bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of occupational radiation doses in neuroendovascular procedures
Authors: López-Ángeles D , Gamboa-deBuen I , Martínez-de los Santos C , Alaniz-Sida K , Vega-Montesinos S , Lopez-Rendon X
Published: August 2021

To estimate the mean effective dose per procedure with multiple dosimetry, to calculate the annual effective dose to personnel working in neuroendovascular procedures and compared with methods reported in the literature and with national and international limits. The radiation dose to personnel was monitored in 20 procedures classified as diagnostic or therapeutic. During each procedure, the equivalent dose to eyes, thyroid, under and over the lead apron at chest level, hands, gonads and knees was measured with lithium fluoride thermoluminescent dosimeter chips (TLD-100). Estimations of the annual effective dose from different methods found in literature that use one or two dosimeters and from this work were compared. Also, a comparison was made with the safety limits recommended in national and international regulations. Radiation exposure to eyes, thyroid, gonads and knees is relevant to the effective dose, and therefore to the annual effective dose estimations. Personnel position is important, as the performing physician, who is closer to the patient, received the highest dose measured. In particular, this was observed in the equivalent dose received over the apron. However, the equivalent dose to the right eye was higher for neuroanaesthesiologists than for performing physicians due to their position relative to the patient. In general, effective doses estimated using one- and two-dosimeter methods found in the literature were, respectively, lower and higher than those obtained with the ten-dosimeter method in this work. The annual effective doses to personnel estimated with the multiple dosimetry algorithm ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 mSv y−1 and are within the national and international limits.
Increased dephasing length in heavily doped GaAs
Authors: Duan Juanmei , Wang Changan , Vines Lasse , Rebohle Lars , Helm Manfred , Zeng Yu-Jia , Zhou Shengqiang , Prucnal Slawomir
Published: August 2021

Ion implantation of S and Te followed by sub-second flash lamp annealing with peak temperature about 1100 °C is employed to obtain metallic n
++-GaAs layers. The electron concentration in annealed GaAs is as high as 5 × 1019 cm−3, which is several times higher than the doping level achievable by alternative methods. We found that heavily doped n
++-GaAs exhibits positive magnetoconductance in the temperature range of 3–80 K, which is attributed to the magnetic field suppressed weak localization. By fitting the magnetoconductance results with Hikami–Larkin–Nagaoka model, it is found that the phase coherence length increases with increasing carrier concentration at low temperature and is as large as 540 nm at 3 K. The temperature dependence of the phase coherence length follows l
∅ ∝ T

η
(η ∼ 0.3), indicating defect-related scattering as the dominant dephasing mechanism. In addition, the high doping level in n-type GaAs provides the possibility to use GaAs as a plasmonic material for chemical sensors operating in the infrared range.
Data infrastructure and information design of e-learning in primary school
Authors: Hendriyana H , Sutisna M R
Published: August 2021

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 presents technologies that make it easier for humans to help their daily activities, one of them is exchange of information through the internet. Information accessed using internet makes easy because can be accessed anytime, anywhere, and there are no limited on the device used. The software that is often used to access this information is a browser which is a website-based tool. It can also be used as a learning media by academics and students are called electronic learning or e-learning. Academics and students can easily get the information they need. Information on e-learning creates new sources of wealth. However, large data have problems is information overload that results in information that is related or not related to needs. Therefore, it is necessary to call information according to either the provider or recipient of information in an e-learning container stored in a database based on the information content using the Data Manipulation Language (DML) in the Structure Query Language (SQL). This research boundary to the database design for the development of e-learning for elementary school environments, starting from analysis, designing relationships between data using Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERD), Context Diagrams and Data Flow Diagram (DFD).
Development of electronic teaching materials based Flip Book Makers for language skills in elementary schools
Authors: Wicaksono A , Supriyono S , Akhyar F
Published: August 2021

This study aims to develop electronic teaching materials for Indonesian language skills based Flip Book Makers. The design used is research and development with the following procedures: (1) needs analysis, (2) developing electronic teaching materials based Flip Book Makers, and (3) validating the electronic teaching materials based Flip Book Makers that have been developed. The legibility test results of the teaching materials showed that the readability criteria could be understood with an average score of 86%. From the results of the research conducted, the development of performance-based teaching materials for Indonesian language skills was deemed feasible.
Developing of EDGIV web application to support voluntary teaching program
Authors: Muhammad R , Hendriyana H , Ardimansyah M I , Furnamasari Y F
Published: August 2021

The problem of equitable access to quality education in Indonesia is increase seen during the Covid-19. Mataharikecil, as one of the social foundations, is trying to take apart. But based on our observation, not all volunteers know how to teach the students. It can cause the education quality provided does not meet the qualifications set by the government. The purpose of this research is to provide a digital platform that can help volunteer teachers in the learning process, starting from preparation, implementation, to evaluation of the learning process. The platform developed is a web-based application called EDGIV. EDGIV is built using the Framework for Application of System Thinking (FAST) method with the stages consisting of Scope Definition, Problem Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Logic Design, Decision Analysis, Physical Design and Integration, Construction, and Testing, Installation and Delivery. EDGIV provides learning materials features based on the curriculum set by the government, course tracking, and the administration feature. EDGIV uses web technology so volunteer teachers can access EDGIV from any device, anytime, and anywhere. It is hoped that EDGIV can provide guidance for volunteer teachers in providing standardized teaching and make the learning experience enjoyable for teachers and students.
Correlation between mathematic learning outcomes and self-regulated learning in the covid-19 pandemic situation
Authors: Putri H E , Sasqia A S , Abdulloh A , Fuada S , Muqodas I , Majid N W A
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic brought major changes in the education field in Indonesia. The face-to-face learning system that usually dominates the school learning system has changed to an online learning system. The purpose of this study is to reveal how much the correlation between mathematics learning outcomes and students self-regulated learning in elementary schools when online-based learning systems were applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is a quasi-experiment of the fractions topic which applied to 54 students from one of the elementary schools in central Jakarta, Indonesia. Mathematics learning outcomes test and self-regulated learning questionnaires are given before and after online learning is conducted. Online learning is done with a group of the WhatsApp application and learning videos that are broadcasted through the YouTube channel. The results of the study show that the correlation between mathematics learning outcomes and self-regulated learning of elementary school students is 0.424. Based on the criteria from Guilford, the magnitude of the correlation value is in the medium criteria. The results of the study concluded that there is a correlation between mathematics learning outcomes and students self-regulated learning. The higher the student mathematics learning outcomes, the higher the self-regulated student circulation, and vice versa.
Reciprocal teaching approach towards mathematics learning outcome of elementary school teacher education students
Authors: Muanifah M T , Rhosyida N , Trisniawati T , Anggraheni R , Maghfiroh N , Kurniasih A , Sa’diyah H
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to describe the effectiveness of the reciprocal teaching approach towards mathematics learning outcomes of elementary school teacher education students, the effectiveness of group presentation learning towards mathematics learning outcomes and to compare the effectiveness of reciprocal teaching approaches and group presentation learning in terms of mathematics learning outcomes of towards mathematics learning outcomes of elementary school teacher education students. This type of research is a quasi-experimental quantitative research. This research was conducted at elementary school teacher education program in Universitas Sarjanawiyata Tamansiswa. The subjects of this study were students of the 3rd semester, namely classes 3A and 3C. Data Analysis technique of quantitative used one way anova and independent sample t-test. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that mathematics learning using a reciprocal teaching approach was more effective than mathematics learning using group presentations towards mathematics learning outcomes.
Realistic mathematics education approach on teaching geometry in primary schools: Collaborative action research
Authors: Mutaqin E J , Salimi M , Asyari L , Hamdani N A
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to describe the steps of implementing the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach in teaching geometry in elementary schools. This research uses collaborative action research between lecturers, students, and teachers in 2019 at one of the primary schools in Central Java. Data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and tests. The result of the research is that the implementation steps of the RME approach include: (a) Understanding contextual problems. (b) Describing contextual problems, (c) Solving contextual problems, (d) Comparing and discussing answers, and (e) Concluding. The implementation of the RME approach is proven to improve mathematics learning outcomes about geometry.
Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach to increase student’s problem solving skill in elementary school
Authors: Nurjamaludin M , Gunawan D , Adireja R K , Alani N
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe the steps of implementing the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach to increase students’ problem solving skill. The method used in this research is action research method, with 5th grade students’ elementary school as a subject. Data collection techniques used is observation sheet and test. The results showed that the realistic mathematics education (RME) can increase students’ problem solving skill with average students’ score up to 68.8 as good criteria in cycle I. Then in cycle II the average score of students’ increase up to 84 as very good criteria. So, it can be concluded that RME can increase students’ problem solving skill in elementary school.
Analysis of mathematics literacy ability of elementary school teacher education students
Authors: Maryati I , Sumartini T S , Sritresna T
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe and describe abilities mathematical literacy of elementary school teacher education students in the material of system of square inequalities in two variables. The analysis shows that most elementary school teacher education students were not equipped with the skills and knowledge that were prerequisites for action. Many students of elementary school teacher education used informal methods to solve problems. The indicators of mathematical literacy ability analysed include: formulate real problems in problem solving, use mathematics in problem solving, interpret solutions in problem solving and evaluate solutions in problem solving. The data collection technique used in this research is test technique. The validity of the data used triangulation techniques and data analysis techniques used data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing. The lowest percentage acquisition of 10.51% means that some students have not been able to evaluate the solution of the questions that have been given. The highest percentage of 19.27% means that during work, the students are able to formulate the real problems contained in the questions. The results of this study indicate that there are four abilities that must be met by students to have literacy skills in problem solving.
How to improve the mathematical literacy ability of elementary school teachers education student
Authors: Maryati I , Hamdani N A , Sumartini T S
Published: August 2021

Mathematical literacy ability is not only about mastery of the material but down to the use of mathematical reasoning, concepts, facts and tools in solving everyday problems. In addition, mathematical literacy ability also requires someone to communicate and explain the phenomena with mathematical concepts. So that everyone must have this mathematical literacy ability. How to improve mathematical literacy ability for elementary school teacher education student?. One of the alternative solution is to use virtual based mathematics kits. This article describes the use of virtual based mathematics kits to improve mathematical literacy ability.
Teaching analog Line-Follower (LF) robot concept through simulation for elementary students
Authors: Jannah F R , Fuada S , Putri H E , Zanah F W , Pratiwi W
Published: August 2021

At present, almost all modern industries utilize robots to increase production efficiency and effectiveness. Students’ competencies must be prepared appropriately by educators. Accordingly, in the future, they have qualified technical-skills when dealing with the fully-supported robot in their job. These supporting competencies are involved in extracurricular subjects. Robotics is one of several subjects taught at the elementary level; simple robots like analog Line-Follower (LF) robots are very suitable for elementary school students’ teaching topics. Using proper strategies, the elementary students will learn simple robotics comprehensively with mentoring assistance by STEM Teachers. This paper presents a teaching material on how a simple robot (i.e., LF robot) can be introduced to elementary students. The Circuit Wizard™ simulator was chosen as a teaching tool because it offers a virtual world, good animation, and user-friendly software. Therefore, the elementary student will understand the basic concept and apply their constructed knowledge in real robot hardware. Teaching materials are entirely taught in the simulation domain, consisting of several contents starting from the introduction of electronic components to DC motor drivers. This paper can be used as a supplementary reference (source) for STEM teachers in teaching the fundamental of analog LF robots to elementary students.
Study of Acetobacter xylinum FNCC 0001 fermentation kinetics using artificial media containing various carbon and nitrogen concentrations
Authors: Sari A M , Budianto F A , Nursiwi A , Sanjaya A P , Utami R , Zaman M Z
Published: August 2021

The starter medium’s proper composition was needed to obtain the best bacterial growth medium. Therefore, coconut water artificial medium was used with 3 variations of glucose and peptone concentrations as carbon and nitrogen sources respectively to obtain the best formulation in Acetobacter xylinum FNCC 1 fermentation kinetics. Both concentrations’ effects were evaluated using the fermentation kinetics parameter. The growth curve, bacterial cellulose (BC) yield, pH change, and fermentation kinetics were observed at 24 points within 7 days. Furthermore, the variations were 6.612 g/L glucose and 16 g/L peptone (F1), 9.541 g/L glucose and 21 g/L peptone (F2), and 17.172 g/L glucose and 26 g/L peptone (F3). The results showed that carbon and nitrogen concentrations’ variations affected the bacterial growth and fermentation kinetics. The F1 treatment gave the best fermentation kinetics based on the best cell growth kinetics parameters including specific growth rate (Rx or μ), doubling time (Td), multiplication degree (n), and maximum specific growth rate (μ max).
Non-volatile compounds of unwashed Gayo Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) with anaerobic fermentation process
Authors: Mulyara B , Rahmadian Y
Published: August 2021

Coffee is a hot drink made from the roasted and ground seeds (coffee beans) of a tropical shrub with a preferred flavour, which is consumed by many people. Furthermore, its flavour is influenced by the chemical composition of green beans that goes through series of processing such as fermentation. The chemical composition of green beans with fermentation process in the process without washing is not well-known in Gayo coffee. This study aims to analyse the effect of anaerobic fermentation on chemical composition of green beans and to enhance its quality. The coffee fruit was processed and fermented for 0 to 48 hours. Citric and malic acids varied and showed positive quality in the process of Pulp Natural (PN) and Black Honey (BH), while propionic acid was only discovered in the process of Drying (D), which indicated a negative quality. Sucrose tends to increase in PN and BH. Glucose and fructose were lower than sucrose, and chlorogenic acid increased, while trigonelline tends to decrease from all processes. Caffeine had very low levels after the fermentation process. In conclusion, this research indicated that the anaerobic fermentation process in PN and BH produced generally desirable flavour precursors.
Physicochemical Properties of Some Improved Indonesian Red Rice Flour Varieties
Authors: Handoko D D , Mardiah Z , Septianingrum E , Indrasari S D
Published: August 2021

Red rice is known to be rich in antioxidants due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and anthocyanins in the bran layers. Therefore, this study aims to characterise the physicochemical properties of some improved red rice varieties (Aek Sibundong, Inpari 24, Inpara 7, and Inpago 7) and to evaluate the cooking effect (Nagasari, Talam, and Apem cakes processing) on its phenolic content. The varieties were dehulled, with some being partially polished for 0, 30, and 60 secs, respectively. Furthermore, the rice flour was measured for its amylose, protein, fat, ash, water, and total phenolic content (TPC), as well as pasting properties. The results showed that polishing duration reduced the protein, fat, and ash components but increased the amylose content. Also, polishing duration decreased the initial gelatinisation temperature, while the influence on the breakdown and setback viscosities had no obvious patterns. Moreover, the TPC proportionally reduced to the polishing duration. The red rice flour of 30 secs was subsequently used to make Nagasari (boiling & steaming), Talam (steaming), and Apem (baking) cakes. Due to the processing of Nagasaki and Talam cakes, the TPC of 148-211 mg/100g, significantly decreased to approximately one-third, while the preparation of Apem reduced the total phenolic content in Inpago 7, Inpara 7, and Inpari 24, to almost half, except for Aek Sibundong.
Formulation of snack bars made from black rice bran (Oryza sativa L.) and sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Siswanti  , Anandito R B K , Nurhartadi E , Agustiani R B
Published: August 2021

The availability of healthy snacks in Indonesia is very limited, and their unhealthy consumption could lead to obesity. Snack bars are examples of snacks in the market with wheat flour being used as the raw material. However, black rice bran and sweet potato flour are local raw materials that could replace it. Therefore, the aim of this research is to obtain the best formula for snack bars using black rice bran and sweet potato flour. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used in this research with one-factor, namely ratio of black rice bran and sweet potato flour (10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50) (%w/w). Furthermore, the best formulation of snack bars based on physical, chemical and sensory characteristics was F3 (30% black rice bran:70% sweet potato flour). It was composed of 6g of black rice bran, 14g of sweet potato flour, 10g of whole milk, 12g of powdered sugar, 0.25g of vanilla, 8g of egg white, 4g of liquid margarine, and 8g of water. Furthermore, it has moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total calories, vitamins B1, and antioxidant activity of IC50 contents, namely 20.9%, 3.1%, 7.5%, 12.6%, 76.8%, 12.5%, 84.9 kkal/25 g; < 0.25 ppm and 443^g/mL, respectively. This snack bar has a hardness level of 6.8 N and higher levels of dietary fiber and antioxidant activity than the commercial ones.
Pasting Properties of Selected Rice Varieties from Several Provinces in Indonesia
Authors: Ardhiyanti S D , Indrasari S D
Published: August 2021

Pasting properties play an important role in determining the quality of cooked rice, or other related food products. These attributes of several rice varieties from North Sumatera, West Sumatera, South Sumatera, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and South Sulawesi were measured, using Brookfield viscometer DV-II+Pro. Popular brands are believed to leverage the potentials, in order to possibly predict customer’s preference. Pasting temperature, peak viscosity, viscosity after 10 minutes at 93.5°C, break down intensity, viscosity at 50°C, and degree of setback, were subsequently evaluated. The extent of breakdown and setback situations were instrumental in characterizing paste stability as well as the retrograde tendency, after cooling. Furthermore, Anak Daro (West Sumatera) demonstrated optimal paste stability, with very minimal breakdown value (231cP). This estimate was significantly lower, compared to most samples, with exception to Ceredek, IR 42 (West Sumatera), Jago Pelung, Pandan Wangi (West Java), Pandan Wangi (East Java), and Memberamo (South Sulawesi). Conversely, Berlian (East Java) showed the greatest retrograde tendency, with maximum setback value (3865 cP). However, the evaluation was more extensively, than other varieties, excluding Ramos Kembang, Ramos Walet (Banten), and C4 (Central Java).
The Effect of Gaseous Ozone Exposure and Storage Room Temperatures on Ethylene Production, Peel Colour, and Total Soluble Solid Content of Banana Fruit (Musa acuminata) During Storage
Authors: Triardianto D , Bintoro N
Published: August 2021

The exposure of gaseous ozone and storage room temperatures have a great potential to inhibit the production of ethylene during the ripening of climacteric fruits like banana. Furthermore, the inhibition of ethylene production is expected to be able to extend shelf life. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the production of ethylene and quality attributes of fruit consisting of peel colour and total soluble solid content during storage, under the effect of the concentrations of variation gaseous ozone exposure and storage room temperatures. Some green mature bananas were sampled for the study, and an exposure of ozone gas concentrations of 0, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ppm were applied to the samples daily and were then stored at 5, 15, and 27°C of storage room temperatures for 21 days. The production of ethylene was measured every three hours while peel colour and total soluble solids content were measured every day during storage. The result showed a significant interaction between storage time, ozone concentration, and storage temperature for ethylene production, a* and b* values of peel colour. For the total soluble solid content change, interaction occurred only between storage temperature and time.
Physicochemical Properties of Local White Corn Flour
Authors: Setyowati A , Purwani T
Published: August 2021

Corn is an important and widespread agricultural commodity used as food, feed, or as a raw material in preparing other viable products. The formation of flour from corn sources appears more flexible, with extensive usability. However, the chemical composition and functional properties are significantly influenced by the various processing methods and raw material origin. Local white corn from Wonosobo, Kebumen, Banjarnegara, Temanggung, and Magelang were cultivated in the Field Experimental Unit 2, Mercu Buana. Yogyakarta University. Subsequently, chemical content, including moisture, direct ash, protein, fat, starch, and amylose, as well as the physical properties, termed bulk and tapped-bulk densities, solubility, wettability, and color, in the form of red (a), yellow (b), and brightness (L), were critically observed. The results showed white corn with higher ash levels (1.83%), protein (16.45%), and fat (4.29%). Furthermore, lower amylose levels occurred in Wonosobo (13.5%) and Magelang (15.5%), while local samples from various regions, demonstrated varying moisture content (5.69-5.92%), based on SNI provisions. No obvious significant change was recorded in bulk density (0.46-0.49 g ml−1), tapped-bulk density (0.54-0.58 g ml−1), and solubility (14.65-16.43 %). Therefore, the fastest wettability sources were reportedly Kebumen and Banjarnegara, while Magelang’s local white corn flour generated the most colour brightness.
The challenges of sustainable palm oil product development in Indonesia against consumer demand
Authors: Isharyadi F , Ayuningtyas U , Tampubolon B D , Wahono D R , Aliyah N
Published: August 2021

Sustainable development is a global action plan by world leaders, to address various problems, especially those related to the environment and social economy. Palm oil products as a featured commodity of Indonesia, are not immune to consumer demands, which are related to their sustainability. This study aimed to identify challenges and derive recommendations to be used in developing sustainable palm oil products, which is also likely to be accepted by consumers. This research was based on a literature study of current requirements, regarding sustainable palm oil products. Furthermore, the results showed that consumers’ demands were growing, especially those related to sustainability. Also, the consumers’ requirements towards palm oil products were resulting in minimum greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the workers involved, indirect land-use change, and traceability of the supply change of the commodities. However, as a solution, development of national standard was needed. Therefore, the Standard National Indonesia (SNI) for sustainable palm oil, was used as a guideline and requirement source for every producers of the products in Indonesia, in order to overcome challenges and increasing commodity competitiveness, in accordance with consumer demand.
Sensory profile analysis of steamed brownies using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA)
Authors: Mardiana  , Fauza G , Muhammad D R A , Affandi D R , Ariviani S
Published: August 2021

Brownies are popular cakes made of some basic ingredients such as chocolate, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla extract by either baking or steaming. This study aims to explore and evaluate the sensory properties of steamed brownies produced by small-medium enterprises in Surakarta. It used the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) method through trained panelists. Moreover, this analysis was carried out in several phases. They include the selection and training of panelists, conducting focus group discussion (FGD) and sensory profiling test. During the first stage, 15 panelists were selected, while at the FGD phase, 5 sensory attributes including color, aroma, taste, softness and moist, were confirmed for describing the sensory quality of brownies. Finally, the steamed brownies were dominated by the attributes of sweet, bitter, burnt chocolate, mocha, salty, margarine and milk powder.
Service Quality and Brand Image Influence on the Purchase Decision of Coffee Shop Products in Yogyakarta
Authors: Kusumaradya N , Wagiman  , Purwadi D
Published: August 2021

Drinking coffee has currently become one of the new lifestyles of young people in Yogyakarta and the increasing coffee shop business facilitates tight competition. The previous research on coffee shops focused on service quality or customer satisfaction analysis. Due to the changing of the business environment, elaborating how customers decide to buy coffee shop product is important. Therefore, this research aims to examine the influence of service quality and brand image on the purchase decisions of coffee shop products. A quantitative approach of multiple regression analysis was used, while the samples were three coffee shops in Yogyakarta with different characteristics such as the length of service experience, location, and shop size. The result showed that both service quality and brand image significantly influenced purchase decisions. The service quality significantly influenced the 3 shops, but only 1 was influenced by brand image. Hence, service quality and brand image are useful for coffee shops with certain characteristics such as the business location.
An entropy formula over the dynamical balls and its applications
Authors: Wang Tao
Published: August 2021

The Bowen topological entropy was introduced by Bowen in way which resembles the Hausdorff dimension. It is well-known that the Bowen topological entropy and the topological entropy of subsets are not equal in general. We show in the paper that the supremum of the Bowen topological entropy of the dynamical balls is the same as that of the topological entropy of the dynamical balls, which naturally implies that every positively countably expansive map is also positively entropy expansive. This answers a question posed by Artigue, Carvalho, Cordeiro, and Vieitez [Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 150 (2022), pp. 3369–3378]. Besides, our main result is applied to find some other interesting phenomena.
Forty-five years of cGMP research in Dictyostelium: understanding the regulation and function of the cGMP pathway for cell movement and chemotaxis
Authors: van Haastert Peter J. M. , Keizer-Gunnink Ineke , Pots Henderikus , Ortiz-Mateos Claudia , Veltman Douwe , van Egmond Wouter , Kortholt Arjan
Published: August 2021

Chemoattractants induce a fast cGMP response in Dictyostelium. The cGMP signaling pathway consists of a soluble guanylyl cyclase sGC, a cGMP-stimulated PDE, and the cGMP-target protein GbpC. Here we combine published and many unpublished experiments performed in the past 45 years on the regulation and function of the cGMP signaling pathway.
Dutch emergency physicians insufficiently educated in geriatric emergency medicine: results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Sir Özcan , Hesselink Gijs , Schoon Yvonne , Olde Rikkert Marcel G M
Published: August 2021

Background

Emergency physicians (EPs) provide care to older adults with complex health problems. Treating these patients is challenging for many EPs, which might originate from modest geriatric education.

Objective

Our aim was to assess EPs’ self-perceived needs regarding geriatric emergency medicine (GEM) education, factors determining these needs and the utilization of this education. Our secondary aim was to assess emergency department (ED) managers’ view and support for GEM education.

Methods

All EPs and ED managers in the Netherlands received a survey by e-mail. The questionnaires focused on EPs’ needs in GEM education, EPs’ utilization of GEM education and managerial support for GEM education. We used descriptive statistics to analyse needs, utilization of- and support for GEM education. Regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with EPs’ need for GEM education.

Results

EPs reported to need better training in diagnosing, treating and communicating with older adults. Seventy percent of EPs reported no GEM education program in their hospital, and 83% reported no utilization of GEM education outside their hospital. EPs working in EDs with a possibility for geriatric consultation, and EPs aware of actual GEM education programs, had lower educational needs. Of responding managers, 86.2% reported the care for older adults as an important topic; lack of finances and time were obstacles to provide GEM education for EPs.

Conclusion

EPs in the Netherlands feel insufficiently educated to treat older adults. ED managers largely recognize this educational challenge. This nationwide survey underlines the need to prioritize GEM education for EPs.
Law and the Limits of Sovereign Power
Authors: Köpcke Maris
Published: August 2021

Barber’s recent book The Principles of Constitutionalism argues that state sovereignty is not subject to legal limits, from either domestic or supranational law. It further suggests that state sovereignty is not subject to moral limits either. This paper argues that this is an unsound view of state sovereignty and that Barber’s work contains valuable resources for developing an alternative, sounder view. A sound account of state sovereignty will consider the legitimate scope of a state’s authority, over and above the authority the state claims. It will explain the foundations of state authority in terms of rules, rather than the mere say-so of someone mighty. And it will be continuous with influential legal accounts of state sovereignty that historically accompanied the very emergence of the state.
The Internal Negative-Pressure Wound Control System: A Paradigm Shift for Promoting Deep Space Healing in Complex Surgically Created Wounds
Authors: Shestak Kenneth C
Published: August 2021

This article introduces a new technology to minimize seroma and promote more predictable healing in surgically created deep space wounds. Its novel design internalizes the delivery of a continuously generated high negative pressure (–125 mmHg) throughout the surgically created space by means of a multibranched Manifold. In a small prospective cohort case study of 24 patients undergoing full abdominoplasty, all patients underwent placement of this device, which was removed 7 days postoperatively. Results at 30 days revealed no evidence of wound-healing problems, no clinical seroma, and no device malfunction. The internalization of a constant negative-pressure wound therapy provided by this system has the potential to significantly reduce clinical seroma, and to produce more consistent apposition of interfaces in deep tissue spaces in complex wounds seen in plastic surgery and other surgical disciplines.
Assessing heterogeneity in spatial data using the HTA index with applications to spatial transcriptomics and imaging
Authors: Levy-Jurgenson Alona , Tekpli Xavier , Yakhini Zohar
Published: August 2021

Motivation

Tumour heterogeneity is being increasingly recognized as an important characteristic of cancer and as a determinant of prognosis and treatment outcome. Emerging spatial transcriptomics data hold the potential to further our understanding of tumour heterogeneity and its implications. However, existing statistical tools are not sufficiently powerful to capture heterogeneity in the complex setting of spatial molecular biology.

Results

We provide a statistical solution, the HeTerogeneity Average index (HTA), specifically designed to handle the multivariate nature of spatial transcriptomics. We prove that HTA has an approximately normal distribution, therefore lending itself to efficient statistical assessment and inference. We first demonstrate that HTA accurately reflects the level of heterogeneity in simulated data. We then use HTA to analyze heterogeneity in two cancer spatial transcriptomics datasets: spatial RNA sequencing by 10x Genomics and spatial transcriptomics inferred from H&E. Finally, we demonstrate that HTA also applies to 3D spatial data using brain MRI. In spatial RNA sequencing, we use a known combination of molecular traits to assert that HTA aligns with the expected outcome for this combination. We also show that HTA captures immune-cell infiltration at multiple resolutions. In digital pathology, we show how HTA can be used in survival analysis and demonstrate that high levels of heterogeneity may be linked to poor survival. In brain MRI, we show that HTA differentiates between normal ageing, Alzheimer’s disease and two tumours. HTA also extends beyond molecular biology and medical imaging, and can be applied to many domains, including GIS.

Availability and implementation

Python package and source code are available at: https://github.com/alonalj/hta.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Hippocampal Representations of Event Structure and Temporal Context during Episodic Temporal Order Memory
Authors: Liu Chuqi , Ye Zhifang , Chen Chuansheng , Axmacher Nikolai , Xue Gui
Published: August 2021

The hippocampus plays an important role in representing spatial locations and sequences and in transforming representations. How these representational structures and operations support memory for the temporal order of random items is still poorly understood. We addressed this question by leveraging the method of loci, a powerful mnemonic strategy for temporal order memory that particularly recruits hippocampus-dependent computations of spatial locations and associations. Applying representational similarity analysis to functional magnetic resonance imaging activation patterns revealed that hippocampal subfields contained representations of multiple features of sequence structure, including spatial locations, location distance, and sequence boundaries, as well as episodic-like temporal context. Critically, the hippocampal CA1 exhibited spatial transformation of representational patterns, showing lower pattern similarity for items in same locations than closely matched different locations during retrieval, whereas the CA23DG exhibited sequential transformation of representational patterns, showing lower pattern similarity for items in near locations than in far locations during encoding. These transformations enabled the encoding of multiple items in the same location and disambiguation of adjacent items. Our results suggest that the hippocampus can flexibly reconfigure multiplexed event structure representations to support accurate temporal order memory.
Real-World Comparison of Bezlotoxumab to Standard of Care Therapy for Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Patients at High Risk for Recurrence
Authors: Johnson Tanner M , Molina Kyle C , Howard Amanda H , Schwarz Kerry , Allen Lorna , Huang Misha , Bajrovic Valida , Miller Matthew A
Published: August 2021

Background

Bezlotoxumab (BEZ) is a monoclonal antibody used to prevent recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI). This study investigates BEZ effectiveness in relation to rCDI and patient-specific risk factors in a real-world setting.

Methods

A matched, retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2015 to 2019 to compare BEZ to historical standard of care (SoC) therapy with vancomycin or fidaxomicin. The primary outcome was incidence of 90-day rCDI. Secondary outcomes were incidence of all-cause hospital readmission and all-cause mortality at 90 days, infusion-related reactions, and incidence of heart failure exacerbation. Baseline confounding was addressed using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

Overall, 107 participants were included (54 BEZ and 53 SoC). Mean number of prior CDI episodes was 2, median number of risk factors for rCDI was 4, and 28% of participants had severe CDI. Incidence of 90-day rCDI was 11% BEZ vs 43% SoC (P = < .001) and 90-day all-cause readmission was 40% BEZ vs 64% SoC (P = .011). In IPTW-adjusted analyses, BEZ was associated with significantly reduced odds of rCDI (odds ratio [OR], 0.14 [95% confidence interval {CI}: .05–.41]) and all-cause readmission (OR, 0.36 [95% CI: .16–.81]). No safety signals were detected with BEZ use.

Conclusions

BEZ is effective for the prevention of rCDI and reduction in all-cause hospital readmission for patients at high risk for recurrence, supporting current guideline recommendations.
The Natural History of Rectal Gonococcal and Chlamydial Infections: The ExGen Study
Authors: Barbee Lindley A , Khosropour Christine M , Soge Olusegun O , Hughes James P , Haglund Micaela , Yeung Winnie , Golden Matthew R
Published: August 2021

Background

The duration of rectal gonococcal and chlamydial infection remains unknown. This basic epidemiologic parameter is needed to understand transmission dynamics.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study of 140 men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk of gonorrhea and chlamydia acquisition. For 48 weeks, enrolled men collected rectal swabs (Aptima multi-test kit) at home and responded to an electronic survey about sexual behavior and health conditions weekly. Swabs remained untested until participants completed the study. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates to determine the median duration of infection, censoring infections for treatment, loss to follow-up, and end-of-study. We used log-rank test to compare duration of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status, history of infection with gonorrhea or chlamydia, and coinfection with the other pathogen.

Results

140 enrolled MSM contributed 70.5 person-years of follow-up. Eighteen men had 20 incident rectal gonococcal infections, which persisted for 2–23 weeks; 30% were censored for treatment. The estimated median duration of rectal gonorrhea was 9 weeks (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3–12 weeks). Twenty-four men experienced 32 rectal chlamydial infections, persisting between 2 and 42 weeks; 60% were censored. The estimated duration of rectal chlamydia was 13 weeks (95% CI: 6 weeks–undefined). There were no differences in the duration of rectal gonorrhea or chlamydia by HIV status, history of chlamydia/gonorrhea, or coinfection.

Conclusions

On average, rectal gonorrhea and chlamydial infections last 2–3 months, although some infections persisted for 6–11 months. Further understanding into predictors of persistence is needed.
Effectiveness of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Messenger RNA Vaccines for Preventing Coronavirus Disease 2019 Hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Tenforde Mark W , Patel Manish M , Ginde Adit A , Douin David J , Talbot H Keipp , Casey Jonathan D , Mohr Nicholas M , Zepeski Anne , Gaglani Manjusha , McNeal Tresa , Ghamande Shekhar , Shapiro Nathan I , Gibbs Kevin W , Files D Clark , Hager David N , Shehu Arber , Prekker Matthew E , Erickson Heidi L , Exline Matthew C , Gong Michelle N , Mohamed Amira , Henning Daniel J , Steingrub Jay S , Peltan Ithan D , Brown Samuel M , Martin Emily T , Monto Arnold S , Khan Akram , Hough Catherine L , Busse Laurence W , ten Lohuis Caitlin C , Duggal Abhijit , Wilson Jennifer G , Gordon Alexandra June , Qadir Nida , Chang Steven Y , Mallow Christopher , Gershengorn Hayley B , Babcock Hilary M , Kwon Jennie H , Halasa Natasha , Chappell James D , Lauring Adam S , Grijalva Carlos G , Rice Todd W , Jones Ian D , Stubblefield William B , Baughman Adrienne , Womack Kelsey N , Lindsell Christopher J , Hart Kimberly W , Zhu Yuwei , Olson Samantha M , Stephenson Meagan , Schrag Stephanie J , Kobayashi Miwako , Verani Jennifer R , Self Wesley H ,   Influenza and Other Viruses in the Acutely Ill (IVY) Network
Published: August 2021

Background

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination coverage increases in the United States, there is a need to understand the real-world effectiveness against severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and among people at increased risk for poor outcomes.

Methods

In a multicenter case-control analysis of US adults hospitalized March 11–May 5, 2021, we evaluated vaccine effectiveness to prevent COVID-19 hospitalizations by comparing odds of prior vaccination with a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) between cases hospitalized with COVID-19 and hospital-based controls who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Among 1212 participants, including 593 cases and 619 controls, median age was 58 years, 22.8% were Black, 13.9% were Hispanic, and 21.0% had immunosuppression. SARS-CoV-2 lineage B0.1.1.7 (Alpha) was the most common variant (67.9% of viruses with lineage determined). Full vaccination (receipt of 2 vaccine doses ≥14 days before illness onset) had been received by 8.2% of cases and 36.4% of controls. Overall vaccine effectiveness was 87.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.7–91.3). Vaccine effectiveness was similar for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, and highest in adults aged 18–49 years (97.4%; 95% CI, 79.3–9.7). Among 45 patients with vaccine-breakthrough COVID hospitalizations, 44 (97.8%) were ≥50 years old and 20 (44.4%) had immunosuppression. Vaccine effectiveness was lower among patients with immunosuppression (62.9%; 95% CI,20.8–82.6) than without immunosuppression (91.3%; 95% CI, 85.6–94.8).

Conclusion

During March–May 2021, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines were highly effective for preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations among US adults. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was beneficial for patients with immunosuppression, but effectiveness was lower in the immunosuppressed population.
An Empirical Procedure to Evaluate Misinformation Rejection and Deception in Mediated Communication Contexts
Authors: Paquin Ryan S , Boudewyns Vanessa , Betts Kevin R , Johnson Mihaela , O’Donoghue Amie C , Southwell Brian G
Published: August 2021

Although misleading health information is not a new phenomenon, no standards exist to assess consumers’ ability to detect and subsequently reject misinformation. Part of this deficit reflects theoretical and measurement challenges. After drawing novel connections among legal, regulatory, and philosophical perspectives on false, misleading or deceptive advertising and cognitive-process models of persuasive communication, we define deception and misinformation rejection. Recognizing that individuals can hold beliefs that align with a persuasive message without those beliefs having been influenced by it, we derive empirical criteria to test for evidence of these constructs that center on yielding or not yielding to misinformation in mediated contexts. We present data from an experimental study to illustrate the proposed test procedure and provide evidence for two theoretically derived patterns indicative of misinformation rejection. The resulting definitions and empirical procedure set the stage for additional theorizing and empirical studies on misinformation in the marketplace.