bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obtenção de vazão de diluição de efluentes utilizando o modelo de qualidade de água QUAL-UFMG
Authors: Carvalho Viviane Ramos de , Gonçalves José Augusto Costa , Couto Eduardo de Aguiar do
Published: December 2021

O modelo vigente de desenvolvimento socioeconômico, associado ao crescimento populacional acelerado e a necessidade de atendimento às diversas atividades humanas têm evidenciado um panorama complexo de poluição nos corpos hídricos, causando consequências diretas na capacidade de diluição e de autodepuração dos rios. A implantação de sistemas de suporte a decisão e modelagens de qualidade da água tornam-se essenciais para se alcançar uma eficiente gestão das águas e articulação dos instrumentos da Política Nacional de Recursos Hídricos. Assim, o objetivo principal deste trabalho foi a obtenção das vazões de diluição de efluentes do rio Piracicaba utilizando o modelo de qualidade da água QUAL-UFMG. Para isso, foi realizado o ajuste e a calibração do modelo através de dados hidrológicos e de qualidade da água provenientes das estações fluviométricas. A partir dos resultados da modelagem constatou-se que o modelo conseguiu mostrar a realidade do rio estudado. A simulação hipotética efetuada de instalação de sistemas de tratamento de efluentes domésticos para alguns lançamentos diretamente no rio Piracicaba demonstrou um decréscimo de 36,96% na concentração de DBO. A mudança nas classes de enquadramento resultou em variações de até 79,83% nas vazões de diluição. A classe de enquadramento exerce significativa influência nas vazões de diluição, com aumento dos valores consoantes ao nível e restrição, ou seja, cada vez que diminui a DBO permitida no corpo d’água, a vazão de diluição eleva-se. É interessante ressaltar que de acordo com as condições calculadas de vazão de diluição, a consideração dos lançamentos em todo o corpo hídricos é de extrema importância para a determinação das vazões disponíveis e indisponíveis e consequente disponibilidade hídrica.
A educação ambiental em ambiente escolar através da prática de vermicompostagem como forma de tratamento para os resíduos sólidos orgânicos
Authors: Cerqueira Vanessa Sacramento , Adamoli Helena Jung , Silva Cláudia Fernanda Lemons e , Pedra Junior Marcelo Ferreira
Published: December 2021

Diante do atual cenário em que estamos inseridos, com a geração de grande quantidade de resíduos sólidos, manejo inadequado e escassez de informações, ações de educação ambiental se faz de extrema necessidade a fim de promover a conscientização ambiental e mudanças comportamentais na sociedade. Neste sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver ações de Educação Ambiental (EA) com os alunos de uma escola pública localizada no município de Pelotas/RS, Brasil, através do ensino das formas de gerenciamento e tratamento dos resíduos, com enfoque no tratamento dos resíduos sólidos orgânicos através da prática sustentável de vermicompostagem. Foram desenvolvidas atividades teóricas e práticas com os alunos de uma turma do 6º ano, e aplicado um questionário inicial e final visando avaliar os conhecimentos adquiridos. Com a aplicação do projeto na escola, os alunos aprenderam a respeito das formas corretas de segregação, acondicionamento, coleta e destinação dos resíduos sólidos. Os alunos aprenderam a montar e manejar uma vermicomposteira em um sistema de pequena escala, o que possibilita a execução da técnica de vermicompostagem em locais com reduzida disponibilidade de espaço. A maioria dos alunos mostrou entendimento em relação aos resíduos sólidos e da importância do seu correto manejo, foram bastante participativos principalmente nas atividades práticas, e demonstraram entendimento e interesse em montar uma vermicomposteira em suas residências.
Identificação dos principais indicadores de sustentabilidade da caprinocultura leiteira: uma proposta de framework
Authors: Barbosa Robson Fernandes , Aguiar José Otávio , Alexandre Stefane Nogueira , Barros Mara Karinne Lopes Veriato , Barros Helder Morais Mendes
Published: December 2021

A caprinovinocultura leiteira o Nordeste representa grande importância socioeconômica para esta região, em especial paro o Estado da Paraíba, sendo o maior produtor de leite caprino do país, com destaque para a microrregião do Cariri Ocidental paraibano.  Diante da importância desta atividade econômica, justifica-se propor um sistema de indicadores de sustentabilidade. Desse modo, esta pesquisa tem-se objetivo elaborar uma matriz de indicadores de sustentabilidade caprinovinocultura leiteira, fruto disso, criou-se um modelo de avaliação de sustentabilidade em que se percebeu a necessidade de contemplar a temática capital social incluindo um novo atributo no método MESMIS - Marco para Avaliação de Sistemas de Manejo incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva em foi necessário realizar pesquisa de campo através de visitas in loco nas propriedades rurais, acompanhadas de entrevistas semiestruturadas e participação dos caprinovinocultores. Como resultado, foi proposto de inclusão do atributo capital social na metodologia MESMIS e elaborado um conjunto de indicadores em que originou um framework para avaliação da sustentabilidade da caprinocultura leiteira. Por fim, ao verificar a realidade da agricultura familiar na produção de leite caprino, percebeu-se que existe uma lacuna na metodologia MESMIS por não dar a ênfase nas relações sociais entre os produtores, mas apenas aos aspectos relacionados ao meio ambiente e produtividade. Desta forma, foi proposta uma adaptação do método MESMIS com a inclusão do atributo capital social a fim de tornar os resultados mais fidedignos e consistentes para a realidade da sustentabilidade da caprinocultura leiteira.
Potenciais ganhos da implementação de jardins filtrantes para o reuso de águas cinzas em prédios públicos
Authors: Melo Maísa Maria Oliveira Cavalcanti de , Cordeiro Luiz Filipe Alves , Sales Aldo Torres
Published: December 2021

A água é um recurso indispensável para a sobrevivência de todo ser vivo, por muitos anos tratada como fonte inesgotável. No entanto, o crescimento da população mundial, e o consumo descontrolado de recursos naturais, trouxeram diversos problemas ambientais, em especial a escassez de água potável para uma parcela considerável da população. O reúso de águas servidas ganha cada vez mais importância, tendo em vista um ciclo mais sustentável da água no meio urbano. No Brasil a maior parte das (ETE) tem limitação quanto à remoção de poluentes. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar medidas para mitigar os danos ao meio ambiente e conservação dos recursos naturais, com o reaproveitamento da água através da implantação de um Jardim Filtrante no edifício público o Fórum Desembargador Henrique Capitolino em Jaboatão dos Guararapes –PE. Este trabalho configura-se em uma pesquisa de método misto - procedimento de coleta, análise e combinação de técnicas quantitativas e qualitativas e por meio a revisão bibliográfica e científica. Os resultados da pesquisa estão alinhados à contribuição direta com as metas do PLS estabelecidas pelo CNJ contribuindo com os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. Através da reutilização de águas cinzas no prédio com plantas, denominadas de macrófitas, através de novas tecnologias em jardins filtrantes, demonstrou um payback de menos de um ano e com a implantação trazendo vários benefícios ambientais, sociais e econômicos. O perfil socioeconômico ou nível de instrução não mostrou correlação com a preocupação ambiental, sendo assim é importante fazer considerações a necessidade de um investimento em comunicação contínua e mais efetiva referente a questões ambientais com os que fazem parte do Judiciário em Pernambucano.
Cemeteries in Europe as places of remembrance and memory landscapes
Authors: Fischer Norbert
Published: December 2021

Los cementerios europeos han sido lugares de recuerdo durante siglos. Con su estructura espacial, sus monumentos y sus edificios funerarios nos informan sobre los modos cambiantes de tratar con los difuntos. Los lugares de enterramiento muestran una expresión material del sentimiento de duelo, cuyo cambio a lo largo de la historia es capaz de mostrar las múltiples interrelaciones entre muerte, sociedad y memoria. Reúnen biografías, mentalidades, ideología, relaciones de genero, estructuras y jerarquías sociales, así como elementos históricos regionales. Los cementerios son paisajes clásicos de la memoria, como ilustra el ejemplo de los cementerios europeos de época burguesa –también en aspectos políticos–, los cementerios militares y los cementerios marítimos especiales de la costa del Mar del Norte.

European cemeteries have been places of remembrance for centuries. With their spatial structure, their sepulchral monuments and buildings, they report on the changing ways of dealing with the deceased. The burial sites give a materialized expression to the feeling of mourning, the change of which in the course of history is able to show the manifold interrelationships between death, society and memory. They store biographies, mentalities, ideologies, gender relations, social structures and hierarchies as well as regional historical specifics. Cemeteries are classical memory landscapes, as will be explained using the example of European cemeteries in the bourgeois era –also under political aspects–, military cemeteries and special maritime cemeteries of the North Sea coast.
Współczesne problemy organizacji i zarządzania. Wybrane aspekty
Authors:   Faculty of Management, University of Warsaw, Żemigała Marcin
Published: December 2021

The authors of this monograph touch upon the unprecedented dynamics of change in today's global economy and its complexity in an attempt to highlight the role of managers in permanently adapting a company's activities to the changing conditions that determine its survival, development and further competitiveness. The work describes organizations and helix structures, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), life cycle assessment (LCA) and managerial effectiveness design. The presented monograph has extraordinary theoretical and practical value and can be used by managers in their daily work, constituting a dose of knowledge and information which, combined with experience and intuition, will allow them to face contemporary problems of organisation and management.
Editorial Note
Authors:   Lisa Hopkins, Duxfield Andrew
Published: December 2021

An introduction to the new issue of The Journal of Marlowe Studies
Acciones positivas y principio de especialidad. Reflexiones desde la teoria de las fuentes
Authors: Pisaneschi Andrea
Published: December 2021

El artículo reconstruye las acciones positivas basándose en la teoría económica de los bienes escasos y de las medidas compensatorias que el Estado debe establecer en base al principio de igualdad sustancial. Las acciones positivas, además, se han de calificar como lex specialis. Ello permite evitar, desde el punto de vista dogmático, la eventual confrontación entre las acciones positivas y el principio de igualdad formal. Pues ellas, en efecto, disciplinan unos concretos supuestos especiales que no derogan el principio general, por cuanto se aplican los principios que regulas las relaciones entre normas generales y normas especiales. La calificación de la acción positiva como norma especial permite además poder determinar su duración. Las mismas, como todas las normas especiales, han de cesar cuando cesan las razones que justificaron su adopción.
Problemática constitucional del pin parental frente a la educación sexual y de género
Authors: Siverio Luis Sergio
Published: December 2021

El establecimiento de la autorización familiar expresa para participar en actividades complementarias por parte del gobierno autonómico de la Región de Murcia ha generado una polémica controversia que cuestiona la conformidad de la medida con el ordenamiento jurídico y con el marco constitucional. El denominado pin parental pone el foco en las actividades complementarias de educación sexual y de género que se imparten en las escuelas públicas, por cuanto podrían vulnerar el derecho de las familias a educar de acuerdo con sus propias convicciones, debiendo ser voluntarias para el alumnado. En este trabajo, abordaremos la problemática constitucional del pin parental con respecto a la educación sexual y de género, para fundamentar jurídicamente si es compatible o no con la Constitución.
Ampliación de derechos por el defensor del pueblo: relectura iusfundamental
Authors: Escobar Guillermo
Published: December 2021

El catálogo y el contenido de los derechos fundamentales son abiertos, y el Defensor del Pueblo contribuye “desde abajo” a la tarea colectiva de justificar sus ampliaciones. Sin embargo, su argumentación en derechos contiene serios déficits, que deberían ser corregidos. Así se demuestra en los seis casos analizados, ofreciéndose una construcción alternativa, más coherente con la función constitucionalmente atribuida al Defensor del Pueblo.
La gestión de las epidemias durante el constitucionalismo isabelino: el caso del cólera
Authors: Almarcha Ochoa Jorge
Published: December 2021

Las epidemias, como máxima expresión de la enfermedad, alteran el normal funcionamiento de las sociedades. El cólera morbo, procedente del continente asiático, azotó nuestro país con una sucesión de brotes a lo largo del siglo XIX, principalmente. Con no pocas dificultades, y con una relativa escasez de medios y recursos, las autoridades debieron componer una rápida respuesta para afrontar esta nueva realidad desconocida hasta el momento. Juntamente con la comunidad científica, se llevó a cabo el desarrollo y puesta en práctica de numerosa legislación en materia sanitaria, fundamental en la configuración de la España liberal del momento. En concreto, destacaremos las medidas públicas adoptadas durante el inicio del periodo isabelino, pero sobre todo durante el régimen del bienio progresista, coincidentes ambos con los brotes que atenderemos. Por tanto, son las epidemias, y en concreto el cólera, hechos trascendentales que resultan imprescindibles en el análisis para una concepción completa del contexto histórico de estudio, por sus cuantiosas consecuencias e implicaciones de toda índole más allá de la propia enfermedad.
Óscar Sánchez Muñoz: La regulación de las camapañas electorales en la era digital. Desinformación y microsegmentación en las redes sociales con fines electorales
Authors: Navarro Marchante Vicente Jesús
Published: December 2021

Óscar Sánchez Muñoz: La regulación de las camapañas electorales en la era digital. Desinformación y microsegmentación en las redes sociales con fines electorales, Madrid, CEPC, 2020, 347 págs.
Perfil dos “Padres Novos” no Brasil
Authors: Brighenti Agenor , Souza Waldir
Published: December 2021

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Caminhar juntos (as): os grupos nas adolescências e nas juventudes nas escolas católicas
Authors: Souza Jonathan Felix de , Reis Bruno Márcio De Castro
Published: December 2021

Este texto objetiva discutir a pastoral escolar com especial atenção aos grupos de adolescentes e jovens. Os grupos são compreendidos, neste texto, como importante espaço de encontro e socialização dos adolescentes e jovens, mas também como espaço de formação e convivência comunitária. Ao se reconhecer a diversidade juvenil e o seu desenvolvimento como processo, refletimos criticamente o cenário da pastoral escolar com as adolescências e juventudes, indicando, ao final, a construção de itinerários formativos abertos, ajustáveis, mas plurais e estratégicos, a fim de colaborar na construção de projetos e processos atentos à formação integral e à realidade sociopolítica.
Os “padres novos” frente à renovação do Vaticano II e a tradição libertadora da Igreja na América Latina. Retroceder ou avançar?
Authors: Mendes Vitor Hugo
Published: December 2021

Em foco, aqui, um breve relatório dos dados de uma pesquisa de campo em busca do perfil dos “padres novos” no seio do catolicismo brasileiro, mais especificamente em relação à renovação do Vaticano II, à tradição libertadora da Igreja na América Latina e Caribe, bem como à Teologia da Libertação, seguido de uma análise preliminar dos mesmos. Trata-se de dados colhidos junto a agentes eclesiais de duas perspectivas sócio-pastorais — a “institucional/carismática”, à qual estão alinhados os “padres novos”, e a “evangelização/libertação”, que se remete à postura dos “padres das décadas de 1970/80”. Os dados apresentados mostram o distanciamento da perspectiva “institucional/carismática” em relação à renovação conciliar e sua recepção criativa na América Latina em torno a Medellín e Puebla. Ao mesmo tempo revelam as dificuldades dos alinhados à perspectiva “evangelização/libertação” para manter as conquistas e muito mais diante da necessidade de avançar, tal como interpela o magistério reformador do Papa Francisco. Este processo de renovação eclesial, quando não interrompido, foi sendo esquecido e, cada vez mais, abandonado por uma sucessiva geração de “padres novos”, fortalecendo uma polarização “institucional/carismática”, que restaurou uma cultura fortemente clerical (e clericalizante) no interior da Igreja.
Experiences of (Not) Belonging among Higher Education Students from Nondominant Ethnic Backgrounds
Authors: Kennedy Brianna L. , Melfor Suzanne N.
Published: December 2021

Students from nondominant backgrounds face challenges in educational contexts related to finding support and having a sense of belonging. In this study, we focus primarily on race and ethnicity in shaping experiences of nondominance. Using a theoretical framework based upon critical race theory and sense of belonging, we interviewed ten young adults from nondominant backgrounds about their educational experiences in primary, secondary, and tertiary education in the Netherlands. Findings indicate challenges related to interactions with White peers, low teacher support and expectations, and discontinuities between home and school cultures. Sources of support included peers from nondominant backgrounds, religion and faith communities, and family. Implications suggest that teachers and leaders in educational institutions develop their own, and their dominant students’, understandings of nondominant students’ experiences. Additional arguments for the need to focus on race in the European context and for the affordances of interpretive qualitative inquiry approaches are included.
Cidades novas
Authors: Trevisan Ricardo
Published: December 2021

Uma viagem ao universo das cidades novas, esse é o convite que esta obra vem oferecer aos leitores a fim de transitar, a partir da visão particular do autor, pelo contexto, pelos conceitos e pelos aspectos inerentes a esse tipo urbanístico, ainda pouco explorado pela literatura especializada brasileira. Uma viagem feita por exemplares de cidades intencionalmente criadas, nacionais e internacionais, da Antiguidade ao século XXI, revelando seus empreendedores, suas funções dominantes, seus locais estratégicos, seus profissionais e seus projetos. Elementos agenciados no tempo, planejados e projetados, tendo por resultado uma diversidade de modelos cuja essência é a mesma: ser uma cidade nova. Uma viagem sem ordem cronológica ou delimitações geográficas, na qual as cidades novas são expostas a fim de proporcionar ao leitor uma compreensão mais fácil e ágil do tema abordado. Igualmente, as referências bibliográficas obtidas em acervos no Brasil, na França e na Itália, permeados por levantamentos realizados em sítios eletrônicos especializados, embasam e dão suporte aos conceitos construídos. Uma viagem aberta, segundo um olhar e uma definição particular, prefaciada por palavras de Philippe Panerai e Sylvia Ficher, enfim, um porto seguro pessoal que compartilho com pesquisadores e estudiosos do urbanismo, do planejamento urbano, da história das cidades e demais curiosos pela temática.
Biosensor based on plasmonic Mach-Zehnder interferometer with metallic gratings
Authors: Wang Kun , Duan Gao-Yan , Lang Pei-Lin , Zhao Yu-Fang , Liu Jian-Bin , Song Gang ,   School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing 100876, China
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a Mach-Zehnder interferometric sensing structure based on silver nanochains of surface plasmons is optimized. The structure consists of a reference arm, a sensing arm and a nanowire waveguide. Nanowire waveguides are composed of silicon nanowires wrapped with a certain thickness of silver. Introduce two silver nanochains as the reference arm and the sensing arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. And research the transmission characteristics of the designed structure. Improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the designed structure by reducing the transmission loss. Compared with two identical silver nanowires as the reference arm and the sensing arm. After the reference arm and the sensing arm are changed to silver nanochains, the transmission characteristics are significantly improved, and the loss per unit length is obviously reduced. This is because the long-range or coulomb interaction between the unit structures of the silver nano-chains enhances the electromagnetic field in the structure, thereby reducing the transmission loss. We set the lattice constants of the two silver nanochains to different situations. The study found that under the wider width of silicon-coated silver nanowires and certain duty ratios. The unit transmission loss of a structure containing asymmetric silver nanochains is smaller than that of a structure containing symmetric silver nanochains. It can be known that silver nanoparticle chains with small loss can compensate for the transmission loss of silver nanoparticle chains with large loss. Using this feature, we further optimized the design structure and changed one side of the silver nano-chain to nano-wire. Change the lattice constant and duty cycle of the silver nanochain on the other side. We have found that in most cases, this type of structure has better transmission characteristics than a structure containing two silver nanochains and a structure containing two silver nanowires. Our design structure can greatly reduce the transmission loss of the traditional Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Moreover, the fault tolerance rate is high in the preparation process of the structure. It has huge potential application value in practical application.
Intuitionistic fuzzy quasi-interior ideals of semigroups
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, Tarsus University, Tarsuslu (Yılmaz) Sinem
Published: December 2021

In this study, it is purposed to introduced the concept of quasi-interior ideal on intuitionistic fuzzy semigroups. The concept introduced is supported with examples and its basic algebraic properties are examined.
Acetyl-CoA production by specific metabolites promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction via histone acetylation
Authors: Lei Ienglam , Tian Shuo , Gao Wenbin , Liu Liu , Guo Yijing , Tang Paul , Chen Eugene , Wang Zhong
Published: December 2021

Myocardial infarction (MI) is accompanied by severe energy deprivation and extensive epigenetic changes. However, how energy metabolism and chromatin modifications are interlinked during MI and heart repair has been poorly explored. Here, we examined the effect of different carbon sources that are involved in the major metabolic pathways of acetyl-CoA synthesis on myocardial infarction and found that elevation of acetyl-CoA by sodium octanoate (8C) significantly improved heart function in ischemia reperfusion (I/R) rats. Mechanistically, 8C reduced I/R injury by promoting histone acetylation which in turn activated the expression of antioxidant genes and inhibited cardiomyocyte (CM) apoptosis. Furthermore, we elucidated that 8C-promoted histone acetylation and heart repair were carried out by metabolic enzyme medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) and histone acetyltransferase Kat2a, suggesting that 8C dramatically improves cardiac function mainly through metabolic acetyl-CoA-mediated histone acetylation. Therefore, our study uncovers an interlinked metabolic/epigenetic network comprising 8C, acetyl-CoA, MCAD, and Kat2a to combat heart injury.
The induction of pyrenoid synthesis by hyperoxia and its implications for the natural diversity of photosynthetic responses in Chlamydomonas
Authors: Neofotis Peter , Temple Joshua , Tessmer Oliver L , Bibik Jacob , Norris Nicole , Pollner Eric , Lucker Ben , Weraduwage Sarathi M , Withrow Alecia , Sears Barbara , Mogos Greg , Frame Melinda , Hall David , Weissman Joseph , Kramer David M
Published: December 2021

In algae, it is well established that the pyrenoid, a component of the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM), is essential for efficient photosynthesis at low CO2. However, the signal that triggers the formation of the pyrenoid has remained elusive. Here, we show that, in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, the pyrenoid is strongly induced by hyperoxia, even at high CO2 or bicarbonate levels. These results suggest that the pyrenoid can be induced by a common product of photosynthesis specific to low CO2 or hyperoxia. Consistent with this view, the photorespiratory by-product, H2O2, induced the pyrenoid, suggesting that it acts as a signal. Finally, we show evidence for linkages between genetic variations in hyperoxia tolerance, H2O2 signaling, and pyrenoid morphologies.
Behavioral evidence for nested central pattern generator control of Drosophila grooming
Authors: Ravbar Primoz , Zhang Neil , Simpson Julie H
Published: December 2021

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neurons or neural circuits that produce periodic output without requiring patterned input. More complex behaviors can be assembled from simpler subroutines, and nested CPGs have been proposed to coordinate their repetitive elements, organizing control over different time scales. Here, we use behavioral experiments to establish that Drosophila grooming may be controlled by nested CPGs. On a short time scale (5–7 Hz, ~ 200 ms/movement), flies clean with periodic leg sweeps and rubs. More surprisingly, transitions between bouts of head sweeping and leg rubbing are also periodic on a longer time scale (0.3–0.6 Hz, ~2 s/bout). We examine grooming at a range of temperatures to show that the frequencies of both oscillations increase—a hallmark of CPG control—and also that rhythms at the two time scales increase at the same rate, indicating that the nested CPGs may be linked. This relationship holds when sensory drive is held constant using optogenetic activation, but oscillations can decouple in spontaneously grooming flies, showing that alternative control modes are possible. Loss of sensory feedback does not disrupt periodicity but slow down the longer time scale alternation. Nested CPGs simplify the generation of complex but repetitive behaviors, and identifying them in Drosophila grooming presents an opportunity to map the neural circuits that constitute them.
Distributed coding of duration in rodent prefrontal cortex during time reproduction
Authors: Henke Josephine , Bunk David , von Werder Dina , Häusler Stefan , Flanagin Virginia L , Thurley Kay
Published: December 2021

As we interact with the external world, we judge magnitudes from sensory information. The estimation of magnitudes has been characterized in primates, yet it is largely unexplored in nonprimate species. Here, we use time interval reproduction to study rodent behavior and its neural correlates in the context of magnitude estimation. We show that gerbils display primate-like magnitude estimation characteristics in time reproduction. Most prominently their behavioral responses show a systematic overestimation of small stimuli and an underestimation of large stimuli, often referred to as regression effect. We investigated the underlying neural mechanisms by recording from medial prefrontal cortex and show that the majority of neurons respond either during the measurement or the reproduction of a time interval. Cells that are active during both phases display distinct response patterns. We categorize the neural responses into multiple types and demonstrate that only populations with mixed responses can encode the bias of the regression effect. These results help unveil the organizing neural principles of time reproduction and perhaps magnitude estimation in general.
Disruption of the TCA cycle reveals an ATF4-dependent integration of redox and amino acid metabolism
Authors: Ryan Dylan Gerard , Yang Ming , Prag Hiran A , Blanco Giovanny Rodriguez , Nikitopoulou Efterpi , Segarra-Mondejar Marc , Powell Christopher A , Young Tim , Burger Nils , Miljkovic Jan Lj , Minczuk Michal , Murphy Michael P , von Kriegsheim Alex , Frezza Christian
Published: December 2021

The Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) Cycle is arguably the most critical metabolic cycle in physiology and exists as an essential interface coordinating cellular metabolism, bioenergetics, and redox homeostasis. Despite decades of research, a comprehensive investigation into the consequences of TCA cycle dysfunction remains elusive. Here, we targeted two TCA cycle enzymes, fumarate hydratase (FH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and combined metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics analyses to fully appraise the consequences of TCA cycle inhibition (TCAi) in murine kidney epithelial cells. Our comparative approach shows that TCAi elicits a convergent rewiring of redox and amino acid metabolism dependent on the activation of ATF4 and the integrated stress response (ISR). Furthermore, we also uncover a divergent metabolic response, whereby acute FHi, but not SDHi, can maintain asparagine levels via reductive carboxylation and maintenance of cytosolic aspartate synthesis. Our work highlights an important interplay between the TCA cycle, redox biology, and amino acid homeostasis.
Anopheles salivary antigens as serological biomarkers of vector exposure and malaria transmission: A systematic review with multilevel modelling
Authors: Kearney Ellen A , Agius Paul A , Chaumeau Victor , Cutts Julia C , Simpson Julie A , Fowkes Freya JI
Published: December 2021

Background:

Entomological surveillance for malaria is inherently resource-intensive and produces crude population-level measures of vector exposure which are insensitive in low-transmission settings. Antibodies against Anopheles salivary proteins measured at the individual level may serve as proxy biomarkers for vector exposure and malaria transmission, but their relationship is yet to be quantified.

Methods:

A systematic review of studies measuring antibodies against Anopheles salivary antigens (PROSPERO: CRD42020185449). Multilevel modelling (to account for multiple study-specific observations [level 1], nested within study [level 2], and study nested within country [level 3]) estimated associations between seroprevalence with Anopheles human biting rate (HBR) and malaria transmission measures.

Results:

From 3981 studies identified in literature searches, 42 studies across 16 countries were included contributing 393 study-specific observations of anti-Anopheles salivary antibodies determined in 42,764 samples. A positive association between HBR (log transformed) and seroprevalence was found; overall a twofold (100% relative) increase in HBR was associated with a 23% increase in odds of seropositivity (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10–1.37; p<0.001). The association between HBR and Anopheles salivary antibodies was strongest with concordant, rather than discordant, Anopheles species. Seroprevalence was also significantly positively associated with established epidemiological measures of malaria transmission: entomological inoculation rate, Plasmodium spp. prevalence, and malarial endemicity class.

Conclusions:

Anopheles salivary antibody biomarkers can serve as a proxy measure for HBR and malaria transmission, and could monitor malaria receptivity of a population to sustain malaria transmission. Validation of Anopheles species-specific biomarkers is important given the global heterogeneity in the distribution of Anopheles species. Salivary biomarkers have the potential to transform surveillance by replacing impractical, inaccurate entomological investigations, especially in areas progressing towards malaria elimination.

Funding:

Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust.
Development of a T-cell activation-related module with predictive value for the prognosis and immune checkpoint blockade therapy response in glioblastoma
Authors: Yan Zihao , Chu Siwen , Zhu Chen , Han Yunhe , Liang Qingyu , Shen Shuai , Cheng Wen , Wu Anhua
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite the rise in the use of immune checkpoint blockade drugs (ICBs) in recent years, there are no ICB drugs that are currently approved or under large-scale clinical trials for glioblastoma (GBM). T-cells, which mainly mediate adaptive immunity, are an important part of the tumor immune microenvironment. The activation of T-cells in tumors plays a key role in evaluating the sensitivity of patients to immunotherapy. Therefore, we applied bioinformatics approaches to construct a T-cell activation related risk score to study the effect of the activation of T-cells on the prognosis and ICB response of patients with GBM.

Materials and Methods

This study collected TCGA, CGGA, and GSE16011 glioma cohorts, as well as the IMvigor210 immunotherapy dataset, with complete mRNA expression profiles and clinical information. GraphPad Prism 8 and R 3.6.3 were used for bioinformatics analysis and plotting.

Results

The activation of T-cells in patients with GBM is characterized by obvious heterogeneity. We established a T-cell activation-related risk score based on five univariate Cox regression prognostic genes (CD276, IL15, SLC11A1, TNFSF4, and TREML2) in GBM. The risk score was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis. The overall survival time of patients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than in the low-risk group. Moreover, the high-risk score was accompanied by a stronger immune response and a more complex tumor immune microenvironment. “Hot tumors” were mainly enriched in the high-risk group, and high-risk group patients highly expressed inhibitory immune checkpoints (PD1, PD-L1, TIM3 etc.). By combining the risk and priming scores we obtained the immunotherapy score, which was shown to be a good evaluation index for sensitivity to GBM immunotherapy.

Conclusions

As an independent risk factor for poor prognosis, the T-cell activation-related risk score, combined with other clinical characteristics, could efficiently evaluate the survival of patients with GBM. The immunotherapy score obtained by combining the risk and priming scores could evaluate the ICB response of patients with GBM, providing treatment opportunities.
Effects of short-term nitrogen and phosphorus addition on leaf stoichiometry of a dominant alpine grass
Authors: Liu YaLan , Liu Bo , Yue Zewei , Zeng Fanjiang , Li Xiangyi , Li Lei
Published: December 2021

The effects of increasing nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition on the nutrient stoichiometry of soil and plant are gaining improving recognition. However, whether and how the responses of N cycle coupled with P of the soil–plant system to external N and P deposition in alpine grassland is still unclear. A short-term external N and P addition experiment was conducted in an alpine grazing grassland in the KunLun Mountain to explore the effects of short-term N and P addition on the nutrient stoichiometry in soil and plant. Different rates of N addition (ranging from 0.5 g N m−2 yr−1 to 24 g N m−2 yr−1) and P addition (ranging from 0.05 g N m−2 yr−1 to 3.2 g P m−2 yr−1) were supplied, and the soil available N, P, leaf N and P stoichiometry of Seriphidium rhodanthum which dominant in the alpine ecosystem were measured. Results showed that N addition increased soil inorganic N, leaf C, leaf N, and leaf N:P ratio but decreased soil available P and leaf C:P. Furthermore, P addition increased soil available P, leaf P, soil inorganic N, leaf N, and leaf C and reduced leaf C:N, C:P, and N:P ratios. Leaf N:P was positively related to N addition gradient. Leaf C:P and leaf N:P were significantly negatively related to P addition gradient. Although external N and P addition changed the value of leaf N:P, the ratio was always lower than 16 in all treatments. The influences of P addition on soil and plant mainly caused the increase in soil available P concentration. In addition, the N and P cycles in the soil–plant system were tightly coupled in P addition but decoupled in N addition condition. The nutrient stoichiometry of soil and leaf responded differently to continuous N and P addition gradients. These data suggested that the alpine grazing grassland was limited by P rather than N due to long-term N deposition and uniform fertilization. Moreover, increasing P addition alleviated P limitation. Therefore, the imbalanced N and P input could change the strategy of nutrient use of the grass and then change the rates of nutrient cycling in the alpine grassland ecosystem in the future.
Small herbivores and abiotic heterogeneity promote trait variation of a saltmarsh plant in local communities
Authors: Chen Qingqing , Smit Christian , Pen Ido , Olff Han
Published: December 2021

Intraspecific trait variation (ITV) enables plants to respond to global changes. However, causes for ITV, especially from biotic components such as herbivory, are not well understood. We explored whether small vertebrate herbivores (hares and geese) impact ITV of a dominant clonal plant (Elytrigia atherica) in local communities. Moreover, we looked at the relative importance of their direct (e.g., selective grazing) and indirect effects (altering genotypic richness/diversity and abiotic environment) on ITV. We used exclosures at two successional stages in a Dutch saltmarsh, where grazing pressure at the early successional stage was ca. 1.5 times higher than that of the intermediate successional stage. We measured key functional traits of E. atherica including height, aboveground biomass, flowering (flower or not), specific leaf area, and leaf dry matter content in local communities (1 m × 1 m plots) inside and outside the exclosures. We determined genotypic richness and diversity of each plant using molecular markers. We further measured abiotic variations in topography and clay thickness (a proxy for soil total nitrogen). Structural equation models revealed that small herbivores significantly promoted ITV in height and flowering at the early successional stage, while they marginally promoted ITV in height at the intermediate successional stage. Moreover, the direct effects of herbivores played a major role in promoting ITV. Small herbivores decreased genotypic diversity at the intermediate successional stage, but genotypic richness and diversity did not impact ITV. Small herbivores did not alter topographic variation and variation in clay thickness, but these variations increased ITV in all traits at the early successional stage. Small herbivores may not only impact trait means in plants as studies have shown but also their ITV.
Ferric citrate is a safe and digestible source of iron in broilers and piglets
Authors: Männer Klaus , Lester Hannah , Henriquez-Rodriguez Eliana
Published: December 2021

Background

Iron (Fe) is traditionally supplemented in poultry and swine diets using inorganic forms (e.g. sulfates, oxides). However, research suggests that organic sources are more beneficial due to greater bioavailability. In this paper, we present results from four studies aimed at assessing ferric citrate (CI-FER™, Akeso Biomedical Inc., Burlington, MA, USA) as a safe and effective source of Fe for broilers and piglets.

Methods

A total of four studies were performed in Germany following standard farming practices for each species. One study in day-old broiler chicks and one study in weaned piglets were designed as target animal safety studies where animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: a negative control group, the proposed dose group and a multifold dose group. Broilers and pigs were fed the experimental diets for 35 and 42 days, respectively. In each study, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured, and blood samples were taken at study end for routine biochemistry and haematology. The other two studies were designed to evaluate different sources of dietary Fe for weaned piglets bred and managed under standard farm conditions. All piglets received routine Fe injections (200 mg Fe dextran, intramuscular) on day 3 of age, as well as the experimental diets for 42 days. In both studies, performance parameters were measured. In one study, Fe digestibility and serum Fe, superoxide dismutase and haptoglobin were also measured. In all studies, the general health status of the animals was monitored daily and all culls and mortality recorded. Each study followed a complete randomised block design.

Results

In broilers, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 2,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) and no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality were observed. In piglets, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 5,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) with no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality. In addition, piglets fed ferric citrate performed significantly better than animals fed the negative control diet (containing only endogenous Fe) and those fed inorganic forms of Fe. Moreover, piglets fed ferric citrate demonstrated improved Fe digestibility and improved oxidative status. Altogether, these findings show that ferric citrate is a safe and easily digestible source of dietary Fe for broilers and piglets.
Transcriptome analysis of transgenic apple fruit overexpressing microRNA172 reveals candidate transcription factors regulating apple fruit development at early stages
Authors: Zhou Zhe , Zhu Yanmin , Zhang Hengtao , Zhang Ruiping , Gao Qiming , Ding Tiyu , Wang Huan , Yan Zhenli , Yao Jia-Long
Published: December 2021

Background

MicroRNA172 (miR172) has been proven to be critical for fruit growth, since elevated miR172 activity blocks the growth of apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit. However, it is not clear how overexpression of miR172 affects apple fruit developmental processes.

Methods

To answer this question, the present study, analyzed global transcriptional changes in miR172-overexpressing (miR172OX) and nongenetically modified wild-type (WT) apple fruit at two developmental stages and in different fruit tissues via RNA-seq. In addition, two cultivars, ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’, which have naturally fruit size variation, were included to identify miR172-dependent DEGs. qRT–PCRwas used to verify the reliability of our RNA-seq data.

Results

Overexpression of miR172 altered the expression levels of many cell proliferation- and cell expansion-related genes. Twenty-four libraries were generated, and 10,338 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between miR172OX and WT fruit tissues. ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’ are two common cultivars that bear fruit of different sizes (250 g and 75 g, respectively). Six libraries were generated, and 3,627 DEGs were detected between ‘Hanfu’ and ‘M9’. After merging the two datasets, 6,888 candidate miR172-specific DEGs were identified. The potential networks associated with fruit size triggered traits were defined among genes belonging to the families of hormone synthesis, signaling pathways, and transcription factors. Our comparative transcriptome analysis provides insights into transcriptome responses to miR172 overexpression in apple fruit and a valuable database for future studies to validate functional genes and elucidate the fruit developmental mechanisms in apple.
A review of starch biosynthesis in cereal crops and its potential breeding applications in rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Li Ruiqing , Zheng Wenyin , Jiang Meng , Zhang Huali
Published: December 2021

Starch provides primary storage of carbohydrates, accounting for approximately 85% of the dry weight of cereal endosperm. Cereal seeds contribute to maximum annual starch production and provide the primary food for humans and livestock worldwide. However, the growing demand for starch in food and industry and the increasing loss of arable land with urbanization emphasizes the urgency to understand starch biosynthesis and its regulation. Here, we first summarized the regulatory signaling pathways about leaf starch biosynthesis. Subsequently, we paid more attention to how transcriptional factors (TFs) systematically respond to various stimulants via the regulation of the enzymes during starch biosynthesis. Finally, some strategies to improve cereal yield and quality were put forward based on the previous reports. This review would collectively help to design future studies on starch biosynthesis in cereal crops.
An estimate of the area of occupancy and population size of Brachycephalus tridactylus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) to reassess its conservation status, with a proposal for conservation measures
Authors: Bornschein Marcos R. , Nadaline Júnior , Ribeiro Luiz Fernando , Sandretti-Silva Giovanna , Rivas Maria Fernanda Ferreira , Guerra Bruno de Morais , Teixeira Larissa
Published: December 2021

Background

We are experiencing a global crisis in conservation, which has led to the prioritization of targets, such as nations, regions, and animal groups, which are necessary while resources are disputed. Brazil is a priority not only because of its megadiversity, high rates of endemism, and frequent descriptions of new species but also because of its high levels of deforestation. Among the species groups prioritized for conservation is the anurans (Amphibia: Anura), the population of which is severely declining. One group of anurans is the genus Brachycephalus, which includes 37 endemic species in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest. Some of these species have highly restricted distributions (<100 ha). Thirty new species have been described since 2000, and 55.3% of all species are threatened with extinction. Brachycephalus tridactylus was only recently described and remains restricted to its type locality. Because of its reduced geographical distribution (0.41 km2), it has been proposed to be considered as Vulnerable. The objective of this study is to reevaluate the conservation status of Brachycephalus tridactylus and propose conservation measures.

Methods

We searched for new populations during 2016–2020, evaluated in loco impacts and potential impacts on the species’ population, and performed an analysis of the density of this population and estimated its size. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria were used to assess the conservation status of the species.

Results

We recorded the species in seven new localities (from 715–1,140 m above sea level) in the state of São Paulo up to 33 km from the type locality of the species (in state of Paraná). We estimated the area of occupancy as 148.44 km2, densities as one calling male per 4.05 m2 and 130.00 m2, and a total population size of 4,429,722 adult individuals. Based on our finding, we proposed three lines of management: (1) formation of fire brigades, (2) management of residents’ mules in the conservation unit and surrounding areas, and (3) management of degraded areas. We recommend changing the species’ conservation status from Vulnerable to Endangered because of its fragmented distribution and decline in the area of occupancy and in the quality of its habitat. Our results have expanded the species previous geographic distribution and delimited areas without previous records. Our estimates of population density and size are in accordance with those verified for congeners. The conservation of this species benefits the environments and other species that inhabit them, being, therefore, strategic for receiving conservation actions that will spread throughout the ecosystem.