bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver X receptor inhibition potentiates mitotane-induced adrenotoxicity in ACC
Authors: Warde Kate M , Schoenmakers Erik , Ribes Martinez Eduardo , Lim Yi Jan , Leonard Maeve , Lawless Sarah J , O’Shea Paula , Chatterjee Krishna V , Gurnell Mark , Hantel Constanze , Dennedy Michael Conall
Published: April 2020

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare aggressive malignancy with a poor outcome largely due to limited treatment options. Here, we propose a novel therapeutic approach through modulating intracellular free cholesterol via the liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) in combination with current first-line pharmacotherapy, mitotane. H295R and MUC-1 ACC cell lines were pretreated with LXRα inhibitors in combination with mitotane. In H295R, mitotane (20, 40 and 50 µM) induced dose-dependent cell death; however, in MUC-1, this only occurred at a supratherapeutic concentration (200 µM). LXRα inhibition potentiated mitotane-induced cytotoxicity in both cell lines. This was confirmed through use of the CompuSyn model which showed moderate pharmacological synergism and was indicative of apoptotic cell death via an increase in annexinV and cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Inhibition of LXRα was confirmed through downregulation of cholesterol efflux pumps ABCA1 and ABCG1; however, combination treatment with mitotane attenuated this effect. Intracellular free-cholesterol levels were associated with increased cytotoxicity in H295R (r2 = 0.5210) and MUC-1 (r2 = 0.9299) cells. While both cell lines exhibited similar levels of free cholesterol at baseline, H295R were cholesterol ester rich, whereas MUC-1 were cholesterol ester poor. We highlight the importance of LXRα mediated cholesterol metabolism in the management of ACC, drawing attention to its role in the therapeutics of mitotane sensitive tumours. We also demonstrate significant differences in cholesterol storage between mitotane sensitive and resistant disease.
Neuroendocrine neoplasm update: toward universal nomenclature
Authors: Rindi Guido , Inzani Frediano
Published: April 2020

Neuroendocrine neoplasia is described in almost every tissue, either in the pure endocrine organs, the nerve structures or in the so-called diffuse neuroendocrine system. The current nomenclature contains time-honored, widely accepted definitions; however, it is different according to anatomical sites. Diverse definitions may generate confusion and non-standard patient management. The International Agency for Research on Cancer – World Health Organization (IARC-WHO) proposed a framework for universal classification of neuroendocrine neoplasia. Evidence indicates that neuroendocrine cancer is composed by cells with a distinctive phenotype characterized by the expression of general and specific neuroendocrine markers. The neuroendocrine phenotype is indicated as descriptor of a unique cancer category, now recommended for all organs as neuroendocrine neoplasm. Evidence indicates that neuroendocrine neoplasia may be well or poorly differentiated, with diverse incidence and prevalence in different organs. It is proposed that the well-differentiated neoplasm is universally defined as neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and the poorly differentiated as neoplasm neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC). Evidence indicates that a cancer grading tool based on a proliferation measure by mitotic count, Ki67 % and/or necrosis assessment is useful to predict NET patient behavior. It is proposed to utilize this tool for grading NET universally, with site-specific cut-offs to be defined. It is also acknowledged that significant biological site-specific differences exist. It is recommended that current pathology reports contain this classification together with the current traditional classifiers. This IARC-WHO common classification framework for neuroendocrine neoplasm aims at uniformizing nomenclature toward different organs and at fostering the definition of a similar site-specific gene signature.
Transcriptomic responses to hypoxia in endometrial and decidual stromal cells
Authors: Rytkönen Kalle T , Heinosalo Taija , Mahmoudian Mehrad , Ma Xinghong , Perheentupa Antti , Elo Laura L , Poutanen Matti , Wagner Günter P
Published: April 2020

Human reproductive success depends on a properly decidualized uterine endometrium that allows implantation and the formation of the placenta. At the core of the decidualization process are endometrial stromal fibroblasts (ESF) that differentiate to decidual stromal cells (DSC). As variations in oxygen levels are functionally relevant in endometrium both upon menstruation and during placentation, we assessed the transcriptomic responses to hypoxia in ESF and DSC. In both cell types, hypoxia-upregulated genes in classical hypoxia pathways such as glycolysis and the epithelial mesenchymal transition. In DSC, hypoxia restored an ESF-like transcriptional state for a subset of transcription factors that are known targets of the progesterone receptor, suggesting that hypoxia partially interferes with progesterone signaling. In both cell types, hypoxia modified transcription of several inflammatory transcription factors that are known regulators of decidualization, including decreased transcription of STATs and increased transcription of CEBPs. We observed that hypoxia-upregulated genes in ESF and DSC had a significant overlap with genes previously detected to be upregulated in endometriotic stromal cells. Promoter analysis of the genes in this overlap suggested the hypoxia-upregulated Jun/Fos and CEBP transcription factors as potential drivers of endometriosis-associated transcription. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed increased expression of JUND and CEBPD in endometriosis lesions compared to healthy endometria. Overall, the findings suggest that hypoxic stress establishes distinct transcriptional states in ESF and DSC and that hypoxia influences the expression of genes that contribute to the core gene regulation of endometriotic stromal cells.
Problems of real dynamically loading mode and structure fatigue mode determination in composite steel-concrete city and road bridges
Authors: Bystrov Vladimir , Kozak Nikolai , Yaroshutin Dmitry
Published: April 2020

The article presents results of the analysis of experimental-theoretical researches and dynamic tests of the composite steel-concrete superstructures of bridges in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region and the North-Western region of the Russian Federation. The authors analyzed the theoretical foundations of the coefficient of reduction of the calculated resistances γw, the real spectra of the forced vibrations of the most loaded elements, and made recommendations on the need to take into account the parameters that affect the actual dynamic loading and durability of bridge structures.
Clarification of the stress-strain state of the superstructure with orthotropic slab taking into account solar radiation
Authors: Podlesnykh Igor , Gridnev Sergey , Skalko Yury
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this work is to clarify the stress-strain state of the superstructure under the influence of solar radiation using the results of a non-contact pyrometer and contact thermometer. Full-scale measurements of the temperature of the superstructure elements with orthotropic slab during daylight at extremely high temperatures and exposure to solar radiation were carried out. Temperature readings on two measuring instruments were taken at the designated points of the asphalt pavement and main beams. Verification of the non-contact pyrometer according to the readings of the contact thermometer was performed. The analysis of the results of full-scale measurements showed that when measuring the temperature of the superstructure elements using a non-contact pyrometer, an error in the results may occur in comparison with a contact thermometer. With the help of a special software package, a detailed temperature distribution was determined by the thickness of the layers of road pavement, orthotropic slab and the height of the main beams for various cases of solar radiation exposure. With the help of the developed finite element model of the superstructure, 2 variants of calculating the stress-strain state were performed: (1) in accordance with the readings of the non-contact pyrometer; (2) in accordance with the readings of the contact thermometer.

The results of calculations obtained on the basis of the contact thermometer and non-contact pyrometer are compared. The results of numerical studies have shown that when calculating the stress-strain state of the span structure, there is a discrepancy between the results of the initial data of the pyrometer and the thermometer. In full-scale temperature measurements under the influence of solar radiation to clarify the results, it is recommended to specify the readings of the non-contact pyrometer according to the readings of the contact thermometer.
Modeling of corrosion-mechanical behavior of multi-element metal structures of transport works in real-world conditions
Authors: Chernykh Valentin
Published: April 2020

The article is part of the author’s dissertation research. Multi-element metal structures are widely used in the construction of transport structures (metal spans, trusses of railway bridges, overpasses, etc.). During operation, such structures are subjected to the joint effect of loads, temperatures, and corrosive media. In accordance with this, the task of predicting the behavior of such structures seems to be relevant. It consists in the development of effective models oriented to the calculation of the bearing capacity of structural elements subjected to corrosive wear.

The article discusses the most common corrosion damage to metal multi-element structures of transport facilities, the classification of corrosion processes according to the nature of the surface destruction, the main types of metal elements and bridge structures. The main parameters characterizing the corrosive wear of metal structures were determined. Ways to account for the effect of aggressive environment on metal structures, i.e. well-known mathematical models and work, in which attention is paid to the problem of corrosion, wear modeling. The process of identifying corrosion wear models (determining unknown model coefficients) is described. The system of equations for determining the coefficients of a mathematical model of corrosive wear is given.

The values of the coefficients of the models used to predict the behavior of structures, with a different choice of an intermediate point are given. A statically indefinable flat five-element truss of arbitrary cross section, part of the rods of which works in tension and part in compression is considered. For this design solves the problem of assessing durability. To solve this problem, use the corrected Euler method. The obtained numerical values of the durability of trusses of five rods, depending on the lengths of the rods.
Ensuring the reliability of the results of computer modeling of the behavior of bridge structures
Authors: Adylov Azamat , Ovchinnikov Ilya , Ovchinnikov Igor , Mandrik-Kotov Boris
Published: April 2020

It is noted that structural mechanics is developing in the direction of improving design schemes, allowing more correctly assess the stress-strain state of structures. One of the topical areas of improvement is the consideration of nonlinear behavior and spatial work of structures. Constructive and genetic nonlinearities are added to the geometric and physical. Attention is drawn to the problem of checking the correctness of design decisions, which are not always based on existing standards, but are justified by calculations of more correct, but also more complex calculation schemes, performed using powerful software systems. To solve this problem, the Glavgosexpertiza recommended making calculations for at least two certified, independently developed and tested in practice software systems, and conducting a comparative analysis of the results. The question that arose about which software systems to use, it is proposed to solve with the help of MIDAS/CIVIL (South Korea) and SOFISTIK (Germany) complexes that have proven themselves quite well in bridge organizations. The article provides a comparative analysis of the MIDAS/CIVIL and SOFISTIK software packages using the spatial calculation of a bridge structure as an example, and the results are also compared with the calculation using the standard methodology. For analysis, the span structure of the railway bridge was adopted, consisting of two main split trusses with a bottom ride, reinforced with longitudinal and transverse beams in the level of movement of the railway load, longitudinal and transverse ties combining the upper and lower truss belts. The main trusses of the diagonal system are reinforced with vertical struts and suspensions. In general, analysis of the calculation results shows that both software systems give fairly close values of the calculated values of forces and stresses, and the differences for individual elements do not exceed 13.90 %. The normative calculation method provides mainly overestimated in comparison with SOFISTIK PC results, and the excess can reach 53.73 % for longitudinal forces and 49.71 % for normal stresses. This difference is a consequence of the use of a flat design scheme in the regulatory methodology, which leads to an increase in the level of the acting longitudinal forces, transverse forces and bending moments. That is, the normative calculation for a number of elements of a bridge structure is, as it were, a margin of safety. In conclusion, the requirements are formulated for specialists involved in the calculation analysis and examination of project documentation.
Features of design, construction and operation of underground tunnels and tunnel structures in dense urban areas
Authors: Kharchenko Igor , Pestryakova Ekaterina , Piskunov Aleksandr , Kharchenko Alexey , Beterbiev Adam , Sonin Aleksandr
Published: April 2020

The development of a modern city and the increase of its transport infrastructure, in particular metro facilities, has a significant impact on the urban environment and requires the development and implementation of a set of special protective measures. Moreover, if the construction of metro station complexes is carried out, as a rule, in relatively free areas with minimal impact on the surrounding buildings, then during the construction of tunnels and tunnel structures, engineering communications, buildings and structures located on the earth’s surface, including transport facilities, architectural monuments and cultural heritage objects fall into the zone of their influence. The effectiveness of design solutions for the protection of objects that are in the zone of influence of the construction of underground structures is largely determined by the degree of reliability of the assessment of geotechnical conditions and the results of the survey of the technical condition of building structures. Analysis of the causes of the formation and development of emergency situations and incidents arising in the construction and operation of underground structures shows that they are mainly the result of the use of unreliable initial engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions, significantly changing due to intensive urban development. The resulting barrage effect, changes in groundwater levels and directions that are not taken into account at the design stage, can be accompanied by significant deterioration of soil properties and the General stress-strain state at the base of existing buildings and structures. This suggests the need for careful study of the properties of soils at significant depths, the development of forecasts of possible changes of the state of the soil massif and hydrogeological conditions, the implementation of a comprehensive survey of the bases of closely spaced buildings and structures, and significantly larger volume of engineering-geological surveys compared to the current regulations.
A Multicenter Phase II Study of Second-Line Axitinib for Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Failing First-Line Sorafenib Monotherapy
Authors: Lin Zhong-Zhe , Chen Bang-Bin , Hung Yi-Ping , Huang Po-Hsiang , Shen Ying-Chun , Shao Yu-Yun , Hsu Chih-Hung , Cheng Ann-Lii , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Chao Yee , Hsu Chiun
Published: April 2020

Lessons Learned

For patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma after failure of first-line sorafenib monotherapy, second-line axitinib provides modest efficacy with tolerable toxicity. The discrepant tumor responses and survival outcomes in trials using axitinib as salvage therapy highlight the importance of optimal patient selection with the aid of clinical biomarkers.

Background

Multikinase inhibitors have been effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This multicenter phase II study explored the efficacy and safety of second-line axitinib for advanced HCC.

Methods

Patients with advanced HCC and Child-Pugh A liver function, experiencing progression on first-line sorafenib monotherapy, were eligible. Axitinib 5 mg twice daily was given continuously with allowed dose escalation. Tumor assessment was performed according to RECIST version 1.1. The primary endpoint was rate of disease control.

Results

From April 2011 to March 2016, 45 patients were enrolled. Thirty-seven patients (82%) tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. The disease control rate was 62.2%, and the response rate was 6.7%, according to RECIST criteria. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 2.2 months and 10.1 months, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events were compatible with previous reports of axitinib.

Conclusion

Second-line axitinib has moderate activity and acceptable toxicity for patients with advanced HCC after failing the first-line sorafenib monotherapy.
Female Lecturers at the Faculty of History and Philology of the Bestuzhev Women’s Higher Education Courses as a Manifestation of Russian Emancipation of the Second Half of the 19th — Early 20th Century
Authors: Pushkareva Natalya , Sekenova Olga
Published: April 2020

The article describes the phenomenon of female “intrusion” into academia, particularly the social and legal status of the first female historians in Russia who became university lecturers. Analysis of the self-fulfillment strategies that Russian female historians pursued in the second half of the 19th — early 20th century allows to reconstruct the social mechanisms that they used in their zeal to achieve the status of highly-qualified scholars and lecturers at universities. Regulatory documents defining the status of faculty in the Russian Empire, as well as Bestuzhev Courses faculty meeting reports and unpublished memoirs are analyzed to reconstruct the sources and mechanisms of overcoming gender stereotypes, the long way that female historians had to go to be allowed to teach and study the science of teaching, the innovations that they brought to the Bestuzhev Courses teaching practices, the specific aspects of their approach to teaching, and the legal and social norms they had to change to secure themselves a faculty status equal to that of male academics. This article is the first publication analyzing the regulatory enforcement of placing the graduates from the Faculty of History and Philology of the Bestuzhev Courses into jobs. It also addresses for the first time the economic aspects of female teaching and the ways in which female lecturers interacted with course administrators and other faculty staff.
Why Embark on a PhD Today? A Typology of Motives for Doctoral Study in Russia
Authors: Terentev Evgeniy , Rybakov Nikolay , Bednyi Boris
Published: April 2020

Data obtained in interviews with doctoral students and their academic supervisors as well as in doctoral student surveys conducted across six Russian universities is used to explore the motives for embarking on and pursuing a PhD, and evaluate their incidence. Drawing from Deci and Ryan’s self-determination theory, three basic types of motivation are identified — intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and amotivation — and described in the context of doctoral education. Even though academic labor has been losing its prestige in Russia, intrinsic motivation associated with interest for research, science and education remains the most popular motive for embarking on doctoral study. At the same time, a significant percentage of doctoral students are driven by external non-academic motives, such as specific social benefits or desire to use PhD as an asset in a non-academic career.
nCoV-2019 sequencing protocol v2 (GunIt) v2
Authors: Quick Josh
Published: April 2020

ARTIC amplicon sequencing protocol for MinION for nCoV-2019 This one-pot native barcoding protocol was developed in conjunction with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, New England Biolabs and BCCDC.
One-pot native barcoding of amplicons v2 v1
Authors: Quick Josh
Published: April 2020

This one-pot native barcoding protocol was developed in conjunction with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, New England Biolabs and BCCDC.
FAKTOR KUNCI KESUKSESAN STUDENTPRENEUR
Authors: Gaffar Vanessa , Hendrayati Heny
Published: April 2020

Situasi dan kondisi di Indonesia menunjukkan tingkat pengangguran yang tinggi, termasuk tingkat pengangguran terpelajar pada usia muda. Salah satu cara untuk mengatasinya adalah dengan memberikan dorongan untuk berwirausaha. Masalahnya ada bila ada minat rendah terhadap kewirausahaan di kalangan anak muda, terutama mahasiswa. Oleh karena itu perlu untuk membangkitkan semangat wirausaha mereka melalui pendidikan kewirausahaan sebagai proses belajar sepanjang hayat (longlife learning process). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan membandingkan faktor kunci keberhasilan wirausaha di tiga perguruan tinggi di Indonesia yaitu UPI, UNPAD dan ITB. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap 300 pengusaha mahasiswa dari tiga universitas dengan teknik random sampling. Faktor keberhasilan utama diukur dengan 1) Prosedur teknis 2) Struktur perusahaan 3) Sumber daya manusia di perusahaan 4) Struktur keuangan perusahaan dan 5) Pemasaran dan Produktifitas. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa titik tertinggi terletak pada prosedur teknis sedangkan yang terendah adalah sumber daya manusia di perusahaan. Secara keseluruhan, tidak ada perbedaan signifikan pada faktor kunci keberhasilan wirausaha di tiga universitas. Pengembangan sumber daya manusia harus ditingkatkan dalam hal omset, perilaku, dan komitmen.
Steered by Numbers: How Quantification Differentiates the Reform of a German University
Authors: Huber Michael
Published: April 2020

Quantification theories assume that numbers govern and steer a policy field or an organisation. In order to steer successfully, however, the local interpretation of numbers takes centre stage as the meaning of numbers—and thus the way how actors respond to them—varies between systems or sectors. Empirically, this article reviews how a German university makes sense of political numbers and their implicit steering signals, and how quantification alters its organisational structures and reshapes the roles of academics. The article analyses the translation process distinguishing between three levels: the political discourse on university reform; the organisational adaptations; and the effects they have on the professional academic role. The article finds that the university has highly differentiated strategies to respond to the ‘governance by numbers,’ and that it has established independent number-based steering systems. We also find that such differentiation of programmes makes the university management more flexible, helping it deal with anticipated goal conflicts and unwanted allocative effects, but it also places serious strain on—and potentially overburns—the coordination provided by the university’s central administration. We also find that academics have started to align their behavioural strategies towards fulfilling their organisational goals and that they tend to deviate from professional expectations. Discussing these differentiated strategies, this article shows how the differentiation of governance approaches also contributes to the university becoming an ‘organisational actor.’ These preliminary findings suggest the need for and potential direction of further investigations.
On the possibility of the parameters’ standardization in observation aimed at identifying the signs of aggressive behaviour among older preschoolers
Authors: Valyavko S.M. , Makagonova Y.Y.
Published: April 2020

The urgency of work on improving the tools of psychologists in the diagnostics of aggressive behavior in childhood is due to the persistence of a high level of aggression among children and adolescents in modern society. According to official statistics on the identification of juvenile offenders having committed criminal acts from the beginning of the year up to May 2018, there were 1,066 crimes in Russia committed by children and adolescents. Although this figure remains rather high in comparison with the previous year. One of the ways to conduct preventive work on prevention of juvenile crime is early diagnostics and the work on correction of child behavior with signs of aggression. Besides addition the urgent problems of macrosocialization (deviant behavior, crime, risks of emotional development, etc.), there are microsocial problems- changing the microclimate of the family, the immediate environment and the children’s team of an aggressive child [6; 17]. The authors of the article examine the method of observation from the point of its application as an independent object of the scientific research in psychology. The analysis was carried out on the existing experience of using the observation method for studying children, including those with health limitations. An original scheme is proposed for standardized observation of pre-school children to identify the signs of their aggressive response. The article deals with the development of a procedure for observation of preschool children behavior to identify in it the signs of aggression, as well as conducting a pilot study of the proposed scheme for senior preschoolers in Moscow and the procedure for approbation of the observation scheme. Also step-by-step work on standardization and verification of the proposed monitoring scheme was described.
Sex Differences in Kidney Function and Metabolism Assessed Using Hyperpolarized [1-13C]Pyruvate Interleaved Spectroscopy and Nonspecific Imaging
Authors: Wen Yibo , Qi Haiyun , Mariager Christian Østergaard , Nielsen Per Mose , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Stødkilde-Jørgensen Hans , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: April 2020

Metabolic sex differences have recently been shown to be particularly important in tailoring treatment strategies. Sex has a major effect on fat turnover rates and plasma lipid delivery in the body. Differences in kidney structure and transporters between male and female animals have been found. Here we investigated sex-specific renal pyruvate metabolic flux and whole-kidney functional status in age-matched healthy Wistar rats. Blood oxygenation level–dependent and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to assess functional status. Hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate was used to assess the metabolic differences between male and female rats. Female rats had a 41% ± 3% and 41% ± 5% lower absolute body and kidney weight, respectively, than age-matched male rats. No difference was seen between age-matched male and female rats in the kidney-to-body weight ratio. A 56% ± 11% lower lactate production per mL/100 mL/min was found in female rats than in age-matched male rats measured by hyperpolarized magnetic resonance and DCE MRI. Female rats had a 33% ± 11% higher glomerular filtration rate than age-matched male rats measured by DCE MRI. A similar renal oxygen tension (T2*) was found between age-matched male and female rats as shown by blood oxygenation level–dependent MRI. The results were largely independent of the pyruvate volume and the difference in body weight. This study shows an existing metabolic difference between kidneys in age-matched male and female rats, which indicates that sex differences need to be considered when performing animal experiments.
Topical Umbilical Cord Serum for Corneal Epithelial Defects after Diabetic Vitrectomy
Authors: Moradian Siamak , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Kanaani Azade , Faramarzi Amir , Safi Sare
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To evaluate the role of topical umbilical cord serum (TUCS) therapy in treating corneal epithelial defects (CEDs) after diabetic vitrectomy.
Methods: In this double-masked, randomized clinical trial, we included 80 eyes of 80 patients who were candidates for vitrectomy due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy complications. In cases of corneal edema obscuring the fundus view during surgery, the corneal epithelium was removed using a 6-mm trephine and a blade no.15. The day after the surgery, patients were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the TUCS group that received 20% TUCS six times/day in addition to the conventional treatment of CED and (2) the control group, which was prescribed artificial tears as placebo in addition to the conventional treatment of CED. The rate of healing of CEDs was measured via two maximum linear dimensions perpendicular to each other at the start of therapy and on postoperative days 1–5, 7, and 12.
Results: Of 80 eyes, 40 were assigned to each treatment group. The mean times to complete CED healing were 2.4 ± 0.7 and 3.8 ± 2.1 days in the TUCS and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Persistent CED occurred in two eyes in the control group but in no eyes in the TUCS group.
Conclusion: TUCS therapy may be safe and effective in healing CEDs after vitrectomy in patients with diabetes.
Giant Idiopathic Angioid Streaks
Authors: Takkar Brijesh , Rathi Anubha , Venkatesh Pradeep , Kumar Atul
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To present a case of gigantic idiopathic angioid streaks.
Case Report: A young male presented with macular choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) and peripheral retinal hemorrhages secondary to angioid streaks. Swept source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) and ultrawide field imaging were performed. The latter revealed extension of the angioid streaks up to the equator in both eyes. SSOCT showed breaks in the retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch’s membrane complex in the area of peripheral retinal hemorrhages. The patient was extensively worked up for systemic associations, and the only significant finding was a long history of steroid abuse in the past.
Conclusion: Advanced imaging techniques helped to diagnose angioid streaks in this patient. The possible role of steroid abuse in accentuating the presentation of angioid streaks may be explored further.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Management of Non-paraneoplastic Autoimmune Retinopathy
Authors: Fekri Sahba , Soheilian Masoud , Rahimi-Ardabili Babak
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To report a case of non-paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy (npAIR) treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
Case report: A 12-year-old boy presented with progressive visual field loss, nyctalopia, and flashing for three months. He had suffered from common cold two weeks before the onset of these symptoms. On the basis of clinical history and paraclinical findings, he was diagnosed with npAIR, and IVIG without immunosuppressive therapy was started. During the one-year follow-up period after the first course of IVIG, flashing disappeared completely. Visual acuity remained 10/10, but nyctalopia did not improve. Multimodal imaging showed no disease progression.
Conclusion: Although established retinal degenerative changes seem irreversible in npAIR, IVIG may be a suitable choice to control the disease progression.
Ciliary Body Seeding after Pars Plana Transvitreal Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Choroidal Melanoma
Authors: K. Ndulue Jideofor , Mashayekhi Arman , L. Shields Carol
Published: April 2020

Purpose: To report ciliary body seeding 20 years after pars plana transvitreal fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of choroidal melanoma.
Case Report: 67-year-old man with choroidal melanoma in left eye was previously managed with pars plana FNAB using a 25-gauge needle followed by plaque radiotherapy. Twenty years later, choroidal melanoma was regressed but there was a small flat focus of scleral pigment 3.0mm from the limbus at the FNAB site. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed a contiguous ciliary body mass measuring 3.1mm in thickness. Tumor seeding in the anterior chamber angle was noted inferiorly. These findings suggested melanoma recurrence along the needle tract. Treatment was performed with Iodine-125 radioactive plaque covering entire anterior segment and ciliary body recurrence. The tumor regressed to 2.2mm over one year.
Conclusion: Pars plana transvitreal FNAB of choroidal melanoma resulted in needle tract seeding in ciliary body and episcleral region 20 years later.
Microsporidial Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Murugan Bala , Chawla Gupta Parul , Prakash Sharma Surya , Rana Neeti , Ram Jagat
Published: April 2020

This is a Photo Essay and does not have an abstract.
Simple Congenital Hamartoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: S. Nakatsuka Austin , Banaee Touka , Loucks Emma , El-Annan Jaafar
Published: April 2020

This is a Photo Essay and does not have an abstract.
Aspergillus niger Katalazının Üretimi, Üçlü-Faz Ayırma ile Saflaştırılması ve Biyokimyasal Karakterizasyonu
Authors: Baykal Sarı Eda , Yüzügüllü Karakuş Yonca
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmada Aspergillus niger katalazının üretimi, saflaştırılması ve karakterize edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Buna göre 1 litrelik YpSs sıvı büyüme ortamında 37°C ve 155 rpm çalkalama hızında büyütülen A. niger’den 7. günde ham enzim ekstraktı elde edilmiştir. Katalaz enzimi üçlü-faz ayırma (TPP) tekniği ile saflaştırılmıştır. Bunun için %80 (w/w) amonyum sülfat içeren ve ham ekstrakt:t-butanol oranı 1:1.5 olacak şekilde pH 7.0’da hazırlanan sistemden enzim %263 verim ile 7.9 kat saflaştırılmıştır. Km değeri (21.4 mM), optimum reaksiyon sıcaklığı (50°C) ve optimum reaksiyon pH’sı (6.0) belirlenmiştir. Kararlılık testleri, enzimin geniş pH (4.0-9.0) aralığında dayanıklı kalabildiğini göstermiştir. Ayrıca katalaz aktivitesinin %7.5’lik (v/v) etanol varlığında yaklaşık %77’sinin korunduğu gözlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte, esas fonksiyonunun yanında 4-metil katekol ve katekol gibi fenolik bileşikleri peroksitten bağımsız olarak okside edebilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, A. niger’den katalaz enziminin geleneksel kromatografi yöntemi yerine zamandan tasarruf sağlayan, maliyeti ucuz ve kullanımı oldukça kolay olan üçlü faz sistemleri ile saflaştırılabildiği görülmektedir. Enzimin sahip olduğu biyokimyasal özellikleri (pH ve etanol kararlılığı ve ikincil oksidaz aktivite varlığı), çeşitli endüstriyel uygulama alanlarında avantaj sağlayabilir.
Technical Analysis To Determine Buying And Selling Signal In Stock Trade
Authors: Pramudya Rommy , Pramudya Rommy
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to determine which indicators are more capable of showing more accurate sell and buy signals on the LQ45 index by using the oscillator indicator Moving Average Divergent Convergent (MACD), Bollinger Band, and Relative Strength Index (RSI). The results in this study indicate that the sell signal can be captured well by the Bollinger band and MACD indicators, but it cannot be captured properly by the RSI, the volume can be small or heading and are in the side ways, while the MACD plays a too slow role in capturing the signal buy compared to Bollinger bands and RSI. The use of a single indicator will never show a buy and sell signal that is really accurate, this is based on the results of research that shows the difference in timeliness in Bollinger, RSI and also MACD so that the combination of several types of indicators will be better compared to using single indicators. Although in statistics there are no significant differences, there are only differences in increment and improvement in the placement of existing values, but in this case, the order of this value is crucial for traders because it requires very high accuracy to determine the right decision in daily transactions.
Potential Super Spreading’s of SARS-2 Pandemic. A Short Review
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Anthony
Published: April 2020

Corona viruses cause extensive SARS epidemics via super spread events (SSE). Due to variation in infection risk and heterogeneity of reproduction numbers specific distinction between SSE’s and typical case events is essential. SARS transmissions unveil a complex scenario in which SSE’s are shaped by multiple factors. Specific screening strategies for infection emergence within potential super spreading groups will help to efficiently control the SARS-2 pandemic and alleviate the partially effective general restriction measures.
Comparative Analysis Based on the Spike Glycoproteins of SARS-CoV2 Isolated from COVID 19 Patients of Different Countries
Authors: Mangar Preeti , Pradhan Smriti , Rai Subecha , Lepcha Khusboo , Ranjan Vivek Kumar , Rai Aditi
Published: April 2020

SARS-CoV2 popularly known as (COVID-19) has presently received worldwide attention. It has been considered a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Owing to its high transmittance factor the virus has brought about many deaths and spread to all the major countries of the world. Scientists and Researchers worldwide are giving their full efforts to develop a vaccine. In our present study, we have included the comparative analysis of the different spike glycoprotein sequences of the patients suffering from COVID-19 from different countries where this pandemic has occurred. Spike glycoproteins are the structural proteins that bring about the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 viral molecule to the ACE2 receptor of the host following which infection occurs. Through this data, we have shown the different point mutations in the spike glycoproteins that occurred over time in different countries as the disease progressed.
The Human-Covid Tango: Connecting the Dots
Authors: Hamdi Hamdi , Abdaldayem Ensaf
Published: April 2020

As the world grapples with a hot pandemic with various and expanding epicenters, a flurry of medical and scientific activity has gained speed and momentum in a race to halt Covid-19. Due to the urgency of the situation, publication peer review has been speeded up to get information published and turn the gears of research in search for a cure. A hot and controversial topic has been the connection between Covid-19 and the Renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Covid-19, like Sars before it, enters by way of the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 is ubiquitously expressed in many tissues in the body serving as the doorway by which the virus can enter and spread causing inflammatory havoc. Demographic evidence coming out of china and other locations make it clear that the elderly and those suffering cardiovascular complications such as hypertension etc are most at risk. The connection to RAS and the demographic nature of the data coming out has led many to advance hypothesis, recommendations and even therapies based on existing RAS inhibitors and other components of the renin-angiotensin system. It is pertinent to review the literature in the context of our understanding of the renin-angiotesnin system to allow better judgements to be made as well as lines of research initiated advancing a quick resolution to Covid-19.
Global Ranking of COVID-19-Related Mortality by Country using a Novel Pandemic Efficiency Index (PEI)
Authors: Salihu Hamisu M. , Dongarwar Deepa , Aliyu Muktar H. , Azuine Romuladus E.
Published: April 2020

The world is currently witnessing a dramatic disruption of everyday life owing to the rapid progression of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As the pandemic evolves, there is an urgent need to better understand its epidemiology, characterize its potential impact, and identify mitigatory strategies to avert pandemic-related mortality. There is a need for a tool or algorithm to evaluate the extent to which public health policy and/or economic preparedness measures are effectively averting COVID-19 related mortality. We present a simple and yet practical epidemiological tool, the Pandemic Efficiency Index (PEI), that can be utilized globally to test the relative efficiency of measures put in place to avert death resulting from COVID-19 infection. Using the PEI and current COVID-19-related mortality, we determined that so far Germany demonstrates the highest PEI (5.1) among countries with more than 5,000 recorded cases of the infection, indicating high quality measures instituted by the country to avert death during the pandemic. Italy and France currently have the lowest COVID-19-related PEIs. Epidemics and pandemics come and go, but local, national, and global abilities to determine the efficiency of their efforts in averting deaths is critical.

Key words: • COVID-19 • Pandemic Efficiency Index • PEI • Coronavirus • Mortality • Pandemic • Epidemic • Global health

 

Copyright © 2020 Salihu et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
Brief: Development of the Electronic Journal of Petroleum Engineering
Authors: Barnett A. A. , Russell J. E.
Published: April 2020

A new electronic petroleum engineering journal with on-line submission, review, and distribution is being developed to provide an additional and needed outlet for technological developments. The primary objective of this journal is to provide a medium for rapid exchange of up-to-date advances in petroleum engineering. The Electronic Journal of Petroleum Engineering (E-JPE) will take substantially less time to publish because it will decrease the time required by traditional reviewing, printing, and distributing processes and will allow more widespread participation by international reviewers. E-JPE will be developed in phases to "debug" the process and to increase distribution and participation. Papers will not be subjected to the size constraints associated with some hard-copy publications and will not be limited to a fixed number of yearly volumes. Publication costs will be lower than for traditional hard-copy journals because printing and mailing are· eliminated. E-JPE can provide a more efficient avenue for exchange of ideas among authors, editors, and readers through electronic networking systems. The journal will put the petroleum engineering industry at the forefront of technical publishing and pave the way into the next century.

Introduction

For many years, SPE journals have been the primary outlet for petroleum engineering technology developed through fundamental research at universities and research laboratories. Over the last few years, SPE journals have expanded coverage of the international oil and gas community and increased their emphasis on case studies and practical applications of emerging technology. SPE has been forced to limit the number of full papers published annually (about 240) to control growing costs of maintaining traditional, peer-reviewed technical journals. These circumstances have limited academic and research community opportunities to publish developments arising from fundamental research. The Assn. of U.S. Petroleum Engineering Dept. Heads is developing E-JP E as a service to the profession and to provide an additional outlet for peer-reviewed publications for researchers and practitioners.
The IT in Your Future
Authors: Baksi William F.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 1, Number 1, 1998, pp. 24-29.

The challenges confronting every E&P operating company are the same: increasing productivity, managing risk, and making sound business decisions at every operational level. To succeed in a climate of increasing global competitiveness, E&P divisions of top upstream petroleum companies are challenging themselves to double productivity every 3 to 5 years. The challenge is not easy. Technology has played a dominant role in the productivity gains of the last decade, but technology alone will not be enough to reach the new goals. Increased levels of productivity, in both operational and financial performance, will require significant changes in process and culture as well as leveraging emerging technologies. The focus of change for top performers will be on how they capture, manage, and use information and knowledge.

This new focus on knowledge reflects a broad cultural shift in the constantly evolving upstream petroleum business. It manifests itself in what E&P companies consider core competencies and how they manage their people and operations. A corporate culture is pervasive and influences both decision process and operating style.

A historical review of the petroleum E&P business helps to put this in perspective. The following historical perspective is summarized from "The Emerging Knowledge Culture in Upstream Petroleum companies," (J. Kennell, September 1997 World Oil E&P Information Management Conference, Houston).

A broad overview of upstream petroleum business over the past 50 years shows three distinct cultural eras, with the industry just now entering a fourth cultural era:The post-World War II to 1972 period can be characterized as asset centered.The OPEC-sponsored boom era of 1973-85 was characterized by price euphoria.The post-boom era of 1986 through the middle to late 1990's was corporate-capabilities centered.The emerging culture for the top performing companies is characterized by knowledge management.

From World War II to 1972, each oil company depended on its own unique assets - its crown jewels, so to speak. Later, from 1973 to 1985, the industry was dominated by the "price euphoria" of the OPEC-driven era. Since 1986, oil companies centered on more sophisticated development of their core competencies.
Economics of Producing and Refining Russian Oil
Authors: Smith James L.
Published: April 2020

Published in Oil & Gas Executive, Volume 1, Number 2, 1998, pages 40-44.

Although the raw resource potential in Russia is attractive, the upstream investment climate is chilly. This is largely a result of onerous taxation and export barriers that trap Russian crude in a domestic market where the internal oil price is lower than the world market.

Russia's decision to sell its oil abroad or at home is complicated by several factors. First is the differential tax treatment for exports [exemption from value-added tax (VAT), but higher export and transport tariffs]. Second is the creditworthiness of customers. These two factors tend to favor export sales to the world market. Bottlenecks in the pipeline system and export terminals, however, have effectively put a lid on sales abroad, trapping the residual quantities of Russian crude oil in the domestic market.

Impact of Taxation

Taxation that, for the most part, exceeds the industry's ability to pay, discourages investment in new and rehabilitated production facilities. Fig. 1 shows that, on the basis of the real economic cost of developing, producing, and shipping crude oil from each of Russia's main producing regions, investment would be profitable at current crude prices (about U.S. $14/bbl for Russian crude). However, the additional tax component pushes the tax-paid cost above the level that customers, domestic or international, are willing to pay (J.L. Smith, "Taxation and Investment in Russian Oil," J. Energy Finance and Development, 1997). Consequently, investment in new production facilities is a risky proposition that requires great faith that crude-oil markets will tighten, forcing prices to rise well above the current level. Fig. 2 gives the break-even price (minimum economic price) needed to generate a 15% after-tax return for several variants of the Russian tax regime. A wellhead price of U.S.$12.50/bbl would cover all costs apart from the impact of taxes. The break-even price is escalated by taxes, however, to U.S. $18.72/bbl for foreign joint ventures, which are assumed to operate under the most recent regulations and to export all their production (JV '97 in Fig. 2).