Rancang Bangun Alat Pasang Surut Air Laut Berbasis Arduino Uno dengan Menggunakan Sensor Ultrasonik Hc-sr04

Telah dirancang sistem pasang surut air laut berbasis Arduino Uno dengan menggunakan sensor ultrasonik HC-SR04. Sensor ultrasonik berfungsi mengukur ketinggian air laut. Tampilan dari sistem ini berupa ketinggian air laut sesaat yang ditampilkan pada LCD. Selain itu hasil dari sistem ini juga berupa grafik pasang surut yang dirancang menggunakan software Delphi 7.  Sistem ini telah diuji untuk  melihat ketinggian air laut serta untuk menampilkan grafik pasang surut. Proses pengujian alat berlangsung di Dermaga DIT POL AIR NTT. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa sistem berjalan dengan baik. Dimana diperoleh data bahwa dalam satu hari pengukuran terjadi dua kali pasang dan dua kali surut yang merupakan tipe pasang surut harian ganda dengan puncak pasang tertinggi adalah 164 cm dan surut terendah dengan ketinggian 68 cm. Kata kunci: pasang surut; sensor ultrasonik HC-SR04; Arduino; Delph

Microwave analysis of the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in EuFe 2 (As 1 -x P x ) 2 single crystals

This paper presents a microwave analysis of the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in an iron-based ferromagnetic superconductor. By comparing the complex rf susceptibility with magnetic force images, the authors discuss the nature of the observed phase transitions and the possible presence of a quantum critical point

Detecting Inter-Annual Variations in the Phenology of Evergreen Conifers Using Long-Term MODIS Vegetation Index Time Series

Long-term observations of vegetation phenology can be used to monitor the response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change. Satellite remote sensing provides the most efficient means to observe phenological events through time series analysis of vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This study investigates the potential of a Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), which has been linked to vegetation light use efficiency, to improve the accuracy of MODIS-based estimates of phenology in an evergreen conifer forest. Timings of the start and end of the growing season (SGS and EGS) were derived from a 13-year-long time series of PRI and NDVI based on a MAIAC (multi-angle implementation of atmospheric correction) processed MODIS dataset and standard MODIS NDVI product data. The derived dates were validated with phenology estimates from ground-based flux tower measurements of ecosystem productivity. Significant correlations were found between the MAIAC time series and ground-estimated SGS (R-2 = 0.36-0.8), which is remarkable since previous studies have found it difficult to observe inter-annual phenological variations in evergreen vegetation from satellite data. The considerably noisier NDVI product could not accurately predict SGS, and EGS could not be derived successfully from any of the time series. While the strongest relationship overall was found between SGS derived from the ground data and PRI, MAIAC NDVI exhibited high correlations with SGS more consistently (R-2 > 0.6 in all cases). The results suggest that PRI can serve as an effective indicator of spring seasonal transitions, however, additional work is necessary to confirm the relationships observed and to further explore the usefulness of MODIS PRI for detecting phenology.Peer reviewe

Meridianins Rescue Cognitive Deficits, Spine Density and Neuroinflammation in the 5xFAD Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is a core protein, with a relevant role in many neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme has been largely studied as a potential therapeutic target for several neurological diseases. Unfortunately, preclinical and clinical studies with several GSK3β inhibitors have failed due to many reasons such as excessive toxicity or lack of effects in human subjects. We previously reported that meridianins are potent GSK3β inhibitors without altering neuronal viability. In the present work, we examine whether meridianins are capable to inhibit neural GSK3β in vivo and if such inhibition induces improvements in the 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's Disease. Direct administration of meridianins in the third ventricle of 5xFAD mice induced robust improvements of recognition memory and cognitive flexibility as well as a rescue of the synaptic loss and an amelioration of neuroinflammatory processes. In summary, our study points out meridianins as a potential compound to treat neurodegenerative disorders associated with an hyperactivation of GSK3β such as Alzheimer's disease. Keywords: GSK3β; astrocytes; learning; memory; microglia

The atrial natriuretic peptide and guanylyl cyclase-A system modulates pancreatic beta-cell function

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A) receptor are being involved in metabolism, although their role in the endocrine pancreas is still greatly unknown. The aim of this work is to study a possible role for the ANP/GC-A system in modulating pancreatic beta-cell function. The results presented here show a direct effect of the GC-A receptor in regulating glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and beta-cell mass. GC-A activation by its natural ligand, ANP, rapidly blocked ATP-dependent potassium (K(ATP)) channel activity, increased glucose-elicited Ca(2+) signals, and enhanced GSIS in islets of Langerhans. The effect in GSIS was inhibited in islets from GC-A knockout (KO) mice. Pancreatic islets from GC-A KO mice responded to increasing glucose concentrations with enhanced insulin secretion compared with wild type (WT). Remarkably, islets from GC-A KO mice were smaller, presented lower beta-cell mass and decreased insulin content. However, glucose-induced Ca(2+) response was more vigorous in GC-A KO islets, and basal K(ATP) channel activity in GC-A KO beta-cells was greatly diminished compared with WT. When protein levels of the two K(ATP) channel constitutive subunits sulfonylurea receptor 1 and Inward rectifier potassium channel 6.2 were measured, both were diminished in GC-A KO islets. These alterations on beta-cell function were not associated with disruption of glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in vivo. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were similar in WT and GC-A KO mice. Our data suggest that the ANP/GC-A system may have a modulating effect on beta-cell function

Análisis etnoarqueológico del valor social del producto en sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras

This work was formulated as a consequence of considering the necessity of a value theory (that is, an economical theory), in archaeology. From our materialist perspective, that would allow us to set the basis for an objective analysis of past societies, understanding that only through the knowledge of their material life conditions and their social organization we would be able to know their historical becoming. We were reaching a common index that would make possible to compare different occupations and sites in Tierra del Fuego. This index would be used to make inferences about the amount of work invested in every occupation, amount of work that could be understood as the duration of the occupation or as the amount of people in that camp-site. On the other hand, on the basis of the Main Contradiciton formulation, we could establi sh a mechanism to quantify different participation in the production cycle and the existing differences in the access to the consumption of what has been produced. This will drive us to the formulation of a method to identify social explotation.Este trabajo surgió como consecuencia de varias preocupaciones. En primer lugar, considerábamos, desde hacía ya tiempo, la necesidad de una teoría del valor (económica, por tanto), en Arqueología; preocupación compartida con otros investigadores/as. Desde nuestra perspectiva materialista, ello nos había de permitir sentar las bases para un análisis objetivo de las sociedades prehistóricas, entendiendo que tan sólo a través delconocimiento de Las condiciones materiales de vida, y de la estructuración u organización de las relaciones sociales, podremos llegar a conocer el devenir histórico de las mismas. Buscábamos un índice, un común denominador, que nos permitiera poder comparar diferentes ocupaciones y yacimientos actualmente (y desde hace ya más de una década) en estudio en Tierra del Fuego (Argentina). Este índice debería permitirnos, por un lado realizar inferencias sobre la cantidad de trabajo invertida en cada ocupación de los diferentes asentamientos Yámana. Lo cual podría ser interpretado en clave de ti empo de ocupación o de cantidad de personas ocupando el sitio. Y por otro lado, y sobre la base de la formulación de la Contradicción Principal, podría establecer un mecanismo que nos permitiera cuantificar la participación diferencial en la producción y las disimetrías en el acceso al consumo de lo producido, estableciendo un «cálculo» para la identificación de la explotación. Este último interés tiene mucho que ver con el aceptado concepto de «sociedades igualitarias » aplicado a las sociedades cazadoras recolectoras, concepto cuestionable en tanto que surge de una aproximación androcéntrica. Este trabajo ha sido posible, en el caso de la sociedad Yámana, gracias a la exhaustiva y variada información etnográfica confrontada a una completa información arqueológica. El objetivo final es conseguir generar propuesta metodológica contrastada que nos permita este tipo de acercamientos a sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras prehistóricas

Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Patients With Ongoing Miscarriage Using Serological Tests and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most frequent viruses affecting females’ sexual and reproductive health. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the HSV serostatus and viral shedding in patients with ongoing miscarriage. Methods: Two hundred and eight females were included in the study; IgM antibodies against HSV1/2 were detected in serum samples; the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) quantification of viral DNA was performed on cervicovaginal samples. Positive females were tested for IgG anti-HSV-2. Results: The results indicated 12.5% IgM-positive and 2.9% real-time PCR positive samples. None of the patients was positive for the both analyses, simultaneously. Among IgM-positives cases, 16.6% were also IgG-positive; whilst in PCR-positives samples, 20% were also IgG-positive. The presence of viral DNA without detectable IgM or IgG antibodies could indicate a recent infection or a reactivation with low copy numbers. Conclusions: IgM alone is not a marker for viral shedding in genital tract. Molecular testing in conjunction of IgG test should be evaluated as an option to determine HSV status, and applied for research on HSV genital infections records. Keywords: Herpes, Diagnosis, Viral Sheddin

Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein circulating levels are not useful as prognostic marker in COVID-19 pneumonia : A large prospective cohort study

Altres ajuts: Departament de Salut, Generalitat de Catalunya (COVID-PoC BioCAT).Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly expanded worldwide. Currently, there are no biomarkers to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 pneumonia. Small studies explored the use of Krebs von de Lungen-6 circulating serum levels (sKL-6) as a prognostic biomarker of the worsening of COVID-19 pneumonia. We aimed at a large study to determine the prognostic value of sKL-6 in predicting evolving trends in COVID-19. We prospectively analyzed the characteristics of 836 patients with COVID-19 with mild lung disease on admission. sKL-6 was obtained in all patients at least at baseline and compared among patients with or without respiratory worsening. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to find the optimal cutoff level. A total of 159 (19%) patients developed respiratory worsening during hospitalization. Baseline sKL-6 levels were not higher in patients who had respiratory worsening (median {IQR} 315.5 {209-469} vs. 306 {214-423} U/ml p = 0.38). The last sKL-6 and the change between baseline and last sKL-6 were higher in the respiratory worsening group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.0001, respectively). The best sKL-6 cutoff point for respiratory worsening was 497 U/ml (area under the curve 0.52; 23% sensitivity and 85% specificity). sKL-6 was not found to be an independent predictor of respiratory worsening. A conditional inference tree (CTREE) was not useful to discriminate patients at risk of worsening. We found that sKL-6 had a low sensibility to predict respiratory worsening in patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 pneumonia and may not be of use to assess the risk of present respiratory worsening in inpatients with COVID-19 pneumonia

Prognosis of screen-detected breast cancers: results of a population based study

BACKGROUND: The reduced mortality rate from breast carcinoma among women offered screening mammography is demonstrated after 15–20 years of follow-up. However, the assessment of 5-year overall and event-free survival could represent an earlier measure of the efficacy of mammography screening program (MSP). METHODS: All cases of breast cancer diagnosed in the Province of Modena between years 1996 and 2000 in women aged 50 to 69 years, were identified through the Modena Cancer Registry (MCR). Stage of disease and treatment information were obtained from clinical records. All the events occurring up to June 30, 2003 were retrieved by experienced monitors. Five-year overall and event-free survival were the principal end-points of the study. RESULTS: During a 5-year period, 587 primary breast cancers were detected by the MSP and 471 primary breast cancers were diagnosed out of the MSP. The screen-detected breast cancers were smaller, more likely node negative, with low histological grade, low proliferative activity and positive receptors status. Furthermore, the breast cancer diagnosed through the MSP more frequently received a conservative surgery. The 5-year survival rate was 94% in the screen-detected group, versus 84% in the other group (p = 0.0001). The rate of 5-year event-free survival was 89% and 75% for the MSP participants and not participants, respectively (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm a favourable outcome of screen-detected breast cancers in terms of five-year overall and event-free survival, which reflect the good quality assurance parameters of the MSP. Finally, a cancer registry should be implemented in every area covered by screening programs

The relationship between workers' self-reported changes in health and their attitudes towards a workplace intervention: lessons from smoke-free legislation across the UK hospitality industry

Background: The evaluation of smoke-free legislation (SFL) in the UK examined the impacts on exposure to second-hand smoke, workers’ attitudes and changes in respiratory health. Studies that investigate changes in the health of groups of people often use self-reported symptoms. Due to the subjective nature it is of interest to determine whether workers’ attitudes towards the change in their working conditions may be linked to the change in health they report. Methods: Bar workers were recruited before the introduction of the SFL in Scotland and England with the aim of investigating their changes to health, attitudes and exposure as a result of the SFL. They were asked about their attitudes towards SFL and the presence of respiratory and sensory symptoms both before SFL and one year later. Here we examine the possibility of a relationship between initial attitudes and changes in reported symptoms, through the use of regression analyses. Results: There was no difference in the initial attitudes towards SFL between those working in Scotland and England. Bar workers who were educated to a higher level tended to be more positive towards SFL. Attitude towards SFL was not found to be related to change in reported symptoms for bar workers in England (Respiratory, p = 0.755; Sensory, p = 0.910). In Scotland there was suggestion of a relationship with reporting of respiratory symptoms (p = 0.042), where those who were initially more negative to SFL experienced a greater improvement in self-reported health. Conclusions: There was no evidence that workers who were more positive towards SFL reported greater improvements in respiratory and sensory symptoms. This may not be the case in all interventions and we recommend examining subjects’ attitudes towards the proposed intervention when evaluating possible health benefits using self-reported methods. Keywords: ‘Self-Reported Health’, Attitudes, ‘Workplace Intervention’, ‘Public Health Intervention