bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprotein Spectrum Availability Analysis Based on ANN
Authors: Pei Jialong
Published: August 2023

The most common way to analysis protein components is using mass spectrum, however there are errors cause in the operating process and made by equipment, some mass spectrometry images cannot be used for research as the image loses its original features or the features are covered by noise. To exclude unavailable image the equipment can use the method of ANN. ANN uses neural networks to find features of images, and automatically classify images. It successively adjusts parameters in the neural network and produces an output increasingly similar to the target output. This paper analyses the pre-train mass spectrometry of proteins from mouse organs and uses machine learning methods to judge the availability of these mass spectrometry. By using different optimizers and network structures and trying various hyper parameters, this study trained a model that has 85% precision when judging the availability of the mass spectrogram. In particular, it is very effective in excluding noisy images. This greatly reduces the time cost of manually judging the availability of images and it has a good classification effect.
Research on Coronary Heart Disease Indicators——Based on Machine Learning Model
Authors: Li Yimo
Published: August 2023

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is a common and high-risk disease in clinical cardiology. The leading factor of this kind of heart disease is the atherosclerotic lesion of arteria coronary, which can lead to narrow or choke of the vascellum cavity and musculus cardiacus ischemia, anoxia or thanatosis. In this research, a clinical prediction model through artificial intelligence neural network is built, for instance, K-Nearest Neighbor Classifier, Nonlinear SVM, Random Forest, Gradient Boost, XG Boost, Ridge and so on to analyze the influence of each prediction variable on Coronary atherosclerotic heart. It can be observed that using the K-Nearest Neighbor Classifier algorithm the prediction accuracy of breast cancer reaches 90.16%.
ECG Heartbeat classification using deep transfer learning with Convolutional Neural Network and STFT technique
Authors: Cao Minh , Zhao Tianqi , Li Yanxun , Zhang Wenhao , Benharash Peyman , Ramezani Ramin
Published: August 2023

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple non-invasive measure to identify heart-related issues such as irregular heartbeats known as arrhythmias. While artificial intelligence and machine learning is being utilized in a wide range of healthcare related applications and datasets, many arrhythmia classifiers using deep learning methods have been proposed in recent years. However, sizes of the available datasets from which to build and assess machine learning models is often very small and the lack of well-annotated public ECG datasets is evident. In this paper, we propose a deep transfer learning framework that is aimed to perform classification on a small size training dataset. The proposed method is to fine-tune a general-purpose image classifier ResNet-18 with MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset in accordance with the AAMI EC57 standard. This paper further investigates many existing deep learning models that have failed to avoid data leakage against AAMI recommendations. We compare how different data split methods impact the model performance. This comparison study implies that future work in arrhythmia classification should follow the AAMI EC57 standard when using any including MIT-BIH arrhythmia dataset.
Evidence for multi-decadal fuel buildup in a large California wildfire from smoke radiocarbon measurements
Authors: Odwuor A , Yañez C C , Chen Y , Hopkins F M , Moreno A , Xu X , Czimczik C I , Randerson J T
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in annual area burned in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. This rise in fire activity has prompted the need to understand how historical forest management practices affect fuel composition and emissions. Here we examined the total carbon (TC) concentration and radiocarbon abundance (Δ14C) of particulate matter (PM) emitted by the KNP Complex Fire, which occurred during California’s 2021 wildfire season and affected several groves of giant sequoia trees in the southern Sierra Nevada. During a 26 h sampling period, we measured concentrations of fine airborne PM (PM2.5), as well as dry air mole fractions of carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4), using a ground-based mobile laboratory. We also collected filter samples of PM2.5 for analysis of TC concentration and Δ14C. High correlation among PM2.5, CO, and CH4 time series confirmed that our PM2.5 measurements captured variability in wildfire emissions. Using a Keeling plot approach, we determined that the mean Δ14C of PM2.5 was 111.6 ± 7.7‰ (n = 12), which was considerably enriched relative to atmospheric carbon dioxide in the northern hemisphere in 2021 (−3.2 ± 1.4‰). Combining these Δ14C data with a steady-state one-box ecosystem model, we estimated that the mean age of fuels combusted in the KNP Complex Fire was 40 years, with a range of 29–57 years. These results provide evidence for emissions originating from woody biomass, larger-diameter fine fuels, and coarse woody debris that have accumulated over multiple decades. This is consistent with independent field observations that indicate high fire intensity contributed to widespread giant sequoia mortality. With the expanded use of prescribed fires planned over the next decade in California to mitigate wildfire impacts, our measurement approach has the potential to provide regionally-integrated estimates of the effectiveness of fuel treatment programs.
Bioecology study of Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) in the northern coastal area of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara
Authors: Nalle Y P , Dahoklory N , Turupadang W
Published: August 2023

Holothuroidea is one of the marine biotas with crucial economic value in Asia and is usually served fresh or dried in various cuisines. Although it has significant market demand, the potential of sea cucumbers in the northern part of Timor Island has yet to be investigated. This study was carried out to understand existing bioecological conditions and investigate the location’s suitability to support the development of sea cucumber farming in this area. The method employed in the bioecology study followed a line transect and quadrants perpendicular to the beach. Various water quality measurements were applied to quantify the location suitability index. The results observed four species in the Poanboun coastal area: Holothuria leucospilota, H. hilla, Bohadschia argus, and H. atra (the order indicates the highest to lowest density and abundance). The substrate types in the area were a combination of sandy, muddy sand, coral fragments, and surrounded sea grapes macroalgae. The region has a high location suitability index where secluded area, water depth and bed, temperature, salinity, pH, DO, and wave conditions are prime indicators to support the suitability, followed by water clarity and current as secondary (quite supportive indicators).
Potential economic value of non-wood forest products in agroforestry system at Gempolan Village, Kerjo District, Karanganyar Regency: an economic perspective
Authors: Indratna A D , Putri A P I K S , Azzahra E O , Oktavia M S , Widodo T , Agustina A , Pertiwi Y A B
Published: August 2023

Non-wood forest products (NWFPs) are defined as any materials (non-timber) that can be utilized from the existence of the forest. Many types of NWFP were found in the community forest of Gempolan Village. All of the community forest in Gempolan Village developed by agroforestry system. The purpose of this study was to measure and assess the potential economic value of NWFPs produced in the community forest of Gempolan Village. The method used in determining the sample was proportionate random sampling. The data collection was carried out by field observations, interviews, and literature studies. Field observation was conducted in 38 community forests by making plots 40 × 25 m2. Furthermore, an interview was conducted with the owner of those community forests to obtain information on the NWFPs utilization. Data analysis was conducted by qualitative and quantitative descriptive. There were 36 types of NWFPs that were identified in this village. In the present study, only NWFPs that plants based are observed, such as durian, ginger, etc. Total economic value of NWFPs in Gempolan Village reached Rp.1,908,394,000.00/year. The highest potential economic value was found in durian Rp.875,000,000.00/year or similar to 45.9% of total economic value of NWFPs, followed by ginger and avocado. The commodities that showed the smallest contribution to the economic value of NWFPs in Gempolan Villages were betel leaf, pandanus leaf, suweg, and snake fruit.
Bird community to be developed for birdwatching in Buperta Cibubur Urban Forest, Jakarta
Authors: Marcellia  , Mardiastuti A , Mulyani Y A
Published: August 2023

The urban forest of Buperta Cibubur as a recreational and educational site can be developed for birdwatching. This study aims to identify the bird species in four tracks (ranging from 1.9-2.9 km across the built area, open area, 2 tracks in the sparse forest, and thick forest), and provide recommendations (tracks, timing, potential species found) for birdwatching activity. Bird data was collected in March-April 2022, using the standard point count method (replicated three times), in the early morning and late afternoon, totaling 90 observation hours. There were 39 species from 25 families found in all tracks. The thick forest and the built area had the highest number of species (both 27 species). The built area also had the highest bird abundance (1098 individuals). Meanwhile, sparse forest#2 had the least species (19). Some birds were common in all tracks, including Sooty-headed Bulbul, Scarlet-headed Flowerpecker, and Small Minivet. Other attractive and rare species found in the thick forest were the Blue-eared Kingfisher and Javan Blue-flycatcher. The most effective time to conduct birdwatching is suggested at 6-7 am and 4:30-5:30 pm, especially in built areas, forests, and open area tracks. As birdwatching is relatively new in Jakarta, while Buperta has a diverse bird species in the urban area, we recommend developing a birdwatching activity in Buperta.
Performance analysis of Aceh forest management units in Aceh’s Forest development
Authors: Hamid A H , Iriyani S , Setyarso A , Basri H
Published: August 2023

Forest management and utilization in Indonesia has mandated the establishment of a Forest Management Unit as a forest management unit at the site level. The roles and functions of the FMUs are expected to be able to synergize all the basic components of the operationalization of forestry development in the context of sustainability for social, economic and ecological. This study reviewed the performance of FMUs role in Aceh. The results of the assessment of 9 criteria produce a number in the form of an index. The index value determines the performance category of FMUs where the index of 2.34-3.00 showed high performance, 1.67-2.33 FMU showed moderate performance and 1.00-1.66 showed low performance. The results of the FMU’s performance assessment in Aceh showed the range from moderate to high performance. FMUs with moderate performance are FMU Region I, FMU Region II and FMU of Pocut Meurah Intan Grand Forest Park. The FMU that is categorized as High performance is the FMU Region III. The criteria that are focused on being directed at developing FMU’s performance are mainly on the criteria for the area stability, management plans, investment mechanisms and conflict resolution.
The application of gap planting technology to rehabilitate degraded natural forest
Authors: Elias  , Simangunsong B C H
Published: August 2023

In 2020 degraded forests in Indonesia reached 33.4 million ha. These forests must be rehabilitated. The purpose of this research was to show the application of gap planting technology to rehabilitate degraded natural forests. This improvement of forest regeneration methods by planting local intolerant tree species in gaps area was used. Artificial gaps area was designed and it’s location was adjusted to the topography and forest cover. The size of each gap area is 2,000 m2. The ratio of total gaps area to total natural forests area was about four to six. Open areas, soil density, forest fire risk, working time and cost of gap planting, and tree growth were studied. The results showed that after the gap planting: forest cover consists of 37.43% gap planting area and 62.57% natural forest area; forest soil is not compacted; the fire hazard rating in the gap and natural forests is low. Moreover, it is cost-effective and has positive impacts such as job creation for local communities and a productivity increase of rehabilitated forests. It is concluded that the gap planting technology was environment friendly technology, and it is recommended to be used for rehabilitation of degraded forests in Indonesia.
Comparison of Spodoptera frugiperda parasitoid performance under laboratory conditions
Authors: Sari A , Nurkomar I , Buchori D
Published: August 2023

Spodoptera frugiperda is a newly discovered pest in Indonesia. S. frugiperda attacks can cause crop failure and significant losses. As a preventive control measure, research was conducted to determine the most effective parasitoid in controlling S. frugiperda. This research used egg parasitoids (Telenomus remus and Trichogramma chilotraeae) and larval parasitoids (Microplitis manilae). This research was done by exposing 50 eggs of S. frugiperda each to Telenomus and Trichogramma and ten larvae of S. frugiperda to M. manilae. Ten replication was made for each treatment. The parasitism rate, parasitization rate, and progenies’ sex ratio were all observed during the experiment. The results showed that the parasitism rate of T. remus and T. chilotraeae was higher than that of M. manilae. T. chilotraeae had the lowest parasitization rate compared to other parasitoids. The sex ratio of T. remus and T. chilotraeae was also better than that of M. manila, which had more male offspring than females.
Species richness, population, sex ratio and activities of hornbills inhabiting patches of forests in an oil palm plantation concession in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan
Authors: Lubis M F A , Sawitri H I , Yusran ‘A , Ramadhan G F , Wahyudiyono M H S , Hernowo J B , Sahari B
Published: August 2023

Well-maintained oil palm concessions with patches of natural ecosystems can be a home for Hornbills. This paper is mainly focused to evaluate the species richness and activities of the hornbill community inhabiting patches of forest in oil palm plantations in Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan. The ecological observation was focused on the largest forest patches, a total of 1 432 Ha. The data collected included species inventory and behavioral activities of hornbills. Hornbill activities were observed from 45 observation stations using the fixed radius point count method. Vegetation data were collected using a single plot method in 52 stations. Based on the vegetation survey, the number of plant species found was 151 species from 53 plant families. Dominant families are Moraceae and Euphorbiaceae with 14 species. The forest patches are used for foraging sites by hornbills, they fed on Ficus benjamina (Moraceae) and Ficus sp. (Moraceae). The favorite tree for roosting is Kompasia excelsa because the tree is around the Ficus benjamina and is an Emergent tree. Our results show that remnants of forest patches on oil palm plantations can provide spaces for hornbills’ activities which supports the sustainability of hornbills in the region.
Natural resource-based social conflict and principles of sustainable landscape approach: case study of kelola sendang project, South Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Kinseng R A , Buchori D , Alatas H , Tarigan S D , Zamani N P , Digdo A A , Idris K , Ardhian D , Mahmud A
Published: August 2023

Natural resource-based social conflicts tend to be more frequent lately, including in the Kelola Sendang project area. The Kelola Sendang Project (KS) is an effort to manage natural resources that guarantee its sustainability on the one hand, and ensure the welfare of its people fairly on the other. This KS project covers a vast area of 1.6 million ha and involve various stakeholders with different interests. The area is also contain a huge potency of social conflicts, both latent and manifest. Therefore, it is important to study the social conflicts in the Kelola Sendang area. This research use a qualitative approach. This study shows that resource-based conflicts in the project area are taken place between villagers, between villagers and corporation, as well as between villagers and government. The social conflicts are managed among others by implementing participatory mapping, social forestry, as well as inclusive and partnership with local community. Moreover, the study found 6 principles in sustainable landscape approach in KS. These six principles are: 1). clearly defined geographical boundary, 2). collaboration of all relevant actors, 3). existence of an “umbrella coordinating body”, 4). mutual benefits and inclusive, 5). complexity, and 6). political support. This principles can also be regarded as a mechanism of conflict management.
Nature and city in sync: a study on the carbon sequestration potential of urban trees in a brownfield redevelopment in FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines
Authors: Guzman J P M , Navarra N L
Published: August 2023

Redevelopment of brownfields, such as former industrial sites, has the potential to adopt sustainable development strategies while retaining its cultural significance and adjunct with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable cities and communities. Increasing the carbon sequestration effect is one of the many ecosystem services provided by integrating trees acclimatized to urban environments. The study aims to determine how much total carbon sequestration potential can be achieved by the existing and newly-introduced trees in a brownfield redevelopment in FTI Complex, Taguig City, Philippines. It is a 74-hectare property, formerly an industrial food processing facility, turned into a mixed-use development. A tree inventory was created by mapping the existing trees pre-development, the lost trees due to land preparation, and the newly-introduced trees. The biomass values were assumed for one tree species, and the data resulted in a net gain corresponding to a 1,002% increase in carbon sequestration potential in a 50-year period. While still an ongoing development, trees take time to mature and there is a need to address carbon emissions before the trees reach their optimum carbon sequestration potential. Upon maturity, they will contribute to further improving the site’s ecosystem services, thereby making the former brownfield a sustainable development.
Integrating indigenous environmental and scientific knowledge for ecosystem-based adaptation of Muro Practices on Lembata Island
Authors: Ramadani D , Astari E , Digdo A A , Pulang P
Published: August 2023

Previous studies argued that indigenous environmental knowledge was only part of local wisdom and tended to pay attention to the threat of its extinction. Indigenous environmental knowledge has not yet received recognition as an alternative perspective in dealing with the complexities of environmental management and climate change, along with the dominance of the western paradigm and current knowledge systems. This study aims to assemble the indigenous environmental knowledge systems of fisheries from communities along the coast of Lembata Island to assist in the conservation of marine ecosystems. Desk studies were used for information gathering, and the results were analyzed within the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) framework. Our results indicate that local communities in Lembata island have Muro as a temporary closure measure to manage coastal resources initiated by indigenous people that are valuable for the local people and simultaneously benefit the coastal ecosystem, including biodiversity. The results have implications for considering indigenous environmental knowledge to maintain the balance and continuity of coastal ecosystems and the main foundation in natural resource management.
High-throughput bioprinting of the nasal epithelium using patient-derived nasal epithelial cells
Authors: Deniz Derman I , Yeo Miji , Castaneda Diana Cadena , Callender Megan , Horvath Mian , Mo Zengshuo , Xiong Ruoyun , Fleming Elizabeth , Chen Phylip , Peeples Mark E , Palucka Karolina , Oh Julia , Ozbolat Ibrahim T
Published: August 2023

Progenitor human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) are an essential cell source for the reconstruction of the respiratory pseudostratified columnar epithelium composed of multiple cell types in the context of infection studies and disease modeling. Hitherto, manual seeding has been the dominant method for creating nasal epithelial tissue models through biofabrication. However, this approach has limitations in terms of achieving the intricate three-dimensional (3D) structure of the natural nasal epithelium. 3D bioprinting has been utilized to reconstruct various epithelial tissue models, such as cutaneous, intestinal, alveolar, and bronchial epithelium, but there has been no attempt to use of 3D bioprinting technologies for reconstruction of the nasal epithelium. In this study, for the first time, we demonstrate the reconstruction of the nasal epithelium with the use of primary hNECs deposited on Transwell inserts via droplet-based bioprinting (DBB), which enabled high-throughput fabrication of the nasal epithelium in Transwell inserts of 24-well plates. DBB of progenitor hNECs ranging from one-tenth to one-half of the cell seeding density employed during the conventional cell seeding approach enabled a high degree of differentiation with the presence of cilia and tight-junctions over a 4 weeks air–liquid interface culture. Single cell RNA sequencing of these cultures identified five major epithelial cells populations, including basal, suprabasal, goblet, club, and ciliated cells. These cultures recapitulated the pseudostratified columnar epithelial architecture present in the native nasal epithelium and were permissive to respiratory virus infection. These results denote the potential of 3D bioprinting for high-throughput fabrication of nasal epithelial tissue models not only for infection studies but also for other purposes, such as disease modeling, immunological studies, and drug screening.
Infrastructure and the cognitive ecosystem: an irrevocable transformation
Authors: Chester Mikhail V , Allenby Braden
Published: August 2023

Disruption of legacy infrastructure systems by novel digital and connected technologies represents not simply the rise of cyberphysical systems as hybrid physical and digital assets but, ultimately, the integration of legacy systems into a new cognitive ecosystem. This cognitive ecosystem, an ecology of massive data flows, artificial intelligence, institutional and intellectual structures, and connected technologies, is poised to alter how humans and artificial intelligence understand and control our world. Infrastructure managers need to be ready for this paradigm shift, recognizing their systems are increasingly being absorbed into an emerging suite of data, analytical tools, and decisionmaking technologies that will fundamentally restructure how legacy systems behave and are controlled, how decisions are made, and most importantly how workers interact with the systems. Infrastructure managers must restructure their organizations and engage in cross-organizational sensemaking if they are to be capable of navigating the complexity of the cognitive ecosystem. The cognitive ecosystem is fundamentally poised to change what infrastructures are, necessitating the need for managers to take a close look at the functions and actions of their own systems. The continuing evolution of the Anthropocene and the cognitive ecosystem has profound implications for infrastructure education. A sustained commitment to change is necessary that restructures and reorients infrastructure organizations within the cognitive ecosystem, where knowledge is generated, and control of services is wielded by myriad stakeholders.
Jeffrey imaging revisited
Authors: Fusco Melissa
Published: August 2023

In ‘The logic of partial supposition’ (Analysis vol. 81), Benjamin Eva and Stephan Hartmann investigate partial imaging, a credence-revision method which combines the partiality familiar from Jeffrey Conditioning(The Logic of Decision, 1983) with the formal notion of imaging familiar from Lewis’s ‘Causal decision theory’ (1981). They argue that because partial imaging is non-monotonic, it ‘fail[s] to provide a plausible account of the norms of partial subjunctive suppositions’.

In this note, I present a notion of partial imaging that does satisfy monotonicity, and discuss some of the applications and ramifications. The account frames conditioning as a form of imaging, and rejects Gärdenfors’s principle of linearity in ‘Imaging and conditionalization’ (1982).
Induced endometrial inflammation compromises conceptus development in dairy cattle
Authors: Husnain Ali , Arshad Usman , Zimpel Roney , Schmitt Eduardo , Dickson Mackenzie J , Perdomo Milerky C , Marinho Mariana N , Ashrafi Nadia , Graham Stewart F , Bishop Jeanette V , Hansen Thomas R , Jeong Kwang C , Gonella-Diaza Angela M , Chebel Ricardo C , Sheldon I Martin , Bromfield John J , Santos José E P
Published: August 2023

Endometrial inflammation is associated with reduced pregnancy per artificial insemination (AI) and increased pregnancy loss in cows. It was hypothesized that induced endometritis alters histotroph composition and induces inflammatory signatures on conceptus that compromise development. In Experiment 1, lactating cows were assigned to control (CON; n = 23) or to an intrauterine infusion of Escherichia coli and Trueperella pyogenes (ENDO; n = 34) to induce endometritis. Cows received AI 26 days after treatment, and the uterine fluid and conceptuses were collected on day 16 after AI. In Experiment 2, Holstein heifers were assigned to CON (n = 14) or ENDO (n = 14). An embryo was transferred on day 7 of the estrous cycle, and uterine fluid and conceptuses were recovered on day 16. Composition of histotroph and trophoblast and embryonic disc gene expression were assessed. Bacterial-induced endometritis in lactating cows altered histotroph composition and pathways linked to phospholipid synthesis, cellular energy production, and the Warburg effect. Also, ENDO reduced conceptus length in cows and altered expression of genes involved in pathogen recognition, nutrient uptake, cell growth, choline metabolism, and conceptus signaling needed for maternal recognition of pregnancy. The impact of ENDO was lesser on conceptuses from heifers receiving embryo transfer; however, the affected genes and associated pathways involved restricted growth and increased immune response similar to the observed responses to ENDO in conceptuses from lactating cows. Bacterial-induced endometrial inflammation altered histotroph composition, reduced conceptus growth, and caused embryonic cells to activate survival rather than anabolic pathways that could compromise development.
Relapsing annular lesions: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Rivera María , López-Trujillo Emilio , Ciudad Andrea , Martin-Ezquerra Gemma , Pujol Ramon M
Published: August 2023

We present a case of a 60-year-old patient who had several flares of nonscaling, erythematous, urticarial annular skin lesions on her abdomen, buttocks and proximal extremities, possibly related to COVID-19 vaccination. Skin biopsy and histopathological examination revealed a dense perivascular and interstitial inflammatory infiltrate involving the upper and mid dermis composed of lymphocytes and abundant eosinophils. Degranulation of eosinophils with occasional flame figures was also observed.
Evaluating Fiscal Policy Under Cyclical Balance in Developed Countries
Authors: Lu Ching-Yi , Chang Ming-Jen
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the cyclical patterns of fiscal policy rules using various policy variables that respond to the macroeconomic performance of developed countries over the past few decades. The study reveals that regardless of whether the economy is in a recession or a boom, fiscal policy basically displays counter-cyclical behavior. However, the degree of cyclicality varies depending on the output gap measurements chosen and the countries analyzed. Additionally, the estimates using various fiscal policy indicators demonstrate a strong time variation in fiscal cyclical behavior, resulting in a significant increase in the counter-cyclicality of the fiscal balance. The article also applies the time-varying coefficients vector autoregression model to assess the effects of fiscal policy on output and finds that a boost in the cyclically adjusted primary balance positively impacts production in the short run.
Experimental Design Application for Measuring Histamine in Tuna Fish Samples by Phenyl Isothiocyanate Derivation Method Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Ameri Maede , Daryanavard Seyed Mosayeb
Published: August 2023

Histamine as an important biogenic amino acid was measured in tuna fish samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography using a phenyl isothiocyanate derivative. Minitab software was used to design the experiment and investigate the effective factors during the process, which includes screening and optimization steps. A partial factorial design was used in the screening stage and a central composite design was used in the optimization. Effective parameters in histamine derivatized were examined in the screening step including triethylamine volume, phenyl isothiocyanate volume, reaction temperature, reaction time and mobile phase pH. Then, in the optimization, effective parameters were identified and finally, the calibration curve was drawn from a concentration of 0.5–10.0 μg.mL−1 for histamine derivatized and a correlation coefficient of 0.994 was obtained for histamine derivatized. The method detection limit was 0.36 μg.mL−1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 1.19 μg.mL−1. The relative standard deviation of the method was obtained for concentrations of 1.0–100.0 μg.mL−1 in the range between 1.06 and 2.21%. The recovery method was obtained from 90.8 to 103.1% for measuring histamine derivatized in real fish samples.
A Blockchain-Based Public Key Infrastructure For IoT-Based Healthcare Systems
Authors: Joseph Antony Amalan , Singh Kunwar
Published: August 2023

Secure exchange of data among the various stake holders of healthcare systems is of prime importance. As the size of the healthcare networks grew, several variants of Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs) were proposed as a means to achieve reliable authentication, confidentiality, non-repudiation, etc. The most prevalent approach to PKI has been the use of Certificate Authorities (CAs). But, events like the breach of the CA DigiNotar, and the ensuing fake certificates for Google, among other noteworthy high-profile domains, has cast doubts on the reliability of a CA, and therefore on PKIs modelled as CAs too. In this paper, we propose a new approach to a healthcare PKI modelled on a blockchain, incorporating Elliptic Curve Cryptographic methods for secure key generations.
Suppression of hemp russet mite, Aculops cannabicola (Acari: Eriophyidae), in industrial hemp in greenhouse and field
Authors: Szczepaniec Adrianna , Lathrop-Melting Abby , Janecek Taylor , Nachappa Punya , Cranshaw Whitney , Alnajjar Gabriel , Axtell Alice
Published: August 2023

Hemp russet mite, Aculops cannibicola Farkas (Acari: Eriophyidae), is one of the key pests of hemp, Cannabis sativa L. (Rosales: Cannabaceae). Hemp russet mite feeds primarily on new growth and can reach high densities, frequently exceeding a thousand mites per leaf, and leading to a decrease in yield and quality of cannabinoids. The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficacy of reduced-risk pesticides used in organic crop protection as well as conventional insecticides in managing hemp russet mites in a greenhouse and field. Hemp (var. Unicorn) was exposed to leaves heavily infested with hemp russet mites, and once mite densities reached an average of 50 mites per leaf, the following insecticides were applied to the plants: abamectin, etoxazole, fenpyroximate, rosemary oil, and 2 concentrations of a mineral oil. An application of sulfur was also included in the field experiment. Treatments were replicated 9 times in the greenhouse and 6 times in the field. Each of the pesticides significantly reduced hemp russet mite densities in the greenhouse, with all treatments resulting in significant decrease in mite populations 10 days after the initial treatment that persisted until the end of the experiment. On the other hand, only fenpyroximate, sulfur, and rosemary oil provided strong and effective suppression of the mites in the field. This is the first study to test these products against hemp russet mites in hemp, and our outcomes indicate that several pesticides available for organic crop production can provide effective control of the pest.
Predators attracted to combination of bark beetle pheromones and host kairomones in pine forests of southeastern United States
Authors: Miller Daniel R , Asaro Christopher
Published: August 2023

In 2006, we evaluated the effects of combining lures releasing pine host kairomones (ethanol + α-pinene) with lures releasing bark beetle pheromones (ipsenol + ipsdienol) on trap catches of predators associated with bark and woodboring beetles in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Virginia. Catches in traps baited with all 4 compounds were greater than those in traps baited with either binary blend for the common predators Thanasimus dubius (F.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), Temnoscheila virescens (F.) (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae), Aulonium tuberculatum LeConte (Coleoptera: Zopheridae), and Lasconotus spp. (Coleoptera: Zopheridae). The same was true for: Enoclerus nigripes (Say) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) at 2 of 3 locations; Platysoma cylindricum (Paykull) (Coleoptera: Histeridae) at 3 of 4 locations; and Corticeus spp. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) at 2 of 6 locations. In contrast, the addition of ethanol + α-pinene to traps baited with ipsenol + ipsdienol reduced catches of Platysoma attenuatum LeConte (Coleoptera: Histeridae) at 2 of 4 locations.
A valve embolized twice: a case report of Sapien 3 embolization in left ventricle and left atrium during transcatheter transapical mitral valve-in-valve implantations for a failed bioprosthesis
Authors: Lin Huan-Chiu , Lee Yung-Tsai , Tsao Tien-Ping , Yin Wei-Hsian
Published: August 2023

Background

Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (TMVIV) using the Sapien 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) transcatheter heart valve is associated with high technical success and sustained valve performance. However, complications may occur or be detected during or after the procedure.

Case summary

We herein describe a rare case of a 59-year-old female who underwent TMVIV for a failed surgical mitral bioprosthesis. During the procedure, the device was embolized twice into the left ventricle and left atrium, respectively, resulting from the crimped transcatheter valve partially detaching from the balloon of the Certitude delivery system during passage through a tight transapical sheath. Fortunately, we were able to catch the dislodged valve and anchor it by the partially inflated device balloon, followed by successful repositioning and deployment.

Discussion

In cases where the valve has already detached, as in the present case, the sheath may be advanced against the proximal end of the valve as a pusher, providing good support to push the entire system to cross the bioprosthesis. Then, the delivery catheter should be withdrawn with the counteraction of the sheath in order to correct the interrelated positions of the valve and the balloon. Finally, the valve can be positioned and deployed after the sheath is withdrawn.
Expert systematic review on the choice of conduits for coronary artery bypass grafting: endorsed by the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Bakaeen Faisal G , Sandner Sigrid , Aldea Gabriel S , Arai Hirokuni , Chikwe Joanna , Firestone Scott , Fremes Stephen E , Gomes Walter J , Bong-Kim Ki , Kisson Kalie , Kurlansky Paul , Lawton Jennifer , Navia Daniel , Puskas John D , Ruel Marc , Sabik Joseph F , Schwann Thomas A , Taggart David P , Tatoulis James , Wyler von Ballmoos Moritz
Published: August 2023

Preamble

The finalized document was endorsed by the EACTS Council and STS Executive Committee before being simultaneously published in the European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery (EJCTS) and The Annals of Thoracic Surgery (The Annals) and the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (JTCVS).
The socioeconomic burden of acromegaly
Authors: Störmann Sylvère , Cuny Thomas
Published: August 2023

Acromegaly is a rare and insidious disease characterized by chronic excess growth hormone, leading to various morphological changes and systemic complications. Despite its low prevalence, acromegaly poses a significant socioeconomic burden on patients and healthcare systems. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on the psychosocial burden, disability, impact on daily life, and cost of acromegaly disease, focusing on the quality of life, partnership, medical care and treatment afflictions, participation in daily activities, professional and leisure impairment, and cost of treatment for acromegaly and its comorbidities. It also examines management strategies, coping mechanisms, and interventions aimed at alleviating this burden. A comprehensive understanding of the extent of the socioeconomic burden in acromegaly is crucial to develop effective strategies to improve treatment and care. Further research is warranted to explore the myriad factors contributing to this burden, as well as the efficacy of interventions to alleviate it, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients with acromegaly.
Expansion of the immature B lymphocyte compartment in Graves' disease
Authors: Lane Laura Claire , Cheetham Timothy David , Razvi Salman , Allinson Kathleen , Pearce Simon Henry Schofield
Published: August 2023

Objective

The specific mechanisms driving autoimmunity in Graves' disease (GD) remain largely unknown. Kappa-deleting recombination excision circles (KRECs) are circular DNA molecules generated during B cell maturation in the bone marrow which provide a measure of B cell production and proliferation. We aimed to investigate the association between KRECs and B cell subpopulations, with thyroid status and clinical outcome in GD patients.

Methods

Kappa-deleting recombination excision circles were measured by quantitative real-time PCR using a triple-insert plasmid control in 132 GD patients and 140 healthy controls. In addition, KRECs in GD patients on withdrawal of antithyroid drug (ATD) and 6-10 weeks later were analysed according to a clinical outcome at 1 year. Flow cytometry was performed on isolated CD19+ B cells to quantitate 7 B lymphocyte subpopulations in 65 GD patients.

Results

Circulating KRECs were higher in GD vs. controls (P = 1.5 × 10−9) and demonstrated a positive correlation to thyroid hormones and autoantibodies (free thyroxine: P = 2.14 × 10−5, rho = .30; free triiodothyronine: P = 1.99 × 10−7, rho = .37; thyroid stimulating hormone receptor autoantibodies: P = 1.36 × 10−5, rho = .23). Higher KRECs in GD patients 6-10 weeks after ATD withdrawal were associated with relapse of hyperthyroidism at 1 year (P = .04). The KRECs were positively correlated to the total CD19+ B cell count (P = 3.2 × 10−7).

Conclusions

This study reports a robust association between KRECs and GD, highlighting the importance of B cells in the pathogenesis of GD and the influence of thyroid status on B cell activity. The findings indicate a potential role for KRECs as a marker of disease activity and outcome in GD.
Unipolar-voltage-based evaluation of left atrial tissue properties and ablation outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kamioka Masashi , Makimoto Hisaki , Watanabe Tomonori , Watanabe Hiroaki , Okuyama Takafumi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Hijioka Naoko , Yokota Ayako , Komori Takahiro , Kabutoya Tomoyuki , Imai Yasushi , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2023

Aims

The relationship between local unipolar voltage (UV) in the pulmonary vein (PV)-ostia and left atrial wall thickness (LAWT) and the utility of these parameters as indices of outcome after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation remain unclear.

Methods and results

Two-hundred seventy-two AF patients who underwent AF ablation were enrolled. Unipolar voltage of PV-ostia was measured using a CARTO system, and LAWT was measured using computed tomography. The primary endpoint was atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATA) recurrence including AF. The ATA recurrence was documented in 74 patients (ATA-Rec group). The UV and LAWT of the bilateral superior PV roof to posterior and around the right-inferior PV in the ATA-Rec group were significantly greater than in patients without ATA recurrence (ATA-Free group) (P < 0.001). The UV had a strong positive correlation with LAWT (R2 = 0.446, P < 0.001). The UV 2.7 mV and the corresponding LAWT 1.6 mm were determined as the cut-off values for ATA recurrence (P < 0.001, respectively). Multisite LA high UV (HUV, ≥4 areas of >2.7 mV) or multisite LA wall thickening (≥5 areas of >1.6 mm), defined as LA hypertrophy (LAH), was related to higher ATA recurrence. Among 92 LAH patients, 66 had HUV (LAH-HUV) and the remaining 26 had low UV (LAH-LUV), characterized by history of non-paroxysmal AF and heart failure, reduced LV ejection fraction, or enlarged LA. In addition, LAH-LUV showed the worst ablation outcome, followed by LAH-HUV and No LAH (log-rank P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Combining UV and LAWT enables us to stratify recurrence risk and suggest a tailored ablation strategy according to LA tissue properties.
miR-871-5p/PGC1α Regulates Aging-Induced Lipid Deposition in Hepatocytes Through Fatty Acid β-Oxidation
Authors: Zheng Ying , Chen Xiaoling , Lu Ting , Lin Zhiyong , Liu Chaoqi , Yuan Ding , Yuan Chengfu
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the role of the miR-871-5p/proliferator-activated receptor α (PGC1α) pathway in ameliorating hepatic steatosis. We examined miR-871-5p expression in liver tissues of aging mice and AML12 senescent cells co-induced by low serum and palmitic acid (PA). Bioinformatics and multiple experiments were employed to validate the expression level of the target gene PGC1α for miR-871-5p. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of miR-871-5p in regulating hepatic lipid deposition associated with aging. To do so, we performed in vitro transfection of both miR-871-5p mimic and inhibitor into senescent hepatocytes. Our results showed that miR-871-5p could inhibit PGC1α expression and cause lipid deposition in the liver due to aging. miR-871-5p controls this process by regulating PGC1α/fatty acid β-oxidation. H&E staining displayed the appearance of fat vacuoles in the livers of aging mice, and fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes (acyl-coenzyme A oxidase 1 carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α) expression was significantly reduced. Lipogenic genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1C and fatty acid synthase) expression level was increased in the livers of aging mice. In AML12 cells co-induced by low serum and PA, miR-871-5p mimics decreased PGC1α expression and increased lipid droplet accumulation in senescent hepatocytes. Conversely, miR-871-5p inhibitor promoted PGC1α expression and reduced lipid deposition in senescent hepatocytes. Our findings suggest that inhibiting miR-871-5p could be crucial in ameliorating aging-associated hepatic steatosis. These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving hepatic steatosis in aging.
Comparison between alarm-based and probability-based earthquake forecasting methods
Authors: Biondini Emanuele , Gasperini Paolo
Published: August 2023

In a recent work, we applied the every earthquake a precursor according to scale (EEPAS) probabilistic model to the pseudo-prospective forecasting of shallow earthquakes with magnitude $M\ 5.0$ in the Italian region. We compared the forecasting performance of EEPAS with that of the epidemic type aftershock sequences (ETAS) forecasting model, using the most recent consistency tests developed within the collaboratory for the study of earthquake predictability (CSEP). The application of such models for the forecasting of Italian target earthquakes seems to show peculiar characteristics for each of them. In particular, the ETAS model showed higher performance for short-term forecasting, in contrast, the EEPAS model showed higher forecasting performance for the medium/long-term. In this work, we compare the performance of EEPAS and ETAS models with that obtained by a deterministic model based on the occurrence of strong foreshocks (FORE model) using an alarm-based approach. We apply the two rate-based models (ETAS and EEPAS) estimating the best probability threshold above which we issue an alarm. The model parameters and probability thresholds for issuing the alarms are calibrated on a learning data set from 1990 to 2011 during which 27 target earthquakes have occurred within the analysis region. The pseudo-prospective forecasting performance is assessed on a validation data set from 2012 to 2021, which also comprises 27 target earthquakes. Tests to assess the forecasting capability demonstrate that, even if all models outperform a purely random method, which trivially forecast earthquake proportionally to the space–time occupied by alarms, the EEPAS model exhibits lower forecasting performance than ETAS and FORE models. In addition, the relative performance comparison of the three models demonstrates that the forecasting capability of the FORE model appears slightly better than ETAS, but the difference is not statistically significant as it remains within the uncertainty level. However, truly prospective tests are necessary to validate such results, ideally using new testing procedures allowing the analysis of alarm-based models, not yet available within the CSEP.