bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic time warping assessment and sensitive high resolution melting analysis for subtyping Salmonella isolates from the Northern Thailand
Authors: Wisittipanit Nuttachat , Pulsrikarn Chaiwat , Wutthiosot Saranya , Pinmongkhonkul Sitthisak , Poonchareon Kritchai
Published: April 2019

Background: Nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. transmitted through various routes are a major concern of food poisoning due to the consumption of contaminated food.

Objective: To establish a molecular-based protocol for simple and rapid subtyping of Salmonella isolates from various sources.

Materials and methods: Sensitive High-Resolution Melting-curve analysis (S-HRMa) and Dynamic Time Warping assessment (DTW) were applied for serotyping forty Salmonella spp. isolates from various origins and locations in seven provinces in the north of Thailand; the results were compared to those from conventional serotyping and ERIC- PCR.

Results: HRM serotyping of forty Salmonella spp. initially produced fourteen melting-curves with two predominant clusters: C1 (n=18) and C2 (n=9). Applying S-HRMa and serogroups generated twenty-five sensitive clusters. Conventional serotyping revealed that cluster C1 and C2 comprised of six different Salmonella serotypes with S. Weltevradent (n=14) as the predominant one. The S-HRMa also suggested the possible subtyping in some serotypes. In addition, DTW was performed to cluster those forty Salmonella spp. into twenty-eight clusters, assigned into different four clades corresponding to S-HRMa. The two clustering methods indicated that the S. Weltevreden was the predominant subtype (DTW4-S1, n=6). Three ERIC clusters at 92% similarity index also corresponded to the results of those two clustering methods. With important and related epidemiological data, S. Derby and S. Monophasic were suggested to be related to the slaughterhouse and swine. In this study, the ERIC cluster 10 comprising two Salmonella isolates of S. Weltevraden suggested the transmission route was likely to be farm-to-farm in the same province.

Conclusions: The DTW assessment and S-HRMa effectively increased the discrimatory power of clustering to the same level as that of ERIC - PCR and were a simple and rapid protocol to perform Salmonella subtyping for the epidemiological research.
The Global Museum: natural history collections and the future of evolutionary biology and public education
Authors: Bakker Freek T. , Antonelli Alexandre , Clarke Julia , Cook Joseph A , Edwards Scott V , Ericson Per GP , Faurby Søren , Ferrand Nuno , Gelang Magnus , Gillespie Rosemary G , Irestedt Martin , Lundin Kennet , Larsson Ellen , Matos-Maraví Pável , Müller Johannes , von Proschwitz Ted , Roderick George K , Schliep Alexander , Wahlberg Niklas , Wiedenhoeft John , Källersjö Mari
Published: April 2019

Natural history museums are unique spaces for interdisciplinary research and for educational innovation. Through extensive exhibits and public programming and by hosting rich communities of amateurs, students, and researchers at all stages of their careers, they provide a place-based window to focus on integration of science and discovery, as well as a locus for community engagement. At the same time, like a synthesis radio telescope, when joined together through emerging digital resources, the global community of museums (the ‘Global Museum’) is more than the sum of its parts, allowing insights and answers to diverse biological, environmental, and societal questions at the global scale, across eons of time, and spanning vast diversity across the Tree of Life. We argue that, whereas natural history collections and museums began with a focus on describing the diversity and peculiarities of species on Earth, they are now increasingly leveraged in new ways that significantly expand their impact and relevance. These new directions include the possibility to ask new, often interdisciplinary questions in basic and applied science; inform biomimetic design; and even provide solutions to climate change, global health and food security challenges. As institutions, they are incubators for cutting-edge research in biology and simultaneously protect core infrastructure for present and future societal needs. In this perspective, we discuss challenges to the realization of the full potential of natural history collections and museums to serve society. After reviewing collections and types of museums, including local and global efforts, we discuss the value of specimens and the importance of observations. We then focus on mapping and modelling of museum data (including place-based approaches and discovery), and explore the main projects, platforms and databases enabling this. We also explore ways in which improved infrastructure will allow higher quality science and increased opportunities for interdisciplinary research and communication, as well as new uses of collections. Finally, we aim to improve relevant protocols for the long-term storage of specimens and tissues, ensuring proper connection with tomorrow’s technologies and hence further increasing the relevance of natural history museums.
The newly described Araguaian river dolphins,Inia araguaiaensis(Cetartiodactyla, Iniidae), produce a diverse repertoire of acoustic signals
Authors: Melo-Santos Gabriel , Figueiredo Rodrigues Angélica Lúcia , Tardin Rodrigo Hipólito , de Sá Maciel Israel , Marmontel Miriam , Da Silva Maria Luisa , May-Collado Laura Johanna
Published: April 2019

The recent discovery of the Araguaian river dolphin (Inia araguaiaensis) highlights how little we know about the diversity and biology of river dolphins. In this study, we described the acoustic repertoire of this newly discovered species in concert with their behaviour. We analysed frequency contours of 727 signals (sampled at 10 ms temporal resolution). These contours were analyzed using an adaptive resonance theory neural network combined with dynamic time-warping (ARTwarp). Using a critical similarity value of 96%, frequency contours were categorized into 237 sound-types. The most common types were emitted when calves were present suggesting a key role in mother-calf communication. Our findings show that the acoustic repertoire of river dolphins is far from simple. Furthermore, the calls described here are similar in acoustic structure to those produced by social delphinids, such as orcas and pilot whales. Uncovering the context in which these signals are produced may help understand the social structure of this species and contribute to our understanding of the evolution of acoustic communication in whales.
Physiological responses ofOxyrrhis marinato a diet of virally infectedEmiliania huxleyi
Authors: Goode Andrew G. , Fields David M. , Archer Stephen D. , Martínez Martínez Joaquín
Published: April 2019

The coccolithophoreEmiliania huxleyiforms some of the largest phytoplankton blooms in the ocean. The rapid demise of these blooms has been linked to viral infections.E. huxleyiabundance, distribution, and nutritional status make them an important food source for the heterotrophic protists which are classified as microzooplankton in marine food webs. In this study we investigated the fate ofE. huxleyi(CCMP 374) infected with virus strain EhV-86 in a simple predator-prey interaction. The ingestion rates ofOxyrrhis marinawere significantly lower (between 26.9 and 50.4%) when fed virus-infectedE. huxleyicells compared to non-infected cells. Despite the lower ingestion rates,O. marinashowed significantly higher growth rates (between 30 and 91.3%) when fed infectedE. huxleyicells, suggesting higher nutritional value and/or greater assimilation of infectedE. huxleyicells. No significant differences were found inO. marinacell volumes or fatty acids profiles. These results show that virally infectedE. huxleyisupport higher growth rates of single celled heterotrophs and in addition to the “viral shunt” hypothesis, viral infections may also divert more carbon to mesozooplankton grazers.
Effect of irradiance on the emission of short-lived halocarbons from three common tropical marine microalgae
Authors: Lim Yong-Kian , Keng Fiona Seh-Lin , Phang Siew-Moi , Sturges William T. , Malin Gill , Abd Rahman Noorsaadah
Published: April 2019

Marine algae have been reported as important sources of biogenic volatile halocarbons that are emitted into the atmosphere. These compounds are linked to destruction of the ozone layer, thus contributing to climate change. There may be mutual interactions between the halocarbon emission and the environment. In this study, the effect of irradiance on the emission of halocarbons from selected microalgae was investigated. Using controlled laboratory experiments, three tropical marine microalgae cultures, Synechococcus sp. UMACC 371 (cyanophyte), Parachlorella sp. UMACC 245 (chlorophyte) and Amphora sp. UMACC 370 (diatom) were exposed to irradiance of 0, 40 and 120 µmol photons m−2s−1. Stress in the microalgal cultures was indicated by the photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm, maximum quantum yield). An increase in halocarbon emissions was observed at 120 µmol photons m−2s−1, together with a decrease in Fv/Fm. This was most evident in the release of CH3I by Amphora sp. Synechococcus sp. was observed to be the most affected by irradiance as shown by the increase in emissions of most halocarbons except for CHBr3 and CHBr2Cl. High positive correlation between Fv/Fm and halocarbon emission rates was observed in Synechococcus sp. for CH2Br2. No clear trends in correlation could be observed for the other halocarbons in the other two microalgal species. This suggests that other mechanisms like mitochondria respiration may contribute to halocarbon production, in addition to photosynthetic performance.
Using Ipomoea aquatic as an environmental-friendly alternative to Elodea nuttallii for the aquaculture of Chinese mitten crab
Authors: Shi Linlin , Jin Meijuan , Shen Mingxing , Lu Changying , Wang Haihou , Zhou Xingwei , Mei Lijuan , Yin Shixue
Published: April 2019

Elodea nuttallii is widely used in Chinese mitten crab (CMC) rearing practice, but it is not a native aquatic plant and cannot endure high temperature. Thus, large E. nuttallii mortality and water deterioration events could occur during high-temperature seasons. The aim of this study was to identify the use of local macrophytes in CMC rearing practice, including Ipomoea aquatic and Oryza sativa. A completely randomized field experiment was conducted to investigate the crab yield, water quality, bacterioplankton community and functions in the three different systems (E. nuttallii, I. aquatic, and O. sativa). Average crab yields in the different macrophyte systems did not differ significantly. The I. aquatic and O. sativa systems significantly decreased the total nitrogen and nitrate-N quantities in the outflow waters during the rearing period compared to the E. nuttallii system, and the I. aquatic and O. sativa plants assimilated more nitrogen than the E. nuttallii plant. Moreover, the significant changes of bacterioplankton abundances and biodiversity in the three systems implied that cleanliness of rearing waters was concomitantly attributed to the differential microbial community and functions. In addition, principle component analysis successfully differentiated the bacterioplankton communities of the three macrophytes systems. Environmental factor fitting and the co-occurrence network analyses indicated that pH was the driver of bacterioplankton community structure. Functional predictions using PICRUSt (v.1.1.3) software based on evolutionary modeling indicated a higher potential for microbial denitrification in the I. aquatic and O. sativa systems. Notably, the O. sativa plants stopped growing in the middle of the rearing period. Thus, the I. aquatic system rather than the O. sativa system could be a feasible and environmental-friendly alternative to the E. nuttallii system in CMC rearing practice.
Habitat suitability and connectivity inform a co-management policy of protected area network for Asian elephants in China
Authors: Huang Cheng , Li Xueyou , Khanal Laxman , Jiang Xuelong
Published: April 2019

Enlarging protected area networks (PANs) is critical to ensure the long-term population viability of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), which are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Strict policies of PAN enlargement that focus on wildlife conservation have failed largely due to difficulties in encouraging stakeholder participation and meeting the elephant habitat requirement. A co-management policy that promotes sustainable resource use, wildlife conservation, and stakeholder participation may have greater feasibility than the strict policies in a developing world. Here, we identified the suitable habitat of elephants using maximum entropy models and examined whether habitat suitability is indirectly associated with local economic development in human-dominated landscapes. We found that (1) the suitable habitat was mainly in areas of forest matrix (50% natural forest cover) with multiple land-use practices rather than relatively intact forest and near communities (mean distance two km) and (2) habitat suitability was negatively associated with local economic development (rP = −0.37, P = 0.04). From the standpoint of elephant habitat and its socio-economic background, our results indicate that co-management will be more effective than the currently strict approaches of enlarging PAN. Additionally, our results provide on-ground information for elephant corridor design in southern China.
An Appraisal of Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) Methods
Authors: Olaleke J. O. , Adetunmbi A. O. , Ojokoh B. A. , Olaronke Iroju
Published: April 2019

Background: Content Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) is an aspect of computer vision and image processing that finds images that are similar to a given query image in a large scale database using the visual contents of images such as colour, texture, shape, and spatial arrangement of regions of interest (ROIs) rather than manually annotated textual keywords. A CBIR system represents an image as a feature vector and measures the similarity between the image and other images in the database for the purpose of retrieving similar images with minimal human intervention. The CBIR system has been deployed in several fields such as fingerprint identification, biodiversity information systems, digital libraries, Architectural and Engineering design, crime prevention, historical research and medicine. There are several steps involved in the development of CBIR systems. Typical examples of these steps include feature extraction and selection, indexing and similarity measurement.

Problem: However, each of these steps has its own method. Nevertheless, there is no universally acceptable method for retrieving similar images in CBIR.

Aim: Hence, this study examines the diverse methods used in CBIR systems. This is with the aim of revealing the strengths and weakness of each of these methods.

Methodology: Literatures that are related to the subject matter were sought in three scientific electronic databases namely CiteseerX, Science Direct and Google scholar. The Google search engine was used to search for documents and WebPages that are appropriate to the study.

Results: The result of the study revealed that three main features are usually extracted during CBIR. These features include colour, shape and text. The study also revealed that diverse methods that can be used for extracting each of the features in CBIR. For instance, colour space, colour histogram, colour moments, geometric moment as well as colour correlogram can be used for extracting colour features. The commonly used methods for texture feature extraction include statistical, model-based, and transform-based methods while the edge method, Fourier transform and Zernike methods can be used for extracting shape features.

Contributions: The paper highlights the benefits and challenges of diverse methods used in CBIR. This is with the aim of revealing the methods that are more efficient for CBIR.

Conclusion: Each of the CBIR methods has their own advantages and disadvantages. However, there is a need for a further work that will validate the reliability and efficiency of each of the method.
Screening of Antimicrobial Activity of Various Extracts of the Stem Justicia gendarussa
Authors: Venkatachalam Dhanapal , Rahman Akhib , Sunny Basil , Jacob Jensy , Kuriyan Nikhil , Raman Reshma , Vaniapurackal Ria
Published: April 2019

Objective: The present study was designed to check in-vitro efficacy of Antibacterial and antifungal activity of aqueous and hexane extracts of stem of Justicia gendarussa against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Justicia gendarussa, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, commonly known as ‘‘vatham kolli’ was used in treatment of bronchitis, inflammation, eye diseases, ear ache, vaginal discharges, rheumatism, dysentery, eczema and jaundice.

Methodology: Hexane and aqueous extracts of Justicia gendarussa was used for antimicrobial screening. Antibacterial activity was tested against pathogenic bacterial strains Eschericha coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Also antifungal activity was tested against one human pathogenic fungal strain i.e. Candida albicans. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of Justicia gendarussa extract was carried out by using disc diffusion method.

Results: Aqueous extract of Justicia gendarussa showed the largest zone of inhibition (5mm) against Eschericha coli, at 50µgm/ml and 3mmzone of inhibition against S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Hexane extract does not   showing activity against to human pathogenic E. coli and S. aures, at 50µgm/ml. Aqueous extract has shown more potent antibacterial activity against Eschericha coli. Aqueous extract was found to be more effective against human pathogenic fungus Candida albicuns than hexane extract and standard drug. The zone of inhibition of Aqueous extract was 11mm and the zone of inhibition of hexane extract was7mm and standard only 2mm.The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of different types of compounds like terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids which may contribute for the anti-microbial action of this plant.

Conclusions: These findings provide scientific evidence of traditional use of Justicia gendarussa and also indicate the potential of this plant for the development of antimicrobial agents.
Pytochemical Characterization, Evaluation of the Anti-diabetic Activity and Acute Toxicity of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) Seed Oil in Wistar Rat Models
Authors: Nkeng-Asong Bezejea , Fokunang Tembe Estella , Borgia Njinkio Nono , Grace Mbong , Bathelemy Ngameni , Yves Tabi Omgba , Marcel Ngudjoe Ervrard , Nchafor Ndikum Valentine , Tchaleu Ngadjui Bonaventure , Ntungwen Fokunang Charles
Published: April 2019

Aim: Azadirachta indica A. Juss commonly called ‘Indian Lilac’ or ‘Margosa’ is used in the South West region of Cameroon to treat malaria, typhoid, intestinal worms and diabetes, and as mosquito repellent. Diabetes, a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, is associated with long term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. This study was designed to determine the phytochemical constituents and to investigate the anti-diabetic property of Azadirachta indica A. Juss seed oil obtained from the Far North region of Cameroon in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Method: An in vivo experimental study was conducted in the laboratory for preclinical animal studies and pharmaco-toxicology research, of FMBS, UY1 Cameroon. A study population of 135 albino Wistar rats with average mass 100 ± 20g was used. The phytochemical screening of the seed oil used was done using the GC-MS technique. The antihyperglycemic property of the oil was evaluated after oral glucose hyperglycemia induction, using 2g/kg body mass of glucose. The anti-diabetic property of the oil was evaluated over a period of 28 days, and blood glucose concentration after diabetes induction using alloxan solution in citrate buffer. The oral acute toxicity profile of the oil was evaluated over a period of 14 days following oral single dose 3 mL/100g administration of neem oil.

Results: Physico-chemical results showed that the oil was composed mainly of five fatty acides (oleic acid (30-55%) being the most abundant and linoleic acid (11-26%) least abundant) and nineteen biochemicals with the three most abundant being: nonacosane (20.6575%), hentriacontane (14.1515%) and 2-methylbenzaldehyde (11.8674%). The oil was antihyperglycemic and maximum effect observed at 1mL/100g body mass, and at t=20minutes, compared to 0.5 mL and 1.5 mL.

Conclusion: This study showed that neem oil have a promising preventive diabetic properties. The oil also proved to be antidiabetic at the doses of 0.5 mL, 1 mL and 1.5 mL per 100g body mass, with maximum effect observed with neem oil at 1ml/100g. Acute toxicity results showed no lethality at the maximum standard toxicity range of 2000mg/kg body weight.
Evaluation of Organoleptic, pH and Pasting Properties of Blends from Unripe Plantain, Soybean and Ginger
Authors: Iwanegbe I. , Jimah A. , Suleiman M.
Published: April 2019

Aim: To evaluate the organoleptic, pH and pasting properties of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca), soybeans (Glycine max) and ginger (Zingerber officianale) as edible sources of food which can be processed into flour for several purposes.

Methodology: The plant materials (unripe plantain, soybean and ginger) used in this study were processed separately into flours. The flours were then formulated into different proportions  i.e. composite flour blends; A (100%), B(80:14:6)%, C(70:26:4)%, D (60:38:2)% and E(50:50)% and analyzed for pasting properties, pH and sensory properties using  standard procedures for 12weeks. Data generated were subjected to one-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in randomized block to test significant variations (P<0.05) among mean values obtained.

Results: The results showed that the peak viscosity of the blends which is the ability of starch to swell freely before their physical breakdown ranged from 651 RVU to 2766 RVU. The highest value (2766 RVU) was recorded in blend A, follow by B (1916 RVU), C (1383 RVU), D (972 RVU) while the lowest value (651 RVU) was recorded in E. The highest trough value (2462 RVU) was recorded in blend A and followed by B (1687 RVU), C (1224 RVU), D (875 RVU) and the lowest was E (550 RVU). This implies that the higher the quantity of soybean substituted, the lesser the trough. Trough which measures the ability of paste to withstand breakdown during cooling was significantly different (P<0.05) in the blends. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the aroma of the various blends at week 0. Blend B with 6% ginger inclusion had the highest score (8.83) at 0 week, followed by blend C (8.50) with 4% ginger. Blends A and E without ginger inclusion had the lowest scores (6.25 and 6.75 respectively) at 12 weeks. The highest pH blend E (6.98) was observed at 12 weeks storage. The pH of the various blends remained acidic throughout storage of 12 weeks, an indication of shelf stability of products.

Conclusion: It was evident that supplementing unripe plantain flour adequately improved the pasting properties, pH and organoleptic properties which is a useful application in pastries like cakes and other snacks
In vivo Evaluation of Anti-malarial Activity of Stem and Root Extracts of Erythrina abyssinica
Authors: Onyango Daniel W. , Midiwo Jacob O.
Published: April 2019

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the in vivo anti-malarial activity of stem and root extracts of E. abyssinica using the 4-day suppressive in vivo anti-malarial test.

Methodology: Female mice weighing approximately 20±2 g were intra-peritoneally injected with mice passaged Plasmodium berghei parasites. The extracts were then administered orally 2 h post-infection and, subsequently, daily for 4 days. On the 4th day, blood smears were prepared from all the mice, stained with giemsa and parasitaemia as well as chemosuppression determined.

Results: Comparatively, the root extracts exhibited higher chemosuppression than stem extracts and the level of chemosuppression was dose dependent being the highest at 50 mg/kg and lowest at 12.5 mg/kg. Survival time in extract treated and chloroquine treated groups was 2 to 3 fold higher than the –ve control.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that the root extracts are more efficacious in suppressing the development of full blown malaria compared to stem extracts and may be a useful candidate in managing malaria in future.
Movement Disorder Early in the Presentation of Two Children with Subacute Sclerosing Pan-Encephalitis
Authors: Al-Gethami Hanin , Alrifai Mohammad Talal , Al-Rumayyan Ahmed , Al-Tuwaijri Waleed , Ba-Armah Duaa
Published: April 2019

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a progressive degenerative disease caused by measles infection with overall poor prognosis in spite multiple modalities of treatment. The course of the disease is characterized by progressive neurological decline in the form of behavioral and personality changes followed by a stage of characteristic periodic myoclonic spasms followed by a stage of quadriplegia movement disorder, vegetative state and frequently early death. Here we report two cases with atypical presentation of early rather than late movement disorder during illness and the unusual association of central precocious puberty preceding the course of illness in one of the cases.
Agronomic Efficiency of Bone Meal under Acidification in Brachiaria ruziziensis Dry Matter Production in Western Amazon
Authors: Damaceno João Batista Dias , Nina Lobato Ana Cecília , Gama Romildo Torres da , Silva Cleidson Alves da , Martins Jhonny Kelvin Dias , Oliveira Danielle Monteiro de , Tucci Carlos Alberto Franco , Souza Falcão Newton Paulo de , Ferreira Elvino
Published: April 2019

Aims: The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of the bone meal under acidification in the production of dry matter of Brachiaria ruziziensis in relation to a soluble source.

Study Design: The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments included a control, single superphosphate (SS), bone meal (BM), BM treated with 10% oxalic acid, BM treated with 10% acetic acid, and BM treated with 1% to 0.5% hydrochloric acid.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out from October 2014 to February 2015, at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), located 15 km from the city of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia, Brazil.

Methodology: The bone meal used in the experiment was produced manually, where bovine bones were collected and burned for carbon removal and particle reduction. The oxalic acid, acetic acid and hydrochloric acid were used to increase the solubility of the bone meal for application to the soil for growth of B. ruziziensis. Parameters evaluated were the agronomic efficiency index (AEI), phosphorus conversion efficiency (PCE), shoot dry matter (SDM), and root dry matter (RDM).

Results: AEI obtained for acid treatments was above 60% and PCE satisfactory when compared to the soluble source, except for 0.5% hydrochloric acid and significantly above the BM without acid treatments. There was higher production of SDM and RDM with the soluble source (SS), however the acid treatments promoted dry matter production above the BM without acid treatments.

Conclusions: The application of acids in bone meal promoted satisfactory agronomic efficiency gains for Brachiaria ruziziensis.
Yield and Characteristics of Melon Fruits under Different Fertilization Management and Soil Cover
Authors: Lobo Jackson Teixeira , Silva Sales Witalo da , Alves Feitosa José Fabrício , Costa Junior Juscelino Martins , De Fatima Reynaldo Teodoro , Carreiro Daniel De Almeida , Camara Felipe Thomaz da
Published: April 2019

Aims: To evaluate the 'Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo' melon yield and fruit characteristics as a function of fertilization management and soil cover with mulch.

Study Design: The design was a randomized complete block design in a 2x3x2 factorial scheme, with three replications and seven plants per plot.

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted from June to September 2015, at the Center of Agrarian and Biodiversity Sciences of the Federal University of Cariri, located in the city of Crato, Cariri region, Brazil.

Methodology: Two varieties of melon ('Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo') were studied under three fertilization managements (mineral fertilization via soil, mineral fertilization via soil + organic fertilization and mineral fertilization via soil + foliar fertilization) with the presence or absence of soil cover with polyethylene mulch.

Results: The use of mineral + organic fertilization and mineral + leaf fertilization promoted an increase in fruit mass and yield of approximately 3.93 t ha-1 (25.50%) and 4.64 t ha-1 (30%), respectively. Both melon cultivars presented the best responses grown on plastic mulch, with yield increases of 79.66% and 26.16% for 'Canary' and 'Hale's Best Jumbo', respectively. Moreover, the 'Hale's Best Jumbo' cultivar presented higher soluble solids contents than the 'Canary' melon, with an increase of 11.26% (0.76 ° Brix).

Conclusion: The use of soil cover and additional fertilization (organic or foliar) in the cultivation of melon provides an increase in size, mass and productivity, while soil cover increases the soluble solids content in fruits.
Breaking Communication Stereotypes: The Discourse of Armenian Velvet Revolution
Authors: Muradian Gaiane
Published: April 2019

In its most basic sense, communication – the transmission and reception of information between the addresser and addressee, the generation of certain meaning, and the powerful source of information in the society – is a social multidimensional semi­otic sys­tem which today, along with traditional oral and written discourse modes, is realized through numerous other media or modes – live-streaming and online text messaging as well as pictures, graphic designs, cartoons, colors, music, clothing, theatre-like scenes/actions, etc. The collection of these modes or elements, contributes to how multimodality affects different rhetorical situations, or opportunities for increasing the audience’s reception of an idea or concept. Hence, the present paper aims at outlining the different modes of multidisciplinary communication tactics with a focus on the complex nature of language/discourse/text and other multimodal communication practices in terms of the aural, spatial and visual resources or modes used to compose the message of the 2018 Armenian Velvet Revolution. The case study shows that the Armenian Velvet Revolution is a master-class in the application of multimodality, i.e. various modes of communication to convey information and impact the public, thus securing the success of the Revolution
Current Issues of Backpacking Tourism Development: Profile and Characteristics of “Sharecost” and “Opentrip” Tourist
Authors: Wiweka Kadek , Wachyuni Suci Sandi , Simawang Sinta Prasintya , Adnyana Pramania , Wihartaty Eka
Published: April 2019

Aims: The backpacker phenomenon has developed so rapidly and more professionally packaged. Currently, there are two types of backpacker activities that are in great demand, such as "Open Trip" and "Share Cost". The purpose of this study is to identify the profile and characteristics of tourists "Open Trip" and "Share Cost", as part of a type of backpacking tour.

Study Design: The researcher used an ethnographic approach that was carried out by combining observation techniques, interviews, and participatory questionnaires, which meant researchers followed the opentrip and share cost trips as research objects.

Methodology: This approach is carried out by combining observation techniques, interviews, and participatory questionnaires, which means that researchers follow the opentrip and share cost trips as research objects. We included 73 participants each from share cost and opentrip. All participants filled out questionnaires about profiles and their characteristics.

Results: This study found that both the method of travel, both opentrip and Sharecost, have many similarities and are grouped in backpacker types. The similarity that occurs lies in the demographic characteristics of tourists in terms of age and work, but there are differences in gender. Whereas from the travel process, there are some technical differences between preparation, when traveling, until after the trip.

Conclusions: Where both share cost and opentrip have the characteristics of each market. This information is important for tourism industry players to recognize market segments that are now developing among millennials. This information can then be useful as a reference in determining marketing strategies and product development in accordance with the characteristics of these tourists.
Evaluating the Relationship between Rainfall, Maximum Temperature and Convective Systems over Selected Cities in Nigeria
Authors: Dada B. M.
Published: April 2019

The convective systems and maximum temperature are key weather parameters that affect various sectors of the Nigerian economy, especially Agriculture, health and transportation. Agriculture which is the mainstay of the economy of Nigeria is weather driven. A balanced weather condition brings about good crop yield which in turn have a positive impact on the economy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between rainfall, maximum temperature and convective activities over Ikeja, Abuja and Kano cities in Nigeria. Monthly weather data of squall, thunderstorms, maximum temperature and rainfall were obtained from the archives of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency for the period between 1985 and 2015 (30 years). Seasonal and inter-annual variations and relationships between the parameters were analyzed. Over Ikeja the result highlighted a gradual increase in these parameters from January to May/June, while the decrease began from October through to December. Further analysis revealed two separate peak periods for these parameters, with rainfall having its peaks in the months of June and September; Thunderstorm, June and October, and squall attaining its maxima in May and October. Over Kano, March, April and May (MAM) and September, October and November (SON) period indicated that the rain that fell during that period had positive correlation while December, January and February (DJF) and June, July and August (JJA) has a negative correlation. Over Abuja, DJF, MAM and SON showed positive while JJA shows a negative correlation. There will be a need for further studies which will consider the role(s) being played by the various triggering mechanisms and the extent to which the influence of the occurrence of these convective activities rainfall and maximum temperature. The utilization of modelling and mapping techniques may also give further insight into the variation of these systems and a clue to issuing more accurate forecasts and predictions.
Comparison and Effectiveness of Complementary and Alternative Medicine as against Conventional Medicine in the Treatment and Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Boston Cecil , Wong Natasha , Ganga Teshawattie , Chandradatt Khaimwattie , Rosales Judith , Singh Jaipaul , Kurup Rajini
Published: April 2019

Aim: The main objective of the study was to compare, using laboratory data, the efficacy of herbal medicines against conventional drugs in treating and managing diabetes mellitus (DM) among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients.

Methodology: The study recruited 80 patients from a private Herbal Clinic and the Georgetown Public Hospital Diabetic and Medical Outpatient Clinic after giving their consent and satisfying the inclusion criteria. Laboratory tests and analysis were done using conventional scientific methods and data analyzed using SPSS version 20 with a p-value of 0.05 being used to determine statistical significance. 

Results: The results showed that age, religion, ethnicity, education, marital status and monthly income have significant associations with the use of herbs. Persons using herbal medicine alone had normal lipid profile, renal function and liver function test, in addition to hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c) and fasting blood glucose (FBS). The most common herbs used were Momordica charantia (local name- karela) and Azadirachta indica (local name- neem), which were used in combination or alone. Results showed a positive effect on coronary heart disease risk.

Conclusion: The information generated from the study indicated that a significant number of diabetic patients using herbs alone for their treatment had normal results. However, a more controlled study is required to validate these results.
Biological monitoring of o-toluidine in urine pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method
Authors: Eitaki Yoko , Nakano Makiko , Kawai Toshio , Omae Kazuyuki , Takebayashi Toru
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To establish an enzymatic deconjugation method to separately quantify urinary o-toluidine (OT), its six metabolites, another six chemicals present in an OT-processing plant, and one metabolite of p-toluidine, and to propose optimal urinary biological monitoring items of OT exposure.

Methods

Thirty-six urine samples of an OT-processing plant’s workers were obtained and pretreated by an enzymatic deconjugation method employing β-glucuronidase/arylsulfatase for 3 hours at 37°C and measured by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). An alkaline hydrolytic pretreatment and 1-chlorobutane extraction procedure was also examined as a widely used urinary OT measurement method.

Results

The 14 chemicals were separated by LC-MS condition set by us and 13 chemicals other than 2-chloroaniline showed satisfiable linearity and limits of determination. Standard substances of six OT metabolites decomposed after the alkaline heating. In the 36 urine samples, OT, N-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenyl) acetamide (NHM), and 4-amino-m-cresol (ACR) accounted for approx. 90% of the total OT and OT metabolites, but inter-individual variation of the three substance excretion seemed to be wide. Time course of urinary excretion revealed that concentration of the three substances was higher 24 hours after the work shift’s end rather than just after the work shift.

Conclusions

OT and its six metabolites can each be determined with LC-MS. The alkaline method is not so optimal for exact biological monitoring. Rather, the sum of urinary OT, NHM, and ACR measured by the enzymatic method is a better index, and “end of the workweek” is a good urine-sampling time for the biological monitoring of OT exposure.
A new Elf5CreERT2‐GFP BAC transgenic mouse model for tracing Elf5 cell lineages in adult tissues
Authors: Singh Snahlata , Elenio Emily , Leu Nicolae A. , Romano Rose‐Anne , Vaughan Andrew E. , DeRiso Jennifer , Surendran Kameswaran , Chakrabarti Rumela
Published: April 2019

Elf5 is a transcription factor known to regulate critical developmental processes and has been shown to act as a tumour suppressor in multiple cancers. Elf5 knockout mice are embryonically lethal, limiting in vivo studies pertaining to its function. Moreover, haploinsufficiency of Elf5 limits the use of current mouse models to investigate adult tissue distribution of Elf5. Here, we successfully generated Elf5CreERT2‐GFP bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mice and show that Elf5+ cells are present in several adult tissues, where its expression was previously not known. Our study demonstrates the unique distribution of Elf5+ cells in multiple adult organs, which will facilitate future studies investigating the function of Elf5 in these tissues during homeostasis, repair and cancer.
Paip2 cooperates with Cbp80 at an active promoter and participates in RNA Polymerase II phosphorylation in Drosophila
Authors: Kachaev Zaur M. , Lebedeva Lyubov A. , Shaposhnikov Alexander V. , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , Schedl Paul , Shidlovskii Yulii V.
Published: April 2019

The Paip2 protein is a factor regulating mRNA translation and stability in the cytoplasm. It has also been found in the nuclei of several cell types in Drosophila. Here, we aim to elucidate the functions of Paip2 in the cell nucleus. We find that nuclear Paip2 is a component of an ~300‐kDa protein complex. Paip2 interacts with mRNA capping factor and factors of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcription initiation and early elongation. Paip2 functionally cooperates with the Cbp80 subunit of the cap‐binding complex, with both proteins ensuring proper Pol II C‐terminal domain (CTD) Ser5 phosphorylation at the promoter. Thus, Paip2 is a novel player at the stage of mRNA capping and early Pol II elongation.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Inert C−H Bond Activation and Cyclocarbonylation of Isoquinolones with Carbon Dioxide Leading to Isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐Diones
Authors: Yan Kelu , Jin Junbin , Kong Yong , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: April 2019

A palladium‐catalyzed inert C−H bond activation and cyclocarbonylation of isoquinolones leading to isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐diones under 1 atm of carbon dioxide has been developed. This transformation features high regio‐ and chemo‐selectivity, step‐economy, and good functional group tolerance. Most of the corresponding products were obtained in moderate to good yields. It offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of useful diverse isoindolo[2,1‐b]isoquinoline‐5,7‐dione derivatives.

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Activity of Atomically Precise Titania Nanoparticles in CO Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Xia , Wang Meng‐Meng , Zhang Yan , Ding Xun‐Lei , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: April 2019

Understanding the property evolution of atomically precise nanoparticles atom by atom along the size continuum is critical for selecting potential candidates to assemble nanomaterials with desired functionality, but it is very challenging experimentally especially for systems having mixtures of elements such as metal oxides. In this work, the capability to oxidize carbon monoxide has been measured experimentally for titania nanocluster anions of (TiO2)nOm− (−3≤m≤3) across a broad size range in the gas phase. Stoichiometric (TiO2)nO− exhibits superior oxidative activity over other clusters of (TiO2)nOm− (m≠1) even when the cluster dimensions are scaled up to n=60, indicating that each atom still influences the chemical behavior of titania nanoparticles composed of ≈180 atoms. The fascinating result not only identifies a promising building block of TinO2n+1 for devising new nanoscale titania materials with desirable oxidative activity, but also provides compelling molecular‐level evidence for the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism of CO oxidation over titania supports.
Polyacrylonitrile–poly(1‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) blend based gel polymer electrolytes incorporated with sodium iodide salt for dye‐sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Saidi Norshahirah Mohamad , Ming Ng Hong , Omar Fatin Saiha , Bashir Shahid , Ramesh K. , Ramesh S.
Published: April 2019

New gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared via the blending of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a poly(1‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) copolymer. The sodium iodide (NaI) salt concentration was varied for each GPE sample. From ionic conductivity (σ) studies, we observed that the sample with a 40 wt % NaI salt content (N40) showed the highest σ of 3.54 × 10−3± 0.05 S/cm at room temperature, and all of the GPE samples obeyed Arrhenius behavior. The dielectric properties of the GPE samples were also analyzed to study the electrical polarization of the materials. The developed GPE samples were also characterized with X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We also then used the developed GPE samples for the fabrication of dye‐sensitized solar cells by sandwiching them between a photoanode and Pt counter electrode for photovoltaic studies. The highest photovoltaic performance was achieved by N40, with an efficiency of 3.04%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47810.
Curing of a tetrafluoroethylene–propylene elastomer with high‐vinyl polybutadiene rubber and peroxide
Authors: Cong Chuanbo , Liu Qingkun , Wei Peng , Meng Xiaoyu , Zhou Qiong
Published: April 2019

A cocuring agent is necessary for tetrafluoroethylene–propylene elastomer (FEPM), which cannot be cured by peroxide alone. We observed that high‐vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVBR) could be used as a cocuring agent for FEPM. The structure and properties of FEPM–HVBR blend vulcanizates were investigated by13C‐NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling tests, tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. This research showed that HVBR significantly improved FEPM by conferring a high crosslink degree to the FEPM–HVBR blends. When the HVBR concentration was 25% without any filler reinforcement, the tensile strength of the FEPM–HVBR blend vulcanizate reached 11.6 MPa, and the crosslinking density reached 171 μmol/cm3. In addition, HVBR improved the thermal stability of FEPM and changed the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the blend; as the HVBR content increased, theTgof the blend also increased.13C‐NMR analysis confirmed that crosslinks existed between the HVBR and FEPM macromolecules. When the blends contained trace amounts of HVBR, free‐radical reaction was more preferred between FEPM and HVBR, whereas when HVBR was 15% or more, crosslinking between HVBR was predominant. These findings expand the choices for the curing of FEPM. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47836.
Making it stick: A CURE designed to introduce students to the scientific process and the host response to foreign materials
Authors: Slee Joshua B. , McLaughlin Jacqueline S.
Published: April 2019

Often overlooked in many molecular cell biology laboratory and cell culture courses, suspension cells represent an important aspect of molecular cell biology and cell culture. Most primary cell cultures and cell lines are adherent cells which grow in monolayers on surfaces. However, other cells such as hematopoietic cells, certain tumor cells, and cells of the immune system are suspension cells which are anchorage‐independent which grow and divide in solution. THP‐1 cells are a commercially available, spontaneously immortalized monocyte‐like cell line derived from the peripheral blood of a patient with acute monocytic leukemia. These cells are an excellent model for suspension cell culture and studies of the immune system. Researchers have used THP‐1 cells to study the host response to implantable devices and biomaterials in vitro. Tissue contacting surfaces of implantable materials initiate a host inflammatory response characterized by many events, one of which includes macrophage attachment to the surface, which ultimately leads to degradation and failure of the material. Using the THP‐1 adhesion assay embedded in this CURE, students can participate in the scientific process by testing substances which may prevent the host inflammatory response to implantable devices and biomaterials. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):417–425, 2019.