bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for the lack of actin involvement in mitosis and in the contractile process in Spirostomum teres
Authors: Hobbs Valerie S. , Jenkins Robert A. , Bamburg James R.
Published: April 2021

Studies using actin decoration techniques and electron microscopy have failed to show the presence of actin in the ciliate Spirostomum teres. The internal and external membranes of dividing cells were made permeable by treatment with Triton. The myosin subfragment S-l was introduced into the cells for incubation under conditions suitable for actin decoration. Arrowhead decoration of microfilaments was not observed within dividing micronuclei or in cytoplasmic filament bundles. However, using similar procedures, the brush border of mouse small intestine yielded clearly decorated microfilaments. A spectrophotometric DNase I inhibition assay specific for G-actin demonstrated that the level of actin in S. teres extracts was less than 0·06% of the total soluble protein and confirms the observations made using the decoration procedures. On the basis of this work, it appears that actin does not play a significant part in either mitotic chromosome movement or contractility in S. teres.
Repair of a calcium-dependent adhesive mechanism of embryonic neural retina cells: kinetic and molecular analysis
Authors: Geller Robin L. , Lilien Jack
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we examine the restitution of a Ca2+-dependent adhesive system of embryonic chick neural retina cells following trypsinization in the absence of divalent cations. The processes involved in the restitution of this system are dissected by monitoring the effects of various drugs, alone and in specific combinations, on the kinetics of adhesion and the morphology of 24-h aggregates. In agreement with prior observations, aggregate formation can be separated into two distinct phases: the formation of adhesions and their ultimate stabilization. The formation of adhesions appears to involve two processes, de novo synthesis of protein and mobilization of an endogenous pool, while stabilization requires de novo synthesis of RNA and protein glycosylation.

We also examine the appearance of two cell surface molecules previously implicated in the function of the Ca2+-dependent adhesive system. The cells are repaired in the presence or absence of the inhibitors and surface-iodinated at 3 and 5 h. The labelled molecules are then separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The appearance of the two molecules, gp130/4·8 and gp70/4·8, is affected by the various drugs in a manner consistent with the effects of these agents on the kinetics of adhesion. These molecules appear to exist in endogenous pools and they are also synthesized de novo during the repair period.
Lectin binding to guinea-pig sperm zipper particles
Authors: Enders George C. , Werb Zena , Friend Daniel S.
Published: April 2021

Zipper particles are morphologically distinct transmembrane specializations of sperm tails. In freeze-fracture replicas of the guinea-pig sperm, they appear as an interdigitating double row of intramembranous particles running longitudinally within the plasma membrane of the principal piece. In thin section, zipper particles appear as an increase in electron density both above and below the bilayer. Zipper particles have been observed on a variety of both mammalian and nonmammalian species, suggesting that they have been conserved to serve an essential sperm function. As a first step towards biochemically characterizing guinea-pig zipper particles and towards developing a zipper isolation procedure, we performed an in situ lectin-binding study. Examination of nine gold- or ferritin-conjugated lectins revealed that three lectins, concanavalin A, Ricinus communis agglutinin I and wheatgerm agglutinin, bound to zipper particles. These lectin binding results suggest the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides within zipper particles. The results of the lectin binding study were then used in conjunction with a detergent solubilization procedure to identify potential zipper components. Detergent solubilization involved two non-ionic detergents: digitonin, which solubilized most of the plasma membrane, but left approximately two thirds of the zipper particles attached to the cytoskeleton, and Triton X-100, which solubilized the remaining zipper particles while leaving most other sperm structures intact. Within sodium dodecyl sulphate /polyacrylamide gels of the Triton-X-100-soluble fraction potential zipper particle components with the same lectin-binding characteristics as in situ zipper particles were identified.
Transport of phagosomes in mouse peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Toyohara A. , Inaba K.
Published: April 2021

Mouse macrophages were elicited by the peritoneal injection of chondroitin sulfate solution, harvested and purified, and used as experimental materials. Small and large (diameter: 0·9 μm and 3·0μm respectively) polystyrene beads (PB) were used as ingested particles.

When the macrophages were incubated with Hank’s solution containing small or large PB for 30 min, the phagosomes containing small or large PB were usually randomly distributed. When the macrophages were further incubated for 45 min in PB-free medium, both small and large phagosomes containing PB accumulated at the perinuclear region. The transport of large phagosomes containing 3·0 μm PB was inhibited by cytochalasin B, but not by vinblastine or podophyllotoxin. Conversely, the transport of small phagosomes containing 0·9μm PB was not inhibited by cytochalasin B but was inhibited by vinblastine or podophyllotoxin. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the small phagosomes appeared to accumulate at the central region of the microtubule network. The large phagosomes, on the other hand, appeared to be surrounded by actin-rich cytoplasm, and in some cells actin filament-like structures could be seen around large phagosomes.

These results suggest that there are two different transport systems of phagosomes in macrophages. Phagosomes smaller than 0·9 μm in diameter are, probably, mainly transported to the perinuclear region by a microtubule-based motility system and those larger than 3·0 μm in diameter by an actin-based mechanism.

It was observed electron-microscopically that accumulated phagosomes containing PB could fuse with each other and form larger phagosomes.
Localization of intracellular proteins at acetylcholine receptor clusters induced by electric fields in Xenopus muscle cells
Authors: Rochlin M. William , Peng H. Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Electric fields cause acetylcholine receptor (AChR) patches to form on the cathodal sides of cultured muscle cells. These patches are stable for several hours following cessation of an electric field treatment, indicating that the receptors are anchored to the cluster sites. Furthermore, at the ultrastructural level, AChR patches induced by electric fields are marked by an accumulation of extracellular matrix material and a sarcolemmal density. Thus, these AChR patches are similar to those induced by other stimuli, including nerve, polycation-coated beads, and the tissue culture substratum. Proteins that may be involved in anchoring AChRs have been colocalized with AChR patches induced by the latter three stimuli, but not at AChR patches induced by electric fields. In this study, we demonstrate that three putative anchoring proteins, 43K (K=103Mr) protein, 58K protein and talin, are associated with field-induced AChR patches. We also show that these proteins persist at field-induced AChR patches following removal of the field, indicating that they are stabilized at the AChR patch. Our data are consistent with the possibility that these proteins contribute to the stabilization of AChRs at patches induced by the electric field. Since 43K, 58K and talin are intracellular proteins, and therefore could not undergo field-induced lateral electrophoresis, our observations support the notion that the electric field triggers the formation of an AChR-stabilizing specialization.
Low density lipoproteins bound to Schistosoma mansoni do not alter the rapid lateral diffusion or shedding of lipids in the outer surface membrane
Authors: Caulfield John P. , Chiang Chun-Pin , Yacono Patrick W. , Smith Laurel A. , Golan David E.
Published: April 2021

Schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni bind human low density lipoproteins (LDL) in a concentrationdependent and saturable manner. The bound LDL could provide phospholipids and sterol to the worm, which cannot synthesize sterol de novo and lacks acyl chain-modifying capability. Here we have used three phospholipid analogues to explore the effect of LDL binding on the parasite’s outer tegumental membrane, i.e. the outer of the two membranes that cover its surface syncytium. Fluorescein phosphatidylethanolamine (Fl-PE) and rhodamine phosphatidylethanolamine (Rh-PE) bound to the parasite in a saturable manner and, as shown by fluorescence microscopy, were confined to the surface. Fl-PE fluorescence was completely quenched by Trypan Blue and Fl-PE was lost from the surface following single exponential decay kinetics (tr=l2h), further suggesting that the probe was confined to the outer membrane. 1,1’ -Dioctadecyl-3,3,3’,3’ -tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (Dil-Cl8(3); Dil) did not bind saturably and was seen in both the surface and the internal parasite membranes. Fluorescence photobleaching recovery was used to measure the lateral mobility of Fl-PE in the outer membrane. The lateral diffusion coefficient of Fl-PE was approximately 10−7cm2s−1. The fractional mobility of Fl-PE was 85 % when measured using a laser beam of radius 1.8 μm and 45% using a beam of radius 4.3 μm. These measurements suggest that the outer membrane is composed of μ-scale liquid crystalline-phase lipid domains that lack significant amounts of transmembrane proteins. LDL binding to the parasite surface did not alter the lateral mobility of Fl-PE or the rate of loss of either Fl-PE or Rh-PE. These studies suggest that the binding of LDL to the outer tegumental membrane of schistosomula does not change either the organization of the membrane lipids or their rate of loss from the membrane. If LDL do provide lipids to schistosomula, then direct insertion of lipid molecules into the outer tegumental membrane is an unlikely mechanism for lipid transfer.
Changes in the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase during the cell cycle of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Vicente-Soler J. , Creanor J. , Bisset Y. , Mitchison J. M.
Published: April 2021

The activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADHase) was followed in synchronous cultures of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In selection synchronised cultures of wild-type cells, it followed a linear pattern in which there was a constant rate of increase of activity followed by a doubling of this rate at the end of the cycle. The same pattern was also found in selection synchronised cells of wee mutants except that the point of rate change was shifted to 0.27 of the cycle. A similar linear pattern was also found in the shortened cell cycles produced by induction synchrony (block and release of the mutant cdc2.33) but the rate change point was at about 0.75 of the cycle. In the mutant cdcl3.117, there was a marked fall in the rate of activity increase at 35°C but not at 37°C. In all these situations, the ADHase activity closely paralleled in pattern and in timing the rate of production of CO2 established in earlier papers. This suggests a coordinate control of the flux through glycolysis and the activity of the last enzyme in the glycolytic pathway in yeast However, an interesting difference indicating a loss of the coordinate control occurred in ‘synchronous’ cultures of cdc2.33 in which small cells had been selected but in which the DNA-division cycle had been blocked by a shift-up to the restrictive temperature. Rate changes both in CO2 production and in ADHase activity continued in these blocked synchronous cultures but the timing was different. With ADHase activity the timing was 15 % greater than that in a normal cell cycle whereas with CO2 production it was 15% less. We suggest that these and other periodic events are subject to independent oscillatory controls in these blocked cultures with timings that differ from each other and from the normal cycle but in the normal cycle the oscillators are all entrained by one or more events of the DNA-division cycle.
Double-rowed organization of inner dynein arms in Chlamydomonas flagella revealed by tilt-series thin-section electron microscopy
Authors: Muto Etsuko , Kamiya Ritsu , Tsukita Shoichiro
Published: April 2021

The in situ organization of the inner dynein arms of Chlamydomonas axonemes was investigated by analyzing a number of tilt-series thin-section electron micrographs taken with improved fixation and staining protocols. The use of mutant axonemes lacking the outer dynein arms and the radial spokes enabled us to detect a novel feature: inner-arm projections arranged in two rows. The arrangement of projections within each row was deduced by making a model that fitted both tilt-series longitudinal thin-section images and cross-section images. The model suggested that, within a repeating unit of 96 nm, one of the two rows, positioned more centrifugally, consists of four discrete domains and the other, positioned more centripetally, consists of three pairs of globular structures. Whereas the centripetal row resembles the inner-arm arrangement reported previously, the centrifugal row appears to have been identified for the first time in this study. These findings make necessary the re-examination of the arrangement of various inner-arm subspecies within the axoneme.
Ultrastructure of chromatin I. Negative staining of Isolated fibers
Authors: Woodcock C. L. , Woodcock H. , Horowitz R. A.
Published: April 2021

The ultrastructure of chromatin fibers isolated from erythrocyte nuclei of Necturus maculosus and contrasted with a number of negative stains is described. Long (>lOOOnm) fibers are prepared under ionic conditions that promote fiber integrity, fixed with glutaraldehyde and negatively stained with aurothioglucose, ammonium molybdate, methylamine tungstate, sodium phosphotungstate, uranyl acetate and a uranyl acetate-sodium phosphotungstate sequence. All stains yield images of ‘30 nm’ chromatin fibers, but aurothioglucose gives the most consistent diameter measurements (33 nm, SA). 3.5 nm), and provides the clearest images of individual nucleosomes. Regions of fiber showing structural order are seen with all stains. The most commonly observed is a regular pattern of oblique cross-striations consistent with the visualization of the ‘top’ or bottom’ of a helical structure. There is a significant relationship between fiber diameter and the cross-striation angle, consistent with an extensible chromatin fiber. Examination of power spectra prepared from selected ordered regions confirms the visual impressions, and indicates a striation spacing ranging from llnm to 18 nm, and dependent on the stain type. Fibers allowed to unfold slightly in a buffer containing 50 mM monovalent ions show evidence of a two-stranded helix-like organization. These results are discussed in terms of current models for the structure of the chromatin fiber.
On Methods for Preparing the Organ of Corti for Microscopical Investigation
Authors: Moseley Henry N.
Published: April 2021

In the January number (1872) of the ‘Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science,’ Dr. Rutherford makes the somewhat startling statement that the whole of histology can be gone over with a class of students in twenty-four lessons; and certainly his list of tissues to be examined in the course is tolerably comprehensive. A method for observing the structure of the retina is given ; but the Schneiderian membrane. the organ of taste, and Corti’s organ, are omitted entirely. Surely this latter, at least, is of as great importance and interest as the retina. It is generally, I imagine, considered very difficult to demonstrate j and such is, as far as regards the finer relations and structure of its several components, undoubtedly the case, and in these particulars it is one of the most difficult of histological problems; but a great deal can be seen with comparative ease, and, as I have had considerable experience in the matter, I propose here to give some notes on the subject. I-do not consider them to be by any means exhaustive or novel; but I have always found microscopists very anxious to see preparations of Corti’s organ, and very commonly unacquainted with the methods by which they may be obtained, and anxious to be informed concerning them.
Trophoblast and Serosa. A Contribution to the Morphology of the Embryonic Membranes of Insects
Authors: Willey Arthur
Published: April 2021

The substance of the following remarks formed the subject of a paper1 read by me at the last meeting of the British Association in Bristol.
The Structure of Xenia Hicksoni, nov. sp., with some Observations on Heteroxenia Elijzabethæ, Kölliker
Authors: Ashworth J. H.
Published: April 2021

At the suggestion of Professor Hickson I undertook to examine a specimen of the Alcyonaceous coral Xenia, which he had collected on the reefs of Talisse Island, North Celebes, chiefly with the intention of working out the arrangement of the canals of the colony. As the investigation proceeded the preservation of the colony was found to be so exceptionally perfect that it seemed desirable to make a study of its histology, and as several new and interesting points were early observed I finally decided to work out in detail the complete anatomy and histology of the colony. Although many authors have described the external characters of various species of Xenia, few have paid any attention to their internal structure. Bourne (1895) has referred to the canal system, the mesoglœa, and the distribution of spicules in two species of Xenia, and in Heteroxenia Elizabethæ, and Kölliker (1874) described the anatomy of his new Heteroxenia Elizabethæ as far as its very imperfect preservation would permit. These two accounts contain practically the whole of our knowledge of the internal structure of these two genera, and hence, when the beautiful preservation of this colony of Xenia from Talisse was apparent, there was a strong inducement to attempt a more complete account of its detailed anatomy and histology.
The Development of Echinoids: Part I.—The Larvae of Echinus miliaris and Echinus esculentus
Authors: Macbride E. W.
Published: April 2021

The development of Echinoids is up till the present very imperfectly known, our information on the subject being in a most unsatisfactory condition. The foundation was laid by Johannes Müller (3), but although he observed and described the external features of the metamorphoses, he was unable to refer with any certainty any one of the larval forms which he described to the adult species from which it was derived. So far as I am aware, Prof. Théel (4) and H. Bury (1) are the only persons who have hitherto reared any species from the egg until the conclusion of the metamorphosis. Through the researches of the former we have obtained an accurate knowledge of the characters of the larva of Echinocyamus pusillus at all stages of its growth. The youngest larval forms of many species have been determined by rearing, nevertheless Mortensen (2), in his most valuable summary of all descriptions yet published of Echinoid larvae, points out that our knowledge of the later pluteus stages is most imperfect, and that it is not possible to assign the older plutei which have been described to the species from which they have been derived.
The Relative Oxidizing Properties of Certain Reagents and Mixtures used for the Fixation of Tissues
Authors: Casselman W. G. Bruce
Published: April 2021

The oxidation potentials of the fixing reagents studied range from rioV for chromic acid to 0-23 V for formaldehyde. Potassium dichromate, mercuric chloride, and osmium tetroxide have intermediate values. Commonly used mixtures prepared from these compounds also exhibit a range of potentials from i-oo V for Champy’s to 0-15 V for Regaud’s. The oxidation potentials of Altmann’s, Champy’s, Flemming’s, Helly’s, and Zenker’s fluids remain relatively constant for at least 1 day, whereas those of Regaud’s and Sanfelice’s fluids undergo appreciable change.
The Continuity between the Cavities of the Premandibular Somites and of Rathke’s Pocket in Torpedo
Authors: de Beer Sir Gavin
Published: April 2021

The existence of an open communication between the cavity of Rathke’s pocket and the cavity of the premandibular somite in Torpedo ocellata at the 7 mm. stage is demonstrated by means of microphotographs. They provide a complete refutation of the claim by B. Wedin that because he was unable to find continuity of open communication between the cavities of Rathke’s pocket and of the premandibular somite, therefore E. S. Goodrich was mistaken in homologizing the preoral pit of Amphioxus with the hypophysis of craniates. On the contrary, Goodrich’s observations are confirmed and his theory vindicated.
The Competitive Effects of Transmission Infrastructure in the Indian Electricity Market
Authors: Ryan Nicholas
Published: April 2021

The integration of markets may improve efficiency by lowering costs or reducing local market power. India, seeking to reduce electricity shortages, set up a new power market, in which transmission constraints sharply limit trade between regions. During congested hours, measures of market competitiveness fall and firms raise bid prices. I use confidential bidding data to estimate the costs of power supply and simulate market outcomes with more transmission capacity. Counterfactual simulations show that transmission expansion increases market surplus by 22 percent, enough to justify the investment. One-third of this gain is due to sellers’ response to a more integrated grid. (JEL H54, L13, L94, O13, Q41)
Acquiescence and submission to COVID-19 vaccination: ethics considerations
Authors: Singh Jerome Amir , Bandewar Sunita S. , Palmero Ana , Bhan Anant
Published: April 2021

Compelling individuals to be vaccinated with candidate vaccines that have been granted emergency use approval based on limited data, and penalising non-compliance, raises challenging ethics issues. For instance, some individuals may wish to be vaccinated, but may be hesitant to be vaccinated with particular vaccine candidates. On the other hand, some individuals may be averse to vaccination of any sort but may find themselves being forced to submit to vaccination in certain situational contexts to gain access to benefits or services. In all such instances, acquiescence and submission runs counter to the notion of voluntariness, which is a central pillar of the doctrine of informed consent.
PENGARUH PENGETAHUAN LINGKUNGAN DAN SIKAP KONSUMEN TERHADAP NIAT BELI PRODUK RAMAH LINGKUNGAN (Studi pada Konsumen Air Mineral ADES di Kota Klaten)
Authors: Kussudyarsana Kussudyarsana , Devi Nur Yuliana
Published: April 2021

Business competition in the development in the era of globalization and high environmental damage requires companies to be able to meet the needs of consumers but also protect the preservation of the environment. This research is a quantitative causal research that allows to know the relationship that is influential between two or more variables by using two hypothesis tests, simple regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. The population in this study is Ades mineral water consumers who live in the city of Klaten, while the study sample was 125 respondents with a non-probability sampling purposive sampling method as a sampling method. Based on the results of research that environmental knowledge has a significant effect on consumer attitudes, environmental knowledge has no significant effect on purchase intention, consumer attitudes positively influence purchase intention. The attitude of consumers is also a variable that mediates the influence of environmental knowledge on purchase intention, the results of this study indicate that consumer attitudes do not mediate between independent and dependent variables. In this study the mediating variable is a fulling mediation model because a to Z has a significant effect, b to Y has a significant effect, and X to Y has no significant influence.
ANALISIS PENGARUH BUDAYA ORGANISASI DAN ETOS KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI (STUDI KASUS DINAS KELAUTAN DAN PERIKANAN DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Amalia Nofika , Astuti Puji
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of organizational culture and work ethic on employee performance in the Department of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. This research was conducted in March to April 2019. The sample used in this study were all employees, amounting to 57 people. The sampling technique uses the saturated sample method or takes the entire total population. Data collection methods used were qualitative using a questionnaire. Data analysis techniques in this study used the analysis of the research instrument test, classic assumption test, multiple linear regression test, partial test (t test), simultaneous test (f test), and coefficient of determination test. Multiple linear analysis is used to test the hypothesis of this study. The results showed that: (1) Organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on employee performance (Y), as evidenced by the t-count value of organizational culture of 2.986> t-table 2.004. (2) Work ethic has a positive and significant effect on employee performance (Y), as evidenced by the value of t-work ethic of 0.386 > t-table 2.004. (3) Organizational culture and work ethics simultaneously have a significant effect on employee performance as evidenced by the f-count value of 22.723 > f-table 3.16. The adjusted R square variant value = 0.437 or 43.7%, meaning that the organizational culture and work ethic variables are able to explain the employee performance variable of 43.7%, while the remaining 56.3% is explained by other variables not examined in this study.
ANALISIS PENGARUH PROMOSI PENJUALAN, PENATAAN PRODUK DAN SUASANA MALL TERHADAP PEMBELIAN TIDAK TERENCANA (STUDI KASUS PADA RAMAYANA DEPARTEMENT STORE YOGYAKARTA)
Authors: Ayatina Wuri Plangi , Sumarmi Saptaningsih
Published: April 2021

This study aims to analysis determine the effect of sales promotion, display product, and store atmosphere on impulse buying at the Ramayana Department Store Yogyakarta. This research was conducted at the Ramayana Department Store Yogyakarta in November 2018 until June 2019. This research was a quantitative study with 80 respondents. Data collection techniques is done by questionnaires and observation. The analysis technique used in this study uses multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study concluded that sales promotion, display product, and store atmosphere has a positive and sign effect on impulse buying through partial testing and simultaneous testing.
PENGARUH BUDAYA ORGANISASI TERHADAP ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR DENGAN KOMITMEN ORGANISASI SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI (STUDI KASUS PADA BADAN KEUANGAN DAN ASET DAERAH KABUPATEN SLEMAN)
Authors: Arundita Andira Ramadha , Subiyanto Didik , Kurniawan Ignatius Soni
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was conducted to determine the effect of the relationship between organizational culture and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) with organizational commitment as a mediating variable. This research was conducted in the Regional Financial Institutions and Assets of Sleman Regency. The sample in this study were all employees of the Regional Financial Institutions and Assets of Sleman Regency. Data collection by distributing questionnaires using a Likert scale to measure indicators. The technique used in this research is descriptive analysis. The results of this study indicate that organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on organizational commitment, organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), organizational commitment has a positive and significant effect on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and organizational commitment acts as mediation affect organizational culture and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB).
PENGARUH MEDIA SOSIAL, EVENT PARIWISATA, DAN FASILITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP MINAT BERKUNJUNG ULANG DI SANDBOARDING GUMUK PASIR PARANGKUSUMO
Authors: Pratiwi Zulanda , Prakosa Adhi
Published: April 2021

This study aims to determine the effect of social media, tourism events, and service facilities on revisiting interest in Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo Sandboarding. The research was conducted on visitors to the Parangkusumo Gumuk Pasir Sandboarding. This research is a quantitative research. The sample used in this study amounted to 100 respondents. This study used purposive sampling technique and data analysis with multiple linear regression. Hypothesis testing using the T test and F test with the help of the application program SPSS version 16.0. The results of the multiple linear regression indicate that social media has a positive and significant effect on revisiting interest. Tourism events have a positive and significant effect on revisiting interest. Service facilities have a positive and significant effect on revisiting interest. Based on the results of the F test, it shows that social media, tourism events, and service facilities simultaneously have a significant effect on revisiting interest.
Existence of Microplastic as Pollutant in Harike Wetland: An Analysis of Plastic Composition and First Report on Ramsar Wetland of India
Authors: Manzoor Shaista , Kaur Harpreet , Singh Rahul
Published: April 2021

Wetlands are ecologically important and productive environments which help in several global processes. Microplastic pollution is an environmental issue of great concern. The studies related to this issue have been reported chiefly on the marine environment whereas freshwater ecosystems especially wetlands are receiving less consideration. Harike wetland is a northern largest wetland of India with area at present of 86km2. It is home to several migratory birds along with being rich in fish diversity. In this study the presence and type of microplastic in surface water of Harike wetland were investigated. Two types of microplastic are found in harike wetland namely nylon (Nylon 6) and high density polyethylene with size ranging from 4mm to 60µm. Results from the FTIR, RAMAN and GC-MS confirmed the presence of microplastic in Harike wetland. Rivers Sutlej and Beas could be a source of sewage input towards Harike wetland thereby being the reason of microplastic contamination in it. This study insights better understanding of microplastic pollution in wetlands giving way towards the threat that microplastic transfer could cause through the food chain and affect other organisms.
Assessment of Heavy Metals in Ground Water of Different Locations of National Capital Region, Delhi, India
Authors: Dinakaran J. , Abbas N. S. , Arora Shvetambri , Bhardwaj Sujata , Kaula Babeeta C.
Published: April 2021

The quality of ground water in any region of the world entirely depends on different types of chemical constituents and their concentration levels in surrounding environment or dissolved in water. The main aim of this study was to assess some basic hydro-chemical parameters and heavy metals in ground water of National Capital Region (NCR), India. Thus, we have collected ground water samples from different sources viz., Najafargarh (NG), Bindapur (BP), Dwarka (BC and BG), Uttam Nagar (UN) and Sonipat (SP) in the NCR and analyzed electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), and Lead (Pb). The values of EC, TDS and salinity across the study sites range from 0.32 to 11.41 mS/cm, 233 to 8100 ppm and 154 to 6310 ppm respectively. Whereas, the mean level of heavy ion concentration in ground water was in the sequence of Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > As > Cu > Cd across the study sites. It has been concluded that, except for Uttam Nagar, ground water from all study sites is contaminated with heavy metals like Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb and As. Therefore, the ground water from study sites that are polluted is unfit for drinking purpose and may pose health risks.
Physico-Chemical Parameters and Diversity of Phytoplankton in Kirtankhola River, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossen Riyad , Chakraborty Shaswati , Karmoker Dipalok , Das Subroto K
Published: April 2021

The river Kirtankhola has great importance in southern part of Bangladesh due to its necessity in transportations, municipal and agricultural purposes. But the ecological status and impacts of water quality on phytoplankton diversity were undiscovered. To cover the maximum area of the river, water samples were collected from the 6 locations (ST) covering about 13 km. Some parameters were measured immediately after sampling by portable devices and others done in laboratory following standard methods. The overall quality of the water was found good according to water quality guidelines of World Health Organization, although the water of port area showed comparatively high SO42- and CO3- values which attracts attention for future monitoring. ST 6 showed comparatively more alkaline water (pH 8.45) along with highest EC, TDS, NO3-, NH4+ and DIP values. Besides, 53 phytoplankton taxa belonging to Cyanophyceae (6), Chlorophyceae (10), Euglenophyceae (12) and Bacillariophyceae (25) were identified from the river. Scenedesmus acuminatus was found commonly in five stations except ST 1, whereas Euglena chlamydophora (ST 1), Gomphonema olivaceum (ST 3) and Cymbella parva (ST 5) found rarely. Highest diversity was counted in ST 6. Moreover, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae have positive correlation with several physical parameters, whereas Cyanophyceae negatively correlated. Euglenophyceae has both negative and positive correlations with some physico-chemical parameters. However, this was first attempt to measure diversity of primary producers and their correlations with water quality of Kirtankhola River.
Threat Assessment and Prioritization of High-Value Medicinal Plants in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, India
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Arya Dhani , Sekar K. Chandra , Bisht Monika
Published: April 2021

The communication assesses the high-value medicinal plants reported in Pindari Valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, using a score-based method for prioritization and conservation. A total of 42 high-value medicinal plants were assessed, prioritized and scored on the basis of rapid threat assessment. Maximum threat was recorded for Aconitum heterophyllum followed by Picrorhiza kurrooa and Nardostachys jatamansi given their limited number of individuals observed in the study area as well as high utilization patterns. Minimum threat status was recorded for Epilobium angustifolium, where the species was found in higher density in its natural habitat. Among the recorded species, 64% were observed growing in grassland/alpine pastures and open/alpine slopes. 55% of species were native/endemic to Himalaya and 48% were extracted by the inhabitants. Underground portions (roots/rhizomes/tubers) of 40% of the species were utilized leading to destruction in natural habitat. Out of 42 medicinal plants, 16 species have been prioritized for conservation and recognized in different threat categories and most of these species are collected from natural habitat without scientific knowledge. Conclusion of the study might helpful for identifying threatened plants in the region so as to initiate sustainable use and conservation practices of high-value medicinal plant resources.
A Study on Species distribution and Diversity of Macro-Fauna of River Tawa - A Tributary of River Narmada in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Tiwari Charu , Vyas Vipin , Sharma Manik
Published: April 2021

This study is aimed to collect information about the macrofauna diversity of Tawa River. The Tawa River joins to Narmada at district Hoshangabad (Madhya Pradesh). During the study 8 sites were selected for the investigation . collections of samples were done from the eight sampling sites of the river. Collected samples were identified up to species level and their diversity and richness were analyzed. Shannon index for diversity and margalef index for richness were used for the study.Total 48 taxa of macrofauna have been recorded from the identified sampling stations. Benthic fauna of phylum Arthropoda was found in dominant position in the study and phylum Mollusca was found in second position.
Characterization and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Bacteria Isolated from Waste Dumping Site in Ujjain City, India
Authors: Sankhala Tarun , Vyas Alka , Vyas Harish
Published: April 2021

Municipal solid waste management is an important problem faced by all the developing cities. In most of the cities, municipal solid waste collected from different areas of the city is dumped into the dumping grounds where it is incinerated, used for landfill or left on the ground for self-degradation. In this study soil samples were collected from waste dumping site in Ujjain and 63 bacterial cultures were isolated and identified using serial dilution method. The antibiotic susceptibility pattern of cultures was determined using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion antibiotic susceptibility test. The results show that Pseudomonas is the most important bacterial genus present here followed by Bacillus and Enterobacter. It was also seen that about 52 % of bacteria isolated from this site were antibiotic resistant and about 33 % of cultures were resistant to more than one antibiotic. This represents a potential risk to public health; hence, efforts should be made to speed up the process of waste degradation in dumping grounds.
Environmental Concerns for Emergence and Reemergence of Novel Viral Infectious Diseases: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 and Other Pathogens
Authors: Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2021

The existing COVID-19 pandemic is an anthropogenic disaster which looked inevitable, because despite repeated natural warnings no attention was paid to them. Recently many viral zoonotic infections – caused by SARS-CoV-1, Ebola and Nipah, to name a few – happened that became public health emergency. The most recently discovered zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the contemporary humanitarian disaster. When a virus undergoes zoonotic transmission, the humans begin to respond urgently to its testing and treatment, giving least attention to the actual cause behind the transmission. To prevent future outbreaks, and possible pandemics, it is indispensable to understand the reasons behind emergence of new infectious diseases in human beings. Some most likely reasons for emergence and reemergence of novel zoonotic infections include deforestation, land use change, wildlife trade, bush-meat consumption and rapid increase in international travel. This article attempts to explore and discuss the factors that trigger emergence and reemergence of novel infectious diseases, with special emphasis on SARS, in human beings.
Qualitative Assessment of Perception on Gift Tilapia Farming: An Analytical Perspective for Better Dissemination and Adoption
Authors: Angela S.Agnes Daney , C Lloyd Chrispin
Published: April 2021

GIFT Tilapia a fast growing fish and candidate species used for short term profitable fish farming. The farm level adoption of GIFT Tilapia farming technology has not increased significantly, given its relative advantage over the carps such as easily grown in wide range of water quality parameters, better growth in higher stocking densities and short period for weight gain. Therefore, the study attempts to analyse the perception about GIFT Tilapia Farming among the Fish Farmers and Prospective fish Farmers in order to arrive at conclusions for better adoption of GIFT Tilapia farming technology. Simple random sampling was used for selecting the sample and the total sample size is 82 (44 Fish farmers and 38 Prospective fish farmers, that is, Non-fish farmers with knowledge about fish farming). The data collection was done through focussed group discussions and structured interview schedule. The statements are ranked based on ‘The Cumulative Perception Index’ calculated for each statement. The results show that the respondents perceive strongly that “GIFT Tilapia is one of the best cultivable species” and “it has more profit compared to carp culture”. The perception is highly negative to the statement that “GIFT tilapia culture technology is complex” however 63% of the respondents were sceptical about “the marketing of GIFT Tilapia”. From the results it is found that, in order to improve the adoption of GIFT Tilapia Farming technology, it is necessary to make the fish farmers informed about the guidelines to farming GIFT Tilapia, enabling availability and accessibility of GIFT Tilapia seeds and making them aware of marketability and innovative marketing strategies of GIFT Tilapia. This can perk up dissemination and adoption of GIFT Tilapia farming technology.
CAETANO VELOSO, “O ESTRANGEIRO”: UM BILHETE DE PASSAGEM PARA UMA VIAGEM ESTILÍSTICO-SEMIÓTICA
Authors: Rei Claudio Artur O.
Published: April 2021

A Estilística não existe para impor normas sobre como deve ser o discurso, isso compete às Retóricas, porque a Estilística não é normativa, não estabelece se a concisão é desejável no discurso, apenas analisa-lhe determinados usos. Apoiando-se também na Semiótica de Peirce, faz-se uma análise semiótico-estilística na letra de música “O estrangeiro”, de Caetano Veloso, além de conceitos filosóficos sobre o que é ser estrangeiro: “devemos admitir que nos tornamos estrangeiros num outro país porque já o somos por dentro?” (KRISTEVA, 1994, p. 22). Nesse sentido, o poético apresenta-se como um feixe de possibilidades significativas, instaurando um processo de semiose ilimitada, principalmente quando se trata de um texto musical polifônico. Baseando-se em Monteiro (1991) e Martins (1997), faz-se uma análise dos efeitos estilísticos presentes nesta letra de música.
A SEMIÓTICA NA PESQUISA SOBRE IDENTIDADE
Authors: Araujo Lúcia Deborah
Published: April 2021

O presente artigo se inscreve num conjunto de produções acerca do tema da identidade, estudada pelo viés da Semiótica e pretende demonstrar a aplicabilidade desse campo do conhecimento ao desenvolvimento de pesquisa sobre essa temática. Parte-se da compreensão de que os estudos identitários participam de um campo de interesse para o qual convergem variados saberes e disciplinas e defende-se o caráter fundamental da incorporação dessas contribuições para a pesquisa linguística. Discute-se o conjunto de ferramentas e operações que a Semiótica tem a oferecer ao pesquisador, permitindo-lhe lidar com a materialidade linguística em sua face icônica, de modo a apreender elementos de caráter identitário presentes no texto e com eles construir uma interpretação adequada. Nesse percurso, tomam-se como referenciais teóricos sobre identidade os pensamentos de Castells (2006) e Ventós (1994); sobre os princípios teóricos da Semiótica, tomaram-se os estudos de Peirce (1990) e Eco (2007); para a discussão do desenvolvimento da pesquisa de cunho semiótico, consultamos as operações semióticas de Morentín (2008); acerca da iconicidade verbal, recorremos ao trabalho de Simões (2009; 2013). As ilustrações de aplicações concretas dos princípios teóricos aqui abraçados foram recolhidas de pesquisas anteriores sobre o tema da identidade (ARAUJO, 2010; 2017; 2018).
ICONICIDADE, GRAMÁTICA E TEXTO
Authors: Dutra Vania L. R.
Published: April 2021

Pretende-se, com este trabalho, investigar a possibilidade de motivação icônica para a forma linguística. Buscam-se evidências que podem admitir a existência de uma iconicidade diagramática, ou seja, busca-se a comprovação de que “os arranjos estruturais refletem relações análogas existentes na estrutura semântica” (NEVES, 2007, p. 23) do texto que se constrói. Trabalhar-se-á com a noção de que as construções linguísticas que se disponibilizam para nós são determinadas pelos usos a que as sujeitamos, isto é, os sentidos que queremos construir auxiliam na configuração dos recursos linguísticos. Com base na LSF, analisaremos a variação funcional dos textos (gêneros), o modo como eles se diferenciam e as possíveis motivações para tais diferenças. Especificamente, verificaremos o modo como a linguagem funciona na construção dos textos (sequências textuais – se são argumentativas, descritivas, narrativas), o que determina grandemente os significados textuais. Conforme Halliday, “a natureza da língua está intimamente relacionada com as necessidades que lhe impomos, com as funções que deve servir.” (1976, p. 141).
Micronutrients and respiratory infections: the biological rationale and current state of clinical evaluation
Authors: Rowe Sam , Collins Patrick D , Stacey Susan E , Carr Anitra C
Published: April 2021

A range of nutrients has been studied or proposed for use in preventing respiratory tract infections and reducing their severity. This article gives a narrative review of the existing literature, biological rationales and current state of clinical evaluation for micronutrient therapies. The importance of vitamin A, the B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, eicosapentaenoic acid, vitamin E, selenium, zinc and a range of combination therapies are discussed, looking at their effects on reducing rates of infection, reducing severity of infection and improved recovery from infection. Further discussion regarding the level of evidence required for nutritional interventions is included.
Practical guidance for the use of potassium binders in the management of hyperkalaemia in patients with heart failure and/or chronic kidney disease
Authors: Campbell Patricia , McKeveney Paul , Donegan Kay , Ataliotis Charlie , Patton Carol , Mullan Robert
Published: April 2021

Given the critical physiological role of potassium, it is understandable that the development of severe hyperkalaemia requires effective management to reduce its effects, which include muscle weakness, paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias. Hyperkalaemia most often results from the failure of renal adaptation to potassium imbalance. Patients who are most susceptible to the development of hyperkalaemia include those with chronic kidney disease and those with heart failure. These patients are often treated with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II-receptor blockers, but the development of hyperkalaemia can require down-titration or cessation of RAAS inhibitors. This presents a significant challenge to nephrologists, cardiologists and healthcare professionals treating these patients as this can prevent them from receiving maximum guideline-directed RAAS inhibitor therapy. Panellists in this roundtable discussion shared their clinical experiences of using potassium binders to manage hyperkalaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and patients with heart failure (illustrated with case studies) in Northern Ireland and considered recommendations for the implementation and maintenance of chronic potassium-lowering treatment.