bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone H3K9 methylation promotes formation of genome compartments in
Caenorhabditis elegans
via chromosome compaction and perinuclear anchoring
Authors: Bian Qian , Anderson Erika C. , Yang Qiming , Meyer Barbara J.
Published: May 2020

Genomic regions preferentially associate with regions of similar transcriptional activity, partitioning genomes into active and inactive compartments within the nucleus. Here we explore mechanisms controlling genome compartment organization in
Caenorhabditis elegans
and investigate roles for compartments in regulating gene expression. Distal arms of
C. elegans
chromosomes, which are enriched for heterochromatic histone modifications H3K9me1/me2/me3, interact with each other both
in cis
and
in trans,
while interacting less frequently with central regions, leading to genome compartmentalization. Arms are anchored to the nuclear periphery via the nuclear envelope protein CEC-4, which binds to H3K9me. By performing genome-wide chromosome conformation capture experiments (Hi-C), we showed that eliminating H3K9me1/me2/me3 through mutations in the methyltransferase genes
met-2
and
set-25
significantly impaired formation of inactive Arm and active Center compartments.
cec-4
mutations also impaired compartmentalization, but to a lesser extent. We found that H3K9me promotes compartmentalization through two distinct mechanisms: Perinuclear anchoring of chromosome arms via CEC-4 to promote their
cis
association, and an anchoring-independent mechanism that compacts individual chromosome arms. In both
met-2 set-25
and
cec-4
mutants, no dramatic changes in gene expression were found for genes that switched compartments or for genes that remained in their original compartment, suggesting that compartment strength does not dictate gene-expression levels. Furthermore, H3K9me, but not perinuclear anchoring, also contributes to formation of another prominent feature of chromosome organization, megabase-scale topologically associating domains on X established by the dosage compensation condensin complex. Our results demonstrate that H3K9me plays crucial roles in regulating genome organization at multiple levels.
Variation in the numeral system of Japanese Sign Language and Taiwan Sign Language
Authors: Sagara Keiko , Palfreyman Nick
Published: May 2020

Abstract (Japanese Sign Language)

The numerals 10, 100 and 1,000 are expressed variably in Japanese Sign Language (JSL) and Taiwan Sign Language
(TSL), two languages that also have historic links. JSL was used in deaf schools that were established in Taiwan during the
Japanese colonial era, leaving a lasting impression on TSL, but complex sociolinguistic situations have led to different outcomes
in each case (Fischer, 2014; Sagara, 2014).
This comparative sociolinguistic analysis is based on two datasets comprising a total of 1,100 tokens produced by 72 signers from
the Kanto and Kansai regions (for JSL) and the cities of Tainan and Taipei (for TSL). Mixed effects modelling reveals that social
factors such as the age and region of the signer have a significant influence on how the variable is realised. This investigation
shows how careful cross-linguistic comparison can shed light on variation within and between sign languages that have been in
contact, and how regional variation in one language may influence regional variation in another.
Adaptive imitation
Authors: Macqueen Susy , Knoch Ute
Published: May 2020

This chapter explores how L2 academic writers imitate
adaptively as they manage the need to communicate academic content using
language that aligns with the predictable patterns of the discourse
community. Evidence from two studies of L2 writing is combined to explore
how writers work with a dynamic store of language chunks as their emergent
building blocks. One study, a cross-sectional discourse analysis of the
writing of 480 test-takers (Knoch,
Macqueen, & O’Hagan, 2014), investigates formulaicity and
source text use in two writing tasks. The other, a longitudinal qualitative
case study of a student writer (Macqueen, 2012), takes a close-up view of her word combinations
and use of source texts as she revises an assignment. Taken together, the
findings suggest that the early stages of L2 academic writing are
characterized by greater reliance on verbatim imitation of the patterns of
others and less formulaicity. Over time, L2 writers represent academic
content through interweaving the words of others with their own internalized
patterns in increasingly conventional manipulations.
Forests and food security: a review
Authors: Sunderland Terry , O’Connor Alida
Published: May 2020

Forests are the largest source of terrestrial biodiversity and contain over half of the world’s terrestrial plant and animal species. In addition to the multitude of species supported by forest systems, forests are also responsible for life-sustaining ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and water regulation. As a rich source of plants, animals, soil, and water, the connection between forests and food seems undeniable. However, until recently, this relationship has been poorly understood. In this review, we explore three main pathways in which forests contribute to food security and nutrition. These include: (1) a direct consumption pathway, (2) an income pathway and (3) an agroecological pathway. We find the following: (1) forests contribute directly to people’s diets through the harvest of bushmeat, wild fruits and other forest-sourced foods; (2) the sale of non-timber forest products contribute to people’s income, enabling the purchase of a diversity of food items from markets; and finally (3) forests and trees support diverse crop and livestock production through an array of ecosystem services such as pollination, soil fertility and water and climate regulation. Our findings shed light on the vital role that forests play in food security and we conclude that further research is needed to understand the interactions between the ecological, socioeconomic and cultural dimensions of forests and diets.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever and its history in Afghanistan
Authors: Samadi Assadullah , Ababneh M. M. K. , Amiri M.
Published: May 2020

Crimean
<!--

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-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a vector-borne viral disease that is transmitted to humans by tick bites and direct contact with an infected animal and human fluids
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. The disease is endemic in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, and in recent years, there are hundreds of cases of CCHF with high mortality in humans that occurred in 33 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan. It has been shown that the seroprevalence of the CCHF virus (CCHFV) in cattle and sheep in the country is also very high. In this article, the chronology of CCHF cases in humans and the factors related to its burden in Afghanistan have been reviewed.
Development of timing synchronization system for Hyper-Kamiokande
Authors: Izumiyama S
Published: May 2020

Hyper-Kamiokande (HK) is a next generation neutrino detector, planned to start operation in 2027. Its main physics goals include precise measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters and investigations of the Grand Unified Theories. HK is an underground water Cherenkov detector, with a 68 m diameter and 71 m height cylindrical tank –approximately 8 times larger fiducial volume than Super-Kamiokande. It will be equipped with about 53,000 photo-sensors. Its front-end electronics is required to be synchronized with sub-ns precision, in order to ensure accurate timing measurements of the Cherenkov photons. We have developed a prototype system to distribute the synchronization clock with auxiliary information via optical fibers. In this paper, the design of the system, the descriptions of the developed prototype and finally the performance of the system are presented.
Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Jambi: Challenges and Practices Against Culture
Authors: Ashshidiqi Hasbi , Najib Khairun , Ningsih Syukrya
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between culture and waste recycling, in order to provide a possible estimation of the impact of cultural participation upon households behavior within the meta-issue of sustainability. We look at the cognitive and social determinants of pro-environmental behavior. Percentage of wastewater management methods by Regency / City in Jambi Province is known that waste management is still dominated by burning 60.5%, transported by officers as much as 18.4%, dumped into trenches / rivers / sea as much as 11.2%, buried in soil 6%, discarded 3.7% and composted only 0.3%. We used data on household behaviors to highlight the determinants of waste recycling by moving from a cultural - ecological standpoint. The analysis highlights a strong positive relation between the propensity to take part in some cultural activities and the propensity to abide by waste recycling guidelines and prescriptions. Our empirical results indicate that policies aiming at influencing sustainable development by fostering pro-environmental behavior may be more effective when considering the cultural participation dimension as a complementary factor. Therefore, the hierarchy of solid waste management has given the highest priority to reducing resources through 3R, intermediate treatment (waste bank) and final disposal.
Blended Learning on Physics Using Augmented Reality
Authors: Aisyah  , Bukit N. , Derlina
Published: May 2020

this study aimed to determine the increase in student activity through a blended learning approach in physics using augmented reality. This type of research is a classroom action research with a population of all students in Deli Serdang Regency. The research instrument used was a student observation questionnaire and Student Activity Sheet. The results of data analysis explained that the blended learning approach in physics using augmented reality can improve student learning activities.
Synthesis of Calcium Phosphate Compound from Paddy Field Snail Shells (Pila Ampullacea) as Calcium Precursor
Authors: Dahlan Kiagus , Asra Dina Yauma , Winata Bayu Chandra
Published: May 2020

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a biomaterial that is widely used for bone implantation because it is bioactive and biocompatible. To improve the bioactive and biocompatible properties of hydroxyapatite, natural ingredients are used as a calcium source. In this study, the material used for calcium source is from paddy field snail shells. Snail shells produced from the process of boiling, cleaning, and drying calcined at a temperature of 800° C for 3 hours to obtain the powders. Calcium phase and calcium content of the powder was identified using x-ray diffractometer (XRD) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The results of the analysis showed that the calcium phase of the snail shell is Ca(OH)2 with calcium content of 52.12%. Synthesis of HA was carried out by precipitation method at 75° C by dripping H3PO4 into calcium solution and continued with two treatments, with and without sintering process. The powders were then characterized by XRD and FTIR. The results of the analysis showed that HA formed in samples that using sintering process and carbonate apatite appears in samples without sintering process.
Calculation of The Radiation Shielding Parameters in Long Ranges of Photon Energy: Bismuth Sodium Borate Glass
Authors: Cheewasukhanont W , Limkitjaroenporn P. , Kaewkhao J.
Published: May 2020

The theoretical calculations on radiation shielding parameters of glass systems in the composition(80-x) B2O3: 20Na2O: xBi2O3 (where x = 0,5,10,15 and 55 mol%) were inquired into using the WinXCom program. The characteristics of radiation shielding parameters for the glass systems had been examined for the mass attenuation coefficients, the effective atomic number, and the electron density in the energy ranges of 1 keV to 100 GeV. These are the glass systems at the different compositions of bismuth which were found that depend upon the energy regions. The results demonstrate that the mass attenuation coefficients, the effective atomic number, and the electron density have the same trend which those values increase with the increasing of the different compositions of bismuth. At the low-energy region, the mass attenuation coefficients show the several discontinuous jumps of the energies which correspond to the photoelectric absorption edges. At the medium-energy region, the Compton scattering process is the main interaction in these energy ranges. In the high-energy regions, pair production becomes the main interaction process and tends to be constant over energy.
Polyeugenol-modified graphite electrode for determination of hydroquinone in cosmetic
Authors: Marwati S , Siwanta D , Trisunaryanti W , Louise I S Y
Published: May 2020

Graphite electrode was modified by electropolymerization of eugenol in alkaline medium by cyclic voltammetry. The polyeugenol-graphite modified electrode (GEEU) was than used for the determination of hydroquinone (HQ) at phosphatbuffer solution (PBS) of pH 7.0 by cyclic voltammetry technique. The performance of this modified has shown excellent electrocatalytic activity toward HQ than an unmodified electrode (GE). The oxidation and reduction peak separation (ΔE) has been decreased from 0.309 V to 0.228 V. In addition, the effect of scanratesindicate that redox electrochemical behaviour of HQ is diffusion controlled electrochemical process on GEEU. Under experimental, the oxidation peak current(I

p
) increases linearly with concentration (C) of HQ ranged from 1.42 –101.07μMat the linear regression equatian of I

p
= 3.86C + 355.20 (νA, R2 = 0.9989). On the other hand, the oxidation peak current also increases linearly at ranged from 136.67 – 480.50 μM at the linear regression equation of I

p
= 1.69C + 559.72 (μA, R2 = 0.9956). The LOD and LOQ were measured at a lower concentration of HQ,1.44μM and 4.37μM, respectively. Moreover, the proposed modified has been successfully applied to the determination of HQ in the cosmetic sample with satisfactory recoveries.
Comparison of Attractants and Height Traps to Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferr., Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in Soban Village, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Sinaga M , Lisnawita  , Tobing M C
Published: May 2020

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two attractants and three different heights trap to trap coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei Ferr. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). This research was conducted at a coffee plantation in Soban Village, Dairi Regency, North Sumatra, using a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with two factors. The first factor was the type of attractants (control, coffee bean, and coffee bean pod (exocarp)), and the second factor was the height of the traps (1, 1.5, and 2 meters). The results showed that the attractant from coffee beans with a trap height of 1.5 meters gave the best results with the number of adult coffee bean borer trap catches was 1,377.00 adults, and significantly reduced the percentage of attack by 26.95% compared to other treatments.
The Ability of Pineapple Callus Regeneration (Ananas comosusL.) from Sipahutar North Sumatra Indonesia with in Vitro Culture
Authors: Harahap Fauziyah , Harahap Nikmatul K , Djulia Ely , Purnama Dirga , Sipahutar Herbert , Rosmayati  , Rahayu Suci , Zega Periseuein F , Munifah Hasibuan Rifa Fadhilah
Published: May 2020

Pineapple (Ananascomosus L.) from Sipahutar is an herbaceous plant from Sipahutar District. Pineapple is canning industry sourced from Sipahutar pineapple has the opportunity to be developed in North Sumatra. Propagation through in vitro culture is an alternative method to solve this problem. The purpose of this research was to determine the regeneration ability of pineapple callus derived from callus induction with the addition of 2,4-D 1 ppm and BAP 1 ppm. The callus were regenerated using the addition of Kinetin (0; 0.5; 1; 1.5 ppm). Each treatment was carried out 4 times. The results showed: 1) the fastest time of emergence of shoots (5 days) came from 0.5 ppm, 2) formed the most shoots (8 shoots) resulting from the addition 0 ppm and 0.5 ppm, 3) the most number of leaves (7.75 leaves) resulted from light treatment with the addition kinetin 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm, 4) the longest leaf length (4.44 cm) from dark treatment with kinetin 0.5 ppm, 5) the highest plant height (5.32 cm) from dark treatment with 0.5 ppm kinetin. This shows that the concentration of 0.5 ppm kinetin with the dark treatment is the best concentration to stimulate the formation of pineapple shoots.
The Design of Video Technology Based on Scientific experimental for Geometrical Optics Subject as ICT Implementation
Authors: Ramadani Fitri , Sahyar  , Rajagukguk Juniastel
Published: May 2020

This research aims to produce media learning in the form of experimental video on the geometrical optics thet meets good qualifications which include aspects of validity, practicality and improving learning outcomes. This research is a type of research and development Research and Development (R&D) with the Borg ang Gall model. Development and videos on research on reflection and refraction using applications, which will later produce an experimental video on physics learning in schools to improve student learning outcomes.
In Vitro Propagation of Pineapple (Ananas comosusL.) Shoots from Sipahutar North Sumatera Indonesia
Authors: Fernando Yuliana , Harahap Fauziyah , Diningrat Diky S. , Rosmayati
Published: May 2020

Pineapple is a plant that needs to be developed on a plantation scale because the fruit is of economic value. The purpose of this study was to determine the best media combination on the growth of in vitro pineapple. This study used CRD with 12 treatments with 3 replications. Observation parameters consisted of the number of shoots, leaves and roots. Data analysis techniques used ANOVA followed by DMRT test. The results showed that administration of BA and vitamins could influence the propagation of in vitro pineapple shoots. The highest number of shoots was 8.00 shoots and 19.00 leaves produced MS + Vit 2 ppm + BA 2 ppm media. The highest number of roots 3.67 produced MS + Vit 0 ppm + BA 0 ppm media.
Ability of Problem Solving Students Based on Information and Communication Technology
Authors: Hutapea Tri Andri , Josip Mario Sinambela Pardomuan Nauli , Adlin Dilinar
Published: May 2020

This study aims to produce product findings from the activity development program for students’ problem solving abilities based on information and communication technology. The method used in this research is research and development methods. The stages of program development are survey, planning, validation, and socialization. The research subjects were students of Medan State University. The activity development program for students’ problem solving abilities based on information and communication technology has not yet considered the planning, implementation and evaluation of activities. The final product of this research is a valid program about the ability to solve problems based on information and communication technology.
Performance Assessment of Photovoltaic Generator(PVG) Power System Using Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) DC to DC Boost Converter and DC to AC Inverter
Authors: Situmorang Marhaposan , Peranginangin Bisman
Published: May 2020

Output power of Photovoltaic Generator (PVG) in a power system was tracked using duty cycle perturbation pulse applied into Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) DC to DC boost converter. Perturbation pulse was controlled by Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm which is written in Arduino Uno microcontroller. Power system consist of PVG connected directly with MPPT DC to DC boost converter and then with DC to AC inverter and selected load is 20 W bulb. PVG efficiency was determined by the ratio between the PVG output electric power and the amount sunshine irradiation power received on the surface of PVG. MPPT efficiency was calculated base on output power of PVG work as an input power of MPPT and both input and output power of MPPT was measured using voltage sensor and ACS 712 current sensor. Voltage and current measurements was carried out in online system using Parallax Data Acquisition (PLX-DAQ) software and then voltage, current and power was tabulated in excell table. The graph of voltage, current and power was plotted as a function of time and shows the occurrence of power tracking of MPPT to extract maximum power from PVG after duty cycle of perturbation was applied. The performance of power system was determined by multiplying efficiency of PVG, MPPT and Inverter which gives the performance value around 93 percent of PVG efficiency.
Activity Test of CLA Syntheszed from Castor Oil by in Vivo White Mice (Rattus norveginus)
Authors: Sitorus Marham , Situmorang Manihar , Juwitaningsih Tita , Nia Hia Minat Karya , Hutabarat Rini F
Published: May 2020

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a metabolite resulting from lipid peroxidation by free radicals that can be formed when hydroxyl free radicals such as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) react with fatty acid components of the cell membrane so that a chain reaction is known as fat peroxidation. The fat peroxidation will break the chain of fatty acids into various toxic compounds and cause damage to the cell membrane. Thus MDA is an parameter of the presence of free radicals in the body. In this research, the Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) antioxidant test was synthesized from castor oil in vivo against white mice (Rattus norveginus). White mice exposed to free radicals through cigarette smoke for 2 hours per day for 14 days. Mice were given an antioxidant intake of CLA with a concentration of 200, 400, 600,800,1000 mg / body weight every day with three repetitions. The same thing is done with intake of Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and α-tocopherol (Vitamin E) as a comparison. As a control also made negative control without treatment and positive control by exposure to cigarette smoke without intake of antioxidants. The CLA can inhibit free radicals by reduction MDA in blood an inhibitory equivalent to Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and α- tocopherol (Vitamin E).
Plant-based diets add to the wastewater phosphorus burden
Authors: Forber K J , Rothwell S A , Metson G S , Jarvie H P , Withers P J A
Published: May 2020

Global food production and current reliance on meat-based diets requires a large share of natural resource use and causes widespread environmental pollution including phosphorus (P). Transitions to less animal-intensive diets address a suite of sustainability goals, but their impact on society’s wastewater P burden is unclear. Using the UK as our example, we explored historical diet changes between 1942 and 2016, and how shifting towards plant-based diets might impact the P burden entering wastewater treatment works (WWTW), and subsequent effluent P discharge to receiving water bodies. Average daily per capita P intake declined from its peak in 1963 (1599 mg P pp−1 d−1) to 1354 mg P pp−1 d−1 in 2016. Since 1942, the contribution of processed foods to total P consumption has increased from 21% to 52% in 2016, but consumption of total animal products has not changed significantly. Scenario analysis indicated that if individuals adopted a vegan diet or a low-meat (‘EAT- Lancet’) diet by 2050, the P burden entering WWTW increased by 17% and 35%, respectively relative to baseline conditions in 2050. A much lower P burden increase (6%) was obtained with a flexitarian diet. An increasing burden of P to WWTW threatens greater non-compliance with regulatory targets for P discharge to water, but also presents an opportunity to the wastewater industry to recycle P in the food chain, and reduce reliance on finite phosphate rock resources. Sustainable diets that reduce food system P demand pre-consumption could also provide a source of renewable fertilizers through enhanced P recovery post-consumption and should be further explored.
Effect of expandable Graphite/Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene beads on the flame retardancy of silicone rubber foam
Authors: Pang Qingtao , Deng Jun , Kang Furu , Shao Shuiyuan
Published: May 2020

Silicone rubber foam (SiF) with EG/HPCTP was prepared by high-temperature vulcanization. The flame retardancy of SiF was evaluated using the LOI (limiting oxygen index), UL-94, cone calorimetry test (CCT), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mechanical properties. The results showed that EG/HPCTP could improve the LOI of SiF, and the SiF could pass the UL-94 V-0 rating. Compared with pristine SiF, EG/HPCTP could reduce the total heat release rate (THR), heat release rate (PHRR). Digital images of the char residues showed that the HPCTP was beneficial to promote the strength of SiF with EG. TGA showed that the branched decomposition temperature and main chain pyrolysis temperature of SiF were delayed. Mechanical properties analysis showed that EG and HPCTP could improve the mechanical properties of SiF. These indicated that the addition of EG/HPCTP was a good approach to prepare high effective flame-retarding SiF.
Morphological and Genetic Relation in Hybrids of Triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) of the Phyllosoma Complex from Mexico
Authors: Davila-Barboza Jesus A , Saucedo-Montalvo Mario C , Favela-Lara Susana , Ponce-Garcia Gustavo- , Fernandez-Salas Ildefonso , Quiroz-Martinez Humberto , Flores Adriana E
Published: May 2020

Triatoma longipennis Usinger 1939, Triatoma pallidipennis (Stal, 1872), and Triatoma picturata Usinger 1939 are considered among the species with the highest transmission capacity of Chagas disease in Mexico, with an impact on health mainly in rural zones and places with worn-out dwellings. There have been previous studies on the phylogenetic relationship of these species of the Phyllosoma complex using molecular approaches, in addition to analyzing morphological characters. However, one of the problems in the field is the presence of hybrids that due to the short genetic distance between species, and such organisms have not yet been identified and could be confused with parental organisms. In this work, we analyzed genotypical and phenotypic characters, between the species and the three possible hybrids resulting from the cross between the species. In the analysis of wings morphology, we found that the dominant phenotype in hybrids was that of T. pallidipennis, having a higher dominance than T. longipennis. Besides, the use of the COI marker amplified in DNA of parentals and the three possible hybrids showed by neighbor-joining phylograms a greater association of the hybrids with T. longipennis, in agreement with the analysis of genetic distances and polymorphic sites. Thus, the morphological data demonstrate the high dominance of T. pallidipennis and the molecular data of T. longipennis in its hybrids, in such a way that it is possible to differentiate hybrids from parental species.
Microfat and Nanofat Grafting in Genital Rejuvenation
Authors: Menkes Sophie , SidAhmed-Mezi Mounia , Meningaud Jean Paul , Benadiba Laurent , Magalon Guy , Hersant Barbara
Published: May 2020

Background

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a major problem in many post- or perimenopausal women. Lipofilling has long been considered to be an effective technique for restoring volume, but the discovery of its trophic proprieties has made it the most widely utilized method in regenerative medicine.

Objectives

The authors aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of microfat and nanofat grafting for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.

Methods

Women with GSM who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Women received microfat in the labia majora and nanofat in the vagina; follow-up was conducted 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The vaginal health index (VHI) and Female Sexual Distress (FSD) were utilized to assess improvement in vulvovaginal atrophy, orgasm, and sexual desire posttreatment.

Results

Fifty women were included; their average age was 53 years (range, 45-63 years). The VHI score significantly increased at 1 and 3 months after treatment (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the average FSD score showed a significant improvement at 1 and 3 months posttreatment. This score stabilized from 6 to 12 months but showed further improvement at 18 months. At 6 months posttreatment, for both scales, data pertaining to 80% of patients appeared normalized. There was a particular benefit noted for dryness and dyspareunia. At 18 months, the results remained stable for all of patients. No major side effects were observed.

Conclusions

There are now many ways to rejuvenate the intimate sphere, but microfat and nanofat grafting seem to offer good results with an autologous procedure. Their utilization appears promising for genital rejuvenation.

Level of Evidence: 4
Extensive chromosomal fissions and repetitive DNA accumulation shaped the atypical karyotypes of two Ramphastidae (Aves: Piciformes) species
Authors: Kretschmer Rafael , Furo Ivanete De Oliveira , Cioffi Marcelo De Bello , Gunski Ricardo José , Garnero Analía Del Valle , O’Brien Patricia C M , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm A , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , de Oliveira Edivaldo Herculano Corrêa
Published: May 2020

In contrast to the ‘avian-like’ diploid number (2n = 80), most toucans and aracaris (Piciformes: Ramphastidae) have divergent karyotypes, exhibiting a higher 2n. To identify the chromosomal rearrangements that shaped the karyotype of these species, we applied chicken macrochromosome paints 1–10 and 11 microsatellite sequences to the chromosomes of two representative species, Pteroglossus inscriptus and Ramphastos tucannus tucannus. Paints of chicken chromosomes revealed that at least the first five ancestral chromosomes have undergone fissions, and a fusion between a segment of chicken chromosome 1 and a segment from chromosome 3 occurred in both species. The microsatellite sequences were accumulated mainly in the Z chromosome and in several microchromosomes in both species. These results suggest that the genomes of the Ramphastidae have been shaped by extensive fissions and repetitive DNA accumulation as the main driving forces leading to the higher 2n as found in these species. Furthermore, our results suggest that the putative ancestral karyotype of Ramphastidae already had a high diploid number, probably close to 2n = 112, similar to that observed in P. inscriptus and R. t. tucannus.
Strong Menger Connectedness of Augmented k-ary n-cubes
Authors: Gu Mei-Mei , Chang Jou-Ming , Hao Rong-Xia
Published: May 2020

A connected graph $G$ is called strongly Menger (edge) connected if for any two distinct vertices $x,y$ of $G$, there are $\min \{\textrm{deg}_G(x), \textrm{deg}_G(y)\}$ internally disjoint (edge disjoint) paths between $x$ and $y$. Motivated by parallel routing in networks with faults, Oh and Chen (resp., Qiao and Yang) proposed the (fault-tolerant) strong Menger (edge) connectivity as follows. A graph $G$ is called $m$-strongly Menger (edge) connected if $G-F$ remains strongly Menger (edge) connected for an arbitrary vertex set $F\subseteq V(G)$ (resp. edge set $F\subseteq E(G)$) with $|F|\leq m$. A graph $G$ is called $m$-conditional strongly Menger (edge) connected if $G-F$ remains strongly Menger (edge) connected for an arbitrary vertex set $F\subseteq V(G)$ (resp. edge set $F\subseteq E(G)$) with $|F|\leq m$ and $\delta (G-F)\geq 2$. In this paper, we consider strong Menger (edge) connectedness of the augmented $k$-ary $n$-cube $AQ_{n,k}$, which is a variant of $k$-ary $n$-cube $Q_n^k$. By exploring the topological proprieties of $AQ_{n,k}$, we show that $AQ_{n,3}$ (resp. $AQ_{n,k}$, $k\geq 4$) is $(4n-9)$-strongly (resp. $(4n-8)$-strongly) Menger connected for $n\geq 4$ (resp. $n\geq 2$) and $AQ_{n,k}$ is $(4n-4)$-strongly Menger edge connected for $n\geq 2$ and $k\geq 3$. Moreover, we obtain that $AQ_{n,k}$ is $(8n-10)$-conditional strongly Menger edge connected for $n\geq 2$ and $k\geq 3$. These results are all optimal in the sense of the maximum number of tolerated vertex (resp. edge) faults.
A model protocol for the cryopreservation and recovery of motile lizard sperm using the phosphodiesterase inhibitor caffeine
Authors: Campbell Lachlan , Cafe Shenae L , Upton Rose , Doody J Sean , Nixon Brett , Clulow John , Clulow Simon
Published: May 2020

Reproductive technologies such as genome storage and assisted reproduction have a significant role to play in ending or reversing species extinctions. However, such technologies for non-model organisms (i.e. non-mammalian species) are poorly developed. This is particularly true for the reptiles, in which there is a dearth of successful protocols for cryopreserving reptile spermatozoa, despite limited attempts. We investigated sperm cryopreservation in the Australian lizard Varanus panoptes with the objective of addressing the unmet need for an optimized cryopreservation protocol for the spermatozoa of squamate reptiles. We tested the efficacy of two cryoprotectants [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and glycerol] as well supplementation with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (caffeine) to promote post-thaw motility. For cryopreservation, sperm were cooled in straws suspended in liquid nitrogen vapour for 5 minutes (approximately −135°C), before being plunged into liquid nitrogen (approximately −196°C), and later thawed in a water bath at 35°C. Samples were incubated post-thaw for 10 minutes in the presence or absence of 10 mM of caffeine. Both cryoprotectant type and concentration significantly affected percent sperm motility pre-freezing, with DMSO being less cytotoxic than glycerol and motility decreasing at higher concentrations of both cryoprotectant types. While cold shock did not significantly affect sperm motility, both cryoprotectant type and concentration did significantly impact the motility of post-thawed spermatozoa. Thus, mid-range concentrations (10% v/v) of DMSO and glycerol yielded a greater post-thaw motility compared with 5 and 20% v/v, while DMSO proved superior to glycerol. The addition of caffeine resulted in a significant recovery of post-thaw motility for both cryoprotectants, with higher rates of motility being associated with higher cryoprotectant concentrations. These protocols provide a significant step forward for in situ and ex situ management of threatened reptiles and add to recent evidence that reptilian sperm may have the full range of phosphorylation-mediated cellular mechanisms associated with capacitation, motility and metabolic regulation found in mammalian sperm.
Changes in physiology and microbial diversity in larval ornate chorus frogs are associated with habitat quality
Authors: Goff Cory B , Walls Susan C , Rodriguez David , Gabor Caitlin R
Published: May 2020

Environmental change associated with anthropogenic disturbance can lower habitat quality, especially for sensitive species such as many amphibians. Variation in environmental quality may affect an organism’s physiological health and, ultimately, survival and fitness. Using multiple health measures can aid in identifying populations at increased risk of declines. Our objective was to measure environmental variables at multiple spatial scales and their effect on three indicators of health in ornate chorus frog (Pseudacris ornata) tadpoles to identify potential correlates of population declines. To accomplish this, we measured a glucocorticoid hormone (corticosterone; CORT) profile associated with the stress response, as well as the skin mucosal immune function (combined function of skin secretions and skin bacterial community) and bacterial communities of tadpoles from multiple ponds. We found that water quality characteristics associated with environmental variation, including higher water temperature, conductivity and total dissolved solids, as well as percent developed land nearby, were associated with elevated CORT release rates. However, mucosal immune function, although highly variable, was not significantly associated with water quality or environmental factors. Finally, we examined skin bacterial diversity as it aids in immunity and is affected by environmental variation. We found that skin bacterial diversity differed between ponds and was affected by land cover type, canopy cover and pond proximity. Our results indicate that both local water quality and land cover characteristics are important determinants of population health for ornate chorus frogs. Moreover, using these proactive measures of health over time may aid in early identification of at-risk populations that could prevent further declines and aid in management decisions.
A Novel Capsule Endoscopic Score for Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Omori Teppei , Matsumoto Takayuki , Hara Toshifumi , Kambayashi Harutaka , Murasugi Shun , Ito Ayumi , Yonezawa Maria , Nakamura Shinichi , Tokushige Katsutoshi
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

The Lewis Score (LS) and Capsule Endoscopy Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CECDAI) are the two currently used small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) scoring systems for Crohn’s disease (CD). The present study describes a new scoring system for evaluation of small bowel CD, especially mucosal inflammation.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 108 CD patients underwent 196 SBCEs. The small bowel lesions were scored using our new Crohn’s Disease Activity in Capsule Endoscopy (CDACE). CDACE is the sum of scores for location of inflammation, range of inflammation, and stenosis, with a value ranging from 0 to 1643. We analyzed the relation between CDACE and LS, CECDAI, CDAI, and CRP values and evaluated the inter-rater reliability of CDACE using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (2.1).

Results

The mean (±SD) values of LS, CECDAI, and CDACE were 501 ± 1177, 5.8 ± 5.4 and 431 ± 356, respectively. CDACE correlated significantly with LS and CECDAI (ρ = 0.737, P < 0.0001 for LS and ρ = 0.915, P < 0.0001 for CECDAI). CDACE also correlated significantly with CDAI (ρ = 0.36) and CRP (ρ = 0.23). The ICC (2.1) was 0.829, indicating strong agreement among readers.

Conclusions

CDACE is a potentially useful SBCE scoring system for small bowel CD, as it represents the extent and spread of small bowel mucosal inflammation and stenosis.
Effect of Bacterial and Fungal Microbiota Removal on the Survival and Development of Bryophagous Beetles
Authors: Pyszko Petr , Višňovská Denisa , Drgová Michaela , Šigut Martin , Drozd Pavel
Published: May 2020

Insect microbiota may play a wide range of roles in host physiology. Among others, microbiota can be involved in diet processing or protection against pathogens, both of which are potentially important in bryophagous (moss-feeding) insects, which survive on extreme diets and live in the stable environment of moss clumps suitable for the growth of fungi and bacteria. We treated Cytilus sericeus (Forster, 1771) (Coleoptera: Byrrhidae) as a model organism with bactericides and fungicides to test the effect of bacterial and fungal removal on egg hatching and larval development. Furthermore, we supplied larvae with adult feces to determine whether feces is a source of beneficial microbiota or pathogens. Bactericides had a positive effect, but fungicides had a negative effect on beetle fitness, both of which manifested during egg hatching. The feces did not play a positive role. Our conclusions indicate the presence of beneficial fungal microbiota associated with eggs but not transmitted through feces. Based on preliminary cultivation and fungicide tests, Fusarium or Penicillium may be important for suppressing pathogens, but their exact role needs to be further studied.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation in a 17-year-old patient with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries: a case report
Authors: Nomura Takahiro , Miyasaka Masaki , Zahn Evan M , Makkar Raj R
Published: May 2020

Background

Limited research has been conducted on the surgical management of the aortic valve in congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA) and to our knowledge there have been no reports on the treatment of bicuspid aortic regurgitation (AR) in ccTGA. We report on a ccTGA patient with bicuspid AR and systemic right ventricule (SRV) dysfunction who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Case summary

A 17-year-old male with a history of ccTGA and cerebral palsy diagnosed at birth presented with heart failure. During childhood, he did not experience any heart failure symptoms, however, secondary to progressive bicuspid AR he experienced worsening SRV dysfunction beginning at 15-year-old. Echocardiography showed reduced SRV ejection fraction and severe bicuspid AR. The heart team, including a cardiac surgeon and paediatric cardiologist, discussed the treatment strategies and decided to proceed with TAVR as surgical aortic valve replacement was deemed high risk. TAVR was performed with the 34 mm Evolut R (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Post-operative echocardiography showed severe paravalvular leak (PVL). Therefore, valve-in-valve TAVR using a 29 mm Edwards SAPIEN 3 (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) was performed on post-operative Day 2 for PVL reduction. Following second procedure, PVL was significantly improved. The patient was discharged in stable condition.

Discussion

This is the first case wherein TAVR was performed for bicuspid AR in a patient with ccTGA. With appropriate preparation and planning and a collaborative multi-disciplinary team approach, TAVR can be a treatment option for severe AR in patients with ccTGA at high risk for surgery.
Segregation in a Universal Child Care System: Descriptive Findings from Norway
Authors: Drange Nina , Telle Kjetil
Published: May 2020

In a universal child care system with low or no parental co-payments, parents of advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds can improve the opportunities of their own children if they are better at identifying and occupying the high-quality centres, relegating children from disadvantaged backgrounds to centres of lower quality. To avoid such segregation, the generously publicly funded universal child care system in Norway is based on strict regulations of access, quality and co-payment. Still, using administrative data covering every child in Oslo over a decade, we document substantial segregation, with indications that children from advantaged families cluster in higher-quality centres. The segregation stems from parents of similar socioeconomic backgrounds applying to the same centres, and partly from private centres ‘cherry-picking’ advantaged children. Though parental application behaviour can to some extent be explained by residential segregation, we show that reallocating children across centres only 500 metres from their homes could substantially reduce segregation by immigrant background. We conclude that a child care system with almost universal participation and strict quality standards may not be sufficient to reduce social inequality and improve opportunities of disadvantaged children.
Temporal patterns and short-term progression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: data from RACE V
Authors: De With Ruben R , Erküner Ömer , Rienstra Michiel , Nguyen Bao-Oanh , Körver Frank W J , Linz Dominik , Cate Ten Hugo , Spronk Henri , Kroon Abraham A , Maass Alexander H , Blaauw Yuri , Tieleman Robert G , Hemels Martin E W , de Groot Joris R , Elvan Arif , de Melis Mirko , Scheerder Coert O S , Al-Jazairi Meelad I H , Schotten Ulrich , Luermans Justin G L M , Crijns Harry J G M , Van Gelder Isabelle C ,   for the RACE V Investigators
Published: May 2020

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) often starts as a paroxysmal self-terminating arrhythmia. Limited information is available on AF patterns and episode duration of paroxysmal AF. In paroxysmal AF patients, we longitudinally studied the temporal AF patterns, the association with clinical characteristics, and prevalence of AF progression.

Methods and results

In this interim analysis of the Reappraisal of AF: Interaction Between HyperCoagulability, Electrical Remodelling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF (RACE V) registry, 202 patients with paroxysmal AF were followed with continuous rhythm monitoring (implantable loop recorder or pacemaker) for 6 months. Mean age was 64 ± 9 years, 42% were women. Atrial fibrillation history was 2.1 (0.5–4.4) years, CHA2DS2-VASc 1.9 ± 1.3, 101 (50%) had hypertension, 69 (34%) heart failure. One-third had no AF during follow-up. Patients with long episodes (>12 hours) were often men with more comorbidities (heart failure, coronary artery disease, higher left ventricular mass). Patients with higher AF burden (>2.5%) were older with more comorbidities (worse renal function, higher calcium score, thicker intima media thickness). In 179 (89%) patients, 1-year rhythm follow-up was available. On a quarterly basis, average daily AF burden increased from 3.2% to 3.8%, 5.2%, and 6.1%. Compared to the first 6 months, 111 (62%) patients remained stable during the second 6 months, 39 (22%) showed progression to longer AF episodes, 8 (3%) developed persistent AF, and 29 (16%) patients showed AF regression.

Conclusions

In paroxysmal AF, temporal patterns differ suggesting that paroxysmal AF is not one entity. Atrial fibrillation burden is low and determined by number of comorbidities. Atrial fibrillation progression occurred in a substantial number.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02726698.
Stable and transient structural variation in lemur vaginal, labial and axillary microbiomes: patterns by species, body site, ovarian hormones and forest access
Authors: Bornbusch Sally Lyons , Grebe Nicholas M , Lunn Siera , Southworth Chelsea A , Dimac-Stohl Kristin , Drea Christine
Published: May 2020

Host-associated microbiomes shape and are shaped by myriad processes that ultimately delineate their symbiotic functions. Whereas a host's stable traits, such as its lineage, relate to gross aspects of its microbiome structure, transient factors, such as its varying physiological state, relate to shorter term, structural variation. Our understanding of these relationships in primates derives principally from anthropoid studies and would benefit from a broader, comparative perspective. We thus examined the vaginal, labial and axillary microbiota of captive, female ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) and Coquerel's sifakas (Propithecus coquereli), across an ovarian cycle, to better understand their relation to stable (e.g. species identity/mating system, body site) and transient (e.g. ovarian hormone concentration, forest access) host features. We used 16S amplicon sequencing to determine microbial composition and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure serum hormone concentrations. We found marked variation in microbiota diversity and community composition between lemur species and their body sites. Across both host species, microbial diversity was significantly correlated with ovarian hormone concentrations: negatively with progesterone and positively with estradiol. The hosts’ differential forest access related to the diversity of environmental microbes, particularly in axillary microbiomes. Such transient endogenous and exogenous modulators have potential implications for host reproductive health and behavioral ecology.