bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standard Distance Detector Tool for TV users based on Fuzzy Decision Tree
Authors: Iswanto  , Maharani Raharja Nia
Published: May 2020

Eye health is a very important thing, so it is fitting that we take good care of it. With the frequent viewing of television programs, we should be able to maintain eye health from the effects of light released by a TV tube that can make our eyes tired quickly which can interfere with daily activities. This standard distance detector device based on microcontroller TV users is designed and uses ultrasonic sensors and PIR sensors as detectors, so that it can anticipate fatigue in the eye due to television viewing distance that is too close. The design of this tool uses the literature study method, by conducting library research to obtain a theoretical foundation from supporting books, internet, articles, journals and exchanging ideas with people who are experienced in the field of electronics. The results of the design of a Standard Distance Detector Microcontroller-based TV Users are devices that can measure and detect safe distances for the eyes in watching television activities, based on the size of television resolution. With the security of using electronic equipment that has been designed, so that in its implementation can minimize cases of damage to eye health in the general public as a whole.
Inventory Optimization in the Cigarette Industry
Authors: Siregar I , Rizkya I , Sari Rahmi M , Syahputri Khalida
Published: May 2020

The increasing cigarette industry makes cigarette-producing companies continue to make improvements in inventory planning determination continuously in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the company. The company sets the number of production based on a rough estimate of consumer demand in previous periods. This causes an imbalance between the company’s production capacity and the number of demands for consumers. A large accumulation of inventory causes a high carrying cost. The incompatibility in the number of demands with the quantity produced results in the emergence of the other costs so that the company loses the opportunity to get maximum profit. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse the inventory quantity to reduce carrying costs. The company optimizes the inventory quantity based on the concept of the Economic Order Quantity using the quantity of safety stock as a minimum inventory point so that the company can plan the production number in the next periods. The results showed that with the proposed inventory system a total cost savings carrying cost of IDR 722.795.625 obtained.
Seismic micro-zonation framework for earthquake risk in Medan-North Sumatera Indonesia using geotechnical engineering survey
Authors: Rahayu Teguh , Mulya Miswar Budi , Ainun Ayun Ria , Sinambela Marzuki
Published: May 2020

The micro zonation is very essential to identify the tectonic and geological formation in the study area, and still fundamental for determining the seismic source and establishing a realistic earthquake hazard model. Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fires, it is constantly at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, and the eruption of volcanic. In this case, we focused to review the previous study of micro zonation in Indonesia and making the framework of micro-zonation for earthquake risk in Medan-North Sumatra, Indonesia. The goal of this study to illustrate the diversity of methodologies presently in use for the preparation of seismic hazard maps and to evaluate basic principles of zonation for different purposes and at different scales in new planning in Medan, North Sumatera. We select the micro zonation methods and looking for the opportunity for planning the micro zonation based on the literature review. The result of this review, the plan and framework of micro zonation in Medan, North Sumatera will be important and needed for mapping the seismic hazards. The output of seismic micro-zonation map based on the geotechnical engineering survey with the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Spatial Auto Correlation (SPAC) and Horizontal to Vertical Ratio (HVSR) for dominant period.
Analysis of Raw Mill Machines Maintenance in Cement Industry
Authors: Sari R M , Syahputri K , Rizkya I , Nadhirah N
Published: May 2020

Cement processing plan is a state-owned enterprise engaged in the cement industry. The problem that this factory has is such as frequent damage to the engine. The machines used in cement production at the factory include raw mill machines, kiln machines, and cement mill machines. The more often a machine is damaged, the average time between failures of a machine is lower. So that it can cause the production process is hampered. In this study, the engine studied was the Raw Mill machine at plant. The raw mill machine functions as a main material grinder in the initial milling process such as limestone, silica stone, clay, and iron sand to become raw mix. To find out the frequency of damage to the machine or the time interval between damage to the tool (MTBF) and the length of time used to repair the tool (MTTR), the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) method is used to perform maintenance by optimizing the effectiveness of the equipment and reducing / eliminating sudden damage (breakdown) by first identifying and then the cause of the problem is identified using fish bone analysis and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
The Feasibility Study of Palm Oil Replanting Using Chipping Technique
Authors: Ritonga Candra E. , Wibowo Rulianda P. , Lubis Satia N.
Published: May 2020

This study aims to determine the feasibility of palm oil replanting using the chipping technique. The data were obtained through interview, observation and secondary data collection. The study is using NPV, Net B / C, IRR, Payback Period and sensitivity analysis for data analysis. The results indicate that the palm oil replanting using chipping technique is financially feasible to run. The results of the feasibility analysis show that the chipping technique generate financial benefits of Rp. 24,241,138 / ha per planting period with Net B/C ratio at 1.5. The payback period is 10 years and 7 months. This study also indicates that loan interest greater than 12.98% will not be feasible for palm oil plantation. The sensitivity analysis shows that the change in productivity has greater impact on profitability compared to the change in cost. Thus, palm oil plantation should focus on maintaining high level of crop productivity.
Design of Hydrogen Fuel Supply Chain Distribution Network from The Potency of Fresh Fruit Empty Bunches
Authors: Sari R M , Rizkya I , Nur T B , Syahputri K , Syahputra W A , Nouvan R
Published: May 2020

In Indonesia, the production of biomass is wasted because it is considered as “waste” that has no use anymore such as bagasse, rice grain skin, corn cob, and oil palm waste. Oil palm empty bunches have C and H chemical bonds, where most of the materials with chains C and H store heat energy so that hydrogen can be obtained as fuel. Process to convert a biomass into hydrogen is by gasification and pyrolysis. The purpose in this research is to design the distribution network from the potential fresh fruit empty bunches. The hydrogen produced is only 0.469% of the available potential and is similar to the existing of the used empty bunches potential. Selection of factory location is based on 4 criteria. From the criteria, obtained Labuhan Batu District as the best regencies in North Sumatra. Potential plantations can supply as much as 6,390,423,000 kgs with the ability of oil palm factory distribution of 1,469,797,290 kgs.
Prediction of Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget using Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)
Authors: Rahmat R F , Syaputra A H , Faza S , Arisandi D
Published: May 2020

The Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD in Indonesia) is a financial plan stipulated by Regional Regulations. The APBD of the North Sumatra Provincial Government is the reflection of development direction in the Province of North Sumatra since it would not be possible to execute the regional development process without being supported by adequate cash. Therefore, this study aims to predict the APBD allocation in 5 types of accounts, namely Regional Original Revenues, Balancing Funds, Other Legal Regional Revenues, Indirect Expenditures, and Direct Expenditures using time series data from 2002 to 2019. The proposed method in this study is Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average, which is a forecasting method using the time series data in the form of current and past data of the APBD. The results showed that the forecasting of the 2020 APBD value for the Regional Original Revenue account is IDR 6,989,217 Million, for the Balance Fund account is worth IDR 8045.259 Million, for Other Legitimate Income is at IDR 317,546 Million, for Indirect Shopping is worth IDR 9,308,607 Million and for Direct Shopping at IDR 5,495,597 Million.
TNFα and Reactive Oxygen Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypertension and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Lamb Fred S , Choi Hyehun , Miller Michael R , Stark Ryan J
Published: May 2020

Hypertension and atherosclerosis, the predecessors of stroke and myocardial infarction, are chronic vascular inflammatory reactions. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), the “master” proinflammatory cytokine, contributes to both the initiation and maintenance of vascular inflammation. TNFα induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production which drives the redox reactions that constitute “ROS signaling.” However, these ROS may also cause oxidative stress which contributes to vascular dysfunction. Mice lacking TNFα or its receptors are protected against both acute and chronic cardiovascular injury. Humans suffering from TNFα-driven inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis are at increased cardiovascular risk. When treated with highly specific biologic agents that target TNFα signaling (Etanercept, etc.) they display marked reductions in that risk. The ability of TNFα to induce endothelial dysfunction, often the first step in a progression toward serious vasculopathy, is well recognized and has been reviewed elsewhere. However, TNFα also has profound effects on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) including a fundamental change from a contractile to a secretory phenotype. This “phenotypic switching” promotes proliferation and production of extracellular matrix proteins which are associated with medial hypertrophy. Additionally, it promotes lipid storage and enhanced motility, changes that support the contribution of VSMCs to neointima and atherosclerotic plaque formation. This review focuses on the role of TNFα in driving the inflammatory changes in VSMC biology that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Special attention is given to the mechanisms by which TNFα promotes ROS production at specific subcellular locations, and the contribution of these ROS to TNFα signaling.
Epidemiological data analysis of viral quasispecies in the next-generation sequencing era
Authors: Knyazev Sergey , Hughes Lauren , Skums Pavel , Zelikovsky Alexander
Published: May 2020

The unprecedented coverage offered by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has facilitated the assessment of the population complexity of intra-host RNA viral populations at an unprecedented level of detail. Consequently, analysis of NGS datasets could be used to extract and infer crucial epidemiological and biomedical information on the levels of both infected individuals and susceptible populations, thus enabling the development of more effective prevention strategies and antiviral therapeutics. Such information includes drug resistance, infection stage, transmission clusters and structures of transmission networks. However, NGS data require sophisticated analysis dealing with millions of error-prone short reads per patient. Prior to the NGS era, epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses were geared toward Sanger sequencing technology; now, they must be redesigned to handle the large-scale NGS datasets and properly model the evolution of heterogeneous rapidly mutating viral populations. Additionally, dedicated epidemiological surveillance systems require big data analytics to handle millions of reads obtained from thousands of patients for rapid outbreak investigation and management. We survey bioinformatics tools analyzing NGS data for (i) characterization of intra-host viral population complexity including single nucleotide variant and haplotype calling; (ii) downstream epidemiological analysis and inference of drug-resistant mutations, age of infection and linkage between patients; and (iii) data collection and analytics in surveillance systems for fast response and control of outbreaks.
The Noongar of south-western Australia: a case study of long-term biodiversity conservation in a matrix of old and young landscapes
Authors: Lullfitz Alison , Pettersen Carol , Reynolds Ron (Doc) , Eades Aden , Dean Averil , Knapp Lynette , Woods Eliza , Woods Treasy , Eades Eugene , Yorkshire-Selby Gail , Woods Steven , Dortch Joe , Guilfoyle David , Hopper Stephen D
Published: May 2020

Occurring across all southern hemisphere continents except Antarctica, old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs) are centres of biological richness, often in biodiversity hotspots. Among a matrix of young, often disturbed, fertile landscapes (YODFELs), OCBILs are centres of endemism and diversity in the exceptionally rich flora of the south-west Australian global biodiversity hotspot, home to Noongar peoples for ≥ 48 000 years. We analysed contemporary traditional Noongar knowledge of adjacent OCBILs (e.g. granite outcrops) and YODFELs (e.g. creekline fringes) both at a single site and in two larger areas to test whether patterns of disturbance dictated by Noongar custom align with OCBIL theory. We found that Noongar traditional knowledge reflects a regime of concentrated YODFEL rather than OCBIL disturbance—a pattern which aligns with maximal biodiversity preservation. SIMPER testing found traditional Noongar OCBIL and YODFEL activities are 64–75% dissimilar, whereas Pearson’s chi-square tests revealed camping, burning, travelling through country and hunting as primarily YODFEL rather than OCBIL activities. We found that Noongar activities usually avoid OCBIL disturbance. This combined with high floristic diversity following enduring First Peoples’ presence, suggests that traditional Noongar knowledge is valuable and necessary for south-west Australian biodiversity conservation. Similar cultural investigations in other OCBIL-dominated global biodiversity hotspots may prove profitable.
The role of team science in the future of male contraception†
Authors: Vahdat Heather L , Shane Kevin , Nickels Logan M
Published: May 2020

Efforts to develop a male contraceptive method beyond condoms and vasectomy have been on-going for nearly 70 years. During this time, there have been ebbs and modest flows of resources available to support product development, but not at a level sufficient to carry research efforts through to market. The small community of researchers that have continued to pursue the development of male contraceptives is comprised of dedicated scientists who have a great deal of knowledge and experience to offer. While collaboration has been an organic outcome of limited resources, competing research objectives and geographically diverse locations have made consistent and sustained progress challenging, particularly for those working in the earliest stages of developing nonhormonal, reversible male contraceptive methods. While the past decade has seen an increase in funding to the field, the levels are still modest when placed in the context of actual costs to bring products to market. In addition, there are challenges still to be identified given that there is no regulatory precedent for these products. These challenges present an excellent use case for the application of design-thinking or human centered design, as a means of generating novel solutions. By engaging those with deep technical expertise in the field of male contraception as well as thought leaders from other fields of practice, design-thinking offers an opportunity to identify potential strategies, including nontraditional approaches, capable of driving the product development process forward, in a faster and more efficient manner.
Key Principles for Managing Recovery of Kelp Forests through Restoration
Authors: Morris Rebecca L , Hale Robin , Strain Elisabeth M A , Reeves Simon E , Vergés Adriana , Marzinelli Ezequiel M , Layton Cayne , Shelamoff Victor , Graham Tristan D J , Chevalier Mathilde , Swearer Stephen E
Published: May 2020

There is increasing interest in mitigating the loss of kelp forests through restoration, but this has received scant attention relative to other coastal habitats. We evaluate current knowledge centered on key restoration principles to provide guidelines for best practice in kelp restoration. The cause and scale of degradation is fundamental in determining if kelp can be restored and the methods required to promote reestablishment. Removal of stressors may be adequate to achieve restoration goals where degradation is not too widespread or acute. Extensive losses of kelp forests will often require active reseeding of areas because of the low dispersal ability of many kelp species. Restoration efforts have generally taken a trial-and-error approach at experimental scales to develop techniques for establishing individuals. Furthermore, studies that inform cost–benefit analysis and the appropriate spatial scales for restoration of sustainable kelp forests are urgently needed for prioritizing and scaling up restoration efforts globally.
Synchronous UPLC Resolution of Aceclofenac and Diacerin in Their Powdered Forms and Matrix Formulation: Stability Study
Authors: Abd El-Rahman Mohamed K , Ahmed Dina A , Weshahy Soheir A , Lotfy Hayam M
Published: May 2020

Accurate, rapid and selective reversed phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography method with UV detection has been established and validated for the synchronous determination of aceclofenac (ACE) and diacerin (DIA) in the occurrence of diclofenac sodium and rhein, their main degradation products, respectively. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using Inertsil C-18 column (50 × 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7 μm particle size) in isocratic mode, with mobile phase consisting of 20 mM ammonium acetate buffer:acetonitrile in the ratio of 42:58 (v/v), pH adjusted to 3.00 by using 10% acetic acid, the flow rate of 0.25 mL/min and UV detection was performed at 265 nm. The retention times were 2.00 +/− 0.24, 2.69 +/− 0.19, 4.00 +/− 0.23 and 5.24 +/− 0.25 min for DIA, rhein, ACE and diclofenac sodium, respectively. Excellent linearity was shown over a range of 1.0–150.0 μg/mL and 0.5–87.5 μg/mL with mean percentage recoveries of 98.87 ± 1.19 and 98.84 ± 1.08 for ACE and DIA, respectively. Parameters of precision and accuracy of the method meet the established criteria. The obtained RSD values were quite low and indicate good reproducibility of the method. Thus, the developed method can be used for the combined dosage form analysis and its chemical stability studies.
Artificial Bee Colony–Based Feature Selection Algorithm for Cyberbullying
Authors: Sarac Essiz Esra , Oturakci Murat
Published: May 2020

As a nature-inspired algorithm, artificial bee colony (ABC) is an optimization algorithm that is inspired by the search behaviour of honey bees. The main aim of this study is to examine the effects of the ABC-based feature selection algorithm on classification performance for cyberbullying, which has become a significant worldwide social issue in recent years. With this purpose, the classification performance of the proposed ABC-based feature selection method is compared with three different traditional methods such as information gain, ReliefF and chi square. Experimental results present that ABC-based feature selection method outperforms than three traditional methods for the detection of cyberbullying. The Macro averaged F_measure of the data set is increased from 0.659 to 0.8 using proposed ABC-based feature selection method.
Determining Exact Solutions for Structural Parameters on Hierarchical Networks With Density Feature
Authors: Ma Fei , Wang Ping
Published: May 2020

The problem of determining closed-form solutions for some structural parameters of great interest on networked models is meaningful and intriguing. In this paper, we propose a family of networked models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ with hierarchical structure where $t$ represents time step and $n$ is copy number. And then, we study some structural parameters on the proposed models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ in more detail. The results show that (i) models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ follow power-law distribution with exponent $2$ and thus exhibit density feature; (ii) models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ have both higher clustering coefficients and an ultra-small diameter and so display small-world property; and (iii) models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ possess rich mixing structure because Pearson-correlated coefficients undergo phase transitions unseen in previously published networked models. In addition, we also consider trapping problem on networked models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ and then precisely derive a solution for average trapping time $ATT$. More importantly, the analytic value for $ATT$ can be approximately equal to the theoretical lower bound in the large graph size limit, implying that models $\mathcal{G}_{n}(t)$ are capable of having most optimal trapping efficiency. As a result, we also derive exact solution for another significant parameter, Kemeny’s constant. Furthermore, we conduct extensive simulations that are in perfect agreement with all the theoretical deductions.
Bisonic Mechanical Wing Songs and Complex Kinematics in Aerial Displays of the Subtropical Doradito (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis)
Authors: Jordan Emilio A , Areta Juan I
Published: May 2020

Synopsis

Loud mechanical sounds with a communication role are called sonations. Male Subtropical Doraditos (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) exhibit five conspicuously modified primaries suspected of sonating. Here we (1) describe feather modifications, (2) describe three different territorial/aggressive contexts for these sounds: one-perch aerial displays (1PADs), two-PADs, and Chukrut pursuits, (3) investigate the kinematics of the most common display (1PADs) and the physical mechanisms of sonation using synchronized high-speed video and audio, and (4) assess the roles of modified wing feathers in all contexts by experimental manipulation in four individuals. Primaries p3–p7 were modified in adult males but not in females: p3 was pointed with a reduced distal third to the outer vane; p4 and p5 were slim and falciform with pointed tips curved outwards; p6 was broad, massive, and subtly S-shaped, with a spatulate tip; and p7 was large with the distal third of the outer vane abruptly reduced, and the inner vane with a shallow concave sub-apical emargination. One-PADs consisted of perched short nasal introductory syllables accelerating until the bird performed a super-rapid circular flight of ∽15 cm in diameter from and to the same branch, during which two syringeal syllables and three mechanical syllables were given (chik… chik…. chik-chik frrrottt). The syllables were produced during rapid downstrokes by fluttering feathers and were bisonic, being conformed by two simultaneous main tonal, flat, narrow band sounds: a low-pitched note (f0 ∽1 kHz) and a high-pitched note (f0 ∽3.7 kHz). Primary p7 is the necessary and sufficient sound source of the low-pitched note (removal of p7 caused the sound to disappear) and p3 is the sound source of the high-pitched note, being necessary but perhaps not sufficient (removal of p3 caused the sound to disappear); the other modified feathers seem involved in different roles related to either producing the sonation (p4 and p5 interacting with p3) or allowing it (p6 raising dorsally letting p7 flutter freely; removal of p6 did not affect sound production). The specialized shape of p6 might be compromised to allow sonation of p7 without losing flight functionality. Sonations in Subtropical Doraditos occupy the position of the vocal flourish in the songs of other Pseudocolopteryx suggesting the evolutionary replacement of vocal by mechanical sounds. We propose that wing songs in flying birds may be constrained to occur in temporally broken patterns due to intrinsic features of flapped flight and structurally constrained by the demands of creating an airfoil.
Managing Burns During COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Saha Shivangi , Kumar Aditya , Dash Suvashis , Singhal Maneesh
Published: May 2020

The coronavirus disease pandemic has affected our practice as healthcare professionals. As burn surgeons, we are obliged to provide the best possible care to our patients. However, due to the risk of viral transmission, the goal should be to provide safe care to our patients as well as ensure the safety of the whole team providing burn care. The burn patients are usually debilitated and require a prolonged hospital stay and multiple operative procedures which put them and everyone involved in their care at increased risk of coronavirus infections and transmission. This warrants special caution to the burn team while managing such patients. In this review, we aim to highlight the key considerations for burn care teams while dealing with burn patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Novel Experimental Methods for the Investigation of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae
Authors: Gold Moritz , Binggeli Melanie , Kurt Fabienne , de Wouters Tomas , Reichlin Markus , Zurbrügg Christian , Mathys Alexander , Kreuzer Michael
Published: May 2020

Large-scale insect rearing for food and feed production can be improved by understanding diet digestion and host–microbe interactions. To examine these processes in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae, two protocols were developed. Protocol 1 describes a method to produce viable, sterile black soldier fly larvae and a gentle method for diet sterilization. Sterile black soldier fly larvae can be used to study the diverse role of microbes in larval development. Nutrient requirements of sterile black soldier fly larvae are met only through diet. Viable sterile black soldier fly larvae were consistently generated using a four-step treatment with alternating immersions of eggs for 2 min each in ethanol (70%) and sodium hypochlorite (0.6%), over two cycles. A nonthermal method of diet sterilization, namely high-energy electron beam (HEEB) treatment, was introduced. Subsequently, growth of sterile black soldier fly larvae was observed on the HEEB-treated diets (40, 60, and 40% of replicates with poultry feed, liver pie, and an artificial diet, respectively) but not on autoclaved diets. In Protocol 2, we propose a novel method to collect frass from individual larvae. We then measured the metabolites in frass, using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Results on metabolites confirmed the influence of digestion. For instance, succinate increased from 1 to 2 and 7 μmol/g sample from diet to gut homogenate and frass, respectively. The collection method is a promising tool to estimate the diet and nutrient requirements of black soldier fly larvae, thus increasing the performance and reliability of black soldier fly larvae rearing. We discuss in detail the possible applications and limitations of our methods in black soldier fly larvae research.
Dysregulation of the MMP/TIMP Proteolytic System in Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytomas in Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Modulation of MMP by MicroRNA-320d In Vitro
Authors: Bongaarts Anika , de Jong Jody M , Broekaart Diede W M , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Anink Jasper J , Mijnsbergen Caroline , Jansen Floor E , Spliet Wim G M , den Dunnen Wilfred F A , Gruber Victoria E , Scholl Theresa , Hainfellner Johannes A , Feucht Martha , Borkowska Julita , Kotulska Katarzyna , Jozwiak Sergiusz , Grajkowska Wieslawa , Buccoliero Anna Maria , Caporalini Chiara , Giordano Flavio , Genitori Lorenzo , Scicluna Brendon P , Schouten-van Meeteren Antoinette Y N , van Vliet Erwin A , Mühlebner Angelika , Mills James D , Aronica Eleonora
Published: May 2020

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, is characterized by the growth of hamartomas in several organs. This includes the growth of low-grade brain tumors, known as subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA). Previous studies have shown differential expression of genes related to the extracellular matrix in SEGA. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are responsible for remodeling the extracellular matrix and are associated with tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the MMP/TIMP proteolytic system in SEGA and the regulation of MMPs by microRNAs, which are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. We investigated the expression of MMPs and TIMPs using previously produced RNA-Sequencing data, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry in TSC-SEGA samples and controls. We found altered expression of several MMPs and TIMPs in SEGA compared to controls. We identified the lowly expressed miR-320d in SEGA as a potential regulator of MMPs, which can decrease MMP2 expression in human fetal astrocyte cultures. This study provides evidence of a dysregulated MMP/TIMP proteolytic system in SEGA of which MMP2 could be rescued by microRNA-320d. Therefore, further elucidating microRNA-mediated MMP regulation may provide insights into SEGA pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutic targets.
MEK Inhibition Suppresses Growth of Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumors
Authors: Shahab Shubin , Rubens Jeffrey , Kaur Harpreet , Sweeney Heather , Eberhart Charles G , Raabe Eric H
Published: May 2020

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid (AT/RT) tumors are the most common malignant brain tumor of infancy and have a poor prognosis. We have previously identified very high expression of LIN28A and/or LIN28B in AT/RT tumors and showed that AT/RT have corresponding increased expression of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. Binimetinib is a novel inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP2K1 or MEK), and is currently in pediatric phase II clinical trials for low-grade glioma. We hypothesized that binimetinib would inhibit growth of AT/RT cells by suppressing the MAP kinase pathway. Binimetinib inhibited AT/RT growth at nanomolar concentrations. Binimetinib decreased cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in AT/RT cells and significantly reduced AT/RT tumor growth in flank xenografts. Our data suggest that MAP kinase pathway inhibition could offer a potential avenue for treating these highly aggressive tumors.
Ventilated Upper Airway Endoscopic Endonasal Procedure Mask: Surgical Safety in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Helman Samuel N , Soriano Roberto M , Tomov Martin L , Serpooshan Vahid , Levy Joshua M , Pradilla Gustavo , Solares C Arturo
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 poses a risk to the endoscopic skull base surgeon. Significant efforts to improving safety have been employed, including the use of personal protective equipment, preoperative COVID-19 testing, and recently the use of a modified surgical mask barrier.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the risks of pathogen transmission during endoscopic skull base surgery.

METHODS

This study was exempt from Institutional Review Board approval. Our study utilizes a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed mask with an anterior aperture fitted with a surgical glove with ports designed to allow for surgical instrumentation and side ports to accommodate suction ventilation and an endotracheal tube. As an alternative, a modified laparoscopic surgery trocar served as a port for instruments, and, on the contralateral side, rubber tubing was used over the endoscrub endosheath to create an airtight seal. Surgical freedom and aerosolization were tested in both modalities.

RESULTS

The ventilated mask allowed for excellent surgical maneuverability and freedom. The trocar system was effective for posterior surgical procedures, allowing access to critical paramedian structures, and afforded a superior surgical seal, but was limited in terms of visualization and maneuverability during anterior approaches. Aerosolization was reduced using both the mask and nasal trocar.

CONCLUSION

The ventilated upper airway endoscopic procedure mask allows for a sealed surgical barrier during endoscopic skull base surgery and may play a critical role in advancing skull base surgery in the COVID-19 era. The nasal trocar may be a useful alternative in instances where 3D printing is not available. Additional studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.
Doctors in China Need More Power of Discourse
Authors: Si Yuhao
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 that developed in late 2019 and 2020 is a severe threat to human health. The tragedy of Dr Li Wenliang, the whistleblower, revealed a current status of doctors’ insufficient power of disclosure. Therefore, prompt and effective actions warrant to be taken by the government and public to improve Chinese doctors’ power of disclosure. A medical system based on the improved doctors’ power of disclosure is beneficial to disease prevention in an extended period.
Contesting Inequality: The Impact of Immigrant Legal Status and Education on Legal Knowledge and Claims-Making in Low-Wage Labor Markets
Authors: Patler Caitlin , Gleeson Shannon , Schonlau Matthias
Published: May 2020

Low-wage Latina/o workers are subject to an array of workplace abuses. This study focuses on whether educational attainment may moderate inequality in knowledge or claims-making across individuals with different legal statuses. This question is motivated by research which, while highlighting the role of education in promoting civic and political engagement, has not examined the interaction between education and legal status for worker claims-making. We draw from the 2008 Unregulated Work Survey, which is representative of the 1.64 million low-wage workers in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, three of the largest immigrant destinations in the United States. Using the Latina/o subsample, we test whether education impacts workers’ procedural knowledge of the claims process, as well as their actual claims-making behavior, across four categories of workers: U.S.-born citizens, naturalized citizens, documented noncitizens, and undocumented noncitizens. Our findings reveal that all noncitizens have lower levels of procedural knowledge about how to file a complaint with the government, compared to citizens, across educational levels. However, when it comes to claims-making, we find that education has significant positive impacts for noncitizen workers, especially the undocumented. Our results suggest that education may improve the workplace agency of even the most marginalized workers.
Liquid profiling in plants: identification and analysis of extracellular metabolites and miRNAs in pollination drops of Ginkgo biloba
Authors: Lu Zhaogeng , Jiang Bei , Zhao Beibei , Mao Xinyu , Lu Jinkai , Jin Biao , Wang Li
Published: May 2020

The pollination drop (PD), also known as an ovular secretion, is a critical feature of most wind-pollinated gymnosperms and function as an essential component of pollination systems. However, the metabolome and small RNAs of gymnosperm PDs are largely unknown. We employed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify a total of 101 metabolites in Ginkgo biloba L. PDs. The most abundant metabolites were sugars (45.70%), followed by organic acids (15.94%) and alcohols (15.39%) involved in carbohydrate metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism. Through pollen culture of the PDs, we further demonstrated that the metabolic components of PDs are indispensable for pollen germination and growth; in particular, organic acids and fatty acids play defensive roles against microbial activity. In addition, we successfully constructed a small RNA library and detected 45 known and 550 novel miRNAs in G. biloba PDs. Interestingly, in a comparative analysis of miRNA expression between PDs and ovules, we found that most of the known miRNAs identified in PDs were also expressed in the ovules, implying that miRNAs in PDs may originate from ovules. Further, combining with potential target prediction, degradome validation and transcriptome sequencing, we identified that the interactions of several known miRNAs and their targets in PDs are involved in carbohydrate metabolism, hormone signaling and defense response pathways, consistent with the metabolomics results. Our results broaden the knowledge of metabolite profiling and potential functional roles in gymnosperm PDs and provide the first evidence of extracellular miRNA functions in ovular secretions from gymnosperms.
Cladistic analysis ofLigyra sensu lato(Diptera: Bombyliidae), with description of a new genus
Authors: Márquez-Acero Ángela Sabrina , Lambkin Christine L , Lamas Carlos José Einicker
Published: May 2020

Exoprosopini is one of the largest tribes of bee flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae). It is divided into 21 genera of which only Ligyra has a cosmopolitan distribution. The genus Ligyra s.l. has 111 species, 20 of which have been recorded in the New World. A cladistic analysis was implemented with aims to establish the phylogenetic relationships of Ligyra species and to test the monophyly of the genus. A matrix of morphological characters available in the literature was used. The cladistic analysis had 97 terminal taxa and 207 morphological characters resulting in 12 maximum parsimonious trees (MPTs). Our investigation shows variations in the phylogenetic status of Exoprosopini genera when compared to the previous hypothesis, especially for Euligyra and Ligyra s.s., and the relationships between Euligyra, Hyperalonia, Ligyra s.s. and Litorhina. Cladistic analysis clarified the phylogenetic relationships within Ligyra s.l. The New World fauna previously included in Ligyra are placed in a new genus, herein erected. A novel monophyletic clade is composed of the genera: Euligyra, Hyperalonia, Ligyra s.s. and Nyia gen. nov. Our results also support the resurrection of Anthrax trifigurata from synonymy with Ligyra cerberus and its new combination with the new erected genus as Nyia trifiguratacomb. nov. & stat. rev.
Goal-directed versus Standard Fluid Therapy to Decrease Ileus after Open Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Arslan-Carlon Vittoria , Tan Kay See , Dalbagni Guido , Pedoto Alessia C. , Herr Harry W. , Bochner Bernard H. , Cha Eugene K. , Donahue Timothy F. , Fischer Mary , Donat S. Machele
Published: May 2020

Background

Postoperative ileus is a common complication of intraabdominal surgeries, including radical cystectomy with reported rates as high as 32%. Perioperative fluid administration has been associated with improvement in postoperative ileus rates, but it is difficult to generalize because earlier studies lacked standardized definitions of postoperative ileus and other relevant outcomes. The hypothesis was that targeted individualized perioperative fluid management would improve postoperative ileus in patients receiving radical cystectomy.

Methods

This is a parallel-arm, double-blinded, single-center randomized trial of goal-directed fluid therapy versus standard fluid therapy for patients undergoing open radical cystectomy. The primary outcome was postoperative ileus, and the secondary outcome was complications within 30 days post-surgery. Participants were at least 21 yr old, had a maximum body mass index of 45 kg/m2 and no active atrial fibrillation. The intervention in the goal-directed therapy arm combined preoperative and postoperative stroke volume optimization and intraoperative stroke volume variation minimization to guide fluid administration, using advanced hemodynamic monitoring.

Results

Between August 2014 and April 2018, 283 radical cystectomy patients (142 goal-directed fluid therapy and 141 standard fluid therapy) were included in the analysis. Postoperative ileus occurred in 25% (36 of 142) of patients in the goal-directed fluid therapy arm and 21% (30 of 141) of patients in the standard arm (difference in proportions, 4.1%; 95% CI, −5.8 to 13.9; P = 0.418). There was no difference in incidence of high-grade complications between the two arms (20 of 142 [14%] vs. 23 of 141 [16%]; difference in proportions, −2.2%; 95% CI, −10.6 to 6.1; P = 0.602), with the exception of acute kidney injury, which was more frequent in the goal-directed fluid therapy arm (56% [80 of 142] vs. 40% [56 of 141] in the standard arm; difference in proportions, 16.6%; 95% CI, 5.1 to 28.1; P = 0.005; P = 0.170 after adjustment for multiple testing).

Conclusions

Goal-directed fluid therapy may not be an effective strategy for lowering the risk of postoperative ileus in patients undergoing open radical cystectomy.

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Clinical application of Chinese Nanjing persistent vegetative state scale
Authors: Wang Pei-Dong , Gao Li , Di Hai-Bo , Li Jing-Qi , Ni Ying-Ying , Wang De-Sheng , Ding Xin-Sheng
Published: May 2020

Background

It is a challenge to characterize the consciousness level of patients with severe disturbance of consciousness and predict their prognosis effectively for Chinese doctors. We aimed to investigate the psychometric property and the diagnostic practicality of severe disturbance of consciousness by Chinese Nanjing persistent vegetative state scale (CNPVSS) which was first set up in 1996 and modified in 2001 and 2011.

Methods

The concurrent validity, inter-rater consistency and diagnostic accuracy of CNPVSS and Chinese version of coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) were investigated by assessment of 380 patients with severe disorders of consciousness.

Results

Total scores of the CNPVSS were correlated significantly with that of the CRS-R, indicating acceptable concurrent validity. Sub-scale analysis showed moderate to high inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability. CNPVSS was superior to CRS-R on the diagnosis sensitivity. The CNPVSS was able to distinguish 65 patients in emergence from minimal consciousness state who were misclassified as in minimal consciousness state (MCS) by the CRS-R, and it could also distinguish two patients in MCS who were misclassified as in vegetative state by the CRS-R.

Conclusion

The CNPVSS is an appropriate measurement and is sensitive to distinguish the MCS patients from the VS patients.
Focal Dermal Elastosis: A Proposed Update to the Nomenclature
Authors: Knapp Maxwell , Carpenter Cari E. , Shea Katelyn , Stowman Anne , Pierson Joseph C.
Published: May 2020

Late-onset focal dermal elastosis is a clinical mimic of pseudoxanthoma elasticum that lacks associations with systemic disease. Although initial reports asserted that the disorder occurs only in the elderly, a growing body of case reports document cases in patients as young as 39 years. We present a case of a 59-year-old woman with this disorder. To reflect the broad age range of patients affected by this disorder, we propose the term “focal dermal elastosis.”
Eccentrically Punched Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Grafts Expand the Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Donor Pool: One Eye Bank's Reappraisal of the Central Clear Zone Convention
Authors: Kornberg Daniel L. , Prabhu Saira , Sales Christopher S. , Williams Ryan S. , Clover Jameson , Tran Khoa D.
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

To ascertain whether offsetting the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) punch can expand the donor pool in conjunction with prepunched and preloaded services by recapturing the corneas otherwise excluded by the conventional central clear zone criteria.

Methods:

In this retrospective review of corneas recovered and processed for DMEK by a single eye bank between March 2017 and October 2018, corneas failing to meet the conventional central clear zone requirement during initial evaluation (defined as an area in the central cornea where an 7.5- to 8.0-mm diameter graft can be obtained free of previous surgical scars, Descemet tears, or confined areas of endothelial defects) were further evaluated for offset punching. Corneas with a central endothelial cell density of at least 2000 cells/mm2 at the initial screening (average of 3 specular images assessed with the center dot method) that had a clear zone of 7.5- to 8.0-mm diameter where a graft could be obtained were designated as eligible for offset punching for either prepunched or preloaded DMEK.

Results:

A total of 2607 corneas were found to be suitable for DMEK using the conventional central clear zone criteria. An additional 62 corneas were deemed DMEK suitable by offsetting the punch, yielding a 2.4% increase in the availability of DMEK suitable corneas.

Conclusions:

Offsetting the DMEK punch can recapture corneas otherwise excluded from the DMEK donor pool because of a failure to meet the conventional central clear zone criteria, and by our estimation may help eye banks meet the growing demand for DMEK tissue while maximizing the transplant potential of every cornea.
Tear Opiorphin Levels in Ocular Pain Caused by Corneal Foreign Body
Authors: Ozdogan Sibel , Sonmez Cigdem , Yolcu Demet , Gungormus Mustafa
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

Opiorphin is an endogenous inhibitor of enkephalin-degrading enzymes. It has a strong analgesic effect in chemical and mechanical pain models. We aimed to evaluate the tear opiorphin levels in ocular pain caused by corneal foreign bodies and demonstrate whether there is any correlation with pain levels obtained from the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score and tear opiorphin level.

Methods:

Thirty-two healthy individuals and 34 individuals diagnosed with corneal foreign bodies were included in this study. Tear opiorphin levels were measured by the ELISA method using a commercially available kit. The difference in tear opiorphin levels between the patient and control groups were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test. The correlation between VAS scores and tear opiorphin levels was evaluated using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient.

Results:

The median values of tear opiorphin levels of the patient and control groups were 134 pg/mL (86.86–296.25) and 109.80 pg/mL (66.15–191.49), respectively. The Mann–Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference in tear opiorphin levels between patient and control groups (P < 0.05). No ocular pain was reported in the control group. The median VAS score of the patient group was 6 points (1–9). No correlation was found between VAS scores and tear opiorphin levels in the patient group.

Conclusions:

The cornea is the most densely innervated tissue, and the highest opiorphin concentrations have been observed in tear. It is, therefore, expected that the stimulation or damage to the nerve endings in cornea would cause an increase in opiorphin secretion as a pain relief mechanism.