBDNF levels in serum and AH were markedly lower in the glaucoma groups (POAG and NTG) than in the control group (p < 0.05). When comparing the NTG and POAG groups, the average serum BDNF level was significantly lower in the NTG group than in the POAG group (p < 0.05). The difference in the mean BDNF levels in AH between the POAG and NTG groups was not statistically significant. (p = 0.538).ConclusionWe confirmed that serum BDNF levels were lower in patients with NTG than in those with POAG. BDNF could be a causative systemic biomarker in NTG.
V-ATPase Deficiency Aggravates Hypoxia-induced Spermatogenesis Reduction by Promoting Spermatocyte Apoptosis via the JNK/c-Jun Pathway in Mice
Authors: jun yin , He juan Wen , Han Fei , Gao Zhi qi , Deng Fang , Liao Wei gong , Zhang Meng jie , Hu Qiu , Li Zhi fang , Zhang Gang , Ni Bing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Spermatocyte apoptosis is the primary cause of poor outcome after hypoxia-triggered spermatogenesis reduction (HSR). The vacuolar H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) has been found to be involved in the regulation of hypoxia-induced GC-2 cells apoptosis. However, the mechanism of V-ATPase regulating spermatocyte apoptosis after HSR hasnot been well elucidated. In this study, HSRmodel was established by hypoxia exposure in vivo in V-ATPase-knockout (V-ATPase-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice to investigate theeffectof V-ATPase deficiency on spermatocyte apoptosis. GC-2, amouse pachytene spermatocyte-derived cell line, was introduced in vitro experiments. The sperm count and spermatogenic apoptosis were recorded after 60 d of hypoxia exposure in HSR model. The apoptosis of GC-2 cells was detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL staining. The expression of JNK/c-Jun was evaluated by RNA-seq or western blot. The expression of DR5 and caspase-8 was evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot. The expression of V-ATPase was determined by western blot in the presence and absence ofLenti-transcription factor EB (TFEB).C-Jun interference was used for evaluating the role of JNK in regulating the apoptosis of GC-2 cells byTUNEL and flow cytometry. The in vivo results suggested that hypoxia induced spermatogenesis reduction and downregulation of V-ATPase. Moreover, V-ATPase deficiency resulted in moresevere spermatogenesis reduction after hypoxia exposure. The spermatogenesis reduction was associated with exacerbation of spermatocyte apoptosis. Hypoxia down-regulated the transcription of V-ATPase through inhibiting TFEB and its nuclear translocation. The mRNA and protein expressions of V-ATPaseincreased after TFEB overexpression in GC-2 cells. Moreover, V-ATPase deficiency enhanced JNK/c-Jun activation and related DR-apoptotic pathwayin GC-2 cells.However,inhibition of c-Jun attenuated V-ATPase deficiency-induced GC-2 cells apoptosis in vitro and HSR in vivo. In conclusion, JNK/c-Jun was involved in the enhancement of V-ATPase-mediated HSR in V-ATPase -/- mice. V-ATPase deficiency aggravates spermatocyte apoptosis, which may account forthe poor spermatogenesis outcomes of V-ATPase-/- mice. The discoveredfunction of V-ATPase modulating spermatocyte apoptosis indicates its potential therapeutic effect against HSR.
Connectedness between crude oil and US equities: The impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Maghyereh Aktham , abdoh hussein 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we exploit multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the cross-correlations between oil and US equity market (as represented by the S&P 500 index). First, we examine the detrended moving average cross-correlation coefficient between oil and S&P 500 returns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The correlation analysis shows that US stock markets became more correlated with oil during the pandemic in the long term. Second, we find that the pandemic has caused an increase in the long range cross correlations over the small fluctuations. Third, the MF-DCCA method shows that the pandemic caused an increase of multifractality in cross-correlations between the two markets. In sum, the pandemic caused a closer correlation between oil and US equity in the long range and a deeper dynamical connection between oil and US equity markets as indicated by the multifractality tests.
The Association Between Hypocalcemia and Outcome in COVID-19&nbsp;Patients: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Patidar Bhagwan Singh , Mukhopadhayay Tapasyapreeti , Subramanian Arulselvi , Aggarwal Riicha , Soni Kapil Dev , Nischal Neeraj , Sahoo Debasis , Surbhi Surbhi , Pandey Ravindra Mohan , Wig Naveet , Malhotra Rajesh , Trikha Anjan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Calcium has been shown to have a vital role in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV diseases but less is known about hypocalcemia in COVID-19 patients and its association with the disease severity and the final outcome. Therefore, this study was conducted with an aim to assess the clinical features in the COVID-19 patients having hypocalcemia and to observe its impact on COVID-19 disease severity and final outcome.Method: In this retrospective study, consecutive COVID-19 patients of all age groups were enrolled. Demographical, clinical and laboratory details were collected and analysed. On the basis of albumin-corrected calcium level patients were classified into normocalcemic (n=51) and hypocalcemic (n=110). Death was the primary outcome. Results: The mean age of hypocalcemic were significantly lower (p<0.05). A significantly higher number of normocalcemic patients had severe COVID-19 disease(92.73%, p<0.01), had comorbidities (82.73%, p<0.05) and required ventilator support(39.09%, p<0.01)compared to the hypocalcemic patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher (33.63%, p<0.05) in the hypocalcemic patients when compared with the normocalcemic patients (15.69%). Haemoglobin (p<0.01), hematocrit (p<0.01) and red cell count (p<0.01) were significantly lower with higher levels of absolute neutrophil count (<0.05) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (p<0.01) in the hypocalcemic patients. Albumin-corrected calcium level had a significant positive correlation with haemoglobin level, haematocrit, red cell count, total protein, albumin and albumin to globulin ratio and a significant negative correlation with absolute neutrophil count and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio.Conclusion: The disease severity, ventilator requirement and mortality were considerably higher in hypocalcemic COVID-19 patients.
Bauhiniastatin-1 alleviates diet induced obesity and lipid accumulation through modulating PPAR-γ/AMPK expressions: In-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico studies.
Authors: Sankaran Karunakaran Reddy , Oruganti Lokanatha , Ganjayi Muni Swamy , Chintha Venkataramaiah , Muppuru Muni Kesavulu , Chippada Appa Rao , Badri Kameswara Rao , Meriga Balaji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Consumption of energy dense foods and sedentary lifestyles have led to high prevalence of obesity and associated disorders. Intensive research efforts have focussed to develop effective alternative therapeutics from plant sources. Bauhiniastatins have been reported to possess antineoplastic activity. In the present study, Bauhiniastatin-1 (BSTN1) was isolated and purified from Bauhinia purpurea and evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy against adipogenesis and obesity using high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rodent model and 3T3-L1 cells.Methods: We performed in-vitro experiments like MTT assay, Oil Red O (ORO) stain, cellular lipid content, glycerol release and RT-PCR analysis in 3T3-L1 cells. In-vivo parameters like body weight gain, body composition, plasma adipokines, serum & liver lipid profiles, liver marker enzymes, western blot analysis and histopathological examination were conducted in rat model. In addition, molecular docking studies were also performed to understand interaction of BSTN1 with peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma receptor (PPAR-γ) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which supported our experimental results.Results: BSTN1 at 20 μM significantly (p<0.001) inhibited cell differentiation and lipid accumulation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mechanistic studies showed that mRNA expression of key adipogenic markers, PPAR-γ, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP1) were down-regulated while AMPK was up-regulated by BSTN1. Oral administration of BSTN1 (5 mg/kg. b.wt.) to HFD-induced obese rats substantially decreased body weight gain, fat mass, serum and liver lipid levels and promoted integrity of hepatic and adipose tissue architecture compared to HFD-control rats. In BSTN1 administered groups, decreased serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, decreased plasma leptin but increased adiponectin levels were noted. Western blot analysis of adipose and hepatic tissues collected from BSTN1 treated rats showed decreased expression level of PPAR-γ but increase in AMPK expression relative to the untreated group. In-silico studies showed strong binding interactions of BSTN1 against PPAR-γ and AMPK, the key molecules of adipogenesis and obesity.Conclusions: Taken together, the results suggest that BSTN1 could be promising molecule for the treatment of diet-induced obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A Comparison of Two Assessment Tools Used in Overviews of Systematic Reviews: ROBIS versus AMSTAR-2
Authors: Perry Rachel , Whitmarsh Alex , Leach Verity , Davies Philippa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:AMSTAR-2 is a 16-item assessment tool to check the quality of a systematic review and establish whether the most important elements are reported. ROBIS is another assessment tool which was designed to evaluate the level of bias present within a systematic review. Our objective was to compare, contrast and establish both inter-rater reliability and usability of both tools as part of two overviews of systematic reviews. Strictly speaking, one tool assesses methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) and the other assesses risk of bias (ROBIS), but there is considerable overlap between the tools in terms of the signalling questions. Methods:Three reviewers independently assessed 31 systematic reviews using both tools. The inter-rater reliability of all sub-sections using each instrument (AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS) were calculated using Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1 for unweighted analysis and AC2 for weighted analysis).Results:Thirty-one systematic reviews were included. For AMSTAR-2 the median agreement for all questions was 0.61. Eight of the 16 AMSTAR-2 questions had substantial agreement or higher (>0.61). For ROBIS, the median agreement for all questions was also 0.61. Eleven of the 24 ROBIS questions had substantial agreement or higher. Conclusion:ROBIS is an effective tool for assessing risk of bias in systematic reviews and AMSTAR-2 is an effective tool at assessing quality. The median agreement between raters for both tools was identical (0.61). Reviews that included a meta-analysis were easier to rate with ROBIS; however, further developmental work could improve its use in reviews without a formal synthesis. AMSTAR-2 was more straightforward to use, however, more response options would be beneficial.
Novel Ferrocenyl Chalcone Derivatives as Antibacterial Agents: Is There a Solution to the Problem?
Authors: Henry Elecia Jaime , Bennet Charles Thomas , Collins Michael , Cassella John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Increased infection spread is partly facilitated by reduced new drug development. Because of their antimicrobial properties, ferrocenyl chalcone derivatives were assessed in a previous study. However, dilutions of stock ferrocenyl chalcone solution with Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) resulted in particle formation, and a colour change from deep red to dark-brown. Results of the current study confirmed particle formation, which suggested the chelation of casein hydrolysate, a component of MHB, by iron ion. After solubilisation in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), each of the iodine-containing compounds, also changed from deep red to dark-brown. Mean rates of colour change (RA) in polypropylene tubes at 37oC were the highest (0.0102 ± 0.0005 ΔA/min – 0.0041 ± 0.0009 ΔA/min) while the same observed reaction in borosilicate glass tubes 21oC ± 1 were the lowest (0.0024 ± 0.0007 ΔA/min – 0.0021 ± 0.0003 ΔA/min). Antimicrobial activity of two randomly selected ferrocenyl chalcone compounds (hexyl and heptyl) was unaffected after colour change occurred (0.016 mg/ml – 0.125 mg/ml). Although these findings potentially indicate that short-term storage of antimicrobials is unaffected, further work is required to assess whether antimicrobial activity is affected by longer storage conditions.
Comparative Analyses of the Influence of TEOS Additives on the Sintering Kinetics of Nd: YAG Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Jia Wentao , Wei Qinlei , Zhang Hongbo , Su Chunhui , Ren Guozhong , Zhao Mengjie , Ma Chaoyu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this work, the sintering kinetics of Nd: YAG transparent ceramics under the vacuum environment was studied by the high-temperature solid phase method. The effects of different sintering temperatures and TEOS content on the densification process of Nd: YAG ceramics were studied. Meanwhile, the crystal structure of Nd: YAG transparent ceramics doped with different contents of TEOS was studied by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The micrographs of ceramics samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The green sample is heated to 1450~1650°C for 0~2 h at a heating rate of 20°C/min in a vacuum environment (P T ≤ 10 -6 Pa), and the shrinkage of ceramic samples was analyzed in the vacuum atmosphere by the Johnson sintering model. The sintering activation energy of Nd: YAG transparent ceramics doped with different contents of TEOS was obtained. The results indicated that the addition of TEOS promoted the densification of ceramic samples. The grain size and relative density of ceramic samples increased, and the sintering activation energy decreased with the increase of TEOS content.
Polydopamine assisting the continuous growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 on electrospun polyacrylonitrile fibers as efficient adsorbent for improved removal of Cr(VI)
Authors: Yang Xu , Zhou Yuhong , Sun Zhaojie , Yang Chunhui , Tang Dongyan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Polydopamine‑functionalized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers and integration zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) into electrospun fibers both have been proved the greater potential in removal Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solution, based on our previous works. Here, an efficiency adsorbent was facilely fabricated by polydipamine (PDA) coating assisting ZIF-8 growth on the electrospun PAN fibers. Benefiting from abundant functional groups (including amino and hydroxyl) of PDA coating, the ZIF-8 nanoparticles rapidly and effectively grew on the fiber surface, and thicker ZIF-8 layer was obtained by prolonging the reaction time. The obtained composite ZIF-8@PDA/PAN fibers retained high surface area (299.9 m2·g− 1) and pore size, and exhibited super-hydrophilicity and high water-stability, which were vital for the Cr(VI) removal. The composite fiber exhibited significant removal efficiency (more than 90% at lower initial Cr(VI) concentrations), good adsorption capacity (212.7 mg·g− 1) and excellent recyclability.