bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis de las finanzas públicas mexicanas desde una visión Insumo – Producto, 2000 – 2020
Authors: Molina del Villar Tania
Published: February 2023

Con el empleo del análisis estructural, se realiza una evaluación crítica de las finanzas públicas en México,durante el periodo de mayor apertura y liberalización de la economía mexicana. En términos generales, sepretende evaluar el papel de las finanzas públicas por parte del Estado mexicano, durante el período de 2000 –2020, con la finalidad de determinar si se ha propiciado crecimiento económico sostenido y/o se han logradoresolver los problemas estructurales que caracterizaron a la economía mexicana, tales como la enormedesigualdad económica y social, la dependencia y vulnerabilidad hacia el exterior y la alta desarticulaciónproductiva. El análisis empírico desarrollado se sustenta en el empleo de dos metodologías insumo – producto(IP), las cuales permiten profundizar sobre la problemática planteada y vincular el análisis macroeconómico conel efecto real de algunos agregados (consumo e inversión privada, gasto de gobierno, exportaciones) sobre laestructura productiva y, con ello, derivar conclusiones sobre el crecimiento económico.
RESEARCHING SCIENCE TEACHER PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE
Authors: Nezvalová Danuše
Published: February 2023

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) has been embraced as a way of describing the knowledge possessed by teachers and developing models of science teacher education. We try to analyse the possibility of improving quality of science teacher training on the basis of PCK development. The Taxonomy of PCK Attributes addresses the distinctions within and between the knowledge bases of various disciplines, science subjects and science topics. The concept of PCK conceived by Shulman (1986) embraces the idea that successful teachers have a special understanding of content knowledge and pedagogy which they draw on in teaching that content.
Over the past two years we researched the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of pre-service and experienced Czech science teachers. The aim has been to capture, document and share teachers' PCK about specific science topics in ways that may be accessible to teachers and researchers involved in science education.
One of the tasks of the science teacher is to help students to understand some of the content knowledge of science. In doing so, Shulman (1986; 1987) posited that teachers make use of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), a special kind of knowledge that teachers have about how to teach particular content to particular students in ways that promote understanding. We are more interested in finding ways of helping pre- and in-service teachers to improve their practice.
Key words: pedagogical context knowledge (PCK), science teachers, general PCK, subject-specific PCK, domain-specific PCK, topic-specific PCK, taxonomy of PCK attributes.
E-ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS BASED ON PERSONAL RESPONSE SYSTEM
Authors: Bernard Paweł , Broś Paweł , Migdał-Mikuli Anna
Published: February 2023

Tools for electronic assessment are being developed mainly with growth of distance learning platforms. However, the possibility of electronic testing seems to be valuable also in the classroom, which is not usually equipped with computers. For this purpose, systems of remote controllers have been in development for over ten years. The first versions of controllers were operating in infrared technology which significantly limited the amount of data that could be transferred from remote controls to computers. That allowed only using simple multiple-choice and single number questions. Those limitations excluded those systems as an effective assessment tool.
In recent years new versions of systems were presented. Modern remote controls are operating in radio technology and possess their own memory that makes it possible to code and send more complex questions. Also, new controllers can operate in asynchronous mode which creates the opportunity for personalization of students’ work. Thanks to new functionality, modern response systems can potentially be used as assessment tools. This fact creates new opportunities and challenges for educators in developing a methodology of use of this tool during various types of courses. Presented results were obtained during the pilot implementation of the Personal Response System - PRS RF during laboratory classes for first year students of Biophysics in years 2009-2011 at Jagiellonian University.
Key words: electronic assessment, Personal Response System, interactive learning environment.
SOME ASPECTS REGARDING CONTINUED TEACHER TRAINING FROM BIHOR COUNTY, ROMANIA, USING E-LEARNING
Authors: Blândul Valentin Cosmin
Published: February 2023

According to the European Commission, e-learning can be defined as the use of new multimedia technologies and the Internet to improve the quality of the learning process, access to resources and services, as well as remote exchanges and collaboration. Therefore, e-learning can be understood as an innovative, interactive and student-centred approach to the educational process. Although the advantages of e-learning are obvious, in Romania the e-learning system is only in its initial stage, and the process of teachers’ continued training is almost nonexistent. This research is an important activity within the project entitled "Inter-regional network of e-learning training for teachers in pre-academic education", which aims to provide teachers with the opportunity to browse on-line courses for life-long /continued education. The objective of this study was to explore teachers' opinions on the usefulness of information technologies, as well as on the difficulties and the opportunities that arise from using these new technologies for continued training. The sample consisted of 200 teachers who teach in preschools and in primary schools in Bihor County, Romania. As research method a 14 item questionnaire was used, out of which only 4 were analysed within this research. The results of the study show that most teachers use computers for accessing and processing information, their main difficulties being related to the absence of direct and immediate feedback, while the main advantages are given by the special opportunities for personal and professional development. In such circumstances, regardless of chronological age, training teachers using e-learning is a huge challenge, since 79% of the respondents answered that they wanted to participate in such educational programs.
Key words: continued training, e-learning, teachers’ attitude.
E-LEARNING IN EFL METHODOLOGY EDUCATION: EVALUATION OF LEARNING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Cimermanová Ivana
Published: February 2023

Distance learning is a phenomenon used in education for many years. E-learning offers a platform that can be very effective, simple to be modified and updated. In addition, it is becoming easier to be administered and more rich and wide in the variety of tools and possibilities. The present study focuses on using e-learning forms in teaching adult students as an alternative to on-campus (face-to-face) programme. It describes not only the results of an experiment run at the university, but also tries to outline several problems that authors of the e-courses face even in case they are skilled, professional experienced textbook writers. The quantitative results of the experiment described in the study created the basis for the comparison of two groups of young adult university students and their verbal responses enabled us to quantitatively evaluate the result of using e-course with the group that is used to take part in face-to face educational programs. Keywords: design, e-course, face-to-face, on-campus, research, test.
ANALYSIS OF EXPERIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT TEACHING USING ESSAY AS A FEEDBACK
Authors: Dzurišinová Zuzana , Prokša Miroslav
Published: February 2023

Models of hydrogen-cars and current fuel cell topic are getting just very slowly into Slovak secondary school teaching of chemistry. The research therefore focus on different ways of suitable utilising of the model in chemistry teaching. The concept of the project teaching namely School Eko-bus with environmental issues and particular goals within which students make experiments on the hydrogen-car models was estalished. A part of the research is directed at finding answers on the following question: What means of feedback are the most suitable for verifying the results of making effort to develop specific competencies? In terms of research students´ and teachers´ questionnaires besides observation of students at practical activities, students´ taking research notes, their presentations and essays are being evaluated. The study refers to advantages and disadvantages of essay as unconventional feedback device in natural science project teaching at Slovak secondary schools. Writing thus forces students to be more active, to think autonomously as well as independently, and written formulation of their thoughts proves the quality of their thinking; moreover, it also reveals content and formal deficiencies of their thinking. For teachers these deficiencies therefore become more vivid and noticeable. In their little literary works – essays, students demonstrate critical thinking; use knowledge of general and inorganic chemistry as well as knowledge of fuel cells, and in their written ideas students defend their pro-environmental attitudes.
Key words: environmental education, essay, feedback, hydrogen car model, project teaching, textual analysis.
THE EFFECT OF THE MATHEMATICAL SKILLS ACQUIRED IN WOODWORK ON STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS
Authors: Kimiti Richard P. , Mulwa David M. , Muema Elizabeth N. , Kituka Titus M.
Published: February 2023

Economic status of students, gender and family size have been found to affect students’ achievement in mathematics. However, there seems to be limited research on the effects of knowledge and affective skills acquired from other subjects on students’ achievement in mathematics. The research objectives of the study were to determine whether the cognitive and practical skills acquired in woodwork affects students’ achievement in mathematics. The study also sought to find out whether the learning of similar topics in woodwork affected students’ achievement in mathematics. The research methodology applied was ex-post facto design. The study was carried out in four secondary schools which offered woodwork in Machakos County, Kenya and involved a student sample of 158. Data was collected by use of three mathematics tests and a questionnaire for woodwork students. The results revealed that cognitive and practical skills acquired in woodwork have a positive effect on students’ achievement in mathematics. The learning of similar topics in woodwork and mathematics has a positive effect on students’ achievement in mathematics.
Key words: cognitive skills, practical skills, students’ achievement.
THE GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION REGISTER AS SUPPORT IN UNDERSTANDING CONCEPTS OF CALCULUS
Authors: Ruiz Ledesma Elena Fabiola
Published: February 2023

Students taking a calculus course for the very first time have generally had an intuitive approach to infinity, which has likely had to do with “real life” events, such as the infinite nature of the Universe. The students have not usually reflected upon any of the mathematics aspects of infinity and to a certain extent this hampers their understanding within a mathematical context. When learning about the concept of limit (essential in order to adequately build calculus concepts) knowledge of infinite processes is required. Moreover if the task of teaching calculus is restricted to its algebraic aspects without paying attention to the use of non-algebraic representations, it is very difficult for students to arrive at a deep understanding of calculus. It is even difficult to conceive of a student being able to comprehend calculus without having first developed visual skills tied in to building calculus concepts, for example.
Key words: calculus, graphical representation register, visualization.
Semiotic Resources in the Rhetoric of Advertising Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Adugbe Rebecca
Published: February 2023

The study adopts van Leeuwen’s social semiotics theory. The study reveals that the advertisers deploy semiotic resources which suit the symbolic context of appealing to the dreams and anxiety of the admission seekers. It also demonstrates how general features of advertising language are harnessed creatively with digital resources to achieve rhetorical effect.
YENİÇAĞDA OSMANLI PİYADELERİNİN ASKERİ POTANSİYELİ
Authors: ÇELİK Bülent
Published: February 2023

XVI. yüzyılla birlikte Osmanlı ordusu önemli bir sosyal-iktisadi değişim içerisindeydi. Cigalazade Sinan Paşa’nın Haçova Seferi sonrasında Belgrad’da yaptırmış olduğu teftişte pek çok timarlı sipahi, yoklamada bulunmadıkları gerekçesiyle tımarlarını ve statülerini kaybetmişlerdi. Bu işsiz kalmış sipahiler parçası oldukları kırsal alanda bir süre sonra celalî olarak anılacak, kanunsuz sayılarak köylerin, köylülerin güvenliğini tehdit eden ve tarımsal üretime zarar veren tarihi figürlere dönüşeceklerdi. Başta Adaletnâmeler olmak üzere çeşitli Osmanlı belgelerinde tarifi yapılan bu eski atlı sipahilerin pek çoğunun bu şekilde sistem dışında kalmaları, savaşlarda Osmanlı ordusundaki süvari zümresini zayıflattı. Bu gelişme ve Avrupa’daki ateşli silah ve savaş taktikleri konusundaki diğer gelişmeler, Osmanlı ordusunun giderek piyade zümresine ağırlık vermesine neden oldu. Yeniçeriler dışında kırsal alandan gelen ve sekban, saruca, levent, tüfenkçi gibi çeşitli isimlerle anılan bu yeni savaşçılar, giderek Osmanlı ordusunun belkemiğini oluşturmaya başladılar. Bu çalışma; Osmanlı Devleti’nin ekonomik üretim yapısının çekirdeği ve ana figürü olan köylünün nasıl askeri nitelik kazanıp bir üreticiden, askeri alanda faaliyet gösteren bir bireye dönüştüğünü, bilimsel tartışmaya açık bazı önermelerle açıklamaya çalışacaktır.
Analisis Keberlanjutan Budidaya Jeruk Malang Melalui Pendekatan MDS (Multidimensional Scaling)
Authors: Qurania Anita , Siti Asmaniyah Mardiani
Published: February 2023

This research is the first step to find a model for cultivating citrus plants with high yields but not damaging the environment. The habit of citrus farmers to use chemical fertilizers excessively can increase the risk of environmental damage which causes citrus cultivation activities to become unsustainable. This condition requires efforts to minimize the impact, namely by designing a cultivation practice model so that citrus production centers are guaranteed to be sustainable. Sustainability analysis related to cultivation practices applied by farmers is an important indicator to determine the sustainability of citrus production centers in Malang. A multidisciplinary approach is used to evaluate the sustainability of Plantation activities. The study of the sustainability of citrus production in Malang in order to obtain information about the things that underlie environmental and production functions in citrus cultivation has not been carried out in an integrative manner, so the aim of this research is to determine the status of sustainability of citrus cultivation in Malang. Sustainability analysis can be used as a basis for compiling recommendations for the development of orange production centers that are effective and in accordance with the green economy program so that a sustainable citrus cultivation model is obtained. The analytical method used in this study is the Rap method (Rapid apprisal) with the MDS (Multidimensional Scaling) approach in which the results are expressed in the form of an index and sustainability status. The selection of attributes on each dimension is adjusted to the development of Malang oranges. Determination of attributes for each dimension of sustainability includes 46 attributes in 5 dimensions analyzed, including 10 attributes of the ecological dimension, 9 attributes of the economic dimension, 8 social dimensions, and 10 technological dimensions. Each attribute is modified from several previous studies and adapted to real conditions in the field. The sustainability status of Malang orange cultivation as a whole is included in the fairly sustainable category, namely 69.76%. When viewed from each dimension, there is a dimension that is in the best category with a percentage of 77.23%, namely the economic dimension while the other dimensions are quite sustainable with a percentage below 75%.
Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Kangkung (Ipomoea reptans Poir.) Akibat Pemberian Dosis Pupuk Urea dan Cara Pemberian yang Berbeda
Authors: Sa'diyah Rohmah Mila , Lestari Mahayu Woro , Sholihah Anis
Published: February 2023

It is necessary to increase the production of water spinach in Malang City because it has decreased. One way to do this is to apply urea fertilizer because it contains a lot of N elements, so it is good for the growth process of kale because it is harvested during the vegetative period. The purpose of this study was to find out the appropriate dose of urea fertilizer and how to apply the appropriate urea fertilizer to the growth and yield of watercress plants. This research was conducted in the research area of ​​the Islamic University of Malang. The study used a factorial randomized block design (RAK) with control. The first factor was the dose of urea fertilizer: D1 = 50 kg/ha, D2 = 100 kg/ha, and D3 = 150 kg/ha. The second factor was the method of administration: C_1 = by immersion and C_2 = by dilution and control = without urea fertilizer. The observed data were analyzed for variance (F test) and continued with the 5% BNJ test. To find out the optimal dose, a regression test was carried out. The results showed that there was an interaction with the combination of 150 kg/ha fertilizer dose by pouring (D3C2) with a plant height of 32.06 cm. A Fertilizer dose of 50 kg/ha by immersion method (D1C1) gave the best effect on total plant fresh weight (106.08 g) and total plant dry weight (19.43 g). Giving a dose of 100 kg/ha increased the total fresh weight of plants with a weight of 107.62 g. Based on the results of the regression test, the optimum dose of urea fertilizer was 97.05 kg/ha. The addition of urea fertilizer using by immersion method increased the leaf area index (4.30) and stover dry weight (7.44 g).
Perbedaan Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Kacang Faba (Vicia faba L.) karena Faktor Lokasi Tanam dan Populasi Tanaman
Authors: Banjarnahor Dina , Ikawati Novita
Published: February 2023

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a highland legume having potential for soil conservation. Upscaling faba bean cultivation requires initial inquiry on its growth and yield. In this research, we have investigated faba bean’s growth and yield in different location (high tunnel and open field) under different population density (1, 2, and 3 plants per pot). We found that interaction between location and population has significant effect on number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, shoot root ratio, and pods weight. Location and population independently have significant effect on plant height, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Cultivation in tunnel, be it in narrow and large planting density, has resulted in higher plants, heavier shoot dry matter, yet lighter root dry matter. Meanwhile, growing single seed per pot has resulted in higher plant and heavier root dry matter. This was applicable in both tunnel and open field. We did not find different chlorophyll content among treatments, therefore we concluded that location and population did not influence leave chlorophyll.
Microplastic contamination reduces productivity in a widespread freshwater photosymbiosis
Authors: Makin B
Published: February 2023

Microplastic (plastic particles <5 mm in size) contamination is ubiquitous in nature and known to interact with organisms ranging from microbes to mammals. Notably, recent studies have shown that microplastics may interfere with photosymbiosis, an ecologically important association that has suffered pronounced recent declines in the face of contemporary climate change. However, limited findings thus far have largely focussed on select marine associations. Whether freshwater photosymbioses may also be affected remains poorly understood. Here, I aimed to help bridge this gap by asking whether microplastic contamination impacts several traits (growth rate, symbiont density, metabolic rate and feeding rate) in a common, widespread freshwater photosymbiosis, the Paramecium bursaria-Chlorella spp. association. To address how productivity, an important ecosystem service provided by photosymbiosis globally, could be affected, I also measured changes in photosymbiotic net productivity (net photosynthesis rate). To do so, I exposed the symbiosis to microplastics (microbeads extracted from commercial face wash) under laboratory conditions. My key result was that, compared with non-contaminated control cultures, the contaminated symbiosis demonstrated lower net productivity. This response raises concern for primary production rates in freshwater ecosystems contaminated with microplastics, adding to an established story of widespread degradation associated with microplastic pollution globally.
Benthic infauna are resistant and resilient to hurricane disturbance
Authors: Montagna PA
Published: February 2023

Hurricanes disturb marine ecosystems by abrupt changes in storm-surge, erosion, freshwater inflow, material loads, or water quality. Hurricane Harvey (25 August 2017) was a Category 4 storm that entered the south Texas, USA, coast and produced a large flood in San Antonio Bay. Benthic abundance, biomass, and diversity have been measured quarterly at 4 stations beginning in 2004. From July to October 2017, macrobenthos decreased to near zero, likely because salinity and dissolved oxygen approached zero. A bivalve mollusk recruitment event began within 8 mo after the storm and continued to July 2018. These short-term responses showed that benthic communities were initially devastated but recovered in less than 1 yr, indicating resilience. However, modeling based on a 13 yr time series yielded the same trend in community metrics, suggesting that benthos would have declined in fall and increased in spring with or without the storm. The long-term results indicate that seasonal dynamics in benthos provide some resistance as well as resilience to storm disturbance. Storms occur at stochastic geological time scales and shape evolutionary history such that they likely do not cause an enduring, devastating disturbance to benthic communities.
Reframing Humanist Tragedy in The Tiniest Thing
Authors: Jordan Richard
Published: February 2023

Tragedy is defined by Aristotle as a self-fulfilling prophecy, inciting fear and pity in an audience through a hero’s error of judgement, or hamartia. Anthropocentric climate change may likewise be viewed in similar terms, born out of the limitations of the humanist paradigm. Yet in an age of climate catastrophe, how might theatre represent this reality without reinforcing the same humanist logic of privileging human suffering? As a playwright, I have long grappled with how best to dramatise climate change: a phenomenon that seems beyond the scope of human-centred drama. At the same time, the Anthropocene is by definition a human-created problem, and the emotional impact of our doom-laden future bears a tangible human effect. When choosing a form, then, for my own new play about this topic, something of a balance seemed important to me: a human-centred approach that might nonetheless recontextualise human suffering within a more earthly timescale. My resulting new play, The Tiniest Thing, is a middle-class Australian family drama that is rudely interrupted by the natural world. As a forest emerges from a pantry, long grass appears beneath the living room carpet, and dead birds begin to fall from the ceiling, the human characters refuse to see what is right in front of their eyes – until one character, Susan, begins to let the outside world in. Ultimately concerned with the politics of perception, The Tiniest Thing asks: is it possible for humans to perceive an objective reality, or do we always choose what we want to believe? And how might rigid ideologies become our own hamartia in the face of climate catastrophe? I view these questions within the context of bringing an eco-critical dramaturgy to my playwriting, primarily through my use of structure, contrasting deep ‘planetary’ time with the ‘human’ time of the unfolding plot, inspired by the Arctic Cycle plays of Chantal Bilodeau. By seeking to show two different realities at once, I hope to evoke a world on stage in which the same phenomena are perceived by the human characters in vastly different ways, reframing their suffering within a wider ecological context.
New Elements in the Regional Policy Corporate Social Responsibility and Flexible Work Options
Authors: Knoll-Csete Edit
Published: February 2023

The regional policy can be successful when all actors support the development in the common area. Social responsibility plays a crucial role in achieving social well-being and stability in the region. As a result of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the proportion of mobile work is increasing in comparison to the traditional work done within the walls of the workplace. Employers have recognised that they can save significant operating costs and recruit more successfully in the labour market and started to appreciate the flexibility of teleworking, making the family and workplace more coordinated. Looking for solutions towards recovery after the pandemic, energy crisis, Ukrainian war, natural disasters and the shortage of skilled workers must guarantee a sustainable future for coming generations on a solidarity basis in all regions.
Change in the corneal material mechanical property for small incision lenticule extraction surgery
Authors: Gao Wenjing , Zhao Xinheng , Wang Yan
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To assess the distribution characteristics and related factors of stress-strain index (SSI) values and discuss changes in biomechanical parameters, including SSI, after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery.

Methods: This study included 253 patients who underwent SMILE (253 eyes). SSI and other biomechanical parameters were measured using corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology before and 3 months after surgery. The data collected included SSI, central corneal thickness (CCT), and eight other dynamic corneal response parameters. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Pearson and partial correlation analyses, and paired-sample t-tests were used for statistical analyses.

Results: Both pre-op SSI and ΔSSI follow a normal distribution, while post-op SSI does not follow a normal distribution. The decline in SSI after SMILE surgery was not statistically significant, and the data dispersion of SSI after SMILE surgery was close to that before surgery (p > 0.05). No statistical correlation was noted between SSI values and age and pre-op CCT (all p > 0.05). However, both pre- and post-op SSI values decreased with increasing degree of myopia (all p < 0.05), and weakly correlated with preoperative intraocular pressure and biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (all p < 0.05). Other biomechanical parameters changed significantly after surgery (all p < 0.001). After SMILE, the magnitude of the deformation at the highest concave, deformation ratio, and integral radius increased significantly (all p < 0.001), while the Ambrosio relational thickness horizontal, stiffness parameter A1, and Corvis biomechanical index decreased significantly (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: SSI, which reflects essential corneal material attributes, differs from other corneal biomechanical parameters and remains stable before and after SMILE surgery, and can be used as an indicator to evaluate changes in corneal material properties after SMILE surgery.
Deciphering transcription factors and their corresponding regulatory elements during inhibitory interneuron differentiation using deep neural networks
Authors: Alatawneh Rawan , Salomon Yahel , Eshel Reut , Orenstein Yaron , Birnbaum Ramon Y.
Published: February 2023

During neurogenesis, the generation and differentiation of neuronal progenitors into inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing interneurons is dependent on the combinatorial activity of transcription factors (TFs) and their corresponding regulatory elements (REs). However, the roles of neuronal TFs and their target REs in inhibitory interneuron progenitors are not fully elucidated. Here, we developed a deep-learning-based framework to identify enriched TF motifs in gene REs (eMotif-RE), such as poised/repressed enhancers and putative silencers. Using epigenetic datasets (e.g., ATAC-seq and H3K27ac/me3 ChIP-seq) from cultured interneuron-like progenitors, we distinguished between active enhancer sequences (open chromatin with H3K27ac) and non-active enhancer sequences (open chromatin without H3K27ac). Using our eMotif-RE framework, we discovered enriched motifs of TFs such as ASCL1, SOX4, and SOX11 in the active enhancer set suggesting a cooperativity function for ASCL1 and SOX4/11 in active enhancers of neuronal progenitors. In addition, we found enriched ZEB1 and CTCF motifs in the non-active set. Using an in vivo enhancer assay, we showed that most of the tested putative REs from the non-active enhancer set have no enhancer activity. Two of the eight REs (25%) showed function as poised enhancers in the neuronal system. Moreover, mutated REs for ZEB1 and CTCF motifs increased their in vivo activity as enhancers indicating a repressive effect of ZEB1 and CTCF on these REs that likely function as repressed enhancers or silencers. Overall, our work integrates a novel framework based on deep learning together with a functional assay that elucidated novel functions of TFs and their corresponding REs. Our approach can be applied to better understand gene regulation not only in inhibitory interneuron differentiation but in other tissue and cell types.
The ultrastructure of a stria vascularis in the auditory organ of the cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)
Authors: Li Hao , Staxäng Karin , Hodik Monika , Melkersson Karl-Gunnar , Rask-Andersen Helge
Published: February 2023

Background: An endocochlear potential (EP) exists in the mammalian cochlea generated by the stria vascularis and an associated fibrocyte network. It plays an essential role for sensory cell function and hearing sensitivity. In non-mammalian ectothermic animals the endocochlear potential is low and its origin somewhat unclear. In this study, we explored the crocodilian auditory organ and describe the fine structure of a stria vascularis epithelium that has not been verified in birds.

Material and Methods: Three Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) were analyzed with light and transmission electron microscopy. The ears were fixed in glutaraldehyde The temporal bones were drilled out and decalcified. The ears were dehydrated, and embedded and was followed by semi-thin and thin sectioning.

Results: The fine structure of the crocodile auditory organ including the papilla basilaris and endolymph system was outlined. The upper roof of the endolymph compartment was specialized into a Reissner membrane and tegmentum vasculosum. At the lateral limbus an organized, multilayered, vascularized epithelium or stria vascularis was identified.

Discussion: Electron microscopy demonstrates that the auditory organ in Crocodylus rhombifer, unlike in birds, contains a stria vascularis epithelium separate from the tegmentum vasculosum. It is believed to secrete endolymph and to generate a low grade endocochlear potential. It may regulate endolymph composition and optimize hearing sensitivity alongside the tegmentum vasculosum. It could represent a parallel evolution essential for the adaptation of crocodiles to their diverse habitats.
Cholesterol efflux capacity is associated with lipoprotein size and vascular health in mild to moderate psoriasis
Authors: Berg Alexander R. , Petrole Rylee F. , Li Haiou , Sorokin Alexander V. , Gonzalez-Cantero Alvaro , Playford Martin P. , Mehta Nehal N. , Teague Heather L.
Published: February 2023

Background and objective

Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory condition with poor cholesterol transport measured by cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) that is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In psoriasis patients, we sought to characterize the lipoprotein profile by size using a novel nuclear magnetic resonance algorithm in patients with low CEC compared to normal CEC.

Methods

Lipoprotein profile was assessed using the novel nuclear magnetic resonance LipoProfile-4 deconvolution algorithm. Aortic vascular inflammation (VI) and non-calcified burden (NCB) were characterized via positron emission tomography-computed tomography and coronary computed tomography angiography. To understand the relationship between lipoprotein size and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, linear regression models controlling for confounders were constructed.

Results

Psoriasis patients with low CEC had higher more severe psoriasis (p = 0.04), VI (p = 0.04) and NCB (p = 0.001), concomitant with smaller high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles (p < 0.001). In adjusted models HDL size (β = −0.19; p = 0.02) and LDL size (β = −0.31; p < 0.001) associated with VI and NCB. Lastly, HDL size strongly associated with LDL size in fully adjusted models (β = −0.27; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that in psoriasis, low CEC associates with a lipoprotein profile comprised of smaller HDL and LDL particles which correlates with vascular health and may be driving early onset atherogenesis. Further, these results demonstrate a relationship between HDL and LDL size and provide novel insights into the complexities of HDL and LDL as biomarkers of vascular health.
A time-series minimally invasive transverse aortic constriction mouse model for pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling and heart failure
Authors: Wang Xia , Zhu Xinxin , Shi Li , Wang Jingjing , Xu Qing , Yu Baoqi , Qu Aijuan
Published: February 2023

Transverse aortic constriction (TAC) is a widely-used animal model for pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). The severity of TAC-induced adverse cardiac remodeling is correlated to the degree and duration of aorta constriction. Most studies of TAC are performed with a 27-gauge needle, which is easy to cause a tremendous left ventricular overload and leads to a rapid HF, but it is accompanied by higher mortality attributed to tighter aortic arch constriction. However, a few studies are focusing on the phenotypes of TAC applied with a 25-gauge needle, which produces a mild overload to induce cardiac remodeling and has low post-operation mortality. Furthermore, the specific timeline of HF induced by TAC applied with a 25-gauge needle in C57BL/6 J mice remains unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 J mice were randomly subjected to TAC with a 25-gauge needle or sham surgery. Echocardiography, gross morphology, and histopathology were applied to evaluate time-series phenotypes in the heart after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks. The survival rate of mice after TAC was more than 98%. All mice subjected to TAC maintained compensated cardiac remodeling during the first two weeks and began to exhibit heart failure characteristics after 4 weeks upon TAC. At 8 weeks post-TAC, the mice showed severe cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and cardiac fibrosis compared to sham mice. Moreover, the mice raised a severe dilated HF at 12 weeks. This study provides an optimized method of the mild overload TAC-induced cardiac remodeling from the compensatory period to decompensatory HF in C57BL/6 J mice.
Non-dipping pulse rate and chronic changes of the kidney in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Oba Rina , Kanzaki Go , Haruhara Kotaro , Sasaki Takaya , Okabayashi Yusuke , Koike Kentaro , Tsuboi Nobuo , Yokoo Takashi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

An insufficient decrease in nocturnal pulse rate (PR), non-dipping PR, reflects autonomic imbalance and is associated with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. We aimed to investigate the clinical and microanatomical structural findings associated with the non-dipping PR status in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 135 patients who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and kidney biopsy concurrently at our institution between 2016 and 2019. Non-dipping PR status was defined as (daytime PR-nighttime PR)/daytime PR <0.1. We compared clinical parameters and microstructural changes in the kidney between patients with and without non-dipping PR, including 24 h proteinuria, glomerular volume, and Mayo Clinic/Renal Pathology Society Chronicity Score.

Results

The median age was 51 years (interquartile range: 35–63), 54% of which were male, and the median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 53.0 (30.0–75.0) mL/min/1.73 m2. Non-dipping PR status was observed in 39 patients. Patients with non-dipping PR were older and had worse kidney function, higher blood pressure, greater prevalence of dyslipidemia, lower hemoglobin levels, and a larger amount of urinary protein excretion than patients with dipping PR. Patients with non-dipping PR had more severe glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and arteriosclerosis. In the multivariable analysis, the severe chronic changes of the kidney were associated with non-dipping PR status after adjusting for age, sex, and other clinical parameters (odds ratio = 20.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.82–153; P = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study is the first to indicate that non-dipping PR is significantly associated with chronic microanatomical changes in the kidneys of patients with CKD.
Hierarchical Milankovitch and sub-Milankovitch cycles in the environmental magnetism of the lower Shahezi Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Songliao Basin, northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Shujing , Wu Huaichun , Zhang Shihong , Yang Tianshui , Li Haiyan , Fang Qiang , Shi Meinan
Published: February 2023

SK-2 borehole in Songliao Basin provides unprecedented geological materials for investigating the Early Cretaceous continental paleoenvironment and paleoclimate in northeastern China. The lacustrine successions of the lower Shahezi (K1sh) Formation at the depth from 4,542 to 5,695 m was systematically studied using environmental magnetism and cyclostratigraphy in this study. Magnetic analysis reveals an inverse correlation between magnetic susceptibility (MS) and lithological ranks in fine clastic sediments, with the highest values in mudstones and the lowest in sandstones. The main magnetism carriers in the lower K1sh are pseudo-single-domain (PSD) and/or multi-domain (MD) magnetite with minor presence of hematite. MS was used to further explore the genesis of the environmental and climatic variations through cyclostratigraphic analysis. Sedimentary cycles of 113 m, 34 m, 13 m and 6 m can be identified in the power spectrum, which were interpreted as long and short eccentricity, obliquity, and precession cycles, demonstrating the impact of astronomical cyclicity on sedimentary rhythmicity. Floating astronomical time scale (FATS) of 4,090 kyr and 4,148 kyr were established by tuning the inferred long and short eccentricity cycles to the artificial 405-kyr and 105-kyr orbital eccentricity curves respectively. The estimated sediment accumulation rate around 28 cm/kyr confirms the rapid deposition process within the faulted lacustrine basin. Based on this study, the lake level oscillations in Songliao Basin are assumed to be shaped by long and short eccentricity, precession and semi-precession cycles during Early Cretaceous. This study also indicates that the sand-mudstone alternations deposition in K1sh is most likely driven by the seasonal discrepancies of summer insolation during semi-precession periods.
Climatic and seismic data-driven deep learning model for earthquake magnitude prediction
Authors: Sadhukhan Bikash , Chakraborty Shayak , Mukherjee Somenath , Samanta Raj Kumar
Published: February 2023

The effects of global warming are felt not only in the Earth’s climate but also in the geology of the planet. Modest variations in stress and pore-fluid pressure brought on by temperature variations, precipitation, air pressure, and snow coverage are hypothesized to influence seismicity on local and regional scales. Earthquakes can be anticipated by intelligently evaluating historical climatic datasets and earthquake catalogs that have been collected all over the world. This study attempts to predict the magnitude of the next probable earthquake by evaluating climate data along with eight mathematically calculated seismic parameters. Global temperature has been selected as the only climatic variable for this research, as it substantially affects the planet’s ecosystem and civilization. Three popular deep neural network models, namely, long short-term memory (LSTM), bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM), and transformer models, were used to predict the magnitude of the next earthquakes in three seismic regions: Japan, Indonesia, and the Hindu-Kush Karakoram Himalayan (HKKH) region. Several well-known metrics, such as the mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), log-cosh loss, and mean squared logarithmic error (MSLE), have been used to analyse these models. All models eventually settle on a small value for these cost functions, demonstrating the accuracy of these models in predicting earthquake magnitudes. These approaches produce significant and encouraging results when used to predict earthquake magnitude at diverse places, opening the way for the ultimate robust prediction mechanism that has not yet been created.
Nasal immunization with AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccine for improving follicle development and fertility in buffaloes
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Xuhong , An Zhigao , Ahmad Muhammad Jamil , Niu Kaifeng , Zhang Xinxin , Nie Pei , Tang Jiaomei , Liang Aixin , Yang Liguo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Inhibin DNA vaccine has already been proven to improve the fertility of animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a novel Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-Inhibin (INH)-RF-amide-related peptides (RFRP) DNA vaccine on immune response and reproductive performance in buffalo.

Methods

A total of 84 buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and nasally immunized twice a day with 10 ml of either AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccines (3 × 1010 CFU/ml in group T1, 3 × 109 CFU/ml in group T2, and 3 × 108 CFU/ml in group T3) or PBS (as a control) for 3 days, respectively. All animals received a booster dose at an interval of 14 days.

Results

ELISA assay revealed that primary and booster immunization significantly increased the anti-AMH, anti-INH, and anti-RFRP antibody titers in the T2 group compared with that in the T3 group. After the primary immunization, the antibody positive rate was significantly higher in the T2 group than that in the T3 group. In addition, ELISA results indicated that concentrations of E2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were significantly higher in the antibody-positive (P) group compared to the antibody-negative (N) group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of P4 between the P and N groups. Ultrasonography results revealed a highly significant increase of 2.02 mm in the diameter of ovulatory follicles in the P group compared to the N group. In parallel, growth speed of dominant follicles was significantly higher in the P group than that in the N group (1.33 ± 1.30 vs 1.13 ± 0.12). Furthermore, compared to N group, the rates of oestrus, ovulation, and conception were also significantly higher in the P group.

Conclusion

The novel AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccine improves the proportion of oestrus, ovulation, and conception in buffalo by promoting the production of E2 and the growth of follicles.
APOC1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for DN based on machine learning algorithms and experiment
Authors: Yu Kuipeng , Li Shan , Wang Chunjie , Zhang Yimeng , Li Luyao , Fan Xin , Fang Lin , Li Haiyun , Yang Huimin , Sun Jintang , Yang Xiangdong
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, which imposes a huge economic burden on individuals and society, but effective and reliable diagnostic markers are still not available.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were characterized and functional enrichment analysis was performed in DN patients. Meanwhile, a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) was also constructed. For further, algorithms Lasso and SVM-RFE were applied to screening the DN core secreted genes. Lastly, WB, IHC, IF, and Elias experiments were applied to demonstrate the hub gene expression in DN, and the research results were confirmed in mouse models and clinical specimens.

Results

17 hub secretion genes were identified in this research by analyzing the DEGs, the important module genes in WGCNA, and the secretion genes. 6 hub secretory genes (APOC1, CCL21, INHBA, RNASE6, TGFBI, VEGFC) were obtained by Lasso and SVM-RFE algorithms. APOC1 was discovered to exhibit elevated expression in renal tissue of a DN mouse model, and APOC1 is probably a core secretory gene in DN. Clinical data demonstrate that APOC1 expression is associated significantly with proteinuria and GFR in DN patients. APOC1 expression in the serum of DN patients was 1.358±0.1292μg/ml, compared to 0.3683±0.08119μg/ml in the healthy population. APOC1 was significantly elevated in the sera of DN patients and the difference was statistical significant (P > 0.001). The ROC curve of APOC1 in DN gave an AUC = 92.5%, sensitivity = 95%, and specificity = 97% (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our research indicates that APOC1 might be a novel diagnostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy for the first time and suggest that APOC1 may be available as a candidate intervention target for DN.
CFD simulations to study bed characteristics in gas–Solid fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Ganguli Arijit , Bhatt Viraj
Published: February 2023

The bed dynamics of unary and binary fluidized beds play a key role in understanding the pressure drop and hence provides an opportunity for performance improvement of the beds. In the present work, characteristics of fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles were investigated using CFD simulations. The phenomena of segregation and mixing using simulations were studied, both qualitatively and quantitatively, at a range of superficial gas velocities (0.3–0.6 m/s) and two different bed heights. The study was divided into two parts. In Part I, the current study, a qualitative analysis of flow patterns for seven different binary mixtures, is presented. The quantitative analysis, including particle and gas velocity profiles, particle volume fraction profiles, and correlations for minimum fluidization velocity and pressure drop, will be presented in Part II of this work. A mathematical model consisting of an Eulerian-Eulerian model with RNG k-ε model and KTGF model to capture the bubble dynamics was used. The standardized values of coefficients and plastic stresses have been used for all simulations. The CFD model was validated using experimental data from the literature. Qualitative predictions of volume fraction profiles of small-sized particles showed that, for mixtures within a range of 40%–60% Geldart-B type large particles, the bubble and solid particle dynamics were different from those of single particles of the superficial gas velocities considered. In contrast to the single particles in the given superficial gas velocity range that were in bubbling regime, the binary particles showed a transition from bubbling to slugging to turbulent regime, as demonstrated by qualitative analysis. A homogeneous regime was observed for lower superficial gas velocities for mixtures consisting of 0%–20% large particles.