bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of car rental system based on geographic information system and decision support system with AHP (Analytical Heirarchy Process) and SAW (Simple Additive Weighting) method
Authors: Siwa N N A P , Putrama I M , Santyadiputra G S
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop an application of a car rental system with recommendations using the AHP and SAW methods in a decision support system. The purpose of developing this system was to help the public in knowing the car rental system and carry out the car rental process complete with recommendations. The development of this system uses the ADDIE method which consists of five stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. There are 3 tests carried out namely the black box test, white box, and user response test. This research succeeded in developing a car rental system after passing the black box test and white box test. User response test conducted on this car rental system is included in a very good range with the System Usability Scale (SUS) 93.13.
Effect of image partitioning on content-based image retrieval using colour and texture
Authors: Antara I B G W , Dantes G R , Gunadi I G A , Ariana A A G B
Published: June 2020

The current application of content-based image retrieval (CBIR) was urgently needed to process image retrieval in large image databases. Previous research had succeeded in combining feature extraction methods using texture and colour. Combining the two methods of Gray Level Co-Occurrence matrix with Colour moment produces a higher level of precision than that produced when method is applied individually. This research examined more deeply about the effect of image partitioning using the grid partitioning method. The results of precision and recall on the CBIR method would be compared with no partitions, two partitions and three image partitions. The results obtained indicated that the addition of image partitions did not affect the precision value. Thus, it can be concluded that increasing the image partition increases the recall value of the overall CBIR performance.
Balinese character recognition on mobile application based on tesseract open source OCR engine
Authors: Mudiarta I M D R , Atmaja I M D S , Suharsana I K , Antara I W G S , Bharaditya I W P , Suandirat G A , Indrawan G
Published: June 2020

Balinese script is a part of Balinese culture is rarely used today. The Provincial Government of Bali with the Governor Regulation number 80 of 2018 is trying to preserve the Balinese language and script. This study aimed at preserving the Balinese script through a mobile technology approach which is the recent trend with worldwide coverage for supporting ubiquitous learning. This research integrated the Android application to recognize Balinese characters in the form of images into text with Tesseract open source Optical Character Recognition (OCR) engine. The input of this application is a Balinese script image captured by a mobile camera or from a Balinese script image. The application recognized input image into text that can be further processed based on training data available in the application. The new Balinese script training data was created based on eighteen Balinese script’s basic syllables and numbers only. This application can be operated offline with mobile hardware that supports camera functions. The result for testing for 50-word, recognition was 62% obtained in good quality image-based Bali-Simbar font. This application can be further developed to recognize other character repertoire i.e., vowels (Akśara Suara), semi vowels (Arda Suara), additional syllables (Akśara Şwalalita), and sound killers (Pangangge Tengenan).
Comparison of classification model and annotation method for Undiksha’s official documents
Authors: Paramartha A A G Y , Marti N W , Aryanto K Y E
Published: June 2020

Shakuntala is a system that manages official documents and letters at UniversitasPendidikanGanesha. The system stores various documents in PDF format which are categorized by type of document. But Shakuntala can only receive scanned documents, and document categorization were done manually by the operator. Documents uploaded to Shakuntalaalso generally contain information about people who were manually tagged by the operator. This causes inefficiencies that should be carried out automatically by machine. This study aimed at finding the best classification model for determining document categories. In addition, this research also intent to figure out the best method for tagging the people listed on the document. The results of the study showed that the Decision Tree classification model was the best model with an accuracy of 83.06% compared to KNN and Naive Bayes. As for the annotation of the person’s name, the Levenshtein distance method with a similarity threshold of 95% obtained an accuracy of 68.20%.
Gamification design to improve student motivation on learning object-oriented programming
Authors: Ardiana D P Y , Loekito L H
Published: June 2020

Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) is a skill that must be mastered by students to survive in information technology industry competition. The problem that occurs during OOP learning is that some students are not motivated during the class because of a passive learning style and the lack of understanding from previous programming classes. Based on these problems, this study aims to design gamification to increase student’s involvement and motivation in OOP learning. Gamification provides an element of pleasure obtained in the game so that it stimulates the activeness and creativity of students. This research applied the Marczewski Gamification Framework. To find out student’s motivation in learning OOP, the Hexad Gamification Questionnaire test was used. The test results showed that 43% of students have the type of achiever. The game mechanics used in this gamification design are for achiever types of users such as levels, challenges and achievements with game elements such as points, badges and trophies. The results showed that the Marczewski Gamification Framework has been implemented in gamification design according to the functional needs of users. This research contributes to the use of gamification in increasing student motivation in learning OOP programming.
Development of mathematics interactive learning media with gamification concept for mentally disabled students
Authors: Darnanta I W , Pradnyana I M A , Agustini K
Published: June 2020

Conventional media and the limitations of mentally retarded students in understanding abstract concepts have made it difficult for teachers to deliver learning material. It is indicated that there is a need for interactive media, especially in mathematics with the concept of Gamification. Thus, this study aimed to develop interactive learning media with the concept of Gamification to increase concentration and learning interest of mentally retarded students, and to know students’ responses to the media developed. This study was a research and development study which data collection was done using instruments. The subjects of this study were mentally retarded students in the D2 class of SLB Negeri 2 Buleleng. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques. The results showed that the learning media developed was able to become the source and student learning guide. The results of the analysis of student responses toward the development of interactive learning media with the concept of Gamification were 91.1% included in the Very Good category.
Development of a new ergonomics-based technology education curriculum for Nigerian universities: needs analysis
Authors: Chedi J M , Mustapha R
Published: June 2020

In this study, a needs analysis was conducted to identify the ergonomics awareness among technology education lecturers in Nigerian universities. In addition, the study was also designed to determine the gap in the existing technology curriculum with regard to ergonomic integration across the technology programs in Nigerian universities. Also, to determine the perception of lecturers toward the introduction of ergonomics-based technology education. Participants were 119 lecturers of technology education from selected Nigerian universities. Data were collected using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as means and standard deviation were used to describe the empirical data. The main result indicated a low level of ergonomics awareness among technology education lecturers in Nigerian universities. Also, with regards to the need of a new curriculum of ergonomics-based technology education, the study revealed that most respondents concur that a curriculum is needed. In fact, the majority of the lecturers perceived the incorporation of ergonomics-based technology education into technology education of the Nigerian universities as a milestone.
Content validity determination of the countenance-tri kaya parisudha model evaluation instruments using lawshe’s CVR formula
Authors: Divayana D G H , Suyasa P W A , Adiarta A
Published: June 2020

Good Instruments that are used as measurement instruments in evaluation process should be valid instruments. An attempt that is made to obtain a valid instrument is to calculate the instrument content validity correctly by using the right formula. One formula that can be used to test the content validity of the Countenance-Tri Kaya Parisudha model evaluation instruments is Lawshe’s CVR. Based on those statements, the main objective of this study was to explain how to use the Lawshe’s CVR formula to determine the content validity of a Countenance-Tri Kaya Parisudha model evaluation instruments. Subjects that were involved in conducting the trial of the instruments were 15 panellists. The tool that was used to test the instrument was a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions. Analysis of the instruments was done by comparing the results of validation to Guilford standards so that that instrument classification could be determined. These study results indicate that the Countenance-Tri Kaya Parisudha model evaluation instruments were at a high level of validation with the average of content validity ratio 0.644.
Machine learning assisted quantum state estimation
Authors: Lohani Sanjaya , Kirby Brian T , Brodsky Michael , Danaci Onur , Glasser Ryan T
Published: June 2020

We build a general quantum state tomography framework that makes use of machine learning techniques to reconstruct quantum states from a given set of coincidence measurements. For a wide range of pure and mixed input states we demonstrate via simulations that our method produces functionally equivalent reconstructed states to that of traditional methods with the added benefit that expensive computations are front-loaded with our system. Further, by training our system with measurement results that include simulated noise sources we are able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced average fidelity when compared to typical reconstruction methods. These enhancements in average fidelity are also shown to persist when we consider state reconstruction from partial tomography data where several measurements are missing. We anticipate that the present results combining the fields of machine intelligence and quantum state estimation will greatly improve and speed up tomography-based quantum experiments.
Analysis of the Fisher-KPP equation with a time-dependent Allee effect
Authors: Alzaleq Lewa’ , Manoranjan Valipuram
Published: June 2020

In this short note, we study the Fisher-KPP population model with a time-dependent Allee threshold. We consider the time dependence as sinusoidal functions and rational functions as they relate to varying environmental situations of the model. Employing the generalized Riccati equation mapping method, we obtain exact traveling wave solutions. Also, when the time-dependent Allee threshold decays to a constant value, we recover the traveling wave solution of the degenerate Fitzhugh-Nagumo equation from our general solution.
Use of RAAS Inhibitors and Risk of Clinical Deterioration in COVID-19: Results From an Italian Cohort of 133 Hypertensives
Authors: Felice Carla , Nardin Chiara , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Grossi Ugo , Bernardi Enrico , Scaldaferri Luca , Romagnoli Micaela , Tonon Luca , Cavasin Paola , Novello Simone , Scarpa Riccardo , Farnia Antonio , De Menis Ernesto , Rigoli Roberto , Cinetto Francesco , Pauletto Paolo , Agostini Carlo , Rattazzi Marcello
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The effect of chronic use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on the severity of COVID-19 infection is still unclear in patients with hypertension. We aimed to investigate the association between chronic use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and COVID-19-related outcomes in hypertensive patients.

METHODS

A single-center study was conducted on 133 consecutive hypertensive subjects presenting to the emergency department with acute respiratory symptoms and/or fever who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection between 9 and 31 March 2020.

RESULTS

All patients were grouped according to their chronic antihypertensive medications (ACEIs, N = 40; ARBs, N = 42; not on RAAS inhibitors, N = 51). There was no statistical difference between ACEIs and ARBs groups in terms of hospital admission rate, oxygen therapy, and need for noninvasive ventilation. Patients chronically treated with RAAS inhibitors showed a significantly lower rate of admission to semi-intensive/intensive care units, when compared with the non-RAAS population (odds ratio (OR) 0.25, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.09–0.66, P = 0.006). Similarly, the risk of mortality was lower in the former group, although not reaching statistical significance (OR 0.56, CI 95% 0.17–1.83, P = 0.341).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that chronic use of RAAS inhibitors does not negatively affect clinical course of COVID-19 in hypertensive patients. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding and determine whether RAAS inhibitors may have a protective effect on COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality.
Vaginoplasty With Mesh Autologous Buccal Mucosa in Vaginal Agenesis: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Literature Review
Authors: Wu Minliang , Wang Yuchong , Xu Jianguo , Dai Haiying , Zhong Xueying , Sun Mengyan , Lv Chuan , Xue Chunyu
Published: June 2020

Background

Vaginal agenesis, a rare condition, is treated by various surgical techniques to achieve neovaginal reconstruction. The main difference between the approaches lies in the graft material used to cover the newly formed cavity.

Objectives

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the surgical procedure and outcomes of autologous buccal mucosal grafting in neovaginal reconstruction.

Methods

Sixteen patients with vaginal agenesis admitted to our department between January 2016 and January 2019 were included in our study. A reconstruction procedure, described in detail here, involving autologous buccal mucosa as graft material was successfully conducted in all of the patients. Long-term anatomic and functional outcomes were evaluated.

Results

The blood loss during operation was estimated to be 15 to 20 mL in all cases. No rectal or bladder injury occurred. The buccal mucosal wound completely healed 10 to 14 days after the operation. All patients had a well-formed neovagina 8 to 10 cm in length, with a mean diameter of >3 finger-breadths.

Conclusions

The application of autologous buccal mucosa in neovaginal construction is a simple procedure. Autologous buccal mucosa is an ideal material to achieve excellent cosmetic and functional results in patients with vaginal agenesis.

Level of Evidence: 4
Identifying Treatments for Taste and Smell Disorders: Gaps and Opportunities
Authors: Mainland Joel D , Barlow Linda A , Munger Steven D , Millar Sarah E , Vergara M Natalia , Jiang Peihua , Schwob James E , Goldstein Bradley J , Boye Shannon E , Martens Jeffrey R , Leopold Donald A , Bartoshuk Linda M , Doty Richard L , Hummel Thomas , Pinto Jayant M , Trimmer Casey , Kelly Christine , Pribitkin Edmund A , Reed Danielle R
Published: June 2020

The chemical senses of taste and smell play a vital role in conveying information about ourselves and our environment. Tastes and smells can warn against danger and also contribute to the daily enjoyment of food, friends and family, and our surroundings. Over 12% of the US population is estimated to experience taste and smell (chemosensory) dysfunction. Yet, despite this high prevalence, long-term, effective treatments for these disorders have been largely elusive. Clinical successes in other sensory systems, including hearing and vision, have led to new hope for developments in the treatment of chemosensory disorders. To accelerate cures, we convened the “Identifying Treatments for Taste and Smell Disorders” conference, bringing together basic and translational sensory scientists, health care professionals, and patients to identify gaps in our current understanding of chemosensory dysfunction and next steps in a broad-based research strategy. Their suggestions for high-yield next steps were focused in 3 areas: increasing awareness and research capacity (e.g., patient advocacy), developing and enhancing clinical measures of taste and smell, and supporting new avenues of research into cellular and therapeutic approaches (e.g., developing human chemosensory cell lines, stem cells, and gene therapy approaches). These long-term strategies led to specific suggestions for immediate research priorities that focus on expanding our understanding of specific responses of chemosensory cells and developing valuable assays to identify and document cell development, regeneration, and function. Addressing these high-priority areas should accelerate the development of novel and effective treatments for taste and smell disorders.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Hospitalizations Among Adults With Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Prasad Namrata , Walker Tiffany A , Waite Ben , Wood Tim , Trenholme Adrian A , Baker Michael G , McArthur Colin , Wong Conroy A , Grant Cameron C , Huang Q Sue , Newbern E Claire
Published: June 2020

Background

In contrast with respiratory disease caused by influenza, information on the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among adults with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) is limited.

Methods

We linked population-based surveillance of acute respiratory illness hospitalizations to national administrative data to estimate seasonal RSV hospitalization rates among adults aged 18–80 years with the following preexisting CMCs: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Age- and ethnicity-adjusted rates stratified by age group were estimated.

Results

Among 883 999 adult residents aged 18–80 years, 281 RSV-positive hospitalizations were detected during 2012–2015 winter seasons. Across all ages, RSV hospitalization rates were significantly higher among adults with COPD, asthma, CHF, and CAD compared with those without each corresponding condition. RSV hospitalization rates were significantly higher among adults with ESRD aged 50–64 years and adults with DM aged 18–49 years and 65–80 years compared with adults in each age group without these conditions. No increased risk was seen for adults with CVA. The CMC with the highest risk of RSV hospitalization was CHF (incidence rate ratio [IRR] range, 4.6–36.5 across age strata) and COPD (IRR range, 9.6–9.7). Among RSV-positive adults, CHF and COPD were independently associated with increased length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Adults with specific CMCs are at increased risk of RSV hospitalizations. Age affects this relationship for some CMCs. Such populations maybe relevant for future RSV prevention strategies.
Haemophilus influenzaeSerotype a (Hia) Carriage in a Small Alaska Community After a Cluster of Invasive Hia Disease, 2018
Authors: Nolen Leisha D , Tiffany Amanda , DeByle Carolynn , Bruden Dana , Thompson Gail , Reasonover Alisa , Hurlburt Debby , Mosites Emily , Simons Brenna C , Klejka Joe , Castrodale Louisa , McLaughlin Joseph , Bruce Michael G
Published: June 2020

Background

Between May and July 2018, 4 Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) infections occurred in a remote Alaska community. We performed a public health response to prevent further illness and understand Hia carriage.

Methods

We collected oropharyngeal samples community-wide to evaluate baseline carriage. Risk factors were evaluated by interview. We offered prophylactic rifampin to individuals in contact with invasive Hia patients (contacts) and to all children aged <10 years. Oropharyngeal samples were collected again 8 weeks after rifampin distribution. Samples were tested using real-time polymerase chain reaction and culture.

Results

At baseline, 4 of 27 (14.8%) contacts and 7 of 364 (1.9%) noncontacts (P < .01) carried Hia. Contacts aged <10 years were more likely to carry Hia at any timepoint (11/18 [61%]) compared to contacts aged ≥10 years (3/34 [8.8%]), noncontacts aged <10 years (2/139 [1.4%]), and noncontacts ≥10 years (6/276 [2.2%]) (P < .001 for all). Hia carriers were clustered in 9 households (7% of total households). At the household level, carriage was associated with households with ≥1 contact (prevalence ratio [PR], 5.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.3–21.6]), crowding (PR, 7.7 [95% CI, 1.1–199.5]), and ≥3 tobacco users (PR, 5.0 [95% CI, 1.2–19.6]). Elevated carriage prevalence persisted in contacts compared to noncontacts 8 weeks after rifampin distribution (6/25 [24%] contacts, 2/114 [1.8%] noncontacts; P < .001).

Conclusions

Hia carriage prevalence was significantly higher among contacts than noncontacts. Rifampin prophylaxis did not result in a reduction of Hia carriage prevalence in this community.
Stretch-induced sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak is causatively associated with atrial fibrillation in pressure-overloaded hearts
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qi Ying , Li Jing-Jing , He Wen-Jin , Gao Xiao-Hang , Zhang Yu , Sun Xia , Tong Jie , Zhang Jianbao , Deng Xiu-Ling , Du Xiao-Jun , Xie Wenjun
Published: June 2020

Aims

Despite numerous reports documenting an important role of hypertension in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF), the detailed mechanism underlying the pathological process remains incompletely understood. Here, we aim to test the hypothesis that diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak in atrial myocytes, induced by mechanical stretch due to elevated pressure in the left atrium (LA), plays an essential role in the AF development in pressure-overloaded hearts.

Methods and results

Isolated mouse atrial myocytes subjected to acute axial stretch displayed an immediate elevation of SR Ca2+ leak. Using a mouse model of transverse aortic constriction (TAC), the relation between stretch, SR Ca2+ leak, and AF susceptibility was further tested. At 36 h post-TAC, SR Ca2+ leak in cardiomyocytes from the LA (with haemodynamic stress), but not right atrium (without haemodynamic stress), significantly increased, which was further elevated at 4 weeks post-TAC. Accordingly, AF susceptibility to atrial burst pacing in the 4-week TAC mice were also significantly increased, which was unaffected by inhibition of atrial fibrosis or inflammation via deletion of galectin-3. Western blotting revealed that type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) in left atrial myocytes of TAC mice was oxidized due to activation and up-regulation of Nox2 and Nox4. Direct rescue of dysfunctional RyR2 with dantrolene or rycal S107 reduced diastolic SR Ca2+ leak in left atrial myocytes and prevented atrial burst pacing stimulated AF.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated for the first time the increased SR Ca2+ leak mediated by enhanced oxidative stress in left atrial myocytes that is causatively associated with higher AF susceptibility in pressure-overloaded hearts.
Identification of Environmental Risk Factors Associated With the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: van der Sloot Kimberley W J , Weersma Rinse K , Alizadeh Behrooz Z , Dijkstra Gerard
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Multiple genetic and environmental factors are involved in the aetiology of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] including Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC], but data on these exposome factors are difficult to identify. Several exposome factors such as smoking have been shown to be involved; as for other environmental factors, eg stress, results have been conflicting.

Methods

We performed a case-control study including 674 IBD patients of the 1000IBD cohort, frequency-matched based on sex and age with 1348 controls from the population-based Lifelines Cohort Study. Exposome data were obtained using the validated Groningen IBD Environmental Questionnaire [GIEQ], capturing exposome factors through different stages of life using 844 items, of which 454 were applicable to study the role of 93 exposome factors in disease aetiology. Logistic regression [LR] modelling with Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was applied to estimate the multivariable-adjusted effect of each exposome factor.

Results

For IBD, we identified four novel factors: stressful life events (CD odds ratio [OR] 2.61/UC OR 2.92), high perceived stress [2.29/2.67], alcohol use [0.40/0.43], and bronchial hyper-reactivity [3.04/2.36]. Four novel factors were associated with only CD: prenatal smoke exposure [1.89], having a bed partner [0.53], allergies [2.66], and cow’s milk hypersensitivity [5.87]; and two solely with UC: carpet flooring [0.57] and neuroticism [1.32]. Nine factors were replicated.

Conclusions

In this study we identified 10 novel, and replicated nine previously reported, exposome factors associated with IBD. Identifying these factors is important for both understanding disease aetiology and future prevention strategies to decrease the development of IBD in genetically susceptible persons.
Organizing Internationally: Georges Abi-Saab, the Congo Crisis and the Decolonization of the United Nations
Authors: Özsu Umut
Published: June 2020

Why and how have ‘Third World’ international lawyers engaged with the law of international organizations? This article considers Georges Abi-Saab’s 1978 work The United Nations Operation in the Congo 1960–1964, an important but largely forgotten intervention in debates about the power and authority of the United Nations (UN) at the height of the post-World War II wave of decolonization. Fusing careful analysis of the legal rules and instruments that underwrote UN operations during the Congo crisis with a narrative reconstruction of the accompanying political and diplomatic negotiations, Abi-Saab’s book examines the organization’s involvement in the conflict following Congo’s formal independence from Belgium in June 1960, both during and after Dag Hammarskjöld’s tenure as UN Secretary-General. This article takes up Abi-Saab’s account of Hammarskjöld’s role in, and management of, the crisis. It demonstrates that Abi-Saab understood the Secretary-General’s office to be not only hedged in by significant ‘constitutional’ constraints on publicly justifiable action but also uniquely equipped to coordinate competing interests and facilitate collective action. It also demonstrates that this dual understanding of the Secretary-General – both ‘legalistic’ and overtly ‘political’ – informed Abi-Saab’s commitment to developing international law in and through international organizations.
Oxyresveratrol promotes biofilm formation, cell attachment and aggregation of Streptococcus gordonii in the presence of sucrose
Authors: Wu Jiayi , Yang Qiyuan , Jiang Xiaoge , Fan Yu , Zhang Yuheng , Huang Ruijie
Published: June 2020

Streptococcus gordonii is a commensal colonizer of oral cavity that initiates the formation of dental plaque. Oxyresveratrol is a natural purification from plants with antibacterial effects on various oral bacteria including Streptococcus mutans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oxyresveratrol on S. gordonii. The basic viability, biofilm formation and cell aggregation of S. gordonii treated with oxyresveratrol were investigated. Oxyresveratrol dose-dependently inhibited the growth of S. gordonii in the absence of sucrose. However, in the presence of sucrose, it promoted biofilm formation under MIC. Both the biofilm formation and extracellular polysaccharides synthesis reached the maximum level at ½ MIC (250 μg/mL) oxyresveratrol. The gene expressions of abpA, abpB, scaA, gtfG, hsa, cshA, cshB, ccpA, srtA and sspB were upregulated when treated with 62.5 and 125 μg/mL oxyresveratrol. A total eight of the ten genes were significantly upregulated at 250 μg/mL oxyresveratrol except abpB and sspB, which were downregulated at 250 μg/mL without significance. In conclusion, oxyresveratrol has dual-effects on S. gordonii. Considering its specific biofilm suppressive effect on S. mutans, it might be a candidate for bacterial interspecies modulator applied in caries prevention.
Evaluation of the fermentative capacity of an indigenous Hanseniaspora sp. strain isolated from Lebanese apples for cider production
Authors: AL Daccache Marina , Salameh Dominique , Chamy Laure E L , Koubaa Mohamed , Maroun Richard G , Vorobiev Eugène , Louka Nicolas
Published: June 2020

The present work studied the fermentative potential and carbon metabolism of an indigenous yeast isolated from Lebanese apples for cider production. The indigenous yeast strain was isolated from a spontaneous fermented juice of the Lebanese apple variety ‘Ace spur’. The sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) domain of rRNA identified the isolated yeast strain as a member of the Hanseniaspora genus. These results suggest an intragenomic ITS sequence heterogeneity in the isolated yeast strain specifically in its ITS1 domain. The different investigations on the yeast carbon metabolism revealed that the isolated yeast is ‘Crabtree positive’ and can produce and accumulate ethanol from the first hours of fermentation. Thus, our findings highlight the possibility of using the isolated indigenous Hanseniaspora strain as a sole fermentative agent during cider production.
Exposure of human fallopian tube epithelium to elevated testosterone results in alteration of cilia gene expression and beating
Authors: Jackson-Bey Tia , Colina José , Isenberg Brett C , Coppeta Jonathan , Urbanek Margrit , Kim J Julie , Woodruff Teresa K , Burdette Joanna E , Russo Angela
Published: June 2020

STUDY QUESTION

How does exposure to a testosterone rich environment affect the function and gene expression of human fallopian tube epithelium (hFTE)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Elevated testosterone level alters several gene transcripts that regulate cilia expression and negatively impacts the rate of cilia beating.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The presence of estrogen in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle increases the human fallopian tube ciliary beating frequency. The luteal phase, triggered by ovulation and increasing progesterone, is marked by a decrease in ciliary beating. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may have twice the serum level of testosterone than ovulatory women. To date, the effect of elevated androgens on the function of the human fallopian tube is not well-understood. We chose to examine the impact of elevated testosterone on hFTE.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

A prospective basic science study of human fallopian tube specimens from reproductive-aged women undergoing benign gynecologic surgery was performed. Fallopian tube removal at a large US academic center was collected and provided to us to continue with epithelium isolation and culturing. A total of 12 patients were analyzed in the study.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Fallopian tube epithelium was isolated and exposed to two different conditions: normal with low testosterone concentration of 0.8 nM and PCOS-like, with high testosterone concentration of 2 nM. The study was conducted in both static and dynamic conditions in microfluidic devices for a total of 14 days, after which the tissue was collected for processing including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. After the first 7 days of each experiment, a sample of tissue from each condition was imaged to quantify cilia beating frequency.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

hFTE exposed to the 2 nM testosterone displayed slower cilia beating, inhibited estrogen signaling and decreased expression of the ciliary marker FOXJ1 when compared to stimulation with 0.8 nM testosterone.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The in vivo response to elevated testosterone may differ from in vitro studies. RNA amount was limited from tissue cultured in the microfluidic devices as compared to static culture.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Understanding elevated testosterone in tubal function may explain an additional contribution to subfertility in women with PCOS and other hyper-androgen disorders, aside from oligo-ovulation. Furthermore, this adds to the body of literature of fallopian tube function using a microfluidic device.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

NIH grants: UH3 ES029073 and R01 CA240301. There are no competing interests.
Chris Freeman forging the evolution of evolutionary economics
Authors: Louçã Francisco
Published: June 2020

Every Schumpeterian is an evolutionary economist in his or her own way. Chris Freeman, whose 1995 essay is published in this issue of ICC, favored a rare combination of the Cambridge tradition, a Marxian view of inequalities and Schumpeter’s fascination with innovation as the driving force of capitalism. The article summarizes and discusses this combination and how Freeman generated a challenging agenda for contemporary economics, namely in the context of long wave analysis, the theme for his last book.
Acute Nicotine Treatment Alleviates LPS-Induced Impairment of Fear Memory Reconsolidation Through AMPK Activation and CRTC1 Upregulation in Hippocampus
Authors: Shu Hui , Wang Mengwei , Song Min , Sun Yanyun , Shen Xianzhi , Zhang Junfang , Jin Xinchun
Published: June 2020

Background

Fear memory is a fundamental capability for animals and humans to survive. Its impairment results in the disability to avoid danger. When memory is reactivated, a reconsolidation process, which can be disrupted by various stimuli, including inflammation, is required to become permanent. Nicotine has been shown to improve cognitive deficits induced by inflammation and other stimuli. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of nicotine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Step-through inhibitory avoidance task was recruited to study fear memory of rat, i.p. LPS (0.5 mg/kg) treatment was used to induce inflammation, and western blot and immunostaining were applied to detect protein expression and distribution in medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

Results

Our data showed that LPS induced fear memory reconsolidation impairment without affecting retrieval. In addition, LPS significantly increased inflammation factors tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta and decreased CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) expression and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in hippocampus. More importantly, LPS significantly decreased CRTC1 expression and AMPK activation in neurons by activating microglia cells. Of note, either nicotine treatment or activation of AMPK by intracerebroventricular infusion of metformin reduced LPS-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation and ameliorated inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta as well as the expression of CRTC1.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results showed that acute nicotine treatment alleviates LPS-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation through activation of AMPK and upregulation of CRTC1 in hippocampus.
Optimal robustness of passive discrete-time systems
Authors: Mehrmann V , Van Dooren P
Published: June 2020

We study different representations of a given rational transfer function that represents a passive (or positive real) discrete-time system. When the system is subject to perturbations, passivity or stability may be lost. To make the system robust, we use the freedom in the representation to characterize and construct optimally robust representations in the sense that the distance to non-passivity is maximized with respect to an appropriate matrix norm. We link this construction to the solution set of certain linear matrix inequalities defining passivity of the transfer function. We present an algorithm to compute a nearly optimal representation using an eigenvalue optimization technique. We also briefly consider the problem of finding the nearest passive system to a given non-passive one.
Recent malignant testicular tumor trend in Japan, a country with an aging population: a large-scale study of 2012–2015 hospital-based cancer registry data
Authors: Kojo Kosuke , Kawai Koji , Kawahara Takashi , Kimura Tomokazu , Kandori Shuya , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Nitta Satoshi , Kojima Takahiro , Okuyama Ayako , Higashi Takahiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: June 2020

Objective

Japan’s national database of hospital-based cancer registries is estimated to cover ~67% of all new cancer cases. Using this database, we analyzed the characteristics of the recently diagnosed testicular malignancy.

Methods

We obtained data for 6510 adult testicular malignancy patients diagnosed in 2012–2015. The distributions of patient ages, histological diagnoses and testicular germ cell tumor hospital care volumes were determined.

Results

The most common histology was seminoma (60.3% of all testicular malignancies), followed by non-seminoma (24.1%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (13.1%). The median and mean ages of the testicular germ cell tumor patients were high at 38 and 39.8 years, respectively. The age distribution peaked at 30–40 years, followed by 40–50 years. Approximately 18% of testicular germ cell tumor patients were ≥50 years. The ages of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients peaked at 70–80 years (mean 67.7 years). When the analysis was limited to the testicular germ cell tumor patients who received first-course cancer treatment at the participating hospitals, the number of high-volume hospitals with ≥20 testicular germ cell tumor care volume was limited to 61 (10.0% of the 605 hospitals that treated ≥1 testicular germ cell tumor patient). However, when the patients who changed hospitals during treatment or relapsed after treatment completion were analyzed together, the number of high-volume hospitals increased to 104 (17.0% of 612 hospitals).

Conclusion

The testicular germ cell tumor patients’ mean age was nearly 40 years. The proportions of older testicular germ cell tumor patients and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients were higher than previously thought. The reasons for this trend are unknown, but it is important to address the trend identified herein in a country with a super-aging population.
Management of Cancer and Health After the Clinic Visit: A Call to Action for Self-Management in Cancer Care
Authors: Howell Doris , Mayer Deborah K , Fielding Richard , Eicher Manuela , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M , Johansen Christoffer , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique , Foster Claire , Chan Raymond , Alfano Catherine M , Hudson Shawna V , Jefford Michael , Lam Wendy W T , Loerzel Victoria , Pravettoni Gabriella , Rammant Elke , Schapira Lidia , Stein Kevin D , Koczwara Bogda ,   the Global Partners for Self-Management in Cancer
Published: June 2020

Individuals with cancer and their families assume responsibility for management of cancer as an acute and chronic disease. Yet, cancer lags other chronic diseases in its provision of proactive self-management support in routine, everyday care leaving this population vulnerable to worse health status, long-term disability, and poorer survival. Enabling cancer patients to manage the medical and emotional consequences and lifestyle and work changes due to cancer and treatment is essential to optimizing health and recovery across the continuum of cancer. In this paper, the Global Partners on Self-Management in Cancer puts forth six priority areas for action: Action 1: Prepare patients and survivors for active involvement in care; Action 2: Shift the care culture to support patients as partners in cocreating health and embed self-management support in everyday health-care provider practices and in care pathways; Action 3: Prepare the workforce in the knowledge and skills necessary to enable patients in effective self-management and reach consensus on core curricula; Action 4: Establish and reach consensus on a patient-reported outcome system for measuring the effects of self-management support and performance accountability; Action 5: Advance the evidence and stimulate research on self-management and self-management support in cancer populations; Action 6: Expand reach and access to self-management support programs across care sectors and tailored to diversity of need and stimulation of research to advance knowledge. It is time for a revolution to better integrate self-management support as part of high-quality, person-centered support and precision medicine in cancer care to optimize health outcomes, accelerate recovery, and possibly improve survival.
Confirmation of monoperiodicity above 20 s for two blue large-amplitude pulsators
Authors: McWhirter Paul Ross , Lam Marco C , Steele Iain A
Published: June 2020

Blue large-amplitude pulsators (BLAPs) are a new class of pulsating variable stars. They are located close to the hot subdwarf branch in the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram and have spectral classes of late O or early B. Stellar evolution models indicate that these stars are likely radially pulsating, driven by iron group opacity in their interiors. A number of variable stars with a similar driving mechanism exist near the hot subdwarf branch with multiperiodic oscillations caused by either pressure (p) or gravity (g) modes. No multiperiodic signals were detected in the OGLE (Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment) discovery light curves since it would be difficult to detect short-period signals associated with higher order p modes with the OGLE cadence. Using the RISE instrument on the Liverpool Telescope, we produced high-cadence light curves of two BLAPs, OGLE-BLAP-009 (mv = 15.65 mag) and OGLE-BLAP-014 (mv = 16.79 mag), using a 720 nm longpass filter. Frequency analysis of these light curves identifies a primary oscillation with a period of 31.935 ± 0.0098 min and an amplitude from a Fourier series fit of 0.236 mag for BLAP-009. The analysis of BLAP-014 identifies a period of 33.625 ± 0.0214 min and an amplitude of 0.225 mag. Analysis of the residual light curves reveals no additional short-period variability down to an amplitude of 15.20 ± 0.26 mmag for BLAP-009 and 58.60 ± 3.44 mmag for BLAP-014 for minimum periods of 20 and 60 s, respectively. These results further confirm that the BLAPs are monoperiodic.
Cold molecular gas and free–free emission from hot, dust-obscured galaxies at z ∼ 3
Authors: Penney J I , Blain A W , Assef R J , Diaz-Santos T , González-López J , Tsai C-W , Aravena M , Eisenhardt P R M , Jones S F , Jun H D , Kim M , Stern D , Wu J
Published: June 2020

We report on observations of redshifted CO(1–0) line emission and observed-frame $\rm \sim 30\,$GHz radio continuum emission from five ultra-luminous, mid-IR selected hot, Dust-Obscured Galaxies (Hot DOGs) at $z\rm \gtrsim 3$ using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array. We detect CO(1–0) line emission in all five Hot DOGs, with one of them at high signal-to-noise ratio. We analyse FIR-radio spectral energy distributions, including dust, free–free, and synchrotron emission for the galaxies. We find that most of the $\rm 115\,$ GHz rest-frame continuum is mostly due to synchrotron or free–free emission, with only a potentially small contribution from thermal emission. We see a deficit in the rest-frame $\rm 115\,$ GHz continuum emission compared to dusty star-forming galaxies and sub-millimetre galaxies (SMGs) at high redshift, suggesting that Hot DOGs do not have similar cold gas reserves compared with star-forming galaxies. One target, W2305−0039, is detected in the FIRST $\rm 1.4\, GHz$ survey, and is likely to possess compact radio jets. We compare to the FIR–radio correlation, and find that at least half of the Hot DOGs in our sample are radio-quiet with respect to normal galaxies. These findings suggest that Hot DOGs have comparably less cold molecular gas than star-forming galaxies at lower, $z\rm \sim 2$ redshifts, and are dominated by powerful, yet radio-quiet AGN.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon excitation in nearby spiral galaxies
Authors: Bendo G J , Lu N , Zijlstra A
Published: June 2020

We have examined polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) excitation in a sample of 25 nearby face-on spiral galaxies using the ratio of mid-infrared PAH emission to dust mass. Within 11 of the galaxies, we found that the PAH excitation was straightforwardly linked to ultraviolet (UV) or mid-infrared star formation tracers, which, along with other results studying the relation of PAH emission to star formation, indicates that the PAHs are most strongly excited in dusty shells around the star-forming (SF) regions. Within another five galaxies, the PAH emission is enhanced around SF regions only at specific galactocentric radii. In six more galaxies, PAH excitation is more strongly correlated with the evolved stellar populations as traced by 3.6 μm emission. The results for the remaining three galaxies were ambiguous. The radial gradients of the PAH/dust ratios were generally not linked to log(O/H) gradients except when the log(O/H) gradients were relatively steep. Galaxies in which PAHs were excited by evolved stars had relatively high far-UV to mid-infrared ratios, implying that variations in the link between PAH excitation and different stellar populations are connected to changes in dust attenuation within galaxies. Alternately, differences in morphology could make it more likely that PAHs are excited by evolved stars, as five of the six galaxies where this occurs are late-type flocculent spiral galaxies. These heterogeneous results demonstrate the complexity of describing PAH excitation and have broad implications for using PAH emission as a star formation tracer as well as for modelling dust emission and radiative transfer.
Planet migration in self-gravitating discs: survival of planets
Authors: Rowther Sahl , Meru Farzana
Published: June 2020

We carry out three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations to study whether planets can survive in self-gravitating protoplanetary discs. The discs modelled here use a cooling prescription that mimics a real disc, which is only gravitationally unstable in the outer regions. We do this by modelling the cooling using a simplified method such that the cooling time in the outer parts of the disc is shorter than in the inner regions, as expected in real discs. We find that both giant (>MSat) and low-mass (<MNep) planets initially migrate inwards very rapidly, but are able to slow down in the inner gravitationally stable regions of the disc without needing to open up a gap. This is in contrast to previous studies where the cooling was modelled in a more simplified manner where, regardless of mass, the planets were unable to slow down their inward migration. This shows the important effect the thermodynamics has on planet migration. In a broader context, these results show that planets that form in the early stages of the discs’ evolution, when they are still quite massive and self-gravitating, can survive.