bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report: high dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen for multiple myeloma induces sinus arrest
Authors: Ma Liang-Liang , Liu Ying , Jia Si-Xun , Lv Hai-Chen , Fang Mei-Yun , Xia Yun-Long
Published: March 2020

High dose melphalan is commonly used as a conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. There are reports of adverse cardiac events with melphalan manifested by supraventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation. Here, we report a rare case of a 58 year old female with multiple myeloma, who developed sinus arrest after autologous stem cell transplantation using high dose melphalan as a conditioning regimen. It was severe and rare, therefore, monitoring for cardiac toxicity in patients receiving high-dose melphalan is mandatory.
Extracting horizon surfaces from 3D seismic data using deep learning
Authors: Tschannen Valentin , Delescluse Matthias , Ettrich Norman , Keuper Janis
Published: March 2020

Extracting horizon surfaces from key reflections in a seismic image is an important step of the interpretation process. Interpreting a reflection surface in a geologically complex area is a difficult and time-consuming task, and it requires an understanding of the 3D subsurface geometry. Common methods to help automate the process are based on tracking waveforms in a local window around manual picks. Those approaches often fail when the wavelet character lacks lateral continuity or when reflections are truncated by faults. We have formulated horizon picking as a multiclass segmentation problem and solved it by supervised training of a 3D convolutional neural network. We design an efficient architecture to analyze the data over multiple scales while keeping memory and computational needs to a practical level. To allow for uncertainties in the exact location of the reflections, we use a probabilistic formulation to express the horizons position. By using a masked loss function, we give interpreters flexibility when picking the training data. Our method allows experts to interactively improve the results of the picking by fine training the network in the more complex areas. We also determine how our algorithm can be used to extend horizons to the prestack domain by following reflections across offsets planes, even in the presence of residual moveout. We validate our approach on two field data sets and show that it yields accurate results on nontrivial reflectivity while being trained from a workable amount of manually picked data. Initial training of the network takes approximately 1 h, and the fine training and prediction on a large seismic volume take a minute at most.
Neurochemical Characterization of Brainstem Pro-Opiomelanocortin Cells
Authors: Georgescu Teodora , Lyons David , Doslikova Barbora , Garcia Ana Paula , Marston Oliver , Burke Luke K , Chianese Raffaella , Lam Brian Y H , Yeo Giles S H , Rochford Justin J , Garfield Alastair S , Heisler Lora K
Published: March 2020

Genetic research has revealed pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) to be a fundamental regulator of energy balance and body weight in mammals. Within the brain, POMC is primarily expressed in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC), while a smaller population exists in the brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (POMCNTS). We performed a neurochemical characterization of this understudied population of POMC cells using transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of a POMC promoter/enhancer (PomceGFP). Expression of endogenous Pomc mRNA in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) PomceGFP cells was confirmed using fluorescence-activating cell sorting (FACS) followed by quantitative PCR. In situ hybridization histochemistry of endogenous Pomc mRNA and immunohistochemical analysis of eGFP revealed that POMC is primarily localized within the caudal NTS. Neurochemical analysis indicated that POMCNTS is not co-expressed with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin (CCK), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nesfatin, nitric oxide synthase 1 (nNOS), seipin, or choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) cells, whereas 100% of POMCNTS is co-expressed with transcription factor paired-like homeobox2b (Phox2b). We observed that 20% of POMCNTS cells express receptors for adipocyte hormone leptin (LepRbs) using a PomceGFP:LepRbCre:tdTOM double-reporter line. Elevations in endogenous or exogenous leptin levels increased the in vivo activity (c-FOS) of a small subset of POMCNTS cells. Using ex vivo slice electrophysiology, we observed that this effect of leptin on POMCNTS cell activity is postsynaptic. These findings reveal that a subset of POMCNTS cells are responsive to both changes in energy status and the adipocyte hormone leptin, findings of relevance to the neurobiology of obesity.
Estrogen Stimulation of Pleiotrophin Enhances Osteoblast Differentiation and Maintains Bone Mass in IGFBP-2 Null Mice
Authors: Xi Gang , Demambro Victoria E , D’Costa Susan , Xia Shalier K , Cox Zach C , Rosen Clifford J , Clemmons David R
Published: March 2020

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) stimulates osteoblast differentiation but only male Igfbp2 null mice have a skeletal phenotype. The trophic actions of IGFBP-2 in bone are mediated through its binding to receptor tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTPβ). Another important ligand for RPTPβ is pleiotrophin (PTN), which also stimulates osteoblast differentiation. We determined the change in PTN and RPTPβ in Igfbp2–/– mice. Analysis of whole bone mRNA in wild-type and knockout mice revealed increased expression of Ptn. Rptpβ increased in gene-deleted animals with females having greater expression than males. Knockdown of PTN expression in osteoblasts in vitro inhibited differentiation, and addition of PTN to the incubation medium rescued the response. Estradiol stimulated PTN secretion and PTN knockdown blocked estradiol-stimulated differentiation. PTN addition to IGFBP-2 silenced osteoblast stimulated differentiation, and an anti-fibronectin-3 antibody, which inhibits PTN binding to RPTPβ, inhibited this response. Estrogen stimulated PTN secretion and downstream signaling in the IGFBP-2 silenced osteoblasts and these effects were inhibited with anti-fibronectin-3. Administration of estrogen to wild-type and Igfbp2–/– male mice stimulated an increase in both areal bone mineral density and trabecular bone volume fraction but the increase was significantly greater in the Igfbp2–/– animals. Estrogen also stimulated RPTPβ expression in the null mice. We conclude that loss of IGFBP-2 expression is accompanied by upregulation of PTN and RPTPβ expression in osteoblasts, that the degree of increase is greater in females due to estrogen secretion, and that this compensatory change may account for some component of the maintenance of normal bone mass in female mice.
ADAPT-2: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Reduce Intraoperative EEG Suppression in Older Surgical Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Tang Christopher J. , Jin Zhongnan , Sands Laura P. , Pleasants Devon , Tabatabai Sanam , Hong Yili , Leung Jacqueline M.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:

Recent limited evidence suggests that the use of a processed electroencephalographic (EEG) monitor to guide anesthetic management may influence postoperative cognitive outcomes; however, the mechanism is unclear.

METHODS:

This exploratory, single-center, randomized clinical trial included patients who were ≥65 years of age undergoing elective noncardiac surgery. The study aimed to determine whether monitoring the brain using a processed EEG monitor reduced EEG suppression and subsequent postoperative delirium. The interventional group received processed EEG-guided anesthetic management to keep the Patient State Index (PSI) above 35 computed by the SEDline Brain Function Monitor (Masimo, Inc, Irvine, CA), while the standard care group was also monitored, but the EEG data were blinded from the clinicians. The primary outcome was intraoperative EEG suppression. A secondary outcome was incident postoperative delirium during the first 3 days after surgery.

RESULTS:

All outcomes were analyzed using the intention-to-treat paradigm. Two hundred and four patients with a mean age of 72 ± 5 years were studied. Minutes of EEG suppression adjusted by the length of surgery was found to be less for the interventional group than the standard care group (median [interquartile range], 1.4% [5.0%] and 2.5% [10.4%]; Hodges-Lehmann estimated median difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] of −0.8% [−2.1 to −0.000009]). The effect of the intervention on EEG suppression differed for those with and without preoperative cognitive impairment (interaction P = .01), with the estimated incidence rate ratio (95% CI) of 0.39 (0.33–0.44) for those with preoperative cognitive impairment and 0.48 (0.44–0.51) for those without preoperative cognitive impairment. The incidence of delirium was not found to be different between the interventional (17%) and the standard care groups (20%), risk ratio = 0.85 (95% CI, 0.47–1.5).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of processed EEG to maintain the PSI >35 was associated with less time spent in intraoperative EEG suppression. Preoperative cognitive impairment was associated with a greater percent of surgical time spent in EEG suppression. A larger prospective cohort study to include more cognitively vulnerable patients is necessary to show whether an intervention to reduce EEG suppression is efficacious in reducing postoperative delirium.
Analgesic Effect of Intraoperative Intravenous S-Ketamine in Opioid-Naïve Patients After Major Lumbar Fusion Surgery Is Temporary and Not Dose-Dependent: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Brinck Elina C. V. , Maisniemi Kreu , Kankare Jyrki , Tielinen Laura , Tarkkila Pekka , Kontinen Vesa K.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Severe pain often accompanies major spine surgery. Opioids are the cornerstone of postoperative pain management but their use can be limited by numerous side effects. Several studies claim that adjuvant treatment with intravenous (IV) ketamine reduces opioid consumption and pain after back surgery. However, the exact role of ketamine for this indication is yet to be elucidated. We compared 2 different doses of S-ketamine with placebo on postoperative analgesic consumption, pain, and adverse events in adult, opioid-naïve patients after lumbar fusion surgery.

METHODS:

One hundred ninety-eight opioid-naïve patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion surgery were recruited to this double-blind trial and randomly assigned into 3 study groups: Group C (placebo) received a preincisional IV bolus of saline (sodium chloride [NaCl] 0.9%) followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of NaCl 0.9%. Both groups K2 and K10 received a preincisional IV bolus of S-ketamine (0.5 mg/kg); in group K2, this was followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of S-ketamine (0.12 mg/kg/h), while in group K10, it was followed by an intraoperative IV infusion of S-ketamine (0.6 mg/kg/h). Postoperative analgesia was achieved by an IV patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) device delivering oxycodone. The primary end point was cumulative oxycodone consumption at 48 hours after surgery. The secondary end points included postoperative pain up to 2 years after surgery, adverse events, and level of sedation and confusion in the immediate postoperative period.

RESULTS:

The median [interquartile range (IQR)] cumulative oxycodone consumption at 48 hours was 154.5 [120] mg for group K2, 160 [109] mg for group K10, and 178.5 [176] mg for group C. The estimated difference was −24 mg between group K2 and group C (97.5% confidence interval [CI], −73.8 to 31.5; P = .170) and −18.5 mg between group K10 and C (97.5% CI, 78.5–29.5; P = .458). There were no significant differences between groups.

Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in both ketamine treatment groups at the fourth postoperative hour but not later during the 2-year study period.

The higher ketamine dose was associated with more sedation. Otherwise, differences in the occurrence of adverse events between study groups were nonsignificant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neither a 0.12 nor a 0.6 mg/kg/h infusion of intraoperative IV S-ketamine was superior to the placebo in reducing oxycodone consumption at 48 hours after lumbar fusion surgery in an opioid-naïve adult study population. Future studies should assess ketamine’s feasibility in specific study populations who most benefit from reduced opioid consumption.
A Single Prophylactic Dose of Ondansetron Given at Cessation of Postoperative Propofol Sedation Decreases Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Erica H. Z. , Sunderland Sarah , Edwards Nicola Y. , Chima Navraj S. , Yarnold Cynthia H. , Schwarz Stephan K. W. , Coley Matthew A.
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common occurrence after cardiac surgery. However, in contrast to other surgical populations, routine PONV prophylaxis is not a standard of care in cardiac surgery. We hypothesized that routine administration of a single prophylactic dose of ondansetron (4 mg) at the time of stopping postoperative propofol sedation before extubation in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit would decrease the incidence of PONV.

METHODS:

With institutional human ethics board approval and written informed consent, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in patients ≥19 years of age with no history of PONV undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours postextubation, compared by the χ2 test. Secondary outcomes included the incidence and times to first dose of rescue antiemetic treatment administration, the incidence of headaches, and the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.

RESULTS:

PONV within the first 24 hours postextubation occurred in 33 of 77 patients (43%) in the ondansetron group versus 50 of 82 patients (61%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.70 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.51–0.95]; absolute risk difference, −18% [95% CI, −33 to −2]; number needed to treat, 5.5 [95% CI, 3.0–58.4]; χ2 test, P = .022). Kaplan-Meier “survival” analysis of the times to first rescue antiemetic treatment administration over 24 hours indicated that patients in the ondansetron group fared better than those in the placebo group (log-rank [Mantel-Cox] test; P = .028). Overall, 32 of 77 patients (42%) in the ondansetron group received rescue antiemetic treatment over the first 24 hours postextubation versus 47 of 82 patients (57%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.52–1.00]; absolute risk difference, −16% [95% CI, −31 to 1]); P = .047. There were no significant differences between the groups in the incidence of postoperative headache (ondansetron group, 5 of 77 patients [6%] versus placebo group, 4 of 82 patients [5%]; Fisher exact test; P = .740) or ventricular arrhythmias (ondansetron group, 2 of 77 patients [3%] versus placebo group, 4 of 82 patients [5%]; P = .68).

CONCLUSIONS:

These findings support the routine administration of ondansetron prophylaxis at the time of discontinuation of postoperative propofol sedation before extubation in patients following cardiac surgery. Further research is warranted to optimize PONV prophylaxis in cardiac surgery patients.
Membrane mucins of the intestine at a glance
Authors: Pelaseyed Thaher , Hansson Gunnar C.
Published: March 2020

Membrane mucins cover most mucosal surfaces throughout the human body. The intestine harbors complex population of microorganisms (the microbiota) and numerous exogenous molecules that can harm the epithelium. In the colon, where the microbial burden is high, a mucus barrier forms the first line of defense by keeping bacteria away from the epithelial cells. In the small intestine where the mucus layer is less organized, microbes are kept at bay by peristalsis and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, a dense glycocalyx consisting of extended and heavily glycosylated membrane mucins covers the surface of enterocytes. Whereas many aspects of mucosal barriers are being discovered, the function of membrane mucins remains a largely overlooked topic, mainly because we lack the necessary reagents and experimental animal models to investigate these large glycoproteins. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and accompanying poster, we highlight central concepts of membrane mucin biology and the role of membrane mucins as integral components of intestinal mucosal barriers. We also present the current consensus concerning the role of membrane mucins in host–microbe interactions. Moreover, we discuss how regulatory circuits that govern membrane mucins in the healthy gut display strong overlap with pathways that are perturbed during chronic inflammation. Finally, we review how dysregulation of intestinal membrane mucins may contribute to human diseases, such as inflammation and cancer.
YTHDF2 destabilizes m6A-modified neural-specific RNAs to restrain differentiation in induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Heck Adam M. , Russo Joseph , Wilusz Jeffrey , Nishimura Erin Osborne , Wilusz Carol J.
Published: March 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant post-transcriptional modification that can impact RNA fate via interactions with m6A-specific RNA binding proteins. Despite accumulating evidence that m6A plays an important role in modulating pluripotency, the influence of m6A reader proteins in pluripotency is less clear. Here, we report that YTHDF2, an m6A reader associated with mRNA degradation, is highly expressed in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and down-regulated during neural differentiation. Through RNA sequencing, we identified a group of m6A-modified transcripts associated with neural development that are directly regulated by YTDHF2. Depletion of YTHDF2 in iPSCs leads to stabilization of these transcripts, loss of pluripotency, and induction of neural-specific gene expression. Collectively, our results suggest YTHDF2 functions to restrain expression of neural-specific mRNAs in iPSCs and facilitate their rapid and coordinated up-regulation during neural induction. These effects are both achieved by destabilization of the targeted transcripts.
Early Disclosure of Invention and Reduced Duplication: An Empirical Test
Authors: Lück Sonja , Balsmeier Benjamin , Seliger Florian , Fleming Lee
Published: March 2020

Much work on innovation strategy assumes or theorizes that competition in innovation elicits duplication of research and that disclosure decreases such duplication. We validate this empirically using the American Inventors Protection Act (AIPA), three complementary identification strategies, and a new measure of blocked future patent applications. We show that AIPA—intended to reduce duplication, through default disclosure of patent applications 18 months after filing—reduced duplication in the U.S. and European patent systems. The blocking measure provides a clear and micro measure of technological competition that can be aggregated to facilitate the empirical investigation of innovation, firm strategy, and the positive and negative externalities of patenting.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Challenges faced by nurses in complying with aseptic non-touch technique principles during wound care: a review
Authors: Sonoiki Temi , Young Julie , Alexis Obrey
Published: March 2020

Background:

Surgical and wound site infections (SWSIs) are the second most frequent type of healthcare-associated Infection. One way of preventing SWSIs is by adhering to the principles of asepsis. However, many nurses struggle to apply the principles of aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) during wound management.

Aim:

To identify the barriers and enablers that influence nurses' adherence to the principles of ANTT during wound care.

Method:

A literature search using a systematic approach was carried out. Four databases were searched to identify relevant studies published between January 1993 and December 2018. Titles and abstracts were reviewed. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed for quality. The extracted data were then synthesised.

Findings:

A total of seven studies fulfilled the requirements for inclusion. Three themes emerged and were found to be the most dominant factors influencing adherence to the principles of ANTT: material and resources, nurse education, and nurses' behaviour.

Conclusion:

Nurses' compliance with aseptic practice is directly influenced by environmental and psychological factors. Ensuring compliance to ANTT may require an integrated approach involving local, national and worldwide organisations, in collaboration with higher education institutions that teach nurses and similar healthcare professionals.
Feasibility of multimodal multiphoton microscopy to facilitate surgical margin assessment in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Pham Thu , Banerjee Bhaskar , Cromey Benjamin , Mehravar Soroush , Skovan Bethany , Chen Hao , Kieu Khanh
Published: March 2020

Pancreatic cancer is a common cancer with poor odds of survival for the patient, with surgical resection offering the only hope of cure. Current surgical practice is time-consuming and, due to time constraints, does not sample the whole cut surface sufficiently to check for remaining cancer. Although microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain is the gold standard for microscopic evaluation, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) has emerged as an alternative tool for imaging tissue architecture and cellular morphology without labels. We explored the use of multimodal MPM for the label-free identification of normal and cancerous tissue of the pancreas in a mouse model by comparing the images to H&E microscopy. Our early studies indicate that MPM using second-harmonic generation, third-harmonic generation, and multiphoton excitation of endogenous fluorescent proteins can each contribute to the label-free analysis of the pancreatic surgical margin.
Decentralizing machine-learning-based QoT estimation for sliceable optical networks
Authors: Panayiotou Tania , Savva Giannis , Tomkos Ioannis , Ellinas Georgios
Published: March 2020

Dynamic network slicing has emerged as a promising and fundamental framework for meeting 5G’s diverse use cases. As machine learning (ML) is expected to play a pivotal role in the efficient control and management of these networks, in this work, we examine the ML-based quality-of-transmission (QoT) estimation problem under the dynamic network slicing context, where each slice has to meet a different QoT requirement. Specifically, we examine ML-based QoT frameworks with the aim of finding QoT model/s that are fine-tuned according to the diverse QoT requirements. Centralized and distributed frameworks are examined and compared according to their model accuracy, routing and spectrum allocation (RSA) accuracy, and CPU (training time) and RAM (memory) requirements. We show that the distributed QoT models outperform the centralized QoT model in accuracy and CPU usage. The RSA accuracy, i.e., measuring the accuracy of the models with regard to the QoT-aware RSA decisions, is sufficiently high for both frameworks. Regarding the RAM usage, as the distributed framework has to train in parallel several QoT models, it may require higher memory, especially as the number of diverse QoT requirements increases. This memory, however, tends to be reserved for a shorter period of time. Moreover, this work develops a dynamic multi-slice QoT-aware (RSA) framework that integrates the ML-based QoT models. The aim is to examine the network performance when the diverse QoT models are considered, as opposed to the state-of-the-art single-slice QoT-aware RSA approach where all connections/slices are provisioned according to a single QoT requirement. We show that the multi-slice QoT-aware RSA approach significantly improves network performance, a clear indicator that the commonly considered single-slice QoT-aware RSA approach may lead to connection overprovisioning.
Experimental demonstration of an underwater wireless optical communication employing spread spectrum technology
Authors: Lyu WeiChao , Zhao MiaoMiao , Chen Xiao , Yang XingQi , Qiu Yang , Tong ZhiJian , Xu Jing
Published: March 2020

For some industrial underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) applications, the transmission distance matters more than the communication rate. Attenuation length (AL) is an important distance indicator of UWOC system. In this paper, to the best of our knowledge, the spread spectrum (SS) technology is firstly applied in a UWOC system and the capability to extend transmission distance or AL is demonstrated. A 42-m UWOC is experimentally demonstrated with 6.68 ALs. Compared with the conventional not-return-to-zero on-off-keying (NRZ-OOK) modulation scheme, the proposed SS scheme with a spread spectrum gain (SSG) of 5 achieves an AL extension by 0.51 and 0.81, respectively, with the same data rate and bandwidth. And the minimum required signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is reduced by 9 dB to as low as −0.8 dB. Besides, the feature of the SS scheme that could work in a bandwidth-limited long-reach underwater channel without the equalization process is experimentally demonstrated.
Enhanced nonlinear instabilities in photonic circuits with exceptional point degeneracies
Authors: Suwunnarat Suwun , Kononchuk Rodion , Chabanov Andrey , Vitebskiy Ilya , Limberopoulos Nicholaos I. , Kottos Tsampikos
Published: March 2020

We propose a conceptual design of optical power limiters with abrupt limiting action and enhanced power-handling capabilities that is based on exceptional point degeneracies (EPDs). The photonic circuit consists of two coupled cavities with differential

Q

factors. One of the cavities includes a Kerr-like nonlinear material. The underlying mechanism that triggers an abrupt transmittance suppression relies on the interplay between a nonlinear instability and an abrupt destruction of EPDs due to a resonance detuning occurring when the incident power exceeds a critical value. Our proposal opens up possibilities for the use of EPDs in optical power switching,

Q

switching, routing, and so on.
Ações Formativas Integradas
Authors: Borges Fábio Silva , Landim Henrique Ferreira , Vieira Sabrina Nunes , Gomes Marcos de Souza
Published: March 2020

Este texto relata a experiência de execução da terceira edição do Programa Institucional de Extensão Ações Formativas Integradas (AFIN), da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, no campus Patos de Minas. Tal projeto é voltado para os estudantes matriculados no 3º ano do Ensino Médio, egressos do Ensino Médio oriundos de escolas públicas e bolsistas integrais da rede particular de Patos de Minas e região, oferecendo um cursinho pré-Enem gratuito, proporcionando uma preparação de qualidade para o Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio - ENEM. Sendo assim, toda a estrutura do projeto desenvolvido é descrita, bem como o perfil social e educacional do aluno cursista recebido, os resultados das aprovações obtidas ao final da edição do Programa, as dificuldades encontradas para a sua realização, as melhorias implementadas em relação às edições anteriores e o impacto sobre a comunidade local.
O absenteísmo docente nas escolas primárias da província da Zambézia em Moçambique (2015-2016)
Authors: Oliveira Alexandre Alvaro , Culimua Aristides Silvestre , Carminati Celso Joao
Published: March 2020

O presente estudo foi realizado em Moçambique, ou, mais especificamente, na província da Zambézia, nas escolas primárias dos distritos de Gilé e Ile. Levando em consideração que o absenteísmo escolar dos/as professores/as nos dois distritos supracitados é generalizado, urge questionar as suas implicações no processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Em termos específicos, o estudo discute as causas e os tipos do absenteísmo escolar dos/as professores/as; propõe algumas soluções com vistas à sua superação. Por tais razões, a pertinência do texto está, por um lado, em sua possibilidade de denúncia da prática do absenteísmo escolar no interior da educação moçambicana no nível do ensino especificado e, por outro, em despertar o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas que conduzam à compreensão do fenômeno e suas causas. Do ponto de vista metodológico, o estudo se ancorou numa pesquisa exploratória, baseada numa abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa e em consulta bibliográfica e documental. Os resultados indicam que o absenteísmo escolar dos/as professores/as do nível primário nas escolas dos distritos acima mencionados comporta duas dimensões: uma, ligada a motivações individuais; outra, inerente a questões de ordem institucional. Por outro lado, o absenteísmo na educação moçambicana tem contribuído negativamente para a qualidade de ensino e para o aumento dos índices de evasão escolar.
ANALISIS KONTEKS SITUASI DALAM PUTUSAN KASASI
Authors: Sugiharyanti Eni
Published: March 2020

One of the specialized varieties of language which is known in human communication is the language of law. This variety of language can be found in some documents such as regulations, bills, and court’s decree. A decree uses special register whose existence is influenced by the context of situation, i.e. the field of discourse, the tenor, and the mode. These three dimensions of the context of situation in a decree released by the Supreme Court are the objects of this research. Conducting research on the context of situation of a text is important because by understanding the context we can understand the whole meaning of a text. The researcher used qualitative research methods to reveal the context of situation of the text of this legal language variety. The primary data are derived from the Supreme Court’s decree Number 210 K/Ag/ 2014, and they are analyzed using Systemic Functional Linguistics theory by Halliday and Eggins to answer the research problems. The research found that the context of the situation consisting of field, tenor and mode plays an important role in the realization of the text. These three dimensions are interrelated to build a discourse of a text.
ANALISIS STRATEGI PENERJEMAHAN DALAM TERJEMAHAN DĪWĀN AL-IMĀM AL-SYĀFI`Ī
Authors: Pamungkas Muhammad Ibnu , Akmaliyah Akmaliyah
Published: March 2020

This research aims to describe and analyze the strategy used in translating Dīwān al-Imām al-Syāfi`ī. All analyzed data were taken from the translation of Dīwān al-Imām al-Syāfi`ī using dynamic equivalence technique. The method used in conducting this research is distributional review, starting from describing, filtering, classifying, and analyzing the data. Analysis process starts from choosing the translation strategy used in translating the text, then classify each data based on the strategy. After that, the classified data is being analyzed by stating which strategy category is used and what would probably be the reason for the translator to chose that specific strategy. The result shows that there are four translation strategies used by the translator in translating Dīwān al-Imām al-Syāfi`ī. Those translation strategies are replacing words order (taqdīm wa ta’khīr), loss (inqāṣ), gain (ziyādah), and substitution (tabdīl). For loss and gain strategies, there are another two categories which are avertable and inavertable. Based on the result of the analysis, the researcher then conclude that the main reason for the translator in choosing to use these strategies is the presence of linguistic and non-linguistic differences. Linguistic difference is indicated at patterns of sentence, uslūb and the dilālah between the two languages. As for the non-linguistic difference is related with cultural differences between the two languages.
Indirect Rotational Energy Harvesting System to Enhance the Power Supply of the Quadcopter
Authors: Balraj Siranthini , Ganesan Anitha
Published: March 2020

This paper presents a simple energy harvesting system using unpowered freewheeling propellers mounted on the quadcopter without changing its actual design. Different layout configurations have been analysed and its thrust variation also tested to place the harvesting system in a suitable place in the quadcopter. The same and different size freewheeling propellers running coordination and its speed ratio are examined at various speed. To know the flow performance the freewheeling propellers Reynolds number is calculated. The freewheeling propellers rotational energy which creates an electrical power by means of micro BLDC generator. The harvested energy from the BLDC generator is maximized using three-phase MOSFET enabled controlled rectifier with hysteresis comparator. To meet the requirement of powering the quadcopter the output voltage from the generator is boosted and regulated using single DC-DC SEPIC boost converter with high voltage and current range. This energy can be directly charge secondary battery or power the other electronic payloads. The freewheeling propeller energy harvesting system has been implemented and tested in the laboratory at static condition which gives 51 per cent of harvested current.
Total Phenolic and Coumarin Content, Antioxidant Activity of Leaves, Fruits, and Stem Barks of Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina)
Authors: Febriani Alik Kandhita , Ismiyarto Ismiyarto , Anam Khairul
Published: March 2020

Avicennia marina is one of the mangrove species used for traditional medicines. The leaves, fruits, and stem barks of A. marina are used for treating skin diseases. The stem barks are used for rheumatism, smallpox, and ulcers. The extract of A. marina was also reported to have antioxidant activity and indicates the presence of alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, tannin, sterol/triterpenoid, and coumarin. However, the comparison of the antioxidant activity of leaves, fruits, and stem barks is not evaluated yet. The purpose of this study is to compare the antioxidant activity, total phenolic and coumarin content of leaves, fruits, and stem barks of A. marina. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH radical scavenging assay and was evaluated by spectrophotometric method at 515 nm. Quercetin was used for comparison. The fruits had the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 85.246 ppm, followed by stem barks and leaves with IC50 of 205.281 ppm and 307.037 ppm, respectively. Although the antioxidant activity of A. marina fruits was far from quercetin (IC50 of 3.789 ppm), it still categorized as a strong antioxidant. The strong antioxidant activity of fruits was followed by higher total phenolic and coumarin content than the stem barks and leaves part. Total phenolic and coumarin content of fruits were 49.119 mg GAE/ g and 8.894 x 10-3 mg CE/g, respectively. The leaves part had total coumarin content of 8.418 x 10-3 mg CE/g, but it had low IC50. It may be caused by the other secondary metabolite compounds that could reduce the antioxidant activity of coumarin.
Sel Elektrolisis 3–Kompartemen untuk Ekstraksi Magnesium dan Sulfat dari Sistem Larutan MgSO4–KCl–H2O
Authors: Rahmanto Wasino Hadi , Asy’ari Mukhammad , Rame Rame , Marihati Marihati
Published: March 2020

Extraction of magnesium and sulfate from MgSO4–KCl–H2O solution system of 0.1 M salt concentration has been conducted. The 3–compartment electrolytic cell model was designed to fulfill the purpose. The cell is constructed from aquarium plastic box of 417 mL capacity divided into three compartments. Each compartment is separated by fixed plastic wall. One of the compartment with no electrode (mid compartment) was connected either to anodic (left) and cathodic (right) compartment using double filter paper strip of 2 x 6 (in cm) dimension. Electrolysis was performed in atmospheric environment under the 6 volt external electric potential using 7A Montana power supply. Experimental results show that electrolysis systems provide good separation of magnesium and sulfate from solution. Magnesium in the form of Mg(OH)2 and sulfate as H2SO4 has been obtained in about 92 % yield. Clear solution in the mid compartment show the absence of salt residues; both of cationic and anionic species migrate totally toward cathodic and anodic compartment respectively.
Dark Suite; a comprehensive toolbox for computer-aided drug design
Authors: Papakonstantinou Eleni , Megalooikonomou Vasileios , Vlachakis Dimitrios
Published: March 2020

Dark Suite is a complete interactive software pipeline aiming to exploit the advantages of free software and modern programming. Besides two commands (installation and opening) on the command line, the handling and the program operation is done through a user’s friendly interface. This platform has a central graphical interface which allows the user to choose in what computational tool to work. Each computational tool has an interface. Dark Suite combines the functions of other programmes to create a pipeline for high-quality secondary effects through a friendly user interface. It is made to run on GNU/Linux distributions and its interface was built using JAVA to seamlessly integrate scientific tools written in Perl, Java, R and Python.
The study on the influence of oxidation degree and temperature on the viscosity of biodiesel
Authors: Wang Shuang , Sui Meng , Luo Huilong , Li Fashe , Zhai Yuling
Published: March 2020

Jatropha curcas biodiesel was taken as the research object, studied the single and compound effects of oxidation degree and temperature on kinematic viscosity of biodiesel, and established a mathematical model. The results indicate that the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel decreases gradually with the increase of temperature, and the mathematical model affected by the single factor of temperature is η = e(A + Bt + Ct2) . The kinematic viscosity of biodiesel increases with the increase of oxidation time. The regression equation between kinematic viscosity and conductivity is established as follows: η = A + Bμ. It is found that the influence of temperature on the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel is much greater than that of oxidation, and the higher the temperature, the lower the influence of oxidation on the kinematic viscosity of biodiesel. Through the analysis of the influence weight of two factors and the change rate of kinematic viscosity, it is found that with the increase of temperature, the effect of conductivity on the change rate of kinematic viscosity of biodiesel is positive, but the influence decreases gradually. The relationship between kinematic viscosity, temperature and oxidation
Diagnostic value of the candidate microRNAs in thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples
Authors: Mahmoudian-Sani Mohammad-Reza , Amrollahi-Sharifabadi Maryam , Taheri Abdolmajid , Hosseini Seyed Masih , Tahmasebi Kamran , Mobini Gholam-Reza
Published: March 2020

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC) is known to be the most common endocrine malignancy with an incidence rate which has increased by 2.3-fold over the past 30 years. Approximately, 30% of the thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) outcomes are indecisive. Moreover, researchers recognized multiple differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) as candidate diagnostic markers for thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study was to identify thyroid tumor-associated miRNAs in FNAB with the capacity to be developed as unique biomarkers.

Materials and methods

According to the study design, a quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to evaluate the expression levels of nine miRNAs (Let7, miR-34a, miR-146b, miR-221, miR-151, miR-155, miR-181b, miR-222 and miR-375) among 224 FNA samples as the training set.

Results

The findings of this study revealed that miR-181b and miR-146b are the best predictors to diagnose benign thyroid FNA samples from malignant samples. However, the remaining miRNAs were co-expressed and had no significant effect on the predictor model. On the other hand, sensitivity and specificity of miR-181b and miR-146b were reported at 83.0%–83.0% and 83.0%–66.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

According to the results of this study, miR-146b and miR-181b might be considered as adjunct markers contributing to thyroid FNAB in tumor types. In addition, miR-146b and miR-181b were recognized as biomarkers for discriminating benign thyroid nodules from malignant ones. It is suggested that further prospective clinical trials be conducted to evaluate the accuracy of such findings in a larger cohort and determine the clinical uses.
Neutrophil and monocyte ratios to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and adiponectin as biomarkers of nascent metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jialal Ishwarlal , Jialal Ganesh , Adams-Huet Beverley , Ramakrishnan Neeraj
Published: March 2020

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) continues to be a significant problem globally, affecting nearly 35% of adults in the USA. Whilst there is no ideal biomarker that captures this disorder, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) appears to be most widely accepted. We examined the ratios between neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and adiponectin, two anti-inflammatory proteins, in patients with nascent MetS without the confounding of diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD), smoking or lipid therapy to determine if they were also valid biomarkers of MetS.

Materials and methods

Patients with nascent MetS (n = 58) and matched controls (n = 44) were recruited from Sacramento County. Fasting blood samples were obtained for complete blood counts, basic metabolic panel, lipid profile, insulin and adiponectin. Ratios of PMNs and monocytes to HDL-C and adiponectin were calculated and compared statistically.

Results

The PMN:HDL-C, monocyte:HDL-C, PMN:adiponectin and monocyte:adiponectin ratios were significantly increased in patients with MetS and increased with increasing severity of MetS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that both the PMN:HDL-C and monocyte:HDL-C areas under the curve (AUCs) significantly added to the CRP AUC. Also both the ratios correlated with cardio-metabolic features of MetS, hsCRP and insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Our data indicates that ratios of neutrophils and monocytes to HDL-C are significantly increased in patients with nascent MetS and both ratios appear to be better predictors of MetS than hsCRP alone. These important preliminary findings need to be confirmed in large prospective databases.
Research on the interface properties and strengthening–toughening mechanism of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Liu Yizhang , Jiang Xiaosong , Shi Junli , Luo Yi , Tang Yijuan , Wu Qiong , Luo Zhiping
Published: March 2020

Nanocarbon materials (carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, etc.) are considered the ideal toughening phase of ceramic matrix composites because of their unique structures and excellent properties. The strengthening and toughening effect of nanocarbon is attributed to several factors, such as their dispersibility in the matrix, interfacial bonding state with the matrix, and structural alteration. In this paper, the development state of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites is reviewed based on the preparation methods and basic properties of nanocarbon-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. The assessment is implemented in terms of the influence of the interface bonding condition on the basic properties of ceramic matrix composites and the methods used to improve the interface bonding. Furthermore, the strengthening and toughening mechanisms of nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites are considered. Moreover, the key problems and perspectives of research work relating to nanocarbon-toughened ceramic matrix composites are highlighted.
Green space and early childhood development: a systematic review
Authors: Islam Mohammad Zahirul , Johnston Jessika , Sly Peter D.
Published: March 2020

Background

The urban environment presents significant health challenges for children, such as discouraging physical exercise and increasing exposure to air pollution, excessive noise and higher temperatures. Reducing exposures to these negative environmental factors can have great benefits on a child’s well-being and lower their risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. There is increasing evidence that suggests that the presence of urban green space can offer benefits to human health and well-being. While studies have reported the impact green space exposure has on the individual health outcomes of children, few have paid attention to the link between green space and the child’s development. This review aims to synthesise the evidence of the effect green space exposure has on early childhood development.

Objectives

To explore the relationship between green space and early childhood development.

Methods

An online search was conducted using pre-identified keywords related to green space and early childhood development using search engines such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, MeSH and PsycINFO. Peer-reviewed papers published in the past 10 years were included in this review. Papers were selected, extracted, analysed and interpreted based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

Fifty-one papers were identified, of which 28 were excluded due to duplications or irrelevance, yielding a total of 23 papers to be reviewed. Articles were categorised based on reported outcomes: perinatal health, physical health, psychological health and respiratory health. An increase in green space during pregnancy was associated with increased birth weight and a decreased risk for low birth weight (LBW). Further, higher greenness exposure during childhood was associated with increased levels of physical activity and a lower risk of obesity and neurodevelopmental issues such as inattentiveness. While green space exposure was negatively associated with wheezing and bronchitis in some cohorts, certain plant species increase asthmatic symptoms during childhood, indicating that plant species type is an important determinant.

Conclusion

The extant literature on green space exposure and early childhood development is small. Regardless, the existing research provides promising insights into the benefits of green space exposure on children’s health and well-being in an ever-increasing urban world. Further research is needed on the causal relationships between both quantity and quality of green space to early childhood development.
Sensitive Periods to Train General Motor Abilities in Children and Adolescents: Do They Exist? A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Van Hooren Bas , De Ste Croix Mark
Published: March 2020

Some long-term athlete development models have proposed generic sensitive periods or “windows of opportunity” during childhood and adolescence that are optimal for training general motor abilities such as strength or speed. However, it remains unclear whether these periods exist. This review will therefore critically appraise the rationale behind generic sensitive periods. We discuss several issues with generic sensitive periods and argue that general motor abilities and the associated sensitive periods do not exist. The identified issues with generic sensitive periods question their validity and we therefore suggest that they should not be used to train youth athletes.