bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RISCOS OCUPACIONAIS E MEDIDAS DE PROTE��O DOS TRABALHADORES IDENTIFICADOS EM UMA PISCICULTURA NO MUNIC�PIO DE SANTA RITA-MA
Authors: Fraz�o Fabiana Borralho , Ferreira Lyssandra Kelly Silva , Fraz�o Ricardo Henrique Nascimento , Louzeiro Nayara Mendes
Published: August 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os riscos ocupacionais e as medidas de prote��o dos trabalhadores na Piscicultura Vale do Itapecuru no munic�pio de Santa Rita-MA. Realizaram-se aplica��o de question�rios semi-estruturado, levantamento bibliogr�fico, visitas, registros fotogr�ficos e observa��es �in loco�. Verificou-se que os trabalhadores est�o expostos aos riscos ocupacionais f�sicos, qu�micos, biol�gico, ergon�micos e riscos de acidente. O risco com maior incid�ncia na piscicultura foi o risco de acidente, com 36,84%. Os equipamentos de prote��o individual - EPI mais utilizados foram luvas e botas. Portanto, h� muito que se fazer em rela��o � seguran�a dos trabalhadores no empreendimento em estudo, no qual foi sugerido a ado��o das recomenda��es quanto ao uso de EPI e outras medidas de prote��es que visam a preserva��o da sa�de do trabalhador bem como e desempenho do mesmo.
A ARTE DE TECER TARRAFAS DE PESCA NA REGI�O SEMI�RIDA DE PERNAMBUCO - BRASIL
Authors: Neves Estev�o Jord�o , Falcon Dario Rocha , Sieber Shana Sampaio , Dos Santos Jos� Carlos Pacheco , Nunes Diogo Martins
Published: August 2019

A pesca artesanal apresenta reconhecida import�ncia na produ��o de alimentos no Brasil, principalmente na regi�o Nordeste, onde est� situada a regi�o do Sert�o do Paje�, no Estado de Pernambuco. Nesse sentido, um grande contingente de pescadores atua em rios e reservat�rios da regi�o, n�o apenas exercendo a captura do pescado, mas tamb�m trabalhando na confec��o das artes de pesca. Compreendendo esse cen�rio, o estudo apresentado objetivou compreender os aspectos relacionados na confec��o de tarrafas de pesca. Assim, entre os meses de janeiro e junho de 2016, foram selecionados pescadores que confeccionavam tarrafas de pesca, atrav�s do m�todo de coleta de informa��es baseado na amostragem bola de neve. A pesquisa foi realizada em duas fases, sendo que na primeira delas foram realizadas entrevistas livres e, a partir da sensibiliza��o do p�blico alvo, seguiu-se com entrevistas semiestruturadas baseadas em question�rios e observa��es diretas. As entrevistas eram realizadas com os pescadores em seus respectivos locais de trabalho ou resid�ncias. Como resultado foram identificadas 20 pessoas que atuam na confec��o de tarrafas de pesca na cidade de Serra Talhada, todos do sexo masculino, com idades que variaram de 34 a 88 anos, considerados nesse trabalho como mestres tarrafeiros, pois seguem conduzindo essa arte de tecer tarrafas de pesca manualmente.
Effect of System Parameters on Plankton Dynamics: A Mathematical Modelling Approach
Authors: Şekerci Fırat Yadigar
Published: August 2019

A phytoplankton-zooplankton model is proposed and analyzed as a submodel of oxygen-plankton model. Mathematically, two coupled differential equations are considered. In this work, oxygen which is produced as a result of photosynthetic process by phytoplankton in ocean is assumed stable by keep oxygen concentration as a constant value. Basic properties of the phytoplankton-zooplankton population are detailed with analytical and numerical way under the effect of change in system parameters. In particular, effects of per-capita growth rate of zooplankton and intraspecific competition for phytoplankton on the systems’ dynamical behavior are considered. To understand the system temporal structure nonspatial system is detailed. Then the spatial case is focussed with the assist of extensive numerical simulations. It is observed that the model system has rich patterns in both temporal and spatial case.
The User-Pleasant Video Skimming by Multi-Modal Keywords Semantics
Authors: Shen Yiqing , Li Yingbo
Published: August 2019

In this paper, we propose a novel approach of video skimming by exploiting the fusion of video temporal information and keyword information representation extracted from multi-model video information including audio, text and visual indices. In addition, we introduce the brand-safe filtering and sentiment analysis in order to only reserve the user-friendly content in the video skim. In the experiment by using the videos from YouTube-8M dataset, we have proved that the semantic conservation in the video skim from the proposed approach highly outperforms the approaches by only partial information of the video in conserving the semantic content of the video.
Aquatic Hemiptera in Southwest Cameroon: Biodiversity of Potential Reservoirs of Mycobacterium ulcerans and Multiple Wolbachia Sequence Types Revealed by Metagenomics
Authors: Esemu Seraphine N. , Dong Xiaofeng , Kfusi Achah J. , Hartley Catherine S. , Ndip Roland N. , Ndip Lucy M. , Darby Alistair C. , Post Rory J. , Makepeace Benjamin L.
Published: August 2019

Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is a neglected tropical disease associated with freshwater habitats. A variety of limnic organisms harbor this pathogen, including aquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera), which have been hypothesized to be epidemiologically important reservoirs. Aquatic Hemiptera exhibit high levels of diversity in the tropics, but species identification remains challenging. In this study, we collected aquatic bugs from emerging foci of BU in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, which were identified using morphological and molecular methods. The bugs were screened for mycobacterial DNA and a selection of 20 mycobacteria-positive specimens from the families Gerridae and Veliidae were subjected to next-generation sequencing. Only one individual revealed putative M. ulcerans DNA, but all specimens contained sequences from the widespread alpha-proteobacterial symbiont, Wolbachia. Phylogenetic analysis placed the Wolbachia sequences into supergroups A, B and F. Circularized mitogenomes were obtained for seven gerrids and two veliids, the first from these families for the African continent. This study suggests that aquatic Hemiptera may have a minor role (if any) in the spread of BU in Southwest Cameroon. Our metagenomic analysis provides new insights into the incursion of Wolbachia into aquatic environments and generates valuable resources to aid molecular taxonomic studies of aquatic Hemiptera.
Permian Aquatic Reptiles
Authors: McMenamin Mark
Published: August 2019

Eight amniote genera (representing four clades) became aquatic during the Permian. The four clades were mesosaurids, tangasaurids, the neodiapsid Claudiosaurus, and the procolophonid Barasaurus. Two of eight genera survived the end-Permian mass extinction, but did not last long into the Mesozoic. A previously undescribed specimen of Claudiosaurus germaini, preserved in a lacustrine concretion from the Sakamena Formation, Madagascar, bears seventeen vertebrae that has been split along an approximate horizontal plane to reveal sections of neural canal casted in white calcite. Enlargement of the neural canal in the sacral region of this specimen of Claudiosaurus (vertebral segments 22-26) is more similar to that of Tupinambis (segments 24-28) than it is to Testudo (segments 16-23). Claudiosaurus skeletal anatomy provides evidence for swim propulsion by both hind limbs and by undulation of a dorsal-ventrally flattened tail. Evidence for the latter includes elongate transverse processes on distal tail vertebrae. Other Permian aquatic reptile genera (Mesosaurus, Hovasaurus, Barasaurus) used snake-like side-to-side tail undulation, whereas Claudiosaurus used cetacean-like up-down tail undulation in the vertical plane. It seems unlikely that any of these animals were particularly fast swimmers.
Derivation of All Linear Transformations that Meet the Results of Michelson-Morley’s Experiment and Discussion of the Relativity Basics
Authors: Szostek Roman
Published: August 2019

The article presents formal proof that the Special Theory of Relativity is wrong, that is, the interpretation of the mathematics on which STR is based, proposed by Einstein is incorrect. The article shows that there are infinitely many kinematics in which one-way speed of light is always equal to c. The kinematics of Special Theory of Relativity (STR) is only one of those infinitely many kinematics. It presents that mathematics on which STR kinematics is based can be interpreted differently and this leads to other conclusions on the properties of this kinematics. In this article, the whole class of linear transformations of time and coordinate was derived. Transformations were derived on the assumption that conclusions from Michelson-Morley’s and Kennedy-Thorndikea’s experiments are met for the observer from each inertial frame of reference, i.e. that the mean velocity of light in the vacuum flowing along the way back and forth is constant. It was also assumed that there is at least one inertial frame of reference, in which the velocity of light in a vacuum in each direction has the same value c, and the space is isotropic for observers from this distinguished inertial frame of reference (universal frame of reference). Derived transformations allow for building many different kinematics according to Michelson-Morley’s and Kennedy-Thorndikea’s experiments. The class of transformations derived in the study is a generalization of transformations derived in the paper [10], which consists in enabling non-zero values of parameter e(v). The idea of such a generalization derives from the person, who gave me this extended transformations class for analysis and publication.
Electric and Thermoelectric Properties of Cu12Sb4S13 Tetrahedrite with Impurities
Authors: Ravaji Kamyar , Ezzati Reza , Mohammadi Amir Hosein , Abbas Seyed Amir
Published: August 2019

The high figure of merit and earth abundance of Cu12Sb4S13 thermoelectric ma- terials have recently attracted many attentions toward these type of complex compounds. Intrinsic low thermal conductivity, as well as tunable electronic transport properties, make them suitable for thermoelectric power generation. In this study, we perform a comparative theoretical study on the substituted compounds, primarily at the Cu site including known tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13, by means of first-principles calculations. The density functional theory of electric structure is applied to investigate the result of substitution.
Can Fetuin-A Level, CRP, and WBC be a Predictive Value in the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis in Children with Abdominal Pain?
Authors: Coskun Abuzer , Güney Cengiz
Published: August 2019

Background: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common cause of emergency surgery. Perforation is more common than adults. Early diagnosis and new markers are needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of plasma Fetuin-A (FA) levels in patients with the acute abdomen (AB). Material and Method: This prospective study included 107 patients younger than 16 years of age who were admitted to the emergency department for abdominal pain between January 2018 and December 2018. The patients who presented to abdominal pain were divided into two groups as AA and other causes (OC) of AB. T Patients with acute appendicitis; intraperitoneal, retrocolic / retrocecal and appendicitis were divided into three groups. Also, the AA group was divided into two groups as perforated appendicitis and non-perforated appendicitis. Serum FA levels of the patients were evaluated in the emergency department. Results: In the AA group, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels were higher, and FA levels were significantly lower than in the AB group. Intraperitoneal localization was 95.2% and perforation was frequent. When significant values in the univariate regression analysis for acute abdomen and perforation were compared in the multivariate regression analysis, CRP, WBC, and FA levels were found to be prognostic. Also, decreased FA levels were associated with AA while too much decreased FA levels were associated with the risk of perforation. Conclusion: While trying to diagnose AA in children, the FA level, CRP and WBC may be predictive values to identify risk factors.
Hijacking the Host Immune Cells by Dengue Virus: Molecular Interplay of Receptors and Dengue Virus Envelope
Authors: Begum Feroza , Das Sandeepan , Mukherjee Debica , Ray Upasana
Published: August 2019

Dengue virus (DENV), being one of the lethal pathogens in the hot climatic regions of the world, have been extensively studied to decipher its mechanism of pathogenesis and missing links of its life cycle. With respect to the entry of DENV, multiple receptors have been recognised in different cells of the human body. However, scientists still argue whether these identified receptors are the exclusive entry mediators for the virus. Adding to the complexity, DENV has been reported to be infecting multiple organ types in its human host. Also, more than one receptor in a particular cell has been discerned to take part in mediating the ingress of DENV. In this review, we aim to discuss about the different cells of the human immune system that support DENV infection and their corresponding receptors that DENV deploy to gain access to the cells.
ANALISIS TEKSTUAL GAYA BAHASA IKLAN HARBOLNAS VERSI SAKIT JIWA TOKO ONLINE BUKALAPAK.COM DI INTERNET
Authors: Adi Wasono
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACT

This paper aims to reveal the meaning of the style of the National Online Shopping Day advertising language or abbreviated as HARBOLNAS in 2016 BukaLapak.com online version of the mental illness with, textual analysis techniques from the ad text using the study of textual and contextual cohesion. The approach utilizes the concept of language style that focuses on grammatical aspects, words or groups of words that become references, substitutions, and ellipsis. It is seen that, the advertisement uses aspects of grammatical aspects in terms of references, substitutions, and ellipsis in the text that it uses to listen to the attention of its readers or prospective consumers. The discourse of the ad language is intentionally used even if it is not in accordance with the rules of language, this is more due to the efforts of the advertiser to provide information briefly and with an impact that can immediately affect the reader. Based on the above conclusions, it is recommended in the production of advertising texts to take advantage of the practice of language that has aesthetic values â€‹â€‹to attract the interest of readers, the target audience of advertisements or prospective consumers.

Keywords: Advertisements, Language Style, Grammatical Aspects

 

 

ABSTRAK

Makalah ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap makna gaya bahasa iklan Hari Belanja Online Nasional atau disingkat HARBOLNAS tahun 2016 toko online BukaLapak.com versi sakit jiwa dengan, teknik analisis tekstual dari teks iklan tersebut dengan memanfaatkan kajian kohesi tekstual dan kontekstual. Pendekatan memanfaatkan konsep gaya bahasa yang memfokuskan pada aspek-aspek gramatikal, kata-kata atau kelompok kata yang menjadi referensi, substitusi, dan ellipsis. Terlihat bahwa, iklan tersebut menggunakan aspek aspek gramatikal dalam hal referensi, substitusi, dan ellipsis dalam teks yang digunakannya untuk mearik perhatian pembacanya atau calon konsumen. Wacana bahasa iklan tersebut sengaja digunakan walaupun tidak sesuai dengan kaidah bahasa, hal ini lebih karena upaya dari pihak pengiklan untuk memberikan informasi secara singkat dan dengan dampak yang segera dapat mempengaruhi pembaca. Berdasarkan simpulan di atas direkomendasikan dalam produksi naskah iklan agar memanfaatkan praktik berbahasa yang memiliki nilai-nilai estetis untuk menarik minat pembaca, khalayak sasaran iklan atau calon konsumen.

Kata Kunci: Iklan, Gaya Bahasa, Aspek Gramatikal
STRATEGI KENDALI ORGANISASI KOMPAS TV DALAM MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS KINERJA TEAM PRODUKSI
Authors: Prabowo Raden Cahyo
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Research on Kompas TV's Organizational Control Strategy in Improving Production Team Performance (Case Study Team of the "ROSI" Talkshow Event Program) at Kompas TV in improving the performance of the production team has a purpose to find out how the Kompas TV Organization Control Strategy Improves Production Team Performance (Case Study "ROSI" Talk Show Program Performance Team) at Kompas TV. The theories used in this study include Philip Tompkins's Organizational Control Theory and colleagues. The research paradigm used is Post-positivism. The research approach is qualitative using the Case Study research method. The results of this study are the Compass TV Organizational Control Strategy in Improving Production Team Performance (Case Study Team for a good and quality "ROSI" Talkshow Program) by means of two-way communication between Ms. Rosi Silalahi and the Kompas TV performance team and joint dialogue so that shows talkshow Rosi Kompas TV Becomes quality. In the Rosi Kompas TV talkshow program, the production performance team conducted a dialogue with Rosi on what themes or issues to be raised during the Rosi talk show on the D-Day or Thursday.

Keywords: Strategy, Organizational Control, TV Compass, Quality, Performance, Case Study
Asia's First Rigless Subsea Stimulation Using Patented Well Access Technology and a Fully Integrated Service Model
Authors: Avery Mike , Large Robert , Azhar Herman , Wong Kai San , Yusoff Mohd Faizal
Published: August 2019

Asia's first rigless subsea stimulation was executed in 2018, with intervention performed upon three target wells offshore Sabah Malaysia, at a water depth of approximately 1400 m (4,593 ft). Significant changes in reservoir performance prompted an acid stimulation and scale squeeze treatment, designed to remedy fines migration and scaling issues within the well and production system. Treatment fluids were delivered subsea by an open-water hydraulic access system, using a hybrid coiled-tubing downline. Access to the subsea trees was permitted via a patented choke access technology, allowing for a flexible, opex-efficient, and low-risk intervention. The intervention system was installed upon a multi-service vessel, with the downline deployed via the vessel moonpool. A second support vessel was used as required to provide additional fluid capacity without disturbing primary intervention operations. This enhanced the flexibility of the operation, permitting changes in the treatment plan to be accommodated for without impact to critical path stimulation activities.

The full intervention was delivered as an integrated service, with all elements supplied by a single provider, via one contract. An established network of in-house equipment, expertise, test laboratories, and operational bases supported the planning and execution of the project. This was complemented by select external providers for vessels, remotely operated vehicle services, and other specialist contractors.

The challenges faced during this new market entry included completion of a comprehensive treatment fluid test program, importation and logistics of equipment from around the globe, and managing operational risks, all within a condensed timeline to satisfy a brief intervention window. By leveraging the diverse global network of the service provider, the technology and people required for the project were accessed and brought together to achieve a collaborative solution. This was enhanced by the inclusion of performance based elements within the contract. The provision of a highly efficient and flexible well access technology also supported rapid mobilization and operational risk reduction.

Post-stimulation well testing confirmed an average increase in oil productivity of 86%, with a corresponding productivity index factor (PIF) gain of 3.4. These results, combined with the efficient execution of the campaign, confirm the appropriateness of open-water hydraulic access using coiled-tubing for performing cost-effective stimulations on complex subsea wells.

Successful entry to the region was highly dependent upon the integrated nature of the service. Access to the service providers global network permitted a high degree of influence upon the ultimate performance of the stimulation. Examples include the PIF results achieved and the responsive actions taken to remedy offshore challenges such as reservoir lock-up on well #3.
Full-length poly(A) and mRNA sequencing (FLAM-seq)
Authors: Legnini Ivano , Alles Jonathan , Karaiskos Nikos , Ayoub Salah , Quedenau Claudia , Rajewsky Nikolaus
Published: August 2019

We developed FLAM-seq, a fast and simple method for generating cDNA libraries of full-length mRNAs, including the poly(A) tail. By combining a new strategy for cDNA preparation with PacBio long-read sequencing, FLAM-seq enables to generate hundreds of thousands of reads per sample in an easy and short procedure, with starting material ranging from 500 ng to 10 μg of total RNA. Besides the quantification of gene expression and the information about the mRNA isoform, the data generated with FLAM-seq allow accurate measurement of poly(A) tail length for thousands of genes in the sequenced samples. Here we describe the protocol step by step from the RNA preparation to the first steps of data analysis.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of PUB genes in cotton
Authors: Lu Xuke , Shu Na , Wang Delong , Wang Junjuan , Chen Xiugui , Zhang Binglei , Wang Shuai , Guo Lixue , Ye Wuwei
Published: August 2019

Background: U-box gene is gene of ubiquitin ligase, which contain U-box domain. Plant U-box gene (PUB) plays an important role in the response to stresses, but less reports about PUBs in cotton were issued. Therefore research of PUBs in cotton will be of great importance and necessity to study the mechanism of tolerance-resistance of the cotton.
Results: In this study, we identified 93, 96, 185 and 208 PUBs from the three sequenced cotton species G. raimondii (D5), G. arboreum (A2), G. hirsutum (AD1) and G. arbadense (AD2), respectively. Subcellular localization analysis showed that the PUBs in cotton were distributed in various parts of the cells, mainly in the nucleus. The PUBs in cotton were divided into six subfamilies (A-F) by phylogenetic analysis, and intron/exon structure was comparatively conserved within the subfamily. Location analysis showed cotton PUBs were unevenly anchored on all the chromosomes varying from 1 to 14. It was found that there are 3 tandem duplications and 28 segmental duplications in cotton genome D5, 2 tandem duplications and 25 segmental duplications in A2, and 143 homologous gene pairs between A2 and D5, through multiple sequence alignment, but that the tandem duplication region of A2 or D5 was not found. It was also found that, there were 105, 14 and 17 homologous gene pairs in intra-subgenome of At and Dt, At subgenome, Dt subgenome of allotetraploid cotton, respectively. Among the PUBs family, totally 106, 116, 85 and 81 homologous gene pairs were found in A2-At, A2-Dt, D5-At and D5-Dt. Function analysis of GhPUB85A and GhPUB45D showed they positively responded the abiotic stresses, but the expression patterns were different. Besides, although the expressions of these two homologous genes were similar, their contributions were different when responding to stresses, showing different response differences to abiotic stresses and function division of two subgenomes of G. hirsutum.
Conclusion: This study provided the genome-wide identification, structure, evolution and expression analysis of PUBs in cotton, and the results showed that the PUBs was highly conserved in evolutionary history of cotton. All PUB genes were involved in response to abiotic stresses at varying degrees.
Does Case-based blended-learning expedite the transfer of declarative knowledge to procedural knowledge in practice?
Authors: Turk Bela Rui , Ertl Sebastian , Wong Guoruey , Wadowski Patricia P , Loeffler-Stastka Henriette
Published: August 2019

Background

Case-Based Learning (CBL) has seen widespread implementation in undergraduate education since the early 1920s. Ample data has shown CBL to be an enjoyable and motivational didactic tool, and effective in assisting the expansion of declarative and procedural knowledge in academia. Although a plethora of studies apply multiple choice questions (MCQs) in their investigation, few studies measure CBL or case-based blended learning (CBBL)-mediated changes in students’ procedural knowledge in practice or employ comparison or control groups in isolating causal relationships.

Methods

Utilizing the flexibilities of an e-learning platform, a CBBL framework consisting of a) anonymized patient cases, b) case-related textbook material and online e-CBL modules, and c) simulated patient (SP) contact seminars, was developed and implemented in multiple medical fields for undergraduate medical education. Additionally, other fields saw a solo implementation of e-CBL in the same format. E- cases were constructed according to the criteria of Bloom’s taxonomy.

In this study, Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) results from (n=619) medical students in 2013 before CBBL implementation, and after CBBL implementation in 2015 (n=624) and 2016 (n=643) were analyzed.

Results

A significant improvement (adjusted p=.002) of the mean OSCE score by 1.02 points was seen between 2013 and 2015 (min=0, max=25).

Conclusion

E-Case-Based Learning is an effective tool in increasing student satisfaction, improving performance outcomes and may provide a sustainable learning platform for many fields of medicine in future.
Evaluation of Anterior Decompression Surgical Outcomes of Proximal-type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy, a Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Chang-bo , Ma Zhen-sheng , Hu Jin-bo , Wu Zi-xiang , Yang Xiao-jiang , Wei Wei , Zhang Yang , Lei Wei
Published: August 2019

Background

To investigate the effect of anterior decompression on cervical spondylotic amyotrophy patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Methods

From January 2012 to December 2016, 21 patients with proximal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy(CSA) underwent anterior decompression were included. There were 15 males and 6 females, aged 35-73 years with an average of 51.62 years. All underwent surgery of anterior decompression (ACDF or ACCF). Among them, 12 patients underwent C4/5 single level ACDF, 8 patients underwent C4/5 and C5/6 double level ACDF, and one patient underwent C5 anterior cervical corpectomy decompression and fusion surgery. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiologic results were assessed. The evaluation items include muscle strength, visual analog scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI) score, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, and improvement rate at the last follow-up. Neurological and radiological follow-up averaged 13.2 months.

Results

Severe preoperative muscle atrophy was observed in the deltoid or biceps muscles of 21 patients before surgeries. At the final follow-up, all patients showed statistically improvements in muscle strength, VAS scores, and NDI scores (P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05), especially for the deltoid muscles force and JOA scores (P<0.01, P<0.01), of which the average improvement rates were 66.49±10.04% and 62.23±9.23%, respectively.

Conclusions

For CSA patients, especially resulted from cervical radiculopathy, anterior decompression surgery can improve patient's muscle strength and nerve root compression symptoms and generally achieve satisfactory curative effects
The phylogenetic significance of the morphology of the syrinx, hyoid and larynx, of the Southern Cassowary, Casuarius casuarius (Aves, Palaeognathae)
Authors: McInerney Phoebe Louise , Lee Mike S. Y. , Clement Alice M. , Worthy Trevor H.
Published: August 2019

The Palaeognathae are a basal clade within Aves and include the large and flightless ratites and the smaller, volant tinamous. Although much research has been conducted on various aspects of palaeognath morphology, ecology, and evolutionary history, there are still areas which require investigation. This study aimed to fill gaps in our knowledge of the Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius, for which information on the syrinx, hyoid and larynx is lacking despite these structures having been recognised as performing key functional roles associated with vocalisation, respiration and feeding. Previous research into the syrinx and hyoid have also indicated these structures to be valuable for determining evolutionary relationships among neognath taxa, and thus may also shed light on palaeognath phylogeny, which still exhibits strong conflict between morphological and molecular trees. We thus documented variation across palaeognaths in syringeal, hyoidal, and laryngeal character states, using both the literature and novel new observations (e.g. of cassowary). Notably the molecular moa-tinamou clade was found to share derived morphological traits including the ossification of the cricoid and arytenoid cartilages, and an additional cranial character, the articulation between the maxillary process of the nasal and the maxilla. Syringeal, hyoidal and laryngeal characters better optimised onto the topology resulting from phylogenetic analyses of a combined molecular and morphology analysis, than molecular-only or morphological-only trees. One primary factor for this support was the aforementioned shared character states between the moa and tinamou, also present in Lithornis and outgroup taxa.
Diverse Effects of Different Akkermansia muciniphila Genotypes on Brown Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Whitening in a High-fat-diet Murine Model
Authors: Deng Lulu , Ou Zihao , Huang Dongquan , Li Chong , Lu Zhi , Liu Wanting , Wu Feifan , Nong Caihong , Gao Jie , Peng Yongzheng
Published: August 2019

Background

The study aimed to investigate the differences of different Akkermansia muciniphila (A.muciniphila) genotypes on metabolic protective effects in mice with high-fat diet and explore possible mechanisms.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, including high-fat diet (HFD)+ A.muciniphila I/II/PBS group, normal chow diet (NCD)+A.muciniphila I/ II /PBS group, respectively. Dietary intervention and A.muciniphila gavage were performed simultaneously. Blood glucose and lipid metabolism, brown adipose morphology and activities, and intestinal barrier function were examined after the mice were sacrificed.

Results

A.muciniphila gavage improved the impaired glucose tolerance, hyperlipidemia and liver steatosis in HFD mice, and that A.muciniphila II was not as effective as A.muciniphila I. This phenomenon might be because A.muciniphila I intervention significantly inhibited brown adipose tissue whitening and inflammation induced by HFD, by repairing the intestinal barrier and relieving endotoxemia. A.muciniphila II did not display the same results as A.muciniphila I in HFD mice, but had stronger effects in the NCD mice.

Conclusions

This study mainly reveals the distinct functions of different A.muciniphila genotypes on diet-induced obesity, suggesting that different A.muciniphila genotypes may play inequitable roles in pathological conditions through distinct action pathways.
Effect and Safety of Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Monotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Qi Yihang , Kong Xiangyi , Wang Xiangyu , Zhai Jie , Fang Yi , Wang Jing
Published: August 2019

Background. Given that no approved targeted agents for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) and no opportunity of surgery for metastatic breast cancer (MBC), new treatment options are urgently to be discovered. The anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy may be effective, and what we should be aware of is the response rate and adverse events.
Methods. The PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane and www.clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched to find potential studies using the following strategies: anti-PD-1/PD-L1; metastatic; breast cancer. R© package Meta was used to pool incidence.
Results. Six studies including 586 advanced breast cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents were included in this meta-analysis. The anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents include pembrolizumab, atezolizumab and avelumab. Among these patients, CR was 1.26%, PR was 7.65%, ORR was 9.85% and DCR was 18.33%. We also found that the response rate was closely associated with the expression of PD-L1 biomarker (PD-L1+ vs PD-L1-): the CR was 2.71% vs 0.00%; the PR was 9.93% vs 2.69%; the ORR was 10.62% vs 3.07%; the DCR was 17.95% vs 4.71%. 1-year overall survival rate and 6-months progression-free survival rate were 43.34% and 17.24%. Respectively, the overall incidence of AEs was 64.18% in any grade and 12.94% in severe grade. The incidence of irAEs was 14.75%. Besides, the incidence of discontinue and death due to treatment-related AEs was about 3.06% and 0.31% respectively. When the detailed AEs were analyzed, most treatment-related AEs of any grade were arthraigia, asthenia, decreased appetite; most common treatment-related AEs of severe grade were anemia, autoimmune hepatitis, diarrhea; the most common irAEs were hypothyroidism , followed by hyperthyroidism, pneumonitis and infusion-related reaction.
Conclusions. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy showed a manageable safety profile and had a durable anti-tumor clinical activity in a subset of patients with mTNBC or MBC. PD-L1 expression may be correlated to a higher probability of clinical response.
Silencing of the DJ-1 (PARK7) gene sensitizes pancreatic cancer to erlotinib inhibition
Authors: He Xiangyi , Sun Yunwei , Fan Rong , Sun jing , Zou Douwu , Yuan Yaozong
Published: August 2019

Abstract
AIMS:
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, in combination with gemcitabine, has been shown to be a promising therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Our previous study showed that DJ-1 promotes invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by activating SRC/ERK/uPA. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether silencing DJ-1 expression can sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to erlotinib treatment.
METHODS:
Knockdown of DJ-1 expression, combined with erlotinib treatment, was performed in the pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and PANC-1. Cell proliferation was assessed with the CCK-8 assay and BrdU incorporation, while apoptosis was measured using terminal deoxynucleotidyl ransferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling. RAS activity and activation of the downstream pathways involving AKT and ERK1/2 were explored to determine the underlying mechanism.
RESULTS:
Knockdown of DJ-1 expression accelerated erlotinib-induced cell apoptosis, and improved the inhibitory effect of erlotinib on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Knockdown of DJ-1 decreased K-RAS expression, membrane translocation, and activity in BxPC-3 cells. Knockdown of DJ-1 also decreased K-RAS, H-RAS, and N-RAS expression in PANC-1 cells. Knockdown of DJ-1 synergistically inhibited AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation with erlotinib in pancreatic cancer cells.
CONCLUSIONS:
DJ-1 may activate the RAS pathway, reinforcing erlotinib drug resistance. Blocking DJ-1 in combination with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib may be an attractive therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
FunFam protein families improve residue level molecular function prediction
Authors: Scheibenreif Linus Mathias , Littmann Maria , Orengo Christine , Rost Burkhard
Published: August 2019

Background

The CATH database provides a hierarchical classification of protein domain structures including a sub-classification of superfamilies into functional families (FunFams). We analyzed the similarity of binding site annotations in these FunFams and incorporated FunFams into the prediction of protein binding residues.

Results

FunFam members agreed, on average, in 36.9±0.6% of their binding residue annotations. This constituted a 6.7-fold increase over randomly grouped proteins and a 1.2-fold increase (1.1-fold on the same dataset) over proteins with the same enzymatic function (identical Enzyme Commission, EC, number). Mapping de novo binding site prediction methods (BindPredict-CCS, BindPredict-CC) onto FunFam resulted in consensus predictions for those residues that were aligned and predicted alike (binding/non-binding) within a FunFam. This simple consensus increased the F1-score (for binding) 1.5-fold over the original prediction method. Variation of the threshold for how many proteins in the consensus prediction had to agree provided a convenient control of accuracy/precision and coverage/recall, e.g. reaching a precision as high as 60.8±0.4% for a stringent threshold.

Conclusions

The FunFams outperformed even the carefully curated EC numbers in terms of agreement of binding site residues. Additionally, we assume that our proof-of-principle through the prediction of protein binding residues will be relevant for many other solutions profiting from FunFams to infer functional information at the residue level.
Evaluation of 110 Apple Cultivars for Resistance to Alternaria Blotch Caused by Alternaria alternata Apple Pathotype
Authors: Li Ying , Hu Xiao-Li , Trigiano Robert N. , Aldwinckle Herbert , Cheng Zong-Ming (Max)
Published: August 2019

Apple blotch caused by Alternaria alternata apple pathotype is a severe disease of apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh) occurring throughout the world, especially in eastern Asia. Phenotypic and genetic information about resistance/susceptibility of apple germplasm to this disease will be extremely valuable for selecting and developing new disease resistant cultivars. In this study, 110 apple cultivars obtained from the USDA apple germplasm in Geneva, NY, were evaluated for their resistance/susceptibility to apple blotch by field surveys, and inoculation of detached leaves with a suspension of germinated conidia of A. alternata apple pathotype. Disease incidence were different among the cultivars and categorized into resistant (R), moderately resistant (MR), or susceptible (S). Two molecular markers, S428, a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker associated with disease resistance, and a simple sequence repeat (SSR or microsatellite) marker CH05g07, linked to susceptibility were used to correlate the phenotypes expressed in field surveys and laboratory inoculations. The detection using either the S428 marker or the CH05g07 marker in 50 common breeding cultivars was consistent with R or S traits except for ‘Bisbee’ and ‘Priscilla’. These two cultivars were MR to apple blotch through phenotyping. However, SSR markers were detected, but RAPD markers were not and therefore were considered susceptible. Combined with the record of resistance to fire blight from Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), ‘Dayton’, ‘Mildew Immune Seedling’, ‘Puregold’, and ‘Pumpkin Sweet’ were highly resistant to both diseases and considered as the best choices of parents for stacking resistance to multiple diseases in breeding program.
Growth, Physiological, and Biochemical Responses of Tung Tree (Vernicia fordii) Seedlings to Different Light Intensities
Authors: Li Ze , Shi Kai , Zhang Fanhang , Zhang Lin , Long Hongxu , Zeng Yanling , Liu Zhiming , Niu Genhua , Tan Xiaofeng
Published: August 2019

As a result of its high photosynthetic efficiency, the tung tree (Vernicia fordii) is a fast-growing heliophile, yielding fruit within 3 years. In addition, tung oil extracted from the fruit seeds is an environmentally friendly paint used widely in China. However, mutual shading inside a tung tree canopy leads to a low yield of fruit because of weak or dead lower branches. In this project, a pot experiment was conducted to understand the growth, physiological, anatomical structure, and biochemical responses of tung trees under various shading levels. Tung tree seedlings were subjected to different light intensities—100% sunlight (no cover), L100; 75% sunlight (25% shading), L75; 50% sunlight (50% shading), L50; and 20% sunlight (80% shading), L20—from June to August. Results indicate that the L75 treatment reduced significantly the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), transpiration rate (E), total aboveground and root dry weight (DW), maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), and maximum rate of electron transport at saturating irradiance (Jmax) compared with the control, although plant height and leaf area (LA) were not reduced. Lower light intensities (L50 and L20) and longer duration of treatment led to greater reduction in growth, leaf thickness, and photosynthetic potential (Amax and Jmax). Chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll content were increased in the L50 and L20 treatments compared with L100 and L75. There was no significant reduction in the enzyme activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco) and phosphoenolpyruvate (PEPC) of the seedlings using the L75 treatment; however, lower light intensities (L50 and L20) and longer duration of shade treatment resulted in a significant reduction in enzyme activity. In summary, the results suggest that tung trees have greater photosynthetic activity under high light intensity. Shading, even at 20%, especially for the longer term, reduced photosynthetic efficiency and growth. To prevent growth reduction, tung trees should be grown under full sun with a daily light integral (DLI) of ≈46 mol·m‒2·d‒1, and mutual shading should be avoided by proper spacing and pruning.
Micropropagation of Banana: Reversion, Rooting, and Acclimatization of Hyperhydric Shoots
Authors: El-Mahrouk M.E. , El-Shereif A.R. , Dewir Y.H. , Hafez Y.M. , Abdelaal Kh. A. , El-Hendawy S. , Migdadi H. , Al-Obeed R.S.
Published: August 2019

Hyperhydricity is a physiological disorder impacting plant growth and multiplication and acclimatization of regenerated plantlets. We report the use of calcium nitrate for reversion and acclimatization of banana ‘Grand Naine’ hyperhydric shoots cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing agar or gellan. Although 100% rooting of hyperhydric shoots occurred at all concentrations of calcium nitrate, only 50% rooting was recorded in the absence of calcium nitrate. Electrolyte leakage decreased significantly in the reverted banana tissues compared with the hyperhydric tissues. Histochemical staining for reactive oxygen species indicated that reverted banana tissues possess lower levels of both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2-) than do hyperhydric tissues. Rooting, growth, and survival of the reverted banana plantlets were significantly influenced by calcium nitrate concentrations as well as the type of gelling agent. Reverted banana plantlets in medium containing calcium nitrate (0.5–1 g·L−1) were acclimatized with 100% survival in a growing substrate of peatmoss and vermiculite (1:1).
Analysis on Fruit Oil Content and Evaluation on Germplasm in Oil Palm
Authors: Shi Peng , Wang Yong , Zhang Dapeng , Htwe Yin Min , Ihase Leonard Osayande
Published: August 2019

Fruit oil content (FOC) is one of the most important commercial traits in oil palm; however, extensive study on related traits is still limited. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits, as well as to predict the oil palm germplasm for potential improvement. In this study, a total of 11 traits, including fruit bunch number (FBN), average fruit weight (AFW), mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (M/F), kernel-to-fruit ratio (K/F), shell-to-fruit ratio (S/F), average fruit length (AFL), average fruit width (AFWD), average shell thickness (AST), mesocarp oil content (MOC), kernel oil content (KOC), and FOC were analyzed in 39 germplasms collected from seven different countries in Asia and Africa. Different statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits. Correlation analysis showed that FOC was positively and significantly correlated with M/F, MOC, and KOC, whereas negatively and significantly correlated with S/F and AST. Likewise, path analysis indicated that M/F and MOC have high positive direct effect on FOC, whereas S/F and AST have high negative direct and indirect effects on FOC. Furthermore, regression analysis showed significant correlation between predicted and observed FOC. In conclusion, FOC was mainly determined by M/F, MOC, S/F, and AST, and the FOC prediction in this study was reliable for germplasm evaluation. In addition, G39 (Tenera) and G2 (Parthenocarpy) have the highest FOC with 58.62% and 57.68%, respectively, indicating that they might be potential candidates for FOC improvement. These results could be applicable to oil palm breeding programs.
Reducing Water and Pesticide Movement in Nursery Production
Authors: Abdi Damon E. , Fernandez R. Thomas
Published: August 2019

Ornamental nurseries produce a large number of plants in a concentrated area, and aesthetics are a key component of the product. To produce crops in this manner, high inputs of water, nutrients, and pesticides are typically used. Container nursery production further increases the inputs, especially water, because container substrates are designed to quickly drain, and the most effective method of irrigating large numbers of plants in containers (up to a certain size) is the use of overhead irrigation. Because irrigation and pesticides are broadcast over the crop, and because the crop is limited to the container, a large proportion of water or pesticides may land on nontarget areas, creating runoff contaminant issues. Water is the primary means of pesticide movement in nursery production. This review discusses water and pesticide dynamics and management strategies to conserve water and reduce pesticide and water movement during container nursery production.
Navegando melancólicamente en el horizonte de la soledad. Problemas y desafíos del doctorado en filosofía: entre escuela de vida e hiperespecialización
Authors: Giubilato Giovanni Jan
Published: August 2019

El presente ensayo quiere reflexionar sobre la experiencia y los obstáculos –que a veces llegan a ser verdaderas contraindicaciones– de un doctorado en filosofía a partir del desafío personal que representa la decisión de tomar este camino académico y profesional, hasta la conclusión de la tesis y la defensa final del trabajo. Las consideraciones que siguen se enfocan en algunos elementos típicos que el estudiante enfrenta durante su aventura personal y universitaria de estudios doctorales, como la relación con el director de tesis, el desarrollo de la investigación, la preocupación por la financiación, etc. El campo de mediación y/o batalla entre la filosofía como trabajo (ocupación dirigida a la sustentación económica) y como forma de vida (que a pesar de las dificultades del mundo laboral académico contemporáneo requiere mucha dedicación, vocación y pasión) es la soledad del doctorando.