bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade-offs in prey quantity and quality in gray whale foraging
Authors: Hildebrand L , Sullivan FA , Orben RA , Derville S , Torres LG
Published: July 2022

To forage optimally, predators face complex decisions regarding target prey distribution, quantity, and quality. We paired theodolite tracking of gray whalesEschrichtius robustusin Port Orford, Oregon, USA, with concurrent sampling of their zooplankton prey to examine foraging decisions relative to prey quantity (abundance) and quality (caloric content). We tested the hypotheses that whales (1) feed more than search or transit in areas with high quantity and quality prey and (2) select foraging habitat dominated by the calorically rich mysidNeomysis rayii. Relative prey abundance was assessed through standardized image analysis of camera drops, and zooplankton prey community was determined from net tows. These data were spatially interpolated and modeled to generate daily layers of species-specific prey abundance and calories (20 m grid) for comparison to whale behavior derived from tracking data. Whales fed significantly more in areas with higher prey abundance and calories than where they searched and transited. Whales increased foraging effort as overall prey availability increased, yet foraging probability was significantly correlated with the quantity and quality of the mysidHolmesimysis sculpta, which has significantly lower calories thanN. rayii. However, during the study period, the maximum abundance ofN. rayiiwas 4 times lower than that ofH. sculptaand never reached the quantity threshold determined by a logistic regression needed to support whale foraging behavior. Hence, gray whale prey selection involves trade-offs between prey quantity and quality to maximize energetic gain, and prey quality should be considered alongside abundance in ecological studies investigating predator decision-making.
EFEKTIFITAS PEMBERIAN JUS SEMANGKA TERHADAP PENURUNAN TEKANAN DARAH PADA PENDERITA HIPERTENSI DI KLINIK PRATAMA DELIANA
Authors: Yulviana Rina
Published: July 2022

Hipertensi merupakan meningkatnya tekanan darah sistolik lebih besar dari 140 mm Hg dan diastolic lebih besar dari 90 mm Hg. Hipertensi bisa menjadi penyebab utama dari penyakit jantung, gagal ginjal dan stroke. Penelitian ini dilakukan di Klinik Pratama Deliana Pekanbaru dengan angka kejadian hipertensi tahun 2020 sejumlah 124 pasien dan tahun 2021 dari bulan januari sampai bulan oktober sejumlah 69 pasien. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektifitas jus semangka terhadap tekanan darah pada pasien hipertensi.Penelitian ini menggunakan pre eksperimendengan rancangan one group pretest-postestdengan 15 orang kelompok eskperimen yang diperoleh menggunakan teknik consecutive sampling. Pada penilitian ini instrument penelitian menggunakan tensimeter digital dan jus semangka diberikan pada kelompok eksperimen 1 kali dalam sehari sebanyak 350 ml selama 1 minggu. Analisa yang digunakan adalah analisa univariat dan bivariat dengan menggunakan ujiwilcoxonyaitu pada tekanan darah sistolik menunjukkan p-value 0,000 sedangkan pada tekanan darah diastolic menunjukkan p value 0,002. Pada ujiwilcoxonpenurunan tekanan darah secara signifikan lebih efektif, sehingga konsumsi jus semangka dapat menurunkan tekanan darah dan disarankan pihak Klinik Pratama Deliana Pekanbaru dapat menjadikan jus semangka sebagai referensi obat non-farmakologi untuk menurunkan tekanan darah.Kata Kunci    : Hipertensi, PenurunanTekanan Darah, Jus Semangka
KOMUNIKASI INTERPERSONAL ANTARA GURU DENGAN SISWA DALAM KEGIATAN PEMBELAJARAN DI SMK N 1 MUARA BUNGO
Authors: Rachmah Yesi Isnaini , Sarmiati Sarmiati , Azwar Azwar
Published: July 2022

Juvenile delinquency and deviant behavior is a social phenomenon that often occurs in society. From a theoretical point of view, juvenile delinquency is the cause of failure in self-control. They may fail to distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior by the surrounding community. This research uses. qualitative research method with a case study approach. The result of this study is that the communication carried out by the BK teacher in tackling the delinquency of students at SMK N 1 Muara Bungo is very effective between teachers and their students. This interpersonal communication is very helpful as an intermediary in finding problems and finding solutions to a problem that is being faced by the students. Coupled with the classical approach taken by BK teachers in approaching these students in making it easier for them to reduce problems in education. The existence of a social penetration theory can actually be more intimate between students who have problems with the BK teacher. So the final result of this research is that between teachers and students they grow closer to each other along with the ongoing process of intense interpersonal communication.
PENGARUH PENGEMBANGAN KARIR KARYAWAN TETAP TERHADAP KEPUASAN KINERJA KARYAWAN ROCKY PLAZA HOTEL PADANG
Authors: Diana Winda , Kumala Vina , Lesmana Trio Averia
Published: July 2022

This research was motivated by the discovery of problems related to career development and employee job satisfaction at Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of career development on employee job satisfaction at Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang. This research is a quantitative descriptive study with a causal associative approach. . The population in this study were all employees of Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang except for the Head of Department (HOD) which amounted to 150 employees. The number of samples in this study was 60 people. The sampling technique in this study used simple random sampling. Data collection techniques were carried out using a questionnaire (questionnaire) using a Likert scale that had been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis technique using SPSS version 16.0 program. The results of this study indicate that; 1) career development Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang as many as 13.3% of respondents said it was good and 86.7% said it was not good. 2) Job satisfaction of Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang employees as many as 21.7% of respondents said they were satisfied and 78.3% said they were not satisfied. 3) there is a significant effect between career development and employee job satisfaction at Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang, with a regression coefficient of 8.526 in sig. 0.00 < 0.05. This means that every increase of 1 unit of career development will increase employee job satisfaction by 8,526 units. While the magnitude of the influence of career development on employee job satisfaction Rocky Plaza Hotel Padang is 55.6%, while the rest is influenced by other factors
STUDI PEMECAHAN PENYULANG OMBILIN UNTUK PERBAIKAN DROP TEGANGAN DI PT PLN (PERSERO) RAYON PADANG PANJANG MENGGUNAKAN APLIKASI ETAP
Authors: Dasman Dasman
Published: July 2022

Ombilin feeder is one of the longest feeders in PT. PLN (Persero) Rayon Padang Panjang. The total length of the medium voltage network is 117.116 Kms. With a large load, the length of the network and the cross-sectional area vary, causing a voltage drop in the feeder. According to SPLN 72:1987 the allowable voltage drop is 5%. Therefore, a solution is needed to reduce the voltage drop on the feeder to comply with PLN standards. One of them is by changing the load splitting. The loading pattern was changed by optimizing the cross-sectional area of the 240 mm2 AAAC wire which has a better KHA and a smaller impedance. To analyze and find out how much improvement the voltage drop is before and after the load splitting is done, a simulation is carried out using the ETAP 12.6 software. Based on the simulation results, the voltage drop before breaking the load in Baing is 6.67% with a voltage value of 19.413 KV and in Simawang data it is 6.71% with a terminal voltage value of 19.404 kV. After breaking the load, the voltage drop in Baing is 4.19% with a voltage value of 19.929 KV and in Data Simawang it is 4.23% with a terminal voltage value of 19.921 kV. Based on these results, the cause of the voltage drop is influenced by several things, namely the current flowing in the channel, the distance and cross-sectional area of the conductor used.Keywords: Load, Voltage Drop, ETAP.
PENGARUH FUNGSI PEMBAGIAN KERJA TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS KERJA PEGAWAI PADA BADAN KEPEGAWAIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA MANUSIA KABUPATEN CIREBON
Authors: Sunandar Azwar , Sutarjo Moh , Wulandari Sri
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini mengenai Pengaruh Fungsi Pembagian Kerja Terhadap Efektivitas Kerja Pegawai Pada Badan Kepegawaian Dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kabupaten Cirebon, yaitu bermula dari hambatan belum tercapainya efektivitas kerja pegawai secara optimal. Hal tersebut diduga dikarenakan masih belum optimalnya dalam pelaksanaan pembagian kerja. Hipotesis yang penulis gunakan yaitu sebagai berikut. terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari pembagian kerja terhadap efektivitas kerja pada Badan Kepegawaian Dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kabupaten Cirebon. Hipotesis statistiknya yaitu: Ha= rshitung >rstabel, terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan antara variabel pembagian kerja dengan variabel efektivitas kerja. H0= rshitung < rstabel, tidak terdapat pengaruh yang positif dan signifikan antara variabel pembagian kerja dengan variabel efektivitas kerja. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, bahwa dalam Pelaksanaan Pembagian Kerja pada Badan Kepegawaian Dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kabupaten Cirebon masih belum optimal. Sebagaimana terlihat dalam keberhasilan pada pelaksanaan baru mencapai pada tingkatan Cukup Baik yaitu dengan nilai sebesar 873 atau 54,90. Sehingga berpengaruh terhadap efektivitas kerja pada Badan Kepegawaian Dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Kabupaten Cirebon masih belum tercapai secara optimal. Pembagian kerja dan efektivitas kerja adanya hubungan yang signifikan atau valid dengan nilai rshitung dari kedua variabel yaitu sebesar 0,729 jika di bandingkan terhadap nilai rstabel untuk responden sebanyak 53 dan di dapat nilai rstabel sebesar 0,266. Sehingga dengan demikian kriteria korelasinya berada pada tingkatan kuat.Kata Kunci: Pembagian Kerja Dan Efektivitas Kerja
Students� Perception of the English Intensive Program in Improving Non-English Majored Students� Speaking Performance
Authors: Ubaedillah Ubaedillah , Pranoto Budi Adjar , Fatmasari Yuniar
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine students' perception of the English Intensive Program (EIP) in improving students' speaking performance. The Cross-sectional survey design was designed to analyze a detailed and in-depth analysis using google forms to distribute the research questionnaires. The researcher used two instruments to find the required data and determine students' perception of EIP, namely questionnaires and speaking performance test reports. The researcher combined the two instruments to support the research data. Researchers recruited 40 students as samples from non- English departments. The findings show that after implementing the EIP, the students' speaking performance experienced a significant increase of 74.12, which means EIP positively impacts improving students' speaking performance. In addition, the student's perception of EIP was 88.2% strongly agree and agree, which means the implementation of EIP in improving students' speaking performance is EIP functions effectively.
�How do Indonesian Teachers Use Teaching Materials?�: English Teachers� Perception
Authors: Khosiyono Banun Havifah cahyo
Published: July 2022

This report is part of a larger study concerning teachers perception towards teaching materials and their effectiveness on professional development (PD) in Indonesia. This case study attempted to explore how the Indonesian teachers perceptions towards the use of English teaching materials for vocational students in Indonesia. Seven out of thirteen English teachers of vocational schools in Indonesia involved in this project were interviewed and observed to use the teaching English materials. Findings show that the teachers believed that they had some considerations to check what was contained in the teaching materials; their perceptions were influenced by some factors such as experience, needs, situation, students interest, students ability, workshop, and references; and the deficient time and different views among teachers were two major problems faced by the teachers when conducting textbook selection and analysis.
Extremity compartment syndrome: A review with a focus on non-invasive methods of diagnosis
Authors: Novak Martin , Penhaker Marek , Raska Pavel , Pleva Leopold , Schmidt Martin
Published: July 2022

The article deals with an overview of acute extremity compartment syndrome with a focus on the option of non-invasive detection of the syndrome. Acute extremity compartment syndrome (ECS) is an urgent complication that occurs most often in fractures or high-energy injuries. There is still no reliable method for detecting ECS. The only objective measurement method used in clinical practice is an invasive measurement of intramuscular pressure (IMP). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current state of research into non-invasive measurement methods that could allow simple and reliable continuous monitoring of patients at risk of developing ECS. Clinical trials are currently underway to verify the suitability of the most studied method, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is a method for measuring the local oxygenation of muscle compartments. Less explored methods include the use of ultrasound, ultrasound elastography, bioimpedance measurements, and quantitative tissue hardness measurements. Finding a suitable method for continuous non-invasive monitoring of the syndrome would greatly improve the quality of care for patients at risk. ECS must be diagnosed quickly and accurately to prevent irreversible tissue damage that can occur within hours of syndrome onset and may even warrant amputation if neglected.
Strategies to Improve the Biosynthesis of β-Lactam Antibiotics by Penicillin G Acylase: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Pan Xin , Xu Lei , Li Yaru , Wu Sihua , Wu Yong , Wei Wenping
Published: July 2022

β-Lactam antibiotics are widely used anti-infection drugs that are traditionally synthesized via a chemical process. In recent years, with the growing demand for green alternatives, scientists have turned to enzymatic synthesis. Penicillin G acylase (PGA) is the second most commercially used enzyme worldwide with both hydrolytic and synthetic activities toward antibiotics, which has been used to manufacture the key antibiotic nucleus on an industrial level. However, the large-scale application of PGA-catalyzed antibiotics biosynthesis is still in the experimental stage because of some key limitations, such as low substrate concentration, unsatisfactory yield, and lack of superior biocatalysts. This paper systematically reviews the strategies adopted to improve the biosynthesis of β-lactam antibiotics by adjusting the enzymatic property and manipulating the reaction system in recent 20 years, including mining of enzymes, protein engineering, solvent engineering, in situ product removal, and one-pot reaction cascade. These advances will provide important guidelines for the future use of enzymatic synthesis in the industrial production of β-lactam antibiotics.
Land transportation management policy in tarakan public economy
Authors: Nawir Ing Daud , Faizal Rahmat , Mansyur Achmad Zultan , Riinawati Riinawati , Jayadi Usman
Published: July 2022

In achieving the development of Tarakan City, the role of land transportation has an important and strategic position, so the policies need to be integrated into a single land transportation management policy and its impact on the economy of the people in Tarakan City. Various policies have been issued, to minimize the problem of land transportation, but no matter how good the policy will not work optimally as long as land transportation management is not improved. This study uses a descriptive-qualitative method because it seeks to find empirical facts with the right interpretation of the actions of existing phenomena. The results of the study: 1. The selection of land transportation in accordance with the characteristics of the City of Tarakan, and taking into account the needs and interests of all different levels of society, is able to support the effectiveness and efficiency of providing city public transportation services. 2. The development of an adequate land transportation network in Tarakan City has been able to increase the growth of the community’s economic sector, increase the value/price of land, the development of the small, medium, and large scale businesses, the occurrence of product specialization between regions, the concentration and urbanization of the population, especially in areas that have opened access roads and transportation. So that there is an increase in the income of the City of Tarakan accompanied by an even distribution of goods between residents, business fields spread over several areas. In addition, there has been an increase in the number and types of finished goods and services that consumers, government, and industry can produce.
Potential mesenchymal stem cell therapeutics for treating primary biliary cholangitis: advances, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Yang Yanlei , Zhao Robert Chunhua , Zhang Fengchun
Published: July 2022

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the gradual destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts that eventually leads to liver cirrhosis, failure, and even carcinoma. The treatment options for PBC are limited, and the main treatment choices are the US Food and Drug Administration–approved ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid. However, many patients fail to respond adequately to these drugs and the adverse effects frequently lead to low life quality. For patients with end-stage PBC, liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Given their low immunogenicity, prominent immunomodulation property, differentiation potential, and tissue maintenance capacity, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as new options for treating liver diseases, including PBC. Accumulating evidence from basic research to clinical studies supports the positive effects of MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. In this review, we characterized the underlying roles and mechanisms of MSCs for treating liver diseases and highlight recent basic and clinical advances in MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives for MSC-based therapy in clinical application are discussed, which could help accelerate the application of MSCs in clinical practice, especially for refractory diseases such as PBC.
Methylene Blue as a Photo-Redox Catalyst: The Development Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran Scaffolds via a Single-Electron Transfer/Energy Transfer
Authors: Mohamadpour Farzaneh
Published: July 2022

In a green tandem reaction using aldehyde derivatives, malononitrile, and dimedone, a radical tandem Knoevenagel–Michael cyclocondensation reaction of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds was developed. Using visible light as a sustainable energy source, methylene blue (MB+)-derived photo-excited state functions were employed in an aqueous solution as single-electron transfer (SET) and energy transfer catalysts. The range of yields is quite uniform (81–98%, average 92.18%), and the range of reaction time is very fast (2–7 min, average 3.7 min), and the point mentioned in the discussion is that the procedure tolerates a range of donating and withdrawing groups, while still giving very excellent yields. The reaction is fairly insensitive to the nature of the substituents. Research conducted in this project aims to develop a non-metallic cationic dye that is both inexpensive and widely available for more widespread use. In addition to energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, methylene blue also offers an excellent atom economy, time-saving features, and ease of use. As a result, a wide range of long-term chemical and environmental properties can be obtained. The turnover number and turnover frequency of tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran scaffolds have been computed. Surprisingly, gram-scale cyclization is a possibility, implying that the technology may be applied in industries.
Recent advances in macrocyclic arenes-based fluorescent indicator displacement assays
Authors: Duan Qunpeng , Wang Fei , Lu Kui
Published: July 2022

Macrocyclic arenes-based fluorescent indicator displacement assays (F-IDAs) offer a unique and innovative approach to chemosensing, taking molecular recognition in host-guest chemistry to a higher level. Because of their special architecture and versatile host–guest binding properties, macrocyclic arenes, principally calix[n]arenes and, in recent years, pillar[n]arenes, in combination with various fluorophores, are widely used in F-IDAs for the specific and selective sensing of cationic, anionic, and neutral analytes. In this paper, we review recent progress in the development of F-IDAs based on macrocyclic arenes and outline the prospects and remaining challenges relating to macrocyclic arenes-based F-IDAs.
The Effects of Earthquake Experience on Intentions to Respond to Earthquake Early Warnings
Authors: Becker Julia S. , Vinnell Lauren J. , McBride Sara K. , Nakayachi Kazuya , Doyle Emma E. H. , Potter Sally H. , Bostrom Ann
Published: July 2022

Warning systems are essential for providing people with information so they can take protective action in response to perils. Systems need to be human-centered, which requires an understanding of the context within which humans operate. Therefore, our research sought to understand the human context for Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) in Aotearoa New Zealand, a location where no comprehensive EEW system existed in 2019 when we did this study. We undertook a survey of people's previous experiences of earthquakes, their perceptions of the usefulness of a hypothetical EEW system, and their intended responses to a potential warning (for example, Drop, Cover, Hold (DCH), staying still, performing safety actions). Results showed little difference in perceived usefulness of an EEW system between those with and without earthquake experience, except for a weak relationship between perceived usefulness and if a respondent's family or friends had previously experienced injury, damage or loss from an earthquake. Previous earthquake experience was, however, associated with various intended responses to a warning. The more direct, or personally relevant a person's experiences were, the more likely they were to intend to take a useful action on receipt of an EEW. Again, the type of experience which showed the largest difference was having had a family member or friend experience injury, damage or loss. Experience of participation in training, exercises or drills did not seem to prompt the correct intended actions for earthquake warnings; however, given the hypothetical nature of the study, it is possible people did not associate their participation in drills, for example, with a potential action that could be taken on receipt of an EEW. Our analysis of regional differences highlighted that intentions to mentally prepare on receipt of a warning were significantly higher for Canterbury region participants, most likely related to strong shaking and subsequent impacts experienced during the 2010–11 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. Our research reinforces that previous experience can influence earthquake-related perceptions and behaviors, but in different ways depending on the context. Public communication and interventions for EEW could take into consideration different levels and types of experiences of the audience for greater success in response.
The role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Lau Clement , Elshibly Mohamed M. M. , Kanagala Prathap , Khoo Jeffrey P. , Arnold Jayanth Ranjit , Hothi Sandeep Singh
Published: July 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current classifications of HF categorize patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or greater as HF with preserved ejection fraction or HFpEF. Echocardiography is the first line imaging modality in assessing diastolic function given its practicality, low cost and the utilization of Doppler imaging. However, the last decade has seen cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) emerge as a valuable test for the sometimes challenging diagnosis of HFpEF. The unique ability of CMR for myocardial tissue characterization coupled with high resolution imaging provides additional information to echocardiography that may help in phenotyping HFpEF and provide prognostication for patients with HF. The precision and accuracy of CMR underlies its use in clinical trials for the assessment of novel and repurposed drugs in HFpEF. Importantly, CMR has powerful diagnostic utility in differentiating acquired and inherited heart muscle diseases presenting as HFpEF such as Fabry disease and amyloidosis with specific treatment options to reverse or halt disease progression. This state of the art review will outline established CMR techniques such as transmitral velocities and strain imaging of the left ventricle and left atrium in assessing diastolic function and their clinical application to HFpEF. Furthermore, it will include a discussion on novel methods and future developments such as stress CMR and MR spectroscopy to assess myocardial energetics, which show promise in unraveling the mechanisms behind HFpEF that may provide targets for much needed therapeutic interventions.
Prevalence of a History of Metabolic or Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorder in Patients With Myocardial Infarction and Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Pustjens Tobias F. S. , Vranken Nousjka P. A. , Jansen Gwyneth , Winkler Patty J. C. , Stein Mera , Hoebers Loes , Kietselaer Bas , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Rasoul Saman , Ghossein-Doha Chahinda , van 't Hof Arnoud W. J.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) predominantly affects younger females. Women with a history of gestational hypertension (GH), preeclampsia (PE), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are subjected to an elevated lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. However, data on the potential association between these obstetric complications and MINOCA is lacking. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide insight in the prevalence of metabolic and hypertensive pregnancy disorders (MHPD) in MINOCA patients and their clinical characteristics.

Methods

In this observational cohort study conducted at the Zuyderland Medical Center and Maastricht University Medical Center in the Netherlands, patients were enrolled if they were identified as having MINOCA. Data on individual patient characteristics, laboratory results, electrocardiography as well as (non-)invasive imaging procedures were derived from the electronic health record system. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire about prior MHPD including GDM, GH, and PE. Patients were grouped into those with MHPD and those with prior uncomplicated normotensive pregnancy (or pregnancies; NP).

Results

After excluding patients without 1-year follow-up (n = 53), 86 female MINOCA patients remained eligible for analysis. Of the total female population, 25 (29.1%) patients had MHPD, including GH (n = 19; 22.1%), PE (n = 4; 4.7%), and GDM (n = 7; 8.1%). The MHPD patients showed higher rates of chronic hypertension (84.0 vs. 55.7%; p = 0.013), hypercholesterolemia (64.0 vs. 34.4%; p = 0.012), a family history of CVD (84.0 vs. 45.9%; p = 0.001), gout or rheumatic arthritis (16.0 vs. 1.6%; p = 0.024), and were more often non-smokers (45.8 vs. 78.3%; p = 0.004), compared to the NP patients. Moreover, MHPD patients were more likely to use cardiovascular medications at baseline. A trend toward no specific cause found for the MINOCA event was observed in MHPD patients compared to the NP group (64.0 vs. 42.6%, p = 0.072).

Conclusion

A history of metabolic and hypertensive pregnancy disorders occurred in one-third of female MINOCA patients. In these patients, conventional cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent compared to NP patients. In most MHPD patients, the specific cause for MINOCA remained unclear.
Successful ventricular tachycardia radioablation in a patient with previous chemical pleurodesis: A case report
Authors: Pavone Chiara , Scacciavillani Roberto , Narducci Maria Lucia , Cellini Francesco , Pelargonio Gemma , Bencardino Gianluigi , Perna Francesco , Spera Francesco , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Sanna Tommaso , Valentini Vincenzo , Crea Filippo
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is a novel technique for the ablation of ventricular tachycardia in patients with contraindications to standard procedures, i.e., radiofrequency ablation.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 73-year-old man with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and recurrent VT episodes. Electroanatomic mapping showed VT prevalently of epicardial origin, but direct epicardial access through subxyphoid puncture could not be performed due to pleuropericardial adhesions from a past history of chemical pleurodesis. STAR was performed, with no VT recurrence at 6 months follow-up.

Conclusions

Previous experiences with STAR have demonstrated its importance in the management of patients with refractory VT in whom other ablation strategies were not successful. Our case report highlights the use of STAR as a second choice in a patient with an unfavorable VT anatomical location and technical limitations to an optimal radiofrequency ablation. Moreover, it confirms STAR's effectiveness in the ablation of complex transmural lesions, which are more often associated with non-ischemic structural heart disease.
Nanobodies: COVID-19 and Future Perspectives
Authors: Valenzuela-Nieto Guillermo , Miranda-Chacon Zaray , Salinas-Rebolledo Constanza , Jara Ronald , Cuevas Alexei , Berking Anne , Rojas-Fernandez Alejandro
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has driven biotechnological developments to provide new and more effective tools for prophylaxis, diagnosis, and therapy. Historically, monoclonal antibodies have been valuable tools; however, the pandemic has shown some weaknesses, such as production limitations at a global scale. An alternative to conventional monoclonal antibodies are nanobodies, recombinant fragments of the variable region of single-domain antibodies derived mainly from the Camelidae family. Nanobodies have multiple characteristic benefits: they are small (15 KDa) and have remarkable refolding capability and unlimited possibilities for modifications due to their recombinant nature. Here, we review the application of nanobodies in diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Combining river replenishment and restrictions on groundwater pumping to achieve groundwater balance in the Juma River Plain, North China Plain
Authors: Cui Weizhe , Hao Qichen , Xiao Yong , Zhu Yuchen , Li Jianfeng , Yuanjing Zhang
Published: July 2022

In recent years, to alleviate the decline in groundwater levels, extensive restrictions on groundwater pumping have been implemented in the North China Plain (NCP). In September 2018, a large-scale ecological water replenishment project was executed involving 22 rivers and lakes. How to adjust the layout of reduction on groundwater pumping within the context of ecological water replenishment is a key issue to be addressed in the study of groundwater level recovery in the NCP. This study adopted the Juma River Plain in Baoding city as a case study, established a numerical model of river replenishment of groundwater, predicted groundwater level changes over the next 15 years (2021–2035) and quantitatively calculated the impact of river replenishment on groundwater levels. To achieve the goal of an overall groundwater balance by 2035, a suitable groundwater pumping restriction scenario was defined based on the impact of river replenishment on groundwater levels. The results indicated that by 2035, the relative rise in groundwater levels attributed to river replenishment and restrictions on groundwater pumping could reach 3.51 and 2.28 m, respectively. River replenishment significantly impacts groundwater levels, especially those near the river. Under the current groundwater exploitation conditions, river replenishment could ensure groundwater level recovery near the river, which accounts for 15% of the total study area. The goal of an overall groundwater balance by 2035 could be achieved if restrictions on groundwater pumping were superimposed, with an average annual reduction of 56 million m3. This study provides valuable insights into groundwater management across the NCP. The proposed methods are useful for the management of other depleted aquifers recharged via ecological water replenishment.
Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults: Background, Safety and Feasibility of an Ongoing Pilot Study With Intra-Lymphatic Injections of GAD-Alum and Oral Vitamin D
Authors: Björklund Anneli , Hals Ingrid K. , Grill Valdemar , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: July 2022

Background

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA) constitutes around 10% of all diabetes. Many LADA patients gradually lose their insulin secretion and progress to insulin dependency. In a recent trial BALAD (Behandling Av LADa) early insulin treatment compared with sitagliptin failed to preserve insulin secretion, which deteriorated in individuals displaying high levels of antibodies to GAD (GADA). These findings prompted us to evaluate a treatment that directly affects autoimmunity. Intra-lymphatic GAD-alum treatment has shown encouraging results in Type 1 diabetes patients. We therefore tested the feasibility of such therapy in LADA-patients (the GADinLADA pilot study).

Material and Methods

Fourteen GADA-positive (>190 RU/ml), insulin-independent patients 30-70 years old, with LADA diagnosed within < 36 months were included in an open-label feasibility trial. They received an intra-nodal injection of 4 μg GAD-alum at Day 1, 30 and 60 plus oral Vitamin D 2000 U/d from screening 30 days before (Day -30) for 4 months if the vitamin D serum levels were below 100 nmol/L (40 ng/ml). Primary objective is to evaluate safety and feasibility. Mixed Meal Tolerance Test and i.v. Glucagon Stimulation Test at baseline and after 5 and 12 months are used for estimation of beta cell function. Results will be compared with those of the recent BALAD study with comparable patient population. Immunological response is followed.

Results

Preliminary results show feasibility and safety, with almost stable beta cell function and metabolic control during follow-up so far (5 months).

Conclusions

Intra-lymphatic GAD-alum treatment is an option to preserve beta cell function in LADA-patients. An ongoing trial in 14 LADA-patients show feasibility and safety. Clinical and immunological responses will determine how to proceed with future trials.
HemoglobinA1c Is a Risk Factor for Changes of Bone Mineral Density: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Ji Xiaoxiao , Hong Jianqiao , Qu Zihao , Yang Weinan , Wang Yibo , Lin Jiyan , Li Congsun , Wang Jie , Mou Haochen , Shi Mingmin , Zhou Chenhe , Wang Wei , Lin Changjian , Yan Shigui , Wu Haobo
Published: July 2022

Background

As a valuable blood glucose measurement, HemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) is of great clinical value for diabetes. However, in previous observational studies, studies on its effect on bone mineral density (BMD) have different results. This study aimed to use Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the effect of HbA1c on bone mineral density and fracture risk, and try to further explore whether this association was achieved through glycemic or non-glycemic factors.

Methods

Take HbA1c measurement as exposure, and BMD estimated from quantitative heel ultrasounds (eBMD) and bone fractures as outcomes. Two-Sample MR Analysis was conducted to assess the causal effect of HbA1C on heel BMD and risk fracture. Then, we performed the analysis using two subsets of these variants, one related to glycemic measurement and the other to erythrocyte indices.

Results

Genetically increased HbA1C was associated with the lower heel eBMD [odds ratio (OR) 0.91 (95% CI 0.87, 0.96) per %-unit, P = 3 × 10−4(IVW)]. Higher HbA1C was associated with lower heel eBMD when using only erythrocytic variants [OR 0.87 (0.82, 0.93), P=2× 10−5(IVW)]; However, when using only glycemic variants, this casual association does not hold. In further MR analysis, we test the association of erythrocytic traits with heel eBMD.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the significant causal effect of HbA1c on eBMD, and this causal link might achieve through non-glycemic pathways (erythrocytic indices).
Proposal of a turbulent Prandtl number model for Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach on the modeling of turbulent heat transfer of low-Prandtl number liquid metal
Authors: Huang Xi , Pang Bo , Chai Xiang , Yin Yuan
Published: July 2022

Because of their high molecular heat conductivity, low-Prandtl number liquid metal is a promising candidate coolant for various designs of advanced nuclear systems such as liquid metal–cooled fast reactors and accelerator-driven sub-critical system (ADS). With the fast-growing computational capacity, more and more attention has been paid to applying computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods in thermal design and safety assessment of such systems for a detailed analysis of three-dimensional thermal–hydraulic behaviors. However, numerical modeling of turbulent heat transfer for low-Prandtl number liquid metal remains a challenging task. Numerical approaches such as wall-resolved large eddy simulation (LES) or direct numerical simulation (DNS), which can provide detailed insight into the physics of the liquid metal flow and the associated heat transfer, were widely applied to investigate the turbulent heat transfer phenomenon. However, these approaches suffer from the enormous computational consumption and are hence limited only to simple geometrical configurations with low to moderate Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approach associated with a turbulent Prandtl number Prt accounting for the turbulent heat flux based on Reynolds analogy is still, at least in the current state in most of the circumstances, the only feasible approach for practical engineering applications. However, the conventional choice of Prt in the order of 0.9∼unity in many commercial computational fluid dynamics codes is not valid for the low-Prandtl number liquid metal. In this study, LES/DNS simulation results of a simple forced turbulent channel flow up to a friction Reynolds number Reτ of 2000 at Pr of 0.01 and 0.025 were used as references, to which the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach with varying Prt was compared. It was found that the appropriate Prt for the RANS approach decreases with bulk Peclet number Peb and approaches a constant value of 1.5 when Peb becomes larger than 2000. Based on this calibrated relation with Peb, a new model for Prt used in the RANS approach was proposed. Validation of the proposed model was carried out with available LES/DNS results on the local temperature profile in the concentric annulus and bare rod bundle, as well as with experimental correlations on the Nusselt number in a circular tube and bare rod bundle.
A Comparison of Biophysical Conditions Between Sundanese Migrant and Non-Migrant Pekarangans in Indonesia
Authors: Ali Muhammad Saddam , Arifin Hadi Susilo , Arifin Nurhayati , Astawan Made
Published: July 2022

Pekarangan is a typical Indonesian home garden. This article aimed to look at biophysical conditions of pekarangan between Sundanese migrants and non-migrants. A total of 40 pekarangans in Selajambe and Ciomas Rahayu villages, West Java, were chosen as representative locations for the Sundanese non-migrant population (native Sundanese), and 40 pekarangans in Tegal Yoso and Tanjung Kesuma villages, Lampung, were chosen as representatives of the Sundanese migrant population. Research has been carried out in the period 2019–2021. To measure the biophysical conditions of pekarangans, we analyzed the pekarangan area, pekarangan size, number of species and individual of pekarangan plants, vertical diversity and horizontal diversity of plants, and the relationship between the pekarangan area and number of species and individual plants. The results showed that the difference in conditions of the pekarangan was indicated by the difference in the area and size but not by the diversity of the plants. Both types of pekarangans have the same level of diversity, as indicated by the number of individual plants that are almost the same in number per 100 m2. In addition, a strong and positive correlation (0.69–0.88) between the area of pekarangan and the number of individual plants indicated that the small to medium size or large pekarangan sizes had almost the same diversity of plants. The difference lied in the type of plant that is cultivated. Migrant pekarangans are dominant in cultivating food crops, while non-migrant pekarangans are dominant in cultivating ornamental plants. The selection of plants that have important and valuable functions can be a solution in maintaining the area of the pekarangan. Choosing plants with a variety of functions can be an option for a small to medium pekarangan size. To improve the biophysical conditions of the pekarangan was also inseparable from the involvement of economic, social, and cultural aspects in the pekarangan.
Characteristics and Pollution Contribution of the Internal Nitrogen Release From the Sediments in the Dahekou Reservoir in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Lu Junping , Liu Tingxi , Shi Xiao Hong , Sun Biao , Zhao Shengnan
Published: July 2022

To clarify the influence of the changes in the overlying water environment on the internal nitrogen release from reservoir sediments in different seasons, the quantitative linear relationship between the intensity of the nitrogen release from the sediment and the environmental factors of the overlying water was established, and their contribution rate to the nitrogen pollution of the reservoir during different storage periods was investigated. In this study, the sediment samples were collected from the Dahekou Reservoir in the Xilingol League, and the orthogonal simulation experiments were conducted in the laboratory. The mathematical model, which was established using multiple linear regression methods, revealed the following. The order of the significance of the influences of the environmental factors on the nitrogen release from the sediments in the Dahekou Reservoir is water temperature (T) > dissolved oxygen (DO) > pH value > hydrodynamic force (K). The total nitrogen release flux from the sediments in the Dahekou Reservoir was 14.278 t/a in 2018, accounting for 27.91% of the total nitrogen (TN) pollution load input during the same period. In particular, in winter, the contribution rate of the nitrogen released from the sediments reached the highest level (57.06–63.26%), which was significantly higher than the river’s contribution to the total nitrogen pollution load of the reservoir. The nitrogen released from the sediments became the main source of nitrogen nutrients in the reservoir in the ice-sealed period.
Characteristic analysis of lightning activities on the Yungui Plateau using ground-based remote sensing
Authors: Liu Yinping , Jiang Yuhui , Gao Qisen , Shi Zheng , Jiang Zhuyi , Hu Jiarui
Published: July 2022

The spatiotemporal distribution of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning activities on the Yungui Plateau is investigated in this study by using a 5-year dataset (2016–2020) from the ground-based National Lightning Detection Network (CNLDN). The correlations between the lightning activities and different meteorological factors in the region are also analyzed. The results show that there is an obvious difference in the spatial distribution of lightning activities on the Yungui Plateau during the 5 years, with high lightning density in the east and low lightning density in the west. The lightning activities shift and gather more towards the eastern plateau especially after 2019. Affected by the quasi-stationary front in Kunming, the spatial distributions of lightning flashes in cold and warm seasons are different. On the other hand, the frequency of the lightning activities varies from year to year, such as the surge in 2019. But in general, 62% of the lightning activities are produced in summer and the lightning flashes occur more often in the afternoon and evening on the Yungui Plateau. Additionally, it is found that lightning activities in the 5 years are closely related to precipitation and temperature, while there is a weak correlation with relative humidity and almost no correlation with sensible heat flux. The analysis also indicates that the CAPE×P (convective available potential energy times precipitation rate) proxy can be effectively used to describe and predict lightning activities on the Yungui Plateau as the lightning flashes corresponds well to CAPE×P, especially of the spatial distribution.
The Oldest Fossils From China Provide the Most Direct Evidence for the Ancestral State of Fossula Spongiosa and Stridulitrum of Reduviidae
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Liu Yingqi , Ren Dong , Yao Yunzhi
Published: July 2022

This study describes a new genus Simplicivenius gen. nov. of Reduviinae with two new species, Simplicivenius tuberculosus sp. nov. and Simplicivenius rectidorsius sp. nov. from the Yixian Formation in northeastern China. The diagnosis of the genus includes the width of the scutellum about 2/3 of the width of the pronotum and the absence of longitudinal veins around the exterior cell of the membrane. This is the oldest fossil record of Reduviinae and indeed Reduviidae at present, dating back to the Early Cretaceous. This implies that Reduviinae existed before the Late Cretaceous biological mass extinction, hinting that Reduviinae may be a basal taxon within the Higher Reduviidae. Moreover, the fossils prove the correctness of the previous speculations on the ancestral state of the stridulitrum and the fossula spongiosa of the assassin bugs. The fossula spongiosa on the mid leg and fore leg are subequal in size and both occupy 1/3 of the tibia is considered the primitive type of fossula spongiosa.
New Hope for Genome Editing in Cultivated Grasses: CRISPR Variants and Application
Authors: Riaz Asad , Kanwal Farah , Ahmad Iqrar , Ahmad Shakeel , Farooq Ayesha , Madsen Claus Krogh , Brinch-Pedersen Henrik , Bekalu Zelalem Eshetu , Dai Fei , Zhang Guoping , Alqudah Ahmad M.
Published: July 2022

With the advent of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) mediated genome editing, crop improvement has progressed significantly in recent years. In this genome editing tool, CRISPR-associated Cas nucleases are restricted to their target of DNA by their preferred protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs). A number of CRISPR-Cas variants have been developed e.g. CRISPR-Cas9, -Cas12a and -Cas12b, with different PAM requirements. In this mini-review, we briefly explain the components of the CRISPR-based genome editing tool for crop improvement. Moreover, we intend to highlight the information on the latest development and breakthrough in CRISPR technology, with a focus on a comparison of major variants (CRISPR-Cas9, -Cas12a, and -Cas12b) to the newly developed CRISPR-SpRY that have nearly PAM-less genome editing ability. Additionally, we briefly explain the application of CRISPR technology in the improvement of cultivated grasses with regard to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance as well as improving the quality and yield.