bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Distillation with Contrastive Inter-Class Relationship
Authors: Yang Chaoyi , Zeng Jijun , Zhang Jinbo
Published: February 2021

Due to the high computational cost, the application of deep neural networks (DNNs) to the real-time tasks has been limited. A possible solution is to compress the size of the model so that the demand for computation resources can be decreased. A popular method is called knowledge distillation (KD). The basic philosophy behind KD is to transfer the information extracted from the larger teacher network to the smaller student network. The general knowledge transfer strategy is to match the one-to-one logit or intermedia layers between the teacher and student networks, correspondingly. This objective may neglect the informative relationship information between different samples. In this paper, we borrow the idea of metric learning to transfer the contrastive relationship information learned from teacher network to the student. Specifically, we use the well-known Triplet loss to regularize the training of the student network. By the modified negative selection strategy, our Contrastive Knowledge Distillation (CKD) method can efficiently improve the performance of the student network compared with the traditional KD methods. Empirical experiments on KD benchmarks and real-world datasets also demonstrate the superiority of CKD.
Sentiment Analysis for Zoning System Admission Policy Using Support Vector Machine and Naive Bayes Methods
Authors: Ariyanto Reynaldy Aries , Chamidah N
Published: February 2021

Indonesia have low quality of education. According Trend International Mathematics and Science Study, Indonesian student’s mathematical literacy is ranked 36 from 49 countries. For Science literacy, Indonesia is ranked 35 from 49 countries. To increase quality of education in Indonesia, Indonesia’s government make a new policy for new student admission called zoning system. Zoning system is a new student admission according distance from house to school. Zoning system is new policy in Indonesia and there are still many pros and cons of the zoning system. Sentiment analysis is used to know whether Indonesia’s people agree or disagree about zoning system policy. In this study, we use supervised statistical learning methods that are Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Naïve Bayes for sentiment analysis of zoning system admission policy. The results show that Indonesia’s people tend to disagree with the zoning system admission policy because negative opinion is greater than positive opinion. Furthermore, accuracy rates of SVM and Naïve Bayes are 92.93% and 79.86% respectively. So, SVM is better than Naïve Bayes for sentiment analysis of zoning system admission policy.
The Evaluate off Usability Web Design Based on the User Experience
Authors: Handayani Popon , Imron Imron , Prihatin Titin , Nurmalasari Nurmalasari , Kristiana Titin , Irma Handayani Rani , Mahyu Akhrianto Pas
Published: February 2021

The number of websites in this digital age has not been examined from how useful it is from the user’s side. As happened on the www.nusamandiri.ac.id website, for this reason the authors conducted an evaluation with the User Experience approach, namely direct observation of the user of the web design by analyzing data through questionnaires on a system usability scale. the results of this study indicate that desaign web is very easy to understand and easy to use, so users get information precisely and quickly.
Forensic Audit Using Process Mining to Detect Fraud
Authors: Broer Bahaweres Rizal , Trawally Jainaba , Hermadi Irman , Imam Suroso Arif
Published: February 2021

Companies have been involved in scandals relating to financial fraud which present a large financial loss to their stakeholders. As high technology devices and online systems makes accounting transactions more complicated and easier to manipulate, process mining techniques to detecting fraud are under intense scrutiny by forensic auditors. The author analyses data of a Dutch Financial institute proposed by the Business Process Intelligence Challenge (BPIC) 2017, the BPIC provides a real life event logs. The process consists of 193849 events and 42995 cases. Various tools such as ProM (Process Mining) are been used for data analysis. The author choose process mining over other techniques because the data is recorded independently from the auditee, it an automated solution, less prone to human error, and less time consuming.
Understanding Level of UIN Imam Bonjol Padang’s Lecturers towards the Privacy Policy Application Used in Academic Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
Authors: Taufik Hidayat Ahmad , Sudarman Sudarman , Alfurqan Alfurqan , Taufiqurrahman  , Doni Sefri
Published: February 2021

This article was intended to measure UIN Imam Bonjol’s lecturers’ understanding of the privacy policy applications used for academic activities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The need to conduct online lectures opens the opportunity for all lecturers to choose the supporting application in the lecture process freely. The existence of a privacy policy in every use of the chosen application requires understanding for prospective users of services so as not to have an adverse effect. This study used a survey research method using a data collection instrument in the form of a questionnaire which was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. The findings of this study are, the lecturer’s awareness of privacy policy is quite high, as seen from the results of this study. Even 100% of respondents are aware of the need to protect personal data in using applications in academic activities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. However, there is a potential problem of personal data leakage from some respondents, more or less of 36.3%, who are not too concerned with the privacy policy rules, and instead do not read the policy at all. In this group of respondents, it is necessary to have guidance and socialization initiated by UIN Imam Bonjol Padang.
The Analysis of Implementation of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) With Problem Based Learning (PBL)
Authors: Eka Putra Rizki , Iswantir
Published: February 2021

PBL is a learning model that focuses on students or student centers Learning development oriented to HOTS is a program developed as an effort of the ministry of education and culture through the directorate general teachers and education staff (DG GTK) in an effort to improve the quality of learning and improve quality, especially in the subjects of moral creed. The design of this study uses the type of research that is included in the field research category. Seen qualitatively from data input, process, output. This research was conducted at MTsN 1 Lima Puluh Kota. from March to June 2020. Data collection methods were obtained by in-depth interviews with 5 informants, and focus group discussions with 30 students. While data validation is done by source triangulation and method triangulation. The results showed that the implementation of HOTS with the PBL learning model especially in the subject of aqeedah morals was still not in accordance with the expectations or provisions provided by the central government. In terms of Inputs (Funds, Human Resources, Facilities) available in MTsN 1 Lima Puluh Kota in general already exist and are available but do not meet the needs in the field, in terms of the implementation process is only based on education unit level curriculum and program implementation manuals, the program budget is still minimal. The implementation of these activities is still constrained by means of funds and time so that the expected optimization of activities according to the instructions given by the government has not reached its objectives. Whereas in the output of learning tools are available and the value of students is mostly above the minimal completeness criteria madrasah. Based on the results of the study, it is suggested that MTsN 1 Lima Puluh Kota be able to facilitate madrasah facilities and infrastructure, conduct socialization about learning models to students. As well as continuous improvement of monitoring and evaluation, so that learning targets can be achieved according to needs.
Analysis of Student Activities in E-learning Based on Multiple Intelligences
Authors: Hilyana F S , Khotimah T
Published: February 2021

The concept of e-learning provides more intensive interaction between lecturers and students, students and students, both in the classroom and outside. E-learning can increase student interest in optimizing the potential of multiple intelligences. Incorporating Multiple Intelligences into e-learning strategies provides a level of flexibility in how students can carry out their learning and provide a collaborative and interactive environment. This study aims to analyze student activity in e-learning based on multiple intelligences. The method used is descriptive qualitative by analyzing student activities in e-learning based on the classification of 8 Multiple Intelligences. The results of this study stated the percentage of students based on multiple intelligences obtained the highest percentage value of 38% Naturalist intelligence, 24% Musical intelligence, 17% Visual Spatial intelligence, Logic mathematical intelligence and Interpersonal intelligence 7%, Kinesthetic intelligence 4%, Intrapersonal intelligence 3%, and Linguistic intelligence 0%. Analysis of e-learning activities obtained the highest frequency by visua-spatial intelligence with a percentage of 82%, dominant naturalist intelligence possessed by students in the class has a percentage of 74%, then intrapersonal intelligence as much as 63%, kinestetic intelligence 53%, interpersonal intelligence 47%, musical intelligence 31%, and logic-mathematic intelligence 29%. Because in this class the dominant type of naturalist intelligence, e-learning is declared suitable to be applied because this intelligence is included in the active category of activities in e-learning.
The Influence of the Implementation of Android-Assisted Experiential Learning Model-Based Science Learning on Students’ Scientific Literacy
Authors: Qamariah Q , Nurwahidah N , Gunawan G , Jumadi J , Septiani D
Published: February 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of implementing an android application which was based on Experiential Learning Model (ELM) on students’ scientific literacy in terms of knowledge, competencies, and attitude. This research was a quasi-experiment with pre-post research of non-equivalent control group design. The population of the study were students of grade VII Junior High Schools in Kotawaringin Timur Regency. The sample was selected by stratified random sampling technique based on school stratification, which included high, medium, and low category schools. Research data of scientific literacy knowledge and competencies were measured using test instrument, while scientific research literacy attitude data was measured using non-test instrument (self-assessment questionnaire). The data analysis technique used was one-way manova with significance level of .05. The result of the data analysis showed that science learning which was based on Experiential Learning Model (ELM) with android support has significant influence on the scientific literacy, covering some aspects: knowledge, competencies, and attitude of students of grade VII Junior High Schools in Kotawaringin Timur Regency.
The Influence of Information Technology and Communication Advancement Especially Smartphone on Muhammadiyah University of West Sumatera’s Students Year 2019
Authors: Hariyadi  , Handoko Koko , Noviliza Anesia
Published: February 2021

This study aims to obtain the depictions on how Information and Communication Technology (ICT), especially smartphones, influences the students of Hospital Administration Study Program, Muhammadiyah University of West Sumatra Class of 2019. This research is a descriptive study, with a nonprobability sampling method. The sampling technique used is a census. The results showed that the respondents are Digital Native generations. Digital Native is a term for a person from infancy to adulthood that cannot be separated from digital technology. The results of this study found that majority of the students only utilize smartphone technology for social media and playing games. Students as respondents have not been able to optimize the use of digital technology to support their study or in the learning process. From the results of this study, the researchers provide suggestions so that respondents can get to know and optimize ICT in the learning process as well. The integration of the learning process in the University with ICTs, especially smartphones, should be done in order to achieve the knowledge-based society habitsby maximizing the sophistication of digital technology.
Bioprocessing of wheat to produce food and technical products
Authors: Zueva N V , Agafonov G V , Romanyuk T I , Chusova A E , Yakovlev A N , Veretennikov S A
Published: February 2021

The article presents the parameters and conditions for the formation of gluten in the laboratory. The influence of some technological parameters in the preparation of water-powdery suspension on the yield of gluten was studied. It was found that for the formation of a strong gluten skeleton, the temperature must be 50 ° C, the duration of the batch - 30 minutes, and the hydromodule - 1.5:1. It is under these conditions that the binding of the gluten and gliadin protein fractions in the gluten frame. It is proved that due to cellulolytic enzyme preparations, sequential hydrolysis of non-starch polysaccharides to glucose is carried out, as well as dispersion of starch and other high-molecular substances in the grain composition. This increases the quantity of fermentable substances and increases the quantity of alcohol produced. Processing of wort obtained after extraction of gluten from water-flour suspension results in higher ethanol concentration, glucose fermentation rate, and ethanol production rate. In addition, gluten can be used as a value-added by-product in a wheat-based bioprocessing plant, which significantly increases the cost-effectiveness of the process.
Acidity and chemical composition of high humidity sealed grains
Authors: Avdeev Y M , Tesalovskii A A , Mokretsov Y V , Anisimov N V , Protopopova E V
Published: February 2021

The article presents data on acidity indicators and chemical composition of high humidity grain in hermetic storage conditions. It is established that by increasing humidity of barley grain fodder its acidity increases with increasing pH value from 5.25 to 4.13, which is explained by increasing content of lactic and acetic acids. During storage the grain did not deteriorate, because the pH value decreases to a certain level (from 5.25 to 4.13). No butyric acid was found in the examined samples and its appearance was not observed during the whole storage period. The content of other acids (lactic acid, acetic acid), as well as their percentage ratio were in optimal quantities, which corresponds to the normative requirements for feeding farm animals. Most of the acids were lactic acid, whose share was 86-93% depending on grain moisture. As the humidity of wheat grain increases, its acidity also increases with the introduction of various additives in the amount of 3% of the mass of raw materials. The number of mineral macro- and microelements in grain slightly increases in comparison with the control variant, which is caused by their higher content in additives. The main part of mineral elements was occupied by potassium, the quantity of which was from 6,53 (variant: mixture of needles and moss, 2%) to 7,93 mg (variant: nettle, 3%). In variants with the use of the studied plant additives, there is a tendency to increase the content of raw protein from 10.72% in the control without additives to 12.72% in variants with meadow grass and 12.84% in variant with pine needles.
Electronic taster applied for identification of a rainbow trout spoilage specifics
Authors: Kuchmenko T A , Umarkhanov R U , Mateyeva A , Uazhanova R , KornekhoTueros J V
Published: February 2021

The research is aimed at the study of control possibilities of freshness degree and storage technology violation of frozen fish (Rainbow trout) using chemical piezo sensors array in the «e-nose» system. There have been demonstrated the opportunities of qualitative and quantitative determination of priority highly volatile compounds-markers of native and modified state of fish and gills after a 2-minute measuring by sensors array with minimal sample preparation and without additional preparation or odour components concentration. We can fixate early signs of changes in the fish fillet of a trout after three days of storage mode non-compliance and subsequent freezing, using chemical sensors. We can evaluate the storage time of fresh fish in any conditions with an error of measurement of no more than 10 %. We have developed the method of fish odour simple analysis and of obtaining diagnostic information about fish freshness according to fillet and gills state. The application mode of chemical sensors and e-nose «MAG-8» allows acquiring objective information, and is highly sensitive, expressive and economically acceptable for laboratories and mobile monitoring stations of any level.
Industrial internet of things in production of cooked smoked sausages
Authors: Popov A M , Popov D M , Mukhim-Zade M , Wegner N A
Published: February 2021

The producers of meat products and semi-finished products often use the equipment of the 90s. Such equipment does not possess modern means of transmitting diagnostic data and information about the current state wirelessly, and requires periodic monitoring during a shift. Lack of timely diagnostic data can lead to work of equipment failures and unforeseen downtime. At the same time, the development of technical means of communication allows connecting industrial equipment to the Internet and receiving data on the current status of the equipment remotely online. In industrial production, this technology is called the industrial Internet of things. The article discusses the use of the ESP32 microcontroller, the Message Queuing Telemetry Transport network protocol and the corresponding server and client software for connecting the MULTIVAC R5200 packaging machine to the industrial Internet of things. It is shown that the use of the industrial Internet of things when packing cooked-smoked sausages can reduce the time of maintenance of the packaging machine and the consumption of spare parts, and reduce the amount of marriage. In the future, the spread of such technology to the equipment of the entire enterprise allows solving the problems of collecting a large amount of data on the current state of equipment, conducting analysis and making managerial decisions.
On the adequacy of the adaptive control model and the use of L-distribution of the rotary-conveyor milking process on “Karusel” type installations
Authors: Tareeva O A , Zorin V A , Strebulyaev S N , Shkilev N P
Published: February 2021

The article reflects the degree of adequacy of the use of G-distribution and the constructed mathematical model of adaptive control, which allows increasing the productivity of conveyor-ring milking machines of the “Karusel” type. This paper discusses the results of research on the process of milking a herd of cows on a carousel-type milking machine. Based on the methods of variational statistics the influence of the parameters of the statistical distribution of the duration of milking performance of a milking machine is studied, a theoretical analysis of the timeline of its work is carried out. Models and algorithms for adaptive speed control of milking pipeline with the use of specialized software, including the system of analytical calculations Maple are developed. This software allows you to perform analytical transformations of large amounts of information and display the results of calculations in tabular graphical form and in animation mode.
Android based information system for eco-site destination
Authors: Fardiansyah  , Ihsan MA , Junanda SF , Asmaidi  , Rahmanizar C , Rusnanda R , Kartawijaya M , Candra R A
Published: February 2021

With the rapid development of information and communication technology, the internet has become an essential medium for obtaining or exchanging information without the obstruction of distance, time, and place. The purpose of developing this application is to design the nearest Tourism Location Search Application in South Aceh district based on Android. This application was created using Android Studio. This application provides information about existing tourist objects from location information, facilities, and guidance to reach the location using the Maps method. Users of the application can choose attractions based on categories and the system will provide a guide to the tourist sites that can be visited.
Design of simple clove harvesters
Authors: ‘Audahl S , Setiawan H , Putriawati F , Anhar
Published: February 2021

Clove plucking techniques can be done by climbing stairs and trees. Harvesting by climbing trees should not be done, Can be used ladder or pole made of bamboo while paying attention to the position of the ladder on the clove tree to avoid breaking the branching clove and not damage the surrounding leaves at the time of picking, researchers also saw cloves when they were out of reach of the hands then the clove farmers just throw it away clove should be able to be useful and increase income. Researchers tried to make a simple clove harvester design tool with the aim to facilitate the clove picking process. The results of this tool can be used on a tree height of 4 meters that can be used directly without using a ladder and can be used as a clove picker that is not reached by the hands of farmers so it is not wasted..
A Self-defined Index for Hygrothermal Performance-Oriented Development of Bamboo and Its Test Method
Authors: Huang Zujian , Sun Yimin
Published: February 2021

In the manufacturing process of the mechanical performance-oriented bamboo products, the bulk density is often used as an important control index since it has significant correlation with the mechanical properties. However, the development of bamboo for building envelope is supposed to be hygrothermal performance-oriented, which may require a different control index. In this study, 6 typical bamboo products are selected as the research objects. Based on the material parameter requirements of the building envelope coupled heat and moisture process model, 6 test items for hygrothermal properties and 2 test items for basic properties, including the dry bulk density (ρd) and a self-defined ‘open porosity of liquid water (Φl)’, are carried out. Correlation analyses between the tested hygrothermal properties and the basic properties show that, macroscopically both moisture and heat transport properties show stronger correlation withΦlthan that withρd. Taking the correlation coefficient (r) and the statistical significance (sig) as indicators, the correlations between the hygrothermal properties andΦlare, respectively, 107.23%–140.00% and 1.44%–11.94% of that between the hygrothermal properties andρd. The phenomenon proves thatΦlis potential to be a better control index for the development of hygrothermal performance-oriented bamboo. Based on this, a method including 6 operation steps to test theΦlis introduced.
Thermal Comfort in the Modern Movement – Consequences of Constructive Definition on the Summer Behaviour of a Housing Building in Porto, Portugal
Authors: Silva I , Mendonça P , Maia C
Published: February 2021

The knowledge of the properties of construction materials, as well as the way they are organized in the construction systems, namely those of the facades, are essential to understand the functional performance of buildings, namely their thermal comfort. This article presents a research oriented towards the constructive characterization of the facades of a multifamily building and the consequences for its thermal comfort in summer. The building here analysed is Edifício Lino, built between 1951 and 1954 in Porto, designed by the architects Arménio Losa and Cassiano Barbosa, prominent figures in the architecture of the modern movement in Portugal. The importance of studying buildings at this time is related to the need to define strategies for use, maintenance and possible intervention in the existing heritage in order to respond to the contemporary expectations of habitability of these works of the Modern Movement, often forgotten due to the temporal proximity. From the study carried out, it can be concluded that thermal comfort emerges as a central concern of the reference architects of this time, who considered this issue an inexorable architectural quality.
Sustainable Urban Pavement for Cities Affected by El Niño using Porous Concrete
Authors: Aguirre B , Anchiraico M , Rodríguez J , García F
Published: February 2021

The El Niño phenomenon is caused by the change in atmospheric pressures, which produce the accumulation of hot surface waters on the eastern flank of the Pacific Ocean; causing intense rainfall that runs over the surface affecting the urban drainage of the city due to the lack of a permeable pavement; porous concrete allows infiltration of surface water runoff through its pores. The present investigation evaluates porous concrete in the range of w/c relationships of 0.30 and 0.32; the results indicate that the compressive strength, flexural strength and permeability coefficient increase; and that the surface runoff, cost, water footprint and carbon footprint are lower than conventional concrete.
The Role of the Laser Safety Officer and Laser Safety Programs in Clinical Practice
Authors: Wamsley Christine E , Hoopman John , Kenkel Jeffrey M
Published: February 2021

Recent advancements in laser technology have led to its expanded utilization in smaller clinical settings and medical spas, particularly for facial rejuvenation and the treatment of other aesthetic concerns. Despite the increasing popularity of this technology, discussion of laser safety programs has remained limited, mostly to operating rooms at larger clinical institutions. Although smaller facilities do not operate at the same capacity as a large hospital or medical center, the requirements for utilizing a laser are no less stringent. Employers must comply with local and federal regulations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) General Duty Clause, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, and professional recommended practices applicable to their business. Although the laser safety officer (LSO) is often a full-time position within larger facilities, smaller clinical settings and medical spas may be limited in staff number. It is important, therefore, that clinical practices establish laser policies and procedures with consideration of their individual needs and capabilities. In this paper, we will define a laser safety program, highlight basic requirements needed to establish this program, and outline the specific responsibilities of the LSO. To ensure that safe laser practices are being conducted at the healthcare facility, it is imperative that small business owners are aware of these regulations and standards in place for the operation of laser systems.
Long noncoding RNA MNX1-AS1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition by sponging MiR-744-5p in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Shiping , Sun Yueming
Published: February 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most deadly cancer globally. Long noncoding RNA MNX1-AS1 has been proven to play a regulatory role in various human cancers. The present research aimed to explore the MNX1-AS1 function in CRC and the corresponding mechanism. A series of experiments were conducted to detect the effects of MNX1-AS1 and miR-744-5p on the biological function of CRC cells, including quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, CCK-8, transwell, wound healing assay, Western blot, and dual-luciferase report assay. MNX1-AS1 was elevated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Si-MNX1-AS1 inhibited cell viability, invasion, migration, and the protein expressions of N-cadherin and Vimentin but promoted the protein expression of E-cadherin. MiR-744-5p bound to MNX1-AS1. MiR-744-5p inhibitor had the opposite effect of si-MNX1-AS1. Cotransfection of miR-744-5p inhibitor and si-MNX1-AS1 recovered the effects mentioned above. In conclusion, MNX1-AS1/miR-744-5p axis plays a pivotal role in the viability, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells.
Hispidulin inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion by promoting autophagy via regulation of PPARγ activation in prostate cancer cells and xenograft models
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Guo Shanqi , Jia Yingjie , Yu Xiaoyu , Mou Ruiyu , Li Xiaojiang
Published: February 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the important factors of cancer deaths especially in the western countries. Hispidulin (4′,5,7-trihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid compound proved to possess anticancer properties, but its effects on PCa are left to be released. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects and the relative mechanisms of Hispidulin on PCa development. Hispidulin administration inhibited proliferation, invasion, and migration, while accelerated apoptosis in Du145 and VCaP cells, which was accompanied by PPARγ activation and autophagy enhancement. The beneficial effects of Hispidulin could be diminished by PPARγ inhibition. Besides, Hispidulin administration suppressed PCa tumorigenicity in Xenograft models, indicating the anticancer properties in vivo. Therefore, our work revealed that the anticancer properties of Hispidulin might be conferred by its activation on PPARγ and autophagy.
Three main short-chain fatty acids inhibit the activation of THP-1 cells byMycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Wen Xia , Xiaoyue Dai , Longkun Ding , Yue Xi , Man Yan , Min Zhang , Liang Wu , Chengxue Yi , Huaxi Xu
Published: February 2021

The overactivation of macrophages causes chronic inflammatory diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), potential drugs for clinical treatment, are modulators of macrophage inflammatory reaction. Therefore, the modulation of macrophage-mediated cell activity is expected to become a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In this study, 2 kinds of SCFAs (propionate and butyrate) were found to have anti-inflammatory effects in M. pneumoniae-stimulated THP-1 cells inflammatory. They inhibited the expressions of IL-4, IL-6, ROS, and NLRP3 inflammasome, while enhancing the expressions of IL-10 and IFN-γ. Our study revealed these 2 agents to repress transcriptional activities of NF-κB, which are important modulators of inflammation. Meanwhile, SCFAs can significantly enhance the autophagy induced by M. pneumoniae. Considering that SCFAs have few side effects, they might be the promising adjuvant therapy for the prevention and/or treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
A novel methymycin analog, 12-ketomethymycin N-oxide, produced by the heterologous expression of the large pikromycin/methymycin biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces sp. AM4900
Authors: Ueoka Reiko , Hashimoto Junko , Kozone Ikuko , Hashimoto Takuya , Kudo Kei , Kagaya Noritaka , Suenaga Hikaru , Ikeda Haruo , Shin-ya Kazuo
Published: February 2021

A novel methymycin analog, 12-ketomethymycin N-oxide, was produced by the heterologous expression of the pikromycin/methymycin biosynthetic gene cluster of Streptomyces sp. AM4900 together with 12-ketomethymycin, which was only isolated by the biotransformation of the synthetic intermediate before. Their structures were determined by the spectroscopic data and the chemical derivatization. 12-Ketomethymycin showed a weak cytotoxicity against SKOV-3 and Jurkat cells, although its N-oxide analog did not show any activity. Both showed no antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Micrococcus luteus.
No sex differences in learning in wild bumblebees
Authors: Muth Felicity , Tripodi Amber D , Bonilla Rene , Strange James P , Leonard Anne S
Published: February 2021

Females and males often face different sources of selection, resulting in dimorphism in morphological, physiological, and even cognitive traits. Sex differences are often studied in respect to spatial cognition, yet the different ecological roles of males and females might shape cognition in multiple ways. For example, in dietary generalist bumblebees (Bombus), the ability to learn associations is critical to female workers, who face informationally rich foraging scenarios as they collect nectar and pollen from thousands of flowers over a period of weeks to months to feed the colony. While male bumblebees likely need to learn associations as well, they only forage for themselves while searching for potential mates. It is thus less clear whether foraging males would benefit from the same associative learning performance as foraging females. In this system, as in others, cognitive performance is typically studied in lab-reared animals under captive conditions, which may not be representative of patterns in the wild. In the first test of sex and species differences in cognition using wild bumblebees, we compared the performance of Bombus vancouverensis nearcticus (formerly bifarius) and Bombus vosnesenskii of both sexes on an associative learning task at Sierra Nevada (CA) field sites. Across both species, we found that males and females did not differ in their ability to learn, although males were slower to respond to the sucrose reward. These results offer the first evidence from natural populations that male bumblebees may be equally as able to learn associations as females, supporting findings from captive colonies of commercial bees. The observed interspecific variation in learning ability opens the door to using the Bombus system to test hypotheses about comparative cognition.
The Legitimacy of Change: Adopting/Adapting, Implementing and Sustaining Reforms within Community Corrections Agencies
Authors: Rudes Danielle S , Portillo Shannon , Taxman Faye S
Published: February 2021

Many criminal justice institutions implement evidence-based reforms. While most scholars are aware of implementation challenges, we still know relatively little about sustainability. Using longitudinal data from criminal legal staff implementing an evidence-based reform, this paper considers: What happens during the implementation of an organizational reform that affects continued use of these reforms? Guided by an organizational change framework, findings suggest sustainability aligns with key organizational goals including legitimacy, efficiency and effectiveness. While all sites saw the reformed practices as legitimate enough to initially consider adoption, two sites never adopted, four sites toyed with reform, and two sites continued to use the reform after the study was over. This paper explores sustainability and identifies legitimacy as an important factor that affects the routinization of new practices. Transformation of organizational change initiatives into routine practices should consider efforts to build legitimacy in lieu of primarily rationalizing on the values of efficiency and effectiveness.
Social Service Worker Experiences with Direct and Indirect Violence When Engaged with Service Users
Authors: Shier Micheal L , Turpin Aaron , Nicholas David B , Graham John R
Published: February 2021

Social service workers’ experiences of violence from service users (client-engaged violence) in social service workplaces are serious and pervasive issues that demand responsive and effective organisational interventions. However, organisational factors and characteristics that have an effect on worker experiences of client-engaged violence are poorly defined. This study utilised a quantitative design to identify and measure aspects of the organisation that prevent client-engaged violence and support workers in building healthy and safe workplaces. Participants (n = 1,574) from various publicly administered social services departments were surveyed to assess the effect of ‘workload’ (workload quality); ‘supervisory dynamics’ (equality, involvement, support and attentiveness); ‘team dynamics’ (intrapersonal team functioning and interpersonal team functioning) and ‘workplace safety culture’ (workplace safety values) on direct and indirect experiences of client-engaged violence. Results from multivariate analysis show that workload characteristics and organisational cultural values of workplace safety had a significant effect on worker experiences of client-engaged violence. The results highlight the importance of creating organisational policies and procedures that support workers in managing workloads and promoting a culture of safety within the work setting.
Myocardial work comes to rescue when afterload-dependency of strain cause false positives
Authors: Sletten OJ , Aalen JM , Remme EW , Khan FH , Hisdal J , Smiseth OA , Skulstad H
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): The Norwegian Health Association

Introduction

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) can detect subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. GLS measurement is therefore recommended when chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity can be suspected. A relative, percentage reduction in GLS ≥8% may indicate subclinical LV dysfunction induced by chemotherapy. Due to afterload-dependency, moderate increase in blood pressure has the potential to cause reductions in GLS beyond this threshold. However, myocardial work incorporates afterload, and may be used to omit false positive outcomes.

Purpose

To investigate if moderate increases in afterload cause clinically relevant changes in strain, and if myocardial work is more robust to such changes.

Methods

Twenty cancer patients (41 ± 14 years) undergoing chemotherapy and twenty healthy controls (49 ± 11 years, NS) were included. All participants were free from concomitant heart disease. GLS was measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography. Global myocardial work was calculated by pressure-strain analysis using a previously validated method to estimate LV pressure (LVP) non-invasively. Recordings were performed before and after 2 minute stress by handgrip.

Results

At baseline, patients had lower GLS (20.1 ± 1.1 vs 22.1 ± 2.5%, p < 0.01) and global myocardial work (1810 ± 203 vs 2051 ± 287 mmHg·%, p < 0.01) than controls. Stress test moderately increased systolic blood pressure, similar in both groups (116 ± 10 to 146 ± 17 mmHg in patients, and 118 ± 12 to 147 ± 21 mmHg in controls). This afterload-enhancement was associated with a decrease in GLS from 20.1 ± 1.1 to 18.4 ± 1.3% in patients, and from 22.1 ± 2.5 to 20.3 ± 2.5% in controls (both p < 0.01). Every second participant, eleven patients and nine controls, experienced a relative reduction in GLS >8%. In contrast, global myocardial work increased during the stress test from 1810 ± 203 to 2002 ± 281 mmHg·% in patients, and from 2051 ± 287 to 2292 ± 398 mmHg·% in controls (both p < 0.01). Figure 1 shows changes in GLS and myocardial work at moderate increase in afterload.

Conclusions

Moderate increase in afterload caused reductions in GLS sufficient to promote over-diagnosis of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. Global myocardial work has the potential to distinguish true subclinical LV dysfunction from afterload-induced decline in GLS.

Abstract Figure.
Left ventricular force adaptation and cardiac deformation in the progression of aortic stenosis
Authors: Faganello G , Pagura L , Croatto E , Collia D , Furlotti S , Paldino A , Dal Ferro M , Sinagra G , Di Lenarda A , Pedrizzetti G
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction. Aortic stenosis (AS) is one of the most common valvular heart diseases; however, the association between left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and hemodynamic forces (HDFs) is still mostly  unexplored.

Purpose. This study aimed to assess the differences in LV myocardial deformation and HDFs in a large cohort of patients with aortic stenosis retrospectively.

Methods. Two-hundred fifty-four subjects (median age 77 years, 50% women) with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and mild (n = 87), moderate (n = 92) or severe (n = 75) AS, were included in the study. The 2D LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), circumferential strain (GCS), and HDFs were measured with new software that allowed us to calculate all these values and parameters from the three apical views.

Results. When comparing severe AS to mild AS, LV mass appeared increased while the LV hypertrophy phenotype was concentric (p <0.0001). Along with the progression of the AS, LVEF was decreased. All GLS, GCS, and HDFs parameters were uniformly reduced in severe AS compared to mild AS (p <0.0001), in the same way, LV longitudinal force, LV longitudinal systolic force, and LV impulse have proven to be accurate on ROC curves (AUC 70%, 73% and 73% respectively).

Conclusion. The integrated approach of deformation and cardiac mechanics allows the description of pathophysiological changes during the progression of mild to severe aortic stenosis.

Abstract Figure. Strain parameters and aortic stenosis
Comparison of the T2 effects of three T1 mapping sequences of the myocardium at 3T and 1.5T
Authors: Zhou H , Puntmann V , Nagel E
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Purpose

To compare the T2 effects of three T1 mapping sequences of the myocardium at 3T and 1.5T. 

Materials and Methods

We measured native T1 values by three T1 mapping sequences (FFM, MPI and LONG) and T2 values of 630 consecutive subjects (patients and healthy volunteers) in a mid-ventricular short axis slice by regions of interest (ROIs) placed conservatively within the septal myocardium. Correlations between myocardial T1 and T2 values were analyzed.

Results

Native T1 values differed significantly depending on the sequence, with MPI providing consistently higher mean values than FFM and LONG, LONG providing higher mean values than FFM (all p < 0.001). T1 by FFM, MPI and LONG in the total population, disease group, non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy group were all weakly related to T2 at 3T. The correlation coefficient of MPI were the highest in the total population and disease group, but there is no significant difference in correlation coefficients (all p > 0.05). Similarly, T1 by FFM, LONG in the total population, disease group, NICM group were all weakly-moderately related to T2 at 1.5T. In the control group, only T1 by MPI was moderately and positively related to T2(r = 0.469, p = 0.037). In the ischaemic cardiomyopathy group, only T1 by MPI was weakly and positively related to T2 (r = 0.334, p = 0.011). In the stress condition, T1 by FFM and MPI was weakly and positively related to T2 (r = 0.280,0.210, p = 0.001,0.012, respectively).

Conclusion

The T2 effects existed in three T1 mapping sequences of the myocardium in varying degrees, we should consider the potential bias from T2 when analyzing the abnormal T1 values of myocardium.

Abstract Figure.
Quantitative analysis of myocardial metabolic heterogeneity is superior to visual assessment for the detection of active cardiac sarcoidosis by F-18 FDG PET-CT imaging
Authors: Malik M , Yazdani M , Gould SM , Reyes E
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Myocardial inflammation may occur in the context of a multisystem disease such as sarcoidosis, adversely affecting prognosis. A definitive diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is essential to implementing life-saving treatment but this is complicated by the invasive nature of endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and its low accuracy. Positron emission tomography (PET) assists in diagnosis, which relies on visual interpretation of myocardial F-18 FDG uptake. The value of quantitative analysis and its application to clinical practice remain uncertain.

Purpose

To investigate the power of quantitative F-18 FDG PET-CT imaging analysis for detecting CS in patients with suspected disease.

Methods

All patients underwent F-18 FDG PET-CT after a 24-hour low-carbohydrate diet and 15-hour fasting as part of their diagnostic work-up for suspected cardiac inflammation. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance acted as gatekeeper to PET-CT in 8 of every 10 scans. Myocardial F-18 FDG uptake was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively using both manually drawn regions of interest and automatic polar maps to measure global and segmental standardised F-18 FDG uptake values (SUV).  The coefficient of variation (CoV) was calculated to determine uptake heterogeneity. To confirm diagnosis, follow-up data regarding disease progression, further testing and treatment were collected. To allow for sufficient follow-up time, the first 40 consecutive patients from a prospective registry (n= 214; Sep 2017-Jun 2020) were included.

Results

A comprehensive clinical picture was obtained successfully in 37 patients (median [IQR], 17 [13.5] months) and a final diagnosis of CS reached in 7 (disease prevalence, 19%). EMB was performed in 2 patients only while 3 underwent PPM/ICD implantation. Significant predictors of CS were fulfilment of Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare criteria (Wald, 6.44; p = 0.01) and left ventricular dysfunction (Wald 6.72; p = 0.01). Qualitative F-18 FDG PET-CT had a high negative (95%) but low positive (45%) predictive value for CS (sensitivity, 83%; specificity, 77%). F-18 FDG SUV CoV was the strongest imaging predictor (Wald, 6.77; p = 0.009) and was significantly higher in CS than non-CS (CoV median [quartiles], 0.26 [0.21, 0.36] and 0.12 [0.11, 0.14] respectively; p = 0.004). As per ROC curve analysis (AUC, 0.84), a CoV threshold of 0.20 was highly specific (93%) and sensitive (86%) for CS.

Conclusion

In a referring population with a low prevalence of cardiac sarcoidosis, F-18 FDG PET-CT imaging is sensitive for the detection of myocardial inflammation with active disease unlikely in patients with a negative scan. Quantitative evaluation of metabolic heterogeneity within the myocardium provides a strong, independent marker of active disease and should be considered alongside visual assessment.
Diagnostic value of coronary artery assessment by transthoracic ecocardiography
Authors: Kamenskikh M , Zagatina A , Zhuravskaya N , Shmatov D
Published: February 2021

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Several recent studies have reported the opportunity for diagnosing significant narrowing of the coronary arteries during echocardiography using the local flow acceleration in the stenosis. However, there is a discrepancy between the cut-off coronary flow velocity (CFV) values in the literature.

The aim of our study was to define the cut-off value of CFV for coronary artery stenosis more than 50%.

Methods

In a single-center study, we evaluated 100 patients (53 men, 62 ± 11 y.o.) who underwent echocardiography with scans for CFV in 3 segments of left coronary artery. Coronary angiography was performed by an independent expert specialist, blind other data.

Results

Two hundred and fifty-three segments (84%) of proximal left coronary were feasible for assessment. There was a significant correlation between coronary flow velocity and percent of stenosis in the corresponding segments, R = 0.52; p < 0.0000001, (figure).  The cut-off value of 67 cm/s had sensitivity 69%, specificity 89%, accuracy 79%, р<0.0004 for left main narrowing more than 50% by angiography. The cut-off value of 70 cm/s in proximal segment of left anterior descending had sensitivity 62%, specificity 88%, accuracy 82%, р<0.0001, the cut-off value of 50 cm/s in proximal segment of left circumflex had sensitivity 73%, specificity 88%, accuracy 81%, р<0.003 for stenoses of more than 50%.

Conclusion

There is a significant positive correlation between coronary flow velocity by echocardiography and degree of narrowing by angiography.