bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of age and sex on carcass characteristics and chemical composition of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle in wild boars (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Żmijewski Tomasz , Modzelewska-Kapituła Monika
Published: May 2021

Abstract. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of
age and sex on carcass characteristics and the chemical composition of the
longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle in wild boars (Sus scrofa). Carcass quality parameters varied
significantly depending on age and sex, whereas the protein and
collagen contents in the muscle were affected by animal age. The carcasses
of male yearlings and adults were characterised by the highest processing
suitability, which can be attributed to the highest percentage of lean meat
in the carcass and a moderate fat and bone content. A higher fat content was found in carcasses of females from all age groups, and a lower
bone content was found in yearlings and adult females. The protein content was the
highest in the LTL muscle of adult boars, and the collagen content was the highest
in piglets; thus, the chemical composition of the muscle was most
desirable in adult wild boars and least desirable in piglets.
Multi-thermals and high concentrations of secondary ice: A modelling study of convective clouds during the ICE-D campaign
Authors: Cui Zhiqiang , Blyth Alan , Lloyd Gary , Choularton Thomas , Bower Keith , Field Paul , Hawker Rachel , Bennett Lindsay
Published: May 2021

Abstract. This paper examines the mechanisms responsible for the production of ice in convective clouds influenced by mineral dust. Observations were made in the Ice in Clouds Experiment – Dust (ICE-D) field campaign which took place in the vicinity of Cape Verde during August 2015. Measurements made with instruments on the FAAM aircraft through the clouds on 21 August showed that ice particles were observed in high concentrations at temperatures greater than about −8 °C. Sensitivity studies were performed using existing parametrisation schemes in a cloud model to explore the impact of the freezing onset temperature, the efficiency of freezing, mineral dust as efficient ice nuclei, and multi-thermals on secondary ice production by the rime-splintering process. The simulation with the default Morrison microphysics scheme (Morrison et al., 2005) that involved a single thermal produced a concentration of secondary ice that was much lower than the observed value of total ice number concentration. Relaxing the onset temperature to a higher value, enhancing the freezing efficiency, or combinations of these, increased the secondary ice particle concentration, but not by a sufficient amount. Simulations that involved only dust particles as ice nucleating particles produced a lower concentration of secondary ice particles, since the freezing onset temperature is low. The simulations implicate that a higher concentration of ice nucleating particles with a higher freezing onset temperature may explain some of the observed high concentrations of secondary ice. However, a simulation with two thermals that used the original Morrison scheme without enhancement or relaxation produced the greatest concentration of secondary ice particles. It did so because of the increased time that graupel particles were exposed to significant cloud liquid water content in the Hallett-Mossop temperature zone. The forward-facing camera and measurements of the vertical wind in repeated passes of the same cloud suggested that these tropical clouds contained multiple thermals. Hence, in a similar way to other convective clouds observed elsewhere in the world, it is likely that multi-thermals play an important role in producing very high concentrations of secondary ice particles in some tropical clouds.
Propuesta de una herramienta de análisis del clima a través de predictivas de datos
Authors: Guerrero Mateus Cesar Augusto
Published: May 2021

Traer tecnologías a los diferentes ámbitos del ser humano, ha sido una apuesta permanente en el mundo. En el comportamiento climático ha sido preocupación del ser humano de siempre, pero se ha venido dando un desarrollo en este campo desde hacen más o menos unos 200 años. Sin embargo, en nuestro país es una postura lejana y más aún, de bajo uso. En algunos casos porque la medición y precisión de los datos atmosféricos requieren de inversiones importantes y una población de mediciones en estaciones que determinen valores más cercanos a la realidad, así como su periodicidad y precisión en el terreno. Hoy se ha transformado tal perspectiva, se empieza a ver el campo climático como una fuente de desarrollo y crecimiento económico del país. Pero eso se logra, con inversión en tecnologías, sino también en buscar caminos que permitan ver atractivo el campo climático para el crecimiento y desarrollo de las regiones y del país. Por lo anterior, nuestro trabajo busca presentar una propuesta de uso tecnológico de gran desarrollo cual es la inteligencia artificial, basado en las maquinas que auto aprenden (Machine Learning) las cuales analicen grandes volúmenes de información y puedan desarrollar conocimiento en este sector que permita predecir con mayor exactitud el comportamiento climático en Colombia. Con las nuevas tecnologías, maquinas que auto aprenden, minería de datos, bodegas de datos, modelos matemáticos, predictivas, analítica de datos, inteligencia de negocios. Busca esencialmente, acercar el uso de las tecnologías como una herramienta para predecir el comportamiento climático con mucha precisión y poder simular mediante confluencia de diferentes variables y con predicciones y análisis de expertos poder mostrar valores lo más cercanos a una realidad cierta. La apuesta del presente proyecto es lograr que la tecnología tenga un propósito planeado y cierto para ayudar en el estudio del clima desde la academia. Que además el país, tenga unos modelos alternativos a los oficiales para que se pueden usar en el estudio, análisis y trabajo del clima. La herramienta aquí propuesta mezcla el conocimiento tecnológico, el estudio de las variables del clima, la data histórica oficial y la amalgama de estos para producir esta herramienta.
Impacts of COVID-19 on the World Economy and Societies: Towards a New Social and Economic Order
Authors: Toure L. , Diagne A. , Traore A.
Published: May 2021

This paper reports an analysis of the statistical data and a socio-economic impact analysis of COVID-19. The pandemic started in Asia, particularly China, in December 2019 and continued until it peaked there at the end of February 2020. Europe has seen a dramatic increase in the number of confirmed cases and deaths since March 2020. At the same time, and to a lesser extent, North America, including the USA, has gradually taken over and now contains more new positive cases than anywhere else in the world. In contrast, South America, like Brazil, was the epicentre of the pandemic at the end of August 2020. Africa and Oceania are modestly affected by the pandemic. Econometric estimates were made assuming that the COVID-19 pandemic continues until December 2021. The results show that the duration of the peak of the pandemic would not exceed 400 days worldwide, if during the first 24 months the number of new cases never exceeds 800,000, and in the absence of an effective vaccine and treatment. The measures currently being implemented in many countries to prevent the spread of the disease (social distancing, closing of markets, confinement, banning of gatherings, etc.) are having a profound impact on the various markets and, through them, on the living conditions of households. The number of unemployed may increase. World trade and world prices of financial assets are in free fall. The State and the Central Banks will be obliged to intervene to revive economic activity and regulate certain prices of necessity. This pandemic, through barrier measures, is causing new social developments across the planet. It emphasises the idea that science, techniques and technologies are largely limited. Health and social systems are gradually destabilised. The pandemic suddenly affects religions, socio-professional activities, cultures, the functioning of transport and consumption systems. A new social and economic order is gradually taking shape in place of individualism, notably with a return to communitarian values and the emergence of new behaviours.
Generative Linguistics Meets Normative Inferentialism
Authors: Pereplyotchik David
Published: May 2021

This is the second installment of a two-part essay. Limitations of space prevented the publication of the full essay in a previous issue of the Journal (Pereplyotchik 2020). My overall goal is to outline a strategy for integrating generative linguistics with a broadly pragmatist approach to meaning and communication. Two immensely useful guides in this venture are Robert Brandom and Paul Pietroski. Squarely in the Chomskyan tradition, Pietroski’s recent book, Conjoining Meanings, offers an approach to natural-language semantics that rejects foundational assumptions widely held amongst philosophers and linguists. In particular, he argues against extensionalism—the view that meanings are (or determine) truth and satisfaction conditions. Having arrived at the same conclusion by way of Brandom’s deflationist account of truth and reference, I’ll argue that both theorists have important contributions to make to a broader anti-extensionalist approach to language. Part 1 of the essay was largely exegetical, laying out what I see as the core aspects of Brandom’s normative inferentialism (1) and Pietroski’s naturalistic semantics (2). Now, in Part 2, I argue that there are many convergences between these two theoretical frameworks and, contrary to first appearances, very few points of substantive disagreement between them. If the integration strategy that I propose is correct, then what appear to be sharply contrasting commitments are better seen as interrelated verbal differences that come down to different—but complementary—explanatory goals. The residual disputes are, however, stubborn. I end by discussing how to square Pietroski’s commitment to predicativism with Brandom’s argument that a predicativist language is in principle incapable of expressing ordinary conditionals.
In-vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic properties of Strobilanthes kunthianus
Authors: Balasubramaniam Geetha , Sekar Mahendran , Badami Shrishailappa
Published: May 2021

Background: Strobilanthes kunthianus Nees T Anders (S. kunthianus, Neela kurinji) is a shrub in the grasslands of Western Ghats in India. The Nilgiris, which literally means the blue mountains got its name from the purplish blue flowers of Neelakurinji that blossoms gregariously once in twelve years. It is well known for its biological properties. However, so far there is no detailed antioxidant and cytotoxic studies has been carried out. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of various parts of S. kunthianus extracts. Methods: Fourteen extracts were prepared in different parts of S. kunthianus including stem, leaves, flowers and roots. All the extracts were examined for in-vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities using standard methods. The total phenol content was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau method. Results: The crude methanol flower extract was found to contain very high total phenol content among all the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the ethyl acetate extracts of root and stem showed potent in-vitro antioxidant activity, when compared to ascorbic acid in ABTS method. These extracts showed better activity than other successive extracts of root and stem. In case of methanol extracts, the crude extracts showed potent antioxidant activity in ABTS, H2O2, and total antioxidant capacity methods. The crude methanol flower extract was found to be the most potent among the methanol extracts. Many natural products have served as anticancer agents in the treatment and also as lead compounds for further research. All the extracts were tested for their cytotoxic activity against Hep-2 and HeLa cell lines. But all the extracts showed weak activity in the tested cell lines. Conclusion: S. kunthianus merits further investigation in animal models to confirm its antioxidant and anticancer properties and to isolate the phytoconstituents that are responsible for their biological activities.
Analisis Bangkitan Perjalanan Berbasis Rumah Tangga pada Perumahan Bumi Tamanlarea Permai Kota Makassar
Authors: Putra Sandy Nikolas , Rachman Rais , Palinggi Monika D.M
Published: May 2021

Perumahan Bumi Tamalanrea Permai adalah salah satu kawasan perumahan yang terletak di bagian timur kota. Perumahan ini termasuk perumahan yang berskala besar berkisar kurang lebih 74 ribu jiwa. Kompleks perumahan ini memiliki jumlah penduduk yang karakteristik masyarakatnya yang heterogen baik dari segi strata sosial budaya, pekerjaan, maupun tingkat pendapatan.Tujuan penelitian memodelkan bangkitan perjalanan pekerja pada perumahan Bumi Tamanlanrea Permai (BTP) Kota Makassar dengan mengambil kasus perjalanan pada Blok A, B, L dan M. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan karakteristik penduduk di perumahan BTP (Bumi Tamalanrea Pemai) adalah jumlah anggota keluarga, jumlah kepemilikan sepeda motor, jumlah kepemilikan mobil, jumlah penghasilan keluarga, jumlah anggota keluarga yang bekerja. Pilihan kendaraan pekerja untuk melakukan perjalanan sepeda motor masih menjadi pilihan terbanyak untuk bekerja. Pada perumahan ini bangkitan perjalanan dipengaruhi oleh jumlah kepemilikan sepeda motor, jumlah anggota keluarga yang bekerja dan jumlah anggota keluarga yang bersekolah/kuliah berpengaruh positif terhadap jumlah bangkitan perjalanan.
Analisis Dampak Hambatan Samping Terhadap Tingkat Pelayanan Jalan Kota Makassar
Authors: Kristanti Rimarya , Rachman Rais , Radjawane Louise Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Faktor hambatan samping merupakan salah satu penyebab terjadinya kemacetan lalulintas yang dapat memengaruhi tingkat pelayanan suatu jalan. Dimana kemacetan merupakan suatu permasalahan arus lalu lintas yang disebabkan oleh peningkatan volume kendaraan di suatu ruas jalan dan oleh hambatan samping. Tujuan untuk mengetahui arus lalu lintas dan dampak hambatan samping terhadap derajat kejenuhan di jalan Perintis Kemerdekaan km.8 dengan menggunakan Manual Kapasitas Jalan Indonesia (MKJI) tahun 1997. Berdasarkan perhitungan dan analisis data diperoleh arus lalu lintas terbesar pada hari senin yaitu 1686,41 SMP/jam, hambatan samping terbesar pada hari sabtu yaitu 502,4 dan derajat kejenuhan terbesar diperoleh pada hari senin sore sebesar 0,78 yang dimana arus mendekati tidak stabil di jam puncak tertentu yang dimana semakin besar hambatan samping maka semakin besar juga derajat kejenuhan.
Alleviation of Salinity Hazards in Different Maize Genotypes Using Inorganic Ions (Ca++ and K+)
Authors: Suhaib Muhammad , Mujtaba Asma , Munir Masooma , Saqib Zulfiqar Ahmad
Published: May 2021

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to evaluate and compare the efficiency of Ca and K ions and different maize genotypes with imposed salinity. Two levels of K+ and Ca++ (5 and 10 mM) each were tested on two maize genotypes (Pioneer-3335 and Syngenta-8441) under 100 mM NaCl stress. Saline treatment adversely affected the plant physiological parameters and disturbed the ionic balance and resulted in poor plant growth. However, Syngenta-8441 was more prone to salt stress as compared to Pioneer-3335. Both of the inorganic ions showed significant effects on physiological and ionic components of both genotypes. Among the inorganic ions K was found to be more efficient than Ca in improving the plant growth. Improved physiological and ionic traits were observed more significant with 10 mM K ion treatment followed by 5 mM K. Among Ca treatments higher level of Ca (10 mM) showed more significant results as compared to 5mM Ca++. This study revealed that Ca++ and K+ both are compulsory for maintaining the crop growth because of their mutual effects under salt stress. However, the alleviative efficiency of  K is far better than Calcium but its (Ca++) role could not be neglected, while regarding genotypic differential response imposes the fact that Pioneer-3335 is more tolerant to salinity menace as compared to Syngenta- 8441 but both of the genotypes were significant in their recovery from stress to applied Ca++ and K+.
Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Potential of Saponin Fraction Isolated from Moringa oleifera Leaves
Authors: Hussain Fatma , Ikram Fatima
Published: May 2021

To assess total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents (TPC, TFC), DPPH scavenging and antidiabetic (antiglycation and alpha amylase hindrance) activities of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves, bio- assay guided fractionation was used with thin layer chromatography profile to isolate saponin fraction (SF). The TPC and TFC were 9.7-12.8 GAE and 5.3-9.3 CE (g/100 g dry weight), respectively and aqueous and methanol fractions were more effective. DPPH scavenging activity ranged 69.5-83.1%. SF displayed noteworthy antioxidant ability (p<0.046) and it was leading inhibitor of glycation (p<0.041) after MeOH with 48.1% restriction. Enzyme inhibition by MO fractions was negligible (3.4-9.2%) and it was less impressive by SF as compared to MeOH extract. Percent reduction in enzyme activity by SF was non- significant (p>0.198), nullifying its concentration dependent impact.
Seasonal Assessment of Water Quality by Statistical Analysis in the Coastal Area of Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Imran , Abbasi Haq Nawaz , Zubair Arif , Ahmad Waqar
Published: May 2021

Monitoring of groundwater is very important because of climatic and demographic patterns along the coastline of Sindh Province, Pakistan. Seventy representative groundwater samples were collected during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons for the investigation of physico-chemical variables to understand the groundwater chemistry of the coastal belt. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to interpret the data to reveal the pollution sources in the groundwater samples. The normalized charge balance index (NCBI) was computed on the data set and the I:Tz- and I:Tz+ were analyzed in the collected groundwater samples. Cations were in excess and alkalinity in the aquifer of the study area was balanced by Ca+ + Mg+ ions. The contribution of ions was insignificant for charge balance. Mg+2 and Ca+2  were in huge concentration and alkaline hardness was maintained by the alkaline rocks formation. Majority of the charge was balanced by  S0-2 and Cl-. In groundwater ionic composition is used to categorize it into ionic types of groundwater based on the dissolved cation and anion. The ionic reaction is likely regulated by  domestic geological formation. The  sample location illustrates    Na+-S0-2 and Na+-Cl- nature of -2 +- groundwater. The groundwater with  Na+-S04 and Na  -Cl  dominancy generally shows saline characteristics that make groundwater unfit to use for irrigation and drinking purposes.
A Recombinant Humanized Monoclonal Antibody for Treatment of Endometriosis in a Rat Model
Authors: Işık Hatice , Moraloglu Ozlem , Kilic Sevtap , Seven Ali , Caydere Muzaffer , Batıoğlu Sertac
Published: May 2021

Aim

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Thus, the inhibition of angiogenesis may prevent endometriosis. Bevacizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy on the prophylaxis and treatment of endometriotic foci in a rat model.

Methods

This experimental study is prospective, randomized, and placebo-controlled. Thirty-six Wistar-Albino female rats were divided into 3 groups. Experimental endometriosis was induced by the implantation of autologous endometrial tissue. The bevacizumab administration route was intraperitoneal. Group A was the prophylaxis group; Group B was the treatment group, and Group C was the control group. The volumes of the implants as well as their VEGF and Ki-67 immunohistochemical staining are main outcome measures.

Results

The volumes of the lesions were smaller in Group A than Group C [P<.05]. The volumes of endometriotic foci in Group B were smaller than in Group C [P<.05]. Bevacizumab caused regression and atrophy of the endometriotic lesions. After the treatment the histopathologic and immunohistochemical scores in Group B were less than before treatment and less than the scores in Group C.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab treatment had a regressive effect on the endometriotic implants. As an anti-VEGF agent, bevacizumab has beneficial effects on the prophylaxis and treatment of endometriosis.
Bridging theory-to-practice gaps in a long-term ventilated unit during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Tariga Jose Arnold
Published: May 2021

Background and objective: COVID-19 had greatly impacted nurse-patient ratios worldwide, forcing hospitals to hire new nurses with minimal experience or without specialized skills. To ensure clinical competence, the author developed the Long Term Critical Care Transition Modules and conducted this study to assess its effectiveness.Methods: Three learning modules were developed and data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and competency checklist. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test to evaluate if there was a significant improvement in the skills and competence levels before and after being subjected to the modules. Results: Demographic profiles indicated that majority of the nurses were in their early career. A significant improvement of competency levels among nurses post-module attendance was also noted (p < .05).Conclusions: The transition modules can be an effective methodology in upskilling nurses with minimal or without prior experience in long-term care, within a short period of time.
The Sacredness of Firstling Animals: Evolving Perspectives within Deuteronomy
Authors: Mattison Kevin
Published: May 2021

Repeated and varied treatments of animal firstlings in Deuteronomy’s cultic laws (Deut 12:17–18; 14:23–26; 15:19–23) reflect a succession of attempts to place firstlings within Deuteronomy’s centralized cult. Based on comparison of Deuteronomy’s firstling regulations and informed by the history of their interpretation, this study reconstructs the process of amendment that produced this set of laws and places this process within the larger context of the legal hermeneutics of the Pentateuch.
Comparative Tests of Chosen Service Weapons and Their Simulators. Part I - 5.56 mm Beryl Assault Rifle
Authors: Kowalewski Jerzy
Published: May 2021

Comparative tests of selected types of service weapons and their simulators were carried out and the paper deals with 5.56 mm BERYL assault rifle.
Dormancy in native fruit seeds of the Brazilian South Region
Authors: Pirola Kelli , Wagner  Junior Américo , Dotto Marcelo , Aparecida  Cassol Darcieli , Carlo  Possenti Jean , Citadin Idemir
Published: May 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether seeds from six native fruit species ofthe South Brazilian regionhad any type of dormancy, as well as, to verify if they havephotoblastism. The work was carried out at the Plant Physiology Laboratoryofthe Federal Technological University of Paraná –Câmpus Dois Vizinhos, Paraná State, Brazil. The influence of photoperiod factors and techniques for overcoming dormancy were tested on the germination of Eugenia uniflora L.(Surinan cherry), Plinia peruviana(native jabuticaba), Plinia cauliflora(hybrid jabuticaba), Eugenia involucrataDC. (Rio Grande cherry), Myrcianthes pungens(guabiju) and Campomanesia guazumifolia(sete capoteiro). The seeds were exposed in a condition of total darkness or photoperiod of 24 hours, being the levels of one of factors tested. The techniques for breaking dormancy tested werethe immersion in gibberellic acid solution (200 mg L-1); stratification at 5°C for 30 days; immersion in water at room temperature for 24 hours; immersion in hot water (80°C) for five minutes; immersion in sulfuric acid solution (96%) for five minutes; and manual physical scarification with 120 grit sandpaper. The seeds were also tested without using any technique, making up the controlstreatments with or without light. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 7 factorial scheme (luminosity x treatment for breaking dormancy), with four replications of 100 seeds. After 60 days, germination (%), percentage of accumulated germination, germination speed index and average germination time were analyzed. The seeds of most of the studied native species do not present dormancy or the effect of photoblastism, except for “sete capoteiro”seedswho are supposed to have morphophysiological dormancy, with negative photoblastism. The use of hot water or sulfuric acid in the seeds of native fruit trees is not recommended.
El apoyo internacional a la reforma educativa en España
Authors: Delgado Lorenzo , Martín Óscar J.
Published: May 2021

In the 1960s, an international debate emerged on the role of education in the worldwide changes taking place in the political, social and economic sphere. Multilateral agencies such as the OECD and UNESCO played an important role in this process. Inspired by some of the central tenets of modernization and human capital theories, these organizations sought to steer the transitions from “traditional societies” to “modern” ones. In Franco’s Spain, this process of modernization was led by the technocratic sectors of the dictatorship, who aspired to become the agents of a project of change controlled from the state apparatus. International organizations actively participated in the analysis of the Spanish educational system, and recommendeding measures to bring it into line with the needs of economic development. The corollary of this work was their support for the 1970 General Education Law, which also enjoyed the endorsement of some of the main foreign allies of the Franco regime, such as the United States, the World Bank and the Ford Foundation. This support took the form of advice, funding, specialist training and educational assistance. The article addresses this whole process. It examines the efforts of various international actors and their involvement in the modernization of education in Spain as a step towards convergence with the Western model.
”La naturaleza viva debe ocupar el primer plano”. Un estudio sobre el Diccionario de Pedagogía (1936) de editorial Labor y la enseñanza de las ciencias físico-químicas y naturales
Authors: Corell Domenech Mavi
Published: May 2021

We present the study of one of the great projects of the Barcelona publisher Editorial Labor, namely the Diccionario de Pedagogía (1936), from a new perspective: the analysis of entries on the teaching of scientific subjects. The axis of the methodologies proposed by the work is the study of living things in their natural environment from an ecological perspective, both outside the classroom via excursions and inside through aquaria, terraria, herbaria and school kitchen gardens. These methodologies can be seen to have been be influenced by New Education principles, the English Nature Study movement and the Spanish Institución Libre de Enseñanza. Coordinated by Luis Sánchez Sarto, the Diccionario de Pedagogía recorded the state of pedagogy and education worldwide, counting on a hundred or so anonymous authors most of whom were German, Austrian, American or Spanish. John Dewey, Vilhelm Rasmussen and Georg Kerschensteiner are the dictionary’s pedagogical references in science teaching. In our article, we present arguments suggesting that Margarita Comas Camps and Rafael Candel Vila were the authors of the dictionary’s two entries on teaching methodology.
Axial diagnosis of radio-frequency capacitively coupled Ar/O2 plasma
Authors: Cao Li-Yang , Ma Xiao-Ping , Deng Li-Li , Lu Man-Ting , Xin Yu ,   Provincial Key Laboratory of Thin Films, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
Published: May 2021

The capacitively coupled Ar plasma containing oxygen, driven by a radio frequency of 27.12 MHz, is investigated by laser-induced photo-detachment technique assisted with a Langmuir probe. The plasmas with different amounts of oxygen are obtained by changing the flow of Ar and oxygen, each of which is controlled by a mass flow controller. The axial distribution of plasma characteristic can be measured by changing the relative axial position of the Langmuir probe between the parallel electrodes. The electron density and electron temperature are calculated from the current-voltage curve measured by the scanning Langmuir probe, and the electronegativity is obtained from the current curves of the probe with the laser-induced photo-detachment technique. The negative ion density can be calculated from the electron density and the electronegativity. It is shown that with oxygen flow rate increasing, the dissociative attachment of oxygen molecules with electrons will consume the electrons with the middle energy in the electron energy probability function (EEPF) measured by Langmuir probe. The EEPF evolves from Druyvesteyn to Maxwellian distribution due to the thermalization by the e-e interaction with applied power increasing. It is worth mentioning that a depression in the EEPF curve will appear when discharging high-pressure Ar gas containing oxygen. This depression can also be caused by the dissociative attachment of oxygen molecules with electrons where the threshold energy is around 4.5 eV. The axial profile of the electron density is calculated from the EEPF changing from a linear rise in pure Ar plasma to a flater phase of the distribution due to the negative ions such as oxygen introduced into the plasma. The electron temperature changes a little at different axial positions. The rise of negative ion density nearby the sheath of powered electrode is due to the dissociative attachment caused by the collision of oxygen molecules with energetic electrons. In addition, the axial distribution of electronegativity takes on a shape of spoon, which results from the consequence of generation and loss of negative ions in the process of the ambipolar-electric-field-driven diffusion to the plasma center.
RSC primes the quiescent genome for hypertranscription upon cell-cycle re-entry
Authors: Cucinotta Christine E , Dell Rachel H , Braceros Keean CA , Tsukiyama Toshio
Published: May 2021

Quiescence is a reversible G0 state essential for differentiation, regeneration, stem-cell renewal, and immune cell activation. Necessary for long-term survival, quiescent chromatin is compact, hypoacetylated, and transcriptionally inactive. How transcription activates upon cell-cycle re-entry is undefined. Here we report robust, widespread transcription within the first minutes of quiescence exit. During quiescence, the chromatin-remodeling enzyme RSC was already bound to the genes induced upon quiescence exit. RSC depletion caused severe quiescence exit defects: a global decrease in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) loading, Pol II accumulation at transcription start sites, initiation from ectopic upstream loci, and aberrant antisense transcription. These phenomena were due to a combination of highly robust Pol II transcription and severe chromatin defects in the promoter regions and gene bodies. Together, these results uncovered multiple mechanisms by which RSC facilitates initiation and maintenance of large-scale, rapid gene expression despite a globally repressive chromatin state.
Traumatic injury compromises nucleocytoplasmic transport and leads to TDP-43 pathology
Authors: Anderson Eric N , Morera Andrés A , Kour Sukhleen , Cherry Jonathan D , Ramesh Nandini , Gleixner Amanda , Schwartz Jacob C , Ebmeier Christopher , Old William , Donnelly Christopher J , Cheng Jeffrey P , Kline Anthony E , Kofler Julia , Stein Thor D , Pandey Udai Bhan
Published: May 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a predisposing factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Although defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) is reported ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases, whether defects in NCT occur in TBI remains unknown. We performed proteomic analysis on Drosophila exposed to repeated TBI and identified resultant alterations in several novel molecular pathways. TBI upregulated nuclear pore complex (NPC) and nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) proteins as well as alter nucleoporin stability. Traumatic injury disrupted RanGAP1 and NPC protein distribution in flies and a rat model and led to coaggregation of NPC components and TDP-43. In addition, trauma-mediated NCT defects and lethality are rescued by nuclear export inhibitors. Importantly, genetic upregulation of nucleoporins in vivo and in vitro triggered TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization, aggregation, and altered solubility and reduced motor function and lifespan of animals. We also found NUP62 pathology and elevated NUP62 concentrations in postmortem brain tissues of patients with mild or severe CTE as well as co-localization of NUP62 and TDP-43 in CTE. These findings indicate that TBI leads to NCT defects, which potentially mediate the TDP-43 pathology in CTE.
Identification of potential gene signatures associated with osteosarcoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Jia Yutao , Liu Yang , Han Zhihua , Tian Rong
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most primary malignant bone cancer in children and adolescents with a high mortality rate. This work aims to screen novel potential gene signatures associated with OS by integrated microarray analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database.

Material and Methods

The OS microarray datasets were searched and downloaded from GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OS and normal samples. Afterwards, the functional enrichment analysis, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and transcription factor (TF)-target gene regulatory network were applied to uncover the biological function of DEGs. Finally, two published OS datasets (GSE39262andGSE126209) were obtained from GEO database for evaluating the expression level and diagnostic values of key genes.

Results

 In total 1,059 DEGs (569 up-regulated DEGs and 490 down-regulated DEGs) between OS and normal samples were screened. Functional analysis showed that these DEGs were markedly enriched in 214 GO terms and 54 KEGG pathways such as pathways in cancer. Five genes (CAMP, METTL7A, TCN1, LTF and CXCL12) acted as hub genes in PPI network. Besides, METTL7A, CYP4F3, TCN1, LTF and NETO2 were key genes in TF-gene network. Moreover, Pax-6 regulated four key genes (TCN1, CYP4F3, NETO2 and CXCL12). The expression levels of four genes (METTL7A, TCN1, CXCL12 and NETO2) inGSE39262set were consistent with our integration analysis. The expression levels of two genes (CXCL12 and NETO2) inGSE126209set were consistent with our integration analysis. ROC analysis ofGSE39262set revealed that CYP4F3, CXCL12, METTL7A, TCN1 and NETO2 had good diagnostic values for OS patients. ROC analysis ofGSE126209set revealed that CXCL12, METTL7A, TCN1 and NETO2 had good diagnostic values for OS patients.
Effect of Soil Application of Cattle Urine and Nitrogen on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Maize (Fodder) in Inceptisol
Authors: Janjal P. S. , Jadhav A. B. , Patil A. V. , Pachpute S. T.
Published: May 2021

The experiment was conducted to study effect of soil application of cattle urine and nitrogen levels on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by maize (fodder) in Inceptisol at the Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry and Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Pune, during Kharif-2019. There were seven treatment viz., 1) Absolute control; 2) Recommended dose of fertilizers 100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5 and K2O; 3) General recommended dose of fertilizers 100:50:50 kg ha-1 N, P2O5 and K2O + FYM @ 5 t ha-1; 4) 25% RDN + 75% N through cattle urine + FYM @ 5 t ha-1; 5)  50% RDN + 50% N through cattle urine + + FYM @ 5 t ha-1; 6) 75% RDN + 25% N + FYM @ 5 t ha-1; 7) 100% N through cattle urine + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and three replications in completely randomized design.

Periodical plant height and number of functional leaves at 20, 40 and 60 DAS was found to be significantly higher with the soil application 50% RDN through urea + 50% N through cattle urine along with FYM @ 5 t ha-1. The magnitude of increase in the leaf area was found higher from 494 to 969 cm2 at 40 to 60 DAS  than 20 to 40 DAS (203 to 494 cm2) with the application of 75% RDN through urea + 25% N through cattle urine + FYM @ 5 t ha-1. Soil application of 75% RDN through urea + 25% N through cattle urine with FYM @ 5 t ha-1 reported significantly higher chlorophyll in fodder maize. Soil application of 75% RDN through urea + 25% N through cattle urine + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 reported significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc and copper uptake by fodder maize. Similar treatment also recorded significantly higher green fodder (984 g pot-1) and dry matter (423.11 g pot-1) yield of maize. Similar treatment also found superior for nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, iron, zinc and copper uptake by fodder maize.
Emerging Trends of Counselling for Sustainable Development among Students and Teachers of Secondary Schools in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Esuabana Stella Bassey , S. Petters Janet
Published: May 2021

School counsellors’ unique role makes them ideal coordinators and leaders in implementing sustainable development and effective disaster management in schools which teachers and students play a role. This study investigated the emerging trends of counselling for sustainable development among students and teachers of secondary schools in Southern Senatorial District of Cross River State. Five research questions and one hypothesis were raised for this study. Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. Structured questionnaire were administered to 180 respondents using stratified random sampling procedure in selecting 4 secondary schools from four Local Government Areas of the Senatorial District. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analyses and interpretation. The study found that, schools lacked adequate physical and human resources needed for effective counselling service delivery. Thus, the level of patronage of the counselling unit in schools was low. As a result, majority (43%) of the students preferred going to their parents/guardians for counselling, (32%) consult their classmates and friends, while (21%) feel free to consult their school counsellors. It was observed that issues students sought for Guidance and Counselling were education, vocational and private while the teachers visit the counsellor on personal issues mostly (61%). Counsellors used one-on-one methods commonly. The respondents (75%) stated that Guidance and Counselling programme is not carried out by schools adequately due to poor funding and negligence. Counselling services rendered in private schools were not significantly different from that of public schools. Therefore, the specialized skills of the school counsellors need to be tapped to prevent, and treat increasing psychosocial problems of the students and teachers to provide sustainable development and reduce personality disaster in secondary schools. It is recommended that, all schools should provide basic resources for guidance and counselling; funding of the Guidance and Counselling programmes in schools should be increased; more school counsellors should be employed.
Special Education in Saudi Arabia: A Descriptive Analysis of 32 Years of Research
Authors: Alqahtani Rashed Fehaid , Alshuayl Mohammed , Ryndak Diane L.
Published: May 2021

Saudi Arabia has produced more peer-reviewed research in the past 10 years than ever before (El-Showk, 2016). The country is leading its Arab counterparts in the annual number of both published scientific research and obtained patents. A review of the published research across topics and fields of study, the research designs used, and the populations targeted, is needed in various fields to move related scientific research forward. The current review addresses the Saudi Arabian research related to special education during a 32-year period; that is, between 1984 and 2016. This review identified 3,381 relevant publications, yielding 499 publications that met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. These studies were analyzed to determine any trends of publication, language used for publications, use of interventions, research design, participants, settings, research topics, and affiliation of the authors. The discussion notes drawbacks and highlights areas for further consideration by special education researchers in Saudi Arabia.
Optimizing the effective spot size and the dosimetric leaf gap of the AcurosXB algorithm for VMAT treatment planning
Authors: Passal V. , Barreau M. , Tiplica T. , Dufreneix S.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide and test a new methodology to adjust the AcurosXB beam model for VMAT treatment plans.

Method

The effective target spot size of the AcurosXB v15 algorithm was adjusted in order to minimize the difference between calculated and measured penumbras. The dosimetric leaf gap (DLG) was adjusted using the asynchronous oscillating sweeping gap tests defined in the literature and the MLC transmission was measured. The impact of the four parameters on the small field output factors was assessed using a design of experiment methodology. Patient quality controls were performed for the three beam models investigated including two energies and two MLC models.

Results

Effective target spot sizes differed from the manufacturer recommendations and strongly depended on the MLC model considered. DLG values ranged from 0.7 to 2.3 mm and were found to be larger than the ones based on the sweeping gap tests. All parameters were found to significantly influence the calculated output factors, especially for the 0.5 cm × 0.5 cm field size. Interactions were also identified for fields smaller than 2 cm × 2 cm, suggesting that adjusting the parameters on the small field output factors should be done with caution. All patient quality controls passed the universal action limit of 90%.

Conclusion

The methodology provided is simple to implement in clinical practice. It was validated for three beam models covering a large variety of treatment types and localizations.
Beam energy metrics for the acceptance and quality assurance of Halcyon linear accelerator
Authors: Gao Song , Chetvertkov Mikhail A. , Cai Bin , Dwivedi Abhishek , Mihailidis Dimitris , Ray Xenia , Netherton Tucker , Court Laurence E. , Simon William E. , Balter Peter A.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Establish and compare two metrics for monitoring beam energy changes in the Halcyon platform and evaluate the accuracy of these metrics across multiple Halcyon linacs.

Method

The first energy metric is derived from the diagonal normalized flatness (FDN), which is defined as the ratio of the average measurements at a fixed off‐axis equal distance along the open profiles in two diagonals to the measurement at the central axis with an ionization chamber array (ICA). The second energy metric comes from the area ratio (AR) of the quad wedge (QW) profiles measured with the QW on the top of the ICA. Beam energy is changed by adjusting the magnetron current in a non‐clinical Halcyon. With D10cm measured in water at each beam energy, the relationships between FDN or AR energy metrics to D10cm in water is established with linear regression across six energy settings. The coefficients from these regressions allow D10cm(FDN) calculation from FDN using open profiles and D10cm(QW) calculation from AR using QW profiles.

Results

Five Halcyon linacs from five institutions were used to evaluate the accuracy of the D10cm(FDN) and the D10cm(QW) energy metrics by comparing to the D10cm values computed from the treatment planning system (TPS) and D10cm measured in water. For the five linacs, the D10cm(FDN) reported by the ICA based on FDN from open profiles agreed with that calculated by TPS within –0.29 ± 0.23% and 0.61% maximum discrepancy; the D10cm(QW) reported by the QW profiles agreed with that calculated by TPS within –0.82 ± 1.27% and –2.43% maximum discrepancy.

Conclusion

The FDN‐based energy metric D10cm(FDN) can be used for acceptance testing of beam energy, and also for the verification of energy in periodic quality assurance (QA) processes.
Repeated Spinal Mobility Measures and Their Association With Radiographic Damage in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Hwang Mark C. , Lee MinJae , Gensler Lianne S. , Ward Michael M. , Brown Matthew A. , Learch Thomas J. , Tahanan Amirali , Rahbar Mohammad H. , Ishimori Mariko , Weisman Michael H. , Reveille John D. ,   the PSOAS Study Investigators
Published: May 2021

Objective

We sought to explore the relationship between changes in repeated mobility measures and spinal structural progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) over time.

Methods

We studied patients with AS from the PSOAS (Prospective Study of Outcomes in AS) cohort and performed longitudinal multivariable regression modeling to assess the relationship of structural damage measured by their regional (cervical or lumbar) modified Stoke AS Spinal Score(mSASSS) and selected cervical (eg, cervical rotation, lateral bending, and occiput‐to‐wall distance) and lumbar spinal mobility measures (eg, Schöber’s test and lumbar lateral bending) that were collected at least every 2 years from 2003 to 2019.

Results

The median length of follow‐up for our 518 patients with cervical mSASSS measurements and 573 with lumbar mSASSS measurements was 4.08 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.25‐6.67) and 4.17 (IQR 2.25‐6.67) years, respectively. Among the mobility measures, based on multivariable regression models adjusting for clinical/demographic variables and C‐reactive protein, we did not observe meaningful associations between changes in spinal mobility with their respective regional mSASSS. Baseline mSASSS, male sex, increased C‐reactive protein (CRP), and longer disease duration were associated with increased longitudinal mSASSS in all analyses.

Conclusion

Our study shows that 2‐year changes in individual spinal mobility measures are not reliably associated with increased, longitudinal, AS‐related spinal structural progression. We also confirmed the relationship of baseline mSASSS, sex, CRP, and disease duration with AS‐related structural spinal progression over time.
Rational Assembly of Superstructure Microparticles into Mosaic‐Like Highly Oriented Monolayer for Glucose‐Responsive Electrodes
Authors: Cai Yun , Shi Yue , Yazicioglu Deniz , Yu Fengjiao , Gutsch Sebastian , Zacharias Margit , Yang Yang
Published: May 2021

Assembly of functional superstructure microparticles into large‐scale transferable ensembles is a practical approach to elaborate collective properties for catalytic and sensing applications. Here, a two‐step assembly process is proposed to fabricate a mosaic‐like highly oriented monolayer consisting of densely packed CuI superstructure microparticles (s‐CuI) over a large area. First, optimized synthesis and Cl doping of rectangular sheet‐like s‐CuI is achieved by antisolvent crystallization. Then, a steep capillary gradient is created along the water surface to compress the pre‐dispersed s‐CuI into a centimeter‐sized mosaic‐like highly oriented monolayer, which can be integrally transferred onto fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass substrates. The s‐CuI monolayer with optimal Cl doping exhibits a highly sensitive electrochemical response to glucose in a nonenzymatic weakly alkaline environment. A photoelectrochemical response to glucose can also be achieved in nonenzymatic neutral solution. The high performances are ascribed to large surface area, excellent electrical contact, and consistently exposed Cu+ active sites of the s‐CuI building blocks.