bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of using pozzolanic material for concrete canal blocks in tropical peatland
Authors: Olivia M , Sitompul I R , Saputra E , Sutikno S , Yamamoto K
Published: October 2019

The canal blocking system is commonly applied in to control water table in peatland recovery during prolonged dry weather in tropical peatland. The canal blocking is an effective strategy in preventing peat fire in many areas in Riau Province. Various local material such as earth, timber, sand, stone, rock, and concrete have been used in canal blocks. The concrete canal blocks are usually built at the river downstream and need to be stronger, durable and stable than other materials. Tropical peatland is a highly organic and highly acidic environment that could damage and reduce concrete structures service life in the long term. In this research, strength properties and porosity were evaluated to indicate the effectiveness of using pozzolanic material to increase resistance to the acid attack in concrete canal blocks. The concrete was produced by incorporating 10% Palm Oil Fuel Ash (OPC POFA) as a pozzolanic material from biomass to replace the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) cement content. The locally available commercial Portland Composite Cement (PCC) that contains pozzolanic material was also studied. The OPC concrete was used as a control mix with a target strength of 35 MPa. Specimens were cast and cured for 28 days in a laboratory water pond before subsequently placed in peat water canal nearby Rimbo Panjang Regency in Riau Province. The reduction rate in compressive strength, tensile strength, Young’s Modulus of Elasticity, and porosity of concrete at 28, 91, 120 and 150 days were determined. Results show that the inclusion of pozzolanic material in concrete has increased the compressive strength, tensile strength, Young’s Modulus of Elasticity and reduced the porosity. PCC and OPC POFA had better performance than the OPC concrete after immersed in the canal up to 150 days. Hence, it can be concluded that the pozzolanic material is effective in improving properties and acid resistance of concrete canal blocks in tropical peatland.
Sustainable operation and maintenance criteria for non-toll road green rating system
Authors: Adzar J A , Zakaria R , Aminudin E , Abd Rashid M H S , Munikanan V , Shamsudin S M , Sooria S Z , Hassan M M
Published: October 2019

Green Rating System is utilized as tools to analyze the sustainability of buildings or infrastructures. Improvising green rating system is a continuous effort due to the needs of local implementation of a country. In Malaysia, there are two established rating systems for roads; MyGHI for highways and pHJKR (Roads) for non-tolled roads. Preliminary study on pHJKR (Roads) identified this rating tool assess road sustainability performance only at planning, design & construction stages. This study foresees, it is essential to sustain its engineering and sustainability performance, including carbon assessment under Operation and Maintenance (O&M). Therefore, this paper highlights the relevance and applicability of pHJKR (Roads) in comparison to other establish green road rating tools. The assessment criteria and elements during (O&M) phase are proposed for score development, which extensive research will lead to the establishment of O&M pHJKR (Roads). The data was gathered and analysed from a comprehensive review of current pHJKR (Roads) with a comparison other green road rating index. The expert panel discussion also was utilized to determine suitable sustainability factors. This study, in conclusion providing an opportunity to the enhancement of pHJKR (Roads), which offer a complete cycle of assessment in road project development of road Green Rating System.
Application of parametric components in architectural planning
Authors: Leong Yee Wong
Published: October 2019

The purpose of research is to experiment the use of grasshopper parametric software to analyze a rural district in Taiwan working as planning optimization tools for an aging population community. Conducting an architecture analysis is a process of work mainly dealing with data, as site information getting more complex it is no longer effective carry out by conventional method. Four sets of methodology are performed: (1) Spatial connectivity via road system, (2) path optimization, (3) location optimization for coverage area, and (4) land parcel classification grouping. The experimented results explore a data driven methodology of pre-design analysis in consideration of site context along with residence behavioral aspect, producing a more inclusive investigation for design solution.
Architecture graduate work readiness: The gap between learning and employability.
Authors: Mari TS , Srirangam S , Gunasagaran S , Kuppusamy S , Ang FL
Published: October 2019

The study investigates and compares the experience and expectation of employers and graduates on architecture graduate work readiness in relation to employability skills using a quantitative method. A total of 141 graduates and 85 employers completed a set of survey measuring the same variables but from different perspectives. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS v 25. Study findings show that perception of employers and graduates are similar on the architectural course and how it trains the graduates for practice. However there is a small gap in the perception graduates work readiness; architectural course curriculum, and graduates’ practical skills. The results revealed that the graduates confidence level in their work readiness is moderate (M = 3.42., SD = 0.843), concurring with the employers who reported that graduate are not entirely ready (M = 3.62., SD = 0.648). However, the employers’ score employability skills is lower than the graduates’ score, especially in areas such as knowledge of Uniform Building By-Law (UBBL) requirements and sustainable approaches (RK) (M=3.29, SD=0.881) and CTS (M = 3.41, SD=0.837). Thus, the study suggests opportunities in current learning in architectural course to be transformed using “work based learning” to enhance the graduates employability skills.
Design Strategies in Science Centre
Authors: Baniyamin N , Rahim Z Abd.
Published: October 2019

This study presents semiotics semantics theory as a possible standard for exploring the interrelations amid learning and the design of informal learning environments. The theoretical notions of classification (Bernstein, 1996), formality (Halliday, 1996), and framing (Bernstein, 1996) were sourced to explain the approach in selected exhibition galleries in Petrosains. Studies on the relationships between signs and symbols and what they represent, especially the relations between form and their reference in the physical world or the world of ideas, have been performed. Applying the semiotics semantics theory to the science centre settings has significant ability for expanding awareness of the role that exhibition plays in the visitor experience, and apprising the design strategies. The findings suggest that the representational modes do promote an investigative learning of science in pedagogical functioning.
COMMUNITY RAINWATER HARVESTING FINANCIAL PAYBACK ANALYSES - CASE STUDY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Bee Woon Yoke , Ling Lloyd , Lun Tan Wei , Fai Chow Ming
Published: October 2019

Malaysian water demand is increasing at an alarming rate reaching 27 to 38% higher than the World Health Organisation recommended consumption limit of 165 liters per capita per day. Therefore, the Malaysian water shortage crisis is quite possible in future due to this water demand uptrend. The average annual rainfall of Malaysia is 2,400 mm but large portion of this fresh water resource becomes runoff and lost through our catchments. Urban flash flood is also becoming more frequent due to fast pace of urban development and anthropogenic induced runoff. Malaysia has experienced drought and flooding in different areas and therefore, it is crucial to study the feasibility of alternate water resources in Malaysia to manage and maintain the sustainability of urban township. This study reviewed a past rain water harvesting system (RWHS) case and conducted the financial payback analyses on its proposed system. If there were 177 rain days per year with at least 52 mm of rainfall event depth, the payback period of the proposed RWHS would be 5.8 years when the discount rate (i%) = 2% and 8.2 years if i% = 10%. The payback period became longer when the annual rain days dropped below 106 and 89 rain days per year. If the proposed RWHS only serve the community under this study, it will take 12 days to consume 800 m3 stored water, while any rainfall of consecutive days will not be harvested as the underground storage tank is in full capacity. The proposed RWHS must be filled up at least 38 times per year in order to break even with the proposed annual maintenance cost but will never be able to achieve any payback from its initial investment. Rain water harvesting and full utilisation is the only way to achieve high water cost savings and shorter payback period, and maximise urban excess runoff reduction.
Degree Level of Publicness Through Meaning of Public Sphere In Bandung City, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Friestya Asharsinyo Doddy , Irma Maulina Hanafiah Ully , Mustafa Muhizam , Hafizal Mohd Isa Mohd
Published: October 2019

Bandung city public area at this time is experiencing a rapid growth due to economic growth and the influence of globalization. The development of public spaces that tend to be limited to the people who live in them, makes it difficult for the public to enter the area of its public sphere. Public sphere are formed based on the economic, political, cultural, developmental, and changes that occur in the area of today’s public sphere, making it limited and inaccessible to the public at large. This is caused by the hierarchy of public space formed by the changes of the functions, forms, and meanings. This study focused on the relationship between form, function, and meaning of public sphere to the degree level of public spaces of the city of Bandung.

The purpose of this study is to reveal all the relationships that exist between the concepts of public space and its influence on the degree level of publicness in the space of the city of Bandung in the context of its change.

This research is descriptive-analytical and interpretive based on structuralist approach and empirical evidence obtained from study cases. This approach is used to read public sphere in Bandung’s urban spaces to get a reference to the interpretation of relationships from an empirical condition. The degree level and its meaning in Alun-alun Bandung Square with surrounding buildings has been changed and has blocked the accessibility to some buildings and their facades.
Socioeconomic Status, Social Context, and Smoking Lapse During a Quit Attempt: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study
Authors: Cambron Christopher , Lam Cho Y , Cinciripini Paul , Li Liang , Wetter David W
Published: October 2019

Background

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to failure to quit smoking. Health inequity models suggest that low SES smokers experience barriers to quitting in part due to greater exposure to pro-smoking social contexts.

Purpose

The current study examined longitudinal associations among socioeconomic status, pro-smoking social context factors (i.e., exposure to other smokers, places where smoking was allowed), cigarette availability, and smoking lapse during a quit attempt.

Methods

Ecological momentary assessments (EMA) were gathered from a multiethnic sample of 365 smokers engaged in a quit attempt. A multilevel structural equation model estimated a latent variable for SES indicated by income, education, health insurance, and employment, associations among EMAs for pro-smoking social contexts and cigarette availability, and indirect effects of SES through, pro-smoking social contexts and cigarette availability to subsequent smoking lapse.

Results

Lower SES scores were associated with a higher likelihood of smoking lapse. Decomposition of the path from SES to smoking lapse into indirect effects showed significant paths through exposure to places where smoking is allowed and cigarette availability. Additionally, significant serial indirect paths from SES through both exposure to other smokers and places where smoking was allowed, in turn, through cigarette availability, and, ultimately, to smoking lapse were noted.

Conclusions

Consistent with models positing that SES influences health behaviors via contextual factors, the current study demonstrated that low SES smokers attempting to quit experienced greater pro-smoking social contexts that affected subsequent risk for lapse.
Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Guyton Justinne , Jeon Michelle , Brooks Amie
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The role of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), including efficacy and safety evidence, is reviewed.

Currently approved treatment options for glycemic control in T1DM include insulin, which combats insulin deficiency but does not effectively target disease progression or alpha cell dysfunction; and pramlintide, whose use requires multiple daily doses and involves a high likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects. GLP-1 RAs have a unique mechanism of action in T1DM, addressing alpha cell dysfunction and thereby suppressing inappropriate glucagon secretion. GLP-1 RA dosing varies from once weekly to twice daily, and the class is well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes. Among the GLP-1 RAs, exenatide and liraglutide have been studied in patients with T1DM, with published evidence consistently demonstrating weight loss, decreases in total daily insulin requirements, and modest improvements in glycemic control. GLP-1 RA therapy appears to be well tolerated in patients with T1DM and is associated with nonsignificant increases in hypoglycemia risk.

Conclusion

GLP-1 RA therapy represents an important add-on therapy option for achieving decreased insulin doses, weight loss, and modest improvements in HbA1c levels without significantly increasing hypoglycemia risk in patients with T1DM. Patients who have detectable C-peptide and/or are overweight or cannot achieve glycemic goals without hypoglycemia have been found to benefit the most from GLP-1 RA therapy. Further studies are warranted to evaluate these agents’ potential impact on clinical outcomes such as microvascular and macrovascular complications.
Treatment with pembrolizumab after hypersensitivity reaction to nivolumab in a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Choi Briana , McBride Ali , Scott Aaron J
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The options for immunotherapy treatment are limited for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this case study, we report a case of successful alternation of one PD-1 inhibitor for another after a hypersensitivity reaction.

Nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) has been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for a variety of malignancies, including a recent approval for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Infusion-related reactions occur in less than 1% of patients, and although such reactions are rare, recognition of infusion-related reactions induced by nivolumab is an important aspect of its usage. The PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab is also FDA approved for subsequent-line therapy in treatment of HCC. Thus far, approximately 0.2% of patients experienced severe infusion-related reaction in studies using pembrolizumab. A 70-year-old male with HCC had an infusion reaction to nivolumab that presented as facial flushing, dyspnea, and back pain. The patient received prompt administration of diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone, which led to the amelioration of symptoms and allowed the patient to complete his immunotherapy treatment. For the third dose of nivolumab, the patient received premedications prior to treatment, including diphenhydramine, hydrocortisone, and famotidine. During his infusion, the patient experienced facial flushing, coughing, chest tightness, and an itchy throat. The patient again received diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone to treat infusion-related symptoms and his therapy was discontinued. Because of the nivolumab infusion-related reaction, nivolumab was discontinued, and the patient was started on pembrolizumab. The patient tolerated pembrolizumab without any subsequent infusion-related reactions. Prompt recognition and attention to immunotherapy infusion-related reactions could potentially prevent the fatal complication of anaphylaxis with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this report, we describe the successful transition from one anti–PD-1 therapy to another for continued immunotherapy treatment without any subsequent infusion reactions.

Conclusion

A patient with HCC was successfully treated with pembrolizumab after experiencing adverse effects with nivolumab.
Survey of residency program directors’ perceptions of nontraditional pharmacy residency applicants
Authors: Khalil Amanda J , Mediwala Krutika N , Mehta Meera , Yanicak Amy J , Ham Jared S , Blake Elizabeth W , Rumley Kathey F , Pan Ingrid , Bookstaver P Brandon
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The attitudes and expectations of residency program directors (RPDs) regarding nontraditional residency applicants (NTAs) were evaluated.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study targeting RPDs of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists–accredited residency programs. A 14-question survey requesting information related to demographics, perceptions of NTAs compared with traditional applicants, advantages and disadvantages of NTAs, and advice for NTAs was administered electronically to RPDs. The primary outcome of this study was to determine RPDs’ perceptions of NTAs as suitable residency candidates. The secondary outcome evaluated the rate of NTA acceptance into residency programs and a qualitative assessment of RPDs’ advice for NTAs.

Results

Of the 1,414 RPDs contacted to participate, 328 (23%) completed the survey. RPDs were primarily affiliated with postgraduate year 1 pharmacy practice (52%) or postgraduate year 2 specialty residencies (30%), and 35% reported having an NTA in their program. Most respondents (87%) reported that NTAs are given equal consideration relative to traditional residency applicants. RPDs rated work experience as the most important quality of an NTA, followed closely by the ability to work with others and teachability. Most (277 [85%]) RPDs agreed that NTAs should possess experiences beyond work experience, such as research, leadership, and community service. The biggest concern regarding NTAs was significant time since graduation prior to application.

Conclusion

The majority of RPDs did not perceive NTAs differently from traditional applicants in the selection process of prospective candidates.
A systematic overview of systematic reviews evaluating interventions addressing polypharmacy
Authors: Anderson Laura J , Schnipper Jeffrey L , Nuckols Teryl K , Shane Rita , Sarkisian Catherine , Le Michael M , Pevnick Joshua M ,   Members of the PHARM-DC group, Hughes Carmel M , Jackevicius Cynthia A , O’Mahony Denis
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To systematically evaluate and summarize evidence across multiple systematic reviews (SRs) examining interventions addressing polypharmacy.

MEDLINE, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) were searched for SRs evaluating interventions addressing polypharmacy in adults published from January 2004 to February 2017. Two authors independently screened, appraised, and extracted information. SRs with Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) scores below 8 were excluded. After extraction of relevant conclusions from each SR, evidence was summarized and conclusions compared. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology was used to assess evidence quality. Six SRs met the inclusion criteria, 4 of which used meta-analytic pooling. Five SRs focused on older adults. Four were not restricted to any specific disease type, whereas 1 focused on proton pump inhibitors and another focused on patients with severe dementia. Care settings and measured outcomes varied widely. SRs examining the impact on patient-centered outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, patient satisfaction, and utilization, found inconsistent evidence regarding the benefit of polypharmacy interventions, but most concluded that interventions had either null or uncertain impact. Two SRs assessing medication appropriateness found very low-quality evidence of modest improvements with polypharmacy interventions.

Conclusion

An overview of SRs of interventions to address polypharmacy found 6 recent and high-quality SRs, mostly focused on older adults, in which both process and outcome measures were used to evaluate interventions. Despite the low quality of evidence in the underlying primary studies, both SRs that assessed medication appropriateness found evidence that polypharmacy interventions improved it. However, there was no consistent evidence of any impact on downstream patient-centered outcomes such as healthcare utilization, morbidity, or mortality.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor C in Alcoholics
Authors: Martín-González C , González-Navarrete L , Ribot-Hernández I , Vera-Delgado V , Alvisa-Negrín J , Godoy-Reyes A , Espelosín-Ortega E , Abreu-González P , González-Reimers E
Published: October 2019

Aims

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) promotes liver collagen deposition, acting on hepatic stellate cells. Despite this, low serum PDGF levels were reported in chronic hepatitis C or B infection, although some studies yield the opposite result. Since PDGF may be related not only to fibrosis but also with vascular, neuronal or muscle disease, it is important to analyze its behavior in alcoholics.

Methods

In total, 17 controls and 62 alcoholic patients consecutively admitted to the hospitalization unit of the Internal Medicine Service were included. We determined serum levels of PDGF C, routine laboratory evaluation, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. We analyzed the relationships between PDGF and liver function, ethanol intake and inflammatory reaction by both univariate and multivariate analysis to discern which variables PDGF levels depend on.

Results

Serum PDGF levels were significantly lower among patients (675 ± 466 pg/ml) than among controls (1074 ± 337 pg/ml; Z = 3.70; P < 0.001), and even lower among cirrhotics (549 ± 412 among cirrhotics vs 778 ± 487 among non-cirrhotics; Z = 2.33; P = 0.02). PDGF levels showed a direct correlation with prothrombin activity (ρ = 0.50; P < 0.001), platelet count (ρ = 0.44; P < 0.001) and inverse ones with bilirubin (ρ = −0.39; P = 0.002), IL-6 (ρ = −0.33; P = 0.016), IL-8 (ρ = −0.47; P < 0.001), and MDA levels (ρ = −0.44; P < 0.001). By multivariate analysis, only prothrombin activity and platelet count were independently related to PDGF.

Conclusion

PDGF-C levels are decreased in alcoholics, especially among cirrhotics. Multivariate analysis discloses that only prothrombin activity and platelet count are independently related to PDGF-C levels.
GPS tracking and population genomics suggest itinerant breeding across drastically different habitats in the Phainopepla
Authors: Baldassarre Daniel T , Campagna Leonardo , Thomassen Henri A , Atwell Jonathan W , Chu Miyoko , Crampton Lisa H , Fleischer Robert C , Riehl Christina
Published: October 2019

Migratory birds generally divide the annual cycle between discrete breeding and nonbreeding ranges. Itinerant breeders, however, reproduce twice at different geographic locations, migrating between them. This unusual flexibility in movement ecology and breeding biology suggests that some species can rapidly modulate the conflicting physiological and behavioral traits required for migration and reproduction. The Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), a songbird of the southwestern USA, has long been suspected to breed first in desert habitats in spring, then migrate to woodland habitats to breed again in summer. However, direct evaluation of movement and gene flow among individuals breeding in different locations has previously been logistically intractable. We deployed GPS tags on free-flying Phainopeplas in southern California, all of which migrated to hypothesized woodland breeding habitats after desert breeding (an average distance of 232 km). GPS data also revealed previously unknown fall and spring stopover sites. Population genomic analyses revealed no genetic differentiation among desert and woodland breeding populations, indicating significant movement and gene flow across the region. Finally, we used random forest analyses to quantify substantial environmental differences among temporal stages. Our results provide direct evidence that individual Phainopeplas do indeed move between 2 drastically different breeding habitats in the same year, representing a rare and extreme example of life-history flexibility.
Hypoxia during incubation does not affect aerobic performance or haematology of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) when re-exposed in later life
Authors: Wood Andrew T , Andrewartha Sarah J , Elliott Nicholas G , Frappell Peter B , Clark Timothy D
Published: October 2019

Hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems is becoming increasingly prevalent, potentially reducing fish performance and survival by limiting the oxygen available for aerobic activities. Hypoxia is a challenge for conserving and managing fish populations and demands a better understanding of the short- and long-term impacts of hypoxic environments on fish performance. Fish acclimate to hypoxia via a variety of short- and long-term physiological modifications in an attempt to maintain aerobic performance. In particular, hypoxia exposure during early development may result in enduring cardio-respiratory modifications that affect future hypoxia acclimation capacity, yet this possibility remains poorly investigated. We incubated Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in normoxia (~100% dissolved oxygen [DO, as percent air saturation]), moderate hypoxia (~63% DO) or cyclical hypoxia (100–25% DO daily) from fertilization until 113 days post-fertilization prior to rearing all groups in normoxia for a further 8 months. At ~11 months of age, subsets of each group were acclimated to hypoxia (50% DO) for up to 44 days prior to haematology, aerobic metabolic rate and hypoxia tolerance measurements. Hypoxia exposure during incubation (fertilization to 113 days post-fertilization) did not affect the haematology, aerobic performance or hypoxia tolerance of juvenile salmon in later life. Juveniles acclimated to hypoxia increased maximum aerobic metabolic rate and aerobic scope by ~23 and ~52%, respectively, when measured at 50% DO but not at 100% DO. Hypoxia-incubated juveniles also increased haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration but did not affect acute hypoxia tolerance (critical oxygen level and DO at LOE). Thus, while Atlantic salmon possess a considerable capacity to physiologically acclimate to hypoxia by improving aerobic performance in low oxygen conditions, we found no evidence that this capacity is influenced by early-life hypoxia exposure.
An integrated chromosome-scale genome assembly of the Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)
Authors: Farré Marta , Li Qiye , Darolti Iulia , Zhou Yang , Damas Joana , Proskuryakova Anastasia A , Kulemzina Anastasia I , Chemnick Leona G , Kim Jaebum , Ryder Oliver A , Ma Jian , Graphodatsky Alexander S , Zhang Guoije , Larkin Denis M , Lewin Harris A
Published: October 2019

Background

The Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) is the largest-bodied giraffe and the world's tallest terrestrial animal. With its extreme size and height, the giraffe's unique anatomical and physiological adaptations have long been of interest to diverse research fields. Giraffes are also critical to ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa, with their long neck serving as a conduit to food sources not shared by other herbivores. Although the genome of a Masai giraffe has been sequenced, the assembly was highly fragmented and suboptimal for genome analysis. Herein we report an improved giraffe genome assembly to facilitate evolutionary analysis of the giraffe and other ruminant genomes.

Findings

Using SOAPdenovo2 and 170 Gbp of Illumina paired-end and mate-pair reads, we generated a 2.6-Gbp male Masai giraffe genome assembly, with a scaffold N50 of 3 Mbp. The incorporation of 114.6 Gbp of Chicago library sequencing data resulted in a HiRise SOAPdenovo + Chicago assembly with an N50 of 48 Mbp and containing 95% of expected genes according to BUSCO analysis. Using the Reference-Assisted Chromosome Assembly tool, we were able to order and orient scaffolds into 42 predicted chromosome fragments (PCFs). Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we placed 153 cattle bacterial artificial chromosomes onto giraffe metaphase spreads to assess and assign the PCFs on 14 giraffe autosomes and the X chromosome resulting in the final assembly with an N50 of 177.94 Mbp. In this assembly, 21,621 protein-coding genes were identified using both de novo and homology-based predictions.

Conclusions

We have produced the first chromosome-scale genome assembly for a Giraffidae species. This assembly provides a valuable resource for the study of artiodactyl evolution and for understanding the molecular basis of the unique adaptive traits of giraffes. In addition, the assembly will provide a powerful resource to assist conservation efforts of Masai giraffe, whose population size has declined by 52% in recent years.
Nutation terms adjustment to VLBI and implication for the Earth rotation resonance parameters
Authors: Nurul Huda I , Lambert S , Bizouard C , Ziegler Y
Published: October 2019

The nutation harmonic terms are commonly determined from celestial pole offset series produced from very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) time delay analysis. This approach is called an indirect approach. As VLBI observations are treated independently for every session, this approach has some deficiencies such as a lack of consistency in the geometry of the session. To tackle this problem, we propose to directly estimate nutation terms from the whole set of VLBI time delays, hereafter referred as a direct approach, in which the nutation amplitudes are taken as global parameters. This approach allows us to reduce the correlations and the formal errors and gives significant discrepancies for the amplitude of some nutation terms. This paper is also dedicated to the determination of the Earth resonance parameters, named polar motion, free core nutation, and free inner core nutation. No statistically significant difference has been found between the estimates of resonance parameters based upon ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ nutation terms. The inclusion of a complete atmospheric-oceanic non-tidal correction to the nutation amplitudes significantly affected the estimates of the free core nutation and the free inner core nutation resonant frequencies. Finally, we analyzed the frequency sensitivity of polar motion resonance and found that this resonance is mostly determined by the prograde nutation terms of period smaller than 386 d.
Impact of Bariatric Surgery on the Long-term Disease Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Braga Neto Manuel B , Gregory Martin H , Ramos Guilherme P , Bazerbachi Fateh , Bruining David H , Abu Dayyeh Barham K , Kushnir Vladimir M , Raffals Laura E , Ciorba Matthew A , Loftus Edward V , Deepak Parakkal
Published: October 2019

Background

An association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity has been observed. Little is known about the effect of weight loss on IBD course. Our aim was to determine the impact of bariatric surgery on long-term clinical course of obese patients with IBD, either Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Patients with IBD who underwent bariatric surgery subsequent to IBD diagnosis were identified from 2 tertiary IBD centers. Complications after bariatric surgery were recorded. Patients were matched 1:1 for age, sex, IBD subtype, phenotype, and location to patients with IBD who did not undergo bariatric surgery. Controls started follow-up at a time point in their disease similar to the disease duration in the matched case at the time of bariatric surgery. Inflammatory bowel disease medication usage and disease-related complications (need for corticosteroids, hospitalizations, and surgeries) among cases and controls were compared.

Results

Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Appropriate matches were found for 25 cases. Median follow-up among cases (after bariatric surgery) and controls was 7.69 and 7.89 years, respectively. Median decrease in body mass index after bariatric surgery was 12.2. Rescue corticosteroid usage and IBD-related surgeries were numerically less common in cases than controls (24% vs 52%; odds ratio [OR], 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.08–1.23; 12% vs 28%; OR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.004–1.79). Two cases and 1 control were able to discontinue biologics during follow-up.

Conclusions

Inflammatory bowel disease patients with weight loss after bariatric surgery had fewer IBD-related complications compared with matched controls. This observation requires validation in a prospective study design.
Relationships between temperament, meat quality, and carcass traits in Nellore cattle1
Authors: Sant’anna Aline Cristina , Valente Tiago Da Silva , Magalhães Ana Fabrícia Braga , Espigolan Rafael , Ceballos Maria Camila , de Albuquerque Lucia Galvão , Paranhos da Costa Mateus José Rodrigues
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between temperament in Nellore bulls with carcass and meat quality traits. In total, 1,400 bulls were studied, and temperament was assessed using two measurements: movement score (MOV) and flight speed test (FS). Both MOV and FS were measured at two time points, with background (MOVb and FSb) temperament measured at yearling age, ~550 d after birth, and the preslaughter (MOVps and FSps) temperament measured at the end of the feedlot period. The change of temperament resulting in an increase or decrease in reactivity was also used to measure meat quality. The traits used to define carcass and meat quality included carcass bruises (BRU), hot carcass weight (HCW, kg), ribeye area (REA, cm2), backfat thickness (BFT, cm), marbling score (MS), meat pH after thawing (pH), presence or absence of dark cutters, color parameters of luminosity (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), cooking loss (CL, %), and Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF, kg). A principal component (PC) analysis was initially applied to the carcass and meat quality traits, followed by logistic regression models and linear mixed models to evaluate the effects of temperament on carcass and meat quality. The risks of carcass bruises and dark cutters did not differ as a function of any temperament trait (P > 0.05). In turn, animals classified as high MOVb (reactive) had lower PC3 values (P = 0.05), CL (P = 0.02), and tended to have lower MS (P = 0.08). In addition, animals classified as high FSb (faster and reactive cattle) produced carcasses with smaller REA (P < 0.01), higher meat pH (P < 0.01), lower color gradients (L*, P = 0.04; b*, P < 0.01), and lower PC1 and PC4 scores (P < 0.01) when compared with the low FSb class. For preslaughter temperament, high MOVps was related to lower color a* (P = 0.04), whereas high FSps was related to lower HCW, MS, and PC2 (P < 0.01) than the calmer ones (low FSps). The reduction in MOV was related to more tender meat, and the reduction in FS to heavier carcass and brighter meat. We conclude that excitable temperament in Nellore cattle may have negative effects in some of the carcass and meat quality attributes assessed, mainly those related to muscle deposition on carcass and color gradients. Measurement of temperament before the cattle entered the feedlot was a better predictor of carcass and meat quality traits, compared with temperament assessment at the end of the feeding period.
Objective Value Is Always Newcombizable
Authors: Ahmed Arif , Spencer Jack
Published: October 2019

This paper argues that evidential decision theory is incompatible with options having objective values. If options have objective values, then it should always be rationally permissible for an agent to choose an option if they are certain that the option uniquely maximizes objective value. But, as we show, if options have objective values and evidential decision theory is true, then it is not always rationally permissible for an agent to choose an option if they are certain that the option uniquely maximizes objective value.
Retinoblastoma in children: a case series from Senegal
Authors: Dial Chérif , Doh Kwame , Thiam Ibou , Roth Paul Aïda Ndoye , Moreira Claude , Woto-Gaye Gisèle
Published: October 2019

Retinoblastoma is the most common tumor of the eye in Senegalese children. Diagnosis occurs often at a late stage, when enucleation is unavoidable. In this report, we describe all recorded cases occurring in Senegal over a 10-year period (2005–14).

For the 106 cases clinically and radiological identified, the mean age at diagnosis was 30 months (2 months / 10 years). Leucocoria (74.6%) and exophthalmos (42.3%) were common signs of the disease. For the 67 cases identified through patient-file examination, extra-ocular forms were present in 30% of cases at the time of diagnosis and retinal detachment in 19% of cases. Chemotherapy and surgery were the only available therapeutic methods. Overall survival at 5 years was 70%.

Retinoblastoma is a serious illness that threatens the lives and sight of affected children. There are about 10 cases per year in Senegal. Management can be enhanced by improving existing technical platforms and training medical staff.
One Hundred Eleven Percutaneous Balloon Compressions for Trigeminal Neuralgia in a Cohort of 66 Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Asplund Pär , Linderoth Bengt , Lind Göran , Winter Jaleh , Bergenheim A Tommy
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Trigeminal neuralgia associated with multiple sclerosis (MS–TN) is comparatively rare and larger series of percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) in such cases are few in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results after PBC for MS–TN with regards to therapeutic effect, side effects, and complications.

METHODS

One hundred eleven procedures with PBC performed in 66 cases of MS–TN were analyzed. Therapeutic effect was measured as postoperative time to pain recurrence without medication. All complications were compiled and the sensory function was evaluated in a subgroup of cases.

RESULTS

The initial pain free rate was 67% and the median time to pain recurrence was 8 mo. Thirty-six patients were treated with PBC only, and among them, the results were worse if treated 3 to 4 times before, compared to first treatment (P = .009-.034). Patients who had several PBCs had worse results already after the first surgery (P < .001). A significant number of patients had impaired sensation to light touch directly after surgery, which was normalized at the late follow-up. Sensimetric testing showed raised thresholds for perception and pain directly after surgery (P = .004-.03), but these were also normalized at the late follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PBC is a treatment that can be effective for many patients with MS–TN. Repeated previous surgeries is a risk factor for an unsatisfactory outcome. However, the patients with multiple surgeries had less satisfactory results already at the first procedure, indicating that a therapy resistant disease can be predicted after the first two PBCs. Postoperative sensory deficits were common but not lasting.
Cervical 3 to Cervical 6 Laminectomy for Arteriovenous Malformation: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: October 2019

According to the Spetzler spinal cord classification system,
1
this patient had an extradural-intradural arteriovenous malformation (AVM), also known as a type III or juvenile AVM. The patient underwent a surgical resection of the lesion via a cervical 3 to cervical 6 laminoplasty. Direct observation confirmed intra- and extramedullary components. During the surgical resection, an attempt was made to avoid transgressing the pia mater. Therefore, the traversing vessels were interrupted during the circumdissection. The nidus was removed, and postprocedural digital subtraction angiography confirmed complete obliteration. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Bonnet Bypass for Left Superficial Temporal Artery Bifurcation to Right Middle Cerebral Artery: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Hendricks Benjamin K , Spetzler Robert F
Published: October 2019

A bonnet bypass is a long interposition graft bypass used for extracranial to intracranial revascularization, which is useful in patients who do not have a suitable ipsilateral donor or in whom the ipsilateral donor must be sacrificed. This interposition graft is commonly the radial artery or saphenous vein. The only practical difference in this technique for revascularization is that an interposition graft must pass through the subgaleal space to the contralateral scalp to allow for reimplantation at the desired contralateral point of anastomosis. This patient underwent a bonnet bypass for revascularization of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) perfusion territory utilizing the contralateral superficial temporal artery (STA). A saphenous vein was used as the interposition graft, which was anastomosed to an M2 segment bifurcation. The graft was then temporarily occluded and passed within a calvarial trough to the contralateral frontoparietal region. The graft was then anastomosed to the contralateral STA at a bifurcation to accommodate the graft size mismatch. The patient tolerated the bypass procedure well and demonstrated bypass patency on postoperative angiographic imaging. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Beyond squeezing à la Virasoro algebra
Authors: Katagiri So , Sugamoto Akio , Yamaguchi Koichiro , Yumibayashi Tsukasa
Published: October 2019

The generalization of squeezing is realized in terms of the Virasoro algebra. The higher-order squeezing can be introduced through the higher-order time-dependent potential, in which the standard squeezing operator is generalized to higher-order Virasoro operators. We give a formula that describes the number of particles generated by the higher-order squeezing when a parameter specifying the degree of squeezing is small. Formula (18) shows that the higher the order of squeezing, the larger the number of generated particles.
A Streamlined and High-Throughput Error-Corrected Next-Generation Sequencing Method for Low Variant Allele Frequency Quantitation
Authors: McKinzie Page B , Bishop Michelle E
Published: October 2019

Quantifying mutant or variable allele frequencies (VAFs) of ≤10−3 using next-generation sequencing (NGS) has utility in both clinical and nonclinical settings. Two common approaches for quantifying VAFs using NGS are tagged single-strand sequencing and duplex sequencing. While duplex sequencing is reported to have sensitivity up to 10−8 VAF, it is not a quick, easy, or inexpensive method. We report a method for quantifying VAFs that are ≥10−4 that is as easy and quick for processing samples as standard sequencing kits, yet less expensive than the kits. The method was developed using PCR fragment-based VAFs of Kras codon 12 in log10 increments from 10−5 to 10−1, then applied and tested on native genomic DNA. For both sources of DNA, there is a proportional increase in the observed VAF to input VAF from 10−4 to 100% mutant samples. Variability of quantitation was evaluated within experimental replicates and shown to be consistent across sample preparations. The error at each successive base read was evaluated to determine if there is a limit of read length for quantitation of ≥10−4, and it was determined that read lengths up to 70 bases are reliable for quantitation. The method described here is adaptable to various oncogene or tumor suppressor gene targets, with the potential to implement multiplexing at the initial tagging step. While easy to perform manually, it is also suited for robotic handling and batch processing of samples, facilitating detection and quantitation of genetic carcinogenic biomarkers before tumor formation or in normal-appearing tissue.
Inhibition of Endothelial Dysfunction by Dietary Flavonoids and Preventive Effects Against Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Yamagata Kazuo , Yamori Yukio
Published: October 2019

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure, accounts for many deaths, and its increasing incidence is a worldwide concern. Accumulating evidence suggests that the elevated risk of CVD caused by dysfunction of vascular endothelial cells and resultant arteriosclerosis can be mitigated by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain phytochemicals such as polyphenols and carotenoids, as well as dietary fiber. Flavonoids of the polyphenol class are found in vegetables, fruits, grains, bark, roots, stems, flowers, tea, and wine. Several studies have indicated that flavonoids reduce CVD mortality by inhibiting endothelial dysfunction. Flavonoids have a common carbon skeleton and are classified as flavonols, flavones, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanidins, and isoflavones. In this review, we discuss recent progress in identifying the mechanisms by which dietary flavonoids improve vascular endothelial cell function. Furthermore, we describe the beneficial role that these flavonoids may play in preventing CVD caused by endothelial dysfunction-related atherosclerosis.
Impact of Continuous P2Y12 Inhibition Tailoring in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Genetically Impaired Clopidogrel Absorption
Authors: Samardzic Jure , Bozina Nada , Skoric Bosko , Ganoci Lana , Krpan Miroslav , Petricevic Mate , Pasalic Marijan , Bozina Tamara , Pavasovic Sasa , Cikes Maja , Milicic Davor
Published: October 2019

Clopidogrel is still widely used in acute coronary syndrome despite the development of more potent P2Y12 inhibitors. Previously, we conducted a trial that evaluated serial clopidogrel dose adjustment based on platelet function testing in acute coronary syndrome patients with initial high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR). In this substudy, we performed post hoc analysis of the effect of ABCB1 genetic variants C3435T and G2677T/A on platelet inhibition and outcomes. There were no differences in the proportion of HTPR patients among C3435T carriers and noncarriers in both interventional and control group. G2677T carriers expressed significantly higher proportion of HTPR pattern throughout 12-month follow-up in the control group with no difference in the interventional group. There was no difference in ischemic outcomes between C3435T and G2677T carriers and noncarriers in both groups of patients. The results indicate that ABCB1 genotyping is not useful to guide clopidogrel therapy tailoring to improve high-risk patient management.