bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rekonštrukcia a vizualizácia stredovekej a ranonovovekej krajiny na príklade sídelného archetypu tvrdze na sútoku Vadičovského potoka a Kysuce
Authors: Hronček Pavel , Weis Karol , Jesenský Miloš , Čech Vladimír
Published: April 2020

A comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach is required to study landscape archetypes as a subject of the historical cultural landscape research with an emphasis on the cultural heritage. The aim of the study is to reconstruct the historical landscape (settlement archetype of fortified house) at the confluence of the Vadičovský stream (called “Radoľský potok” – Radoľa stream in the Middle Ages) and the Kysuca River in the period from the 16th to the 18th century when the examined territory was natural or only insignificantly man-modified landscape. Fundamental analysis of historical sources followed by the field research using methodical procedures of various scientific disciplines was carried out during the reconstruction of the historical landscape relicts (settlement archetypes). The identification of anthropogenic relicts was interpreted on the basis of the preservation and the linkage of the detected objects to the landscape. A computer visualization of the historical landscape, its transformation and a 3D visualization of the landscape with fortified house, which became the main landscaping element in the historic landscape after the disappearance of the medieval church in Radoľa, was used.
Čínsko-konžské vztahy: Nové strategické partnerství
Authors: Ženková Rudincová Kateřina
Published: April 2020

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a central African country which is rich in natural resources with long-term economic ties with China. The China´s presence in Africa is well-known, however, it is an open question whether it is based on a mutually beneficial partnership or neocolonial strategies to gain profit. The main aim of the article is to identify the strategies of Chinese actors in relations with Congolese partners. The methodology is based on the study and analysis of official documents, literature and databases of international trade and the Congolese-Chinese agreement signed in 2008 in particular. The conclusion is it might be mutually beneficial for both sides. Besides that, China and DRC developed a cooperation in the field of security issues which is illustrated by China’s participation in the UN peacekeeping missions.
Nano-Colloid Printing of Functionalized PLA-b-PEO Copolymers: Tailoring the Surface Pattern of Adhesive Motif and its Effect on Cell Attachment
Authors: MÁZL CHÁNOVÁ E. , KNOTEK P. , YANG Y. , MACHOVÁ L. , PROKS V. , KUČKA J. , POPELKA Š. , POP-GEORGIEVSKI O. , EL HAJ A. , KUBIES D. , RYPÁČEK F.
Published: April 2020

In this study, we investigate the preparation of surface pattern of functional groups on poly(lactide) (PLA) surfaces through the controlled deposition of core-shell self-assemblies based on functionalized PLA-b-PEO amphiphilic block copolymers from selective solvents. Through grafting RGDS peptide onto the functionalized copolymer surface, the presented approach enables to prepare PLA surfaces with random and clustered spatial distribution of adhesive motifs. The proposed topography of the adhesion motif was proved by atomic force microscopy techniques using biotin-tagged RGDS peptide grafted on the surface and streptavidin-modified gold nanospheres which bind the tagged RGDS peptides as a contrast agent. The cell culture study under static and dynamic conditions with MG63 osteosarcoma cell line showed that the clustered distribution of RGDS peptides provided more efficient initial cell attachment and spreading, and resistance to cell detachment under dynamic culture compared to randomly distributed RGDS motif when with the same average RGDS peptide concentration.
The Effect of α-Tocopheryl Succinate on Succinate Respiration in Rat Liver Mitochondria
Authors: SOBOTKA O. , DRAHOTA Z. , KUČERA O. , ENDLICHER R. , RAUCHOVÁ H. , ČERVINKOVÁ Z.
Published: April 2020

We compared the effect of α-tocopheryl succinate (TOS) on succinate-dependent respiration in rat liver mitochondria, homogenate and permeabilized hepatocytes in both a coupled and uncoupled state. In isolated mitochondria, a significant inhibitory effect was observed at a concentration of 5 µM, in liver homogenate at 25 µM and in permeabilized hepatocytes at 50 µM. The inhibitory effect of TOS on succinate respiration in an uncoupled state was less pronounced than in a coupled state in all the experimental models tested. When the concentration dependence of the TOS inhibitory effect was tested, the most sensitive in both states were isolated mitochondria; the most resistant were permeabilized hepatocytes.
Electrocardiographic Changes in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: KITTNAR O.
Published: April 2020

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been known for many years to be associated with poor cardiovascular prognosis. Due to the sensitive neuropathy, the coronary artery disease in diabetic patients is frequently asymptomatic. Also twelve leads resting ECG can be within normal limits even in an advanced stage of coronary artery disease. Therefore in addition to the standard ECG other electrocardiographic procedures started to be studied in order to find some typical signs of myocardial damages caused by DM. Repeatedly reported results showed in DM patients without cardiovascular complications the tachycardia, shortening of the QRS and QT intervals, increase of the dispersion of QT interval, decreased amplitudes of depolarization waves, shortened activation time of ventricular myocardium and a flattening of T waves confirmed by the lower value of maximum and minimum in repolarization body surface isopotential maps. Most of these changes are even more pronounced in patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Comparison with similar ECG changes in other diseases suggests that the electrocardiographic changes in DM patients are not specific and that they are particularly caused by an increased tone of the sympathetic nervous system what was indirectly confirmed by the heart rate variability findings in these patients.
Jan Evangelista Purkyně and the Cerebellum Then and Now
Authors: VOŽEH F.
Published: April 2020

The name of Jan Evangelista Purkyně and the cerebellum belong inseparably together. He was the first who saw and described the largest nerve cells in the brain, de facto in the cerebellum. The most distinguished researchers of the nervous system then showed him the highest recognition by naming these neurons as Purkinje cells. Through experiments by J. E. Purkyně and his followers properly functionally was attributed to the cerebellum share in precision of motor skills. Despite ongoing and fruitful research, after a relatively long time, especially in the last two decades, scientists had to constantly replenish and re-evaluate the traditional conception of the cerebellum and formulate a new one. It started in the early 1990s, when it was found that cerebellar cortex contains more neurons than the cerebral cortex. Shortly thereafter it was gradually revealed that such enormous numbers of neural cells are not without an impact on brain functions and that the cerebellum, except its traditional role in the motor skills, also participates in higher nervous activity. These new findings were obtained thanks to the introduction of modern methods of examination into the clinical praxis, and experimental procedures using animal models of cerebellar disorders described below.
INTERACTION OF LANTHANE AND LUTETIUM AT TEMPERATURE 1500–1600°C
Authors: Chudinovych Olga , Zhdanyuk Nataliya
Published: April 2020

Materials based on La2O3–Lu2O3 system are promising candidates for a wide range of applications, but the phase relationship has not been studied systematically previously. To address this challenge, the subsection of the phase diagram for 1500 and 1600 °C have been elucidated. The samples of different compositions have been prepared from nitrate acid solutions by evaporation, drying and heat treatment at 1100, 1500 and 1600 °C. The phase relations in the binary La2O3–Lu2O3 system at 1500 and 1600 °C were studied from the heat treated samples using X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy in the overall concentration range. The X–ray analysis of the samples was performed by powder method using DRON-3 at room temperature (CuKa radiation). It was established that in the binary La2O3–Lu2O3 system there exist fields of solid solutions based on hexagonal (A) modification of La2O3, cubic (C) modification of Lu2O3, and with perovskite–type structure of LaLuO3 (R) with rhombic distortions. The systematic study that covered whole composition range excluded formation of new phases. The systematic study that covered whole composition range excluded formation of new phases. The boundaries of mutual solubility and concentration dependences the lattice parameters for all phases have been determined. The solubility of Lu2O3 in the hexagonal А–lanthanum modification is ~ 9 mol. % at 1500 and 1600 °С. The solubility of La2O3 in the cubic C–Lu2O3 is ~ 4 mol. % at 1500 and 7 mol. % at 1600 °С.
On the Spore-forming Bacteria and Micromycetes in Natural and Cultured Cenoses
Authors: Rzayeva A.
Published: April 2020

The article provides some information about spore–forming bacteria (bacilli) and micromycetes of natural (virgin) cenosis under herbaceous vegetation and agrocenosis (cereals). It was established that in both cenoses there are 3 strains of spore–forming bacteria and 4 strains of micromycetes. Bacilli and micromycetes actively decompose complex polysaccharides to monosaccharides, which are easily absorbed by plants. Bacilli and micromycetes have a strong enzymatic effect on plant residues, transforming decomposition products in the process of humus formation. Together with invertebrate animals, they are included in the decomposition chain of phytomass residues. Bacilli and micromycetes, being active under mesophilic conditions, are also significant in arid soils.
Contradictions in the Nature of Transplantology
Authors: Tashpolotov K.
Published: April 2020

Article reveals the essence of the contradiction in transplantology. Analysis of literature and basic ethical standards in the modern world. Different views on transplantology problems are considered. In conclusion, it is concluded that transplantology refers to culture–sensitive medicine.
Ways to Solve the Current Issues of Forming a Psychological Portrait of the Modern Head in the Management System of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Authors: Orazymbetov K.
Published: April 2020

The article studies and analyses the psychological portrait of a modern leader with the help of the Successful Leader on-line questionnaire. The results of an empirical study revealed leadership styles that would contribute to effective management outcomes.
On Interactive Pedagogical Technologies Which Can Assist English Language Students to Improve Their Learning Skills
Authors: Azimbaeva R.
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study is to consider the effectiveness of using interactive technologies in the process of teaching a foreign language at a higher educational institution. The principal result of our research is the analysis of the influence of using interactive techniques on acquiring communicative competence and personal development of students. The major conclusions estimate the significance of applying interactive technologies in learning process.
Self-confidence in Oral Performance
Authors: Azimova M.
Published: April 2020

This article indicates the level of self-confidence during the oral performance of the students such as in speaking activities as well as the self-efficacy in their oral task achievements. Self-confidence is believed to be a psychological factor which has a considerable influence on students’ speaking skills. The purpose of this article is identifying the student’s self-confidence conducting the students’ survey on their self-confidence, in acquiring the English language with the help of questionnaire and students’ responds are analyzed by the author.
Why ‘Teach’ Beckett?
Authors: White Kathryn
Published: April 2020

Samuel Beckett's impact on literature and theatre is unquestionable but what is the impact of his work within the classroom and how do we quantify the effect on student minds? With an emphasis on why, as opposed to how, this article investigates the rationale for teaching Beckett in Higher Education. It raises questions about curriculum design and delivery, and the pedagogical motivation for exposing students to Beckett's work in the twenty-first century.

Adopting a qualitative approach from the positionality of the Beckett educator within an Anglophone-Irish context, the phenomenological accounts of teaching Beckett detailed here offer some substantive observations regarding the study of Beckett and education. Providing insight into pedagogical practice in relation to Beckett from literary and practice-based perspectives, each account demonstrates how Beckett's work is effective in creating significant learning experiences which have application for the wider field of literary pedagogy at higher education level.
Tasarım Temelli FeTeMM Etkinliklerinin Fen Bilgisi Öğretmen Adaylarının Bilimsel Süreç Becerilerine, Tutumlarına ve Bilgilerine Etkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Uysal Esma , Cebesoy Ümran Betül
Published: April 2020

Bu çalışmada, yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları
konusunda geliştirilen tasarım temelli FeTeMM (Fen, Teknoloji, Matematik ve
Mühendislik) etkinliklerinin fen bilgisi öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel süreç
becerilerinin gelişimine, yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarına yönelik tutumlarına
ve yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarına yönelik bilgi düzeylerine etkisi
incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın katılımcılarını, 2017-2018 bahar yarı yılında bir
devlet üniversitesinde fen bilgisi öğretmenliği bölümünde öğrenim görmekte olan
ve Fen Öğretimi ve Laboratuvar Uygulamaları II dersini alan 3. sınıf 25
öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma, 13 haftalık uygulama sürecini
kapsamaktadır. Ön-test son-test tek gruplu deneysel desen olarak tasarlanan
çalışmada veriler, Bilimsel Süreç Becerileri testi, Yenilenebilir Enerji
Kaynaklarına Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği ve Yenilenebilir Enerji Kaynaklarına Yönelik
Görüş formu kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Geliştirilen tasarım temelli FeTeMM
etkinliklerinin öğretmen adaylarının bilimsel süreç becerilerini geliştirdiği tespit
edilirken, tutum puanlarını arttırdığı ancak bu artışın anlamlı bir değişikliğe
sebep olamadığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca uygulanan etkinliklerin öğretmen
adaylarının yenilebilir enerji kaynaklarına yönelik bilgilerini arttırdığı
bulgusuna da ulaşılmıştır. Bu bulgulara dayanılarak tasarım temelli FeTeMM
etkinliklerinin öğretmen eğitiminde kullanılmasına yönelik öneriler
getirilmiştir.
Öğrenciliğe Dönük Tutum Ölçeği (ÖDTÖ) Geliştirme Çalışması
Authors: Erdogdu Yüksel
Published: April 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı ergenlik dönemi öğrencileri için
“Öğrenciliğe Dönük Tutum Ölçeği” geliştirmektir. Ölçek, İstanbul Küçükçekmece
ilçesi sınırları içinde bulunan sekiz farklı lisede okuyan 843 öğrenciye
uygulanmıştır. Araştırmaya alınan
öğrencilerin  % 54.2’si ( n=457)
kadın,   % 45.8’i ( n=386) erkektir.  Öğrencilerin başarı ortalaması 72.50, yaş
ortalaması da 17.30 olarak ölçülmüştür. Ölçeğin geçerlilik çalışması için
açıklayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizleri yapılmış, ölçeğin dört faktörden
oluştuğu ve modelin uyum indekslerinin oldukça iyi olduğu gözlenmiştir. Ölçek
maddelerinin ayırt edicilik düzeylerini ortaya koymak amacıyla %27’lik üst ve
alt grupların sorulardan aldıkları puanların ortalamaları arasındaki farkın
anlamlılığı için t testi uygulanmış ve aradaki farkların anlamlı bulunmuştur.
Ölçeğin alt boyutları arasındaki ilişki düzeylerinin de anlamlı olduğu
gözlenmiştir. Ölçeğin güvenirlik çalışması için ölçeğin tamamı ve alt
boyutlarının iç tutarlılık katsayıları hesaplanmış ve elde edilen güvenirlik
değerlerinin de yüksek olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Sonuç olarak orta ve lise
düzeyi öğrencilerinin öğrenciliğe dönük tutumlarını ölçmek amacıyla geçerli ve
güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirilmiştir.
A study on the relationship of poverty with untouchability practices
Authors: Dongol Nikhil
Published: April 2020

Poverty is a complex and much contested social phenomenon. Different authors have defined poverty from various perspectives. The definition of poverty by the author determines how that particular mechanism developed by them tried to combat the phenomena or what the ethical conception of social justice is based upon. Townsend relied on absolute and relative perspective whereas Rawls envisage about the just society with difference principle. Sen focuses on the lack of ability to make choice as poor to develop capability approach. To this, Sangroula opines lack of access to commodities and development, and social exclusion as three deprivations thereby leading to poverty. This article bases its empirical research of the villages of Kavre and Ramechhap district on the above 3 deprivation to analyze the multidimensional approaches to poverty. This study aims to figure out whether poverty as a cause of untouchability practices through stratified random sampling of 34 individuals
Autophagy Is a Potential Therapeutic Target Against Duck Tembusu Virus Infection in vivo
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Pan Yuhong , Cheng Anchun , Zhang Xingcui , Wang Mingshu , Chen Shun , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhao Xinxin , Huang Juan , Zhang Shaqiu , Mao Sai , Ou Xumin , Yu Yanling , Zhang Ling , Liu Yunya , Tian Bin , Pan Leichang , Rehman Mujeeb Ur , Yin Zhongqiong , Jia Renyong
Published: April 2020

Duck tembusu virus (DTMUV) is newly emerged in poultry and causes great losses to the breeding industry in China and neighboring countries. Effective antiviral strategies are still being studied. Autophagy is a cellular degradative pathway, and our lab's previous data show that autophagy promotes DTMUV replication in vitro. To study the role of autophagy further in vivo, we utilized ducks as the animal model to investigate the autophagy responses in DTMUV-targeted tissues. And also, we utilized autophagy regulators, including Rapamycin (Rapa) as the autophagy enhancer, 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and Chloroquine (CQ) as the autophagy inhibitors, to adjust the host autophagic levels and then study the effects of autophagy on tissue damages and virus replication. As a result, we first found DTMUV infection trigged autophagy and autophagy regulator treatments regulated autophagy levels successfully in duck spleens and brains. Next, we found that autophagy inhibitors inhibited DTMUV replication and alleviated DTMUV-induced pathological symptoms, whereas the autophagy inducer treatment led to the opposite effects. And we also found that autophagic regulation was correlated with the expression of innate immune genes, including pattern recognition receptors, type I interferons, and cytokines, and caused different effects in different tissues. In summary, we demonstrated that autophagy facilitated DTMUV replication, aggravated the developments of pathological symptoms and possibly counteracts the host's innate immunity response in vivo.
Host-Directed Therapies and Anti-Virulence Compounds to Address Anti-Microbial Resistant Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Gries Raphael , Sala Claudia , Rybniker Jan
Published: April 2020

Despite global efforts to contain tuberculosis (TB), the disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, further exacerbated by the increased resistance to antibiotics displayed by the tubercle bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In order to treat drug-resistant TB, alternative or complementary approaches to standard anti-TB regimens are being explored. An area of active research is represented by host-directed therapies which aim to modulate the host immune response by mitigating inflammation and by promoting the antimicrobial activity of immune cells. Additionally, compounds that reduce the virulence of M. tuberculosis, for instance by targeting the major virulence factor ESX-1, are being given increased attention by the TB research community. This review article summarizes the current state of the art in the development of these emerging therapies against TB.
High Expression of the Sda Synthase B4GALNT2 Associates with Good Prognosis and Attenuates Stemness in Colon Cancer
Authors: Pucci Michela , Gomes Ferreira Inês , Orlandani Martina , Malagolini Nadia , Ferracin Manuela , Dall’Olio Fabio
Published: April 2020

Background: The carbohydrate antigen Sda and its biosynthetic enzyme B4GALNT2 are highly expressed in normal colonic mucosa but are down-regulated to a variable degree in colon cancer tissues. Here, we investigated the clinical and biological importance of B4GALNT2 in colon cancer. Methods: Correlations of B4GALNT2 mRNA with clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database; the phenotypic and transcriptomic changes induced by B4GALNT2 were studied in LS174T cells transfected with B4GALNT2 cDNA. Results: TCGA data indicate that patients with high B4GALNT2 expression in cancer tissues display longer survival than non-expressers. In LS174T cells, expression of B4GALNT2 did not affect the ability to heal a scratch wound or to form colonies in standard growth conditions but markedly reduced the growth in soft agar, the tridimensional (3D) growth as spheroids, and the number of cancer stem cells, indicating a specific effect of B4GALNT2 on the growth in poor adherence and stemness. On the transcriptome, B4GALNT2 induced the down-regulation of the stemness-associated gene SOX2 and modulated gene expression towards an attenuation of the cancer phenotype. Conclusions: The level of B4GALNT2 can be proposed as a marker to identify higher- and lower-risk colorectal cancer patients.
Adenoviral Vectors Meet Gene Editing: A Rising Partnership for the Genomic Engineering of Human Stem Cells and Their Progeny
Authors: Tasca Francesca , Wang Qian , Gonçalves Manuel A.F.V.
Published: April 2020

Gene editing permits changing specific DNA sequences within the vast genomes of human cells. Stem cells are particularly attractive targets for gene editing interventions as their self-renewal and differentiation capabilities consent studying cellular differentiation processes, screening small-molecule drugs, modeling human disorders, and testing regenerative medicines. To integrate gene editing and stem cell technologies, there is a critical need for achieving efficient delivery of the necessary molecular tools in the form of programmable DNA-targeting enzymes and/or exogenous nucleic acid templates. Moreover, the impact that the delivery agents themselves have on the performance and precision of gene editing procedures is yet another critical parameter to consider. Viral vectors consisting of recombinant replication-defective viruses are under intense investigation for bringing about efficient gene-editing tool delivery and precise gene-editing in human cells. In this review, we focus on the growing role that adenoviral vectors are playing in the targeted genetic manipulation of human stem cells, progenitor cells, and their differentiated progenies in the context of in vitro and ex vivo protocols. As preamble, we provide an overview on the main gene editing principles and adenoviral vector platforms and end by discussing the possibilities ahead resulting from leveraging adenoviral vector, gene editing, and stem cell technologies.
Insights from In Vivo Studies of Cellular Senescence
Authors: Prieto Luis I. , Graves Sara I. , Baker Darren J.
Published: April 2020

Cellular senescence is the dynamic process of durable cell-cycle arrest. Senescent cells remain metabolically active and often acquire a distinctive bioactive secretory phenotype. Much of our molecular understanding in senescent cell biology comes from studies using mammalian cell lines exposed to stress or extended culture periods. While less well understood mechanistically, senescence in vivo is becoming appreciated for its numerous biological implications, both in the context of beneficial processes, such as development, tumor suppression, and wound healing, and in detrimental conditions, where senescent cell accumulation has been shown to contribute to aging and age-related diseases. Importantly, clearance of senescent cells, through either genetic or pharmacological means, has been shown to not only extend the healthspan of prematurely and naturally aged mice but also attenuate pathology in mouse models of chronic disease. These observations have prompted an investigation of how and why senescent cells accumulate with aging and have renewed exploration into the characteristics of cellular senescence in vivo. Here, we highlight our molecular understanding of the dynamics that lead to a cellular arrest and how various effectors may explain the consequences of senescence in tissues. Lastly, we discuss how exploitation of strategies to eliminate senescent cells or their effects may have clinical utility.
Modification of i-GONAD Suitable for Production of Genome-Edited C57BL/6 Inbred Mouse Strain
Authors: Kobayashi Yukari , Aoshima Takuya , Ito Ryota , Shinmura Ryota , Ohtsuka Masato , Akasaka Eri , Sato Masahiro , Takabayashi Shuji
Published: April 2020

Improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery (i-GONAD) is a novel method for producing genome-edited mice in the absence of ex vivo handling of zygotes. i-GONAD involves the intraoviductal injection of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) ribonucleoproteins via the oviductal wall of pregnant females at 0.7 days post-coitum, followed by in vivo electroporation (EP). Unlike outbred Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and hybrid mouse strains, genome editing of the most widely used C57BL/6J (B6) strain with i-GONAD has been considered difficult but, recently, setting a constant current of 100 mA upon EP enabled successful i-GONAD in this strain. Unfortunately, the most widely used electroporators employ a constant voltage, and thus we explored conditions allowing the generation of a 100 mA current using two electroporators: NEPA21 (Nepa Gene Co., Ltd.) and GEB15 (BEX Co., Ltd.). When the current and resistance were set to 40 V and 350–400 Ω, respectively, the current was fixed to 100 mA. Another problem in using B6 mice for i-GONAD is the difficulty in obtaining pregnant B6 females consistently because estrous females often fail to be found. A single intraperitoneal injection of low-dose pregnant mare’s serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) led to synchronization of the estrous cycle of these mice. Consequently, approximately 51% of B6 females had plugs upon mating with males 2 days after PMSG administration, which contrasts with the case (≈26%) when B6 females were subjected to natural mating. i-GONAD performed on PMSG-treated pregnant B6 females under conditions of average resistance of 367 Ω and average voltage of 116 mA resulted in the production of pregnant females at a rate of 56% (5/9 mice), from which 23 fetuses were successfully delivered. Nine (39%) of these fetuses exhibited successful genome editing at the target locus.
Chromosome Dynamics Regulating Genomic Dispersion and Alteration of Nucleolus Organizer Regions (NORs)
Authors: Hirai Hirohisa
Published: April 2020

The nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) demonstrate differences in genomic dispersion and transcriptional activity among all organisms. I postulate that such differences stem from distinct genomic structures and their interactions from chromosome observations using fluorescence in situ hybridization and silver nitrate staining methods. Examples in primates and Australian bulldog ants indicate that chromosomal features indeed play a significant role in determining the properties of NORs. In primates, rDNA arrays that are located on the short arm of acrocentrics frequently form reciprocal associations (“affinity”), but they lack such associations (“non-affinity”) with other repeat arrays—a binary molecular effect. These “rules” of affinity vs. non-affinity are extrapolated from the chromosomal configurations of meiotic prophase. In bulldog ants, genomic dispersions of rDNA loci expand much more widely following an increase in the number of acrocentric chromosomes formed by centric fission. Affinity appears to be a significantly greater force: associations likely form among rDNA and heterochromatin arrays of acrocentrics—thus, more acrocentrics bring about more rDNA loci. The specific interactions among NOR-related genome structures remain unclear and require further investigation. Here, I propose that there are limited and non-limited genomic dispersion systems that result from genomic affinity rules, inducing specific chromosomal configurations that are related to NORs.
Identifying Mechanisms for Successful Ecological Restoration with Salvaged Topsoil in Coastal Sage Scrub Communities
Authors: Schmidt Katharina T. , Maltz Mia , Ta Priscilla , Khalili Banafshe , Weihe Claudia , Phillips Michala , Aronson Emma , Lulow Megan , Long Jennifer , Kimball Sarah
Published: April 2020

Although aboveground metrics remain the standard, restoring functional ecosystems should promote both aboveground and belowground biotic communities. Restoration using salvaged soil—removal and translocation of topsoil from areas planned for development, with subsequent deposition at degraded sites—is an alternative to traditional methods. Salvaged soil contains both seed and spore banks, which may holistically augment restoration. Salvaged soil methods may reduce non-native germination by burying non-native seeds, increase native diversity by adding native seeds, or transfer soil microbiomes, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to recipient sites. We transferred soil to three degraded recipient sites and monitored soil microbes, using flow cytometry and molecular analyses, and characterized the plant community composition. Our findings suggest that salvaged soil at depths ≥5 cm reduced non-native grass cover and increased native plant density and species richness. Bacterial abundance at recipient sites were statistically equivalent to donor sites in abundance. Overall, topsoil additions affected AMF alpha diversity and community composition and increased rhizophilic AMF richness. Because salvaged soil restoration combines multiple soil components, including native plant and microbial propagules, it may promote both aboveground and belowground qualities of the donor site, when applying this method for restoring invaded and degraded ecosystems.
Some Questionable Approaches in Interfacial Electrochemistry—The Charged State of Adsorbed Species and Their Involvement in Redox Processes
Authors: Láng Gyözö G.
Published: April 2020

On the basis of a survey on the relevant literature it can be stated that some views and approaches concerning the charged state of adsorbed species and the charge transfer processes occurring with them are far from being unambiguous even in some respect they contradict fundamental physical and physicochemical principles. The meaning of the electrosorption valency, the misleading formulation of the Gibbs adsorption equation, and the interpretation of redox processes occurring with adsorbed species, is discussed in detail. It has been concluded that although the electrosorption valency of an adsorbed species as usually defined is an extra-thermodynamic and self-contradictory concept, experimental determined formal partial charge numbers can be a useful tool for scientists investigating adsorption phenomena, since the observed deviation between its value and the charge number of the same species in the solution phase unequivocally indicates a non-simple mechanism of the adsorption process, which should be taken into account in theoretical interpretation of the experimental data. It has been emphasized that the evaluation of voltammetric curves obtained in the presence of adsorbed redox partners requires a cautious analysis of the accompanying chemical transformations. In the framework of a critical analysis it is demonstrated that probably one of the most important sources of the misinterpretations and misunderstandings is the inadequate approach to the concept of electrode charge. The possibility of a general and straightforward presentation of the Gibbs adsorption equation has also been discussed.
Parametric Study for an Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Conversion System Installed on a Breakwater
Authors: Lee Hsien , Chen Cheng-Han
Published: April 2020

This study focuses on the analysis of the parameters of an oscillating water column (OWC) wave energy conversion system and wave conditions. Interactions between the dimensions of the OWC chambers and wave conditions are all taken into account to design an alternative OWC converter, called caisson-based OWC type wave energy converting system. A numerical method using an unsteady Navier-Stokes equations theorem in conservation form is used to analyze the proposed analytical model. The objective of this study is to try to apply an OWC wave energy converter to a caisson breakwater, which has been constructed in a harbor. The structure proposed in this study is a series of sets of independent systems, in which each set of converters is composed of three chambers to capture the wave energy, while better ensuring the safety of the caisson breakwater. Responses to be analyzed related to the conversion efficiency of the caisson-based OWC wave energy converting system include the airflow velocity from the air-chamber, the pneumatic power and the conversion efficiency in terms of a ratio between the pneumatic power and the energy of the incident waves. Parameters examined in this study include the dimensions of the OWC chamber features such as the orifice of the air-chamber allowing airflow in/output, the chamber length along the direction of incident waves, the size of the opening gate for incident waves and the submersion depth of the air-chamber. As found from the results, a best conversion efficiency from incident waves of 32% can be obtained for the extreme case where the orifice is very small, but for most other cases in the study, the best efficiency is about 15%.
Drought Hardening Contributes to the Maintenance of Proportions of Non-Embolized Xylem and Cambium Status during Consecutive Dry Treatment in Container-Grown Seedling of Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)
Authors: Saiki Shin-Taro , Ando Yuho , Yazaki Kenichi , Tobita Hiroyuki
Published: April 2020

Climate models in Japan predict that the annual mean air temperature and number of consecutive dry days will increase in the future, leading to high seedling mortality rates. Maintaining high survival rates of Cryptomeria japonica seedlings, a commercially important tree species, is therefore, important in terms of appropriate forest management under climate change. Although drought hardening, in which seedlings are acclimated to dry conditions in the nursery prior to planting, contributes to increased survival under drought conditions, little is known about the effective irrigation frequency of drought hardening in C. japonica seedlings. In this study, we therefore, examine the effectiveness of different drought-hardening treatments in C. japonica. We first clarify the effects on physiological and morphological traits by comparing three drought-hardening treatments [control (C): Irrigation once daily; mild (M): irrigation once every three days; and severe (S): irrigation once every five days] for one month. Next, to confirm the effects during consecutive dry treatment, we stopped irrigation for 13 days and once again compared the physiological traits between the three drought-hardening treatments. Drought hardening reduced whole-plant transpiration (Ewhole), resulting in conserved water use, and this tendency was particularly evident under the S treatment. Moreover, during consecutive dry treatment, the Ewhole, proportions of non-embolized xylem, and cambium status of basal stem regions were maintained for the longest duration under the S treatment, followed by the M treatment. Our findings suggest that the efficiency of drought hardening increased with drought severity. Furthermore, one month of drought hardening contributed to both water conservation and the maintenance of cell differentiation under consecutive dry treatment, likely increasing the tolerance and survival of C. japonica seedlings under prolonged drought.
Stand Structure and Abiotic Factors Modulate Karst Forest Biomass in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Lu , Zeng Fuping , Song Tongqing , Wang Kelin , Du Hu
Published: April 2020

Understanding the driving factors of forest biomass are critical for further understanding the forest carbon cycle and carbon storage management in karst forests. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of forest aboveground biomass (AGB) and the effects of stand structural and abiotic factors on AGB in karst forests in Southwest China. We established a 25 ha plot and sampled all trees (≥1 cm diameter) in a subtropical mixed evergreen–deciduous broadleaf forest. We mapped the forest biomass distribution and applied a variation of partitioning analysis to examine the topographic, stand structural, and spatial factors. Furthermore, we used structural equation models (SEM) to test how these variables directly and/or indirectly affect AGB. The average AGB of the 25 ha plot was 73.92 Mg/ha, but that varied from 3.22 to 198.11 Mg/ha in the 20 m × 20 m quadrats. Topographic, stand structural, and spatial factors together explained 67.7% of the variation in AGB distribution. The structural variables (including tree density and the diameter at breast height (DBH) diversity) and topographic factors (including elevation, VDCN (vertical distance to channel network), convexity, and slope) were the most crucial driving factors of AGB in the karst forests. Structural equation models indicated that elevation, tree density, and DBH diversity directly affected AGB, and elevation also indirectly affected AGB through tree density and DBH diversity. Meanwhile, AGB was indirectly influenced by VDCN, convexity, and slope. The evaluation of stand structural and abiotic drivers of AGB provides better insights into the mechanisms that play a role in carbon storage in karst forests, which may assist in improving forest carbon management.
Aiming for Sustainability and Scalability: Community Engagement in Forest Payment Schemes
Authors: F. Kowler Laura , Kumar Pratihast Arun , Pérez Ojeda del Arco Alonso , Larson Anne M. , Braun Christelle , Herold Martin
Published: April 2020

Community-based forest monitoring is seen as a way both to improve community engagement and participation in national environmental payment schemes and climate mitigation priorities and to implement reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries (REDD+). There is a strong assumption among community-based monitoring advocates that community monitoring is a desirable approach. However, it is unclear why community members would want to participate in their own surveillance or be involved in a program likely to limit livelihood uses of forest areas and possibly even sanction them based on the data provided. This paper explores these issues by examining three communities involved in Peru’s Conditional Direct Transfer Program, in which indigenous communities are compensated for protecting communal forests through various mechanisms, including forest monitoring. The case studies focus specifically on communities that received smartphones and were trained in their use for monitoring. The results affirm the importance that benefits outweigh the costs of local participation to sustain motivation. They also point to key factors supporting the legitimacy of the program, specifically to overcome historical tensions between the state and indigenous communities. These include the nature of engagement by program implementers and the importance of building trust over time.
Density Distribution in Wood of European Birch (Betula pendula Roth.)
Authors: Dobrowolska Ewa , Wroniszewska Paulina , Jankowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2020

The aim of the presented research is to perform a comprehensive analysis of wood density variability on the longitudinal and transverse cross-section of log trees at the age of 70 to 72 years of Betula pendula Roth. and the creation of density distribution maps. Furthermore, the determination proportion of juvenile and mature wood was done. Wood density was determined with a non-destructive method using an isotopic densimeter. It was found that the wood location, both in cross-section and longitudinal section of the trunk, had a statistically significant effect on the average density of birch wood. The average density of whole logs was significantly higher than the average density at the breast height. On the cross-section, the distribution of average densities determined at the breast height, as well as on ¼ of the log height, properly depicted the distribution of average densities on the cross-section determined for the whole logs. The geographical direction (north–south) did not have a statistically significant effect on the distribution of average densities on the cross-section of the tested birch logs.
Semantic Search Enhanced with Rating Scores
Authors: Formica Anna , Pourabbas Elaheh , Taglino Francesco
Published: April 2020

This paper presents SemSime, a method based on semantic similarity for searching over a set of digital resources previously annotated by means of concepts from a weighted reference ontology. SemSime is an enhancement of SemSim and, with respect to the latter, it uses a frequency approach for weighting the ontology, and refines both the user request and the digital resources with the addition of rating scores. Such scores are High, Medium, and Low, and in the user request indicate the preferences assigned by the user to each of the concepts representing the searching criteria, whereas in the annotation of the digital resources they represent the levels of quality associated with each concept in describing the resources. The SemSime has been evaluated and the results of the experiment show that it performs better than SemSim and an evolution of it, referred to as S e m S i m R V .
Identification of Fruit-Associated QTLs in Winter Squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) Using Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Kaźmińska Karolina , Hallmann Ewelina , Korzeniewska Aleksandra , Niemirowicz-Szczytt Katarzyna , Bartoszewski Grzegorz
Published: April 2020

Cucurbita maxima Duchesne squash and pumpkins are cultivated world-wide. Cucurbita maxima fruits are produced for fresh market and are valuable for food processing. Therefore, fruit characteristics and yield are the traits of high economic importance for breeders. To date, the genetic basis of fruit-associated traits in C. maxima have been poorly understood. In the present study, we evaluated fruit-associated traits and conducted quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis using recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross of two inbred lines with different fruit morphotypes. Phenotypic data for nine fruit traits (earliness, weight, number per plant, yield per plant, length and diameter, shape index, flesh thickness, sucrose content and dry matter content) were collected for RILs in two open-field experiments. Pairwise analysis of the phenotypic data revealed correlations among the fruit and yield-associated traits. Using a previously developed genetic map, we identified 26 QTLs for eight traits. The QTLs were found in 10 locations on eight chromosomes of C. maxima. The QTLs were detected across experiments and explained up to 41.4% of the observed phenotypic variations. Major-effect QTLs for multiple fruit-associated traits were clustered on chromosome 4, suggesting that this genomic region has been under selection during diversification and/or domestication of C. maxima.
The Connective Tissue Disorder Associated with Recessive Variants in the SLC39A13 Zinc Transporter Gene (Spondylo-Dysplastic Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Type 3): Insights from Four Novel Patients and Follow-Up on Two Original Cases
Authors: Kumps Camille , Campos-Xavier Belinda , Hilhorst-Hofstee Yvonne , Marcelis Carlo , Kraenzlin Marius , Fleischer Nicole , Unger Sheila , Superti-Furga Andrea
Published: April 2020

Recessive loss-of-function variants in SLC39A13, a putative zinc transporter gene, were first associated with a connective tissue disorder that is now called “Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, spondylodysplastic form type 3” (SCD-EDS, OMIM 612350) in 2008. Nine individuals have been described. We describe here four additional affected individuals from three consanguineous families and the follow up of two of the original cases. In our series, cardinal findings included thin and finely wrinkled skin of the hands and feet, characteristic facial features with downslanting palpebral fissures, mild hypertelorism, prominent eyes with a paucity of periorbital fat, blueish sclerae, microdontia, or oligodontia, and—in contrast to most types of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome—significant short stature of childhood onset. Mild radiographic changes were observed, among which platyspondyly is a useful diagnostic feature. Two of our patients developed severe keratoconus, and two suffered from cerebrovascular accidents in their twenties, suggesting that there may be a vascular component to this condition. All patients tested had a significantly reduced ratio of the two collagen-derived crosslink derivates, pyridinoline-to-deoxypyridinoline, in urine, suggesting that this simple test is diagnostically useful. Additionally, analysis of the facial features of affected individuals by DeepGestalt technology confirmed their specificity and may be sufficient to suggest the diagnosis directly. Given that the clinical presentation in childhood consists mainly of short stature and characteristic facial features, the differential diagnosis is not necessarily that of a connective tissue disorder and therefore, we propose that SLC39A13 is included in gene panels designed to address dysmorphism and short stature. This approach may result in more efficient diagnosis.
Aerobic Exercise Inhibits CUMS-Depressed Mice Hippocampal Inflammatory Response via Activating Hippocampal miR-223/TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Qu Honglin , Liu Ruilian , Chen Jiaqin , Zheng Lan , Chen Rui
Published: April 2020

Objective: To investigate the role of aerobic exercise in inhibiting chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depressed mice hippocampal inflammatory response and its potential mechanisms. Methods: Fifty-four male eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided as control group (CG) (18 mice) and model group (36 mice). Model group mice were treated with 13 chronic stimulating factors for 28 days to set up the CUMS depression model. Neurobehavioral assessment was performed after modeling. The mice in the model group were randomly divided into the control model group (MG) and the aerobic exercise group (EG), with 18mice in each group. The EG group carried out the adaptive training of the running platform: 10 m/min, 0° slope, and increased by 10 minutes per day for 6 days. The formal training was carried for 8 weeks with 10 m/min speed, 0° slope, 60 min/d, 6 d/Week. After the training, a neurobehavioral assessment was performed, and hippocampus IL-1β and IL-10 protein levels were detected by ELISA. RT–PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-223 and TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. Western blot was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and phosphorylated NF-κBp65 protein in the hippocampus. Results: The hippocampus function of CUMS depression model mice was impaired. The forced swimming and forced tail suspension time were significantly prolonged, and inflammatory factors IL-1β were significantly increased in the hippocampus. Aerobic exercise significantly improves CUMS-depressed mice hippocampal function, effectively reducing depressive behavior and IL-1β levels, and increasing IL-10 levels. Besides, aerobic exercise significantly upregulates the expression level of miR-223 and inhibits the high expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise significantly increases the CUMS-depressed mice hippocampus expression of miR-223, and inhibits the downstream TLR4/MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway and the hippocampal inflammatory response, which contributes to the improvement of the hippocampal function.