bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PCSK9 in African Americans and Caucasians in Relation to Lp(a) Level, Apo(a) Size and Heritability
Authors: Enkhmaa Byambaa , Kim Kyoungmi , Zhang Wei , Prakash Nishant , Truax Kevin , Anuurad Erdembileg , Berglund Lars
Published: June 2020

Context

Inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) reduces lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, but the association of PCSK9 with Lp(a) level and its major determinant, apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] size, is not fully understood.

Objective

To assess the relationship between PCSK9, Lp(a) level, apo(a) size, age, and ethnicity/race.

Design

Cross-sectional

Setting

General population

Participants

Healthy African Americans and Caucasians (n = 267); age range: 6 to 74 years.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measure(s)

PCSK9 levels, apo(a) isoform and LPA allele sizes, and isoform-specific Lp(a) levels.

Results

Plasma PCSK9 levels were significantly higher in African Americans vs Caucasians, in females vs males, and in adults vs children. PCSK9 levels were not associated with total plasma Lp(a) levels either in all participants or in ethnicity-specific analyses. However, PCSK9 levels were significantly positively associated with isoform-specific Lp(a) levels carried by the larger apo(a) size in all participants (r = 0.139, P = 0.0361). In ethnicity/race analyses, a significant association was seen for African Americans (r = 0.268, P = 0.0199), but not for Caucasians. In contrast, there were no significant associations of PCSK9 with isoform-specific Lp(a) levels for the smaller apo(a) sizes in all participants nor in ethnic-specific analyses. Furthermore, heritability (h2) analyses revealed a significant heritability for PCSK9 level in both ethnic groups, with a higher estimate in Caucasians than in African Americans (47% vs 22%, respectively).

Conclusions

Among African Americans, but not Caucasians, PCSK9 levels were associated with isoform-specific Lp(a) levels carried on larger, but not smaller, apo(a) sizes. The findings illustrate a diverging relationship of PCSK9 with isoform-specific Lp(a) levels across ethnicity.
“Supreme Simplicity”: Reading the Child and Childlike Reading in Henry James's What Maisie Knew
Authors: Kruger Katherine
Published: June 2020

By foregrounding the difficulties with reading the child, Henry James's What Maisie Knew reconfigures the relationship between simplicity, transparency, and opacity to create reparative “styles of knowing” in the novel. This article proposes that the difficulty with reading the child is tied to the child as reader; childlike reading in James uses style as an entry point through which to join in with lies, to repair them by making them performatively true. The author suggests that by analyzing texts that challenge the “supreme simplicity” of childhood and expose transparency as a strategy for obfuscation, we can develop a new practice of reading that is capable of interpreting performances of transparency, performances that currently work to deflect suspicious modes of interpretation. This article demonstrates how James's development of a childlike reading practice, which is founded in and embraces interpretative struggle, can provide possible ways forward in this regard.
Transposable elements, circular RNAs and mitochondrial transcription in age-related genomic regulation
Authors: Bravo Juan I. , Nozownik Séverine , Danthi Prakroothi S. , Benayoun Bérénice A.
Published: June 2020

Our understanding of the molecular regulation of aging and age-related diseases is still in its infancy, requiring in-depth characterization of the molecular landscape shaping these complex phenotypes. Emerging classes of molecules with promise as aging modulators include transposable elements, circRNAs and the mitochondrial transcriptome. Analytical complexity means that these molecules are often overlooked, even though they exhibit strong associations with aging and, in some cases, may directly contribute to its progress. Here, we review the links between these novel factors and age-related phenotypes, and we suggest tools that can be easily incorporated into existing pipelines to better understand the aging process.
nkx3.2 mutant zebrafish accommodate jaw joint loss through a phenocopy of the head shapes of Paleozoic jawless fish
Authors: Miyashita Tetsuto , Baddam Pranidhi , Smeeton Joanna , Oel A. Phil , Natarajan Natasha , Gordon Brogan , Palmer A. Richard , Crump J. Gage , Graf Daniel , Allison W. Ted
Published: June 2020

The vertebrate jaw is a versatile feeding apparatus. To function, it requires a joint between the upper and lower jaws, so jaw joint defects are often highly disruptive and difficult to study. To describe the consequences of jaw-joint dysfunction, we engineered two independent null alleles of a single jaw-joint marker gene, nkx3.2, in zebrafish. These mutations caused zebrafish to become functionally jawless via fusion of the upper and lower jaw cartilages (ankylosis). Despite lacking jaw joints, nkx3.2 mutants survived to adulthood and accommodate this defect by: a) having a remodelled skull with a fixed open gape, reduced snout, and enlarged branchial region; and b) performing ram feeding in the absence of jaw-generated suction. The late onset and broad extent of phenotypic changes in the mutants suggest that modifications to the skull are induced by functional agnathia, secondarily to nkx3.2 loss-of-function. Interestingly, nkx3.2 mutants superficially resemble ancient jawless vertebrates (anaspids and furcacaudiid thelodonts) in overall head shapes. Because no homology exists in individual skull elements between these taxa, the adult nkx3.2 phenotype is not a reversal, but convergence due to similar functional requirements of feeding without moveable jaws. This remarkable analogy strongly suggests that jaw movements themselves dramatically influence the development of jawed vertebrate skulls. Thus, these mutants provide a unique model with which to: a) investigate adaptive responses to perturbation in skeletal development; b) re-evaluate evolutionarily inspired interpretations of phenocopies generated by gene knockdowns and knockouts; and c) gain insights into feeding mechanics of the extinct agnathans.
Stepping pattern changes in the caterpillar Manduca sexta: the effects of orientation and substrate
Authors: Metallo Cinzia , Mukherjee Ritwika , Trimmer Barry A.
Published: June 2020

Most animals can successfully travel across cluttered, uneven environments and cope with enormous changes in surface friction, deformability, and stability. However, the mechanisms used to achieve such remarkable adaptability and robustness are not fully understood. Even more limited is the understanding of how soft, deformable animals such as tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta (caterpillars) can control their movements as they navigate surfaces that have varying stiffness and are oriented at different angles. To fill this gap, we analyzed the stepping patterns of caterpillars crawling on two different types of substrates (stiff and soft) and in three different orientations (horizontal and upward/downward vertical). Our results show that caterpillars adopt different stepping patterns (i.e. different sequences of transition between the swing and stance phases of prolegs in different body segments) based on substrate stiffness and orientation. These changes in stepping patterns occur more frequently in the upward vertical orientation. The results of this study suggest that caterpillars can detect differences in the material properties of the substrate on which they crawl and adjust their behavior to match those properties.
Mitochondrial performance of a continually growing marine bivalve, Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, depends on the body size
Authors: Sukhotin Alexey , Kovalev Anton , Sokolov Eugene , Sokolova Inna M.
Published: June 2020

Allometric decline of mass-specific metabolic rate with increasing body size in organisms is a well-documented phenomenon. Despite a long history of research the mechanistic causes of metabolic scaling with body size remain under debate. Some hypotheses suggest that intrinsic factors such as allometry of cellular and mitochondrial metabolism may contribute to the organismal-level metabolic scaling. The aim of our present study was to determine the metabolic allometry at the mitochondrial level using a continually growing marine ectotherm, the mussel Mytilus edulis, as a model. Mussels from a single cohort that considerably differed in body size were selected, implying faster growth in the larger specimens. We determined the body-mass-dependent scaling of the mitochondrial proton leak respiration, respiration in the presence of ADP indicative of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), maximum activities of the mitochondrial electron transport system (ETS) and the cytochrome c oxidase (COX). Respiration was measured at normal (15°C), and elevated (27°C) temperatures. The results demonstrated a pronounced allometric increase in both proton leak respiration and OXPHOS activity of mitochondria of the mussels. Mussels with faster growth (larger body size) showed an increase in OXPHOS rate, proton leak respiration rate, ETS and COX activities (indicating an overall improved mitochondrial performance) and higher RCR (indicating better mitochondrial coupling and potentially lower costs of the mitochondrial maintenance at the same OXPHOS capacity) compared to slower growing (smaller) individuals. Our data show that the metabolic allometry at the organismal level cannot be directly explained by mitochondrial functioning.
Evidence that male sea lamprey increase pheromone release after perceiving a competitor
Authors: Fissette Skye D. , Bussy Ugo , Huerta Belinda , Buchinger Tyler J. , Li Weiming
Published: June 2020

Sexual signals evolve via selective pressures arising from male-male competition and female choice, including those originating from unintended receivers that detect the signal. For example, males can acquire information from other males signaling to females and alter their own signal. Relative to visual and acoustic signals, less is known about how such communication networks influence chemical signaling among animals. In sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), chemical communication system is essential for reproduction, offering a useful system to study a pheromone communication network that includes signalers and both intended and unintended receivers. Male sea lamprey aggregate on spawning grounds where individuals build nests and signal to females using sex pheromones. We examined how exposure to a major component of the male pheromone, 3keto-petromyzonol sulfate (3kPZS), influenced male pheromone signaling, and whether females had a preference for males that altered their signal. Exposure to 3kPZS, at a concentration of 5x10−10 M, simulated the presence of other male(s) and led to increased 3kPZS release rates within 10 min, followed by a return to baseline levels within 30 min. Exposure also led to increases in hepatic synthesis and circulatory transport of pheromone components. In behavioral assays, females preferred the odor of males that had been exposed to 3kPZS; therefore, males likely benefit from upregulating 3kPZS release after detecting competition for mates. Here, we define how a specific pheromone component influences chemical signaling during intrasexual competition, and show a rare example of how changes in chemical signaling strategies resulting from male competition may influence mate choice.
Left–right breast asymmetry and risk of screen-detected and interval cancers in a large population-based screening population
Authors: Hudson Sue M , Wilkinson Louise S , De Stavola Bianca L , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel
Published: June 2020

Objectives:

To assess the associations between automated volumetric estimates of mammographic asymmetry and breast cancers detected at the same (“contemporaneous”) screen, at subsequent screens, or in between (interval cancers).

Methods:

Automated measurements from mammographic images (N = 79,731) were used to estimate absolute asymmetry in breast volume (BV) and dense volume (DV) in a large ethnically diverse population of attendees of a UK breast screening programme. Logistic regression models were fitted to assess asymmetry associations with the odds of a breast cancer detected at contemporaneous screen (767 cases), adjusted for relevant confounders.

Nested case–control investigations were designed to examine associations between asymmetry and the odds of: (a) interval cancer (numbers of cases/age-matched controls: 153/646) and (b) subsequent screen-detected cancer (345/1438), via conditional logistic regression.

Results:

DV, but not BV, asymmetry was positively associated with the odds of contemporaneous breast cancer (P-for-linear-trend (Pt) = 0.018). This association was stronger for first (prevalent) screens (Pt = 0.012). Both DV and BV asymmetry were positively associated with the odds of an interval cancer diagnosis (Pt = 0.060 and 0.030, respectively). Neither BV nor DV asymmetry were associated with the odds of having a subsequent screen-detected cancer.

Conclusions:

Increased DV asymmetry was associated with the risk of a breast cancer diagnosis at a contemporaneous screen or as an interval cancer. BV asymmetry was positively associated with the risk of an interval cancer diagnosis.

Advances in knowledge:

The findings suggest that DV and BV asymmetry may provide additional signals for detecting contemporaneous cancers and assessing the likelihood of interval cancers in population-based screening programmes.
Influence of delivery mode on maternal mental status one month after delivery at a perinatal center in Japan: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suzuki Shunji
Published: June 2020

Background: Maternal mental status has been thought to be affected by the delivery modes. We examined the influence of delivery modes on the mental status of women who delivered at our institute in Japan.

Methods: Data were collected from the medical charts of 645 primiparous women without a history of mental disorders who delivered singleton babies and underwent a 1-month postpartum check-up at our institute from September 2018 to June 2019. The maternal mental status was examined based on the scores of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS).

Results: The rate of high scores of the EPDS and the MIBS in women choosing elective cesarean section were higher than in women with vaginal delivery and emergency cesarean section.

Conclusion: Mental health care may be necessary for women choosing elective cesarean section.
Recent advances in understanding object recognition in the human brain: deep neural networks, temporal dynamics, and context
Authors: Wardle Susan G. , Baker Chris I.
Published: June 2020

Object recognition is the ability to identify an object or category based on the combination of visual features observed. It is a remarkable feat of the human brain, given that the patterns of light received by the eye associated with the properties of a given object vary widely with simple changes in viewing angle, ambient lighting, and distance. Furthermore, different exemplars of a specific object category can vary widely in visual appearance, such that successful categorization requires generalization across disparate visual features. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the neural representations underlying object recognition in the human brain. We highlight three current trends in the approach towards this goal within the field of cognitive neuroscience. Firstly, we consider the influence of deep neural networks both as potential models of object vision and in how their representations relate to those in the human brain. Secondly, we review the contribution that time-series neuroimaging methods have made towards understanding the temporal dynamics of object representations beyond their spatial organization within different brain regions. Finally, we argue that an increasing emphasis on the context (both visual and task) within which object recognition occurs has led to a broader conceptualization of what constitutes an object representation for the brain. We conclude by identifying some current challenges facing the experimental pursuit of understanding object recognition and outline some emerging directions that are likely to yield new insight into this complex cognitive process.
Políticas públicas, grandes datos, teoría de redes y COVID-19
Authors: Isaza Villamizar Emiliano , González-Casabianca Felipe , Herrera Santiago , Rodríguez-Barraquer Tomás , Ángel Andrés , Corredor Vladimir , Feged-Rivadeneira Alejandro
Published: June 2020

La tecnología aplicada al uso de grandes datos ha sido una herramienta importante para proveer información necesaria para dar respuestas a los retos de salud pública ante la pandemia de COVID-19, y en Colombia no ha sido la excepción. En este documento se analizan dos insumos de analítica de datos (rastreo digital de contactos y análisis agregado de movilidad, ambos basados en datos de telefonía celular) sobre los cuales se han tomado medidas de salud púbica en el país latinoamericano como, por ejemplo, determinar zonas de control diferencial dentro de una ciudad, el rastreo de contactos, y la identificación de potenciales superdispersores. Con base en una muestra de los datos utilizados, se hace una reflexión a la luz de los hallazgos reportados hasta el momento, especialmente desde una perspectiva de redes complejas de contactos y superdispersores, las cuales se ha mostrado tienen un papel crítico en el comportamiento de la epidemia. Los análisis expuestos son parte de una compleja interacción entre el contexto político y epidemiológico que hacen diversas sus respectivas implementaciones. Por último, se resalta que Colombia cuenta con diversos ejemplos de políticas públicas informadas por datos de última generación.
Diagnostic imaging: its role in remedial shoeing
Authors: Sinovich Matthew
Published: June 2020

Dr. Matthew Sinovich BVSc BVSc(Hons) CertAVP(ESST) MSc MRCVS, Liphook Equine Hospital, discusses how diagnostic imaging can help vets guide farriers in treatment
Rectus-sparing approach to the periacetabular osteotomy in adolescents preserves hip flexion strength
Authors: Podeszwa David A. , Tulchin-Francis Kirsten , De La Rocha Adriana , Collins DeRaan , Sucato Daniel J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The classic periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) approach can result in hip flexor weakness in adolescents. The rectus-sparing approach (PAO-RS) preserves the origin of the rectus femoris tendon which may prevent hip flexor weakness and improve functional outcome.

Methods

This is a prospective analysis of adolescents treated with a PAO or PAO-RS. The PAO group included 24 hips/21 patients (18 female, meanage 16 years (sd 4)); the PAO-RS group included ten hips (eight female, mean age 16 years (sd 1)). Preoperatively, the PAO group had decreased hip flexion strength compared with the PAO-RS group (83 Nm/kg versus 102 Nm/kg). A subset of PAO patients (n = 13 hips/12 patients, nine female, mean age 15 years (sd 3)) were matched for preoperative flexion strength to the PAO-RS group. Radiographic parameters, modified Harris hip score (mHHS), isokinetic hip strength and instrumented motion analysis preoperatively, six months and one-year postoperatively were compared.

Results

There were no differences in preoperative deformity, postoperative correction or degree of correction between groups. Hip flexor strength decreased significantly at six months in the PAO group compared with the PAO-RS group (-35 Nm/kg versus -7 Nm/kg; p = 0.012), as did hip flexion pull-off power (1.33 W/kg PAO versus 1.76 W/kg PAO-RS; p = 0.010). Hip flexion strength improved from six months to one year in the PAO group, with no significant differences in strength at one year between groups (80 Nm/kg versus 90 Nm/kg). There were no differences between groups in mHHS any time point; both groups improved significantly postoperatively.

Conclusion

Preserving the rectus femoris may lead to improved short-term hip flexor strength and pull-off power. Further assessment at long-term follow-up is needed to determine if this strength leads to improved functional outcomes.

Level of Evidence

II
Students’ experiences with different learning pathways to higher professional bachelor programmes
Authors: Biemans Harm J.A. , Mariën Hans , Fleur Erik , Beliaeva Tanya , Harbers Jan
Published: June 2020

Context: In the Dutch educational system, different learning pathways to higher professional bachelor (or HBO) programmes have been created: the regular VET route, the general secondary education route, and continuing learning pathways (such as the Green Lyceum or GL) that combine characteristics of these two traditional routes and that are specifically designed for students who combine a relatively high cognitive level with an affinity for practical, vocation-oriented assignments. Approach: The present study aimed to compare the experiences of students coming from these three different learning pathways to HBO. 62 former GL students, 127 former middle-management VET (or MBO) students, and 81 former regular general secondary education (or HAVO) students completed an online questionnaire on their experiences in their first HBO study year and their scores on the various scales were compared. Findings: Students from the three groups were equally satisfied with their current HBO programme. The same pattern was found for perceived study success in their HBO programme. Former GL students, however, mentioned that they had been better prepared in terms of development of study skills needed in HBO. Compared with the MBO route to HBO, former GL students felt better prepared in terms of the theoretical subjects addressed in their previous educational programme. In this regard, their level of theoretical preparation was comparable to that of former HAVO students. When the vocation-oriented aspects of education were concerned, however, the GL appeared to be comparable with the MBO route to HBO (in the HAVO curriculum, vocation-oriented preparation for HBO is absent). Moreover, former HAVO students scored lower than former GL and former MBO students with respect to the extent to which they felt that they had received support in choosing a particular HBO programme in their previous educational programme.Conclusion: The GL seems to combine the advantages of MBO and HAVO programmes for this particular group of students: theoretical preparation for HBO at HAVO level combined with practical preparation at MBO level, systematic career orientation and guidance, and development of study skills required in HBO. In other words, such continuing learning pathways can be a curriculum design solution for specific student groups to promote their transition to HBO.
Building a skilled workforce: Public discourses on vocational education in Thailand
Authors: Chalapati Nakarin , Chalapati Supaporn
Published: June 2020

Context: Thailand is now facing skilled labour shortages, which has prevented the country from achieving significant economic progress. This paper examines Thailand’s vocational education policy discourses from 1992 to 2014 and how such policies were discussed to build the country’s skilled labour force.Approach:This study utilised a qualitative approach, using documentation analysis as a key research method. We also used data triangulation and thematic analysis to categorise the public discourses. In order to examine the vocational education policy discourses in Thailand, secondary data such as the five NESD plans (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th) and other government policy statements were investigated and triangulated, along with data from newspaper articles, other public documents, reports from international organisations, and academic journal articles.Findings: Based on the findings of the study, we identified three key policy discourses regarding vocational education in Thailand during 1992-2014: (1) increasing the vocational skilled workforce, (2) the minor role of private vocational providers, and (3) collaboration between vocational providers and industry.Conclusion: We argue that there are five key policy themes in building a vocational skilled workforce: (1) the dedication of the government in increasing the quantity of vocational skilled workforce, (2) encouraging collaboration between vocational colleges and industries, (3) fostering a greater role for private vocational providers, (4) promoting a positive reputation for vocational education, and (5) maintaining the continuity of policy implementation.
Selective detection of cadmium ions using plasmonic optical fiber gratings functionalized with bacteria
Authors: Cai Shunshuo , Pan Haixia , González-Vila Álvaro , Guo Tuan , Gillan David C. , Wattiez Ruddy , Caucheteur Christophe
Published: June 2020

Environmental monitoring and potable water control are key applications where optical fiber sensing solutions can outperform other technologies. In this work, we report a highly sensitive plasmonic fiber-optic probe that has been developed to determine the concentration of cadmium ions (Cd2+) in solution. This original sensor was fabricated by immobilizing the Acinetobacter sp. around gold-coated tilted fiber Bragg gratings (TFBGs). To this aim, the immobilization conditions of bacteria on the gold-coated optical fiber surface were first experimentally determined. Then, the coated sensors were tested in vitro. The relative intensity of the sensor response experienced a change of 1.1 dB for a Cd2+ concentration increase from 0.1 to 1000 ppb. According to our test procedure, we estimate the experimental limit of detection to be close to 1 ppb. Cadmium ions strongly bind to the sensing surface, so the sensor exhibits a much higher sensitivity to Cd2+ than to other heavy metal ions such as Pb2+, Zn2+ and CrO42− found in contaminated water, which ensures a good selectivity.
Terahertz beam steering using active diffraction grating fabricated by 3D printing
Authors: Seifert Johannes M. , Hernandez-Cardoso Goretti G. , Koch Martin , Castro-Camus Enrique
Published: June 2020

In this article, we propose variable-period diffraction gratings for terahertz frequencies. The design, fabrication and characterization of such devices are presented. Our measurements show the possibility to actively shift of the deflection angle for each frequency using this device. We also demonstrated that, when driven by a speaker, these variable gratings can be used for active beam steering with potential application in terahertz communications.
Fundamental limits of quantum illumination
Authors: Nair Ranjith , Gu Mile
Published: June 2020

In quantum illumination (QI), a signal beam initially entangled with an
idler beam held at the receiver interrogates a target region bathed in
thermal background light. The returned beam is measured jointly with
the idler in order to determine whether a weakly reflecting target is
present. Using tools from quantum information theory, we derive lower
bounds on the average error probability of detecting both specular and
fading targets and on the mean squared error of estimating the
reflectance of a detected target, which are obeyed by any QI
transmitter satisfying a signal energy constraint. For bright thermal
backgrounds, we show that the QI system using multiple copies of
low-brightness two-mode squeezed vacuum states is nearly optimal. More
generally, our results place limits on the best possible performance
achievable using QI systems at all wavelengths, and at all signal and
background noise levels.
Dy-doped CaF2 transparent ceramics as a functional medium in the broadband mid-infrared spectral region
Authors: Uehara Hiyori , Yao Weichao , Ikesue Akio , Noto Hiroyuki , Chen Hengjun , Hishinuma Yoshimitsu , Muroga Takeo , Yasuhara Ryo
Published: June 2020

Highly transparent Dy:CaF2 ceramics with various doping concentrations were fabricated by a hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Their optical properties, emission cross-sections, and saturable absorptivities were evaluated to examine their use as a new candidate 3-μm laser functional medium. Based on those evaluations, we demonstrated passively Q-switched operation of a 2.92-μm Er:YAP laser using a Dy:CaF2 ceramic as a saturable absorber.
Transdisziplinarität in der Coaching-Prozessforschung – Neue Wege der Zusammenarbeit
Authors: Graf Eva-Maria , Ukowitz Martina
Published: June 2020

Der vorliegende theoretische Beitrag erläutert Zweck, Anwendungsbereiche und Charakteristika von Transdisziplinarität und skizziert diese als einen vielversprechenden Weg um verschiedene akademische Disziplinen und Coaching-Praxis im Kontext von Coaching-Prozessforschung zusammenzubringen. Ausgehend von einer Bestandsaufnahme zum Verhältnis von Coaching-Forschung und Coaching-Praxis stellt der Beitrag interdisziplinäre und transdisziplinäre Settings als Möglichkeiten vor, existierende Widersprüche und Differenzen zu überwinden. Anhand der Beschreibung eines aktuellen Forschungsprojekts (bzw. seiner Genese), an dem Linguistik, Psychologie und Coaching-Praxis beteiligt sind, zeigt der Beitrag exemplarisch auf, wie Mitglieder unterschiedlicher disziplinärer Herkunft und mit unterschiedlicher Expertise zusammenfinden um sich einem gemeinsamen Forschungsziel im Bereich der Coaching-Prozessforschung zu widmen. Obwohl das Projekt noch nicht im eigentlichen Sinne transdisziplinär ist, erlaubt die Darstellung seiner Entwicklung und seiner Morphologie die besonderen (kommunikativen und epistemischen) Herausforderungen zu reflektieren, die für eine erfolgreiche Kooperation aller beteiligten Stakeholder, d. h. Forscher*innen und Praktiker*innen, zu bewältigen sind. Der Beitrag möchte eine theoretische Diskussion darüber anstoßen, was Transdisziplinarität für Coaching und seine Beteiligten bedeuten kann und vor allem wie insbesondere Coaching Prozessforschung von solchen Arrangements profitieren kann.
Dietary supplementation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts improved growth performance and reduced production cost in broilers
Authors: Paul Torun Kumar , Hasan Md. Mehedi , Haque Md. Anowarul , Talukder Sudipta , Sarker Yousuf Ali , Sikder Mahmudul Hasan , Khan Mohammad Abu Hadi Noor Ali , Sakib Mohammed Nazmus , Kumar Alip
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim: Global trend to remove the antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) from animals contributes to the exploration of successful measures to sustain production and reduces the intestinal diseases in the post-AGP era. Plant extracts, therefore, have been used to improve performance and intestinal health. Here, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extracts (NLE) as alternatives to AGPs in broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods: Sixty day-old broiler chicks were assigned to 12-floor pens, each stocked with five birds and divided into three treatment groups of four pens per treatment. The groups were: Negative control, basal diet without additives; positive control, basal diet with antibiotics and vitamins; and NLE treated group, basal diet supplemented with 0.1% aqua extract of neem leaves.

Results: Overall feed intake was significantly (p≤0.05) highest in the positive control. Higher body weight, higher dressing percentage, and lower feed conversion ratio were observed in birds treated with NLE compared to the negative control group (p≤0.05) but not the positive control group (p>0.05). There was no significant variation in hematology between different groups. Furthermore, the economic evaluation indicated that the NLE treatment was found cheaper than control and antibiotic treatment in cost-benefit analysis.

Conclusion: We suggest NLE might be a cheaper alternative to antibiotics in broiler production as indicated by improved body weight and feed efficiency.
GAMESTORMING AS A TOOL IN MAKING DECISIONS BY BUSINESS
Authors: Grentikova Inna , Alаbinа Tatyana
Published: June 2020

The article substantiates the expediency of using gamestorming by Russian business, which allows to improve the communication skills of employees, generate new, build a strategy for the development of a commercial organization. Gamestorming technique is simple and available for use. The authors substantiate the use of the most convenient tool gamestorming by managers of a commercial organization. The conclusion about the need for business cooperation between higher education and business was made. As a result, an effective option of public-private partnership can be obtained, pursuing the formation of an innovative model of the economy.
Chromosome polymorphism in species of the genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae) originated from Southern Sibеria
Authors: Yurkevich O. Yu. , Samatadze T. E. , Selyutina I. Yu. , Romashkina S. I. , Zoshchuk S. A. , Amosova A. V. , Muravenko O. V.
Published: June 2020

For the first time, chromosomal polymorphism in karyotypes of three species from the section Hedysarum (= syn. Gamotion) of the genus Hedysarum L. (Fabaceae) grown in Southern Siberia has been studied with the useof molecular cytogenetic markers. This comparative molecular cytogenetic analysis revealed high similarity in morphology of chromosomes in H. alpinum L., H. austrosibiricum B. Fedtsch. and H. theinum Krasnob. as well as in patterns ofdistribution of 45S and 5S rDNA loci in their karyotypes confirming their close relationships. Considerable intra-specificpolymorphism on 45S rDNA chromosome localization was detected in H. theinum. In karyotype of H. alpinum, unlikethe other two species, two chromosome pairs bearing 5S rDNA locus were observed which could be used as additionalspecies-specific markers.
Epigenetic and macrophysiological regulation of vegetative progeny crown morphogenesis of Siberian stone pine trees (Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Pinaceae) of different age
Authors: Velisevich S. N. , Bender O. G.
Published: June 2020

The influence of epigenetic (associated with the ontogenetic meristem maturity) and macrophysiological(related to the rootstock influence) factors on the age-related variability of Siberian stone pine crown morphogenesis hasbeen studied. The objects of study are 6-year-old vegetative progeny of juvenile (3–5 years), immature (20–60 years),generative (200–350 years) and senile (350–700 years) trees of different age (grooving in southern taiga subzone, north ofthe Ob-Tomsk interfluve) grafted onto a common young stock. The prevailing trends in the formation of the grafts crownare revealed: the closer the donor tree is to the ontogenetic peak of growth, the more intensively its vegetative progenygrows and branches. The observed differences in growth and branching trends of grafts resulted in the formation of anage-specific crown shape: juveniles slowly grew but actively branched, immature actively grew and actively branched,generative actively grew, but worse branched, senile equally poorly grew and branched.
Morphology and distribution of Aspergillus niger in the forest soils of Zailiysky Alatau (Kazakhstan)
Authors: Rakhimova Y. V. , Assylbek A. M. , Yermekova B. D. , Kyzmetova L. A.
Published: June 2020

In the Zailiysky Alatau forests, Aspergillus niger is mosty found in the rhizosphere of Picea schrenkiana,much less – in the rhizosphere of Sorbus tianschanica, Malus sieversii and Juniperus spp. In the rhizosphere ofArmeniaca vulgaris, Crataegus spp. and Populus tremula, the fungus was registered once. The morphological features ofdifferent strains of Aspergillus niger do not vary significantly, however, strains 331b and 346b with a low growth rate arecharacterized by smaller sizes of conidial structures. Aspergillus niger is a typical species in the rhizosphere of spruce inconiferous forests at an altitude of 1700–2100 m above sea level and in the rhizosphere of spruce, rowan and juniper injuniper forests above 2300 m above sea level.
Biological features of Iris setosa in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia
Authors: Sedelnikova L. L.
Published: June 2020

The seasonal rhythm of development of Iris setosa during the growing season of 2016–2018 in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia is analyzed. It was determined that in the pre-winter the cone of growthof the renewal shoot forms vegetative organs-leaves, which corresponds to the second stage of organogenesis. Differentiation of the growth cone of the shoot to generative organs begins in early spring in May during a period of intensivegrowth. Within 14–15 days, the growth cone undergoes intrarenal development from stages III to VIII of organogenesis.IX–XII stages of organogenesis correspond to phenodates from flowering to fruiting. The duration of flowering is 10–25days. Plants undergo a full cycle of seasonal development from regrowth to fruiting, have high cold resistance, resistanceto diseases and pests. In the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia, the adaptive potential of I. setosa is 23–30 points. Itwas found that according to the adaptation criteria, highly promising plants of I. setosa from the Trans-Baikal population.
Addition to the desmid flora (Charophyta: Desmidiales) of Nizhnevartovsk district, KMAO-Yugra, Russia
Authors: Shakhmatov A. S
Published: June 2020

Five species of desmid algae new to Nizhnevartovsk city are reported. Three species (Closterium abruptum,Cl. jenneri, Euastrum ansatum) are rare for Nizhnevartovsk administrative region, one (Penium margaritaceum) is newfor Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.
Population biology of Puccinellia jacutica Bubnova
Authors: Alekseeva D. A. , Кardashevskaya K. V. , Кardashevskaya V. E.
Published: June 2020

The dynamics of demographic features, types of «delta-omega» coenopopulations, and the vital andontogenetic structure of Puccinellia jacutica Bubnova are established. The comparison of population characteristics byadministrative regions in dynamics is carried out. Studies of the Central Yakut cenopopulations of Puccinellia jacuticashowed that the conditions for the growth of the species are more favorable in the Amginsky district.
Distribution and stocks of plant raw materials of promising alkaloid plants from South Balkhash
Authors: Gemejiyeva N. G. , Ramazanova M. S. , Musrat A. , Kerdyashkin A. V.
Published: June 2020

In the article, the results of studies on the distribution and stocks of plant raw materials on promisingalkaloid-bearing plants from South Balkhash region are shown. Practical interests have the stocks of Haplophyllum perforatum Kar. et Kir. and Echinops albicaulis Kar. et Kir. The decrease in stocks of Echinops albicaulis was noted due toanthropogenic impact.
Comparative data on the habitats of Stipa pulcherrima C. Koch (Poaceae Barnchart) in Altai and in the Central Chernozem Region
Authors: Zolotukhin N. I.
Published: June 2020

Based on the analysis of 91 geobotanical descriptions with Stipa pulcherrima C. Koch from three reservesof Russia (Tigireksky, Belogorye, Central Chernozem), the species is confined to certain habitats. The number ofStipa pulcherrima individuals in the areas of the reserves is reported. Species of vascular plants that are often found incommunities with Stipa pulcherrima are given.
Vegetation biodiversity of secondary birch forests in Western Khentii of Northern Mongolia
Authors: Lobanov A. I. , Tushigmaa J. , Dugarjav Ch. , Dorjsuren Ch. , Gerelbaatar S. , Bulgan-Erdene B.
Published: June 2020

The present study assessed the species composition of the plant community in the secondary Pinussylvestris L. plantations, reconstructed from natural Betula platyphylla Sukacz. stands in the western Khentii mountainsof Northern Mongolia. The predominance of plant species from forest and forest-meadow ecological groups in speciescomposition, which are representatives of light coniferous mountain forests, was observed both in secondary birch forestsand in reconstructed pine plantations.
The adaptation of alien Siberian and Euro-Siberian vascular plant species in conditions of Nizhegorod region
Authors: Lavrova O. P. , Mininzon I. L.
Published: June 2020

The results of observations on adaptation of cultivated and imported alien Siberian and Euro-Siberian vascular plant species to Nizhny Novgorod Region conditions are presented. 33 out of 46 species are on different stages ofsuccessful naturalization. Hippophaё rhamnoides L., Hordeum jubatum L. and Ulmus pumila L. are most successful naturalized species. They formed temporary communities in breaking ecosystems. It is assumed that the success of adaptationis due to the ecological plasticity of species and little depends on the similarity of soil-edaphic and climatic conditions ofSiberia and Nizhny Novgorod region.
The first data on the lichens of the Mongun-Taiga cluster of the Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve: epigeic macrolichens
Authors: Storozhenko Y. V. , Davydov E. A. , Yakovchenko L. S.
Published: June 2020

34 species of soil macrolichensare reported for the first time for Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve.The species belong to 15 genera and 6 families. Most of them are representatives of Parmeliaceae and the lichen generaPeltigera, Cladonia, Stereocaulon, and Cetraria. All studied species inhabit soil; some species also mosses, or plantdebris in addition. The studied species are characterized by fruticose (19 species) and foliose (15) growth form. Themajority of the marcolichens have been found in mountain tundras, alpine meadows and sparse larch forests.
Rare species of Altai flora in the Botanical Garden of UNN
Authors: Khrynova T. R. , Khrynova A. N. , Shirokov A. I. , Mishukova I. V.
Published: June 2020

The plant collection of the Botanical Garden of UNN includes 44 rare species of Altai flora, 30 of them areprotected in Altai Krai, 26 – in Altai Republic, including 14 species listed in both Red Books, and 13 species are includedin the Red Book of Nizhny Novgorod Region. The list also includes 7 species that grow in the territory of the BotanicalGarden of UNN in situ. Almost all of these species are listed in the Red Books of Altai Krai and Altai Republic, as rarespecies with wide ranges, growing in specific habitats or located on the border of range, in the Nizhny Novgorod regionthese are not rare native species. Most of species from collection of the Botanical Garden of UNN that listed in the RedBooks of Altai Krai and Altai Republic, are quite sustainable, 15 of them are regularly included in seed lists for exchange.
As trajetórias dos trabalhadores canavieiros na região do Pontal do Paranapanema e o espectro do desemprego
Authors: Barreto Maria Joseli , Lizarazo Robinzon Piñeros , Cardoso Messias Alessandro , Bento Fredi dos Santos , Machado Angela do Santos Machado , Ferreira Gabriel Vitor Nascimento
Published: June 2020

Neste texto evidenciamos que o movimento territorial e a plasticidade do trabalho são acontecimentos indissociáveis que marcam as trajetórias (laboral, social e territorial) dos sujeitos que trabalham nos domínios do agrohidronegócio canavieiro no Pontal do Paranapanema. Propomos interpretar as trajetórias através dos significados presentes nas entrevistas coletadas junto aos trabalhadores, analisadas como fontes orais que nos possibilitam “apreender a dialética do ir e vir”, diante das incessantes mudanças de lavras induzidas pelas múltiplas reestruturações do “agro”, as quais têm alterado, além de sua dinâmica produtiva, a vida dos trabalhadores e trabalhadoras. A centralidade de ouvir os sujeitos que trabalham, valorizando suas memórias, nos permitiu constatar que suas trajetórias são permeadas pelo espectro do desemprego. Dessa forma, o desemprego não é um momento passageiro na vida dos trabalhadores, este deixa marcas, já que os períodos de extrema dificuldade não atingem somente a vida do sujeito que trabalha, mas de toda sua família.
Nas trilhas do quilombo
Authors: Silveira Aline da Fonseca Sá e , Melo Emerson Costa de
Published: June 2020

O termo quilombo, desde suas primeiras abordagens até os dias de hoje, apresenta diferentes definições. Incorporado e amplamente utilizado nas Ciências Sociais, os quilombos são apreendidos pela Geografia Agrária de forma aparentemente superficial e pouco crítica, o que interfere diretamente em sua compreensão e, consequentemente, na caracterização de seus sujeitos. Os quilombolas ou remanescentes de quilombos possuem modos peculiares de se relacionar com a terra, fator histórico relevante e essencial para a concepção da formação do espaço agrário brasileiro. Diante tal indagação, pretende-se neste artigo promover o debate acerca da construção do conceito de quilombo contribuindo, assim, para a definição do mesmo. Para tanto, fez-se necessário investigar as possíveis origens etimológicas do conceito em questão e analisar o modelo de organização das sociedades agrárias negro-africanas afim de compreender o movimento de territorialização da população negra em terras brasileiras, especificamente, nos chamados territórios de quilombos.
AKUNTABILITAS PUBLIK PENYELENGGARAAN PARKIR TEPI JALAN UMUM DI KOTA PEKALONGAN
Authors: Anggara Herlambang Dwi
Published: June 2020

Accountability is a problem in many public organizations in Indonesia, including those related to parking issues. Many problems related to parking policy implementation has been faced by many local government in Indonesia. Many researches have been done on parking issues, including those related to street-side parking. However, it is found no research has been found on parking accountability. Therefore, this article is focused on research results on street-side parking in Pekalongan City. The method employed is descriptive qualitative with exploratory paradigm. Is is found that based on the research results and analysis, it is found that accountability principles have not been fully applied. Only one out of four accountability principles which has met requirements, namely transparency. The supporting factors are leadership, regulations, and facilities. The inhibiting factors, however, are limited parking area, less discipline of the street parking personnel, less guidance program, and limited number of government personnels related to parking.
Families of quasigroup operations satisfying the generalized distributive law
Authors: Polin Sergey V.
Published: June 2020

The previous paper was concerned with systems of equations over a certain family 𝓢 of quasigroups. In that work a method of elimination of an outermost variable from the system of equations was suggested and it was shown that further elimination of variables requires that the family 𝓢 of quasigroups satisfy the generalized distributive law (GDL). In this paper we describe families 𝓢 that satisfy GDL. The results are applied to construct classes of easily solvable systems of equations.
Sexual risk behaviour and its correlates among adolescents in Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste: results from national school surveys in 2015
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Pengpid Supa
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviours among adolescents in four Southeast Asian countries.

Methods

In the cross-sectional “Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”, 24,423 adolescents (mean age 14.1 years, SD=1.7) from Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste responded to a questionnaire in 2015.

Results

Overall, 8.5% of the students (11.0% males and 6.3% females) ever had sex, ranging from 5.3% in Indonesia to 26.4% in Timor-Leste. Among the sexually active, 49.3% (55.9% males and 36.8% females) had their first sexual intercourse before the age 14 years, ranging from 16.1% in Laos to 73.9% in Indonesia, 59.7% (62.6% males and 53.5% females) had multiple sexual partners, ranging from 55.5% in Timor-Leste to 63.4% in Indonesia, 46.9% (46.8% males and 46.5% females) did not use a condom at last sex, ranging from 37.0% in Thailand to 65.3% in Indonesia, 49.8% (53.7% males and 43.7% females) had not used or did not know of the use of birth control at last sex, ranging from 40.6% in Thailand to 61.5% in Timor-Leste, and 54.2% (54.9% males and 47.0% females) engaged in multiple sexual risk behaviour, ranging from 45.9% in Laos to 78.0% in Indonesia. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, male sex, older age, food insecurity, tobacco use, alcohol use, ever cannabis and/or amphetamine use, psychological distress, and school truancy were associated with two or more and/or multiple sexual risk behaviours.

Conclusions

A high proportion of students engaged in various sexual risk behaviours calling for a scale up comprehensive sexuality education and integration of substance use and mental health into such intervention programmes in this adolescent school population.