bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draw to Understand
Authors: Dirkes M. Ann
Published: October 2020

Students who make drawings about mathematical concepts think about mathematics. Those who trust their own thinking become problem solvers who play with ideas on paper. During the drawing process, they call to mind the knowledge that they have stored in memory. They compare drawings to numbers and equations and look at the whole problem as well as the details. These thinking strategies contribute well to the construction of mathematical ideas.
Number of the Day
Authors: Slovin Hannah
Published: October 2020

How can teachers help students build efficient computational skills necessary for progress in mathematics and at the same time foster their development of independent thinking about mathematics? A simple activity, which I call “number of the day,” can help students construct mathematical concepts as well as practice computation. I started using this exercise to fill in time at the end of a class period and while students were waiting for the recess bell or for another teacher to take them to physical education. After a while I realized how powerful a device the number-of-the-day activity is.
Implementing the Professional Standards For Teaching Mathematics: Teachers Building on Students' Thinking
Authors: Maher Carolyn A. , Martino Amy M. , Friel Susan N.
Published: October 2020

Teaching mathematics from the perspective of developing in students “mathematical power” (NCTM 1989) requires the building of a new vision for learning that focuses on thinking and reasoning. This endeavor draws on many complex and interrelated domains of knowledge. The reasons some teachers are more successful than others in facilitating thoughtful mathematical learning environments are varied and intricate. Perhaps a look at classroom sessions in which students are thoughtfully engaged in doing mathematics might lend further insight into what it means to pay attention to the thinking of students as they are engaged in doing mathematics and what it means to build on students thinking. (For a discussion of what is meant by doing mathematics, see Davis and Maher [1990] and Maher, Davis, and Alston [1991a].)
Little into Big Is the Way It Always Is
Authors: Graeber Anna O. , Baker Kay M.
Published: October 2020

The reason for division's poor reputation in children's literature may be that students' problems with division extend beyond their difficulties in recalling the basic facts and the rather complex standard algorithm.
A Fifth-Grade Similarity Unit
Authors: Woodward Ernest , Gibbs Virginia , Shoulders Michael
Published: October 2020

Similarity is certainly an important geometric, spatial-sense concept. Understanding similarity prepares the student for other topics in mathematics. For instance, the NCTM's (1989) Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics points out that similarity concepts can facilitate students' understanding of proportional reasoning. Also, numerous everyday applications of similarity involve such visual materials as blueprints, maps, graphs, models, and photographs. Despite the obvious importance of similarity, we have found that this topic does not receive appropriate consideration in the mathematics curriculum. Such omission is inappropriate because students will not gain the prerequisite informal geometry experiences for further study. As a result, we planned a similarity unit designed for fifth graders but probably appropriate for middle school students who have not had any significant experiences with similarity. The five-day unit was taught to a fifth-grade class at Byrns L. Darden Elementary School in Clarksville, Tennessee. A short description of the unit and a description of students' reactions to the individual lessons follow.
Developing Creative Thinking in Arithmetic
Authors: Reed Calvin H.
Published: October 2020

IN THIS DECADE OF 1950–60, we find ourselves faced with a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, we pay high tribute to the creative minds that have helped to make America great—politically, economically, scientifically, and socially. We bestow our admiration on our Einsteins, Carvers, Edisons, Salks, Jeffersons, and others, because they contributed much to make our lives richer and happier. These men were creative thinkers. On the other hand, as we review the contemporary scene, we can identify people, forces and institutions that are suppressing creative thought and opinions of individuals.
Achievement by Pupils Entering the First Grade
Authors: Priore Angela
Published: October 2020

Wen asked “how many inches in a foot?” the five year old child, his first day in first grade, removed his shoe and counted his toes. The question again was repeated to him. Very arrogantly he eyed the interviewer and said, “Don't you know people have toes and not inches in their feet.” Reluctantly the interviewer proceeded to ask the next logical question. “Johnny, how many feet are there in a yard?” To this question John hesitated for one moment. Then appearing to be a little baffled he could he heard in almost a whisper, speaking as if to himself, “Joey—Jimmy—Tommy—Peter that makes four and me is five, five and five more is ten.” “I know,” he yelled as pleased as punch, there are ten feet in a yard.” The interviewer gave quite a perplexed look, to which John grinned wilh all the satisfaction a five year old could possess, and said “You didn't think I knew, did you?” When Johnny was asked how he arrived at this number he said, “Simple, all you got to do is add both feet of all the boys that play in your backyard.”
Manipulative Devices in Lower Grades
Authors: Hertz Pauline
Published: October 2020

It is evident that elementary teachers DO want to improve their teanching of arithmetic. A questionnnaire sent to a cross section of the schools in California, Idaho, and Oregon showed 85.4 per cent of those responding to belive that teachers should have more training in the use of manipulative divices in the teaching of arithmetic. Over 36 per cent of these thought the colleges shuuld teach this phase of methods in workshops. And 41.8 per cent believe the training slould be received in workshops combined with training elwhere.1
Assessing Students' Beliefs About Mathematics
Authors: Spangler Denise A.
Published: October 2020

The beliefs that students and teachers hold about mathematics have been well documented in the research literature in recent years (e.g., Cooney 1985; Frank 1988, 1990; Garofalo 1989a, 1989b; Schoenfeld 1987; Thompson 1984, 1985, 1988). The research has shown that some beliefs are quite salient across various populations. These commonly held beliefs include the following (Frank 1988):
Developing Sense About Numbers
Authors: Greenes Carole , Schulman Linda , Spungin Rika
Published: October 2020

The Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (NCTM 1989) identifies number sense as one of the major standards of the K–4 curriculum and recommends that mathematics curricula at these grade levels develop students' number-sense skills. For grades 5 to 8, the standards document states that students' abilities to identify numerical relationships are central to their understanding of numeration concepts and to their judgment of the reasonableness of answers in problem-solving situations. But what is number sense? And how can it be developed?
Calendar Mathematics
Authors: Chancellor Dinah
Published: October 2020

The calendar is designed to speak directly to students, giving them open-ended questions intended to engage their intellect through their interests. Students are encouraged to work on the activities individually, in pairs, or in small groups. No answers are provided for the calendar questions so that students are encouraged to look to themselves as the mathematical authority, to develop the confidence and critical-thinking skills necessary to validate their thinking.
Estimation is Mathematical Thinking
Authors: Harte Sandra W. , Glover Matthew J.
Published: October 2020

Do I have enough money to buy the milk and the cereal, plus two cans of cat food?
Teacher To Teacher: You've Learned It When You Can Use It
Authors: Thomas Conn , Shaw Jean M. , Hoffman Ann
Published: October 2020

Mrs. Rodriguez, a fifth-grade teacher, expresses a feeling common among middle-and upper-grade teachers. “I taught him the skill, but you know — he just doesn't use it outside my classroom. We practice and practice—he can do it in my class, but when he goes down the hall to Mr. Walsh's science classroom, it's like he has never seen it before. He can't decide whether to add or subtract when working with a calorie chart in science. I heard that he got stuck when making a scale drawing for a social studies assignment.” Most teachers have these frustrating feeling about transfer of skill. Teachers teach skills, but helping students use what they have “learned” is a continuing problem.
Research Into Practice: Making Equity a Reality in Classrooms
Authors: Campbell Patricia F. , Langrall Cynthia
Published: October 2020

The NCTM's Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989) speaks of the necessity of providing effective mathematics education for all students. Noting that “the social injustices of past schooling practices can no longer be tolerated” (p. 4), the standards document calls for a mathematics content that is “what we believe all students will need if they are to be productive citizens in the twenty-first century. If all students do not have the opportunity to learn this mathematics, we face the danger of creating an intellectual elite and polarized society” (p. 9), Similarly, the National Research Council's Mathematical Sciences Education Board noted that two themes underlie current analysis of American education: “equity in opportunity and… excellence in results” (1989. 28–29). Although the NCTM's standards and other reform documents have been critiqued as addressing the issue of equity in terms of “enlightened self-interest” as opposed to seeking justice (Secada 1989), these documents have called attention to educational disparity. The issue today is how to make the goal of equity a reality in classrooms. To do otherwise would be to assign “mathematics for all” to the status of a slogan, a catchy phrase but having no meaning in practice.
Primary Arithmetic: Children Inventing their Own Procedures
Authors: Kamii Constance , Lewis Barbara A. , Livingston Sally Jones
Published: October 2020

In an article that appeared in the Arithmetic Teacher, Madell (1985) described findings from a private school in New York City in which children were not taught any algorithms until the end of the third grade. Without algorithms, the children devised their own ways of solving computation problems. Madell's observation of the children's thinking led him to conclude that “children not only can but should create their own computational algorithms” (p. 20) and that “children can and should do their own thinking” (p. 22). The purpose of the present article is to reiterate Madell's call for reform, with supporting evidence from a public school near Birmingham, Alabama.
Calendar Mathematics
Authors: Heath Luke , Proske Lisa
Published: October 2020

The calendar is designed to speak directly to students, giving them open-ended questions intended to engage their intellect through their interests. Students are encouraged to work on the activities individually, in pairs, or in small groups. No answers are provided for the calendar questions so that students are encouraged to look to themselves as the mathematical authority, to develop the confidence and critical-thinking skills necessary to validate their thinking.
Reviewing and Viewing: New Books: From NCTM
Authors: McEnemy-Ogle Anne
Published: October 2020

20 percent discount for individual NCTM members on NCTM publications. Free catalogs of NCTM publications are available by writing to NCTM, Department P. To order call toll free (800) 235-7566.
The 5 and 3 Store
Authors: Harvey Bonnie
Published: October 2020

Lane two is open. Lane two is open.” This statement was greeted with enthusiasm as students shopped in a “grocery store” set up to offer experience in money skills and management.
Sometimes Less Is More
Authors: Buschman Larry
Published: October 2020

This is a true story, Not long ago, on a cool, chilly day in November, a teacher named Mr. B. gave his second-grade students some problems similar to those found in most mathematics textbook (fig. 1). Since these students would be “problem solving,” Mr. B. reminded them that they could use the classroom calculators and would be working in cooperative learning pairs.
Twenty Methods for Improving Problem Solving
Authors: Koenker Robert H.
Published: October 2020

The Following Suggestions for improving problem solving in Arithmetic have proven to be of value by research and/or classroom practice.
Essential Mathematical Meanings in Arithmetic in Quantitative Thinking, Computation, and Problem Solving
Authors: McSwain E. T. , Cooke Ralph J.
Published: October 2020

“Arithmetic is the foundation of all mathematics. It is the most useful of sciences, and there is probably no other branch of human knowledge which is so widely spread among the masses.”
Division by a Two-Figure Divisor
Authors: Ulrich Louis E.
Published: October 2020

It is now generally accepted that arithmetic meanings reside in the number system in use. Long division examples are readily understood when the decimal computation proce patterns required by them are recognized. The purpo e of thi paper is to show, that since the decimal system of computation and notation is the generally accepted system, methods and meanings must be consistent with it to get results just as the rules of baseball or any other sport designates the skills to be acquired and the procedures to be followed in order to win. If this is true then decimal computation should provide the meaning teachers and student require not only to work examples but also to solve problems.
Linda Learns the Hexal System
Authors: Deery Ruth T.
Published: October 2020

The best way to gain understanding of English, it is said, is to study another language. Only by learning to think in another language can a person view his native tongue with something resembling detachment. Similarly, one way to gain understanding of our decimal number system should be to study a number system with a different base. Then it becomes clear that our decimal system is not the basis of the universe at all, but a tool for understanding the universe, a tool invented by the human mind, and one of many possible systems for organizing size and number.
Twentieth Century Mathematics for the Elementary School
Authors: Engen H. Van
Published: October 2020

Recent events have brought the problems of mathematics instruction to the attention of the American public. In so far as the public is concerned, this has been a post-Sputnik development; however, many were aware that our mathematics program was in need of repair prior to Sputnik I. One need only recall the existence of committees and commissions appointed prior to Sputnik I to document pre-Sputnik awareness of the need to examine carefully the mathematics programs in our schools and colleges.
Children's Success with Two Methods of Estimating the Quotient Figure
Authors: Flournoy Frances
Published: October 2020

Most of the research which has been done regarding methods of estimating the quotient figure when dividing by a two-place number has attempted to show which method will correctly yield the true quotient most often on the first trial. Children's success with any method for estimating the quotient figure also depends on their being able to remember and apply correctly the rule for the method which they are taught.
What Numbers Mean to Young Children: Number Concepts Compared With a 1940 Study
Authors: Gunderson Agnes G. , Gunderson Mrs. Ethel
Published: October 2020

Twenty years ago a study1 Was made at the University of Wyoming of number ideas or concepts held by a group of 17 pupils at the University Elementary School at the completion of the first half of the second grade. This inventory or study showed that seven-year-olds have many contacts with the usc and application of number in their daily work and play. It indicated that children learn many number concepts and associate various meanings and understandings with numbers 1—12.
Retention of the Skill of Division of Fractions
Authors: Stephens Lois , Dutton Wilbur H.
Published: October 2020

ONE OF THE QUESTIONS constantly Confronting teachers is that of retention of any skill which is taught. In most cases there is no direct check on retention of any particular skill either on a basis of the group of children as they move along through the grades, or on a basis of the individual students. This particular study was a follow-up of a previous study in which the learning of the skill of division of fractions had been the main concern; attempting to determine the relative degrees of retention provided interesting and valuable supplementary information.
Defining Basic Concepts of Mathematics
Authors: Dean Richard A.
Published: October 2020

In the Mathematical Community there is a real interest in the mathematics that our children arc being taught and all of us have a sincere desire to help in planning a sound mathematical curriculum. Many of you, I am sure, are aware of the several groups which unite the talents of professional mathematicians and expert teachers in an effort to make a substantial contribution to elementary and secondary school mathematics. I refer particularly to the School Mathematics Study Group under the direction of Professor E. G. Beglc of Yale University, to the Commission on Mathematics of the College Entrance Examination Board, and to the University of Illinois chool of Mathematics under the direction of Professor Max Beberman. I have been privileged to work with the School Mathematics Swdy Group and I am extremely enthusiastic and optimistic about the series of textbooks which are being tried out this year in 40 different centers. These textbooks range from the 7th to the 12th grades.
The Relationship Between Arithmetic Research and the Content of Arithmetic Textbooks [1900–1957]
Authors: Constance Dooley Mother M.
Published: October 2020

The Growing Importance of SCience and mathematics in today's world has focused attention on the arithmetic curriculum in the elementary school. It is increasingly apparent that children need a deeper and wider knowledge of the basic mathematical principles for teachers are often challenged to prove that their teaching is bearing fruit. The tone of many articles appearing in the public press indicates that there is a considerable amount of dissatisfaction about the results of our arithmetic program. Concern for the causes of this dissa tisfaction led to the study which is reported here.
A Bibliography of Historical Materials for Use in Arithmetic in the Intermediate Grades
Authors: Kreitz Helen Marie , Flournoy Frances
Published: October 2020

The use of historical materials in the teaching of arithmetic stimulates interest, enthusiasm, and appreciation among pupils for the learning of arithmetic. These materials may also aid pupils to see certain characteristics and relationships. Arithmetic textbooks cannot present complete historical stories on the development of the number system, the number processes and the system of measures. It is important that teachers have available some supplementary books which are suitable for use with children and which can serve as sources of such historical information. Of course, encyclopedias are also sources of some historical information about arithmetic, but these have not been included in the bibliography presented.
Percentage—noun or adjective?
Authors: Rappaport David
Published: October 2020

Problems dealing with percent have usually been considered among the difficult topics in the arithmetic curriculum in the elementary school. Adults as well as youngsters will readily confess to their lack of understanding of per cent. The same is true of students in refresher courses in mathematics who list the topic of per cent as one of the least-understood topics in arithmetic.
An in-service mathematics education program for intermediate grade teachers
Authors: Robert Houston W. , Boyd Claude C. , Vere DeVault M.
Published: October 2020

The extensive concern for promoting the continued education of teachers beyond the four-year college program promises to place increasingly greater demands on inservice education. Although many schools are engaged in in-service education of one kind or another, few schools have reported attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs. Research in the effectiveness of various kinds of in-service programs is needed if efforts to improve understandings of teachers are to be efficient and effective in the improvement of educational opportunities for boys and girls. This is a report of the evaluation of an in-service program which utilized a team-teaching approach and the use of television, lectures, question discus. ions, and written materials.
Editorial comments: As we read
Authors: Gibb E. Glenadine
Published: October 2020

How many times in the past month have you asked yourself, “In what ways can we provide a richer and more effective mathematics curriculum for the children in our elementary schools?” We evaluate and re-evaluate our present practices in light of new knowledge, new research, and new ways of developing old ideas. Often it becomes necessary to sacrifice “out-ofdate” and no longer useful practices for more purposeful ones. If you are convinced that changes are possible, we invite you to read these provocative articles.
Experimental projects and research: Research on elementary–school mathematics—1960
Authors: Weaver J. Fred
Published: October 2020

This summary of research on elementaryschool mathematics represents a continuation of a series begun four years ago in The Arithmetic Teacher and brings this Heries up to date through t he calendar year 1960.1
A psychologist views (with alarm) the mathematical concepts of “multiplication” and “division”
Authors: Hobart Mowrer O.
Published: October 2020

During the summer of 1960, the writer was a “participant observer” in a workshop for elementary teachers of arithmetic.
Problem solving—programming and processing
Authors: Hannon Herbert
Published: October 2020

To the writer it would seem that there are just two basic ingredients in problem solving: “programming” or sketching the solution, and “processing” or performing the necessary computations. A student may have success or failure at either of these two levels. In order to help the student in his problem solving, it would seem to be desirable to analyze these steps to determine the necessary ingredients for each.
The nongraded primary school and arithmetic
Authors: Hart Richard H.
Published: October 2020

The results of certain traditional practices in the elementary school have been frustration and disappointment. The time-honored practice of classifying pupils as first graders, second graders, third graders, etc. according to their chronological age has created a rigid school organization and an inflexible curriculum supporting tmrealistic standards within which teachers labor diligently but hopelessly.
Health Behaviors of Funeral Directors in the US: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Cegelka Derek , Wagner-Greene Victoria R. , Newquist Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Little is known about the health-risk behaviors of funeral directors. We undertook a study to examine their health behavior risks by assessing perceived health behaviors. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional, descriptive study of a sample of funeral directors
in the US as of September 2018. We used online survey software to disseminate a multi-wave survey to funeral directors. Results: Overall, we received 132 completed surveys (16.5% response rate). Overall, funeral directors rated themselves as healthy, but 61% reported that their mental
health was not good in the previous 30 days due to stress, depression, or problems with emotions. We found that 23% reported that their poor physical or mental health keep them from doing their daily activities such as self-care, work, or recreation in the last 30 days. Other behaviors such
as screenings, weight management, stress management, and substance use were found to be concerns in this population. Conclusions: Public health efforts should focus on health promotion programming with an emphasis on improving the overall health and well-being of funeral directors in
the US.
Associations among ACEs, Health Behavior, and Veteran Health by Service Era
Authors: Hein Tyler C. , Muz Benjamin , Ahmadi-Montecalvo Halima , Smith Tyler
Published: October 2020

Objectives: Despite substantial research linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and health, it is unclear how associations differ by veteran status and military service era (draft, volunteer era). The current study evaluated differences in ACEs and health by veteran status
and era, increasing understanding important for service provision as the volunteer era veteran population increases. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2012 data were used in univariate and weighted multivariable logistic regression models to assess associations among
veteran status, service era, ACEs, and health. Results: Volunteer era veterans experienced the most ACEs (M = 2.42); draft era veterans experienced the fewest (M = 1.04). Individuals reporting 3 or more ACEs were 3.67 times (95% CI = 3.22-4.19) more likely to endorse depression, 1.32
times (95% CI = 1.17-1.48) more likely to report poorer general health, and 1.77 times (95% CI = 1.58-1.97) more likely to endorse poorer physical health, compared to those reporting none. Volunteer era veterans were 2.43 times more likely to report poorer physical health (95% CI = 1.49-3.97)
than draft era veterans, adjusting for ACEs. Conclusions: ACEs were associated with poorer health independent of veteran status and service era. Volunteer era veterans experienced more ACEs; need for trauma-informed services supporting whole health may increase.
Use and Perceptions of Opioids versus Marijuana among People Living with HIV
Authors: Potts Jessica M. , Getachew Betelihem , Vu Milkie , Nehl Eric , Yeager Katherine A. , Berg Carla J.
Published: October 2020

Objectives: In this study, we examined use of and interest in using opioids and marijuana, particularly in relation to use motives and perceived barriers to use, among people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: We analyzed online survey data from 304 PLWH in the United States
recruited via social media in Summer 2018. Results: In this sample (Mage = 30.86, 40.5% male, 64.5% white), 16.1% reported current (past 30-day) use of opioids, 18.1% marijuana, and 15.8% both. Participants reported more use motives and fewer barriers to using marijuana versus
opioids (p's < .001). The most frequently endorsed motive for using either/both drugs were to cope with pain and stress/anxiety. Highest-rated barriers to using either/both drugs were missing symptoms of worsening illness and addiction concerns. Regression analyses indicated that current
opioid use correlated with reporting greater opioid use motives; among past-month opioid nonusers, greater interest in using opioids correlated with greater opioid use motives. Current marijuana use correlated with reporting greater marijuana use motives and greater barriers; among past-month
marijuana nonusers, greater interest in using marijuana correlated with greater marijuana use motives and fewer barriers. Conclusions: Use motives and barriers differentially correlated with use and interest in use across drugs, thereby indicating different intervention approaches to
address appropriate use.
Kronik
Authors: Philipson Lotte
Published: October 2020

Indhold: Nationalbibliografierne skal omfatte værker baseret på ny teknologi; CD; DVD; Web-sites; Bogudgivelser; Virtuelt Bournonvillearkiv på Det Kongelige Bibliotek; Ny Årgang af Dania Polyglotta; Erhvervelser; Personalia
Functional reconstitution of a bacterial CO2 concentrating mechanism in Escherichia coli
Authors: Flamholz Avi I , Dugan Eli , Blikstad Cecilia , Gleizer Shmuel , Ben-Nissan Roee , Amram Shira , Antonovsky Niv , Ravishankar Sumedha , Noor Elad , Bar-Even Arren , Milo Ron , Savage David F
Published: October 2020

Many photosynthetic organisms employ a CO2concentrating mechanism (CCM) to increase the rate of CO2fixation via the Calvin cycle. CCMs catalyze ≈50% of global photosynthesis, yet it remains unclear which genes and proteins are required to produce this complex adaptation. We describe the construction of a functional CCM in a non-native host, achieved by expressing genes from an autotrophic bacterium in anEscherichia colistrain engineered to depend on rubisco carboxylation for growth. Expression of 20 CCM genes enabledE. colito grow by fixing CO2from ambient air into biomass, with growth in ambient air depending on the components of the CCM. Bacterial CCMs are therefore genetically compact and readily transplanted, rationalizing their presence in diverse bacteria. Reconstitution enabled genetic experiments refining our understanding of the CCM, thereby laying the groundwork for deeper study and engineering of the cell biology supporting CO2assimilation in diverse organisms.
Gene expression variability in human and chimpanzee populations share common determinants
Authors: Fair Benjamin Jung , Blake Lauren E , Sarkar Abhishek , Pavlovic Bryan J , Cuevas Claudia , Gilad Yoav
Published: October 2020

Inter-individual variation in gene expression has been shown to be heritable and is often associated with differences in disease susceptibility between individuals. Many studies focused on mapping associations between genetic and gene regulatory variation, yet much less attention has been paid to the evolutionary processes that shape the observed differences in gene regulation between individuals in humans or any other primate. To begin addressing this gap, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression variability and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in humans and chimpanzees, using gene expression data from primary heart samples. We found that expression variability in both species is often determined by non-genetic sources, such as cell-type heterogeneity. However, we also provide evidence that inter-individual variation in gene regulation can be genetically controlled, and that the degree of such variability is generally conserved in humans and chimpanzees. In particular, we found a significant overlap of orthologous genes associated with eQTLs in both species. We conclude that gene expression variability in humans and chimpanzees often evolves under similar evolutionary pressures.
Comparison of the diversity of cultured and total bacterial communities in marine sediment using culture-dependent and sequencing methods
Authors: Wang Meng , Noor Samina , Huan Ran , Liu Congling , Li JiaYi , Shi Qingxin , Zhang Yan-Jiao , Wu Cuiling , He Hailun
Published: October 2020

Despite recent great advances in microbial culture, most microbes have not yet been cultured, and the impact of medium composition on the isolation of microbes from natural systems has not been elucidated. To optimize media for culturing marine microbes, microbial communities in three sediment samples were described using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and culture-dependent techniques. HTS revealed communities dominated byGammaproteobacteria, and culture-based methods revealed communities dominated byActinobacteria. Among the total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) from the HTS dataset, 6% were recovered in the culture collection. Four potentially novel bacterial strains belonging toOceaniovalibus,PsychrobacterandSalegentibacterwere isolated. The combination of media cultured more taxa than any single medium. Nutrient-rich and single-carbon/nitrogen-source media supported the growth of relatively few taxa, and the quality of nitrogen strongly influenced the types of bacteria isolated.
Functional characterization of quorum sensing LuxR-type transcriptional regulator, EasR in Enterobacter asburiae strain L1
Authors: Lau Yin Yin , How Kah Yan , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: October 2020

Over the past decades, Enterobacter spp. have been identified as challenging and important pathogens. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteria especially those that produce Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase has been a very worrying health crisis. Although efforts have been made to unravel the complex mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenicity of different Enterobacter spp., there is very little information associated with AHL-type QS mechanism in Enterobacter spp. Signaling via N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) is the most common quorum sensing (QS) mechanism utilized by Proteobacteria. A typical AHL-based QS system involves two key players: a luxI gene homolog to synthesize AHLs and a luxR gene homolog, an AHL-dependent transcriptional regulator. These signaling molecules enable inter-species and intra-species interaction in response to external stimuli according to population density. In our recent study, we reported the genome of AHL-producing bacterium, Enterobacter asburiae strain L1. Whole genome sequencing and in silico analysis revealed the presence of a pair of luxI/R genes responsible for AHL-type QS, designated as easI/R, in strain L1. In a QS system, a LuxR transcriptional protein detects and responds to the concentration of a specific AHL controlling gene expression. In E. asburiae strain L1, EasR protein binds to its cognate AHLs, N-butanoyl homoserine lactone (C4-HSL) and N–hexanoyl homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), modulating the expression of targeted genes. In this current work, we have cloned the 693 bp luxR homolog of strain L1 for further characterization. The functionality and specificity of EasR protein in response to different AHL signaling molecules to activate gene transcription were tested and validated with β-galactosidase assays. Higher β-galactosidase activities were detected for cells harboring EasR, indicating EasR is a functional transcriptional regulator. This is the first report documenting the cloning and characterization of transcriptional regulator, luxR homolog of E. asburiae.
Vegetation drives the structure of active microbial communities on an acidogenic mine tailings deposit
Authors: Gagnon Vanessa , Rodrigue-Morin Michaël , Tremblay Julien , Wasserscheid Jessica , Champagne Julie , Bellenger Jean-Philippe , Greer Charles W. , Roy Sébastien
Published: October 2020

Plant-microbe associations are increasingly recognized as an inextricable part of plant biology and biogeochemistry. Microbes play an essential role in the survival and development of plants, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments. The composition of the rhizosphere soil microbial communities is largely influenced by edaphic conditions and plant species. In order to decipher how environmental conditions on a mine site can influence the dynamics of microbial communities, we characterized the rhizosphere soil microbial communities associated with paper birch, speckled alder, and spruce that had naturally colonized an acidogenic mine tailings deposit containing heavy metals. The study site, which had been largely undisturbed for five decades, had highly variable vegetation density; with some areas remaining almost barren, and others having a few stands or large thickets of mature trees. Using Illumina sequencing and ordination analyses (redundancy analysis and principal coordinate analysis), our study showed that soil bacterial and fungal community structures correlated mainly with vegetation density, and plant species. Tailings without any vegetation were the most different in bacterial community structure, compared to all other areas on the mine site, as well as an adjacent natural forest (comparison plot). The bacterial genera Acidiferrobacter and Leptospirillum were more abundant in tailings without vegetation than in any of the other sites, while Bradyrhizobium sp. were more abundant in areas of the tailings deposit having higher vegetation density. Frankia sp. is equally represented in each of the vegetation densities and Pseudomonas sp. present a greater relative abundance in boreal forest. Furthermore, alder rhizosphere showed a greater relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium sp. (in comparison with birch and spruce) as well as Haliangium sp. (in comparison with birch). In contrast, fungal community structures were similar across the tailings deposit regardless of vegetation density, showing a greater relative abundance of Hypocrea sp. Tailings deposit fungal communities were distinct from those found in boreal forest soils. Alder rhizosphere had greater relative abundances of Hypocrea sp. and Thelephora sp., while birch rhizosphere were more often associated with Mollisia sp. Our results indicate that, with increasing vegetation density on the mine site, the bacterial communities associated with the individual deciduous or coniferous species studied were increasingly similar to the bacterial communities found in the adjacent forest. In order to properly assess and restore disturbed sites, it is important to characterize and understand the plant-microbe associations that occur since they likely improve plant fitness in these harsh environments.
Genomics versus mtDNA for resolving stock structure in the silky shark (Carcharhinus falciformis)
Authors: Kraft Derek W. , Conklin Emily E. , Barba Evan W. , Hutchinson Melanie , Toonen Robert J. , Forsman Zac H. , Bowen Brian W.
Published: October 2020

Conservation genetic approaches for elasmobranchs have focused on regions of the mitochondrial genome or a handful of nuclear microsatellites. High-throughput sequencing offers a powerful alternative for examining population structure using many loci distributed across the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. These single nucleotide polymorphisms are expected to provide finer scale and more accurate population level data; however, there have been few genomic studies applied to elasmobranch species. The desire to apply next-generation sequencing approaches is often tempered by the costs, which can be offset by pooling specimens prior to sequencing (pool-seq). In this study, we assess the utility of pool-seq by applying this method to the same individual silky sharks, Carcharhinus falciformis, previously surveyed with the mtDNA control region in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Pool-seq methods were able to recover the entire mitochondrial genome as well as thousands of nuclear markers. This volume of sequence data enabled the detection of population structure between regions of the Atlantic Ocean populations, undetected in the previous study (inter-Atlantic mitochondrial SNPs FST values comparison ranging from 0.029 to 0.135 and nuclear SNPs from 0.015 to 0.025). Our results reinforce the conclusion that sampling the mitochondrial control region alone may fail to detect fine-scale population structure, and additional sampling across the genome may increase resolution for some species. Additionally, this study shows that the costs of analyzing 4,988 loci using pool-seq methods are equivalent to the standard Sanger-sequenced markers and become less expensive when large numbers of individuals (>300) are analyzed.
Older adults at high risk of HIV infection in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Wang Yuan Yuan , Yang Yuan , Chen Chang , Zhang Ling , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Zhang Xiaohua Douglas , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: October 2020

There is an increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in older adults in China, but the findings across prevalence studies have been mixed. This is the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of HIV infection and its moderating factors in older adults in China. Two investigators systematically and independently searched both international (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Sciences and EMBASE) and Chinese (WanFang, CNKI, and CQVIP) databases. HIV infection rates in older adults were analyzed using the random-effects model. Altogether 46 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of HIV infection in older adults was 2.1% (95% CI [1.9%–2.3%], I2 = 99.4%). Subgroup analyses revealed that men who have sex with men (MSM), hospital population samples, publications after 2014, studies conducted in the western region of China, and higher study quality were significantly associated with higher HIV infection rate. This meta-analysis found that the HIV infection prevalence in older adults is significantly higher than the general population in China. Attention should be given to this urgent public health issue, and effective HIV/AIDS preventive, screening and treatment measures are warranted in this population. PROSPERO: CRD42019124286.
Assessing the Validity and Reliability of the Effects of Youngsters’ Eyesight on Quality of Life Questionnaire Among Children With Uveitis
Authors: Cassedy Amy , Altaye Mekibib , Andringa Jennifer , Cooper Ashley M. , Drews‐Botsch Carolyn , Engelhard George , Hennard Theresa , Holland Gary N. , Jenkins Kirsten , Lambert Scott R. , Lipscomb Jessi , McCracken Courtney , McCurdy Deborah K. , McDonald Joseph , Mwase Najima , Prahalad Sampath , Stahl Erin , Utz Virginia Miraldi , Walker A. Adrienne , Yeh Steven , Angeles‐Han Sheila T.
Published: October 2020

Objective

The Effects of Youngsters’ Eyesight on Quality of Life (EYE‐Q) questionnaire measures vision‐related functioning (VRF) and vision‐related quality of life (VRQoL) in children with uveitis. Our aim was to revise the alpha version of the EYE‐Q to refine VRF and VRQoL subscales and to assess the validity of the EYE‐Q.

Methods

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), JIA‐associated uveitis, and other noninfectious uveitis were enrolled. Patients and parents completed the EYE‐Q, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (overall quality of life), and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (physical functioning). The development site completed the alpha version of the EYE‐Q, and the composite sites completed the beta version. We compared item‐subscale correlations, internal consistency, and construct and discriminant validity among the different versions.

Results

Of the 644 patients enrolled, 61.6% completed the alpha version, and 38.4% the beta version of the EYE‐Q. Mean ± SD patient age was 11.1 ± 4.2 years, and 70% were female. Fewer White patients (73.5%) completed the alpha version compared to the beta version (86.2%; P < 0.001). With the exception of patient‐reported VRF, both versions had similar item‐subscale correlations. Version comparisons on scale internal consistencies indicated significant differences for parent‐ and patient‐reported VRF, but each scale had a Cronbach's α of >0.80 beta. When data were combined, the EYE‐Q showed significant differences between JIA‐only and uveitis patients on all parent and patient scores, except for patient‐reported VRF.

Conclusion

The EYE‐Q appears to be a valid measure of VRF and VRQoL in pediatric uveitis. Our results suggest it may be used as an outcome measure in multicenter pediatric uveitis studies.
Skin Impedance Measurements with Nanomesh Electrodes for Monitoring Skin Hydration
Authors: Matsukawa Ryotaro , Miyamoto Akihito , Yokota Tomoyuki , Someya Takao
Published: October 2020

The importance of continuous monitoring of skin hydration in daily life, to aid in the diagnosis of skin diseases, is rising. Electrodes that can be worn directly on the skin are attracting attention as an effective means. However, they should not inhibit natural water evaporation from the skin and should not cause inflammation or irritation even if they are attached to the body for long periods of time. In this study, nanomesh electrodes that have previously been reported to exhibit high biocompatibility are also found to exhibit high water vapor permeability, resulting in properties that prevent skin dampness. Furthermore, the skin impedance measured using nanomesh electrodes is found to correlate with the hydration level of skin measured using existing medical equipment. This study provides a new approach to measure skin hydration in conditions close to bare skin.
Deficit irrigation for sugarbeet under conventional and no‐till production
Authors: Nilahyane Abdelaziz , Chen Chengci , Afshar Reza Keshavarz , Sutradhar Apurba , Stevens William Bart , Iversen William
Published: October 2020

Irrigation is important to sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) production and efficient irrigation management is critical for yield, sugar concentration, water use, and environment quality. Two irrigation studies were conducted to investigate sugarbeet response to deficit irrigation under conventional tillage (CT) and no‐till (NT) systems in 2016 and 2018. The irrigation treatments included full irrigation (100% crop evapotranspiration, 100ETc) and deficit irrigation (66% crop evapotranspiration, 66ETc), and two irrigation cutoff dates (15 and 30 d before harvest). Plant population, soil moisture, sugarbeet root yield, sucrose concentration, and impurity value were measured. Although deficit irrigation at 66ETc did not affect the sugarbeet root yield, sucrose concentration, and sugar yield in 2016, it reduced the root yield, sugar yield, and extractable sugar yield by 5.5, 1.2, and 1.2 Mg ha−1 under CT and 12.4, 2.1, and 1.9 Mg ha−1 under NT systems in 2018. Soil moisture in NT showed great depletion at 15‐ and 38‐cm depths in July and August in 2018. Results indicate the potential of implementing a deficit irrigation strategy in sugarbeet to reduce the water supply and increase the water use efficiency, but in‐situ soil moisture sensors should be installed to monitor soil moisture to avoid severe water stress. Stopping irrigation 30 d before harvest slightly reduced the sugarbeet root yield but did not affect extractable sugar yield, suggesting that omitting one irrigation late in the growing season may not reduce root yield and quality. Deficit irrigation in conjunction with a no‐till system could reduce production costs and bring environmental benefits.
Liquid Cybernetic Systems: The Fourth‐Order Cybernetics
Authors: Chiolerio Alessandro
Published: October 2020

Technological development in robotics, computing architectures and devices, and information storage systems, in one single word: cybernetic systems, has progressed according to a jeopardized connection scheme, difficult if not impossible to track and picture in all its streams. Aim of this progress report is to critically introduce the most relevant limits and present a promising paradigm that might bring new momentum, offering features that naturally and elegantly overcome current challenges and introduce several other advantages: liquid cybernetic systems. The topic describing the four orders of cybernetic systems identified so far is introduced, evidencing the features of the fourth order that includes liquid systems. Then, current limitations to the development of conventional, von Neumann‐based cybernetic systems are briefly discussed: device integration, thermal design, data throughput, and energy consumption. In the following sections, liquid‐state machines are introduced, providing a computational paradigm (free from in materio considerations) that goes into the direction of solving such issues. Two original in materio implementation schemes are proposed: the COlloIdal demonsTratOR (COgITOR) autonomous robot, and a soft holonomic processor that is also proposed to realize an autolographic system.
Pd‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Ortho‐Aroylation of 2‐Aryl‐quinazolinone Comprising Intrinsic Directing Group with α‐Oxocarboxylic Acids
Authors: Waghmare Deepali S. , Tambe Shrikant D. , Kshirsagar Umesh A.
Published: October 2020

Pd‐catalyzed decarboxylative ortho‐aroylation of 2‐aryl‐quinazolinones with α‐oxocarboxylic acids for the synthesis of diaryl ketones has been developed. Biologically interested novel quinazolinones with diaryl ketone functionality has been obtained with moderate to excellent yield from easily accessible 2‐aryl‐quinazolinones having inherent directing group.