bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Longshore Sediment Transport at Theestuaries of Jeneberang River and Tallo River Caused by Waves on Coast of Makassar
Authors: Karamma Riswal , Pallu M.Saleh , Thaha M. Arsyad , Hatta Mukhsan Putra , Mustari A. Subhan , Syarif Sukri Ahmad
Published: June 2020

The length of the Makassar Coast reaches ± 35.52 km. In the northern coastal area of Makassar City, the Tallo River Estuary and the south side of the Jeneberang River Estuary, both estuaries can affect longshore sediment transport on the coast of Makassar City. The purpose of this research was to determine the direction of longshore sediment transport on the coast at the estuaries of the Jeneberang River and Tallo River caused by waves on the Makassar Coast. The analysis carried out in this research is the analysis of wind direction, wind speed, effective retrieval, wave forecasting, wave return analysis, breaking wave analysis and longshore sediment transport analysis. The result of this research indicates that the longshore sediments transport in the Tallo River Estuary is relatively heading north or away from the coast of Makassar and longshore sediments transport in the Jeneberang River Estuary is relatively heading north or heading to the coast of Makassar.
Fuzzy Logic Methods to Identify Potential Area Mapping for Mangrove Forests in Kendari using Landsat Image
Authors: Ningrum Ika Purwanti , Muchtar Mutmainnah , Saputra Rizal Adi , Sajiah Adha Mashur , Harati Syamsul Razak , Jaya Hasran
Published: June 2020

Indonesia is an archipelago country with widest mangrove areas in the world. This potential is supported by length the coastline reaches + 81,000 km. As one of city in Indonesia, Kendari surrounded by the bay with temperatures reaching 22-31°C makes it potential to has mangrove forests. But the mangrove areas in Kendari decrease by 30% in recent year. This study aims to determine the level of mangrove fertility so we hope in future we could identify potential area Mapping for Mangrove in Kendari to increase more mangrove area. To analyze the quality of mangroves area through remote sensing data can be used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) method. By utilizing Landsat 7.0 ETM + image can make it easier to get information without touching the object of research. This experiment used fuzzy logic method (Fuzzy Mamdani) to get fertility rate of land soil. The result showed the highest fertility rate of mangrove area is 58,2034 which categorized as Very Good and the lowest score is 36,991 which categorized as Average.
Effect of Compaction Pressure on Quality of Activated Charcoal Briquette Made from Sago Stem Midrib Material
Authors: Lestari Lina , Variani V I , Firihu Muh. Zamrun , Raharjo S , Saleh Ismail , Aprilla Nining
Published: June 2020

Fabrication and characterization of activated charcoal briquette made from sago stem midrib have been performed. The sago stem midrib firstly dried before carbonized using kiln drum method. Subsequently, the sago stem midrib charcoal was activated using electric furnace with 650°C of temperature for 5 minutes. Then, the activated briquette mashed and sieved by 80-mesh strainer before moulded into a compaction pressure. The pressure that applied were 34.66 kg/cm2, 69,32 kg/cm2 and 103,98 kg/cm2. Ignition time, burning rate, and burning test were performed to charaterize the briquette quality. The result shown that the higher the pressure applied, the lower ignition time, burning rate and the longer of burning time of sago stem midrib briquette, compared to the unactivated sago stem midrib briquette.
Shear Strength Analysis of Reduced Beam Section (RBS) on Castellated Beam
Authors: Aswad Nini Hasriyani , Tachrir  , Parung Herman , Amiruddin A. Arwin
Published: June 2020

Shear strength analysis of the reduced beam section (RBS) on the castellated beam with exterior connection aimed to analyze the structural elements to determine the shear force acting due to cyclic loading. The study was developed from the theory of moments due to shear forces based on the American Institute of Steel’s Prequalified Connection Construction for Special and Intermediate Moment Frames for Seismic Applications (AISC 358-10). This study used an experiment of RBS on a castellated beam with an exterior connection model subjected to cyclic loading. The result shows that the shear strength occurred after the bending failure of the beam.
Dynamics of Community Based Coastal Resource Management in Wabula Village, Buton Regency
Authors: Nalefo La
Published: June 2020

Coastal Resources Management was carried out by the community have been displaced by government’s role which tends prefer to capital investors. The consequence of controlling local communities was becoming weak, and competing got benefit from capital entrepreneurs. The aims of this study were (1)the dynamics of the implementation of coastal resource management in the community, (2)the application of the basic principles of traditional-based coastal resource management and programs, (3)key factors that influence the existence of traditional resource-based resource management systems and programs. The results of the study found that the dynamics of the implementation of community based coastal resource management was constructed by a socio-cultural order that continued to develop in accordance with the demands of the times. The creation of a management system based on its dynamic program was based on the level of needs and sustainability of the ecosystem determined by the Ministry of Fisheries included in the COREMAP program. The application of the basic principles of community-based coastal resource management is very dynamic and manifested on a local conceptual basis. The key factors these influencing the existence of a community based coastal resource management system rested in the weakness of the authority exercised by the parabela.
Seicmic Load on the Wharf
Authors: Kadir Abdul
Published: June 2020

Earthquake is a natural event that shocks can cause casualties and damage public facilities or infrastructure. The wharf is an infrastructure built with large investments. The purpose of this paper is how to design a open wharf and closed wharf that can minimize the risk or prevent collapse due to earthquake. The design uses a approach or force based with reference to the Earthquake Code of the world.
Case Study on Relocation of Port Infrastructure using the Randomized Expert Panel Opinion Marginalizing Procedure
Authors: Tenekedjiev Kiril , Nikolova Natalia
Published: June 2020

We present a case study related to the relocation of parts of port facilities in a Black sea port in Varna (Bulgaria). As the city and the port expanded over the years, the east sector of the port ended up being in the middle of the city center. This causes environmental and spatial planning problems to both the city and the port area. We present several alternatives to relocate part of the industrial activities of the port to another site further to the west sector of the port and utilize the emptied space for recreational, public and social activities. We then apply the Randomized Expert Panel Opinion Marginalizing Procedure (REPOMP) to rank the alternatives. The procedure utilizes a hierarchy of criteria to assess the alternatives from four major aspects – environmental, social, technological and economical. A total of 12 experts provided their estimates on how the alternatives meet all criteria as well as on the relative significance of each criterion. Bootstrap simulation is utilized to not only find the total marginal criterion of each alternative, but also its distribution and best estimate. We also tested whether there is significant difference between the ranking scores of the alternatives.
Sea level rise impact on mangrove growth and development in Coral Triangle Ecoregion Southeast, Indonesia
Authors: Analuddin Kangkuso , Septiana Andi , Jamili  , Sahidin Idin , Rianse Usman , Sharma Sahadev , Nadaoka Kazuo , Anjani Eka Diaz
Published: June 2020

The mangroves are among the most at-risk coastal ecosystems, which are especially vulnerable to sea-level rise. This study aimed to know the growth capacity and biochemical defense of mangrove seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata under different sea water logging at experimental condition in Kendari bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Results showed that maximum leaf area, intrinsic rate increase of leaf area and relative growth rate (RGR) of height of the R. mucronata seedlings were significantly higher at treatment of 45 cm from the ground than other treatments, whereas RGR of diameter was the higher at treatment of 30 cm from the ground. Meanwhile, half expansion period leaf area was almost similar for all treatment. However, the carbon and nitrogen ratio in leaves of R. mucronata seedlings was significantly higher at seawater logging of 0 cm from the ground. The flavonoid and vitamin C concentrations in R. mucronata seedlings were higher at higher level inundation indicating protective role of these compounds under seawater logging stress.
Polyethylene glycol mediated synthesis of iron vanadate (FeVO4) nanoparticles with supercapacitive features
Authors: Saravanakumar B , Karthikeyan N , Periasamy P A , Britten Allen J , Mkandawire Martin
Published: June 2020

Binary transition metal oxides, such as iron vanadate (FeVO4), possess unleashed potential to be the best electrode material for supercapacitor, owing to their high capacitance, stability and conductivity. This present work reports investigations on the influence of a surfactant, polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000), on the structure, morphology and electrochemical behaviour of FeVO4 nanoparticles. The P4-FeVO4 exhibited specific capacitance of 428.0 Fg−1 at a current density of 2.0 Ag−1, and arguably better performance and cyclic stability than FeVO4 synthesised without PEG 4000. Thus, PEG 4000 significantly influenced the morphological and electrochemical performance of the FeVO4. Furthermore, the assembled P4-FeVO4 based symmetric capacitor device had a specific capacitance of 101.0 Fg−1 with an energy density of 14.1 Whkg−1. This improved electrochemical performance of the P4-FeVO4 based devices is attributed to the physicochemical properties of P4-FeVO4 nanoparticles, mediated by the PEG 4000.
The effect of natural fibres template on the chemical and structural properties of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate scaffold
Authors: Alshaaer Mazen , Abdel-Fattah Essam , Saadeddin Iyad , Battah Feras Al , Issa Khalil , Saffarini Ghassan
Published: June 2020

Porous biphasic bioceramics that contain hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate were synthesized in this study using luffa cylindrical fibres (LCF) as the template. In addition to improving the pore structure, using this template led to a chemical coating of the pores´ internal surfaces by important minerals such as magnesium and phosphorous from the LCF residue. Evaluation of our preliminary results suggests promising applications in bone tissue engineering. The synthesized porous bioceramics were characterized in view of their microstructural, physical, and in vitro features. They showed a trimodal pore system comprising a nano-pore network, smaller macropore with diameters of 5 to 100 μm, and cylindrical macropores with diameters from 100 to 400 μm; and 75% of interconnected porosity was confirmed by Mercury intrusion porosimetry and SEM images. Enhanced cell adhesion of the internal pore surfaces generated long and extended cells inside the macropores. SEM images show how the cells adhered to bioceramic surfaces and developed cytoplasmic extensions. Their proliferation in vitro demonstrates that the scaffold architecture and mineral composition are suitable for mesenchymal stem cell seeding and growth.
Performance of various gridded temperature and precipitation datasets over Northwest Himalayan Region
Authors: Kanda Neha , Negi H S , Rishi Madhuri S , Kumar Anant
Published: June 2020

This study evaluated the performance of 07 gridded datasets viz. Asian Precipitation Highly-resolved Observational Data Integration towards Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE), Climate Research Unit Time-Series (CRU-TS), University of Delaware (UDEL), Tropical rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM)/ TMPA (TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis), Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), Princeton Global Forcings Dataset (PGF), and European Reanalysis Interim (ERA-I) in capturing the amount, seasonality and trend of precipitation over different climatic zones of Northwestern Himalaya (NWH) i.e. Lower Himalaya (LH), Greater Himalaya (GH) and Karakoram Himalaya (KH). A similar comparison was also done for the temperature data but only with 05 datasets, viz. APHRODITE, CRU-TS, PGF, UDEL and ERA-I since TMPA and GPCC are precipitation datasets only. This study is a maiden attempt where in situ observation includes the data from elevations above 5000 m amsl (07 observatories) in NWH (Indian sub-region). Results reveal that for precipitation over NWH; ERA-I, GPCC, and TMPA/TRMM were found to be quite reliable datasets. For temperature, all datasets performed quite well but CRU-TS and ERA-I provided more reliable estimates. The mean absolute error ranged from 13.5 mm/month to 150.7 mm/month for precipitation and 0.75°C/month to 9.9°C/month for temperature. High values of the errors underpin the need for bias correction. On the basis of this analysis, monthly correction factors for wintertime temperature and precipitation have also been suggested for each dataset which when multiplied with corresponding datasets would result in closely approximated values for the area of interest. These results can serve as a guide for bias correction and selection of appropriate gridded datasets for use in studies pertaining to hydrological modeling over NWH.
Optimal modeling pattern of variables selection on analog complex using UVE-PLS regression
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Yue , Tian Kuangda
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine the composition of chemical complex by partial least square (PLS) regression models combined with uninformative variable elimination (UVE). The near-infrared (NIR) spectra of the forty samples were determined and then UVE was used to compress full NIR spectra from 12011 redundant variables to dozens of variables. Finally, 54, 16, 27, 31 and 42 variables were selected by UVE for 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane, Heptane, Cyclohexane, Ethyl formate and Butyl acetate respectively. Selected variables were used as the inputs of PLS model for quantitative analysis which made the prediction of the model more robust and accurate compared with the conventional PLS.
Evaluation of water repellency in bentonite filled polypropylene composites via physical and mechanical methods
Authors: Yildirimkaraman Oyku , Yildiz Umit Hakan , Akar Alinda Oyku , Tayfun Umit
Published: June 2020

With the advent of polymeric materials having dimensional stability, outdoor applications for polymer composites are increasing expeditiously. The employment of durable material in wet environments is the most effective means of water repellency. Silane modification was applied to bentonite clay for the donation of hydrophobicity on its surface. Surface functionalities of powder surfaces were confirmed by FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and SEM techniques. Polypropylene composities involving pristine and modified bentonite powders were produced in bulk and film forms at three different loading ratios. Water permeability of bulk and film samples was evaluated via water absorption test. In addition to water uptake values, optical microscopy was utilized in order to visualize the structural deterioration of composite samples after water immersion. Mechanical behaviours of composite materials before and after water absorption test were reported in order to analyze the effect of water aging. Based on the findings, in-depth discussions were performed by comparison with basic models postulated regarding migration of water molecules into polymer structure.
Compliance With Standards for STARD 2015 Reporting Recommendations in Pathology
Authors: Hogan Keenan O , Fraga Garth R
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Lack of experimental reproducibility has led to growing interest in guidelines to enhance completeness and transparency in research reporting. This retrospective survey sought to determine compliance with Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (STARD) 2015 statement in the recent pathology scientific literature.

Methods

Two raters independently scored 171 pathology diagnostic accuracy studies for compliance with 34 STARD items and subcomponents. Overall adherence was calculated as a proportion after excluding nonapplicable items.

Results

After excluding nonapplicable items, there was 50% overall adherence to STARD reporting recommendations. In total, 15.44 ± 3.59 items were reported per article (range, 4-28 out of maximum possible of 34). There was substantial heterogeneity in individual item reporting, with greater than 75% reporting in eight of 34 items and less than 25% reporting in 11 of 34 items. Less than 10% of articles reported hypotheses, subgroup analyses for confounding, sample size calculations, subject flow diagrams, study registrations, and links to full study protocols. Significantly more items were reported in articles from journals that endorsed STARD (16.14 vs 14.84, P = .0175).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate incomplete reporting of essential items in pathology diagnostic accuracy studies. More vigorous enforcement of reporting checklists might improve adherence to minimum reporting standards.
Regular Physical Activity Levels and Incidence of Restrictive Spirometry Pattern: A Longitudinal Analysis of 2 Population-Based Cohorts
Authors: Carsin Anne-Elie , Keidel Dirk , Fuertes Elaine , Imboden Medea , Weyler Joost , Nowak Dennis , Heinrich Joachim , Erquicia Silvia Pascual , Martinez-Moratalla Jesus , Huerta Ismael , Sanchez Jose-Luis , Schaffner Emmanuel , Caviezel Seraina , Beckmeyer-Borowko Anna , Raherison Chantal , Pin Isabelle , Demoly Pascal , Leynaert Bénédicte , Cerveri Isa , Squillacioti Giulia , Accordini Simone , Gislason Thorarinn , Svanes Cecilie , Toren Kjell , Forsberg Bertill , Janson Christer , Jogi Rain , Emtner Margareta , Real Francisco Gómez , Jarvis Debbie , Guerra Stefano , Dharmage Shyamali C , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Garcia-Aymerich Judith
Published: June 2020

We estimated the association between regular physical activity and the incidence of restrictive spirometry pattern. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and physical activity were assessed in 2 population-based European cohorts (European Community Respiratory Health Survey: n = 2,757, aged 39–67 years; and Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung and Heart Diseases in Adults: n = 2,610, aged 36–82 years) first in 2000–2002 and again approximately 10 years later (2010–2013). Subjects with restrictive or obstructive spirometry pattern at baseline were excluded. We assessed the association of being active at baseline (defined as being physically active at least 2–3 times/week for ≥1 hour) with restrictive spirometry pattern at follow-up (defined as a postbronchodilation FEV1/FVC ratio of at least the lower limit of normal and FVC of <80% predicted) using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for relevant confounders. After 10 years of follow-up, 3.3% of participants had developed restrictive spirometry pattern. Being physically active was associated with a lower risk of developing this phenotype (relative risk = 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.59, 0.98). This association was stronger among those who were overweight and obese than among those of normal weight (P for interaction = 0.06). In 2 large European studies, adults practicing regular physical activity were at lower risk of developing restrictive spirometry pattern over 10 years.
Improving transitions of care for critically ill adult patients on pulmonary arterial hypertension medications
Authors: Martirosov Amber Lanae , Smith Zachary Ryan , Hencken Laura , MacDonald Nancy C , Griebe Kristin , Fantuz Patricia , Grafton Gillian , Hegab Sara , Ismail Reem , Jackson Barb , Kelly Bryan , Miller Maxwell , Awdish Rana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to describe the activities of critical care and ambulatory care pharmacists in a multidisciplinary transitions-of-care (TOC) service for critically ill patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) receiving PAH medications.

Initiation of medications for treatment of PAH involves complex medication access steps. In the ambulatory care setting, multidisciplinary teams often have a process for completing these steps to ensure access to PAH medications. Patients with PAH are frequently admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and their home PAH medications are continued and/or new medications are initiated in the ICU setting. Inpatient multidisciplinary teams are often unfamiliar with the medication access steps unique to PAH medications. The coordination and completion of medication access steps in the inpatient setting is critical to ensure access to medications at discharge and prevent delays in care. A PAH-specific TOC bundle for patients prescribed a PAH medication who are admitted to the ICU was developed by a multidisciplinary team at an academic teaching hospital. The service involves a critical care pharmacist completing a PAH medication history, assessing for PAH medication access barriers, and referring patients to an ambulatory care pharmacist for postdischarge telephone follow-up. In collaboration with the PAH multidisciplinary team, a standardized workflow to be initiated by the critical care pharmacist was developed to streamline completion of PAH medication access steps. Within 3 days of hospital discharge, the ambulatory care pharmacist calls referred patients to ensure access to PAH medications, provide disease state and medication education, and request that the patient schedule a follow-up office visit to take place within 14 days of discharge.

Conclusion

Collaboration by a PAH multidisciplinary team, critical care pharmacist, and ambulatory care pharmacist can improve TOC related to PAH medication access for patients with PAH. The PAH TOC bundle serves as a model that may be transferable to other health centers.
FastMulRFS: fast and accurate species tree estimation under generic gene duplication and loss models
Authors: Molloy Erin K , Warnow Tandy
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Species tree estimation is a basic part of biological research but can be challenging because of gene duplication and loss (GDL), which results in genes that can appear more than once in a given genome. All common approaches in phylogenomic studies either reduce available data or are error-prone, and thus, scalable methods that do not discard data and have high accuracy on large heterogeneous datasets are needed.

Results

We present FastMulRFS, a polynomial-time method for estimating species trees without knowledge of orthology. We prove that FastMulRFS is statistically consistent under a generic model of GDL when adversarial GDL does not occur. Our extensive simulation study shows that FastMulRFS matches the accuracy of MulRF (which tries to solve the same optimization problem) and has better accuracy than prior methods, including ASTRAL-multi (the only method to date that has been proven statistically consistent under GDL), while being much faster than both methods.

Availability and impementation

FastMulRFS is available on Github (https://github.com/ekmolloy/fastmulrfs).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Distance indexing and seed clustering in sequence graphs
Authors: Chang Xian , Eizenga Jordan , Novak Adam M , Sirén Jouni , Paten Benedict
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Graph representations of genomes are capable of expressing more genetic variation and can therefore better represent a population than standard linear genomes. However, due to the greater complexity of genome graphs relative to linear genomes, some functions that are trivial on linear genomes become much more difficult in genome graphs. Calculating distance is one such function that is simple in a linear genome but complicated in a graph context. In read mapping algorithms such distance calculations are fundamental to determining if seed alignments could belong to the same mapping.

Results

We have developed an algorithm for quickly calculating the minimum distance between positions on a sequence graph using a minimum distance index. We have also developed an algorithm that uses the distance index to cluster seeds on a graph. We demonstrate that our implementations of these algorithms are efficient and practical to use for a new generation of mapping algorithms based upon genome graphs.

Availability and implementation

Our algorithms have been implemented as part of the vg toolkit and are available at https://github.com/vgteam/vg.
Identifying tumor clones in sparse single-cell mutation data
Authors: Myers Matthew A , Zaccaria Simone , Raphael Benjamin J
Published: June 2020

Motivation

Recent single-cell DNA sequencing technologies enable whole-genome sequencing of hundreds to thousands of individual cells. However, these technologies have ultra-low sequencing coverage (<0.5× per cell) which has limited their use to the analysis of large copy-number aberrations (CNAs) in individual cells. While CNAs are useful markers in cancer studies, single-nucleotide mutations are equally important, both in cancer studies and in other applications. However, ultra-low coverage sequencing yields single-nucleotide mutation data that are too sparse for current single-cell analysis methods.

Results

We introduce SBMClone, a method to infer clusters of cells, or clones, that share groups of somatic single-nucleotide mutations. SBMClone uses a stochastic block model to overcome sparsity in ultra-low coverage single-cell sequencing data, and we show that SBMClone accurately infers the true clonal composition on simulated datasets with coverage at low as 0.2×. We applied SBMClone to single-cell whole-genome sequencing data from two breast cancer patients obtained using two different sequencing technologies. On the first patient, sequenced using the 10X Genomics CNV solution with sequencing coverage ≈0.03×, SBMClone recovers the major clonal composition when incorporating a small amount of additional information. On the second patient, where pre- and post-treatment tumor samples were sequenced using DOP-PCR with sequencing coverage ≈0.5×, SBMClone shows that tumor cells are present in the post-treatment sample, contrary to published analysis of this dataset.

Availability and implementation

SBMClone is available on the GitHub repository https://github.com/raphael-group/SBMClone.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Structural white matter connectometry of word production in aphasia: an observational study
Authors: Hula William D , Panesar Sandip , Gravier Michelle L , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Dresang Haley C , Dickey Michael Walsh , Fernandez-Miranda Juan C
Published: June 2020

While current dual-steam neurocognitive models of language function have coalesced around the view that distinct neuroanatomical networks subserve semantic and phonological processing, respectively, the specific white matter components of these networks remain a matter of debate. To inform this debate, we investigated relationships between structural white matter connectivity and word production in a cross-sectional study of 42 participants with aphasia due to unilateral left hemisphere stroke. Specifically, we reconstructed a local connectome matrix for each participant from diffusion spectrum imaging data and regressed these matrices on indices of semantic and phonological ability derived from their responses to a picture-naming test and a computational model of word production. These connectometry analyses indicated that both dorsally located (arcuate fasciculus) and ventrally located (inferior frontal-occipital, uncinate, and middle longitudinal fasciculi) tracts were associated with semantic ability, while associations with phonological ability were more dorsally situated, including the arcuate and middle longitudinal fasciculi. Associations with limbic pathways including the posterior cingulum bundle and the fornix were also found. All analyses controlled for total lesion volume and all results showing positive associations obtained false discovery rates < 0.05. These results challenge dual-stream accounts that deny a role for the arcuate fasciculus in semantic processing, and for ventral-stream pathways in language production. They also illuminate limbic contributions to both semantic and phonological processing for word production.
Aberrant interaction between FUS and SFPQ in neurons in a wide range of FTLD spectrum diseases
Authors: Ishigaki Shinsuke , Riku Yuichi , Fujioka Yusuke , Endo Kuniyuki , Iwade Nobuyuki , Kawai Kaori , Ishibashi Minaka , Yokoi Satoshi , Katsuno Masahisa , Watanabe Hirohisa , Mori Keiko , Akagi Akio , Yokota Osamu , Terada Seishi , Kawakami Ito , Suzuki Naoki , Warita Hitoshi , Aoki Masashi , Yoshida Mari , Sobue Gen
Published: June 2020

Fused in sarcoma (FUS) is genetically and clinicopathologically linked to frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have previously reported that intranuclear interactions of FUS and splicing factor, proline- and glutamine-rich (SFPQ) contribute to neuronal homeostasis. Disruption of the FUS-SFPQ interaction leads to an increase in the ratio of 4-repeat tau (4R-tau)/3-repeat tau (3R-tau), which manifests in FTLD-like phenotypes in mice. Here, we examined FUS-SFPQ interactions in 142 autopsied individuals with FUS-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-FUS), TDP-43-related ALS/FTLD (ALS/FTLD-TDP), progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, Alzheimer’s disease, or Pick’s disease as well as controls. Immunofluorescent imaging showed impaired intranuclear co-localization of FUS and SFPQ in neurons of ALS/FTLD-FUS, ALS/FTLD-TDP, progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration cases, but not in Alzheimer’s disease or Pick’s disease cases. Immunoprecipitation analyses of FUS and SFPQ revealed reduced interactions between the two proteins in ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy cases, but not in those with Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, the ratio of 4R/3R-tau was elevated in cases with ALS/FTLD-TDP and progressive supranuclear palsy, but was largely unaffected in cases with Alzheimer disease. We concluded that impaired interactions between intranuclear FUS and SFPQ and the subsequent increase in the ratio of 4R/3R-tau constitute a common pathogenesis pathway in FTLD spectrum diseases.
Increased Dendritic Orientation Dispersion in the Left Occipital Gyrus is Associated with Atypical Visual Processing in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Matsuoka Kiwamu , Makinodan Manabu , Kitamura Soichiro , Takahashi Masato , Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Yasuno Fumihiko , Ishida Rio , Kishimoto Naoko , Yasuda Yuka , Hashimoto Ryota , Taoka Toshiaki , Miyasaka Toshiteru , Kichikawa Kimihiko , Kishimoto Toshifumi
Published: June 2020

In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the complexity-specific hypothesis explains that atypical visual processing is attributable to selective functional changes in visual pathways. We investigated dendritic microstructures and their associations with functional connectivity (FC). Participants included 28 individuals with ASD and 29 typically developed persons. We explored changes in neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and brain areas whose FC was significantly correlated with NODDI parameters in the explored regions of interests. Individuals with ASD showed significantly higher orientation dispersion index (ODI) values in the left occipital gyrus (OG) corresponding to the secondary visual cortex (V2). FC values between the left OG and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were significantly negatively correlated with mean ODI values. The mean ODI values in the left OG were significantly positively associated with low registration of the visual quadrants of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), resulting in a significant positive correlation with passive behavioral responses of the AASP visual quadrants; additionally, the FC values between the left OG and the left MTG were significantly negatively associated with reciprocal social interaction. Our results suggest that abnormal V2 dendritic arborization is associated with atypical visual processing by altered intermediation in the ventral visual pathway.
Altered atrial cytosolic calcium handling contributes to the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation
Authors: Fakuade Funsho E , Steckmeister Vanessa , Seibertz Fitzwilliam , Gronwald Judith , Kestel Stefanie , Menzel Julia , Pronto Julius Ryan D , Taha Karim , Haghighi Fereshteh , Kensah George , Pearman Charles M , Wiedmann Felix , Teske Arco J , Schmidt Constanze , Dibb Katharine M , El-Essawi Aschraf , Danner Bernhard C , Baraki Hassina , Schwappach Blanche , Kutschka Ingo , Mason Fleur E , Voigt Niels
Published: June 2020

Aims 

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly occurring arrhythmia after cardiac surgery (postoperative AF, poAF) and is associated with poorer outcomes. Considering that reduced atrial contractile function is a predictor of poAF and that Ca2+ plays an important role in both excitation–contraction coupling and atrial arrhythmogenesis, this study aims to test whether alterations of intracellular Ca2+ handling contribute to impaired atrial contractility and to the arrhythmogenic substrate predisposing patients to poAF.

Methods and results 

Right atrial appendages were obtained from patients in sinus rhythm undergoing open-heart surgery. Cardiomyocytes were investigated by simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i and action potentials (APs, patch-clamp). Patients were followed-up for 6 days to identify those with and without poAF. Speckle-tracking analysis of preoperative echocardiography revealed reduced left atrial contraction strain in poAF patients. At the time of surgery, cellular Ca2+ transients (CaTs) and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content were smaller in the poAF group. CaT decay was slower in poAF, but the decay of caffeine-induced Ca2+ transients was unaltered, suggesting preserved sodium-calcium exchanger function. In agreement, western blots revealed reduced SERCA2a expression in poAF patients but unaltered phospholamban expression/phosphorylation. Computational modelling indicated that reduced SERCA activity promotes occurrence of CaT and AP alternans. Indeed, alternans of CaT and AP occurred more often and at lower stimulation frequencies in atrial myocytes from poAF patients. Resting membrane potential and AP duration were comparable between both groups at various pacing frequencies (0.25–8 Hz).

Conclusions 

Biochemical, functional, and modelling data implicate reduced SERCA-mediated Ca2+ reuptake into the SR as a major contributor to impaired preoperative atrial contractile function and to the pre-existing arrhythmogenic substrate in patients developing poAF.
The optimal drought index for designing weather index insurance
Authors: Bucheli Janic , Dalhaus Tobias , Finger Robert
Published: June 2020

Climate change increases the need for better insurance solutions that enable farmers to cope with drought risks. We design weather index insurance using drought indices based on precipitation, soil moisture and evapotranspiration as underlying drought index and compare their risk-reducing potential for winter wheat producers in Eastern Germany. In general, we find that all drought indices can reduce financial risk exposure. However, the largest risk reduction can be achieved if the underlying drought index is tailored individually for each farm. This implies that insurers should offer insurance with farm-specific underlying drought index.
Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: what is the prognosis?
Authors: Niccoli Giampaolo , Camici Paolo G
Published: June 2020

Myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary stenosis (MINOCA) is a syndrome with several causes, characterized by clinical evidence of myocardial infarction and coronary angiographically normal or almost normal (stenosis ≤50%). MINOCAs represent about 10% of acute coronary syndromes. The causes of MINOCA are manifold and can be classified on the basis of the mechanism in epicardial (unstable plaque not manifested by angiography, epicardial spasm and coronary dissection) or microvascular. The latter in turn can be divided into intrinsic (microvascular spasm, Takotsubo syndrome and coronary embolization) and extrinsic (myocarditis). In the former, the dysfunctional microcirculation causes myocardial necrosis due to reduction of the lumen due to vasoconstriction and / or obstruction, while in the latter, the compression of the lumen occurs ab extrinsic due to myocardial edema. Note that the prognosis of MINOCA is extremely variable and depends on the underlying cause with high risk clinical subsets. A correct diagnostic procedure includes first level tests (clinical / anamnestic examination, ECG, myocardial necrosis enzyme dosage, trans-thoracic echocardiogram, coronary angiography, ventriculogram) and second level tests (intracoronary imaging, coronary vasomotor test, cardiac nuclear magnetic resonance and trans-esophageal or contrast ultrasound). Through this process, it is possible to identify the cause of MINOCA, fundamental for targeting therapy on the disease mechanism, thus constituting a typical example of precision medicine.
Causal relationship between influenza infection and risk of acute myocardial infarction: pathophysiological hypothesis and clinical implications
Authors: Muscente Francesca , De Caterina Raffaele
Published: June 2020

Presently several evidences support an association between acute myocardial infarction and influenza infection. The pathophysiology rationale rests on the release of inflammation cytokines, rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, and triggering of prothrombotic events leading to coronary artery occlusion. Several observational evidences support a potential role of influenza vaccine in cardiovascular prevention. It is estimated that the efficacy of influenza vaccine in preventing myocardial infarction could range between 15% and 45%. Notwithstanding the clear recommendation of numerous guidelines concerning patients with cardiovascular diseases, vaccination rates are still low in the high-risk groups. Influenza vaccine as preventive measure of cardiovascular disease still awaits support from randomized clinical trials. Nonetheless, considering the favourable cost-efficacy and safety profile of influenza vaccination, its use should be encouraged in everyday clinical practice.
Cryptogenic stroke over 60 years of age: should patent foramen ovale be closed?
Authors: Gaspardone Achille , Sgueglia Gregory A
Published: June 2020

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an anatomical communication between the left and the right atrium due to the lack of completed sealing of the fossa ovalis. Epidemiologic data, for the most part derived from young populations studies, suggested that PFO, allowing paradoxical embolization of thrombotic material from the venous to the arterial district, could play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cryptogenic ischaemic cerebral events. Recently, three randomized studies in patients ≤60 years of age demonstrated the superiority of percutaneous closure of PFO over medical antithrombotic treatment. Several studies, on the other hand, indicated that also in older patients with cryptogenic cerebral ischaemia, there was an higher prevalence of PFO in patients at low atherosclerosis and cardioembolic risk, and increased incidence of adverse cerebral events (mostly cryptogenic in patients treated medically, but likely due to a new cause in patients who had percutaneous closure of PFO). Advanced age is associated with more risk factors for deep vein thrombosis, and consequent paradoxical embolization through the PFO, so much so that careful consideration should be given to patients over the age of 60 years with cryptogenic stroke, as to not forgo the benefit of percutaneous closure of PFO, merely for anagraphic consideration. This consideration is particularly poignant in light of the more recent technical advances now available, such as direct percutaneous suture, mostly appealing for elderly patients, for its better tolerability and high safety both peri-procedural and during the follow-up, as well as the lack of necessity for antithrombotic treatment.
Subclinical atrial fibrillation: when to give NAO?
Authors: Patti Giuseppe , Sticchi Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Atrial fibrillation is defined as subclinical (SAF) when occurs without symptoms and is discovered only during the interrogation of permanent or temporary cardiac implantable devices. The significant interest in this condition derives from the fact that could easily be otherwise undiagnosed, portending to a potential serious neurological and cardiovascular consequences. The diagnosis of SAF is important for both the primary form and for patients after a stroke, and an appropriate management of antithrombotic treatment becomes a central instrument of prevention. Atrial fibrillation carries a five times increase in the thromboembolic risk. The subclinical asymptomatic forms of atrial tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation, diagnosed by interrogation of implantable cardiac devices, foretell a non-irrelevant risk of stroke, significantly higher than the one for patients without rhythm disturbances. Regardless the cause, the long-lasting asymptomatic arrhythmias, in patients with a significant risk profile, predict more important consequences and can justify anticoagulant treatment, also in primary prevention settings.
(Epicardial and microvascular) angina or atypical chest pain: differential diagnoses with cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Baggiano Andrea , Guglielmo Marco , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Guaricci Andrea Igoren , Del Torto Alberico , Pontone Gianluca
Published: June 2020

Angina pectoris is a chest discomfort caused by myocardial ischaemia, and it is classified as ‘typical’ or ‘atypical’ if specific features are present. Unfortunately, there is a heterogeneous list of cardiac diseases characterized by this symptom as onset sign. Mostly, angina is due to significant epicardial coronary artery stenosis, which causes inadequate oxygen supply increase after raised myocardial oxygen demand. In the absence of significant epicardial stenoses, another potential cause of angina is microvascular dysfunction, related to inadequate response of resistance coronary vessels to vasodilator stimuli. The unique capability of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in providing extremely detailed morphological and functional information, along with precise stress perfusion defects and wall motion abnormalities depiction, translates it into the test with one of the best diagnostic performance and prognostic stratification among non-invasive cardiac imaging modality. Moreover, CMR is also extremely accurate in detecting non-ischaemic cardiac causes of chest pain (such as myocardial and pericardial inflammation, or stress-related cardiomyopathy), and is very useful in helping physicians to correctly approach patients affected by chest pain.
Cardiac amyloidosis: do not forget to look for it
Authors: Porcari Aldostefano , Falco Luca , Lio Veronica , Merlo Marco , Fabris Enrico , Bussani Rossana , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: June 2020

Amyloidosis is a systemic disease due to buildup of protein material in the extracellular space, which can affect the heart, mainly in its light chain and transtyretin forms. Historically this condition has been considered very uncommon, and it was certainly under-diagnosed. Today is well known that in certain group of patients its prevalence is, indeed, very high (25% in patients over the age of 80 years; 32% in patients over 75 years with heart failure and preserved systolic function, and 5% in post-mortem series of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). Some genetically determined form of transthyretin amyloidosis are quite common in certain populations, such as Caribbean origin African-Americans. The wide spectrum of signs, symptoms, and first-level tests often overlapping among various other conditions, represent a diagnostic challenge for the clinical cardiologist. The opportunity to reach the diagnosis with non-invasive testing (first and foremost scintiscan with bone markers), as well as encouraging results of newer classes of drugs, raised the interest in this condition, so far burdened by an ominous prognosis. Early diagnosis of amyloidosis should always be guided by clinical suspicion but should also be supported by a multidisciplinary approach, aimed at optimizing the prognosis of the condition. Despite the newer drugs now available, a late diagnosis affect negatively the prognosis, and the opportunity to implement disease-modifying therapies (e.g. liver transplant in ATTR, or bone marrow transplant in AL) able to cure or at least delay the progression of the disease.
Male sterility and reduced female fertility in SCAPER-deficient mice
Authors: Tatour Yasmin , Bar-Joseph Hadas , Shalgi Ruth , Ben-Yosef Tamar
Published: June 2020

Mutations in S-phase cyclin A-associated protein in the endoplasmic reticulum (SCAPER) cause a recessively inherited multisystemic disorder whose main features are retinal degeneration and intellectual disability. SCAPER, originally identified as a cell cycle regulator, was also suggested to be a ciliary protein. Because Scaper mutant males are sterile, we set up to characterize their phenotype. The testes of Scaper mutant mice are significantly smaller than those of WT mice. Histology revealed no signs of spermatogenesis, and seminiferous tubules contained mainly Sertoli cells with a few spermatogonia/spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In WT testes, SCAPER is expressed by SSCs and in the various stages of spermatogenesis, as well as in Sertoli cells. In WT spermatozoa SCAPER is not expressed in the flagellum but rather in the head compartment, where it is found both in the nucleus and in the perinuclear region. Scaper mutant females present reduced fertility, manifested by a significantly smaller litter size compared to WT females. Mutant ovaries are similar in size but comprised of significantly less primordial and antral follicles, compared to WT ovaries, while the number of atretic follicles is significantly higher. In WT ovarian follicles SCAPER is expressed in the somatic granulosa cells as well as in the oocyte. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that SCAPER is a crucial component in both male and female reproductive systems. We hypothesize that the reproductive phenotype observed in Scaper mutant mice is rooted in SCAPER’s interaction with cyclin A/Cdk2, which play an important role, however different, in male and female gonads.
Hormone replacement therapy for open heart surgery in a patient with panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus
Authors: Takagi Kazuyoshi , Tayama Eiki
Published: June 2020

We present an unusual case of a patient with panhypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus who underwent aortic valve replacement. We successfully managed these complicated endocrine disorders by using appropriate hormonal replacement therapy.
Successful repair of critical bronchial stenosis with coexisting bronchomalacia and congenital heart defects in infants by slide bronchoplasty
Authors: Tong Phuc Duy , Nguyen Hung Dang
Published: June 2020

Isolated bronchial stenosis in infancy is rare, difficult to manage and becomes more complex when associated with congenital heart defects. Given the small luminal diameter and the proximity of the lung parenchyma to the bronchial lesion in infants, reconstruction of the bronchial stenosis is surgically challenging. We present 2 infant cases having isolated critical bronchial obstruction with congenital heart defects, which were successfully managed by primary one-stage slide bronchoplasty with concomitant heart repair. Both cases had excellent results after the surgery and did well at home without requiring respiratory support.