bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics analysis of predicted Ganoderma boninense from oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)
Authors: Basyuni M , Purba A , Putri L A P , Hayati R , Chalil D , Syahputra I
Published: July 2019

The current report examines the bioinformatics approaches to analyse 13 predicted Ganodermaboninense genes from Elaeis guineensisJacq. along with predicted the assembly, pattern, potential transit peptide, and subcellular localisation. The length of the genes was varied with the genes examined, from 209 to 222 bp. It is noteworthy the physicochemical heterogeneity properties consistingcomparative molecular weight, theoretical isoelectric point value, the total atomic number, extinction coefficient, instability coefficient, aliphatic index, and general average hydropathicity along with the analysed genes. Based on stability coefficients, 13 G. boninense genes were unstable proteins, mostly stored in the cytoplasm, microbody (peroxisome), and endoplasmic reticulum (membrane). In contrast to this osbervation, a few genes were existed to the plasma membrane. BLAST search showed that 13 sequences of G. boninenses isolates show high similarity (89-99%) to the G. boninense strain NJ3 in the database of NCBI.These findingspointed the significantknowledge on the diversity and role of physical and chemical characteristics of the distinguishable amino acids in G. boninenseisolates.
Analysis of Modified Least Significant Bit Polynomial Function Algorithm For Securing Digital Image
Authors: Rachmawati Dian , Sharif Amer , Adrinta Abdurrazzaq Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Nowadays, there are many types of information, among which is the digital image. Some information must be secured, so it has to be made confidential. One of the methods to secure data is by steganography, wherein information is hidden inside another media called cover. Least Significant Bit (LSB) is the smallest bit in the binary array from the value of a byte. The polynomial function is the total of the power product in one or more variables with coefficients. The digital image can be used as a cover in steganography. The pixel selection for containing the message may be determined by the polynomial function so that the polynomial function can be used as the embedding and extraction key. The larger the ratio between the dimensions of the cover image to the image message, the better values of PSNR and MSE obtained. It can be concluded that the combination of the LSB method and polynomial function may serve as a modification to the LSB method in steganography.
Analysis of File Security with Three-Pass Protocol Scheme Using Massey-Omura Algorithm In Android
Authors: Rachmawati Dian , Andri Budiman Mohammad , Adib Rikzan M.
Published: July 2019

Today’s data transactions using the android device is commonly done anytime. Cryptography is needed to secure data to be transmitted to ensure data security from the manipulation of others. To secure the data, one of cryptography scheme is Three-Pass Protocol, this scheme allows data transmission without key exchange, so this scheme is more secure and efficient. A Massey-Omura algorithm is an asymmetric key cryptography system that will be used in this research. For primality testing in key and prime number generator, the Agrawal-Biswas algorithm will be used. The strength of Massey-Omura is the difficulty of calculating enormous discrete logarithmic and Three-Pass Protocol with his no key exchange capabilities make this method more secure. In this research, the Mean Squared Error value obtained is 0 and the value of Peak Signal to Noise Ratio obtained is infinite. The complexity of the Massey-Omura algorithm and the Agrawal-Biswas algorithm is Θ (n). Graph of file extension against processing time shows a stable graph that means file extension is not affecting processing time. Graph of file size against processing time shows a linear graph that means a processing time would increase along with file size.
The implementation of trithemius algorithm and modified least significant bit (mlsb) blue channel for bitmap image security
Authors: Hardi S M , Rachmawati D , Wulandari A , Jaya I , Tarigan J T
Published: July 2019

In the delivery of information confidentiality message is one of the things that are very important, because the image data is very span to the actions of computer crimes such as modified or stolen. The combination of cryptography and steganography can be one solution to prevent such crime. Here the author uses the Trithemius algorithm. Trithemius algorithm is a symmetric algorithm that has advantages that is in the process of encryption or decryption of symmetric cryptography takes a short time and key size relatively shorter. While the weakness is the key must be changed frequently, every time implementing communication for the security of the message so that the authors combine with steganography technique that is Modified Least Significant Bit (MLSB), so that messages will be inserted not visible clearly or visible. In this research, the message or image file will be sent is first encrypted with Trithemius cryptography algorithm, then encryption result will be hidden in an image file with bitmap format using Blue Channel MLSB steganography method. Then do the process of extraction of messages for further decryption to return to the original message as before.
Analysis on Combination of Watermarking Algorithm: Modified Least Significant Bit Algorithm with Least Significant Bit+1
Authors: Lubis R R A , Hardi S M , Zarlis M , Jaya I , Tarigan J T
Published: July 2019

To protect someone’s copyright on digital media such as digital image, watermarking technique can be used, which is a technique to insert copyright marks into digital media. The algorithms that commonly used in the watermark insertion is the Least Significant Bit (LSB). But there is deficiency in LSB algorithm. LSB algorithm requires one byte image pixel to insert one bit watermark. The more byte pixels are inserted, the higher the difference between watermarked image with the original image. Embedded watermark can also easily be known because it is definitely placed on the LSB bits of the pixel image. From these problems, in this research we analyze the combination of two watermarking algorithms: Modified Least Significant Bit (MLSB) with Least Significant Bit (LSB+1). MLSB have the advantage in compressing the watermark to be inserted from eight bit/character into five bit/character. LSB+1 algorithm will cover the deficiency of MLSB algorithm, which the location of the watermark bit is easy to be discovered. Added in this research, the watermark bit had inserted in random image pixel. The Combined algorithm tested by using five image that have different sizes and dimensions, which each of the image inserted by text watermark that have different length. The purpose is to find the value of these three comparison parameters: Mean Squared Error value (MSE), the size of the result image and processing time. It concluded that for the three parameters, the combined algorithm of MLSB-LSB+1 have done better than the LSB+1algorithm but slightly worse than the MLSB algorithm. This happens due to MLSBLSB+1 besides inheriting the advantages of each algorithm, also inherited deficiency of the LSB+1 algorithm which is because of the insertion is in the one bit before the least significant bit of the image pixel, the value of the pixel is greater for two point(in decimal).
Scientific Documents Classification Using Support Vector Machine Algorithm
Authors: Jaya I , Aulia I , Hardi S M , Tarigan J T , Lydia M S , Caroline
Published: July 2019

One of the ways to publish scientific paper is to present it in a conference. Before being presented in the conference, the registered scientific paper has to be grouped into categories. Because there are so many scientific papers that have been registered, it is an urgent need to establish a system that can automatically identify the topic of scientific papers and classify them according to recognized topics. One method that can be used to organize documents according to their categories is classification. In this study, Support Vector Machine algorithm is used as a method to classify documents into 5 categories of computer science. System test is done by taking 150 documents as data sample and 50 documents as data testing. This study produced a classification system of scientific documents and showed the method used was able to classify documents with 90% accuracy results.
Comparative Analysis of Backpropagation With Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) to Predict Rainfall in Medan City
Authors: Mahrina T , Hardi S M , Tarigan J T , Jaya I , Ramli Marwan , Tulus
Published: July 2019

Rainfall is a very important factor in agriculture and development planning. This study aims to predict rainfall and rainfall properties in Medan using a multilayer neural network with Backpropagation and Learning Vector Quantization (LVQ) algorithms. Rainfall data used for training is rainfall data for the last 30 years. The parameters used in this study consisted of two inputs namely the month and the volume of rainfall. The training process produces the best architecture with 3 layer three for Backpropagation and two layers for Learning Vector Quantization with learning rate 0.5. From the prediction results obtained Backpropagation algorithm more accurate in predicting rainfall data last 30 years compared with LVQ with an average difference of 21.99%. Backpropagation and LVQ algorithms have better accuracy in the dry season, with accuracy for Backpropagation algorithm between 75 - 99% and LVQ algorithm of 60 - 82%. For both algorithms, the influence of El-Nino and La-Nina phenomena is not so significant.
Comparing the Performance of Reverse Colussi and Raita in Finding Indonesian Text
Authors: Timanta Tarigan Jos , Fajar Rahmat , Sharif Amer
Published: July 2019

The availability of various string-matching algorithm raises the concern of finding the one with the best performance. With the growth of digital content, especially a text-based content, using an optimal algorithm is crucial to decrease the cost of performing a task. There are numerous studies using a specific content to evaluate the performance of ones algorithm. In this paper, we chose two commonly used string-matching algorithm; Reverse Colussi and Raita and compare the performance of these algorithm in finding text in Indonesian language. We specifically use Indonesian songs lyrics as our samples. To perform the test, we build and text-based song finder Android application. Our test result shows that Raita outperformed Reverse Colussi in most of the cases. This finding is due to the requirement of Reverse Colusi algoritm to have pre-processing step before performing the search.
3D ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Modelling and Implementation into Mixed Reality Environment
Authors: Syahputra M F , Ezzay S , Rahmat R F , Purnamawati S , Lydia M S , Andayani U , Zahara D , Arfiza M
Published: July 2019

Otolaryngology is a medical science that focuses on the problems of the ears, nose and throat. Otolaryngologists in their roles are people who have been trained in medicine and surgery (surgery) in the ENT department. To get maximum results, a good practice is needed from the beginning to the end of the examination. 3D digital model is one of the services to facilitate pupils in choosing the desired education method. 3D Object is a depiction of an object that is equipped with a perception of space. 3D Object is an object that is designed and drawn the length, width, and height (x, y, z axis) of the object so that it looks more real. The result showed that each organ was detected by displaying a 3-dimensional object in accordance with the original object. Mixed reality is a technique to merge a virtual simulation and real-world environment. 3D digital model in mixed reality technology is one way to make the ENT learning more attractive. With the existence of a 3D digital models in mixed reality environment, it will be easier for pupils and the surgeons to perform a maximum organ learning.
Implementation of Augmented Reality in Pretend Play Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Syahputra M F , Angkasih A P , Purnamawati S , Andayani U , Abdullah D , Sriadhi S , Iskandar A , Rosida T M , Fitriany J , Sari I N , Utama M D , Nanuru R F
Published: July 2019

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a pervasive developmental disorder that will affect children in terms of interpersonal communication, social interaction, and imaginative levels in play. Many therapies to help the motor neuron performance is one of them Pretend Play. Pretend Play is a therapy that invites children in playing to demonstrate something else and tell how to use objects that are considered in the child’s imagination. However, in the era of highly developed technology, many fields have used the Augmented Reality method as a visualization of various aspects. With this method researchers will present the therapeutic visualization of the block to 3D transportation tool that is useful for strengthening motor nerves and visual strength of the child. The system can run well during marker detection, marker movement, and 3D object display with the accuracy of precision angle and distance between virtual world with real world reach 100% with angle 0 at distance 31 cm and the maximum distance from the marker is 46 cm and the maximum angle is 30˚.
Comparative Analysis Run-Length Encoding Algorithm and Fibonacci Code Algorithm on Image Compression
Authors: Hardi S M , Angga B , Lydia M S , Jaya I , Tarigan J T
Published: July 2019

Compression purpose to reduce the redundancy data as small as possible and speed up the data transmission process. To solve the size problem in saving data and transmission process, we use Run Length Encoding and Fibonacci Code algorithm to do compression process. Run Length Encoding and Fibonacci Code algorithm is a type of lossless data compression used in this research, which performance will be measured by comparison parameters of the Compression Ratio (CR), Redundancy (RD), Space Saving (SS) and Compression Time. The compression process is only done on image files with Bitmap format (*.bmp) and encode using Run Length Encoding or Fibonacci Code, then perform the compression process. The final result of the compression is file with extension *.rle or *.fib which contains compressed information that can be decompressed back. The output of the decompression result is an original image file that is stored with *.bmp extension. Fibonacci algorithm will give a better compressed size on image color, while in a grayscale image Run Length Encoding will give a better compressed size. Based on the results of research at two different types of images, each algorithm has its own advantages. Fibonacci Code algorithm is better for color image compression while Run-Length algorithm Encoding is better for grayscale image compression.
Data
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M , Aulia Indra , Elveny Marischa
Published: July 2019

Towards understanding the big data conceptually, it is necessary to understand data entirely. Understanding of data is not only directly related to the relationship between the sample and the population, but also to determine the form of approach and the process used. This is based on data dimensions that require in-depth consideration to be able to be the useful information in decision making, and become the helpful knowledge in the direction of policy in the Industry 4.0 era. Therefore this paper is built to briefly describe data.
RETRACTED: A semantic interpretations of citation as assumptions
Authors: Nasution Mahyuddin K M , Elveny Marischa , Aulia Indra
Published: July 2019

Citation is specifically a problem in the world of publication after being used as a benchmark for ranking the writing quality, or indirectly ranking the author. This paper aims to reveal some of the assumptions interpreted from several data sets about citations, especially self-citations. Self-citation becomes a special problem when it becomes a measure for the performance of countries, journals, institutions, and authors. So far, there are links between assumptions about self-citation for the country, journal, and author.
Generic representations of countable groups
Authors: Doucha Michal , Malicki Maciej
Published: July 2019

The paper is devoted to a study of generic representations (homomorphisms) of discrete countable groups

Γ
\Gamma

in Polish groups

G
G

, i.e., elements in the Polish space

R
e
p

(
Γ
,
G
)

\mathrm {Rep}(\Gamma ,G)

of all representations of

Γ
\Gamma

in

G
G

whose orbits under the conjugation action of

G
G

on

R
e
p

(
Γ
,
G
)

\mathrm {Rep}(\Gamma ,G)

are comeager. We investigate a closely related notion of finite approximability of actions on countable structures such as tournaments or

K
n

K_n

-free graphs, and we show its connections with Ribes–Zalesskii-like properties of the acting groups. We prove that

Z

\mathbb {Z}

has a generic representation in the automorphism group of the random tournament (i.e., there is a comeager conjugacy class in this group). We formulate a Ribes–Zalesskii-like condition on a group that guarantees finite approximability of its actions on tournaments. We also provide a simpler proof of a result of Glasner, Kitroser, and Melleray characterizing groups with a generic permutation representation.

We also investigate representations of infinite groups

Γ
\Gamma

in automorphism groups of metric structures such as the isometry group

Iso

(

U

)

\mbox {Iso}(\mathbb {U})

of the Urysohn space, isometry group

Iso

(

U

1

)

\mbox {Iso}(\mathbb {U}_1)

of the Urysohn sphere, or the linear isometry group

LIso

(

G

)

\mbox {LIso}(\mathbb {G})

of the Gurarii space. We show that the conjugation action of

Iso

(

U

)

\mbox {Iso}(\mathbb {U})

on

R
e
p

(
Γ
,

Iso

(

U

)
)

\mathrm {Rep}(\Gamma ,\mbox {Iso}(\mathbb {U}))

is generically turbulent, answering a question of Kechris and Rosendal.
Effective sup-norm bounds on average for cusp forms of even weight
Authors: Friedman J. , Jorgenson J. , Kramer J.
Published: July 2019

Let

Γ
⊂

P
S
L

2

(

R

)

\Gamma \subset \mathrm {PSL}_{2}(\mathbb {R})

be a Fuchsian subgroup of the first kind acting on the upper half-plane

H

\mathbb {H}

. Consider the

d

2
k

d_{2k}

-dimensional space of cusp forms

S

2
k

Γ

\mathcal {S}_{2k}^{\Gamma }

of weight

2
k

2k

for

Γ
\Gamma

, and let

{

f

1

,
…
,

f

d

2
k

}

\{f_{1},\ldots ,f_{d_{2k}}\}

be an orthonormal basis of

S

2
k

Γ

\mathcal {S}_{2k}^{\Gamma }

with respect to the Petersson inner product. In this paper, we will give effective upper and lower bounds for the supremum of the quantity
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper S Subscript 2 k Superscript normal upper Gamma Baseline left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis colon equals sigma-summation Underscript j equals 1 Overscript d Subscript 2 k Endscripts StartAbsoluteValue f Subscript j Baseline left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis EndAbsoluteValue squared normal upper I normal m left-parenthesis z right-parenthesis Superscript 2 k">

S

2
k

Γ

(
z
)
:=

∑

j
=
1

d

2
k

|

f

j

(
z
)

|

2

I
m

(
z

)

2
k

S_{2k}^{\Gamma }(z):=\sum _{j=1}^{d_{2k}}\vert f_{j}(z)\vert ^{2}\,\mathrm {Im}(z)^{2k}

as

z
z

ranges through

H

\mathbb {H}

.
Weighted-𝐿² polynomial approximation in ℂ
Authors: Biard Séverine , Fornæss John , Wu Jujie
Published: July 2019

We study the density of polynomials in

H
2

(
Ω
,

e

−
φ

)

H^2(\Omega ,e^{-\varphi })

, the space of square integrable holomorphic functions in a bounded domain

Ω
\Omega

in

C

\mathbb {C}

, where

φ
\varphi

is a subharmonic function. In particular, we prove that the density holds in Carathéodory domains for any subharmonic function

φ
\varphi

in a neighborhood of

Ω
¯

\overline {\Omega }

. In non-Carathéodory domains, we prove that the density depends on the weight function, giving examples.
The heavy burden of female reproduction. A commentary on: ‘Time for a change: patterns of sex expression, health and mortality in a sex-changing tree’
Authors: Pannell John R
Published: July 2019

This article comments on:

Jennifer Blake-Mahmud and Lena Struwe. 2019. Time for a change: patterns of sex expression, health and mortality in a sex-changing tree. Annals of Botany124(3): 367–377.
The evolution of vocal duets and migration in New World warblers (Parulidae)
Authors: Mitchell Liam R , Benedict Lauryn , Cavar Jakica , Najar Nadje , Logue David M
Published: July 2019

Vocal duets occur when 2 individuals vocalize in temporal coordination. In birds, duet participation functions to cooperatively defend shared resources, localize mates, and in some species, guard the mate. Previous work indicates that duetting tends to co-evolve with a non-migratory lifestyle, probably because the absence of migration facilitates greater cooperation between mates. We examined the evolution of duetting and migration in New World warblers (Parulidae), a group that has been largely ignored by duetting research. Of the 95 species in our analysis, we found evidence of duetting in 19 (20%) species, and evidence of migration in 45 (47.4%) species. Ancestral character reconstruction indicated that the last common ancestor of the New World warblers did not duet. Duetting evolved multiple times in this group, including 2 early origins and several more recent origins. Migration was present in the last common ancestor and was lost several times. Both duetting and migration exhibit phylogenetic signal. A phylogenetically explicit correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between duetting and migration, in keeping with findings from other avian taxa. This study, the first description of the evolution of duetting in a large avian family with a temperate-zone origin, supports the hypothesis that duetting co-evolves with a sedentary natural history in birds.
Polio, AIDS, and Ebola: A Recurrent Ethical Dilemma
Authors: Kazanjian Powel
Published: July 2019

During the 2014 West African outbreak, a dilemma emerged about the ethics of conducting randomized placebo-controlled trials in the midst of a rapidly spreading, devastating epidemic for which there was no effective treatment. The dilemma has in fact has deep historic roots; it has appeared in several previous fearsome epidemics—during the poliomyelitis epidemic in the 1930s–1950s, and again during the AIDS epidemic in the1980s–1990s. Moreover, ethical and social questions characterizing each of these epidemics—the increased risks of withholding potentially life-saving drugs for people assigned to a control arm and the damaging effect on eroding community trust—were conceptualized beforehand in the 1925 novel Arrowsmith. A historical analysis both reaffirms that rigorous placebo-controlled trials remain indispensable tools in epidemic settings and also provides guidance on how to approach the ethical and social issues that will likely arise when these trials are carried out in future epidemic emergencies.
Exclusion of Ring-billed Gulls (Larus delawarensis) from recreational beaches using canid harassment
Authors: Jordan Dustin W , Kane Michelle E , Gehring Thomas M , Sokol Rebeccah L , Alm Elizabeth W
Published: July 2019

Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) populations have dramatically increased throughout their geographic range with the largest concentrations in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States. Large populations of gulls cause conflict with humans at recreational beaches, where their effects on human health and safety include bacteria contamination from gull feces. We used border collies to harass and exclude gulls from beaches in summer 2012 and 2013, then measured gull numbers and Escherichia coli. Dogs were effective at reducing gull numbers by 56–76% during continuous and noncontinuous dog treatment periods. Levels of E. coli were lower on dog-treated beaches, but only during the first half of the summer. Mixed modeling analysis showed presence of dogs was a strong predictor of gull numbers and E. coli levels, with variation among dogs, possibly related to age. Noncontinuous use of dogs, applied within an integrated beach management framework, can provide a nonlethal method for reducing gull use and E. coli levels at recreational beaches.
Evaluation of genetic change from translocation among Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus minimus) populations
Authors: Zimmerman Shawna J , Aldridge Cameron L , Apa Anthony D , Oyler-McCance Sara J
Published: July 2019

Maintenance of genetic diversity is important for conserving species, especially those with fragmented habitats or ranges. In the absence of natural dispersal, translocation can be used to achieve this goal, although the success of translocation can be difficult to measure. Here we evaluate genetic change following translocation in Gunnison Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus minimus), a species reduced to 7 discrete populations with low levels of gene flow and high levels of genetic differentiation. Between 2000 and 2014, 306 birds from the largest and most genetically diverse population (Gunnison Basin) were translocated to 5 much smaller satellite populations to augment local population size and increase genetic diversity. Although the magnitude of the effect varied by population, we found evidence of increased genetic variation, decreased genetic differentiation from Gunnison Basin, and reproduction between translocated individuals and resident birds. These results suggest that translocations are impacting satellite populations, with current data providing a new baseline for genetic diversity among populations of this imperiled species.
Reconstructing Greater Sage-Grouse chick diets: Diet selection, body condition, and food availability at brood-rearing sites
Authors: Smith Kurt T , Pratt Aaron C , LeVan Jason R , Rhea Ashleigh M , Beck Jeffrey L
Published: July 2019

Growth and survival of juvenile birds is nutritionally demanding, making the availability of major foods critical to population productivity. Access to nutritious foods for juveniles has important implications because poor foraging conditions during development could result in mortality, or reduced fitness in adulthood. Selection of brood-rearing habitats by female Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) thus has broad implications to survival of juveniles and persistence of populations. Previous research using crop contents demonstrated that invertebrates and forbs comprise the major portion of sage-grouse chick diets for the first few months post-hatch. We coupled stable isotope analysis of feathers and field measurements to quantify chick diet and then correlated that with measures of chick body condition. We sought to reconstruct sage-grouse chick dietary history (2013–2015) using nitrogen stable isotopes to (1) evaluate whether selection of brood-rearing habitats by female sage-grouse was related to chick diet, and (2) assess the relationship between dietary consumption and body condition. Brood-rearing females selected habitats in areas where diet resources occurred in proportion to their availability, with the exception that females selected areas with greater forb abundance 4 weeks after hatch. Diet assimilation by chicks at brood-rearing locations was unrelated to the availability of forbs and invertebrates, but consumption of forbs increased with chick age. Chicks that assimilated proportionally greater amounts of plant-derived nitrogen in their feathers during their first week of life tended to weigh more and have longer wing chords. This relationship was similar between male and female chicks. The importance of quality foods for sage-grouse is well recognized and conservation efforts should aim to maintain functioning sagebrush ecosystems containing adequate brood-rearing habitats for juvenile sage-grouse; there remains a need to identify whether desirable effects are achievable when attempting to improve big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) habitats to benefit sage-grouse populations.
Urban background noise affects breeding song frequency and syllable-type composition in the Northern Mockingbird
Authors: Walters Mitchell J , Guralnick Robert P , Kleist Nathan J , Robinson Scott K
Published: July 2019

The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) is a successful urban adaptor known to display flexibility in foraging, nesting, and anti-predator behavior. Its vocal behavior is also complex, with a breeding song composed of a wide variety of non-mimetic and mimetic elements, or “syllable types.” We tested the hypothesis that Northern Mockingbird adaptation to urban settings includes changes in its vocal behavior in noisy urban environments. We studied an urban/suburban mockingbird population to test the effect of urban background noise on breeding song frequency and syllable-type composition. Given that urban noise overlaps most strongly with low-frequency vocalizations, a phenomenon known as “signal masking,” we predicted a positive association between noise levels and mockingbird average peak frequency (a measure of vocalization power). We further predicted a positive effect of noise levels on the peak frequency of the lowest-pitched syllable type in a mockingbird’s song, no effect on the peak frequency of the highest-pitched syllable type, and thus a negative effect on mockingbird peak frequency range. Lastly, we predicted a negative effect of background noise on the use of syllable types experiencing heavy signal masking and, conversely, a positive effect on the use of syllable types experiencing minimal signal masking. We found a significant positive effect of noise levels on both average peak frequency and peak frequency of the lowest-pitched syllable type, but no effect on the peak frequency of the highest-pitched syllable type and peak frequency range. In addition, as background noise levels increased, we found significant declines in the percentages of heavily masked syllable types (1–3 kHz) and significant increases in the percentages of syllable types in the 3–5 kHz range; percentages of syllable types >5 kHz were, however, unaffected by background noise. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that Northern Mockingbird breeding songs change in pitch and syllable-type composition in noisy settings, providing further evidence that songs of urban-adapting species differ in noisy environments.
Large-scale tree mortality from Rapid Ohia Death negatively influences avifauna in lower Puna, Hawaii Island, USA
Authors: Camp Richard J , LaPointe Dennis A , Hart Patrick J , Sedgwick Daniel E , Canale Lisa K
Published: July 2019

‘Ōhi’a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) is the principle tree species in forests across the Hawaiian Islands and provides critical foraging and nesting habitat for native passerines. Rapid Ohia Death (ROD), caused by the vascular wilt fungus Ceratocystis lukuohia and the canker pathogen C. huliohia, was first detected in the Puna District of Hawaii Island in 2010. It affects all life stages of ‘ōhi’a and as of July 2018 had spread to an estimated 40,469 ha across Hawaii Island. To determine the impact of ROD on the forest bird community we conducted point counts in lowland ‘ōhi’a forest in 2016 and compared them to counts from 2003 to 2004, before the appearance of ROD. We found an increase in species diversity and a significant decrease in the densities of a native Hawaiian honeycreeper, the Hawaii Amakihi (Chlorodrepanus virens), and the nonnative Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus). Yellow-fronted Canary (Crithagra mozambica) and Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola), 2 nonnative passerines associated with the shrub layer and more open habitats, were only detected in 2016. Proportion of survey points occupied were comparable between survey periods, but relative abundances were generally lower. Hawaii Amakihi densities declined by 79% and Japanese White-eye densities declined by 33%. Our findings suggest that the loss of ‘ōhi’a canopy due primarily to ROD has adversely affected populations of native Hawaii Amakihi and nonnative Japanese White-eye, 2 of the most abundant species of lowland Hawaiian forests.
Evidence for multiple drivers of aerial insectivore declines in North America
Authors: Spiller Kimberly J , Dettmers Randy
Published: July 2019

Aerial insectivores (birds that forage on aerial insects) have experienced significant population declines in North America. Numerous hypotheses have been proposed for these declines, but current evidence suggests multiple factors could be operating in combination during their annual migratory cycles between breeding and nonbreeding areas. Potential drivers include decreased prey abundance, direct or indirect impacts of environmental contaminants, habitat loss, phenological changes due to warming climate, and conditions on migratory stopover or wintering grounds. While no single threat appears to be the cause of aerial insectivore declines, existing evidence suggests that several of these factors could be contributing to the declines at different times in the annual lifecycle. Breeding productivity for most of these species does not appear to be limited by overall prey abundance, contaminants, or habitat loss, which suggests that similar issues on nonbreeding grounds or carryover effects could play important roles. However, a better understanding of the importance of prey quality throughout the lifecycle is critically needed. Based on current evidence, we propose that changes in availability of high-quality prey, with variability across breeding and nonbreeding grounds, reduce various combinations of fledging success, post-fledging survival, and nonbreeding season body condition of aerial insectivores, resulting in species and geographic differences in population trends. We encourage others to use this hypothesis as a starting point to test specific mechanisms by which availability of high-quality prey influences demographic parameters. We suggest that future research focus on defining prey quality, monitoring insect abundance in conjunction with birds, comparing demographic models across local populations experiencing different population growth rates, and using tracking technology to document important migratory and nonbreeding areas. Considerable research progress already has been made, but additional research is needed to better understand the complex web of potential causes driving aerial insectivore declines.
Cumulative impacts of roads and energy infrastructure on grassland songbirds
Authors: Daniel Jody , Koper Nicola
Published: July 2019

Comparing impacts of co-occurring anthropogenic features is necessary for regional planning and can help identify mechanisms of negative impacts of development on wildlife. Because of the vast abundance of anthropogenic features in the Northern Great Plains, their combined negative impacts on songbird habitat use (e.g., abundance) and productivity (e.g., nesting success and clutch size) could exacerbate the decline of songbird populations. We compared the cumulative effects of energy-related infrastructure (oil wells, shallow gas wells, and roads) on habitat use and productivity of songbirds across a 120 × 180 km region in southern Alberta, Canada. We examined effects on Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) and Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), both of which are listed as Threatened in Canada, and Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Using piecewise regressions and generalized linear models, we estimated effects of distance from infrastructure and shallow gas well density on the habitat use and productivity of each species. We then used these analyses to quantify the availability of habitat suitable for settlement and breeding throughout our study region. Shallow gas wells, which are more abundant, affected a larger geographic area than oil wells, but oil wells were associated with the added impacts of roads. Our analyses suggest that impacts of wells on songbirds are not caused by industrial noise because individual shallow gas wells, which produce no mechanical noise, had similar impacts to noisy oil wells. Our results highlight the importance of regional plans that consider the impacts of multiple co-occurring anthropogenic features in working landscapes.
Delayed presentation of right ventricular lead perforation following defibrillator implantation: a case report
Authors: Ahlert Daniel , Mitchell Andrew R J
Published: July 2019

Background

Perforation of a device lead through the myocardium is a recognized complication of cardiac device implantation. The associated morbidity and mortality are significant, even though it is a relatively rare complication. Therefore, it is vital for acute clinicians to be aware of the diagnosis and subsequent management of myocardial perforation.

Case summary

We present the case of a 48-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department 1 month following implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation with chest and shoulder pain. Initial assessment revealed bilateral pleural effusions and anaemia. Computerized tomography of her chest and abdomen demonstrated a pericardial effusion, but it was transthoracic echocardiography that confirmed the diagnosis of right ventricular perforation. Urgent system revision was undertaken.

Discussion

This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion and the use of diagnostic echocardiography as an important diagnostic tool in symptomatic patient’s post-cardiac device implantation.
A case report: use of cerebral oximetry in the early detection of cerebral hypoperfusion in a post-cardiac arrest patient during targeted temperature management
Authors: Ng Shonda , Chia Yew Woon
Published: July 2019

Background

We present a patient who received cerebral oximetry monitoring during targeted temperature management (TTM) post-cardiac arrest and discuss its potential in the early detection of cerebral hypoperfusion and implications on haemodynamics and ventilatory management.

Case summary

A 60-year-old Chinese male was admitted for acute pulmonary oedema with Type 2 respiratory failure. He failed an initial trial of non-invasive ventilation and was planned for intubation and mechanical ventilation. However, the patient suffered a pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest peri-intubation. He was started on our institution’s protocolized post-cardiac arrest care bundle, which included cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) monitoring and TTM. Initial arterial blood gas (ABG) post-return of spontaneous circulation showed severe respiratory acidosis, and the patient was sedated, paralyzed, and ventilator settings optimized. Repeat ABG showed resolution of respiratory acidosis. However, a drop in rSO2 to 35% was subsequently noted. Ventilator settings were quickly adjusted, and dobutamine was started to improve global and cerebral perfusion. These measures improved cerebral rSO2 to more than 50%. Patient was cooled for 24 h and gradually rewarmed. He was later extubated with a cerebral performance category of 1 and is now on outpatient follow-up.

Discussion

During post-cardiac arrest care, there are many factors which can contribute to a decrease in cerebral blood flow. Therapeutic hypothermia and ventilation strategies, including the use of neuromuscular blocking agents, can both reduce pCO2 which is a major regulator of cerebrovascular tone. Accidental hypocapnia can lead to adverse cerebral vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion. Without cerebral oximetry, cerebral ischaemia may not be detected early and can potentially result in secondary brain injury.
Profiling off-label prescriptions in cancer treatment using social health networks
Authors: Nikfarjam Azadeh , Ransohoff Julia D , Callahan Alison , Polony Vladimir , Shah Nigam H
Published: July 2019

Objectives

To investigate using patient posts in social media as a resource to profile off-label prescriptions of cancer drugs.

Methods

We analyzed patient posts from the Inspire health forums (www.inspire.com) and extracted mentions of cancer drugs from the 14 most active cancer-type specific support groups. To quantify drug-disease associations, we calculated information component scores from the frequency of posts in each cancer-specific group with mentions of a given drug. We evaluated the results against three sources: manual review, Wolters-Kluwer Medi-span, and Truven MarketScan insurance claims.

Results

We identified 279 frequently discussed and therefore highly associated drug-disease pairs from Inspire posts. Of these, 96 are FDA approved, 9 are known off-label uses, and 174 do not have records of known usage (potentially novel off-label uses). We achieved a mean average precision of 74.9% in identifying drug-disease pairs with a true indication association from patient posts and found consistent evidence in medical claims records. We achieved a recall of 69.2% in identifying known off-label drug uses (based on Wolters-Kluwer Medi-span) from patient posts.
Photoactive yellow protein and its chemical probes: an approach to protein labelling in living cells
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Hori Yuichiro , Kikuchi Kazuya
Published: July 2019

Labelling technologies developed over the past few years have changed the way of looking at biomolecules and have made a considerable contribution to our understanding of the functions and regulation of dynamic biological processes. One of the robust technologies employed to image proteins in a cellular environment is based on the use of chemical tags and their fluorescent probes, which provides flexibility in developing probes with a wide range of synthetic fluorophores. A variety of chemical tags, ranging from short amino acid sequences to small proteins, have been employed to generate protein-labelling systems. One such chemical tag is the photoactive yellow protein (PYP)-tag, which is a small bacterial protein, developed for the selective labelling and imaging of proteins. Herein, we briefly discuss the protein-labelling system developed based on PYP-tag technology, with a focus on the design strategy for PYP-tag labelling probes and their applications in protein imaging.
The Economics of Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Management and Overwintering Strategies for Colonies Used to Pollinate Almonds
Authors: Degrandi-Hoffman Gloria , Graham Henry , Ahumada Fabiana , Smart Matthew , Ziolkowski Nick
Published: July 2019

Commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies significantly contribute to agricultural productivity through crop pollination. Almond production requires the most colonies because there are more than a million acres of orchards that require cross-pollination for nut set. With the rising costs of managing and transporting colonies to almond orchards combined with the high colony losses beekeepers routinely experience, we asked if renting colonies for almond pollination was profitable. We conducted a longitudinal study on 190 colonies from their establishment in April until they were placed in almond orchards 10 mo later. In the fall, equal numbers of colonies were placed either in cold storage (CS) facilities or in outdoor apiaries for the winter. We found that the cost of overwintering colonies in CS was lower than in apiaries, but CS did not reduce overwintering losses. A key finding from our study is that there is little or no profit in renting colonies for almond pollination once summer management and overwintering costs are considered. Our only profitable venture was honey production in the summer. We propose alternative management strategies to lower costs and make almond pollination profitable. We also developed a decision tool for selecting colonies to overwinter in CS and reduce expenditures on those that will not reach sufficient size for almond pollination. Our study exposes the unsustainable financial burden experienced by migratory beekeepers that is not included in estimates of yearly colony losses, and underscores the urgent need for forage plantings to generate revenue from honey and improve overwinter survival.
Postharvest Population Reservoirs of Coffee Berry Borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Hawai’i Island
Authors: Johnson Melissa A , Fortna Samuel , Hollingsworth Robert G , Manoukis Nicholas C
Published: July 2019

Coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), is the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide. Old coffee berries (raisins) are widely acknowledged as coffee berry borer reservoirs, yet few studies have attempted to quantify coffee berry borer populations in raisins remaining on farms postharvest. We collected ground and tree raisins at six coffee farms on Hawai’i Island to assess raisin density, infestation, coffee berry borer abundance, and adult mortality in three areas of each farm: trees, driplines (ground below the tree foliage), and center aisles (ground between tree rows). We also assessed infestation of the new season’s crop by conducting whole-tree counts of infested green berries. Mean raisin density was significantly higher in the dripline compared to the center aisle and trees (131 vs 17 raisins per m2 and 12 raisins per tree, respectively). Raisin infestation was significantly higher in samples from trees (70%) relative to those from the dripline (22%) and center aisle (18%). Tree raisins had significantly higher coffee berry borer abundance compared to both areas of the ground (20 vs 3–5 coffee berry borer per raisin). Adult mortality was significantly higher on the ground (63–71%) compared to the trees (12%). We also observed a significant positive correlation between ground raisin density and infestation of the new season’s crop. Across all farms, we estimated that 49.5% of the total coffee berry borer load was present in dripline raisins, 47.3% in tree raisins, and 3.2% in center aisle raisins. Our findings confirm the importance of whole-farm sanitation in coffee berry borer management by demonstrating the negative impact that poor postharvest control can have on the following season’s crop.
Primary labral reconstruction in patients with femoroacetabular impingement, irreparable labral tears and severe acetabular chondral defects decreases the risk of conversion to total hip arthroplasty: a pair-matched study
Authors: Maldonado David R , Go Cammille C , Laseter Joseph R , Lall Ajay C , Kopscik Michael R , Domb Benjamin G
Published: July 2019

In the presence of severe acetabular cartilage defects, the benefits of labral reconstruction (RECON) versus labral resection (RESEC) have not been determined. Prospectively collected data between October 2008 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were hip arthroscopy, acetabular Outerbridge grade III/IV, irreparable labral tears that underwent RECON or RESEC, and minimum 2-year postoperative measures for the modified Harris Hip Score, Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score–Sports Specific Subscale, International Hip Outcome Tool, Patient Satisfaction and Visual Analogue Scale for pain. Exclusion criteria included Tönnis grade >1, previous hip conditions or previous ipsilateral hip surgeries. A 1:1 matched-pair analysis was performed based on age ±5 years, sex, body mass index ±5 kg/m2, Tönnis grade, acetabular microfracture, femoral Outerbridge grade (0 or I compared with II, III or IV). Relative risk (RR) and conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were calculated. A total of 38 RECON hips were successfully matched. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROs). THA conversion was 5.3% and 21.1% for the RECON and RESEC groups, respectively (P = 0.04). RECON was four times less likely to require THA conversion than the RESEC group (RR=4.0; 95% CI 0.91–17.63). In the setting of primary arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement, irreparable labral tears and acetabular chondral lesions of Outerbridge III/IV, patients that underwent RECON and RESEC experienced significant improvement in PROs at minimum 2-year follow-up, and these functional scores were comparable when groups were matched. However, RR and rate to THA conversion were significantly higher in the RESEC group.