bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerosol variations in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jinqiang , Wu Xue , Bian Jianchun , Xia Xiangao , Bai Zhixuan , Liu Yi , Cai Zhaonan , Huo Juan , Lyu Daren
Published: June 2020

Satellite measurements and model simulations indicate the existence of the Asian tropopause aerosol layer (ATAL)—an enhanced aerosol layer in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) associated with the Asian summer monsoon (ASM)—although it has rarely been evidenced by snapshots of balloon-borne in situ measurements. To better understand how the ATAL evolves, a portable optical particle counter (POPS) onboard a stratospheric balloon was released over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) during the ASM period of 2019. The POPS detected the ATAL in the UTLS during the ascending, descending periods, as well as during its quasi-horizontal floating periods. The aerosol number density in the ATAL showed obvious vertical variability. The peak aerosol number density in the ATAL was 180 cm−3 around the tropopause during the ascending and descending period and the maximum aerosol number density was 290 cm−3 around the tropopause during the floating period. And the aerosol concentration observed over the TP in the 2019 summer was approximately five times larger than that in the 2018 summer. Lagrangian simulations reveal that the minority of the observed aerosol particles were directly elevated in a region of uplift south of the Himalayas, and the majority of the particles were transported from the UTLS region situated approximately between the isentropic surfaces of 370 and 460 K. Up to 14% of the observed aerosol particles were directly influenced by the volcanic plumes from the eruption of the volcano Raikoke in June 2019.
Size and shape of tracked Brownian bridges
Authors: Alsolami Abdulrahman , Burridge James , Gnacik Michał
Published: June 2020

We investigate the typical sizes and shapes of sets of points obtained by irregularly tracking two-dimensional Brownian bridges. The tracking process consists of observing the path location at the arrival times of a non-homogeneous Poisson process on a finite time interval. The time varying intensity of this observation process is the tracking strategy. By analysing the gyration tensor of tracked points we prove two theorems which relate the tracking strategy to the average gyration radius, and to the asphericity—a measure of how non-spherical the point set is. The act of tracking may be interpreted either as a process of observation, or as process of depositing time decaying ‘evidence’ such as scent, environmental disturbance, or disease particles. We present examples of different strategies, and explore by simulation the effects of varying the total number of tracking points.
Implementation of walk-through audits for designing energy management system: A first step towards an efficient campus
Authors: Yandri E , Ariati R , Uyun A S , Setyobudi R H , Anne O , Susanto H , Vincevica-Gaile Z
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to design a concept of energy management control system (EMCS) at the UNSADA campus, Jakarta, Indonesia by utilizing the results of the previous walkthrough audit. EMCS is an important first step by involving all parties on campus to be concerned the sustainable energy savings. The energy efficiency program utilizes the campus as an energy laboratory to identify, recommend, implement and evaluate the energy consumption, so that the expected energy efficiency targeted by the top managements can be achieved. This program is motivated by several reasons, such as; to support government policies in reducing dependence on fossil energy by implementing energy conservation programs; as a reflection of compliance with the implementation of educational service buildings (including the campus in Jakarta); a vision as the efficient campus in energy consumption that has been determined by the campus management. To achieve these goals, there are four stages to be done; the preparation, the conducting audit, the audit analysis, and the recommendation for implementation. The results provide an overview of the opportunities to save the energy consumption and to develop EMCS by involving all stack-holders on campus.
Spatial reading of kampungs by using Gordon Cullen’s theory: A contemporary perspective
Authors: Damayanti R , Kossak F , Nurdiah E A
Published: June 2020

Contemporary perspective is to transform the theory reading of space in Asian cities, particularly to the reading of kampung in Surabaya. Kampung (urban village) are commonly read as a disorder neighbourhood located in a modern urban area. Through the perspective, analysed inside out of urban spaces, the kampungs is read not only on the physical structure but the meaning behind the use. It is compulsory to consider the three parameters of urban observation for this perspective: theoretical concept, phenomenological scope, and point of view. In this research, these observed parameters: theory of townscape by Gordon Cullen, phenomenon of public and private space in the kampung, and applying the research method of ground research. Cullen’s theory one of well known Western-centric theory is needed to be included since Asian still lack of theoretical presence. The observation of the phenomenon is to extend the theory and to read urban spaces in greater Asia including studying meaning behind the urban structure. The result of this research has shown that unfixed urban elements in the kampung create stronger sense of urban enjoyment than fixed elements. The unfixed are related to the social activities occurred that identify the fluid condition of private and public usage.
Interior design students’ perception for AutoCAD, SketchUp and Rhinoceros software usability
Authors: Yong S de , Kusumarini Y , Tedjokoesoemo P E D
Published: June 2020

Many previous studies regarding computer aided architectural design (CAAD) software for design have been developed with reference to how the CAAD software (in this case: AutoCAD, SketchUp and Rhinoceros) will benefit the students while learning to 2D-3D modeling design. The purpose of this study aims to identify the first year students’ perspective regarding the 2D-3D modeling software usability. A total of 127 first year interior design students participated in the study. After finishing the course about CAAD software, they completed a survey using System Usability Scale (SUS) and polling method. After that the data was analyzed and measured. Statically, the findings show that there a difference usability between SketchUp – AutoCAD, but not so different between SketchUp – Rhinoceros and AutoCAD – Rhinoceros; secondly SketchUp is less usability than the AutoCAD and Rhinoceros. But using the survey polling, the findings show that most students will be using SketchUp for their 3D modeling design. Possibly not occurring significant result is because: the students may not really understand the System Usability Scale (the greater showed negative usability) and ambiguous perception in the questionnaire statement
Gene action that controlling some characters on F2 generation derived from the crossing of Silopuk red rice with Fatmawati superior variety
Authors: Swasti E , Hikma D , Wahyuni H , Putri N E
Published: June 2020

An F2 population is a segregated population where recombinant characters emergence. To selection these recombinant characters, it is important to know their genetic parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the action of genes controlling the number of productive tillers, the total number of grains per panicle, the percentage of grain-filled per panicle, weight of one thousand filled grains and total grain weight per hill of F2 generations. Silopuk cultivar with red rice characteristic but has weakness such as long harvest age, high plants, and medium grain size, while superior Fatmawati has early maturity, semidwarf plant n thickness, big grain size, and white grain color. The character can be improved by the plant breeding method using hybridization. The research method used is the experimental method without replication with the head to row method [clump to row] and analyzed using the analysis of Skewness and Kurtosis. The result of the crossing of these varieties is expected to obtain large and heavy grain size, early age as Fatmawati and red rice as Silopuk. Z skewness test results and Z test kurtosis on F tow generation for all characters observed are controlled by many additive genes. The characters that have additive gene action such as plant height, panicle length and total grain size can be used as selection criteria for generation F three.
Increasing viability of cinnamon [Cinnamomum burmanii L.] seed by soaking in rabbit urine
Authors: Mayura E , Idris H
Published: June 2020

Cinnamon is the main commodity of West Sumatra and Indonesia is the largest exporter of world markets. Cinnamon seeds are recalcitrant, so the fruit that has fallen out and is not fresh has experienced a decline in germination power. To improve the viability of cinnamon seeds, it is necessary to soak with rabbit urine. For this reason, a study was conducted to improve the quality of cinnamon seed viability through soaking in rabbit urine. This research was conducted at Balittro Laing Solok Experimental Garden from October 2017 to February 2018. The study used a completely randomized design [CRD] with 5 treatments namely rabbit urine dose: [1] without urine/water, [2] dose of 10 ml/l, [3] dose of 15 ml/l [4] dose of 20 ml/l [5] Dose of 25 ml/l, 30 seeds per box/plot and repeated 7 times. Seeds were used 7 days after harvest. Variables measured included: germination, vegetative growth of seeds [seed height, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, stem diameter, number of roots, root length and biomass], chlorophyll analysis. The results showed that the seed germination was 60% while the vegetative growth of seed height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and stem diameter were found the best at doses 25 ml/l as well as for the variable root length, number of roots, whole wet weight, stem wet weight + leaves, root wet weight, whole dry weight, dry weight of stem + leaves, and dry weight of the root
Embryogenic callus induction of coffee [Coffea arabica L.] on several plant growth regulator concentration and incubation temperature
Authors: Setiawan R B , Rahmah M , Trisnia H , Chaniago I , Syukriani L , Yunita R , Jamsari J
Published: June 2020

Clonal propagation using in vitro techniques to provide good quality seedling of coffee requires technological establishment, especially about the determinant factor for regeneration success. Therefore the study of regeneration methods in vitro in coffee plants needs to be done either through somatic embryogenesis or organogenesis. The purpose of this research was to obtain the optimal concentration of plant growth regulators and incubation temperatures to induce the embryogenic callus of coffee. The basic medium was used MS [Murasige and Skoog] with the addition of 1 g/L of active charcoal and 7 g/L of bactoagar. The experiment used a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor is the concentration of plant growth regulators consisting of 6 levels : 0.5 mg 2.4D L−1 + 1 mg TDZ L−1; 0.5 mg 2.4D L−1 + 2 mg TDZ L−1; 1 mg 2.4D L−1 + 1 mg TDZ L−1; 1 mg 2.4D L−1 + 2 mg TDZ L−1; 2 mg 2.4D L−1 + 1 mg TDZ L−1; 2 mg 2.4D L−1 + 2 mg TDZ L−1. The second factor is the incubation of temperature is consisting of 2 levels: 18°C and 26°C. Variables observed included: time of callus induction, percentage of callus induction, callus texture and callus color. The results showed that all medium tested only media with a concentration of 2 mg 2.4D L−1 + 2 mg TDZ L−1 which gave an optimal response to the percentage of callus induction which reached 100% with friable texture and yellowish-white. Based on observations it is also known that the incubation temperature of 26°C can induce callus faster than the incubation temperature of 18°C.
Partial isolation of the starch branching enzymes [SBE] encoding gene from the plantain banana [Musa paradisiaca] genotype Raja
Authors: Syukriani L , Asben A , Suliansyah I , Jamsari J
Published: June 2020

Banana fruit has the potential to be developed as a functional food in terms of its medicinal benefit. One of its features enabling such beneficial uses is its resistant starch characteristic. However, the starch resistance composition of the fruit will decrease during fruit maturation and food processing. Rationally, blocking of starch resistance decreasing process should maintain the beneficial characteristic of the banana fruit. This could be done by suppressing the expression of the SBE gene so that it can inhibit the formation of branching points in the amylopectin chain metabolism. Based on that consideration, we isolated the SBE gene involved in the formation of amylopectin in genotype Pisang Raja. In the initial step, the MaSBE_5458_F and MaSBE_5458_R primer combination was designed and successfully generated part of the sequence of the MaSBE5 gene. A total DNA sequence of 1,372 bp in length has been isolated, purified and characterized by sequencing technique. Blast analysis showed that the MaSBE_5458 gene sequence has a 97% similarity with 1,4-alpha glucan branching enzyme 1, chloroplastic/amyloplastic DNA sequence isolated from Musa acuminata subsp. malaccensis.
In-vivo expression of chitinase-A from Serratia plymuthica UBCR_12
Authors: Fatiah R , Syafriani E , Tjong D H , Suliansyah I , Jamsari J
Published: June 2020

The chitinase-A [ChiA] encoding gene isolated from Serratia plymuthica UBCR_12 was cloned into E. coli DH5α using pGEM-T Easy vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 using pET-28a[+] vector. The length of the open reading frame [ORF] is 1692 bp composed of 563 amino acid residues precursor with a molecular weight of 61 kDa. The protein structure composed of three domains: signal peptide, FnIII-like, and catalytic. The signal peptide domain was cleavages during transport through the periplasmic membrane, therefore the molecular weight of secreted ChiA is about 58 kDa. The recombinant ChiA Serratia plymuthica UBCR_12 that expressed in E. coli BL21 could hydrolyze colloidal chitin.
Molecular interaction of replicase protein geminivirus from Pesisir Selatan isolate with Ankyrin-NPR1 domain
Authors: Fadli M , Tjong D H , Syukriani L , Asben A , Jamsari J
Published: June 2020

Knowing the effect of geminivirus protein Rep interaction with ankyrin domain of the NPR1 [Non-expressor of pathogenesis-related 1] gene was aimed to understand how the suppressing of expression resistance genes associated with the event of a pathogen attack. Interactions that occur will affect the work of the NPR1 protein as a transcription factor. EMSA [Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay] technique was applied to study their interaction. The ratio of proteins with nucleic acids was 7.6 ng/μL Rep x 100 ng/μL ankyrin [also in the mutant] and 7.6 ng/μL Rep x 5 ng/μL ankyrin was able to visualize the binding activity. Modeling, simulations, and interaction with NPR1 protein mutations were also carried out to understand the effect of the interactions. Three-dimensional analyses of NPR1 and mutant NPR1 proteins showed different binding positions and interactions. The complex interaction formed between non-mutant NPR1 protein and Rep protein had docking score -542.04 and - 523.56 respectively. The mutant sequence showed no binding.
Price transmission after the determination of rice ceiling price in South Sumatra Province: analysis of secondary and empirical data
Authors: Mulyana A , Lastinawati E , Lifianthi L , Riswani R , Aryani D
Published: June 2020

Price transmission becomes an important issue because it is useful in measuring the distribution of welfare between producers and consumers as well as indicators of the efficiency of a marketing system. This study aimed to analyze the vertical transmission of the rice prices from consumers to farmers after the determination of rice ceiling price by the government in September 2017. The study was conducted in South Sumatra Province as one of the centers of rice production in Indonesia. Price transmission was analyzed using price transmission elasticity, on weekly time series secondary data of rice price for 100 weeks, from September 2017 to July 2019. Besides, primary data of the price, production, and cost of production of rice also collected in an empirical study in South Sumatra province to compare before and after the situation. The results showed that the price transmission of premium and medium rice at consumer-level to the price of harvested dried grain has an elasticity value not equal to one, but rather less than one for premium quality rice and more than one for medium quality. This shows that the rice market in South Sumatra Province is still inefficient because the prices are transmitted asymmetrically both for premium and medium rice. Results from the empirical study have also supported the same phenomena which showed an average increase of rice cost production and then the decrease of farmer income in 2018, one-year implementation of the ceiling price policy, especially in lowland swamp.
Identification of listeriosis and potency of antimicrobial probiotics by in vitro test on beef cattle
Authors: Siregar N M , Purwati E , Aritonang S N
Published: June 2020

The study aimed to identify listeriosis in cattle by using conventional and molecular diagnostic methods and to test the implementation of probiotics as inhibitors of listeriosis in cattle in vitro. Laboratory tests conducted to diagnose listeriosis and antimicrobial activity. Parameters included the color, shape, size, and surface of the colony, shape, and gram staining. Molecularly, the observed variable: the size of the molecular weight of PCR products. Results showed that the conventional method diagnoses of Listeria monocytogenes isolate having the green colonies, round shapes, 1 mm size, shiny convex surfaces, gram-positive, 1-2 μm × 0.5 μm short stem and Listeria innocua isolate had white colonies, round shape, slippery surface, 1-2 mm size, gram-positive, short stem size 0.3 - 0.5 μm. Additionally, conventional method diagnosis found 12 listeriosis isolates [37.5%]. Molecular diagnosis using specific PCR to Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua, produce a product with 1500 bp in size and found in 8 listeriosis isolates [25%]. The highest inhibition zone was obtained from Weissella paramesentroides LAB strain 259 with 22 mm clear zone diameter in the Listeria monocytogenes test bacteria and LAB Pediacoccus pentosaceus CTSPLI strain with a 24 mm clear zone diameter in the Listeria innocua test bacteria. In conclusion, probiotics can inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria innocua from uterine isolates.
Effect of filling frequency of substrate to optimized the production and quality of biogas as renewable energy
Authors: Sari N , Purwanto H , Suliansyah I , Purwati E
Published: June 2020

The study was aimed to optimized the biogas produced with compare the measurement of gas production, gas quality, temperature and pH of filling frequency that performed by every 3 days as treatment A and every 6 days as treatment B. This research observed on fixed dome type digester with the system of filling as continuously and has retention time for 16 days. The substrate consists of cow manure and water that homogenized. The result of the research using a t-test showed there were very significant differences [p <0.01] between treatment A and treatment B with an average of gas production on treatment A 9.75 ± 1.22 liters and treatment B 8, 72 ± 1.04 liters. Average of gas quality on treatment A 121.90 ± 3.86 watts and treatment B 113.59 ± 3.86 watts. Average of temperature on treatment A 28.12 ± 1.18°C and treatment B 27.25 ± 1.05°C. The average pH on treatment A was 6.68 ± 0.69 and treatment B was 7.37 ± 0.78. Based on the results can be concluded that the filing frequency of biogas substrate every 3 days is the best frequency to increase gas production and gas quality and to optimize the temperature and pH condition of slurry.
Microtubule nucleation promoters Mto1 and Mto2 regulate cytokinesis in fission yeast
Authors: Dundon Samantha E. R. , Pollard Thomas D.
Published: June 2020

Dundon and Pollard show that compromising the Mto1 or Mto2 regulators of the fission yeast γ-tubulin complex reduces or eliminates astral microtubules, exaggerates the effects of a D277N substitution in β-glucan synthase 1 (Cps1/Bgs1) on the rate of cytokinetic furrow formation, and increases Rho1-GTP at the cleavage site.
Epithelial tissue geometry directs emergence of bioelectric field and pattern of proliferation
Authors: Silver Brian B. , Wolf Abraham E. , Lee Junuk , Pang Mei-Fong , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: June 2020

Using micropatterned epithelial tissues, we found that mechanical stress gradients that arise from the intercellular transmission of cytoskeletal tension lead to the opening of connexin hemichannels, causing local membrane depolarization, nuclear translocation of Yap/Taz, and cell proliferation.
Associations Between Day-by-Day Home Blood Pressure Variability and Renal Function and Albuminuria in Patients With and Without Diabetes
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

The phenotype of diabetic kidney disease represents a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. We investigated the association between day-by-day home blood pressure (BP) variability and the eGFR in subjects with diabetes and compared this association with that in subjects without diabetes. We then attempted to determine whether the association is present in albuminuria.

METHODS

We analyzed 4,231 patients with risk factors of cardiovascular disease (24.4% with diabetes) from the J-HOP (Japan Morning Surge-Home Blood Pressure) study. Home BP was measured in the morning and evening for 14 days. We calculated the SD, coefficient of variation, average real variability (ARV), and variation independent of the mean of the subjects’ morning and evening home systolic BP (SBP) as the indexes of day-by-day home BP variability.

RESULTS

A multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for covariates showed both average morning and evening SBP were associated with the log-transformed urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) with and without diabetes (all P < 0.05), but not with the eGFR except for an association of average evening SBP in the no-diabetes group. None of the indexes of day-by-day morning and evening home SBP variability were associated with the log-transformed UACR except for the association between the ARV of home morning SBP in the diabetes group. All of the indexes of day-by-day morning and evening home SBP variability were associated with the eGFR only in the diabetes group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The association between increased day-by-day home BP variability and impaired renal function was unique in diabetes.
No-Scar Breast Reduction Utilizing Power-Assisted Liposuction Mammaplasty, Loops, and Lipofilling
Authors: Abboud Marwan H , El Hajj Hiba N , Abboud Nicolas M
Published: June 2020

Background

In continued interest to develop and refine minimally invasive procedures, recent publications reported a scarless approach in breast lifting.

Objectives

The authors sought to describe a power-assisted lipomodeling technique combined with surgical loops to achieve breast reduction and reshaping with minimal scars.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2018, 94 patients underwent breast reduction by combined liposuction and loops. Following infiltration of the breasts, liposuction of the outer quadrants and the lower pole was achieved to reduce the breast footprint and the lateral and inferior heaviness of the breast. After multiaxial multiplanar tunnelization, 3 types of loops were taken around the breast to suspend and elevate the breast skin envelope and parenchyma. Each loop was guided through a 3-mm, 3-hole cannula passed through skin stab incisions. The first loop was designed to reduce the breast footprint and enhance the breast projection, whereas the second loop was designed to achieve breast conus remodeling. The third loop was passed circumferentially around the areola and then cephalad along the breast axis and pulled until the desired nipple-areola complex elevation was reached. Each loop was pulled to achieve the desired breast projection and shape.

Results

The authors achieved breast reduction with a mean nipple elevation of 7.3 cm, and 88% of patients were satisfied with their breast shape. The total complication rate was 1%, including mild cellulitis in 1 breast, treated efficiently with oral antibiotics.

Conclusions

The proposed technique is a novel, simple, and safe alternative to achieve breast reduction and reshaping without a scar.

Level of Evidence: 4
Being hunted high and low: do differences in nocturnal sleeping and diurnal resting sites of howler monkeys (Alouatta nigerrima and Alouatta discolor) reflect safety from attack by different types of predator?
Authors: Jucá Thays , Boyle Sarah , Cavalcanti Gitana , Cavalcante Thiago , Tomanek Pavel , Clemente Salatiel , de Oliveira Tadeu , Barnett Adrian A
Published: June 2020

Predation risk is important in influencing animal behaviour. We investigated how the choice of nocturnal sleeping and diurnal resting sites by two species of primates was influenced by the most likely forms of attack (diurnal raptors and nocturnal felids). We recorded vertical and horizontal patterns of occupancy for 47 sleeping and 31 resting sites, as well as the presence of lianas or vines on trees. We compared the heights of trees used as resting or sleeping sites by the monkeys with those of 200 forest trees that the monkeys did not use. Trees used as nocturnal sleeping sites were taller than those used as diurnal resting sites, and taller than trees that the monkeys did not use. However, while trees used as diurnal resting sites were not significantly taller than non-used trees, diurnal resting sites were located on branches closer to the ground, closer to the main trunk of the tree and in trees with more lianas/vines than nocturnal sleeping sites. The differences in site location can be explained by the type of predator most likely to attack at a particular time: raptors in the day and felids at night.
Gynoecium structure and development in core Caryophyllales: a matter of proportions
Authors: Ronse de Craene Louis P
Published: June 2020

This review based on a morphological and developmental perspective reveals a striking diversity in shapes and evolutionary trends in the gynoecium of core Caryophyllales that have affected the number of carpels, the formation of septa and the number of ovules. Two major developmental shifts are responsible for the diversity in gynoecial forms and are linked to the proportional development of carpellary tissue (ovary wall) and the floral apex. (1) Meristic change is caused by an expansion or reduction of the diameter of the floral apex. An expansion leads to polygyny linked with the development of more numerous small carpels; a reduction of space leads to lower carpel numbers, eventually resulting in a single carpel. (2) Different ovary shapes can be recognized at a mid-developmental stage predicting the further development of ovaries. With an equal growth of the ovary wall and floral apex, young ovaries take the shape of a salt-shaker; with more extensive development of the floral apex and delay of the ovary wall, a club-shaped ovary is formed; with faster growth of the ovary wall linked with intercalary expansion and a delayed growth of the floral apex, a (half-) inferior cup-shaped ovary develops. The different growth forms are the results of heterochronic shifts and affect the development of septa and ovule numbers. A common trend in the order implies a weakening and break-up of septa during development, leading to residual apical and basal septa and the shift to free-central and basal placentation. The club-shaped ovary is linked with an almost complete loss of septa and a reduction of the ovule number to one. The salt-shaker shape leads to ovaries with a massive placental column and several ovules. The cup-shaped ovary leads to a shift of ovules away from the floral apex. Developmental flexibility is responsible for a disconnection of carpel wall growth from ovular tissue. Subtle shifts in proportional growth lead to a high diversification of ovaries in core Caryophyllales and the establishment of predictable developmental trends. These trends clearly represent apomorphic tendencies, affecting different families of core Caryophyllales in different degrees. The ancestral gynoecium was probably pentamerous and isomerous with the other floral whorls, with ovules clearly separated from the carpellary wall and inserted on axile placentas corresponding to the central axis of the flower.
A high magnesium concentration in citrate dialysate prevents oxidative stress and damage in human monocytesin vitro
Authors: Vida Carmen , Carracedo Julia , de Sequera Patricia , Bodega Guillermo , Pérez Rafael , Alique Matilde , Ramírez Rafael
Published: June 2020

Background

The use of dialysis fluids (DFs) during haemodialysis has been associated with increased oxidative stress and reduced serum magnesium (Mg) levels, contributing to chronic inflammation. Since the role of Mg in modulating immune function and reducing oxidative stress has been demonstrated, the aim of this study was to characterize in vitro whether increasing the Mg concentration in DFs could protect immune cells from oxidative stress and damage.

Methods

The effect of citrate [citrate dialysis fluid (CDF), 1 mM] or acetate [acetate dialysis fluid (ADF), 3 mM] dialysates with low (0.5 mM; routinely used) or high (1 mM, 1.25 mM and 2 mM) Mg concentrations was assessed in THP-1 human monocytes. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxidized/reduced (GSSG/GSH) glutathione were quantified under basal and inflammatory conditions (stimulation with lipopolysaccharide, LPS).

Results

The increase of Mg in CDF resulted in a significant reduction of ROS production under basal and inflammatory conditions (extremely marked in 2 mM Mg; P < 0.001). These effects were not observed in ADF. Interestingly, in a dose-dependent manner, high Mg doses in CDF reduced oxidative stress in monocytes under both basal and inflammatory conditions. In fact, 2 mM Mg significantly decreased the levels of GSH, GSSG and MDA and the GSSG/GSH ratio in relation to 0.5 mM Mg.

Conclusions

CDF produces lower oxidative stress than ADF. The increase of Mg content in DFs, especially in CDF, could have a positive and protective effect in reducing oxidative stress and damage in immune cells, especially under inflammatory conditions.
Understanding Society at 10 Years
Authors: Platt Lucinda , Knies Gundi , Luthra Renee , Nandi Alita , Benzeval Michaela
Published: June 2020

Understanding Society: The UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) has now been collecting a range of data from its nationally representative sample of participants for 10 years. This significant ‘birthday’ offers a moment to reflect on its contribution to sociological research, and on its current and future potential for fundamental and cutting-edge sociological analysis. While the study shares many features with other longer-standing household panel studies, including its direct predecessor the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), it incorporated from the outset distinctive features that make it particularly valuable for analysis in specific fields, including biosocial research, ethnicity and migration studies, and analyses of the interplay between environmental, social and institutional contexts and individual characteristics. Understanding Society has incorporated methodological development and innovation since its inception, which has facilitated more extensive forms of data collection.
The First Draft Genome Assembly of Snow Sheep (Ovis nivicola)
Authors: Upadhyay Maulik , Hauser Andreas , Kunz Elisabeth , Krebs Stefan , Blum Helmut , Dotsev Arsen , Okhlopkov Innokentiy , Bagirov Vugar , Brem Gottfried , Zinovieva Natalia , Medugorac Ivica
Published: June 2020

The snow sheep, Ovis nivicola, which is endemic to the mountain ranges of northeastern Siberia, are well adapted to the harsh cold climatic conditions of their habitat. In this study, using long reads of Nanopore sequencing technology, whole-genome sequencing, assembly, and gene annotation of a snow sheep were carried out. Additionally, RNA-seq reads from several tissues were also generated to supplement the gene prediction in snow sheep genome. The assembled genome was ∼2.62 Gb in length and was represented by 7,157 scaffolds with N50 of about 2 Mb. The repetitive sequences comprised of 41% of the total genome. BUSCO analysis revealed that the snow sheep assembly contained full-length or partial fragments of 97% of mammalian universal single-copy orthologs (n = 4,104), illustrating the completeness of the assembly. In addition, a total of 20,045 protein-coding sequences were identified using comprehensive gene prediction pipeline. Of which 19,240 (∼96%) sequences were annotated using protein databases. Moreover, homology-based searches and de novo identification detected 1,484 tRNAs; 243 rRNAs; 1,931 snRNAs; and 782 miRNAs in the snow sheep genome. To conclude, we generated the first de novo genome of the snow sheep using long reads; these data are expected to contribute significantly to our understanding related to evolution and adaptation within the Ovis genus.
Spinoffs or startups? The effects of spatial agglomeration
Authors: Furlan Andrea , Cainelli Giulio
Published: June 2020

Despite the fact that spinoffs and geographical clustering are highly intertwined phenomena, to date no study analyzes how spatial agglomerations forces might affect the emergence of spinoffs relative to other startups. Using a sample of 3456 Italian manufacturing new ventures founded in the period 2005–2007, we investigate the effects of different forms of agglomeration forces on the likelihood of a new venture emerging as a spinoff rather than a startup. Our results show that industry-specific localization economies (captured by industrial district dummy and the number of incumbents at local level) tend to increase the chances of a new venture to emerge as a spinoff. Moreover, local-related variety has a positive and significant effect on the likelihood of a new venture to emerge as a spinoff, especially for those spinoffs from successful parents.
Determination of 30 Synthetic Cathinones in Postmortem Blood Using LC–MS-MS
Authors: Lau Timothy , Concheiro Marta , Cooper Gail
Published: June 2020

Synthetic cathinones, commonly referred to as “bath salts,” are powerful amphetamine-like psychostimulants, and new derivatives are constantly appearing in the illicit market to evade judicial consequences. To keep up with these new stimulant drugs, a low-sample-size liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was validated to quantify 30 synthetic cathinones in postmortem blood including N-ethylpentylone and eutylone. Mixed mode cation exchange solid-phase extraction using 0.25 mL postmortem blood was performed followed by detection using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating electrospray ionization in positive mode. The reversed-phase chromatographic separation was achieved in 16 min, resolving all isobaric compounds. The linear range of the calibration curve was 1–500 ng/mL (R  2 > 0.99) for all compounds. Limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection were determined to be at 1 ng/mL. Both imprecision and bias were evaluated and had met all allowed criteria (CV and bias <20%). No matrix effect was observed with values ranging from −5.1 to 13.3% (CV 11.4–17.5%, n = 10). Extraction efficiency (84.9–91.5%) and process efficiency (86.1–102.6%) were satisfactory, except for 4-chloroethcathinone which was 63 and 64.9%, respectively. No carryover after the upper LOQ was detected. Neither endogenous nor exogenous interferences were observed. Both dilution integrity and stability (24 h) yielded acceptable results. This method was applied to 18 postmortem cases received between 2015 and 2019. Eight different synthetic cathinones were detected in selected postmortem cases within the past 5 years, showing a wide range of concentrations from 1.4 to >500 ng/mL. While ethylone and methylone were detected in 2015, cases between 2016 and 2017 were predominantly butylone, dibutylone, pentylone and N-ethylpentylone which had also exhibited a significant increase in 2018. To our knowledge, this method is the most comprehensive methodology for the determination of up-to-date synthetic cathinones currently available in whole blood.
A huge extrarenal cell carcinoma developing from a heterotopic renal anlage with distant metastases: case report and literature review
Authors: AlShalabi Omar , Alsaid Bayan , AlShalabi Abdulghani
Published: June 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of renal tumor arising from the proximal renal tubules. Extrarenal RCC is a rare case in which a tumor is found outside the kidney with no primary kidney tumor. Some theories suggest that these tumors arise from mesoderm remnant. Here, we present a unique case, the fourth in literature, of peri-renal, Extrarenal RCC case and the first case with a huge mass with distant metastases and aggressive progression.
Effects of Oxalobacter formigenes in subjects with primary hyperoxaluria Type 1 and end-stage renal disease: a Phase II study
Authors: Hoppe Bernd , Pellikka Patricia A , Dehmel Bastian , Banos Ana , Lindner Elisabeth , Herberg Ulrike
Published: June 2020

Background

In primary hyperoxaluria Type 1 (PH1), endogenous oxalate overproduction significantly elevates urinary oxalate excretion, resulting in recurrent urolithiasis and/or progressive nephrocalcinosis and often early end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In ESRD, dialysis cannot sufficiently remove oxalate; plasma oxalate (Pox) increases markedly, inducing systemic oxalate deposition (oxalosis) and often death. Interventions to reduce Pox in PH1 subjects with ESRD could have significant clinical impact. This ongoing Phase II, open-label trial aimed to evaluate whether long-term Oxabact™ (Oxalobacter formigenes, OC5, OxThera Intellectual Property AB, Sweden) lowers Pox in PH1 ESRD subjects, ameliorating clinical outcome.

Methods

PH1 ESRD subjects on stable dialysis regimens were examined. Subjects were administered one OC5 capsule twice daily for up to 36 months or until transplantation. Total Pox values, cardiac function and safety were evaluated. Free Pox was evaluated in a comparative non-treated PH1 dialysis group using retrospective chart reviews and analyses.

Results

Twelve subjects enrolled in an initial 6-week treatment phase. Following a washout of up to 4 weeks, eight subjects entered a continuation study; outcomes after 24 months of treatment are presented. After 24 months, all subjects had reduced or non-elevated Pox compared with baseline. Cardiac function improved, then stabilized. No treatment-related serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Compared with an untreated natural control cohort, 24 months OC5 administration was beneficial to PH1 ESRD subjects by substantially decreasing Pox concentrations, and improving or stabilizing cardiac function and clinical status, without increasing dialysis frequency. OC5 was safe and well-tolerated.
Earnings Dynamics, Changing Job Skills, and STEM Careers*
Authors: Deming David J , Noray Kadeem
Published: June 2020

This article studies the impact of changing job skills on career earnings dynamics for college graduates. We measure changes in the skill content of occupations between 2007 and 2019 using detailed job descriptions from a near universe of online job postings. We then develop a simple model where the returns to work experience are a race between on-the-job learning and skill obsolescence. Obsolescence lowers the return to experience, flattening the age-earnings profile in faster-changing careers. We show that the earnings premium for college graduates majoring in technology-intensive subjects such as computer science, engineering, and business declines rapidly, and that these graduates sort out of faster-changing occupations as they gain experience.
Battle of Three: The Curious Case of Papaya Sticky Disease
Authors: Sá Antunes Tathiana F. , Maurastoni Marlonni , Madroñero L. Johana , Fuentes Gabriela , Santamaría Jorge M. , Ventura José Aires , Abreu Emanuel F. , Fernandes A. Alberto R. , Fernandes Patricia M. B.
Published: June 2020

Among the most serious problems in papaya production are the viruses associated with papaya ringspot and papaya sticky disease (PSD). PSD concerns producers worldwide because its symptoms are extremely aggressive and appear only after flowering. As no resistant cultivar is available, several disease management strategies have been used in affected countries, such as the use of healthy seeds, exclusion of the pathogen, and roguing. In the 1990s, a dsRNA virus, papaya meleira virus (PMeV), was identified in Brazil as the causal agent of PSD. However, in 2016 a second virus, papaya meleira virus 2 (PMeV2), with an ssRNA genome, was also identified in PSD plants. Only PMeV is detected in asymptomatic plants, whereas all symptomatic plants contain both viral RNAs separately packaged in particles formed by the PMeV capsid protein. PSD also affects papaya plants in Mexico, Ecuador, and Australia. PMeV2-like viruses have been identified in the affected plants, but the partner virus(es) in these countries are still unknown. In Brazil, PMeV and PMeV2 reside in laticifers that promote spontaneous latex exudation, resulting in the affected papaya fruit’s sticky appearance. Genes modulated in plants affected by PSD include those involved in reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid signaling, proteasomal degradation, and photosynthesis, which are key plant defenses against PMeV complex infection. However, the complete activation of the defense response is impaired by the expression of negative effectors modulated by the virus. This review presents a summary of the current knowledge of the Carica papaya-PMeV complex interaction and management strategies.
Seeking a balanced approach to implementing sepsis guidelines
Authors: Hunton Ryan
Published: June 2020

Sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an imbalanced response to infection, is a common diagnostic and therapeutic consideration for clinicians in acute care setting. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guidelines have increased awareness of sepsis and reduced mortality over the past 20 years. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services created the SEP-1 core measure to ease and encourage implementation of the sepsis guidelines through financial incentives to hospitals. Still, the lack of clarity in sepsis diagnosis remains a concern. Many hospitals mandate sepsis care, forcing clinicians to provide treatment even if they consider it clinically unnecessary or harmful to the patient. This article describes a balanced approach to sepsis guideline implementation using clinical decision tools and educates clinicians on sepsis diagnosis and management.
Accelerated Graduation and the Deployment of New Physicians During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Flotte Terence R. , Larkin Anne C. , Fischer Melissa A. , Chimienti Sonia N. , DeMarco Deborah M. , Fan Pang-Yen , Collins Michael F.
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges and opportunities for medical schools in the United States. In this Invited Commentary, the authors describe a unique collaboration between the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), the only public medical school in the state; the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center (UMMMC); and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through this partnership, UMMS was able to graduate fourth-year medical students 2 months early and deploy them to UMMMC to care for patients and alleviate workforce shortages during the COVID-19 surge, which peaked in Massachusetts in April 2020. The authors describe how they determined if students had fulfilled graduation requirements to graduate early, what commencement and the accompanying awards ceremony looked like this year as virtual events, the special emergency 90-day limited license these new graduates were given to practice at UMMMC during this time, and the impact these new physicians had in the hospital allowing residents and attendings to be redeployed to care for COVID-19 patients.
The Role of Medical Student Government in Responding to COVID-19
Authors: Schuiteman Sam , Ibrahim Nadine I. , Hammoud Ali , Kruger Laura , Mangrulkar Rajesh S. , Daniel Michelle
Published: June 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has sown clinical and administrative chaos at academic health centers throughout the country. As COVID-19-related burdens on the health care system and medical schools piled up, questions from medical students far outweighed the capacity of medical school administrators to respond in an adequate or timely manner, leaving students feeling confused and without clear guidance. In this article, incoming and outgoing executive leaders of the University of Michigan Medical School Student Council and medical school deans outline the specific ways they were able to bridge the gap between medical students and administrators in a time of crisis. To illustrate the value of student government during uncertain times, the authors identify the most pressing problems faced by students at each phase of the curriculum—preclerkship, clerkship, and postclerkship—and explain how Student Council leadership partnered with administrators to find creative solutions to these problems and provide guidance to learners. They end by reflecting on the role of student government more broadly, identifying 3 guiding principles of student leadership and how these principles enable effective student representation.
Reliability, Discriminative, and Prognostic Validity of the Multidimensional Symptom Index in Musculoskeletal Trauma
Authors: Walton David M. , Marsh Jacquelyn
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

The Multidimensional Symptom Index (MSI) is a 10-item parallel score frequency×interference patient-reported outcome for use in clinical pain research. This manuscript describes results related to measurement stability, discriminative accuracy when screening for major depressive disorder (MDD), and prognostic validity when predicting recovery trajectories after acute musculoskeletal (MSK) trauma.

Methods:

Data were drawn from a longitudinal cohort study of adults with acute MSK trauma, supplemented by a secondary sample of adults with chronic pain.

Results:

In a sample of n=23 stable participants over a 1-month period, reliability metrics indicated good stability for all 5 subscales (ICC3,1: 0.70 to 0.91). In a mixed acute/chronic sample (n=148), the Number of Symptoms and Nonsomatic Symptoms subscales showed clinically useful discriminative accuracy for MDD screening (area under the curve=0.86 and 0.88, respectively). In n=129 with acute MSK trauma, the Mean Interference and Nonsomatic Symptoms subscales showed significant prognostic validity for classifying participants into “recovery expected” or “recovery not expected” groups with 72.5% and 92.2% accuracy, respectively.

Discussion:

The MSI holds promise as a tool for evaluating change, screening for MDD, and identifying those at high or low risk of poor recovery. The results favor sensitivity over specificity. The labile nature of the acute pain symptoms and a truncated distribution of Nonsomatic Symptoms scores in that group both require some caution in interpretation. The MSI appears to be a potentially useful tool for rapid pain phenotyping, evaluation, and quick screening purposes in clinical practice.