bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER BELAJAR DIGITAL MEDIA VIDEO UNTUK MENINGKATKAN MUTU SDM GURU MELALUI PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI PADA PEMBELAJARAN TATAP MUKA DI ERA NEW NORMAL
Authors: Marenden Vitry , Tambunan Witarsa , Limbong Mesta
Published: August 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini  untuk mengetahui: Analisis Pengembangan Sumber Belajar Digital Media Video . Untuk Meningkatkan Mutu SDM Guru Melalui Pemanfaatan Teknologi pada Pembelajaran Tatap Muka di Era New Normal. Untuk menjamin kualitas pembelajaran tatap muka yang lebih bermakna bagi peserta didik di era new normal.Analisis ini melibatkan seluruh populasi (Nonprobability Sampling). Jumlah populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 61 Guru dan 32 siswa kelas VIII.1 siswa SMPN 2 Rantepao. Mutu SDM Guru SMPN 2 Rantepao melalui Pemanfaatan Teknologi cukup baik dalam memanfaatkan teknologi sebagai sumber informasi, sumber belajar dan sebagai alat evaluasi hasil belajar TCR masing – masing adalah 73,44%, 74,42% dan 72,13% dan juga guru – guru SMPN 2 Rantepao sudah cukup baik dalam menggunakan sumber belajar digital media video sebagai alternatif bahan ajar dalam proses pembelajaran dengan TCR 75,30%. Hasil analisis siswa kelas VIII.1 SMPN 2 Rantepao menunjukkan bahwa ternyata Penggunaan Sumber Belajar Digital Media Video tinggi dalam mewujudkan situasi belajar efektif kepada siswa dengan TCR 82,25% pada pembelajaran tatap muka di era new normal. Namun guru – guru SMPN 2 Rantepao masih kurang baik dalam memanfaatkan teknologi sebagai media pembelajaran dengan TCR sebesar  63,93% dan merancang sumber belajar digital media video untuk memudahkan guru dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran dengan TCR 63,60%.

Kata kunci : Sumber Belajar digital, Media Video, Mutu SDM Guru, Era New Normal
HUBUNGAN MOTIVASI KERJA, KETERAMPILAN KERJA DAN PERILAKU KOGNITIF PEGAWAI TERHADAP PENGEMBANGAN KARIR DI SATUAN POLISI PAMONG PRAJA KECAMATAN KEBAYORAN BARU KOTA ADMINISTRASI JAKARTA SELATAN
Authors: Fransiskha S. Nourma , Tampubolon Manahan P. , Murniarti Erni
Published: August 2021

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis seberapa jauh variabel motivasi kerja, keterampilan kerja dan perilaku kognitif pegawai berhubungan terhadap pengembangan karir pada Satuan Polisi Pamong Praja Kecamatan Kebayoran Baru Kota Administrasi Jakarta Selatan, baik secara parsial maupun simultan.

Untuk mengetahui hubungan variabel independen motivasi kerja, keterampilan kerja dan perilaku kognitif terhadap pengembangan karir pegawai ditentukan oleh persamaan regresi sederhana dan regresi berganda. Untuk mengetahui signifikansi, data yang diperoleh dari angket diuji validitasnya melalui validitas, reliabilitas, normalitas, linieritas dan homogenitas. Metode analisis menggunakan uji t dan uji F dengan pemrosesan data menggunakan software SPSS versi 23.0.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa (1) Terdapat hubungan antara motivasi kerja dengan pengembangan karir. Dari hasil analisis uji t pada tabel , diperoleh t hitung sebesar 2,938 dan signifikansi nilai t sebesar 0,005 artinya terdapat hubungan yang positif antara variabel motivasi kerja dan pengembangan karir pegawai karena nilai signifikansi  t hitung < alpha (0,05), (2) terdapat hubungan antara keterampilan kerja terhadap pengembangan karir. Dari hasil analisis uji t pada tabel , diperoleh t hitung sebesar 5,123 dan signifikansi nilai t sebesar 0,000 artinya terdapat hubungan yang positif antara variabel keterampilan kerja dan pengembangan karir pegawai karena nilai signifikansi  t hitung < alpha (0,05), (3) terdapat hubungan antara perilaku kognitif terhadap pengembangan karir. Dari hasil analisis uji t pada tabel , diperoleh t hitung sebesar 4,811 dan signifikansi nilai t sebesar 0,000 artinya terdapat hubungan yang positif antara variabel perilaku kognitif dan pengembangan karir pegawai karena nilai signifikansi  t hitung < alpha (0,05), (4) diketahui nilai Sig. adalah sebesar 0,000. Karena nilai Sig. < 0,05, maka sesuai dengan dasar pengambilan keputusan dalam uji F dapat disimpulkan bahwa hipotesis diterima atau dengan kata lain motivasi kerja (X1), keterampilan kerja (X2) dan perilaku kognitif (X3) secara simultan berhubungan terhadap pengembangan karir (Y).
PENGGUNAAN BOOK OF SEX EDUCATION ANIMATED CARTOONS UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN SEKS SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Ninawati Mimin , Wahyuni Nur , Zulfadewina Zulfadewina
Published: August 2021

Banyak kasus kejahatan seksual pada anak terjadi di Indonesia dalam beberapa tahun terakhir. Salah satu penyebab tingginya kasus kejahatan seksual pada anak adalah tidak adanya pendidikan seks sejak dini baik dalam keluarga maupun di sekolah. Pendidikan seks pada anak harus disesuaikan dengan tahap perkembangan anak dan menggunakan cara dan media yang mudah dipahami oleh anak. Pendidikan seks pada siswa sekolah dasar sebagian besar mengenai cara kita menjelaskan tentang bagian tubuh dan fungsi tubuh, bagaimana kita mengajar anak-anak untuk merawat, menghargai, dan melindungi tubuhnya, dan ketika kita mempersiapkan anak kita untuk pubertas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis efektivitas penggunaan book of sex education animated cartoons untuk meningkatkan pemahaman seks siswa. Metode yang digunakan adalah kuasi eksperimen dengan rancangan pretest posttest one group design. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah uji komparasi dengan paired sample t-test. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan pemahaman seks siswa sebelum dan setelah penggunaan buku ini. Penggunaan buku ini efektif untuk meningkatkan pemahaman seks siswa sekolah dasar..
ESTABLISHMENT OF CHILDREN'S TOLERANCE ATTITUDE WITH THE TRADITIONAL GOBAK SODOR APPROACH
Authors: Syihabbudin Mochammad , Umami Kartika Nur
Published: August 2021

Today's children are required to always adapt to the times so that local culture begins to disappear among children. Technological advances have an impact on shifting values, attitudes, and culture, one of which is tolerance. Education has an important role in designing interesting learning because education is the most effective place in providing education to improve knowledge, attitudes, and love of culture. One of the causes for the fading of children's tolerance is the lack of understanding and attention from educational institutions to always educate the importance of learning design in shaping children's tolerance attitudes. The purpose of this study was to analyze the design of learning by utilizing teaching materials the gobak sodor game approach can form an attitude of tolerance or not. This study uses qualitative methods and data collection steps as follows; 1) Planning Stage, 2) Field research stage, 3) Data analysis stage, 4) Data reduction, 5) Display and 6) Data verification. While the results of the study in the form of the tolerance aspect got a final score of 87.5 with a good category and the traditional game aspect of Gobak Sodor got a final score of 85 with a good category.
PENDAMPINGAN POSYANDU BAYI DAN BALITA DI RW II KELURAHAN BENDAN DHUWUR KECAMATAN GAJAH MUNGKUR KOTA SEMARANG
Authors: Sulistyowati Indah , Cahyaningsih Oktaviani , Alfiani Novita
Published: August 2021

Posyandu dibentuk oleh masyarakat desa/kelurahan dengan tujuan untuk mendekatkan pelayanan kesehatan dasar, terutama Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak (KIA), Keluarga Berencana (KB), imunisasi, gizi, dan penanggulangan diare kepada masyarakat setempat. Kegiatan rutin posyandu diselenggarakan dan dimotori oleh kader posyandu dengan bimbingan teknis dari petugas kesehatan. Peran kader saat ini hanya menimbang bayi jika balita datang ke posyandu dan memberi PMT (pemberian makanan tambahan). Dan keberhasilan posyandu tak lepas dari kerja keras kader yang dengan sukarela mengelola posyandu di wilayahnya masing-masing. Kurangnya pelatihan dan pembinaan keterampilan memadai bagi kader menyebabkan kurangnya pemahaman tugas kader, lemahnya informasi serta koordinasi antara petugas dalam kegiatan posyandu dapat mengakibatkan kurangnya tingkat kehadiran balita ke posyandu. Kelangsungan posyandu tergantung dari partisipasi masyarakat itu sendiri.Oleh karena itu upaya yang perlu dilakukan dalam rangka meningkatkan peran kader posyandu yaitu dengan cara diadakanya pelatihan kader posyandu. Penyelenggaraan pelatihan kader dapat dilakukan oleh masyarakat itu sendiri yang berkoordinasi dengan petugas kesehatan dan melibatkan sektor lain di bawah bimbingan puskesmas, sedangkan metode yang digunakan disesuaikan dengan tujuan pembelajaran yang diharapkan, setelah melakukan pelatihan kader rencana tindak lanjutnya dengan melakukan evaluasi serta aplikasi atau penerapan hasil pelatihan di masyarakat. Sedangkan untuk meningkatkan sikap serta ketrampilan yang dilatihkan harus disesuaikan dengan tugas kader dalam meningkatkan program kesehatan di desa kader. Pelatihan yang dimaksudkan itu adalah kemampuan kader dalam pelaksanaan kegiatan yang berkaitan dengan kesehatan.Kata Kunci : Pendampingan, Posyandu, Bayi dan Balita
Stryker Osteonics: Prosthetic Knee Joint
Authors: Hjorth P.G.
Published: August 2021

This report studies the biomechanics, in particular thin-film lubrication, of an artificial knee joint. We study whether using a porous (but still stress resilient) material, or simply adding to the current bearing design a large number of small drilled holes, makes it possible to entrap a lubricating fluid, in a way similar to what the living tissue does. The report concludes that such a design is indeed possible and may lead to less friction in low-load situation; but that the high-load situation is less clear. Also, the report considers only sliding movement of the bearing, not a combination of sliding and rolling.
Acoustic Scattering from a Strained Region
Authors: Allwright David , Jones Gareth , Parnell William
Published: August 2021

Acoustic coatings for underwater applications may be made of a composite material consisting of gas-filled microspheres embedded in a rubber-like material. Under typical applied hydrostatic pressure the microspheres are compressed to a large static deformation. The region of the rubber around each microsphere is therefore also subject to large deformation. The Study Group addressed the problem of the propagation of small amplitude acoustic waves through this pre-strained region around the microsphere. The report reviews the material models, and formulates the full scattering problem. It is also shown how the monopole scattering strength of the microsphere embedded in the pre-strained material can be calculated by using the dynamic shear modulus of the material and the solution to the static compression problem.
Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Reveals Survival Motor Neuron Oligomerization but No Active Transport in Motor Axons of a Zebrafish Model for Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Koh Angela , Sarusie Menachem Viktor , Ohmer Jürgen , Fischer Utz , Winkler Christoph , Wohland Thorsten
Published: August 2021

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting lower motor neurons that is caused by a deficiency in ubiquitously expressed Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. Two mutually exclusive hypotheses have been discussed to explain increased motor neuron vulnerability in SMA. Reduced SMN levels have been proposed to lead to defective snRNP assembly and aberrant splicing of transcripts that are essential for motor neuron maintenance. An alternative hypothesis proposes a motor neuron-specific function for SMN in axonal transport of mRNAs and/or RNPs. To address these possibilities, we used a novel in vivo approach with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) in transgenic zebrafish embryos to assess the subcellular dynamics of Smn in motor neuron cell bodies and axons. Using fluorescently tagged Smn we show that it exists as two freely diffusing components, a monomeric, and a complex-bound, likely oligomeric, component. This oligomer hypothesis was supported by the disappearance of the complex-bound form for a truncated Smn variant that is deficient in oligomerization and a change in its dynamics under endogenous Smn deficient conditions. Surprisingly, our FCS measurements did not provide any evidence for an active transport of Smn in axons. Instead, our in vivo observations are consistent with previous findings that SMN acts as a chaperone for the assembly of snRNP and mRNP complexes.
Combined DNA Methylation and Transcriptomic Assessments to Determine a Prognostic Model for PD-1-Negative Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Lixu , Guo Wenzhi
Published: August 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the highest incidence and mortality of any malignancy in the world. Immunotherapy has been a major breakthrough for HCC treatment, but immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in only a small percentage of HCC patients. In the present study, we screened programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) -negative HCC samples, which are frequently resistant to ICIs, and identified their methylation and transcription characteristics through the assessment of differential gene methylation and gene expression. We also screened for potential targeted therapeutic drugs using the DrugBank database. Finally, we used a LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis to construct a prognostic model based on three differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs). The results showed that ESTIMATE (Estimation of Stromal and Immune Cells in Malignant Tumors using Expression Data) scores for the tumor samples were significantly lower compared to normal sample ESTIMATE scores. In addition, we identified 31 DMEGs that were able to distinguish PD-1-negative samples from normal samples. A functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were involved in a variety of tumor-related pathways and immune-related pathways, and the DrugBank screening identified potential therapeutic drugs. Finally, the prognostic model based on three DMEGs (UBD, CD5L, and CD213A2) demonstrated good predictive power for HCC prognosis and was verified using an independent cohort. The present study demonstrated the methylation characteristics of PD-1-negative HCC samples, identified several potential therapeutic drugs, and proposed a prognostic model based on UBD, CD5L, and CD213A2 methylation expression. In conclusion, this work provides an in-depth understanding of methylation in HCC samples that are not sensitive to ICIs.
Cysteine Boosts Fitness Under Hypoxia-Mimicked Conditions in Ovarian Cancer by Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Nunes Sofia C. , Ramos Cristiano , Santos Inês , Mendes Cindy , Silva Fernanda , Vicente João B. , Pereira Sofia A. , Félix Ana , Gonçalves Luís G. , Serpa Jacinta
Published: August 2021

Among gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer is the third most prevalent and the most common cause of death, especially due to diagnosis at an advanced stage together with resistance to therapy. As a solid tumor grows, cancer cells in the microenvironment are exposed to regions of hypoxia, a selective pressure prompting tumor progression and chemoresistance. We have previously shown that cysteine contributes to the adaptation to this hypoxic microenvironment, but the mechanisms by which cysteine protects ovarian cancer cells from hypoxia-induced death are still to be unveiled. Herein, we hypothesized that cysteine contribution relies on cellular metabolism reprogramming and energy production, being cysteine itself a metabolic source. Our results strongly supported a role of xCT symporter in energy production that requires cysteine metabolism instead of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) per se. Cysteine degradation depends on the action of the H2S-synthesizing enzymes cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), and/or 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MpST; together with cysteine aminotransferase, CAT). In normoxia, CBS and CSE inhibition had a mild impact on cysteine-sustained ATP production, pointing out the relevance of CAT + MpST pathway. However, in hypoxia, the concomitant inhibition of CBS and CSE had a stronger impact on ATP synthesis, thus also supporting a role of their hydrogen sulfide and/or cysteine persulfide-synthesizing activity in this stressful condition. However, the relative contributions of each of these enzymes (CBS/CSE/MpST) on cysteine-derived ATP synthesis under hypoxia remains unclear, due to the lack of specific inhibitors. Strikingly, NMR analysis strongly supported a role of cysteine in the whole cellular metabolism rewiring under hypoxia. Additionally, the use of cysteine to supply biosynthesis and bioenergetics was reinforced, bringing cysteine to the plateau of a main carbon sources in cancer. Collectively, this work supports that sulfur and carbon metabolism reprogramming underlies the adaptation to hypoxic microenvironment promoted by cysteine in ovarian cancer.
TiO2 Simultaneous Enrichment, On-Line Deglycosylation, and Sequential Analysis of Glyco- and Phosphopeptides
Authors: Chen Cheng , Zhang Xiaofei , Dong Xuefang , Zhou Han , Li Xiuling , Liang Xinmiao
Published: August 2021

Reversible protein glycosylation and phosphorylation tightly modulate important cellular processes and are closely involved in pathological processes in a crosstalk dependent manner. Because of their significance and low abundances of glyco- and phosphopeptides, several strategies have been developed to simultaneously enrich and co-elute glyco- and phosphopeptides. However, the co-existence of deglycosylated peptides and phosphopeptides aggravates the mass spectrometry analysis. Herein we developed a novel strategy to analyze glyco- and phosphopeptides based on simultaneous enrichment with TiO2, on-line deglycosylation and collection of deglycosylated peptides, and subsequent elution of phosphopeptides. To optimize on-line deglycosylation conditions, the solution pH, buffer types and concentrations, and deglycosylation time were investigated. The application of this novel strategy to 100 μg mouse brain resulted in 355 glycopeptides and 1,975 phosphopeptides, which were 2.5 and 1.4 folds of those enriched with the reported method. This study will expand the application of TiO2 and may shed light on simultaneously monitoring protein multiple post-translational modifications.
The Use of Bionic Prodrugs for the Enhancement of Low Dose Radiotherapy
Authors: Sun Xiurong , Su Fangming , Luo Xin , Ning Yingxia
Published: August 2021

Radiotherapy (RT) is a standard treatment strategy for many cancer types, but the need to frequently apply high doses of ionizing radiation in order to achieve therapeutic efficacy can cause severe harm to healthy tissues, leading to adverse patient outcomes. In an effort to minimize these toxic side effects, we herein sought to design a novel approach to the low-dose RT treatment of hypoxic tumors using a Tirapazamine (TPZ)-loaded exosome (EXO) nanoplatform (MT). This MT platform was synthesized via loading EXOs with TPZ, which is a prodrug that is activated when exposed to hypoxic conditions. MT application was able to achieve effective tumor inhibition at a relatively low RT dose (2 Gy) that was superior to standard high-dose (6 Gy) RT treatment with specific targeting to the hypoxic region of tumor. RT-mediated oxygen consumption further aggravated hypoxic conditions to improve TPZ activation and treatment efficacy. Together, our findings demonstrate the clinical promise of this MT platform as a novel tool for the efficient radiosensitization and treatment of cancer patients.
Diabetes Promotes Retinal Vascular Endothelial Cell Injury by Inducing CCN1 Expression
Authors: Li Haicheng , Li Ting , Wang Heting , He Xuemin , Li Ying , Wen Siying , Peng Rongdong , Nie Yuanpeng , Lu Yan , Yang He , Ye Yinong , Shi Guojun , Chen Yanming
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common diabetic microvascular complications. However, the pathogenesis of DR has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to discover novel and key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of DR, which could potentially be targets for therapeutic DR intervention.

Methods: To identify potential genes involved in the pathogenesis of DR, we analyzed the public database of neovascular membranes (NVMs) from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and healthy controls (HCs) (GSE102485, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE102485). Further, we compared these findings by performing RNA-sequencing analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with DR, control patients with non-complicated diabetes mellitus (DMC), and HCs. To determine the critical role of candidate genes in DR, knockdown or knockout was performed in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs). The oxidative stress pathway, as well as tight junction integrity, was analyzed.

Results: Transcriptional profiles showed distinct patterns between the NVMs of patients with DR and those of the HCs. Those genes enriched in either extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction or focal adhesion pathways were considerably upregulated. Both pathways were important for maintaining the integrity of retinal vascular structure and function. Importantly, the gene encoding the matricellular protein CCN1, a key gene in cell physiology, was differentially expressed in both pathways. Knockdown of CCN1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or knockout of CCN1 by the CRISPR-Cas9 technique in HRVECs significantly increased the levels of VE-cadherin, reduced the level of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Conclusion: The present study identifies CCN1 as an important regulator in the pathogenesis of DR. Increased expression of CCN1 stimulates oxidative stress and disrupts tight junction integrity in endothelial cells by inducing NOX4. Thus, targeting the CCN1/NOX4 axis provides a therapeutic strategy for treating DR by alleviating endothelial cell injury.
Improving Diuretic Response in Heart Failure by Implementing a Patient-Tailored Variability and Chronotherapy-Guided Algorithm
Authors: Kenig Ariel , Kolben Yotam , Asleh Rabea , Amir Offer , Ilan Yaron
Published: August 2021

Heart failure is a major public health problem, which is associated with significant mortality, morbidity, and healthcare expenditures. A substantial amount of the morbidity is attributed to volume overload, for which loop diuretics are a mandatory treatment. However, the variability in response to diuretics and development of diuretic resistance adversely affect the clinical outcomes. Morevoer, there exists a marked intra- and inter-patient variability in response to diuretics that affects the clinical course and related adverse outcomes. In the present article, we review the mechanisms underlying the development of diuretic resistance. The role of the autonomic nervous system and chronobiology in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure and response to therapy are also discussed. Establishing a novel model for overcoming diuretic resistance is presented based on a patient-tailored variability and chronotherapy-guided machine learning algorithm that comprises clinical, laboratory, and sensor-derived inputs, including inputs from pulmonary artery measurements. Inter- and intra-patient signatures of variabilities, alterations of biological clock, and autonomic nervous system responses are embedded into the algorithm; thus, it may enable a tailored dose regimen in a continuous manner that accommodates the highly dynamic complex system.
Association Between Arterial Stiffness and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Chi Chen , Liu Yifan , Xu Yawei , Xu Dachun
Published: August 2021

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in the world. Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounts for about half of all heart failure. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of HFpEF are still unclear, leading to little progress of effective treatment of HFpEF. Arterial stiffness is the decrement of arterial compliance. The media of large arteries degenerate in both physiological and pathological conditions. Many studies have proven that arterial stiffness is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disorders including diastolic dysfunction. In this perspective, we discussed if arterial stiffness is related to HFpEF, and how does arterial stiffness contribute to HFpEF. Finally, we briefly summarized current treatment strategies on arterial stiffness and HFpEF. Though some new drugs were developed, the safety and effectiveness were not adequately assessed. New pharmacologic treatment for arterial stiffness and HFpEF are urgently needed.
Active Faulting in Lake Constance (Austria, Germany, Switzerland) Unraveled by Multi-Vintage Reflection Seismic Data
Authors: Fabbri S.C. , Affentranger C. , Krastel S. , Lindhorst K. , Wessels M. , Madritsch Herfried , Allenbach R. , Herwegh M. , Heuberger S. , Wielandt-Schuster U. , Pomella H. , Schwestermann T. , Anselmetti F.S.
Published: August 2021

Probabilistic seismic hazard assessments are primarily based on instrumentally recorded and historically documented earthquakes. For the northern part of the European Alpine Arc, slow crustal deformation results in low earthquake recurrence rates and brings up the necessity to extend our perspective beyond the existing earthquake catalog. The overdeepened basin of Lake Constance (Austria, Germany, and Switzerland), located within the North-Alpine Molasse Basin, is investigated as an ideal (neo-) tectonic archive. The lake is surrounded by major tectonic structures and constrained via the North Alpine Front in the South, the Jura fold-and-thrust belt in the West, and the Hegau-Lake Constance Graben System in the North. Several fault zones reach Lake Constance such as the St. Gallen Fault Zone, a reactivated basement-rooted normal fault, active during several phases from the Permo-Carboniferous to the Mesozoic. To extend the catalog of potentially active fault zones, we compiled an extensive 445 km of multi-channel reflection seismic data in 2017, complementing a moderate-size GI-airgun survey from 2016. The two datasets reveal the complete overdeepened Quaternary trough and its sedimentary infill and the upper part of the Miocene Molasse bedrock. They additionally complement existing seismic vintages that investigated the mass-transport deposit chronology and Mesozoic fault structures. The compilation of 2D seismic data allowed investigating the seismic stratigraphy of the Quaternary infill and its underlying bedrock of Lake Constance, shaped by multiple glaciations. The 2D seismic sections revealed 154 fault indications in the Obersee Basin and 39 fault indications in the Untersee Basin. Their interpretative linkage results in 23 and five major fault planes, respectively. One of the major fault planes, traceable to Cenozoic bedrock, is associated with a prominent offset of the lake bottom on the multibeam bathymetric map. Across this area, high-resolution single channel data was acquired and a transect of five short cores was retrieved displaying significant sediment thickness changes across the seismically mapped fault trace with a surface-rupture related turbidite, all indicating repeated activity of a likely seismogenic strike-slip fault with a normal faulting component. We interpret this fault as northward continuation of the St. Gallen Fault Zone, previously described onshore on 3D seismic data.
Geochemistry and Weathering Indices of Yedoma and Alas Deposits beneath Thermokarst Lakes in Central Yakutia
Authors: Ulrich Mathias , Jongejans Loeka L. , Grosse Guido , Schneider Birgit , Opel Thomas , Wetterich Sebastian , Fedorov Alexander N. , Schirrmeister Lutz , Windirsch Torben , Wiedmann Julia , Strauss Jens
Published: August 2021

Ice- and organic-rich deposits of late Pleistocene age, known as Yedoma Ice Complex (IC), are widespread across large permafrost regions in Northeast Siberia. To reconstruct Yedoma IC formation in Central Yakutia, we analyzed the geochemistry, sedimentology, and stratigraphy of thawed and frozen deposits below two thermokarst lakes in different evolutionary stages (a mature alas lake and a initial Yedoma lake) from the Yukechi site in the Lena-Aldan interfluve. We focused on inorganic geochemical characteristics and mineral weathering in two ∼17 m long sediment cores to trace syngenetic permafrost aggradation and degradation over time. Geochemical properties, element ratios, and specific weathering indices reflect varying sedimentation processes and seasonal thaw depths under variable environmental conditions. Deeper thaw during the interstadial Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 enabled increasing mineral weathering and initial thermokarst processes. Sedimentological proxies reflect high transport energy and short transport paths and mainly terrestrial sediment supply. The Yedoma formation resulted from fluvial, alluvial and aeolian processes. Low mean TOC contents in both cores contrast with Yedoma deposits elsewhere. Likely, this is a result of the very low organic matter content of the source material of the Yukechi Yedoma. Pronounced cryostructures and strongly depleted pore water stable isotopes show a perennially frozen state and preserved organic matter for the lower part of the Yedoma lake core, while changing permafrost conditions, conditions promoting weathering, and strong organic matter decomposition are suggested by our proxies for its middle and upper parts. For the alas lake core, less depleted water stable isotopes reflect the influence of recent precipitation, i.e. the infiltration of rain and lake water into the unfrozen ground. The FENG, MIA(R), and ICV weathering indices have proven to be promising proxies for the identification of conditions that promote mineral weathering to different degrees in the stratigraphy of the thawed and frozen Yedoma deposits, for which we assume a rather homogeneous chemical composition of the parent material. Our study highlights that the understanding of environmental conditions during Yedoma formation and degradation processes by specific geochemical proxies is crucial for assessing the potential decomposition and preservation of the frozen and unfrozen Yedoma inventories.
Nature of Volatile Organic Matter in Lake Sediments as a Reflection of Paleoclimate Changes Occurring at 4 ka in the Central Qaidam Basin
Authors: Lu Xiaohang , Zhang Yongsheng , Yi Lei , Ma Zhe , Su Weigang , Liu Xiaobao , Han Fengqing
Published: August 2021

This study explores the paleoclimate changes around the 4 ka BP period in the central Qaidam Basin (QB), assessing the differences in spectral characteristics and organic composition of salt lake sediments under different climate change conditions. Sediment samples (10-m-depth profile) were collected from the middle of dry salt flats in East Taijinar Lake (China). Sediment organic matter (SOM) was assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed a significant difference in the TOC content of sediments with different lithological characteristics. A lower TOC content in salt-bearing strata was attributed to the extreme sedimentary environment with minimal exogenous inputs. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the SOM in sediments included aliphatic C, ketones and alcohols. Sediments of salt-bearing strata generally exhibited a rise in the content of ketone C=O groups and a decrease in aliphatic C, with an equal content of alcohols compared with silty sand. Therefore, exogenous OM and the content of TOC in silty sand strata are higher than in salt-bearing strata, indicating that the paleoclimate became warmer and wetter after 4 ka BP. GC-MS analysis showed a significant difference between the phenol and aldehyde content in different strata, further indicating that the paleoclimate changed from dry to relatively warm around 4 ka BP. Seven organic compound types were identified in SOM, including aldehydes, hydrocarbons, phenols, esters, ketones, alcohols, and furans. Different strata exhibited different distributions of organic compounds, with particularly high concentrations of aldehydes in salt-bearing strata and phenols in silty sand. Correlation analysis was performed between detrital minerals and OM types in all samples. Results showed a strong positive correlation between detrital minerals and phenols and a strong negative correlation between detrital minerals and aldehydes, with a negative correlation also identified between detrital minerals and ketones. Overall, the reduction in volatile organic compounds demonstrates that the paleoclimate changed from cooler and dry to wet and warm around the 4 ka BP period in the central QB, with the carbon preference index and n-alkane values further demonstrating these results. This study also confirms the importance of volatile organic compound monitoring to assess paleoclimate changes.
Vitamin D Deficiency as a Predictor of a High Prevalence of Coronary Artery Disease in Pancreas Transplant Candidates With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Buksińska-Lisik Małgorzata , Kwasiborski Przemysław J. , Ryczek Robert , Lisik Wojciech , Mamcarz Artur
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Pancreas transplantation is a high-risk procedure in terms of cardiovascular complications. Therefore, identification of all cardiovascular risk factors is crucial to prevent cardiovascular complications after pancreas transplantation. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) appears to be a potential risk factor for coronary artery disease.

Objective

To determine the prevalence of VDD in pancreas transplant candidates, and further to examine the relationship between vitamin D and the prevalence of coronary artery disease and lipid profile parameters.

Materials and Methods

This is a prospective cross-sectional study. We enrolled consecutive patients with type 1 diabetes eligible for simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplantation or pancreas transplant alone. The laboratory tests included HbA1c, lipid profile, creatinine, and total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The diagnosis of coronary artery disease was based on coronary angiography.

Results

The study population included 48 patients. VDD was revealed in 48% of patients and coronary artery disease in 35% of patients. The mean concentration of vitamin D in the entire cohort was 21.3 ± 9.48 ng/ml. The median value of 25(OH)D in patients with coronary artery disease was significantly lower than in patients without coronary artery disease (18.5 (11.6–21.5) vs. 24.8 (18.4–31.8) ng/ml, p = 0.018). There was a significant relationship between VDD and coronary artery disease (OR = 4.36; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–15.64, p = 0.034). A patient’s odds of having coronary artery disease while having a sufficient level of vitamin D was 4.36 times lower than if the patient had VDD. There was a significant relationship between VDD and hypertension (OR = 5.91; 95% CI: 1.12–31.20, p = 0.039) and hemodialysis (OR = 4.25; 95% CI: 1.25–14.5, p = 0.023). There was no significant correlation between 25(OH)D and lipid profile.

Conclusions

VDD is highly prevalent in pancreas transplant candidates with type 1 diabetes. There is a significant relationship between VDD and increased prevalence of coronary disease. The lack of any significant association between serum vitamin D and lipid profile suggests that the relationship between vitamin D and coronary artery disease results from other causes.
The Ring RPT Method for DH Systems Containing Dispersed Particle-Type of Fuel and Burnable Poisons
Authors: Lou Lei , Peng Xingjie , Chai Xiaoming , Yao Dong , Li Mancang , Wang Lianjie , Chen Liang
Published: August 2021

Because dispersed particle-type fuel and burnable poisons both have double heterogeneity (DH), using the traditional volumetric homogenization method (VHM) to treat DH systems will bring about large reactivity calculation deviation. The improved reactivity-equivalent physical transformation (IRPT) method can be applied to DH systems which have both dispersed particle-type fuel and burnable poisons because of the features of simplicity and high calculation accuracy. In this article, the calculations show that the IRPT method becomes invalid for some DH systems when the volume fraction of dispersed particle-type burnable poisons is relatively high or the absorb cross section of burnable poison particles is relatively large. Then the two-step ring reactivity-equivalent physical transformation (TRRPT) method is proposed to be applied to the DH systems with both dispersed particle-type fuel and burnable poisons. Results of reactivity at zero burnup and depletion calculations for different types of dispersed particle-type fuel and burnable poisons and the comparison with Monte Carlo results of grain models prove the validity of the TRRPT method, and it has been proven that the TRRPT method has higher accuracy in reactivity calculation and a wider scope of transformation than the IRPT method.
Soil Salinity and Sodicity in Drylands: A Review of Causes, Effects, Monitoring, and Restoration Measures
Authors: Stavi Ilan , Thevs Niels , Priori Simone
Published: August 2021

Soil salinization and sodification are common processes that particularly characterize drylands. These processes can be attributed either to natural conditions or anthropogenic activities. While natural causes include factors such as climate, lithology, topography, and pedology, human causes are mostly related to agricultural land-use, and specifically, to irrigated agriculture. The objective of this study was to thoroughly review this topic, while highlighting the major challenges and related opportunities. Over time, the extent of saline, sodic, and saline-sodic croplands has increased, resulting in accelerated land degradation and desertification, decreased agricultural productivity, and consequently jeopardizing environmental and food security. Mapping and monitoring saline soils is an important management tool, aimed at determining the extent and severity of salinization processes. Recent developments in advanced remote sensing methods have improved the efficacy of mapping and monitoring saline soils. Knowledge on prevention, mitigation, and recovery of soil salinity and sodicity has substantially grown over time. This knowledge includes advanced measures for salt flushing and leaching, water-saving irrigation technologies, precision fertilizer systems, chemical restoration, organic and microbial remediation, and phytoremediation of affected lands. Of a particular interest is the development of forestry-related means, with afforestation, reforestation, agroforestry, and silvopasture practices for the recovery of salt-affected soils. The forecasted expansion of drylands and aggravated drying of existing drylands due to climatic change emphasize the importance of this topic.
How Raccoons Could Lead to the Disappearance of Native Crayfish in Central Italy
Authors: Tricarico Elena , Ciampelli Paola , De Cicco Laura , Marsella Sandro Aurelio , Petralia Lorenzo , Rossi Barbara , Zoccola Antonio , Mazza Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

The white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes complex populations are decreasing in the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park (Central Italy), due to several factors, including illegal poaching, predatory fishes, drought, and invasive alien species. Recently, the Northern raccoon Procyon lotor has been reported to be present in the area of the National Park and has started to predate on the white-clawed crayfish. The aim of the study was to update the distribution and population status of A. pallipes in the reserves, other sites of the National Park, and surrounding areas to assess the potential effects of the raccoon. Crayfish were sampled by hand or by traps in 14 sites; sampled individuals were sexed and measured. Signs of raccoon presence (e.g., footprints and predated crayfish) were also recorded. Our study confirms the impact of raccoon on native crayfish: indeed, where the invasive mammal is present (six sites), crayfish disappeared, or their populations have been dramatically reduced in number, with a size distribution skewed towards juveniles. In two sites, close to urban settlements, fresh footprints of P. lotor and predated specimens of A. pallipes were also observed. Populations of crayfish are still abundant or even increasing as compared with samplings conducted in the past where raccoon is absent (five sites). Urgent actions (e.g., control of raccoons, and monitoring and restocking of A. pallipes populations if feasible and where possible) should be taken into account to guarantee the survival of this protected species.
Climate Change Impacts on Tropical Reptiles: Likely Effects and Future Research Needs Based on Sri Lankan Perspectives
Authors: Dayananda Buddhi , Bezeng Simeon Bezeng , Karunarathna Suranjan , Jeffree Ross A.
Published: August 2021

The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a rich terrestrial and aquatic reptilian fauna. However, like most other tropical countries, the threat of climate change to its reptile diversity has not been adequately addressed, in order to manage and mitigate the extinction threats that climate change poses. To address this shortfall, a review of the international literature regarding climate change impacts on reptiles was undertaken with specific reference to national requirements, focusing on predicted changes in air temperature, rainfall, water temperature, and sea level. This global information base was then used to specify a national program of research and environmental management for tropical countries, which is urgently needed to address the shortcomings in policy-relevant data, its availability and access so that the risks of extinction to reptiles can be clarified and mitigated. Specifically, after highlighting how climate change affects the various eco-physiological features of reptiles, we propose research gaps and various recommendations to address them. It is envisaged that these assessments will also be relevant to the conservation of reptilian biodiversity in other countries with tropical and subtropical climatic regimes
Mass Spectrometry-Based Network Analysis Reveals New Insights Into the Chemodiversity of 28 Species in Aspergillus section Flavi
Authors: Wang Xinhui , Subko Karolina , Kildgaard Sara , Frisvad Jens C. , Larsen Thomas O.
Published: August 2021

Aspergillus section Flavi includes some of the most famous mycotoxin producing filamentous fungi known to mankind. In recent years a number of new species have been included in section Flavi, however these species have been much less studied from a chemical point of view. In this study, we explored one representative strain of a total of 28 fungal species in section Flavi by systematically evaluating the relationship between taxonomy and secondary metabolites with LC-MS/MS analysis for the first time and dereplication through an in-house database and the Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform. This approach allowed rapid identification of two new cyclopiazonic acid producers (A. alliaceus and A. arachidicola) and two new tenuazonic acid producers (A. arachidicola and A. leporis). Moreover, for the first time we report species from section Flavi to produce fumifungin and sphingofungins B-D. Altogether, this study emphasizes that the chemical diversity of species in genus Aspergillus section Flavi is larger than previously recognized, and especially that understudied species are prolific producers of important mycotoxins such as fumi- and sphingofungins not previously reported from this section. Furthermore, our work demonstrates Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) Molecular Networking as a powerful tool for large-scale chemotaxonomic analysis of closely related species in filamentous fungi.
Protoplasts: From Isolation to CRISPR/Cas Genome Editing Application
Authors: Yue Jin-Jun , Yuan Jin-Ling , Wu Fu-Hui , Yuan Yu-Hsuan , Cheng Qiao-Wei , Hsu Chen-Tran , Lin Choun-Sea
Published: August 2021

In the clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein (Cas) system, protoplasts are not only useful for rapidly validating the mutagenesis efficiency of various RNA-guided endonucleases, promoters, sgRNA designs, or Cas proteins, but can also be a platform for DNA-free gene editing. To date, the latter approach has been applied to numerous crops, particularly those with complex genomes, a long juvenile period, a tendency for heterosis, and/or self-incompatibility. Protoplast regeneration is thus a key step in DNA-free gene editing. In this report, we review the history and some future prospects for protoplast technology, including protoplast transfection, transformation, fusion, regeneration, and current protoplast applications in CRISPR/Cas-based breeding.
Dissection of Allelic Variation Underlying Floral and Fruit Traits in Flare Tree Peony (Paeonia rockii) Using Association Mapping
Authors: Guo Xin , He Chunyan , Cheng Fangyun , Zhong Yuan , Cheng Xinyun , Tao Xiwen
Published: August 2021

Allelic variation in floral quantitative traits, including the elements of flowers and fruits, is caused by extremely complex regulatory processes. In the genetic improvement of flare tree peony (Paeonia rockii), a unique ornamental and edible oil woody species in the genus Paeonia, a better understanding of the genetic composition of these complex traits related to flowers and fruits is needed. Therefore, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of 160 P. rockii accessions and conducted single-marker association analysis for 19 quantitative flower and fruit traits using 81 EST-SSR markers. The results showed that the population had a high phenotypic diversity (coefficients of variation, 11.87–110.64%) and a high level of genetic diversity (mean number of alleles, NA = 6.09). These accessions were divided into three subgroups by STRUCTURE analysis and a neighbor-joining tree. Furthermore, we also found a low level of linkage disequilibrium between these EST-SSRs and, by single-marker association analysis, identified 134 significant associations, including four flower traits with 11 EST-SSRs and 10 fruit traits with 32 EST-SSRs. Finally, based on the sequence alignment of the associated markers, P280, PS2, PS12, PS27, PS118, PS131, and PS145 may be considered potential loci to increase the yield of flare tree peony. These results laid the foundation for further analysis of the genetic structure of some key traits in P. rockii and had an obvious potential application value in marker-assisted selection breeding.
Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing of Populus × sibirica Identified Sex-Associated Allele-Specific Expression of the CLC Gene
Authors: Pushkova Elena N. , Krasnov George S. , Lakunina Valentina A. , Novakovskiy Roman O. , Povkhova Liubov V. , Dvorianinova Ekaterina M. , Beniaminov Artemy D. , Fedorova Maria S. , Snezhkina Anastasiya V. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Melnikova Nataliya V.
Published: August 2021

Transcriptome sequencing of leaves, catkin axes, and flowers from male and female trees of Populus × sibirica and genome sequencing of the same plants were performed for the first time. The availability of both genome and transcriptome sequencing data enabled the identification of allele-specific expression. Such an analysis was performed for genes from the sex-determining region (SDR). P. × sibirica is an intersectional hybrid between species from sections Aigeiros (Populus nigra) and Tacamahaca (Populus laurifolia, Populus suaveolens, or Populus × moskoviensis); therefore, a significant number of heterozygous polymorphisms were identified in the SDR that allowed us to distinguish between alleles. In the SDR, both allelic variants of the TCP (T-complex protein 1 subunit gamma), CLC (Chloride channel protein CLC-c), and MET1 (DNA-methyltransferase 1) genes were expressed in females, while in males, two allelic variants were expressed for TCP and MET1 but only one allelic variant prevailed for CLC. Targeted sequencing of TCP, CLC, and MET1 regions on a representative set of trees confirmed the sex-associated allele-specific expression of the CLC gene in generative and vegetative tissues of P. × sibirica. Our study brings new knowledge on sex-associated differences in Populus species.