bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to collect non-medical data in a pediatric trial: diaries or interviews
Authors: Le Jeannic Anaïs , Maoulida Hassani , Guilmin-Crépon Sophie , Alberti Corinne , Tubiana-Rufi Nadia , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle
Published: January 2020

Background

Non-medical data, such as the amount of time that patients and caregivers spend managing their condition, may be relevant when assessing therapeutic strategies. For chronic pediatric conditions, the time that patients and caregivers spend in seeking and providing care (which are the indirect costs in an economic evaluation) can be significantly different depending on the treatment arm. To explore methods for collecting information on the care burden for caregivers and patients, we investigated whether a patient diary provided additional information compared to retrospective investigator-led interviews and whether a diary that was completed intermittently produced more or less information than a diary completed continually. The main objective of this study was to identify which type of data collection was most effective for measuring the time spent by caregivers and for estimating indirect treatment costs over 9 months.

Methods

Start-In! is a randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of three strategies of real-time continuous glucose monitoring for 12 months in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. We designed an ancillary study to assess methods of collecting information on the time spent by patients and caregivers in managing their condition (indirect costs). Data were entered retrospectively in case report forms (CRFs) by investigators during quarterly follow-up visits, which were supplemented with diaries completed prospectively by children or caregivers either continuously or intermittently. Data about absences from school and work as well as the time that caregivers spent on diabetes care were collected and the three collection methods were compared.

Results

At the end of the 9-month study, 42% of the study participants failed to return their diary. For the diaries that were received, less than 10% of expected data were collected versus 82% during investigators'interviews. Based on all the information collected, we calculated that over 9 months, caregivers lost on average 3.9 days of working time (€786) and 4 days of personal time, i.e. the equivalent of €526, and spent around 15 min of time on care per day, i.e. the equivalent of €1700.

Conclusions

The CRFs completed by investigators during quarterly visits cannot be replaced by a diary. Completing the diaries appeared to represent an important additional burden to children and their caregivers, and the diaries provided little additional information compared to investigators’ entries in the CRF.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00949221. Registered on 30 July 2009. Registry name: Study of Insulin Therapy Augmented by Real Time Sensor in Type 1 Children and Adolescents (START-IN!).
Effects of light intensity on growth and lipid production in microalgae grown in wastewater
Authors: Nzayisenga Jean Claude , Farge Xavier , Groll Sophia Leticia , Sellstedt Anita
Published: January 2020

Background

Cultivation of microalgae in wastewater could significantly contribute to wastewater treatment, biodiesel production, and thus the transition to renewable energy. However, more information on effects of environmental factors, including light intensity, on their growth and composition (particularly fatty acid contents) is required. Therefore, we investigated the biomass and fatty acid production of four microalgal species, isolated in the Northern hemisphere and grown at three light intensities (50, 150 and 300 μE m−2 s−1).

Results

Increases in light intensities resulted in higher biomass of all four species and, importantly, raised fatty acid contents of both Desmodesmus sp. and Scenedesmus obliquus. Fourier-transform IR spectrometry analysis showed that the increases in fatty acid content were associated with reductions in protein, but not carbohydrate, contents. Assessment of fatty acid composition revealed that increasing light intensity led to higher and lower contents of oleic (18:1) and linolenic (18:3) acids, respectively. The microalgae consumed more than 75% of the nitrogen and phosphorus present in the wastewater used as growth medium.

Conclusion

The results show the importance of optimizing light intensities to improve fatty acid production by microalgae and their quality as sources of biodiesel. In addition, increase in fatty acid content is associated with decrease in protein content.
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with body fat distribution in middle-aged individuals from Indonesia and the Netherlands: a cross-sectional analysis of two population-based studies
Authors: Sigit Fathimah S. , Tahapary Dicky L. , Trompet Stella , Sartono Erliyani , Willems van Dijk Ko , Rosendaal Frits R. , de Mutsert Renée
Published: January 2020

Background

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome varies among populations with different ethnicities. Asian populations develop metabolic complications at lower amounts of adiposity than western populations. The role of abdominal obesity in the metabolic differences between the two populations is poorly understood.

Objectives

Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the relative contribution of its components in the Indonesian and the Dutch population, as well as to examine the associations of overall and abdominal obesity with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study of middle-aged adults in the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity Study (n = 6602) and the Indonesian National Health Surveillance (n = 10,575), metabolic syndrome was defined by the unified IDF and AHA/NHLBI criteria. We performed logistic and linear regressions to examine associations of BMI and waist circumference with the metabolic syndrome, mutually adjusted for waist circumference and BMI.

Results

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 28% and 46% in Indonesian men and women, and 36% and 24% in Dutch men and women. The most prominent components were hypertension (61%) and hyperglycemia (51%) in the Indonesian, and hypertension (62%) and abdominal obesity (40%) in the Dutch population. Per SD in BMI and waist circumference, odds ratios (ORs, 95% CI) of metabolic syndrome were 1.5 (1.3–1.8) and 2.3 (1.9–2.7) in Indonesian men and 1.7 (1.2–2.5) and 2.9 (2.1–4.1) in Dutch men. The ORs of metabolic syndrome were 1.4 (1.2–1.6) and 2.3 (2.0–2.7) in Indonesian women and 1.0 (0.8–1.3) and 4.2 (3.2–5.4) in Dutch women.

Conclusion

More Indonesian women than men have metabolic syndrome, whereas the opposite is true for the Dutch population. In both the Indonesian and the Dutch populations, hypertension is the primary contributor to the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. In both populations, abdominal adiposity was more strongly associated with metabolic syndrome than overall adiposity.
Mitochondrial localization of Dictyostelium discoideum dUTPase mediated by its N-terminus
Authors: Chia Catherine P. , Inoguchi Noriko , Varon Kyle C. , Bartholomai Bradley M. , Moriyama Hideaki
Published: January 2020

Objective

The nuclear and mitochondrial genomes ofDictyostelium discoideum, a unicellular eukaryote, have relatively high A+T-contents of 77.5% and 72.65%, respectively. To begin to investigate how the pyrimidine biosynthetic pathway fulfills the demand for dTTP, we determined the catalytic properties and structure of the key enzyme deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) that hydrolyzes dUTP to dUMP, the precursor of dTTP.

Results

The annotated genome ofD. discoideumidentifies a gene encoding a polypeptide containing the five conserved motifs of homotrimeric dUTPases. Recombinant proteins, comprised of either full-length or core polypeptides with all conserved motifs but lacking residues 1-37 of the N-terminus, were active dUTPases. Crystallographic analyses of the core enzyme indicated that the C-termini, normally flexible, were constrained by interactions with the shortened N-termini that arose from the loss of residues 1-37. This allowed greater access of dUTP to active sites, resulting in enhanced catalytic parameters. A tagged protein comprised of the N-terminal forty amino acids of dUTPase fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) was expressed inD. discoideumcells. Supporting a prediction of mitochondrial targeting information within the N-terminus, localization and subcellular fractionation studies showed GFP to be in mitochondria. N-terminal sequencing of immunoprecipitated GFP revealed the loss of the dUTPase sequence upon import into the organelle.
Incidence and predictors of lost to follow-up among women under Option B+ PMTCT program in western Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study
Authors: Tolossa Tadesse , Kassa Getachew Mullu , Chanie Habtamu , Abajobir Amanuel , Mulisa Diriba
Published: January 2020

Objective

Although Ethiopia has been implementing Option B+ program, LTFU of women from the Option B+ program is one of the challenges that minimizes its implementation. Thus, this study assessed the incidence and predictors of LTFU among women under Option B+ PMTCT program in western Ethiopia. An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted. A cox proportional hazards regression model was fitted to identify predictors of LTFU. A Hazard ratios with 95% confidence CI was computed and all predictors that were associated with the outcome variable at p-value ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable cox proportional hazards were declared as a significance predictor of the outcome.

Results

A total of 330 women were followed for a mean follow up time of 16.9 (± 7.6) months. An overall incidence rate of LTFU was 9/1000 person-months. Women’s educational status, residence, HIV-disclosure status, the status of women at enrollment, previous history of HIV and ART adherence were significant predictors of LTFU. The incidence of LTFU from Option B+ PMTCT is lower as compared to evidence from sub-Saharan African and strengthening linkage and referral system between clinics as well as establishing appropriates tracing mechanisms would retain pregnant women in the program.
Ability of biofilm production and molecular analysis of spa and ica genes among clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Omidi Mitra , Firoozeh Farzaneh , Saffari Mahmood , Sedaghat Hossein , Zibaei Mohammad , Khaledi Azad
Published: January 2020

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of biofilm formation and spa and ica genes among clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Result

This cross-sectional study was performed on 146 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospitalized patients in Isfahan Province Hospitals. MRSA isolates were confirmed using disk diffusion test with oxacillin disk and amplification of mecA gene by PCR assays. Ability of biofilm production was evaluated targeting the icaA and icaD genes. Of 146 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 24 (16.4%) carried mecA genes and identified as MRSA strains. Strong ability of biofilm production was seen among 76.02% (111/146) S. aureus isolates and 87.5% (21/24) MRSA strains, respectively. Also, 75.0% (18/24) MRSA isolates carried icaA and icaD was not detected in these strains. Analysis of spa gene showed 70.83% (17/24) MRSA strains were spa positive. From which 14 and 3 strains identified with one band (150, 270, 300, 360, 400 bp) and two bands (150–300 bp), respectively. According to data obtained, the prevalence of MRSA isolates from Isfahan Province Hospitals is relatively high and a remarkable percentage of them show strong power in biofilm production. Also analysis of spa gene showed a fairly large diversity among MRSA strains.
Association between insomnia and cognitive performance, gray matter volume, and white matter microstructure in cognitively unimpaired adults
Authors:   for the ALFA Study, Grau-Rivera Oriol , Operto Grégory , Falcón Carles , Sánchez-Benavides Gonzalo , Cacciaglia Raffaele , Brugulat-Serrat Anna , Gramunt Nina , Salvadó Gemma , Suárez-Calvet Marc , Minguillon Carolina , Iranzo Álex , Gispert Juan Domingo , Molinuevo José Luis
Published: January 2020

Background

Mounting evidence links poor sleep quality with a higher risk of late-life dementia. However, the structural and cognitive correlates of insomnia are still not well understood. The study aims were to characterize the cognitive performance and brain structural pattern of cognitively unimpaired adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with insomnia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 1683 cognitively unimpaired middle/late-middle-aged adults from the ALFA (ALzheimer and FAmilies) study who underwent neuropsychological assessment, T1-weighted structural imaging (n = 366), and diffusion-weighted imaging (n = 334). The World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to define the presence or absence of insomnia. Multivariable regression models were used to evaluate differences in cognitive performance between individuals with and without insomnia, as well as potential interactions between insomnia and the APOE genotype. Voxel-based morphometry and tract-based spatial statistics were used to assess between-group differences and potential interactions between insomnia and the APOE genotype in gray matter volume and white matter diffusion metrics.

Results

Insomnia was reported by 615 out of 1683 participants (36.5%), including 137 out of 366 (37.4%) with T1-weighted structural imaging available and 119 out of 334 (35.6%) with diffusion-weighted imaging. Individuals with insomnia (n = 615) performed worse in executive function tests than non-insomniacs and displayed lower gray matter volume in left orbitofrontal and right middle temporal cortex, bilateral precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus, higher gray matter volume in the left caudate nucleus, and widespread reduction of mean and axial diffusivity in right hemisphere white matter tracts. Insomnia interacted with the APOE genotype, with APOE-ε4 carriers displaying lower gray matter volumes when insomnia was present, but higher volumes when insomnia was not present, in several gray matter regions, including the left angular gyrus, the bilateral superior frontal gyri, the thalami, and the right hippocampus.

Conclusions

Insomnia in cognitively unimpaired adults at increased risk for AD is associated to poorer performance in some executive functions and volume changes in cortical and subcortical gray matter, including key areas involved in Alzheimer’s disease, as well as decreased white matter diffusivity.
DNA–protein cross-link repair: what do we know now?
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Xiong Yun , Chen Junjie
Published: January 2020

When a protein is covalently and irreversibly bound to DNA (i.e., a DNA–protein cross-link [DPC]), it may obstruct any DNA-based transaction, such as transcription and replication. DPC formation is very common in cells, as it can arise from endogenous factors, such as aldehyde produced during cell metabolism, or exogenous sources like ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, and chemotherapeutic agents. DPCs are composed of DNA, protein, and their cross-linked bonds, each of which can be targeted by different repair pathways. Many studies have demonstrated that nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination can act on DNA molecules and execute nuclease-dependent DPC repair. Enzymes that have evolved to deal specifically with DPC, such as tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases 1 and 2, can directly reverse cross-linked bonds and release DPC from DNA. The newly identified proteolysis pathway, which employs the proteases Wss1 and SprT-like domain at the N-terminus (SPRTN), can directly hydrolyze the proteins in DPCs, thus offering a new venue for DPC repair in cells. A deep understanding of the mechanisms of each pathway and the interplay among them may provide new guidance for targeting DPC repair as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Here, we summarize the progress in DPC repair field and describe how cells may employ these different repair pathways for efficient repair of DPCs.
Practising an explosive eruption in Iceland: outcomes from a European exercise
Authors: Witham Claire , Barsotti Sara , Dumont Stéphanie , Oddsson Björn , Sigmundsson Freysteinn
Published: January 2020

A 3 day exercise simulating unrest and a large explosive eruption at Katla volcano, Iceland, was conducted in January 2016. A large volume of simulated data based on a complex, but realistic eruption scenario was compiled in advance and then transmitted to exercise participants in near-real time over the course of the exercise. The scenario was designed to test the expertise and procedures of the local institutions in charge of warning and responding to volcanic hazards, namely the volcano observatory, national civil protection, and the local university-science sector, as well as their interactions with the European science community and the London Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. This exercise was the first of this magnitude and scope in Iceland and has revealed many successful developments introduced since the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull and 2011 Grímsvötn eruptions. Following the exercise, 90% of participants said that they felt better prepared for a future eruption. As with any exercise, it also identified areas where further development is required and improvements can be made to procedures. Seven key recommendations are made to further develop capability and enhance the collaboration between the volcano observatory, volcano research institutions and civil protection authorities. These recommendations cover topics including notification of responders, authoritative messaging, data sharing and media interaction, and are more broadly applicable to volcanic institutions elsewhere. Lessons and suggestions for how to run a large-scale volcanic exercise are given and could be adopted by those planning to rehearse their own response procedures.
Solvability of functional-integral equations (fractional order) using measure of noncompactness
Authors: Arab Reza , Nashine Hemant Kumar , Can N. H. , Binh Tran Thanh
Published: January 2020

We investigate the solutions of functional-integral equation of fractional order in the setting of a measure of noncompactness on real-valued bounded and continuous Banach space. We introduce a new μ-set contraction operator and derive generalized Darbo fixed point results using an arbitrary measure of noncompactness in Banach spaces. An illustration is given in support of the solution of a functional-integral equation of fractional order.
Perfusion and permeability MRI in glioma grading
Authors: Aydin Sonay , Fatihoğlu Erdem , Koşar Pınar Nercis , Ergün Elif
Published: January 2020

Background

MRI is successful in showing the anatomy of probable pathologies of the central nervous system. Although it may not be sufficient to reveal physiological and metabolic changes, advanced MRI techniques, such as perfusion and permeability MRI, are the key to overcoming these limitations. The aim of this study was to detect the efficacy of permeability and perfusion MRI techniques.

Results

The study included 38 patients with a pathology result of primary brain glioma. The permeability MRI (Ktrans, Ve), perfusion MRI values (CBV, CBF), and pathology results were evaluated. The high-grade group included 22 patients, and the low-grade group, 16 patients. Mean CBV and CBF, median Ktrans, and Ve values were higher in the high-grade group. All parameters tended to elevate with grade and had a positive correlation. CBV > 2.25, with sensitivity and specificity of 100%, CBF > 2.02, with sensitivity and specificity of 100%, Ktrans > 0.043, with sensitivity of 81.82% and specificity of 100%, and Ve > 0.255, with sensitivity and specificity of 100%, can predict high grade.

Conclusion

Perfusion and permeability MRI can be used safely for the differentiation of high- and low-grade gliomas and for the prediction of glioma grades.
Pain Management Using Clinical Pharmacy Assessments With and Without Pharmacogenomics in an Oncology Palliative Medicine Clinic
Authors: Patel Jai N. , Boselli Danielle , Hamadeh Issam S. , Symanowski James , Edwards Rebecca , Susi Beth , Greiner Rebecca , Baldassare Donna , Waller Melissa , Wodarski Stephanie , Turner ShRhonda , Slaughter Courtney , Edelen Connie
Published: January 2020

PURPOSE:

Approximately 30% of patients with cancer who have pain have symptomatic improvement within 1 month using conventional pain management strategies. Engaging clinical pharmacists in palliative medicine (PM) and use of pharmacogenomic testing may improve cancer pain management.

METHODS:

Adult patients with cancer with uncontrolled pain had baseline assessments performed by PM providers using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale. Pharmacotherapy was initiated or modified accordingly. A subset of patients consented to pharmacogenomic testing. The first pharmacy assessment occurred within 1 week of baseline and a second assessment was done within another week if intervention was required. Each patient’s final visit was at 1 month. Pain improvement rate (a reduction of two or more points on a 0-to-10 pain scale) from baseline to final visit was compared applying the Fisher exact test to published historical control data, and between patients with and without pharmacogenomic testing. Multivariate logistic regression identified pain improvement covariates.

RESULTS:

Of 142 patients undergoing pharmacy assessments, 53% had pain improvement compared with 30% in historical control subjects ( P < .001). Pain improvement was not different between those who received (n = 43) and did not receive (n = 99) pharmacogenomics testing (56% v 52%; P = .716). However, of 15 patients with an actionable genotype, 73% had pain improvement. Higher baseline pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% CI, 1.43 to 2.24; P < .001), black or other race (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.95; P = .04), and performance status 3 or 4 (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.83; P = .03) were associated with odds of pain improvement, but pharmacogenomic testing was not ( P = .64).

CONCLUSION:

Including pharmacists in PM improves pain management effectiveness. Although pharmacogenomics did not statistically improve pain, a subset of patients with actionable genotypes may have benefited, warranting larger and randomized studies.
Iron Overload Associated Endocrine Dysfunction Leading to Lower Bone Mineral Density in Thalassemia Major
Authors: Yang Wen-Ping , Chang Hsiu-Hao , Li Hung-Yuan , Lai Ying-Chuen , Huang Tse-Ying , Tsai Keh-Sung , Lin Kai-Hsin , Lin Dong-Tsamn , Jou Shiann-Tarng , Lu Meng-Yao , Yang Yung-Li , Chou Shu-Wei , Shih Shyang-Rong
Published: January 2020

Context

Patients with thalassemia major (TM) have a lower bone mineral density (BMD) and higher risk of fracture than the general population. The possible mechanisms include anemia, iron overload, malnutrition, and hormonal deficiency, but these have not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective

To identify major mineral and hormonal factors related to BMD in adult TM patients to provide human evidence for the proposed mechanisms.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Referral center.

Patients

Twenty-nine patients with β-TM, aged 23 to 44 years who were followed-up during 2017 to 2018 were enrolled.

Outcome measurements

Endocrine profiles, including thyroid, parathyroid, and pituitary function, glucose, vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) were obtained. The relationships among the above parameters, body height, fractures, and BMD were analyzed.

Results

Abnormal BMD was observed in 42.9% of women and 23.1% of men. The mean final heights of women and men were 3.7 cm and 7.3 cm lower than the mean expected values, respectively. Fracture history was recorded in 26.7% of women and 35.7% of men. BMD was negatively correlated with parathyroid hormone, FGF23, thyrotropin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and positively correlated with testosterone, IGF-1, and corticotropin levels (all P < .05). Moreover, hypothyroidism was associated with lower BMD in both the lumbar spine (P = .024) and the femoral neck (P = .004). Patients with hypothyroidism had a higher percentage of abnormal BMD (P = .016).

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism, higher HbA1c, and lower adrenocorticotropin were predictors of abnormal BMD in patients with β-TM. Whether the correction of these factors improves BMD warrants further research.
Increased Energy Intake After Pregnancy Determines Postpartum Weight Retention in Women With Obesity
Authors: Most Jasper , Altazan Abby D , St. Amant Marshall , Beyl Robbie A , Ravussin Eric , Redman Leanne M
Published: January 2020

Context

This study was designed to understand causes and critical periods for postpartum weight retention by characterizing changes in body composition, energy intake, energy expenditure and physical activity in women with obesity during pregnancy and postpartum.

Design

In this prospective, observational cohort study, body composition (plethysmography), energy expenditure (doubly labeled water, whole-body room calorimetry), physical activity (accelerometry), metabolic biomarkers, and eating behaviors were measured. Energy intake was calculated by the intake-balance method for pregnancy, and for 2 postpartum periods (0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months).

Results

During the 18-month observation period, weight loss occurred in 16 (43%) women (mean ± SEM, −4.9 ± 1.6 kg) and weight retention occurred in 21 (57%) women (+8.6 ± 1.4 kg). Comparing women with postpartum weight loss and weight retention, changes in body weight were not different during pregnancy (6.9 ± 1.0 vs 9.5 ± 0.9 kg, P = 0.06). After pregnancy, women with postpartum weight loss lost −3.6 ± 1.8 kg fat mass whereas women with weight retention gained 6.2 ± 1.7 kg fat mass (P < 0.001). Women with postpartum weight loss reduced energy intake during the postpartum period (compared with during pregnancy) by 300 kcal/d (1255 kJ/d), while women with weight retention increased energy intake by 250 kcal/d (1046 kJ/d, P < 0.005). There were no differences in the duration of breastfeeding, eating behavior, or metabolic biomarkers.

Conclusions

Postpartum weight gain was the result of increased energy intake after pregnancy rather than decreased energy expenditure. Dietary intake recommendations are needed for women with obesity during the postpartum period, and women should be educated on the risk of overeating after pregnancy.
Hypoxia influences polysome distribution of human ribosomal protein S12 and alternative splicing of ribosomal protein mRNAs
Authors: Brumwell Andrea , Fell Leslie , Obress Lindsay , Uniacke James
Published: January 2020

Ribosomes were once considered static in their composition because of their essential role in protein synthesis and kingdom-wide conservation. The existence of tolerated mutations in select ribosomal proteins (RPs), such as in Diamond-Blackfan anemia, is evidence that not all ribosome components are essential. Heterogeneity in the protein composition of eukaryotic ribosomes is an emerging concept with evidence that different pools of ribosomes exist with transcript-specificity. Here, we show that the polysome association of ribosomal proteins is altered by low oxygen (hypoxia), a feature of the tumor microenvironment, in human cells. We quantified ribosomal protein abundance in actively translating polysomes of normoxic and hypoxic HEK293 cells by tandem mass tags mass spectrometry. Our data suggest that RPS12 (eS12) is enriched in hypoxic monosomes, which increases the heavy polysome association of structured transcripts APAF-1 and XIAP. Furthermore, hypoxia induced five alternative splicing events within a subset of RP mRNAs in cell lines. One of these events in RPS24 (eS24 protein) alters the coding sequence to produce two protein isoforms that can incorporate into ribosomes. This splicing event is greatly induced in spheroids and correlates with tumor hypoxia in human prostate cancer. Our data suggest that hypoxia may influence the composition of the human ribosome through changes in RP incorporation and the production of hypoxia-specific RP isoforms.
Regulação ineficaz para forçar alongamento: O caso da Previdência Complementar Aberta no Brasil
Authors: Carpizo Luiz Guilherme , Gomes Pinto Garcia Márcio
Published: January 2020

Apesar da queda da taxa de juros observada no Brasil nas últimas décadas, combinada com regulações especificas sobre a Previdência Complementar Aberta que incentivam a tomada de risco de longo prazo, as instituições desse segmento aparentam ser consideravelmente sensíveis a fatores de curto prazo, ao mesmo tempo que evitam exposição a fatores de risco de prazos longos. Com dados de alocação de portfólio de grandes entidades, implementamos um modelo VAR para avaliar o impacto da taxa de juros sobre decisões de gestão de carteira e realizamos uma análise contrafactual a fim de definir o efeito causal da regulação sobre a tomada adicional de risco. Os resultados indicam que aumentos na taxa de juros geram reduções significantes e persistentes de investimentos em ativos mais arriscados e de maior maturidade, ao passo que a regulação implementada não foi capaz de forçar a maior tomada de risco por parte das instituições, além de gerar distorções em segmentos do mercado financeiro brasileiro.
The natural yield curve in Brazil
Authors: Da Costa Filho Adonias Evaristo
Published: January 2020

This paper estimates the term structure of natural interest rates for Brazil, a generalization of the concept of natural rate of interest for the yield curve. First, the Diebold-Li (2006) model is estimated with real yields. The latent factors of this model are then used in a model that includes an IS and a Phillips curve. The natural yield curve is obtained as the level, slope and curvature that closes the output gap at each point in time. This decomposition allows a broader indicator of the stance of monetary policy and a real-time measure of the natural rate. The difference between the slope of the real curve and its natural counterpart is highly correlated with the output gap.
Gestão do ciclo financeiro, rentabilidade e restrições financeiras
Authors: Zeidan Rodrigo , Vanzin Christiano
Published: January 2020

Neste artigo adaptamos um modelo padrão de gestão de ciclo financeiro para estabelecer hipóteses mensuráveis para um universo diverso daqueles normalmente estudados em trabalhos empíricos de finanças: empresas de capital fechado. Primeiramente, a partir do modelo geral de relação entre ciclo financeiro, prazo médio de pagamento, prazo médio de recebimento e prazo médio de vendas e resultado operacional das empresas brasileiras de capital fechado, definimos hipóteses que relacionam medidas de lucratividade, como retorno sobre ativo (ROA) e retorno sobre patrimônio líquido (ROE) e medidas do ciclo financeiro. A amostra final é um painel de 318 empresas brasileiras de capital fechado que publicaram informações contábeis em pelo 8 de 9 dos exercícios fiscais entre 2009 e 2017. Para lidar com a endogeneidade entre as variáveis contábeis, estimamos regressões via métodos generalizados de momentos (generalized methods of moments – GMM). As evidências indicam que melhoras no ciclo financeiro melhoram ROA mas não ROE. Hipóteses adicionais incluem: (1) empresas com ciclo financeiro negativo tendem a crescer mais rápido; (2) empresas mais endividadas têm melhor gestão do ciclo financeiro; (3) empresas menores têm ciclo financeiro maior; e (4) empresas com maior ciclo financeiro devem ter maior margem operacional. A principal evidência é que a diminuição no CCC leva a um aumento do retorno sobre ativo (mas não ROE). Outras regressões mostram que somente o ROA afeta o custo do endividamento das empresas, e que o nível de endividamento das empresas é relevante do ponto de vista estatístico para explicar o crescimento da receita das empresas (efeito esse que provavelmente captura o tamanho das empresas). Ainda assim, sem endividamento por parte das empresas, há um menor crescimento das vendas. No final, também encontramos que há relação positiva entre gestão financeira e operacional, uma relação inesperada.
O novo paradigma da decisão a partir do art. 20 da LINDB: análise do dispositivo segundo as teorias de Richard Posner e Neil MacCormick
Authors: Alves Francisco Sérgio Maia
Published: January 2020

The new paradigm of decision based on art. 20 of the LINDB: analysis of the text according to the theories of Richard Posner and Neil MacCormick O presente trabalho visa analisar o art. 20 da Lei de Introdução às Normas do Direito Brasileiro (LINDB), introduzido pela Lei nº 13.655/2018. Para tanto, será mostrado como os valores jurídicos foram excluídos e novamente reintroduzidos na prática jurídica e como essa reintrodução gerou preocupações quanto ao aumento da discricionariedade da aplicação do direito. O artigo apresentará as teorias pragmática e consequencialista, segundo a doutrina de dois de seus principais expoentes, Richard Posner e Neil MacCormick. No afã de cumprir o objetivo central do artigo, serão delimitados os conceitos de valores jurídicos abstratos e consequências práticas da decisão, no contexto do art. 20 da LINDB, e, por fim, definido o espaço de aplicação do dispositivo. This work aims to analyze art. 20 of the Law of Introduction to the Rules of Brazilian Law (LINDB), or Law No. 13.655/2018. To do so, it will be shown how legal values were excluded and reintroduced in legal practice and how this reintroduction raised concerns regarding the increase of discretion in the application of the law. The article will present pragmatic and consequentialist theories, in line with the doctrine of two of its main exponents, Richard Posner and Neil MacCormick. In order to meet the key objective of the article, the concepts of abstract legal values and practical consequences of the decision will be described in the context of art. 20 of the LINDB, concluding with a definition of the area in which the law is applied.
Aprendizagem Tecnológica: uma Análise da Contribuição dos Mecanismos de Aquisição e Conversão do Conhecimento para o Acúmulo da Capacidade Tecnológica
Authors: Iacono Antonio , Nagano Marcelo Seido
Published: January 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar os processos de aprendizagem e identificar os mecanismos de aquisição e conversão de conhecimento que contribuem significativamente para o processo de acúmulo de capacidade tecnológica. A fim de alcançar tais objetivos, realizou-se um estudo exploratório junto a 44 empresas do setor de bens de capital mecânico no Brasil. Para analisar a contribuição dos mecanismos de aquisição e conversão de conhecimento, foram utilizados o Índice de Capacidade Tecnológica (ICT) e a regressão linear múltipla com seleção de variáveis stepwise. Os resultados da análise econométrica revelaram a aderência de poucos mecanismos de aprendizagem para a aquisição externa de conhecimento, aquisição interna de conhecimento e codificação de conhecimento. O uso de apenas um ou outro mecanismo, por mais eficiente que se apresente, não é suficiente para contribuir e explicar o ICT. É necessário ampliar e aprimorar continuamente uma variedade de mecanismos em todos os tipos de processos de aprendizagem, para rotinizar a conversão de aprendizagem individual em organizacional.
Mix de produção como fator interveniente nas relações de equivalência em modelos de custeio
Authors: Ferrari Mara Juliana , Borgert Altair , Barbetta Pedro Alberto
Published: January 2020

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a interferência do mix de produção na relação de equivalência em modelos de custeio. Em termos teóricos, identificaram-se proposições quanto à modelagem no custeio alicerçadas em equivalência com base em condições e fatores intervenientes. Por meio de uma abordagem predominantemente quantitativa, cujo modo de investigação foi o relacionamento entre variáveis, avaliou-se a interferência do mix nas relações de forma longitudinal, com dados em painel e modelo misto (efeitos fixos e aleatórios). Os resultados apontam que o fator mix de produção interfere de forma significativa, estatisticamente, nos pesos estabelecidos para os produtos do caso estudado. Assim, aceitou-se a hipótese alternativa e concluiu-se que se deve considerar a presença dessa variável nos processos produtivos, sobretudo quando da aplicação da equivalência em empresas com produção diversificada.
The geology of Mount Orliakas and the Pindos Ophiolite, Greece.
Authors: Wong Kevin , Draper Kathryn , Feng Linshu , Hawkins Philip , Oakley Samuel , Zheng Xiao Xu
Published: January 2020

The Greveniotiki Pindos Mountains of Greece showcases the tectonicsaﬀecting the Central Mediterranean; however no detailed geologicalmaps have been produced of the region. In this study we present a1:10000 geological map of Mount Orliakas and its surrounding areas,including westernmost parts of the Pindos Ophiolite complex and theMesohellenic basin. We also provide new lithological, structural, andpalaeontological discussions of the region and give new evidence forthe provenance of the Kranea Formation.
DETERMINING THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY FACTORS FOR CROWDFUNDING PLATFORMS
Authors: Allah Pitchay Anwar , Asmy Mohamed , Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin Bin , Amin Md Fouad Bin
Published: January 2020

A crowdfunding platform provides a facility for anyone with internet access to transmit an idea to a social network with the goal of gathering funding for their works or projects. A quality crowdfunding platform acts as an indicator of the donors’ ability to provide funds to the projects. In the existing literature on the quality factors of crowdfunding platforms, no systematic approach has been applied to prioritize these quality factors. The task of identifying the quality factors of a crowdfunding platform has been absent in the existing literature. The aim of this study is to use the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and rank the relative weights of the quality factors of crowdfunding platforms. The results show that ‘functionality’ emerged as the most crucial criterion. The research findings also provide insightful information to crowdfunding platform providers so that they may improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their platforms.
Central European Conference of Information and Intelligent Systems (CECIIS) Turns 30!
Authors: Mu Enrique
Published: January 2020

This past October, CECIIS celebrated 30 years since its foundation at the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI) in Varazdin, Croatia. The aim of this conference is to promote the interface of researchers involved in the development and application of methods and techniques in the field of information and intelligent systems. FOI is highly focused on decision-making and their faculty and students iuse AHP/ANP widely in their academic endeavors.
Short Communication: Floristic survey of vascular plant in the submontane forest of Mt. Burangrang Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: CAHYANTO TRI , Efendi Muhammad , SHOFARA RICKY MUSHOFFA , DZAKIYYAH MUNA , NURLAELA  , SATRIA PRIMA G.
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Cahyanto T, Efendi M, Shofara RM. 2019. Short Communication: Floristic survey of vascular plant in the submontane forest of Mt. Burangrang Nature Reserve, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2197-2205. A floristic survey was conducted in submontane forest of Block Pulus ​​Mount Burangrang West Java. The objectives of the study were to inventory vascular plant and do quantitative measurements of floristic composition as well as their structure vegetation in the submontane forest of Nature Reserves Mt. Burangrang, Purwakarta West Java. Samples were recorded using exploration methods, in the hiking traill of Mt. Burangrang, from 946 to 1110 m asl. Vegetation analysis was done using sampling plots methods, with plot size of 500 m2 in four locations. Result was that 208 species of vascular plant consisting of basal family of angiosperm (1 species), magnoliids (21 species), monocots (33 species), eudicots (1 species), superrosids (1 species), rosids (74 species), superasterids (5 species), and asterids (47), added with 25 species of pterydophytes were found in the area. The three families of plants are Lauraceae (10 species), Urticaceae (9 species), and Rubiaceae (8 species) dominating those areas. Fourteen species belong to IUCN red list: Least concern/LC (12 species), Vulnerable/VU (1 species), and endangered/EN (1 species). Furthermore, Castanopsis argentea A.DC, Pinanga javana Blume and Amorphophallus decus-silvae Backer & Aldrew belonging to protected plants are also found in the area. Based on the assessment of analysis vegetation, the forest has experienced disturbance, the density of trees is commonly  low and has a lot of gaps. Many vacant lots are found. On the other side, there is the presence of invasive plant species that may slow down a succession into climax growth of local plant.
Short Communication: Application of artificial reefs for fisheries enhancement in Probolinggo, Indonesia
Authors: Isroni Wahyu , SAMARA SYIFANIA H. , SANTANUMURTI MUHAMMAD B.
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Isroni W, Samara SH, Santanumurti MB. 2019. Short Communication: Application of artificial reefs for fisheries enhancement in Probolinggo, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2273-2278. Overfishing is one of the biggest challenges in the fisheries sector in Probolinggo, Indonesia. The fish apartment (artificial reefs) was one of the solutions to increase the fish resource since it serves as the habitat for fish to live, spawn, and search for food. In this study, the fish apartment was installed in Probolinggo (Karang Katon and Dringu Beach) from 2017 to 2018. This study showed that five fish species (Caesio cuning, Acanthurus achilles, Acanthurus albipectoralis, Sphyraena jello, and Apagon novemfasciatus) were found in Karang Katon while four species (Chaetodon octofasciatus, Chromobotia macracanthus, Nemipterus japonicas, and Lates calcarifer) lived in Dringu Beach. From a total of 333 fishes, A. achilles was the species with the highest composition level of 51.65% (172) in Karang Katon station. In Dringu Beach station, C. octofasciatus had the highest fish species composition level of 46% (183) from a total of 402 fishes. The diversity index and dominance index in Karang Katon station were low at-1.280 and 0.343, respectively. The diversity index and dominance index in Dringu Beach station were also low at -1.115 and 0.3503. A. achilles had the highest density of 34.4 ind/m3 in Karang Katon station while C. octofasciatus had the highest species density of 36.6 ind/m3 in Dringu Beach Station. From this study, it could be concluded that artificial reefs application enhanced the fisheries in Probolinggo, Indonesia, and help its sustainability.
Assessing the feasibility of forest plantation of native species: A case study of Agathis dammara and Eusideroxylon zwageri in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Setiawan Budi , Lahjie Abubakar M. , Yusuf Syahrir , Ruslim Yosep
Published: January 2020

Abstract. Setiawan B, Lahjie AM, Yusuf S, Ruslim Y. 2019. Assessing the feasibility of forest plantation of native species: A case study of Agathis dammara and Eusideroxylon zwageri in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 20: 2453-2461. Plantation forest using native species is very important effort to support biodiversity conservation. Still, analysis on its feasibility is needed to guarantee the sustainable forest management. The research aims were to assess the feasibility of plantation forestry of Agathis dammara and Eusideroxylon zwageri based on production models and financial simulation of stands management. The production models were developed based on plantation forests in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Using these plantation we developed models to estimate tree volume, total volume per hectare, Mean Annual Volume Increment (MAI) and Current Annual Increment (CAI) for each species. Financial analyses were carried out to assess the Pay Back Period (PBP), Net Present Value (NPV), Net Benefit/Cost (B/C) Ratio, Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Equivalent Annual Annuity (EAA). The results of production model showed that A. dammara stands would reach optimum production at the age of 25 years while that of E. zwageri at the age of 150 years. A. dammara stands produce higher MAI of 15.67 m3ha-1 year-1 and total volume of 383.72 m3ha-1 than E. zwageri with MAI 1.89 m3ha-1 year-1 and total volume of 282.78 m3ha-1. The result of financial analysis showed that A. dammara plantation had the IRR higher than the Minimum Acceptable Rate (MAR) and the Net B/C Ratio of higher than 1, while E. zwageri had the Net B/C Ratio of lower than 1. A. dammara plantation also had a positive NPV value of IDR 78,699,974 while E. zwageri plantation had a negative NPV value of IDR 91,439,292. These results suggest that developing A. dammara plantation is more desirable than E. zwageri plantation.
Correlation of long-duration exposure and accelerated testing of protected silver mirrors
Authors: Chu Chung-tse , Alaan Diana R. , Folgner Kelsey A. , Barrie James D. , Fuqua Peter D.
Published: January 2020

The stability of two types of protected silver mirrors was studied by long-term exposure in a clean-room laboratory and mixed-flowing-gas (MFG) accelerated environmental test with two different gas concentrations. The two types of mirrors behaved very differently when exposed to the clean-room air for six years. The mirrors subjected to a reduced Battelle Class II MFG test protocol for 10 days exhibited similar corrosion mechanisms to those exposed to the clean-room air. With further testing of silver mirrors in both field exposures and MFG test conditions, it is feasible that the MFG-accelerated test method can be developed to quantitatively assess the durability of protected silver mirrors in ambient applications.
Efficient quantum key distribution against collective noise using polarization and transverse spatial mode of photons
Authors: Guo Peng-Liang , Dong Chen , He Yi , Jing Feng , He Wan-Ting , Ren Bao-Cang , Li Chun-Yan , Deng Fu-Guo
Published: January 2020

Channel noise is the main issue which reduces the efficiency of quantum communication. Here we present an efficient scheme for quantum key distribution against collective-rotation channel noise using polarization and transverse spatial mode of photons. Exploiting the two single-photon Bell states and two-photon hyperentangled Bell states in the polarization and the transverse spatial mode degrees of freedom (DOFs), the mutually unbiased bases can be encoded for logical qubits against the collective-rotation noise. Our scheme shows noiseless subspaces can be made up of two DOFs of two photons instead of multiple photons, which will reduce the resources required for noiseless subspaces and depress the photonic loss sensitivity. Moreover, the two single-photon Bell states and two-photon hyperentangled Bell states are symmetrical to the two photons, which means the relative order of the two photons is not required in our scheme, so the receiver only needs to measure the state of each photon, which makes our protocol easy to execute in experiment than the previous works.
DC electric fields in electrode-free glass vapor cell by photoillumination
Authors: Ma L. , Paradis E. , Raithel G.
Published: January 2020

We demonstrate laser induced DC electric fields in an all-glass vapor cell without bulk or thin film electrodes. The spatial field distribution is mapped by Rydberg electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) spectroscopy. The fields are generated by a photoelectric effect and allow DC electric field tuning of up to 0.8 V/cm within the Rydberg EIT probe region. We explain the measured with a boundary-value electrostatic model. This work may inspire new approaches for DC electric field control in designing miniaturized atomic vapor cell devices. Limitations and other charge effects are also discussed.