bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONCENTRATIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK OF SELECTED ALIPHATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SEDIMENTS FROM RIVER ETHIOPE, SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Ohwovorione Lucky , Emoyan Onoriode
Published: May 2024

The contamination of aquatic ecosystems by hydrocarbon compounds poses severe environmental and human health concerns. Hence this study aimed to investigate the concentrations and associated risk of selected aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the River Ethiope, an important water resource in Nigeria. A comprehensive sampling was conducted, collecting sediment samples at various locations (Umuaja, Obinoba, Abraka, Eku, Okpara, Aghalokpe, and Sapele) along the river. The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) to quantify the concentrations of hydrocarbons, with a specific focus on aliphatic hydrocarbons. These compounds are known for their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. From the results obtained in this study, the total concentrations of Aliphatic compounds at various site from sites ranged from 10897 -316783 μg/kg in (C8-C39), with Okpara containing the highest concentration and Eku with the lowest concentration. Hydrocarbon C36was not detected in Umuaja while hydrocarbon C37was not discovered in Aghalokpe, Okpara-Waterside and Sapele. Also, hydrocarbon C10, C11and C12was not detected in Okpara-Waterside and Sapele. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in all hydrocarbons detected among the different sampling locations except in hydrocarbon C34which showed no significant different (p>0.05). The outcome of this study from carbon preference index (CPI) reveals that the major source of hydrocarbon contamination is associated with petroleum activities and have contributed valuable information for environmental monitoring programs, policymaking, and decision-making processes aimed at safeguarding water quality and mitigating the potential detrimental effects of hydrocarbon contamination in similar aquatic environments.
Qualitative Study on Corporate Social Responsibility Practice and Wellbeing in Industrial Parks: Evidence from Selected Industrial Parks in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreegziabher Mesay Ayele , Kero Chalchissa Amante
Published: May 2024

The study's main objective is to understand the development of internal and external CSR in industrial parks and explore its relationship with employees and community well-being. This study employed an exploratory research approach. The study relies on semi-structured interviews and FGD with employees and the community of three selected industrial parks in Ethiopia. The study utilized thematic analysis and the NVivo-11 version for the analysis. The results show that various CSR practices are implemented in industrial parks. There is a positive relationship between most CSR practices and well-being, except for insurance, employment, and infrastructure. Moreover, the study explored some CSR activities specific to IPs, i.e., meal service, dormitory, transportation, and consumer cooperatives. Besides the knowledge contribution, the study has a practical contribution to industrial park managers, government agencies, policymakers, and multinational companies to practice CSR better as it enhances the employees' and community's well-being. This study is unique not only because it explored CSR practices that are specific to industrial parks, but also the relationship between internal and external CSR with employees' and community well-being, respectively.
Contexto familiar y su impacto en el rendimiento académico en el bachillerato
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, Vázquez López María del Socorro , Álvarez Sainz Alejandro ,   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa
Published: May 2024

La presente investigación se planteó para determinar cuáles son los factores del contexto familiar que inﬂuyen en el bajo rendimiento académico en la asignatura de química por los estudiantes, para generar cambios en el sistema de aprendizaje y reducir los índices de reprobación. Debido a que es importante conocer las causas que llevan a un estudiante al bajo rendimiento académico y así poder disminuir los índices de reprobación de esta asignatura en el nivel medio superior.
FEM Analysis And Design Optimization Of The Piston
Authors: Sowmyashree P  , Abdul Aziz
Published: May 2024

The workings of an engine rely on the piston rod and/or connecting rod to transmit the force of the expanding gas in the cylinder to the crankshaft. Because of its critical role in engines, the piston is subject to inertial stresses and cyclic gas pressure, which may lead to fatigue damage in the form of side wear, fractures in the piston head or crown, and other issues. According to the research, the top of the piston experiences the highest level of stress, which is a major contributor to fatigue failure. This study uses finite element analysis to illustrate the stress distribution on an internal combustion engine's piston. It is the CAD and CAE programs that carry out the FEA. Examining and analyzing the distribution of thermal and mechanical stresses on the piston under real-world engine conditions during combustion is the primary focus. Predicting the component's critical area and greater stress using finite element analysis is also detailed in the paper. Created a structural model of a piston using CATIA software. We ran simulations and stress analyses with the help of ANSYS V14.5.
Investigation of Lateral Vibrations in Turbine-generator Unit 5 of the Inga 2 Hydroelectric Power Plant
Authors: André Mampuya Nzita , Edmond Phuku Phuati , Robert Muanda Ngimbi , Guyh Dituba Ngoma , Nathanaël Masiala Mavungu
Published: May 2024

The article presents a case study on the Investigation of lateral vibrations in the turbine-generator unit 5 of the Inga 2 hydroelectric power plant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lateral vibrations were experimentally determined using twelve proximity and eddy-current probes, positioned on each measurement plane. The results were analyzed using the Dasylab and R software. Hence, it was observed that the vibration amplitudes of the upper guide bearing, lower guide bearing, and pivot/rotor exceeded acceptable or critical limit values of the international vibration standard for a rotating speed between 100-250 rpm. These excesses can lead to rotor mass imbalances, the eccentricity of the rotor axis relative to the rotation axis of the shaft, and the deformation of the coupling shaft between the upper rotor shaft and the turbine rotor shaft. Subsequently, the means and the variances of the vibration amplitudes were evaluated and compared to the reference values of the international standard. The results of the compliance analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the measured amplitudes and the reference values. Thus, it indicates deviations from international specifications.
Analisis Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2017 Tentang Perlindungan Anak Korban Kekerasan Seksual Perspektif Fikih Siyasah Dusturiyah
Authors: Nurdina Purnama Sari  , Nurul Hak  , Toha Andiko
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana konsep Perlindungan Anak Dalam Undang-Undang Nomor  17  Tahun 2016 Tentang Perlindungan Anak Korban Kekerasan Seksual ?. Bagaimana ketentuan Perlindungan Anak Dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2016 tentang perlindungan anak korban kekerasan seksual perspektif Fikih Siyasah Dusturiyah?. Metode penelitian adalah penelitian normatif atau penelitian kepustakaan dengan melakukan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konsep. Pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik membaca, mengutip informasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Konsep perlindungan anak menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2017 tentang perlindungan anak adalah segala kegiatan untuk menjamin dan melindungi anak dan hak-haknya agar dapat hidup, tumbuh, berkembang, dan berpartisipasi, secara optimal sesuai dengan harkat dan martabat kemanusiaan, serta mendapat perlindungan dari kekerasan dan diskriminasi. Anak sering menjadi korban kekerasan terutama kekerasan seksual, oleh sebab itu pemerintah menambahkan aturan yang akan menjadi sanksi tegas bagi pelaku tersebut. Sanksi yang dimaksud yaitu sudah tertera dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 17 Tahun 2016 tentang perlindungan anak pasal 81, 81A dan 82. Ketentuan Perlindungan Anak Perspektif Fikih Siyasah  dusturiyah selain berpedoman pada Al-Qur’an dan Hadits, juga berpedoman pada hukum yang berlaku di Negara tersebut sehingga untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan tentang perlindungan anak akan diselesaikan dengan semua sanksi yang berlaku.
Kedudukan Wali Nikah Dalam The Moroccan Family Code/Moudawana
Authors: Qodariah Barkah  , Muhammad Royhan  , Ari Azhari
Published: May 2024

Reformasi hukum keluarga yang terjadi diberbagai negara muslim membuktikan bahwa negara telah mengakomodir perbedaan aliran mazhab dalam perundang-undnagan yang berlaku di negara tersebut. Hal ini antara lain  terlihat dari undang-undang yang berlaku di negara Maroko (The Moroccan Family Code/Moudawana) tentang kedudukan wali nikah bagi perempuan. Pada undang-undang tersebut mengatur bagi seorang perempuan yang telah dewasa atau berusia 18 tahun boleh menikahkan dirinya sendiri tanpa menggunakan wali nikah.  Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis  kedudukan wali nikah dalam The Moroccan Family Code Moudawana 2004 dan faktor penyebab terjadinya reformasi terhadap kedudukan wali nikah dalam undang-undang tersebut. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode library research. Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder dengan bahan hukum primer dan sekunder.Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah studi dokumentasi. Dan teknik analisis data pada penelitian ini yaitu content analysis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa  Kedudukan wali nikah dalam The Moroccan Family Code/Moudawana telah dihapus, karena wali bukan termasuk ke dalam rukun dan syarat pernikahan di Maroko. Dalam The Moroccan Family Code/Moudawana, seorang perempuan yang telah berusia dewasa (18 tahun) dan cakap hukum tidak membutuhkan izin wali dan boleh menikahkan dirinya sendiri dengan laki-laki yang ingin dinikahinya. Faktor penyebab terjadinya reformasi terhadap kedudukan wali nikah dalam The Moroccan Family Code/Moudawana disebabkan oleh dua faktor, yaitu faktor internal dan eksternal. Faktor internal seperti perkembangan penduduk Maroko dan faktor eksternal seperti pengaruh globalisasi, dan perjanjian Internasional dalam mewujudkan kesetaraan gender bagi laki-laki dan perempuan, menghilangkan diskriminasi terhadap kaum perempuan, dan mengangkat derajat kaum perempuan.
Study of the Impressions of the Guanfo Statues in the Longmen Grottoes and Social and Cultural Changes
Authors: Zhang Yujian
Published: May 2024

The Dharma seal expressed in the Buddha statues is according to certain rules. The image of the provider represented is not only the image of the Buddhists who make and worship Buddha statues, but also an image for them to establish their own existence as a subject of the emperor, a member of the state. The image of the provider represented is not only the image of the Buddhists who make and worship Buddha statues, but also an image for them to establish their own existence as a subject of the emperor, a member of the state and society. The role of Dharma seal originated from the Shakya sect in ancient India, and in the early Mahayana Buddhist portraits and statues, There are usually only five impressions. This paper expounds the main types of Buddhist statues (taking the statues in the Longmen Grottoes Museum as an example) and summarizes their main functions. This paper expounds the main types of Buddhist statues (taking the statues in the Longmen Grottoes Museum as an example) and summarizes their main functions. By taking part in the field investigation, the author finds out the similarities and differences between the same By taking part in the field investigation, the author finds out the similarities and differences between the same type of prints by using the method of comparative historical argumentation, summarizes the social and cultural changes in the history of art, and puts summarizes the social and cultural changes in the history of art, and puts forward a new viewpoint.
The Influence of K.S.Stanislavsky's Teaching on the Development of Chinese Theatre
Authors: Zhang Hao
Published: May 2024

At the beginning of the last century, the world's performance system was gradually formed and developed. The Stanislavsky performance system was established on the basis of absorbing the essence of various world plays: a combination of performance, directing, drama teaching and methods. The Stanislavsky system is a precious treasure of the world. It is of great significance to the theory and practice of Chinese watchmaking art. In China, "From the 1930s to the end of the 1970s, in the performing arts, it can be said that Stanislavsky was a god-like being. While accepting him, the Chinese theater scene in the 20th century also had experience in learning and researching the system. a complex process that reacts to the evaluation shows a trend of ups and downs. However, to this day, although Stanislavsky is long gone, his system remains focused on the relevance of concrete learning research.
Comparative Study on the Stratification of Education between Urban and Rural Areas in China
Authors: Zhang Yifan
Published: May 2024

I explored how students and their parents in both urban and rural areas of China perceive their own educational experiences, as well as their ideas and perceptions of urban-rural educational stratification. Through in-depth interviews as well as thematic analysis, I identified three themes: the cultural spiral of the constructs of "identification" and "exclusion”; the differences in risk tolerance in sunk costs; breakdown and reconstruction of the moral order. Through the analysis of the themes, I came to the main conclusion that the stratification of education between urban and rural areas in China is very serious and is largely shaped by the social ideological cleavage between urban and rural areas. In the process of shaping the urban-rural education stratification phenomenon, the "Smallholder mentality" plays an important role and mechanism, and it is precisely because the "Smallholder mentality" exists in different depths and breadths between the urban and rural areas that the stratification between urban and rural education in China has not been able to be bridged. An in-depth study of the social and ideological mechanisms behind the urban-rural education stratification will help to better understand and solve the problem of urban-rural education stratification in China.
Numerales escritos en mixe en contextos de traducción
Authors: Espinoza Daniela , Ferreiro Emilia
Published: May 2024

Estudiantes de primaria y secundaria de Oaxaca, 60 en total, tradujeron del español al mixe un texto informativo sobre atención a la salud. Todos eran hablantes nativos del mixe. El texto incluía cinco numerales, tres de ellos con nombres compuestos, escritos en el sistema decimal, y referidos a edades, horas y cantidades de vacunas. La mayoría de los estudiantes eligió letras para traducir los números (65% de los interrogados; 95% de los de secundaria). Al escribir con letras los nombres compuestos algunos marcaron con segmentaciones gráficas esos componentes. En el caso de las edades, varios evitaron la designación semanas que no tiene equivalente en el calendario mixe tradicional. Encontraron otras opciones que corresponden a una traducción con interpretación adecuada.
ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING IN OPTIMIZING INVENTORY MANAGEMENT ACROSS GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY CHAIN: A MULTI-COUNTRY REVIEW
Authors:   College of Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas, US, Md Abu Taher Md Khyrul Islam, Hasib Ahmed, Mahboob Al Bashar
Published: May 2024

This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on inventory management within global industrial manufacturing and supply chains, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0. Through a comparative analysis across several countries, the research analyzes quantitative and qualitative data to assess the adoption and integration of these technologies and their implications for supply chain optimization. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review using multiple databases and expert interviews conducted within a specific timeframe. The study identifies a significant favorable influence of AI and ML on enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving real-time data analytics and predictive maintenance. It highlights the evolution from theoretical potential to practical applications, with an increased focus on regulatory compliance and data integrity, reflecting the industry's maturation in digital integration. Furthermore, the study explores the strategic role of AI and ML in process design and the holistic adoption of Industry 4.0 principles across the supply chain. The findings contribute to the academic literature by detailing the benefits and challenges of AI and ML implementation, offering insights for future research and practical applications in the supply chain sector. The conclusion emphasizes the transformative potential of AI and ML, advocating for their strategic implementation to foster resilience and adaptability in supply chain networks.
Impacto causado en los derechos laborales del trabajador ecuatoriano, por la pandemia Covid-19
Authors: Campoverde Paladines Sonia Esney
Published: May 2024

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world has experienced a great socio-economic shock; inasmuch as the States have seen the need to regulate norms to deal with this problem. Ecuador has not been the exception, from there, protocols and regulations were created; One of the most transcendental has been the Humanitarian Support Law, which had the objective of promoting the economic and productive reactivation of the country. Due to this, the present scientific article has as a general objective: To determine what has been the impact caused in the rights of the Ecuadorian worker by the promulgation of this law, highly questioned by labor sectors that protect the rights of workers, but defended by the government and by employers. To develop this article, a mixed research approach was applied, with the use of methods such as bibliographic and documentary analysis, inductive and deductive. Based on this, it was possible to establish the impact of the Humanitarian Support Law, its successes and failures, as well as the consequences generated from its entry into force.
Scrub Typhus During Pregnancy: A Study from Northeast India
Authors:   Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India, Jamil Md. , Bhattacharya Prasanta Kumar ,   Department of General Medicine, Jaipur National Institute for Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Lynrah K G ,   Department of General Medicine, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, India, Sharma Nalini ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Scrub typhus is a crucial underrecognized cause of undifferentiated febrile illness in Northeastern India. Scrub typhus in pregnancy is an uncommon entity. In such cases, not initiating effective and safe antibiotics leads to maternal and fetal complications. To reduce complications, it is a must to keep a high index of clinical suspicion. Methodology: The present study was conducted to find the various disease manifestations of scrub typhus during pregnancy from January 2014 to December 2018. It was a retrospective study that included hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of scrub typhus during pregnancy. The scrub typhus was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and serological test with Weil-Felix test titer for OXK more or equal to 1:160 or immunochromatographic test positive for scrub typhus IgM antibody. Result: During the study period, complete data were obtained from nine patients. The mean age of the patient was 26.5 years. A maximum of five patients presented in the third trimester, and two presented each in the first and second trimesters. Adverse fetal outcome was found in 33.3% of cases. Two patients had multiorgan dysfunction syndrome, and hepatitis was found to be a common occurrence. Conclusion: Scrub typhus during pregnancy presents a unique problem that is associated with high fetal loss and maternal complications. Keeping a high index of suspicion for diagnosis in endemic regions is essential, as prompt initiation of safe and effective antibiotics can prevent complications.
Interface of Alston's conceptual analysis of trait theory and Cattell's multi-trait theory of personality
Authors: Buss A. R.
Published: May 2024

In a recent series of papers and articles, W.P. Alston has taken a close look at the conceptual structure of the term "trait." In applying Alston's conceptual distinctions to the substantive multi-trait theory of R.B. Cattell, it is argued that Alston has too narrow a view as to how the term "trait" is in fact used, and how it should be used. Contrary to Alston's point of view, it is argued that trait concepts are indeed theoretical constructs rather than simply being terms summarizing behavioral regularities. Notwithstanding the case made against Alston's characterization of trait concepts, itis pointed out that multi-trait theories can be improved by taking seriously some of the distinctions that he has made, although not for all the reasons that he has given.
The application of individual differences multidimensional scaling techniques to the study of interpersonal attraction
Authors: Bryson R. B.
Published: May 2024

Individual differences multidimensional scaling procedures were used in two experiments to discern how judged similarity and perceptual similarity related to interpersonal attraction. In both experimental groups, subjects were also objects of judgment. The procedure permitted identifying judgment dimensions used by the group, and locating subjects on the dimensions in two ways: 1) in terms of how much each subject weighed each dimension in formulating judgments and 2) in terms of where each subject was judged to lie on each dimension. In the former case Euclidian distances between pairs of subjects across dimensions comprised a measure of perceptual similarity and in the latter case, a measure of judged similarity. In Experiment I, conducted on bridge players, best friend choices were significantly and independently related to both perceptual similarity and judged similarity. In Experiment II, conducted on a fundamentalist church group, degree of friendship across the range of perceptual and judged similarity was assessed. Results were consistent with those obtained in Experiment I.
Multivariate methodolology for N = 1
Authors: Lawlis G. Frank
Published: May 2024

A multivariate design for N = 1 studies was presented for those areas of limited subjects or social psychological designs. The design called for a determination of expected outcomes to be used for baselines, and general criteria were related to the selection of control variables.
Contribution to the Study of the Health Status of Dairy Farms in the Doukkala Region– Morocco: Case of Brucellosis
Authors: Ariri Najat , Mannani Nysrine , Aboukhassib Hamid , Bitar Abdelali
Published: May 2024

Our study focuses on describing the zootechnical characteristics of dairy cattle farms and conducting serological research on brucellosis in ruminants. To this end, a survey was conducted in 119 dairy farms, collecting 363 serum samples from March to December 2022. The study was carried out in the Doukkala region, within the province of El Jadida and Sidi Bennour, Morocco. The results indicate that 90.8 % of operators are owners with 37.8 % having no formal education. The cattle population consists of 67.8 % crossbreed and 31.4 % imported breed. A significant proportion of cows are purchased from the souk (57.5 %). The proportion of cows with a history of abortion is higher (p=0.01) in crossbreed cattle than in the imported breed. Notably, only 10.2 % of farmers are aware of bovine brucellosis. The detection of brucellosis was carried out using the Rose of Bengal test on serum samples collected from the blood. The study revealed a low rate of brucellosis cases (0.8 %) in a sample of 363 cows. This is attributed to the previous enforcement of health and hygiene measures by dairy farms. However, the lack of education and awareness about this disease and the importance of hygiene in dairy production could pose risks to production and consumer safety.
Quantitative Analysis of Caffeine and Phosphoric Acid in Non-Alcoholic Beverages Marketed in Kosovo
Authors: Hasani Arbenita , Kuliçi Manjola , Kryeziu Ardit , Kryeziu Ereleta , Hasani Endrit
Published: May 2024

Non-alcoholic beverages often contain various constituents and additives, influencing both their nutritional profiles and functional attributes. Given the ubiquity of these beverages and their potential health implications, rigorous quality checks are indispensable to ascertain compliance with health and safety standards. This research aimed to quantify caffeine and phosphoric acid levels in a diverse array of soft drinks from Kosovo’s market. To achieve this, 41 distinct non-alcoholic beverage samples from the local market were scrutinized. Caffeine concentrations were determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, while potentiometric titration was employed to assess phosphoric acid levels. As expected, energy drinks in Kosovo contained markedly higher caffeine concentrations compared to carbonated soft drinks and ice-tea variants. On the other hand, based on the results, analysed energy drinks showed somewhat greater caffeine contents than those reported in packaging of the beverage samples. Our study showed that a significant portion of the samples (21.95% for caffeine and 9.76% for phosphoric acid) did not conform to the standards set by EU 1169/2011 regulation or the EU 1333/2008 regulation. These findings underscore the urgency for relevant food safety authorities to implement rigorous oversight and enact appropriate protective measures. It is also imperative for the Kosovo National Food Safety Authority to craft specific regulations stipulating permissible additive concentrations, especially for caffeine and phosphoric acid, in non-alcoholic beverages.
Txnip deletions and missense alleles prolong the survival of cones in a retinitis pigmentosa mouse model
Authors: Xue Yunlu , Zhou Yimin , Cepko Constance L.
Published: May 2024

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a prevalent inherited retinal degenerative disease worldwide, affecting 1 in 4,000 people. The disease is characterized by an initial loss of night vision followed by a loss of daylight and color vision. Many of the RP disease genes are expressed in the rod photoreceptors, the cell type that initiates dim light vision. Following loss of rods, the cone photoreceptors, which initiate daylight vision, also are affected and can die leading to total loss of vision. The reasons for loss of cone vision are not entirely clear, but appear to be due to loss of the rods. Previously we showed that overexpressing Txnip, an α-arrestin protein, in mouse models of RP using AAV gene therapy prolonged the survival of RP cones (Xue et al., 2021). At least part of the mechanism for cone survival was a switch in the fuel source, from glucose to lactate. In addition, the mitochondria of cones were both morphologically and functionally improved by delivery of Txnip. We have gone on to test several alleles of Txnip for the ability to prolong cone survival in
rd1
, a mouse model of RP. In addition, proteins that bind to Txnip and/or have homology to Txnip were tested. Five different deletion alleles of Txnip were expressed in cones or the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE). Here we show that the C-terminal half of Txnip (149-397aa) is sufficient to remove GLUT1 from the RPE cell surface, and improved
rd1
cone survival when expressed specifically in the RPE. Overexpressing Arrdc4, an α-arrestin that shares 60% similar protein sequence to Txnip, reduced
rd1
cone survival. Reduction of the expression of HSP90AB1, a protein that interacts with Txnip and regulates metabolism, improved the survival of
rd1
cones alone and was additive for cone survival when combined with Txnip. However, full length Txnip with a single amino acid change, C247S, as we tested in our original study, remains the most highly efficacious form of the gene for cone rescue. The above observations suggest that only a subset of the hypothesized and known activities of Txnip play a role in promoting RP cone survival, and that the activities of Txnip in the RPE differ from those in cone photoreceptors.
A Plasmodium falciparum MORC protein complex modulates epigenetic control of gene expression through interaction with heterochromatin
Authors: Singh Maneesh Kumar , Bonnell Victoria A. , Silva Israel Tojal Da , Santiago Verônica Feijoli , Moraes Miriam S. , Adderley Jack , Doerig Christian , Palmisano Giuseppe , Llinás Manuel , Garcia Célia R. S.
Published: May 2024

Dynamic control of gene expression is critical for blood stage development of malaria parasites. Here, we used multi-omic analyses to investigate transcriptional regulation by the chromatin-associated microrchidia protein, MORC, during asexual blood stage development of the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
. We show that
Pf
MORC (PF3D7_1468100) interacts with a suite of nuclear proteins, including APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factors (
Pf
AP2-G5,
Pf
AP2-O5,
Pf
AP2-I, PF3D7_0420300, PF3D7_0613800, PF3D7_1107800, and PF3D7_1239200), a DNA helicase DS60 (PF3D7_1227100), and other chromatin remodelers (
Pf
CHD1 and
Pf
EELM2). Transcriptomic analysis of
Pf
MORC
HA-glmS
knockdown parasites revealed 163 differentially expressed genes belonging to hypervariable multigene families, along with upregulation of genes mostly involved in host cell invasion.
In vivo
genome-wide chromatin occupancy analysis during both trophozoite and schizont stages of development demonstrates that
Pf
MORC is recruited to repressed, multigene families, including the
var
genes in subtelomeric chromosomal regions. Collectively, we find that
Pf
MORC is found in chromatin complexes that play a role in the epigenetic control of asexual blood stage transcriptional regulation and chromatin organization.
Spinal V1 inhibitory interneuron clades differ in birthdate, projections to motoneurons and heterogeneity
Authors: Worthy Andrew E. , Anderson JoAnna T. , Lane Alicia R. , Gomez-Perez Laura , Wang Anthony A. , Griffith Ronald W. , Rivard Andre F. , Bikoff Jay B. , Alvarez Francisco J.
Published: May 2024

Spinal cord interneurons play a crucial role in shaping motor output, but their precise identity and circuit connectivity remain unclear. Focusing on the cardinal class of inhibitory V1 interneurons, we define the diversity of four major V1 subsets according to timing of neurogenesis, genetic lineage-tracing, synaptic output to motoneurons, and synaptic inputs from muscle afferents. Birthdating delineates two early-born (Renshaw and Pou6f2) and two late-born V1 clades (Foxp2 and Sp8) suggesting sequential neurogenesis gives rise to different V1 clades. Neurogenesis did not correlate with motoneuron targeting. Early-born Renshaw cells and late-born Foxp2-V1 interneurons both tightly coupled to motoneurons, while early-born Pou6f2-V1 and late-born Sp8-V1 interneurons did not. V1-clades also greatly differ in cell numbers and diversity. Lineage labeling of the Foxp2-V1 clade shows it contains over half of all V1 interneurons and provides the largest inhibitory input to motoneuron cell bodies. Foxp2-V1 subgroups differ in neurogenesis and proprioceptive input. Notably, one subgroup defined by Otp expression and located adjacent to the lateral motor column exhibits substantial input from proprioceptors, consistent with some Foxp2-V1 cells at this location forming part of reciprocal inhibitory pathways. This was confirmed with viral tracing methods for ankle flexors and extensors. The results validate the previous V1 clade classification as representing unique interneuron subtypes that differ in circuit placement with Foxp2-V1s forming the more complex subgroup. We discuss how V1 organizational diversity enables understanding of their roles in motor control, with implications for the ontogenetic and phylogenetic origins of their diversity.
Implicit motor adaptation patterns in a redundant motor task manipulating a stick with both hands
Authors: Kobayashi Toshiki , Nozaki Daichi
Published: May 2024

The remarkable ability of the motor system to adapt to novel environments has traditionally been investigated using kinematically non-redundant tasks, such as planar reaching movements. Due to this limitation, it remains poorly understood how the motor system achieves adaptation by altering the movement patterns of our redundant body. To address this issue, we developed a redundant motor task in which participants reached for targets with the tip of a virtual stick held with both hands. Despite the redundancy of the task, participants consistently employed a stereotypical strategy of flexibly changing the tilt angle of the stick depending on the direction of tip movement. Thus, this baseline relationship between tip-movement direction and stick-tilt angle constrained both the physical and visual movement patterns of the redundant system. Our task allowed us to systematically investigate how the motor system implicitly changed both the tip-movement direction and the stick-tilt angle in response to imposed visual perturbations. Both types of perturbations, whether directly affecting the task (tip-movement direction) or not (stick-tilt angle around the tip), drove adaptation, and the patterns of implicit adaptation were guided by the baseline relationship. Consequently, tip-movement adaptation was associated with changes in stick-tilt angle, and intriguingly, even seemingly ignorable stick-tilt perturbations significantly influenced tip-movement adaptation, leading to tip-movement direction errors. These findings provide a new understanding that the baseline relationship plays a crucial role not only in how the motor system controls movement of the redundant system, but also in how it implicitly adapts to modify movement patterns.
Additional feedforward mechanism of Parkin activation via binding of phospho-UBL and RING0 in trans
Authors: Lenka Dipti Ranjan , Dahe Shakti Virendra , Antico Odetta , Sahoo Pritiranjan , Prescott Alan R , Muqit Miratul MK , Kumar Atul
Published: May 2024

Loss-of-function Parkin mutations lead to early-onset of Parkinson’s disease. Parkin is an auto-inhibited ubiquitin E3 ligase activated by dual phosphorylation of its ubiquitin-like (Ubl) domain and ubiquitin by the PINK1 kinase. Herein, we demonstrate a competitive binding of the phospho-Ubl and RING2 domains towards the RING0 domain, which regulates Parkin activity. We show that phosphorylated Parkin can complex with native Parkin, leading to the activation of autoinhibited native Parkin in trans. Furthermore, we show that the activator element (ACT) of Parkin is required to maintain the enzyme kinetics, and the removal of ACT slows the enzyme catalysis. We also demonstrate that ACT can activate Parkin in trans but less efficiently than when present in the cis molecule. Furthermore, the crystal structure reveals a donor ubiquitin binding pocket in the linker connecting REP and RING2, which plays a crucial role in Parkin activity.
From sequence to molecules: Feature sequence-based genome mining uncovers the hidden diversity of bacterial siderophore pathways
Authors: Gu Shaohua , Shao Yuanzhe , Rehm Karoline , Bigler Laurent , Zhang Di , He Ruolin , Xu Ruichen , Shao Jiqi , Jousset Alexandre , Friman Ville-Petri , Bian Xiaoying , Wei Zhong , Kümmerli Rolf , Li Zhiyuan
Published: May 2024

Microbial secondary metabolites are a rich source for pharmaceutical discoveries and play crucial ecological functions. While tools exist to identify secondary metabolite clusters in genomes, precise sequence-to-function mapping remains challenging because neither function nor substrate specificity of synthesis enzymes can accurately be predicted. Here we developed a knowledge-guided bioinformatic pipeline to solve these issues. We analyzed 1928 genomes of
Pseudomonas
bacteria and focused on iron-scavenging pyoverdines as model metabolites. Our pipeline predicted 188 chemically different pyoverdines with nearly 100% structural accuracy and the presence of 94 distinct receptor groups required for the uptake of iron-loaded pyoverdines. Our pipeline unveils an enormous yet overlooked diversity of siderophores (151 new structures) and receptors (91 new groups). Our approach, combining feature sequence with phylogenetic approaches, is extendable to other metabolites and microbial genera, and thus emerges as powerful tool to reconstruct bacterial secondary metabolism pathways based on sequence data.
Endogenous oligomer formation underlies DVL2 condensates and promotes Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Ntourmas Senem , Sachs Martin , Paclíková Petra , Brückner Martina , Bryja Vítězslav , Behrens Jürgen , Bernkopf Dominic B
Published: May 2024

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway crucially depends on the polymerization of dishevelled 2 (DVL2) into biomolecular condensates. However, given the low affinity of known DVL2 self-interaction sites and its low cellular concentration, it is unclear how polymers can form. Here, we detect oligomeric DVL2 complexes at endogenous protein levels in human cell lines, using a biochemical ultracentrifugation assay. We identify a low-complexity region (LCR4) in the C-terminus whose deletion and fusion decreased and increased the complexes, respectively. Notably, LCR4-induced complexes correlated with the formation of microscopically visible multimeric condensates. Adjacent to LCR4, we mapped a conserved domain (CD2) promoting condensates only. Molecularly, LCR4 and CD2 mediated DVL2 self-interaction via aggregating residues and phenylalanine stickers, respectively. Point mutations inactivating these interaction sites impaired Wnt pathway activation by DVL2. Our study discovers DVL2 complexes with functional importance for Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, we provide evidence that DVL2 condensates form in two steps by pre-oligomerization via high-affinity interaction sites, such as LCR4, and subsequent condensation via low-affinity interaction sites, such as CD2.
CD81+ fibroblasts, a unique subpopulation with accelerated cellular senescence, exaggerate inflammation and activate neutrophils via C3/C3aR1 axis in periodontitis
Authors: Fu Liangliang , Yin Chenghu , Zhao Qin , Guo Shuling , Shao Wenjun , Xia Ting , Sun Quan , Chen Liangwen , Wang Min , Xia Haibin
Published: May 2024

Periodontitis, a prevalent inflammatory disease worldwide, poses a significant economic burden on society and the country. Despite numerous studies, the biological molecular mechanism underlying the development and progression of periodontitis remains unclear. Previous research has established a connection between cellular senescence and periodontitis. However, the role and mechanism of cell senescence in the progression of periodontitis have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to explore the involvement of cellular senescence in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and determine the underlying mechanisms. Our findings demonstrated that senescent cells accumulated during the periodontitis progress and inhibiting cellular senescence in periodontitis via administration of metformin successfully alleviated inflammation and bone loss. Moreover, several scRNA-seq analysis suggested that gingival fibroblasts were the main cell population undergoing cellular senescence during periodontitis, which helps mitigate tissue damage and bone loss. Furthermore, we identified a high expression of CD81 in the senescent gingival fibroblast population. These cells were found to actively contribute to inflammation through their potent pro-inflammatory metabolic activity and secretion of SASP-related factors. Additionally, they recruited neutrophils via the C3/C3aR1 pathway, indirectly sustaining the inflammatory response. These results provide valuable insights into the cellular and molecular basis of periodontitis-induced tissue damage, highlighting the significance of fibroblast senescence. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the relationship between CD81 and cellular senescence, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for periodontitis.
Influencia glaciar en la composición y diversidad de la comunidad del fitoplancton marino en la Bahía Almirantazgo, Isla Rey Jorge, Antártida
Authors: Medina Marcos Katy , Loarte Edwin , Rodriguez-Venturo Sofia , Baylón Coritoma Maribel , Tapia Pedro M
Published: May 2024

El cambio climático ha contribuido a un retroceso rápido de los glaciares en la Península Antártica Occidental, presentando implicaciones potenciales para los ecosistemas marinos, especialmente las comunidades de fitoplancton. En el presente trabajo, se examinó la influencia de la cercanía de los frentes glaciares en la composición de fitoplancton en Bahía Almirantazgo, Antártida, durante el verano austral de 2020. Se establecieron 12 estaciones distribuidas a diferentes distancias del frente glaciar para recolectar muestras de agua a 3 profundidades para el análisis cuantitativo de fitoplancton. Se determinó que la comunidad en todas las estaciones estaba dominada por microorganismos nanoflagelados (<20 µm) (95.5%), seguido por diatomeas (4.02%) y, por último, dinoflagelados (0.47%). El índice de diversidad (H′) varió entre 0.07 y 1.04 bits·célula–1, presentando los índices más altos en las estaciones más cercanas a los frentes glaciares y la más cercana a la costa (<3 km). Con base en la composición de la comunidad del fitoplancton, se identificaron 3 agrupaciones: (1) la estación más cercana a la costa, (2) las estaciones ubicadas entre 0.66 y 1.12 km del frente glaciar y (3) las estaciones entre 2.61 y 11.10 km del frente glaciar. En general, la diversidad presentó una relación polinomial de cuarto grado (R2 = 0.35) con la distancia al frente glaciar. Por lo tanto, se concluye que la composición de la comunidad de fitoplancton marino varía según su proximidad a los glaciares en Bahía Almirantazgo.
A Study on Price Spread Analysis and Marketing Efficiency of Ragi in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri Districts of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: N Venkatesa Palanichamy , K Deepak Kumar , M Kalpana , M Santhosh Kumar
Published: May 2024

Cereals like wheat and rice dominating food sources, millets have been underutilized despite their nutritional value and suitability for semi-arid regions. This research investigates the price spread analysis and marketing efficiency of Ragi, a millet variety, in Tamil Nadu. Focusing on Ragi cultivation in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts, the study employed a convenient sampling technique, surveying 90 farmers and various stakeholders. Structured interviews gathered data on cultivation practices, marketing costs, and value addition. Results reveal significant marketing costs and margins, with Channel II exhibiting the highest total marketing cost and margin. Price spread analysis highlights Channel III as the most cost-efficient, with the highest producer share. Using Acharya's method, Channel III demonstrates superior marketing efficiency compared to Channels I and II. Additionally, value share analysis indicates varying benefits among actors in different marketing channels. Overall, the study underscores the importance of understanding marketing dynamics to enhance efficiency and ensure equitable distribution of benefits within the Ragi value chain in Tamil Nadu.
Axially Chiral Phosphine‐Oxazoline Ligands in Silver(I)‐ Catalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reaction of Aldimines with Trimethylsiloxyfuran
Authors: Deng Hong‐Ping , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: November 2009

A new asymmetric catalytic system for the Mannich reaction of aldimines with trimethylsiloxyfuran is described. The combination of an axially chiral phosphine‐oxazoline ligand (S)‐2‐[(R)‐2′‐(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2‐yl]‐4‐phenyl‐4,5‐dihydrooxazole with silver acetate and 2,2,2‐trifluoroacetic acid is a very effective catalytic system in the asymmetric Mannich reaction of various aldimines with trimethylsiloxyfuran in dichloromethane at −78 °C, affording the corresponding adducts in up to 99% yield, 99:1 (dr) and 99% ee (major diastereoisomer) under mild conditions.
DiPAMP’s Big Brother “i‐Pr‐SMS‐Phos” Exhibits Exceptional Features Enhancing Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Olefins
Authors: Stephan Michel , Šterk Damjan , Mohar Barbara
Published: November 2009

Switching Knowles DiPAMP’s {DiPAMP=1,2‐bis[(o‐anisyl)(phenyl)phosphino]‐ ethane} MeO groups with i‐PrO ones led to the i‐Pr‐SMS‐Phos {i‐Pr‐SMS‐Phos=1,2‐bis[(o‐isoprop‐ oxyphenyl)(phenyl)phosphino]ethane} ligand which displayed a boosted catalyst activity coupled with an enhanced enantioselectivity in the rhodium(I)‐catalyzed hydrogenation of a wide‐range of representative olefinic substrates (dehydro‐α‐amido acids, itaconates, acrylates, enamides, enol acetates, α,α‐diarylethylenes, etc). The rhodium(I)‐(i‐Pr‐SMS‐Phos) catalytic profile was investigated revealing its structural attributes and robustness, and in contrast to the usual trend, 31P NMR analysis revealed that its methyl (Z)‐α‐acetamidocinnamate (MAC) adduct consisted of a reversed diastereomeric ratio of 1.4:1 in favour of the most reactive diastereomer.
Highly sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric approach for the rapid determination of trace benzo[α]pyrene in drinking water and in solutions leached from disposable paper cups
Authors: Zhou Na , Luo He‐Dong , Li Na , Jia Yu‐zhu , Li Yao‐Qun
Published: November 2009

Based on the excellent band narrowing and background suppressing features of second‐derivative constant‐energy synchronous spectrofluorimetry with a Δ$\bar\upsilon$ value of 1400 cm−1, the strong fluorescence intensity for benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) obtained in dichloromethane and the use of standard addition method, a highly sensitive and selective approach for the quantitative determination of trace amount of BaP in drinking water has been established in this study. The detection and quantification limits were 0.11 and 0.37 ng L−1, respectively, and the recoveries obtained from spiked Milli‐Q water, bottled natural spring water, tank‐purified water and tap water at different concentrations, ranged from 86.0 to 104.0%. This method has been applied for the determination of trace BaP in solution leached from disposable paper cups. The experimental results indicated that BaP was leached from paper cups when filled with hot water, but it was not detected when cool (unheated) water was used. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.