bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conserved functional control, but distinct regulation, of cell proliferation in rice and Arabidopsis leaves revealed by comparative analysis of GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR 1 orthologs
Authors: Shimano Satomi , Hibara Ken-ichiro , Furuya Tomoyuki , Arimura Shin-ichi , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Itoh Jun-Ichi
Published: March 2018

Regulation of cell proliferation is crucial for establishing the shape of plant leaves. We have identified MAKIBA3 (MKB3), a loss-of-function mutant of which exhibits a narrowed- and rolled-leaf phenotype in rice. MKB3 was found to be an ortholog of Arabidopsis ANGUSTIFOLIA3 (AN3), which positively regulates cell proliferation. The reduced leaf size of mkb3 plants with enlarged cells and the increased size of MKB3-overexpressing leaves with normal-sized cells indicate that MKB3 is a positive regulator of leaf proliferation and that mkb3 mutation triggers a compensation syndrome, as does Arabidopsis an3. Expression analysis revealed that MKB3 is predominantly expressed on the epidermis of leaf primordia, which is different from the location of AN3. A protein movement assay demonstrated that MKB3 moves from an MKB3-expressing domain to a non-expressing domain, which is required for normal leaf development. Our results suggest that rice MKB3 and Arabidopsis AN3 have conserved functions and effects on leaf development. However, the expression pattern of MKB3 and direction of protein movement are different between rice and Arabidopsis, which might reflect differences in leaf primordia development in these two species.
Composite assessment of power Doppler ultrasonography and MRI in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study of predictive value in radiographic progression after one year
Authors: Fujimori Motoshi , Kamishima Tamotsu , Kato Masaru , Seno Yumika , Sutherland Kenneth , Sugimori Hiroyuki , Nishida Mutsumi , Atsumi Tatsuya
Published: March 2018

Objective:

Power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) and MRI are independently useful to predict structural damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We hypothesize that there is a complementary relationship between these modalities. The aim of this study is, therefore, to investigate the usefulness of the predictive value of composite assessment of PDUS and contrast-enhanced MRI in radiographic outcomes in patients with RA.

Methods:

20 patients (17 females and 3 males) with RA on disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs underwent PDUS and MRI of both hands at baseline. Radiography of the bilateral hands was performed at baseline and at 1 year. Articular synovitis on PDUS was evaluated according to quantitative measurement. Synovitis, bone marrow edema and bone erosion were scored according to the RA MRI scoring method. The changes of joint space narrowing and bone erosion on radiograph were assessed by the Sharp/van der Heijde method. We applied t-statistics to combine the assessment of quantitative PDUS with semiquantitative MRI.

Results:

Structural damage progression for radiography was not correlated with any evaluations for MRI, while it showed significant correlation with synovitis on PDUS (r  s = 0.597, p = 0.005). The composite assessment of both modalities (synovitis for PDUS and bone marrow edema for MRI) was correlated with structural damage progression on radiograph (rs = 0.792, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Composite assessment of PDUS and MRI may have a stronger predictive value in radiographic progression than PDUS or MRI alone in RA.

Advances in knowledge:

Composite assessment of PDUS and MRI may be an effective predictor of structural damage in RA.
Cardiac circRNAs arise mainly from constitutive exons rather than alternatively spliced exons
Authors: Aufiero Simona , van den Hoogenhof Maarten M.G. , Reckman Yolan J. , Beqqali Abdelaziz , van der Made Ingeborg , Kluin Jolanda , Khan Mohsin A.F. , Pinto Yigal M. , Creemers Esther E.
Published: March 2018

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a relatively new class of RNA molecules, and knowledge about their biogenesis and function is still in its infancy. It was recently shown that alternative splicing underlies the formation of circular RNAs (circRNA) arising from the Titin (TTN) gene. Since the main mechanism by which circRNAs are formed is still unclear, we hypothesized that alternative splicing, and in particular exon skipping, is a major driver of circRNA production. We performed RNA sequencing on human and mouse hearts, mapped alternative splicing events, and overlaid these with expressed circRNAs at exon-level resolution. In addition, we performed RNA sequencing on hearts of Rbm20 KO mice to address how important Rbm20-mediated alternative splicing is in the production of cardiac circRNAs. In human and mouse hearts, we show that cardiac circRNAs are mostly (∼90%) produced from constitutive exons and less (∼10%) from alternatively spliced exons. In Rbm20 KO hearts, we identified 38 differentially expressed circRNAs of which 12 were produced from the Ttn gene. Even though Ttn appeared the most prominent target of Rbm20 for circularization, we also detected Rbm20-dependent circRNAs arising from other genes including Fan1, Stk39, Xdh, Bcl2l13, and Sorbs1. Interestingly, only Ttn circRNAs seemed to arise from Rbm20-mediated skipped exons. In conclusion, cardiac circRNAs are mostly derived from constitutive exons, suggesting that these circRNAs are generated at the expense of their linear counterpart and that circRNA production impacts the accumulation of the linear mRNA.
Bacillus cereus: an important foodborne pathogen
Authors: PEXARA (Α. ΠΕΞΑΡΑ) Α. , GOVARIS (A. ΓΚΟΒΑΡΗΣ) Α.
Published: March 2018

Β. cereus is a spore-forming bacterium, frequently found in the environment. Most of the strains can grow at a temperature range of 10° - 42° C. B. cereus grows under aerobic conditions, but anaerobic growth is, also, feasible. D1 2 1 values of the spores of B. cereus strains are usually in the range of 0.03 to 2.35 min. The pathogen produces at least five different enterotoxins (HBL, Nhe, CytK, BceT and FM) and one emetic toxin. The enterotoxins HBL, Nhe and CytK are the etiological agents of the B. cereus diarrhoeal disease. The enterotoxins are heat sensitive and can be inactivated by heating at 56° C for 5 min. They are, also, sensitive to low pH and proteolytic activity of enzymes and, subsequently, are inactivated in the acid environment of the stomach.B. cereus emetic toxin has been kept stable even in a heat treatment at 121° C for 2 h in in vitro tests. The emetic toxin is highly resistant to low pH (as low as 2) and to proteolysis. Thus, the emetic toxin cannot be inactivated in the acidic environment of the stomach and the enzyme proteolytic activity in the intestinal tract. B. cereus causes either a diarrhoeal or an emetic type of foodborne disease. The diarrhoeal disease is caused by the B. cereus enterotoxins, which are formed in the intestinal tract after the spores' germination and the subsequent growth of the vegetative cells. The symptoms are watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and pain. The emetic disease is caused by the ingestion of the preformed toxins in the foods. The symptoms are nausea and vomiting, occasionally followed by abdominal pain or diarrhoea. Foodborne outbreaks caused by B. cereus have been associated with various foods. The emetic disease has often been associated with the consumption of rice, pasta and other starchy foods, while the diarrheal disease is often linked to the consumption of dairy products, vegetables and meat. The most common food sources for B. cereus infections in humans are milk and dairy products. Among the reported foodborne outbreak cases in North America, Europe and Japan attributed to B. cereus represent a percentage of 1% to 22%. Most B. cereus foodborne cases were associated with the consumption of cooked foods that were cooled slowly and stored under improper refrigeration conditions. Foodborne diseases caused byB. cereus constitute a major problem in restaurants and catering services. Application of control measures, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points system (HACCP), in food processing lines can prevent contamination of the foods with pathogens like B. cereus.
Haematological findings in dairy cows with concurrent left abomasal displacement and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver)
Authors: KALAITZAKIS E , PANOUSIS N , GIADINIS N , ROUBIES N , KALDRYMIDOU E , KARATZIAS H
Published: March 2018

The main aim of the present field study was to evaluate various haematological parameters in cows with left abomasal displacement (LDA) and concurrent hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) of different severity. A further objective was to compare these haematological values among animals with concurrent LDA and fatty liver that finally died or recovered. Sixty eight Holstein dairy cows with LDA and 110 control cows were included in the study. Blood and liver biopsy samples were obtained during standing LDA surgery. Liver tissue was examined histologically and classified according to the severity of fatty liver. Haematological analysis and biochemical determination of total lipids and triglycerides concentration of liver tissue were performed. The majority of the haematological parameters evaluated were within normal range. Haematocrit and haemoglobin median values were significantly lower in all LDA cows compared to controls, but no difference was recorded among fatty liver severity groups. Haematological parameters showed no significant difference in animals that finally died compared to the ones that recovered. Haematological parameters were not significantly influenced by the concurrence of LDA and fatty liver in dairy cows.
Swine artificial insemination: development and biotechnology applications
Authors: TSAKMAKIDIS IA , TZIKA ED , LYMBEROPOULOS AG
Published: March 2018

Traditional artificial insemination has been highly contributed in swine global industry development. However, in order to improve the productivity and the reproductive performance of pig farms, new techniques have been performed. Among them, post cervical or intrauterine insemination, deep intrauterine insemination (DUI), intra-oviductal insemination (ΙΟΙ) by laparotomy or laparoscopy, as well as the biotechnological applications, such as sex sorted semen, frozen semen and sperm mediated genes' transfer, have been investigated concerning their efficiency in pig production development. One of the main targets of the aforementioned techniques is to benefit the potential advantages of the high genetic value boars by using the minimal number of spermatozoa needed to achieve a high fertilization rate following artificial insemination. On the other hand, biotechnology could lead in rapid transfer of high genetic potential in inaccessible areas through frozen semen. Moreover, biotechnology could support pig industry increasing the female pigs' production according to the consumers' choices and animals' welfare by sex sorted semen application, as well as producing of transgenic pigs aiming an increased disease resistance, improvement carcass composition, increased feed intake and growth rate. In vivo studies have evaluated the efficiency of the new developments in insemination technology. The results of these studies demonstrated that a satisfactory conception rate and litter size can be obtained by the insemination of low number of spermatozoa in the appropriate position of the female genital tract at the right time, close to ovulation. High farrowing rate and number of live born piglets were noticed after the post cervical insemination with low number of spermatozoa (lxlO9), compared to the traditional artificial insemination. Similar results were observed in other experiments, where 150xl06 or 3xl05 spermatozoa were inseminated using DUI or ΙΟΙtechnique, respectively. Furthermore, the improvement of the materials of the new artificial insemination procedures (catheters, extenders etc) makes the application of it simpler and easier for the workers after a few training. Although the traditional artificial insemination is an indispensable method for the commercial pig farms, the application of currently available sperm technologies is feasible to be performed in selected animals of pig farms with high quality control and management system. The aspects of the development on swine artificial insemination technology concerning the biotechnological applications of boar sperm are reported in the present study.
IA case of canine squamous cell carcinoma secondary to solar keratosis (actinic carcinoma in situ)
Authors: PAPADOGIANNAKIS E , KONTOS V
Published: March 2018

We present the case of a squamous cell carcinoma developed in a pre-existing solar keratosis of the trunk in a whitehaired Dogue Argentino. Deep pyoderma along with exfoliative erythroderma were the initial clinical findings. Several months after the diagnosis of solar keratosis, the dog presented with multiple nodules and ulcers on the flank and abdomen and the diagnosis of malignancy was confirmed microscopically.
A review of the pharmacology of osmotic agents for the treatment of glaucoma in dogs
Authors: MAŚLANKA T. , ZUŚKA-PROT M.
Published: March 2018

At present, the only proven way to treat glaucoma is to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Osmotic agents constitute an important class of ocular hypotensive agents. These medications are used for the rapid reduction of IOP, typically in emergency situations, in which IOP is severely elevated and there is a high risk of permanent and irreversible damage of the optic nerve. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the mechanism of action of osmotic agents and their effect on IOP in dogs. Moreover, it discusses the possible undesirable side effects of these medications and presents the current ideas about their role and status in the medical management of canine glaucoma.
Τhe first report of Linguatula serrata in grey wolf (Canis lupus) from Central Balkans
Authors: PAVLOVIĆ I , PENEZIĆ A , ĆOSIĆ N , BURAZEROVIĆ J , MALETIĆ V , ĆIROVIĆ D
Published: March 2018

Linguatula serrata is a cosmopolitan, bloodsucking parasite found in both domestic and wild animals. Humans are not considered as its main hosts but can act as both intermediate (visceral linguatuliasis) and final hosts (nasopharyngeal linguatuliasis). Reports on wild canids as definitive hosts of this parasite are scarce. During 2009-2011 the autopsy was performed on 42 legally hunted grey wolves (Canis lupus) from Serbia and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Only one specimen was infected with a single adult female of L. serrata. The parasite was found in the nasal cavity of the grey wolf. The infected male wolf was shot in the eastern part of the territory of Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). This finding is the first record of linguatuliasis in wolves from FYROM. Previous records of this parasite from the central Balkans region originated from dogs, cattle and hares. Only few records of this parasite are known for the grey wolf in general.
PHENOTYPIC EFFECTS OF SOMATOTROPONOGO CASCADE GENES ASSOCIATED WITH BEEF PRODUCTIVITY OF KAZAKH WHITE-HEADED BREED COWS
Authors: Бейшова Индира , Beishova Indira
Published: March 2018

The purpose of research – finding the gene associations of growth stages, the characteristics of meat productivity of cattle of the Kazakh white-headed breed and identification of the genotypes that are most promising for the development of genetic markers for economically valuable traits. The blood of the Kazakh white-headed cattle was used as the material of the study. Blood samples and data of zootechnical accounting has been provided by LLP Janibek and LLP Karaman-K, Kostanay region. Determination of animal genotypes by genes of pituitary transcription factor-1 (bPit-1), growth hormone (bGH), growth hormone receptor (bGHR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (bIGF-1) was performed by PCR-pdrf using endonuclease restriction HinFI, AluI, SspI and SnaBI, respectively. Statistical analysis of genotyping results and zootechnical data was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2010 and Statistica 6.0 programs. The estimation of meat productivity of cattle was carried out on live weight and indexes characterizing a Constitution. The greatest value of the elongation index was observed in animals with genotypes bPit-1-Hinfiav and bPit-1-Hinfiaa. Thus, the index of stretching in cows with genotype bPit-1-HinFIAB is 129.464 (125.000, 132.787), with genotype bPit-1-HinFIAA - 127.966 (125.000, 132.787), while the rate in cows with genotype bPit-1-HinFIBB is 124.167 (111.864,131.026). Polymorphism bIGF-1-SnaBI is associated with the indicator of live weight of the Kazakh white-headed cattle. Thus, animals with the genotype bIGF-1-SnaBIBB at all ages are characterized by reduced living weight compared to animals with genotypes bIGF-1-SnaBIAB and bIGF-1-SnaBIAA. However, the results of the evaluation of the identified preferred and undesirable genotypes in relation to the total sample showed the absence of statistically significant associations with meat productivity.
INFLUENCE OF ISOTHERMAL OXIDATION ON CORROSION RESISTANCE OF TITANIUM IN BOVINE SERUM
Authors: Prayoga Benidiktus Tulung , Suyitno Suyitno - , Dharmastiti Rini
Published: March 2018

The thermal oxidation treatment is an innovative and simple method for modifiying the surface properties of titanium such as enhance corrosion and wear resistance. The effects of isothermal oxidation immersion time on the surface properties and corrosion behavior under bovine serum of cp-Ti were studied in this paper. The treatment was done at 700oC for 0 to 36 hours in furnace chamber. The surface microhardness, surface roughness, wettability and polarization potentiodynamic corrosion of cp-Ti were determined. The result shows the surface microhardness, surface roughness, wettability and corrosion resistance of the cp-Ti enhanced by isothermal oxidation treatment. The presence of the oxide layer on the surface in the form of TiO2 rutile and Ti3O are responsible to enhance the surface properties and corrosion behavior
Narracje o Europie a naukowa narratologia
Authors: Kołodziej Jacek H.
Published: March 2018

Konferencję pod takim tytułem zorganizował Instytut Europeistyki jesienią 2015 r. Spore nią zainteresowanie było efektem nie tylko powstrzymanej kryzysami dynamiki integracji Unii Europejskiej, wynikających z tego pytań i problemów godnych naukowej refleksji – jego przyczyną było również użycie w tytule tyleż modnego, co wieloznacznego słowa „narracja”.
Network and Networks – The European E-Challenge
Authors: Krężołek Paweł
Published: March 2018

Network and political networks have become today an important challenge for Europe. In addition to the opportunities they offer, they also carry a number of risks. The Internet is changing not only the channels of political communication, but also the content of the policy. Unquestionably, the Internet is now one of the determinants of an individual’s position on the social ladder. The use of network resources and possessing digital competences are a condition of being able to access cultural heritage (online distribution channel is becoming the main channel of its promotion), access the offer of the public administration (digitalisation of the public services) and, above all, exercise and search for work (telework, job  advertisements). The Digital Agenda is an important policy challenge for the European Union countries.
The MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program
Authors: Perakis Georgia , Rosenfield Donald
Published: March 2018

In 2014, the MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program (LGO) was awarded the third annual UPS George D. Smith Prize for effective and innovative preparation of students to be good practitioners of operations research. In this paper, we describe the innovative, interdisciplinary education of the two-year dual-degree LGO program, which trains students for careers in operations and manufacturing through a three-way partnership between the MIT School of Engineering, the MIT School of Management, and industry. The first-of-its-kind program includes a six-month research internship that results in a master’s thesis. This paper will discuss the LGO approach to preparing students for practicing operations research and the impact that the program has made on operations in manufacturing and services companies.
Closing the vocabulary gap
Authors: Bromley Matt
Published: March 2018

The educational gaps between rich and poor start early and widen throughout a pupil's education. Matt Bromley argues that Pupil Premium spending must focus on cultural capital, especially the importance of vocabulary
Human Security and Central Asian States
Authors: Saima A Kayani
Published: March 2018

Since independence, Central Asian states are facing problems of security in one form or another including civil wars, ethnic and interstate conflicts, border issues as well as terrorism and extremism. Having a look at the 21st century security threats to the region, human security challenges become prominent. There are growing activities of drug and human traffickers, child labor, corruption, growing poverty, ecological issues and climatic changes along with growing radicals and extremist elements in the states of Central Asia. Security of Central Asian states depends significantly on the human security. Lasting security and development cannot be obtained unless and until various dimensions of human security become priority of the governments in the region. The improvement in this arena requires three level strategies: national, regional and international.
Sustainability and the American Naturalist Tradition
Authors: Thomas Craig
Published: March 2018

Humanity is failing at solving complex socio-ecological problems like global climate change, biodiversity loss and population growth. The existing 'sustainable development' paradigm and its reliance on trade-offs between the three pillars of environment, economics, and equity is not robust enough to maintain global carrying capacity. In this timely intervention, Thomas argues that the holistic and transdisciplinary thinking of four iconic American naturalists - Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, and Edward O. Wilson - can instead help to solve our biggest twenty-first century challenges by synthesizing values from four eras of cultural and environmental history.
Ältere Pendelmigranten aus der Türkei
Authors: Strumpen Sarina
Published: March 2018

Ältere Pendelmigranten aus der Türkei werden heute im wissenschaftlichen Diskurs als Beispiel dafür angeführt, dass Transnationalität auch das Alter durchdringen kann. Sarina Strumpens Studie geht erstmals systematisch der Frage nach, inwiefern sich in den Alter(n)s- und Versorgungserwartungen der Menschen tatsächlich transnationale, transkulturelle oder auch transreligiöse Phänomene rekonstruieren lassen. Es entfaltet sich ein vielschichtiges Bild der kulturell und religiös begründeten Erwartungen an Hilfe, Pflege und Solidarität im Alter dieser Personengruppe, das mit dem theoretisch-konzeptionellen Wissenschaftsdiskurs ins Gespräch gebracht wird.
Epistemologie als Reflexion wissenschaftlicher Praxen
Authors: Tulatz Kaja
Published: March 2018

Wissenschaftliche Praxen in das Zentrum der philosophischen Reflexion zu stellen, wird mit dem Anspruch verbunden, problematische Voraussetzungen der klassischen Wissenschaftstheorie zu überwinden. Dass ein solches immanenzphilosophisches Projekt allerdings dann am eigenen Anspruch scheitert, wenn es von einem problematischen faktiven Verständnis wissenschaftlicher Praxen und epistemischer Räume ausgeht, führt Kaja Tulatz in Auseinandersetzung mit Joseph Rouse vor. Demgegenüber macht sie die Argumentationslinie von Gaston Bachelard und Louis Althusser für eine rekonstruktionstheoretische Reflexion fruchtbar und entwickelt ein aktuelleres reflexionsbegriffliches Verständnis epistemischer Räume.
Minimal hypersurfaces in ℝn×Sm
Authors: Petean Jimmy , Ruiz Juan Miguel
Published: March 2018

We classify minimal hypersurfaces in ℝn×Smwithn,m≥ 2 which are invariant by the canonical action of O(n) × O(m). We also construct compact and noncompact examples of invariant hypersurfaces of constant mean curvature. We show that the minimal hypersurfaces and the noncompact constant mean curvature hypersurfaces are all unstable.
Kant’s Theodicy and its Role in the Development of Radical Evil
Authors: Gressis Robert
Published: March 2018

In theGroundwork of the Metaphysics of Moralsand theCritique of Practical Reason, Kant claims that rational beings should want to have no inclinations. But inReligion within the Bounds of Bare Reason, he asserts that the inclinations are good in themselves. While many commentators hold that Kant simply wrote hyperbolically in theGroundworkand the secondCritique, I argue Kant was sincere, and changed his mind about the worth of the inclinations between the secondCritiqueand theReligion. This is because he changed his mind about the source of immorality: whereas in theGroundworkandCritique of Practical ReasonKant took our inclinations to be tempters, starting in “Miscarriage of All Philosophical Trials in Theodicy” and concluding in theReligion, he posited a self-imposed propensity to evil as the source of immorality. Kant’s reason for changing his mind about the source of immorality was partly theological: if our inclinations were to blame for immorality, then God would also be to blame for creating us with them. The only way God could not be to blame is if our immorality were self-imposed. But Kant also concluded that looking for theoretical explanations of our immorality – whether theological or naturalistic – was itself problematic: such explanations ended up exonerating us for our immorality. Because they had this effect, I contend that Kant saw the offering of such exculpating theoretical explanations as itself motivated by immorality. This understanding of Kant makes sense of the approaches he takes in both “Miscarriage” andReligion.
Reconciling the ‘step sisters’: early Byzantine numismatics, history and archaeology
Authors: Gandila Andrei
Published: March 2018

Despite the growing body of excavation finds and the steady publication of museum collections, the numismatic evidence remains an underutilized historical source. Historians who study Late Antiquity rely on archaeological evidence but tend to ignore coin finds, partly because numismatics developed as an independent field with its own set of specialized tools and research questions. Insufficient dialogue between the disciplines has delayed a proper appreciation of Early Byzantine coins as historical source and the development of a clear methodology for their use in conjunction with the literary and archaeological evidence. In order to overcome such disciplinary divides, this paper proposes several research directions by highlighting the main benefits of integrating the numismatic evidence more fully into the historical narrative. These research directions include a greater emphasis on bronze coinage, the study of the long-distance circulation of people and goods, and distinctions between urban, rural, and fortified contexts. This methodological discussion is followed by a case study from Byzantium’s Lower Danube frontier.
An Institutional Approach to Trade Union Density. The Case of Legal Origins and Political Ideology
Authors: Lewkowicz Jacek , Lewczuk Anna
Published: March 2018

Which institutions may be important in terms of trade union density and how significant they are? Although the status of trade unions may be very different among states, unions are still a very meaningful component of labour markets. In this paper, we contribute to the debate about the institutions that may affect the outcome of trade unions in different legal systems. Firstly, we draw on the theoretical underpinnings of trade union activity and density. Then, we conduct an empirical analysis of the relationships between trade union density in a particular country, country’s legal origins and government’s ideology. In this way, the paper enriches an underexploited niche in institutional research devoted to labour market issues.
Historical Delineation of Landscape Units Using Physical Geographic Characteristics and Land Use/Cover Change
Authors: Campos-Campos Oswaldo , Cruz-Cárdenas Gustavo , Aquino Roque Juan Carrasco , Moncayo-Estrada Rodrigo , Machuca Martha Alicia Velázquez , Meléndez Luis Arturo Ávila
Published: March 2018

Landscape units are conceived as a part of the territory that share similar physical and geographic characteristics. Their delineation can contribute to identify the physical and social dynamics that emerge in the spatial environment and to propose strategies of planning and management of the territory. The main objective was to make a historical delineation of landscape units in the Duero river basin that demonstrate the dynamics of changes in the territory, the description of the actors involved, and the affectations in the natural and social environment. We analyzed the vegetation change and urban growth from 1983 to 2014, incorporating climatic, edaphic, and topographic variables. A Principal Component Analysis was performed with the information and results were used in Maximum Likelihood procedure to define different clusters based on environmental characteristics. We defined five categories from the Landsat images. Results showed landscape units with homogeneous environmental characteristics and some differences in the units’ delineation were mainly influenced by political and socioeconomic factors. Temporally there was an increased tendency of landscape units, three in 1983, nine in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2011, and eight in 2014. This increase resulted from territory fragmentation because of berries and avocado cultivars expansion over wooded area.
Animal models of status epilepticus and temporal lobe epilepsy: a narrative review
Authors: Nirwan Nikita , Vyas Preeti , Vohora Divya
Published: March 2018

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the chronic and pharmacoresistant form of epilepsy observed in humans. The current literature is insufficient in explicating the comprehensive mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and advancement. Consequently, the development of a suitable animal model mimicking the clinical characteristics is required. Further, the relevance of status epilepticus (SE) to animal models is dubious. SE occurs rarely in people; most epilepsy patients never experience it. The present review summarizes the established animal models of SE and TLE, along with a brief discussion of the animal models that have the distinctiveness and carries the possibility to be developed as effective models for TLE. The review not only covers the basic requirements, mechanisms, and methods of induction of each model but also focuses upon their major limitations and possible modifications for their future use. A detailed discussion on chemical, electrical, and hypoxic/ischemic models as well as a brief explanation on the genetic models, most of which are characterized by development of SE followed by neurodegeneration, is presented.
Nominalizations in Murui (Witotoan)
Authors: Wojtylak Katarzyna I.
Published: March 2018

This paper discusses forms, types, and functions of nominalizations in Murui, a Witotoan language spoken in Colombia and Peru. It is concerned with those nominalizations that involve classifiers and those that do not (agentive S/A nominalizations and event nominalizations). Murui nominalizations share a number of noun-like and verb-like properties. While agentive S/A nominalizations and those involving classifiers are more noun-like in nature, event nominalizations are more verb-like.
Nominalization in Kakua and the Vaupés influence
Authors: Bolaños Katherine
Published: March 2018

In this paper I present the types of nominalization in Kakua, a language spoken by a group of hunter-gatherer peoples from the small Kakua-Nukakan family, inhabitants of the Vaupés area in eastern Colombia. I argue that the nominalization strategies in Kakua have developed from a traceable typical Kakua-Nukakan strategy, into a more Vaupés-like profile of expressing nominalizations, where Kakua had added more nominalization strategies in order for the language to adapt to the types of nominalizations found in many of Kakua’s neighboring languages in the Vaupés area. For this, I will first give a description of the nominalization strategies in Kakua, to later compare them to the nominalization strategies in Nukak, Kakua’s sister language spoken outside of the Vaupés area. The paper concludes with a comparison of nominalization in Kakua and the nominalization strategies found in the surrounding languages.
How to copy your neighbors’ ways: A cross-generational perspective on nominalizations in Tariana
Authors: Aikhenvald Alexandra Y.
Published: March 2018

Tariana, an endangered Arawak language of north-western Amazonia (Brazil), has a number of strategies for nominalizing verbs. These include noun classifiers as word-class changing derivational markers, in addition a number of nominalizing suffixes. Nominalizations are a subclass of nouns, with their own set of special properties. As a consequence of areal diffusion from the neighboring and unrelated East-Tucanoan languages, Tariana nominalizations come to be used as complementation and relativization strategies. This is especially so for innovative speakers of Tariana who use Tucano on a daily basis, and whose language bears a strong imprint of Tucano, the main language of the region.
La deuda como forma de gobierno y subjetivación en el neoliberalismo. Reflexiones sobre la culpa, el sacrificio y la desesperación en la religión capitalista
Authors: Hernández Martínez Cuauhtémoc Nattahí
Published: March 2018

A partir de la idea de que la deuda, más allá de su estricto carácter económico, guarda una estrecha relación con la moral y la subjetividad, con las lógicas del poder y el control social, con el tiempo y el futuro, analizamos las características de la subjetividad a que da lugar y el papel que cumple como forma de gobierno y control en el neoliberalismo. Aunado a esto, a partir de la hipótesis de Walter Benjamin acerca de que el capitalismo es una religión, intentamos poner de relieve la lógica sacrificial inherente al neoliberalismo y el papel que en ella cumple el mecanismo de la deuda.
Diminished Dynamic Physical Performance Is Associated With Orthostatic Hypotension in Geriatric Outpatients
Authors: de Bruïne Eline S. , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Trappenburg Marijke C. , Pasma Jantsje H. , de Vries Oscar J. , Meskers Carel G. M. , Maier Andrea B.
Published: March 2018

Background and Purpose:

Orthostatic hypotension (OH), a blood pressure drop after postural change, is a highly prevalent and disabling syndrome in older adults. Yet, the association between physical performance and OH is not clearly established. The aim of this study was to determine whether different types of physical performance are associated with OH in a clinically relevant population of geriatric outpatients.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 280 geriatric outpatients (mean age: 82.2 years, standard deviation: 7.1). Orthostatic hypotension was determined using intermittently measured blood pressure and continuously measured blood pressure in a random subgroup of 58 patients. Physical performance was classified into a dynamic type (4-m Walk Test, Chair Stand Test, and Timed Up and Go test) and a static type (standing balance tests, handgrip strength). Associations were analyzed using logistic regression models with adjustments for age, sex, weight, and height.

Results:

Diminished physical performance on the Chair Stand Test was associated with OH measured intermittently. Diminished physical performance on all dynamic physical domains (4-m Walk Test, Chair Stand Test, and Timed Up and Go test) was associated with OH measured continuously. Static physical performance was not significantly associated with OH.

Conclusion:

Dynamic physical performance tests with a substantial postural change and center of mass displacement were significantly associated with OH. The influence of physical performance on OH in daily routine activities should be further explored to establish counteracting interventions.
STEAM Connections: Painting with Bacteria
Authors: Wu Regina , Brinkema Caren , Peterson Michaela , Waltzer Adam , Chowning Jeanne
Published: March 2018

Arts-related science activities provide unique opportunities to engage students' strengths and motivate different types of learners (Jolly, 2014). Incorporating arts into the discussion of gene expression and microbiology introduces students to a multidisciplinary approach to STEM and provides an opportunity to explore the use of science in different fields such as design, art, and industry. In this protocol extension students create living works of art on agar plates by “painting” with E. coli that express fluorescent proteins of various colors.
Komparasi Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Materi Geometri Antara Model SPS dan Model SPS Dengan Hands On Activity
Authors: Pambudiarso Rezky Bagus , Mariani Scolastika , Prabowo Ardhi
Published: March 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat ketuntasan penerapan model SPS, model SPS dengan hands on activity terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah; dan membandingkan rata-rata hasil tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah antara siswa model SPS dan siswa model SPS dengan hands on activity. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah Quasi Experimental Design dengan bentuk Pretest-Posttest Control Design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 1 Karangtengah tahun ajaran 2014/2015. Dari 10 kelas, terpilih 3 kelas sampel yaitu kelas VIII E sebagai kelas eksperimen 1, VIII F sebagai kelas eksperimen 2, dan VIII G sebagai kelas kontrol. Metode yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data adalah tes, dokumentasi, dan observasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan uji proporsi dan uji ANAVA. Uji proporsi secara berturut-turut menunjukkan bahwa siswa kelas eksperimen 1 mencapai ketuntasan dengan 87% siswa nilainya ?70 dan siswa kelas eksperimen 2 mencapai ketuntasan dengan 97% siswa nilainya ?70. Uji ANAVA menunjukkan bahwa ada perbedaan rata-rata hasil tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah dengan rata-rata terbaik adalah model SPS dengan hands on activity dan selanjutnya model SPS. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa hands on activity mampu menjadikan kemampuan pemecahan masalah menjadi lebih baik lagi. Berdasarkan hasil dan pembahasan dapat disimpulkan bahwa model SPS, SPS dengan hands on activity memiliki tingkat ketuntasan yang baik dengan model terbaik adalah model SPS dengan hands on activity.The purposes of this research were to determine the completeness level of the SPS, the SPS model with hands on activity to the students problem-solving ability; and to compare the mean of problem-solving ability test among the SPS and the SPS model with hands on activity. This research was quantitative. The design that employed was the quasi experimental pretest posttest control design. The population was the 8th grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Karangtengah in 2014/2015. From 10 classes, gotten 3 sample classes were the VIII E as the 1st experimental, the VIII F as the 2nd experimental, and the VIII G as the control class. Methods of collecting data used were test, documentation, and observation. Then, the data were analyzed by the proportion and the ANOVA test. The proportion test shown that the 1st experimental class could achieve the completeness with 87% getting score ?70; the 2nd experimental class could achieve the completeness with 97% getting score ?70. The ANOVA test shown that there were differences in the mean of test with the best mean was from the SPS model with hands on activity. Its result shown that hands on activity could make problem-solving ability be better. Based on it, concluded that the SPS, the SPS model with hands on activity had good completeness with the best model was the SPS model with hands on activity.
Pengaruh Matematika GASING (Gampang, ASyIk, dan menyenaNGkan) pada Materi Perkalian Bilangan Bulat Terhadap Hasil Belajar Peserta Matrikulasi STKIP Surya
Authors: Armianti Armianti , Yani Indri , Widuri Kartika , Sulistiawati Sulistiawati
Published: March 2018

Hasil penelitian sebelumnya menunjukkan bahwa masih banyak peserta didik atau siswa yang kebingungan dalam konsep operasi bilangan bulat. Hal ini disebabkan oleh adanya konflik konsep pemahaman operasi aritmatika bilangan bulat dengan pengetahun awal yang mereka miliki. Beberapa kasus di STKIP Surya, peserta matrikulasi juga masih cenderung menghafal tanpa tahu makna dari perkalian itu sendiri. Oleh karena itu, dalam penelitian ini digunakan Matematika GASING (Gampang, ASyIk, dan menyenaNGkan) untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Pembelajaran Matematika GASING untuk bilangan bulat menggunakan alat peraga yang dikenal dengan istilah Gunung Lembah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya pengaruh pembelajaran Matematika GASING terhadap hasil belajar pada materi perkalian bilangan bulat. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah pre-experimental design dengan desain penelitian one-group pretest-posttests. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 17 peserta matrikulasi STKIP Surya tahun ajaran 2015/2016 dengan cara purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian dikembangkan berdasarkan ranah kognitif taksonomi Bloom untuk aspek pemahaman. Hasil penelitian ini adalah terdapat pengaruh penggunaan pembelajaran Matematika GASING. Pengaruh ini tampak dari adanya peningkatan (N-gain) hasil belajar untuk konsep perkalian bilangan bulat yang berada pada kriteria sedang yaitu sebesar 0,59.This research is motivated by the many participants matriculation is still confusion in the concept of integer operations due to conflicts concept of a preliminary understanding that they have the numbers (basic math like addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division of positive integers). Participants matriculation also still tend to memorize without knowing the meaning of multiplication it self. Therefore, the use of mathematical GASING (Easy, fun, and enjoyable) to use props known as "Gunung Lembah". Mathematics GASING at no stage should be controlled matriculation participants to be able to master the material is well known as '' Titik Kritis GASING ''. The method used is pre-experimental design to study design one-group pretest-posttests. The sample in this study as many as 17 participants matriculation STKIP Surya academic year 2015/2016 by purposive sampling. The results in this study was the effect of the use of learning mathematics are GASING. In addition there is an increase (N-gain) learning outcomes for integer multiplication concept was moderate at 0,59.
Penggunaan Media Software GeoGebra untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Siswa SMP Kelas VIII
Authors: Oktaria Marini , Alam Akhmad Khairil , Sulistiawati Sulistiawati
Published: March 2018

Rendahnya kemampuan representasi matematis siswa menjadi salah satu penyebab rendahnya prestasi belajar matematika siswa. Hal ini diperkuat dengan hasil laporan TIMSS dan PISA yang menunjukkan rendahnya kemampuan matematika siswa Indonesia. Untuk membantu siswa meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematis digunakan suatu media pembelajaran matematika. Salah satu media pembelajaran matematika yang dapat merepresentasikan model matematika adalah software GeoGebra. Maka dari itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah software GeoGebra dapat meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi SPLDV. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII.2 SMP Islamic Village tahun ajaran 2015/2016 semester II sebanyak 29 orang dengan purposive sampling. Instrumen penelitian berupa tes uraian untuk mengukur kemaampuan representasi matematis. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif jenis pra eksperimen dengan one group pretest-posttest design. Analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan uji non-parametrik Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan media software GeoGebra dapat meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi sistem persamaan linier dua variabel (SPLDV). Peningkatan yang diperoleh berada pada kategori sedang sebesar 0,651.Low ability students 'mathematical representation became one of the causes of low achievement of students' mathematics learning. This was reinforced by the results of the TIMSS and PISA report which indicates a low ability students' mathematical Indonesia. To help students improve mathematical representation, it needs to use a medium of learning mathematics. One math learning media that can represent mathematical models were software GeoGebra. Therefore, this study aims to determine whether the software GeoGebra can improve students' mathematical representation at SPLDV material. The sample in this study were students VIII.2 SMP Islamic Village second half of the 2015/2016 school year a total of 29 people with purposive sampling. The research instrument is a test to measure ability description mathematical representation. The method in this research is quantitative method the type of pre experiment with one group pretest-posttest design. Analysis of experimental data was using non-parametric test of Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. The results showed that the use of GeoGebra software media can improve students' mathematical representation of the material system of linear equations of two variables (SPLDV). Increased obtained in middle category amounted to 0.651
Aktivitas Metakognitif Siswa SMP Dalam Pemecahan Masalah Matematika Berdasarkan Kemampuan Matematika
Authors: Pramono Aria Joko
Published: March 2018

Aktivitas metakognitif adalah berkaitan dengan kesadaran dan pengaturan terhadap pengetahuan tentang proses dan hasil pikir dalam kegiatan merencanakan (planning) proses berpikir, memantau (monitoring) proses berpikir, dan mengevaluasi (evaluation) proses dan hasil berpikir. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan aktivitas metakognitif siswa SMP berdasarkan kemampuan matematika tinggi, sedang, dan rendah. Analisis data dilakukan dalam penelitian ini meliputi; reduksi, pemaparan, dan menarik kesimpulan aktivitas metakognitif subjek dalam pemecahan masalah matematika. Berdasarkan analisis data, subjek berkemampuan matematika tinggi dan sedang dalam pemecahan masalah, melakukan kegiatan perencanaan proses berpikirnya, memantau proses berpikirnya, dan mengevaluasi proses dan hasil berpikirnya dalam setiap tahap pemecahan masalah (memahami masalah, menyusun rencana penyelesaian, melaksanakan rencana penyelesaian, dan memeriksa kembali). Sedangkan subjek berkemampuan matematika rendah dalam pemecahan masalah, melakukan kegiatan perencanaan proses berpikirnya, memantau proses berpikirnya, dan mengevaluasi proses dan hasil berpikirnya dalam tahap memahami masalah, dan tahap melaksanakan rencana penyelesaian. Sedangkan pada tahap menyusun rencana penyelesaian subjek berkemampuan matematika rendah melakukan kegiatan perencanaan proses berpikirnya, dan memantau proses berpikirnya. Dan dalam tahap memeriksa kembali subjek berkemampuan matematika rendah hanya melakukan kegiatan mengevaluasi.Activity of metacognitive has relation with awareness and control on knowledge about process and result of thinking in activity of planning thinking process, monitoring process of thinking, and evaluating process and result of thinking. This research aims to describe metacognitive activity of the junior high school students based on high, medium, and low mathematics skills. Data analysis used in this research consists of reduction, discussion, and conclusion in term of metacognitive activities of the subject in mathematics problem solving. Based on data analysis, subject with high and medium mathematics skills in problem solving, conduct activity of thinking process planning, monitoring thinking process, and evaluating process and result of thinking in each problem solving stages (comprehending the problem, structuring problem solving plan, conducting problem solving plan, and rechecking). Subject with low mathematics skills in problem solving, conducting activity of thinking process plan, monitoring thinking process, and evaluating process and result of thinking in each problem solving stages, and stage of conducting problem solving plan. On stage of structuring problem solving plan subject with low mathematics skills conducts activity of thinking process plan, and monitors thinking process. On stage of rechecking subject with low mathematics skills only conducts activity of evaluation.