bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Jurassic climate and atmospheric CO2 concentration in the Sichuan paleobasin, southwestern China
Authors: Li Xianghui , Wang Jingyu , Rasbury Troy , Zhou Min , Wei Zhen , Zhang Chaokai
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Climatic oscillations have been developed through the (Early)
Jurassic from marine sedimentary archives but remain unclear from
terrestrial records. This work presents investigation of climate-sensitive
sediments and carbon and oxygen isotope analyses of lacustrine and pedogenic
carbonates for the Early Jurassic Ziliujing Formation taken from the Basin in southwestern China. Sedimentary and stable isotope proxies
manifest that an overall secular (semi)arid climate dominated the Sichuan
Basin
during the Early Jurassic, except for the Hettangian. This climate pattern is
similar to the arid climate in the Colorado Plateau region in western North
America but is distinct from the relatively warm and humid climate in northern China
and at high latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere. The estimated atmospheric CO2
concentration (pCO2) from carbon isotopes of pedogenic carbonates shows
a range of 980–2610 ppmv (∼3.5–10 times the pre-industrial
value) with a mean of 1660 ppmv. Three phases of pCO2 (the
Sinemurian 1500–2000 ppmv, the Pliensbachian 1000–1500 ppmv, and the early
Toarcian 1094–2610 ppmv) and two events of pCO2 rapidly falling by
∼1000–1300 ppmv are observed, illustrating the pCO2
perturbation in the Early Jurassic. The perturbation of pCO2 is
compatible with seawater temperature and carbon cycle from the coeval marine
sediments, suggesting a positive feedback of climate to pCO2 through the Early Jurassic.
Circum-Indian ocean hydroclimate at the mid to late Holocene
transition: The Double Drought hypothesis and consequences for the
Harappan
Authors: Scroxton Nick , Burns Stephen J. , McGee David , Godfrey Laurie R. , Ranivoharimanana Lovasoa , Faina Peterson
Published: November 2020

Abstract. The decline of the Mature Harappan period of the Harappan civilization in and around the Indus Valley between 4.3 and 3.9 kyr BP, its transition to the Late Harappan and subsequent abandonment by 3.0 kyr BP are frequently attributed to a reduction in summer monsoon rainfall associated with the 4.2 kyr event (4.26–3.97 kyr BP). Yet while the 4.2 kyr event is well documented in the Mediterranean and Middle East, its global footprint is undetermined, and its impact on monsoon rainfall largely unexplored. In this study we investigate the spatial and temporal variability of the tropical circum-Indian ocean hydroclimate in the mid to late Holocene. We conducted Monte-Carlo principal component analysis, taking into account full age uncertainty, on ten high-resolution, precisely dated paleohydroclimate records from the circum-Indian Ocean basin, all growing continuously or almost continuously between 5 and 3 kyr BP. The results indicate the dominant mode of variability in the region was a drying between 3.967 kyr BP (±0.095 kyr standard error) and 3.712 kyr BP (±0.092 kyr standard error) with dry conditions lasting for at least 300 years in some records, but a permanent change in others. We interpret PC1 and the drying event as a proxy of summer monsoon variability. A more abrupt event from 4.2 to 3.9 kyr BP is seen locally in individual records, but is often not of unusual magnitude, lacks regional coherence and is of minor importance to the principal component analysis. This result does not fit the prevailing narrative of a summer monsoon drought at the 4.2 kyr event contributing to the decline of Harappan civilisation. Instead we present the Double Drought Hypothesis. A comparison of existing Indian subcontinent paleoclimate records, modern climatology, the spatial and temporal evolution of Harappan archaeological sites, and upstream climatic variability in the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean and Middle East indicates two consecutive droughts were contributing factors in the decline of the Harappan. The first drought was an abrupt 300-year long winter rainfall drought between 4.26 and 3.97 kyr BP, associated with the 4.2 kyr event, propagated from the Mediterranean and Middle East. This led to Harappan site abandonment in the Indus valley and the end of Mature Harappan period. The second drought was a more gradual but longer lasting reduction in summer monsoon rainfall beginning 3.97 kyr BP leading to the further site abandonment at sites in Gujarat, a transition towards a more rural society, and the end of the Late Harappan. The consequences for the new mid to late Holocene Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point in a stalagmite from Meghalaya are explored.
Antarctic atmospheric boundary layer observations with the Small Unmanned
Meteorological Observer (SUMO)
Authors: Cassano John J. , Nigro Melissa A. , Seefeldt Mark W. , Katurji Marwan , Guinn Kelly , Williams Guy , DuVivier Alice
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Between January 2012 and June 2017 a small unmanned aerial system (UAS), known as the Small Unmanned Meteorological Observer (SUMO), was used to observe the state of the atmospheric boundary layer in the Antarctic. During 6 Antarctic field campaigns 116 SUMO flights were completed. These flights took place during all seasons over both permanent ice and ice free locations on the Antarctic continent and over sea ice in the western Ross Sea. Sampling was completed during spiral ascent and descent flight paths that observed the temperature, humidity, pressure and wind up to 1000 m above ground level and sampled the entire depth of the atmospheric boundary layer as well as portions of the free atmosphere above the boundary layer. A wide variety of boundary layer states were observed including very shallow, strongly stable conditions during the Antarctic winter and deep, convective conditions over ice free locations in the summer. The Antarctic atmospheric boundary layer data collected by the SUMO sUAS, described in this paper, can be retrieved from the United States Antarctic Program Data Center (https://www.usap-dc.org). The data for all flights conducted on the continent are available at https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601054 (Cassano 2017; https://doi.org/10.15784/601054) and data from the Ross Sea flights, are available at https://www.usap-dc.org/view/dataset/601191 (Cassano 2019; https://doi.org/10.15784/601191).
Silicone v1.0.0: an open-source Python package for inferring missing emissions data for climate change research
Authors: Lamboll Robin D. , Nicholls Zebedee R. J. , Kikstra Jarmo S. , Meinshausen Malte , Rogelj Joeri
Published: November 2020

Abstract. Integrated assessment models (IAMs) project future
anthropogenic emissions which can be used as input for climate models.
However, the full list of climate-relevant emissions is lengthy and most
IAMs do not model all of them. Here we present Silicone, an open-source
Python package which infers anthropogenic emissions of unmodelled species
based on other reported emissions projections. For example, it can infer
nitrous oxide emissions in one scenario based on carbon dioxide emissions
from that scenario plus the relationship between nitrous oxide and carbon
dioxide emissions found in other scenarios. Infilling broadens the range of
IAMs available for exploring projections of future climate change, and hence
Silicone forms part of the open-source pipeline for assessments of the
climate implications of IAM scenarios, led by the Integrated Assessment
Modelling Consortium (IAMC). This paper presents a variety of infilling
options and outlines their suitability for different cases. We
recommend certain infilling techniques as good defaults but emphasise
that considering the specifics of the model being infilled will produce
better results. We demonstrate the package's utility with three examples:
infilling all required gases for a pathway with data for only one emission
species, splitting up a Kyoto emissions total into separate gases, and
complementing a set of idealised emissions curves to provide a complete,
consistent emissions portfolio. The code and notebooks explaining details of
the package and how to use it are available on GitHub (https://github.com/GranthamImperial/silicone, last access: 2 November 2020). The repository with this
paper's examples and uses of the code to complement existing research is
available at https://github.com/GranthamImperial/silicone_examples (last access: 2 November 2020).
La calle por bandera. Gramáticas, tropos y marcadores en los movimientos urbanos del Cabanyal (Valencia, España)
Authors: Santamarina Campos Beatriz , Mompó Eva
Published: November 2020

En este artículo, analizamos cómo los movimientos urbanos se apropian de espacios de la ciudad mediante su resignificación, inscriben en el territorio sus demandas y dotan de contenido los lugares a través de potentes marcadores. A partir del caso del barrio del Cabanyal (Valencia, España) mostraremos cómo, a lo largo de veinte años de resistencia, las calles se han convertido en teatros de diversas representaciones y reivindicaciones. Los cambios escénicos y las luchas por conquistar el paisaje han transformado los movimientos en auténticos tramoyistas del barrio. Eso sin olvidar que la disputa por el Cabanyal llevó a las autoridades políticas locales a convertir algunas zonas en decorados fantasma o a marcar sus conquistas de forma explícita. Recorreremos las calles para leer las memorias ancladas en ellas y las pugnas de los movimientos urbanos por crear sus propios significados y símbolos barriales.
La técnica Delphi para la validación de escalas de medida: las variables innovación y reputación dentro de almazaras cooperativas
Authors: Castilla-Polo Francisca , Ruiz-Rodríguez María del Consuelo , Delgado-Marfil Carlos
Published: November 2020

Nuestro estudio analiza el papel de la innovación en el logro de un mejor posicionamiento estratégico de almazaras cooperativas a través de su reputación. La necesidad de diferenciación en la industria del aceite de oliva se considera una cuestión fundamental en su futuro. Lo anterior justifica nuestro objetivo de diseñar una escala de medida para abordar la medición de la innovación cooperativa al entenderla fundamental para mejorar la reputación de estas empresas y, por extensión, para diferenciarse en un mercado tan complejo como el del aceite de oliva. La metodología utilizada ha incorporado dos fases. La revisión bibliográfica ha sido fundamental para la creación de un modelo conceptual que vincule a estos dos activos: innovación y reputación. Como segunda etapa metodológica, la técnica Delphi con expertos del campo de la innovación y del ámbito cooperativo, nos ha permitido la adaptación de la literatura previa al caso concreto que nos ocupa. Nuestros resultados han validado una escala basada en indicadores mayoritariamente de tipo no financiero para abordar la medición de las variables innovación y reputación permitiendo a través de la misma tanto ayudar a una más adecuada gestión de la innovación por parte de los gerentes de almazaras como aprovechar el máximo beneficio en términos reputacionales.
An overview of the gut side of the SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Barbosa da Luz Bruna , de Oliveira Natalia Mulinari Turin , França dos Santos Isabella Wzorek , Paza Luana Zampieron , Braga Lara Luisa Valerio de Mello , Platner Fernanda da Silva , Werner Maria Fernanda de Paula , Fernandes Elizabeth Soares , Maria-Ferreira Daniele
Published: November 2020

In late 2019, an outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) initiated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. The major clinical symptoms described for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) include respiratory distress and pneumonia in severe cases, and some patients may experience gastrointestinal impairments. In accordance, viral RNA or live infectious virus have been detected in feces of patients with COVID-19. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a vital pathway for the virus entry into human cells, including those of the respiratory mucosa, esophageal epithelium as well as the absorptive enterocytes from ileum and colon. The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 receptor may decrease the receptor expression and disrupt the function of B0AT1 transporter influencing the diarrhea observed in COVID-19 patients. In this context, a fecal-oral transmission route has been considered and points out a role for the digestive tract in disease transmission and severity. Here, in order to further understand the impact of COVID-19 in human physiology, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity are discussed in the context of gastrointestinal disturbances.
Muscle weakness assessment in older intensive care unit patients
Authors: Lopes Amanda Colombo Peteck , Coltro Paulo Henrique , Lopes Vagner José , Fiori Sandra Mari Pistore , Knapik Jaqueline Santana , Boumer Tatiane Caroline
Published: November 2020

INTRODUCTION: After long periods of hospitalization, older adults may develop muscle weakness that can affect their functional independence after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To assess muscle weakness in older patients admitted to an ICU. METHOD: This cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach assessed functional independence with the Katz Index and post-ICU muscle strength with a handgrip strength (HS) test and the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum-score. The sample consisted of 60 patients with an average age of 76 (60–99) years, 36 (60%) of whom were female. RESULTS: Post-ICU, 86.7% of the patients were functionally dependent. Female patients had significantly lower HS than males: 7 (0–24) vs. 17 (1–37) (p < 0.001). Female patients who received mechanical ventilation (MV) or sedation had significantly lower HS and MRC scores than those who did not (p < 0.001): HS MV 1 (0–13) vs. 11 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC MV 35 (14–48) vs. 43 (27–57) p < 0.001; HS sedation 0 (0–12) vs. 9 (0–24) p < 0.001; MRC sedation 34 (14–36) vs. 42 (22–57) p < 0.001, respectively. Finally, there was an inversely proportional correlation between HS, MRC scores, and ICU length of stay, Spearman’s rho = -0.267 (p = 0.0039) and Spearman’s rho = -0.347 (p = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION: Older women who received mechanical ventilation and sedation have lower muscle strength than those who did not. As the ICU length of stay increases, muscle strength decreases.
Perception of a multidisciplinary team on physical restraint use on older adults: care paradoxes
Authors: Andrade Maria Risiane da Silva , Couto Marcia Bastos , Carvalho Ana Carolina Siqueira de , Barros Patricia de Fátima Augusto , DelValle Romulo , Santana Rosimere Ferreira
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of a multidisciplinary team on the use of physical restraint in older adults. METHODS: Qualitative research conducted with 58 health professionals in two long term care facilities for older adults located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Semi-structured interviews were further analyzed using thematic content analysis. The data was collected from November 2017 to June 2018. RESULTS: Twenty-one initial codes were identified and organized in three categories: team perception of the consequences and risks of a physical restraint (the patient’s safety paradox); implications of the decision of physical restraint of the older adults; and strategies to restrain and not restrain. CONCLUSIONS: The results reinforce the need for training of professionals on restraint-free alternatives of care, as part promoting a culture of care that respects the right to freedom and the dignity of people — especially the most vulnerable ones.
Some logical issues in discrete mathematics and algorithmic thinking
Authors: Durand-Guerrier Viviane
Published: November 2020

The role of logic in mathematics education has been widely discussed from the seventies and eighties during the “modern maths period” till now, and remains still a rather controversial issue in the international community. Nevertheless, the relevance of discrete mathematics and algorithmic thinking for the development of heuristic and logical competences is both one of the main points of the program of Tamás Varga, and of some didactic teams in France. In this paper, we first present the semantic perspective in mathematics education and the role of logic in the Hungarian tradition. Then, we present insights on the role of research problems in the French tradition. Finely, we raise some didactical issues in algorithmic thinking at the interface of mathematics and computer science.

Subject Classification: 97E30
"How to be well-connected?" An example for instructional process planning with Problem Graphs
Authors: Varga Eszter
Published: November 2020

Teachers’ design capacity at work is in the focus of didactical research worldwide, and fostering this capacity is unarguably a possible turning point in the conveyance of mathematical knowledge. In Hungary, the tradition hallmarked by Tamás Varga is particularly demanding towards teachers as they are supposed to be able to plan their long-term processes very carefully. In this contribution, an extensive teaching material designed in the spirit of this tradition will be presented from the field of Geometry. For exposing its inner structure, a representational tool, the Problem Graph is introduced. The paper aims to demonstrate that this tool has potential for analyzing existing resources, helping teachers to reflect on their own preparatory and classroom work, and supporting the creation of new designs.

Subject Classification: 97D40, 97D50, 97D80, 97G10, 97U30
Integrating elements of data science into high-school teaching
Authors: Vancsó Ödön , Princz Péter
Published: November 2020

Probability theory and mathematical statistics are traditionally one of the most difficult chapters of mathematics to teach. One of the authors, Péter Princz has experience in teaching various topics via computer programming of the problem at hand as a class activity. The proposed method is to involve programming as a didactic tool in hard-to-teach topics. The intended goal in this case is to implement a naïve Bayes-classifier algorithm in Python and demonstrate the machine-learning capabilities of it by applying it to a real-world dataset of edible or poisonous mushrooms. The students would implement the algorithm in a playful and interactive way. The proposed incremental development process aligns well with the spirit of Tamás Varga who considered computers as modern tools of experimental problem solving as early as in the 1960s.

Subject Classification: 97D40, 97D50, 97K50, 97K99, 97M60, 97P40, 97P50, 97U50
tools for developing a spatial geometric approach
Authors: Stettner Eleonóra , Emese György
Published: November 2020

Tamás Varga writes about the use of tools: "The rational use of tools - the colored bars, the Dienes set, the logical set, the geoboard, and some other tools - is an element of our experiment that is important for all students, but especially for disadvantaged learners." (Varga T. 1977) The range of tools that can be used well in teaching has grown significantly over the years. This paper compares spatial geometric modeling kits. Tamás Varga uses the possibilities of the Babylon building set available in Hungary in the 1970s, collects space and flat geometry problems for this (Varga T. 1973). Similarly, structured kits with significantly more options have been developed later, e.g. ZomeTool and 4D Frame. These tools are regularly used in the programs of the International Experience Workshop (http://www.elmenymuhely.-hu/?lang=en). Teachers, schools that have become familiar with the versatile possibilities of these sets, use them often in the optional and regular classes. We recorded a lesson on video where secondary students worked with the 4D Frame kit. We make some comments and offer some thoughts on this lesson.

Subject Classification: 97G40, 97D40
Virtual manipulatives in inquiry-based approach of 3D problems by French 5th graders
Authors: Pacurar Ecaterina , Magot Claude-Alexandre , Cabassut Richard , Solon Yohan
Published: November 2020

The aim of this research is to study the appropriation of a 3D environment by learners in an a-didactical situation of problem solving. We try to evaluate the relevance of the virtual 3D environment in the development of students' cognitive and metacognitive abilities. We implanted a problem-solving activity related to a 3D cube situation with an empty part in the cube in different French primary school areas in May 2019. In the experimental group each learner works individually with a PC-computer where the virtual environment ANIPPO is implemented. In the control group the pupils work in a traditional class environment. We present the results of this pre-experimentation.

Subject Classification: 97D50, 97U60, 97U70
Multidimensionality of school phobia for the example of Matusz’s case study
Authors: Mądry-Kupiec Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

The article deals with the problem of multidimensionality of the symptoms occurring in school phobia ‒ a disorder in relation to which a different, sometimes wrong diagnosis is made. The symptom appearing in a child is symbolic. It is often a signal that must be well recognised to find out its meaning, purpose and causes. Through the symptom, the child speaks about himself in the language that is available to him, because the symptom always communicates something. The article proposes different, general approach to the symptom in which the structure, time, emotions and types of symptoms are important. These issues are illustrated in an individual case study of a teenage Mateusz. The conclusion that arises after an in-depth case analysis allows us to believe, that effective psychological and pedagogical help requires following the child and what the child communicates consciously and unconsciously.
Teachers' expectations with regard to the activity of the fourth-grader in the process of constructing knowledge
Authors: Kupiec Monika
Published: November 2020

In the constructivist perspective, learning is the process of actively constructing knowledge during constant interactions with the environment. Such a definition of learning changes the understanding of the teaching process, influencing the division and scope of roles of both educational entities – the student and the teacher. Education in a constructivist vision is a process in which the student is active, and the teacher – activating, organizing the environment for the activity of his student, during which knowledge is not passed on in the final form, but constructed through the use of tools – methods.
The article attempts to describe the tendencies in teachers' expectations regarding student activity during lesson. The answer to the question of what activity of fourth-graders teachers expect during lessons was related to an attempt to understand the teacher's perception of the role of a student and his own role in the process of constructing knowledge. Thanks to the adopted phenomenographic perspective, the statements cited in this article, focusing on selected categories, reveal a tendency to negatively evaluate experiences gained in early childhood education and a lack of understanding of the essence of the student's activity in constructing knowledge. The teachers' statements collected for the purposes of the article, related to the expectations regarding the student's activity, clearly indicate the still valid need to promote active methods of teaching, raising awareness to the essence of activity in constructing knowledge, but especially ‒ they show the need to diagnose the types, causes and effects of its mystification in the teaching process.
Aesthetic experience as a condition for giving meaning to the music of 20th-century Polish composers by children
Authors: Majzner Rafał
Published: November 2020

In the study, the author attempts to reconstruct theoretical issues related to listening to classical music as a form of the child's music activity, and in this context presents the results of the research on the perception of music by Mieczysław Karłowicz, Ludomir Różycki and Grzegorz Fitelberg. The paper analyzes children's statements inspired by selected works. Furthermore, in the article, the author attempts to substantiate the thesis saying that the fact of the presence of a musical work creates a potential possibility of impact, but only the engaged hearing, seeing and understanding of this work by the child causes an aesthetic experience.
New species and records of Evanioidea and Stephanoidea from New Caledonia (Hymenoptera)
Authors: Ramage Thibault , Jouault Corentin
Published: November 2020

Three new species of aulacid wasps, Aulacus pascali sp. nov., Pristaulacus elveni sp. nov. and Pristaulacus villemantae sp. nov., and a new species of gasteruptiid wasp, Gasteruption jenningsi sp. nov., are described and figured. Additionally, we update identification keys to New Caledonia species of aulacids and gasteruptiids. We also provide new data on New Caledonian Evaniidae, Gasteruptiidae and Stephanidae.
Chemical vapor deposition growth of large-areas two dimensional materials: Approaches and mechanisms
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wang Wen-Hui , Lü Jun-Peng , Ni Zhen-Hua ,   School of Physics, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Published: November 2020

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials have attracted increasing attention in recent years because of their abundant material categories and superior physical/chemical properties. In order to satisfy the requirements for highly integrated devices in the post-Moore era, substantial efforts have been devoted to producing atomically thin 2D materials with large lateral dimensions and high crystalline quality. The controllable synthesis is the precondition of the implementation of large mass producing 2D material in industry. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a powerful method widely used in the synthesis of 2D materials and their hybrid structures. However, it is still challengeable to flexibly and easily grow any 2D materials into large area. Therefore, a systematic understanding of the requirements for controllable growth of different 2D materials are desired. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the influencing factors, material transport, nucleation and growth rate in the CVD growth process. Finally, the strategies to further improve the size and quality of 2D materials are prospected.
Manipulation of low-frequency resonance scattering from submerged slightly deformed polymer cylinders
Authors: Zhou Yan-Ling , Wang Bin , Fan Jun ,   State Key Laboratory of Ocean Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Ship and Deep-Sea Exploration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: November 2020

Backscattering enhancement associated with subsonic Rayleigh wave resonance of a polymethlmethacrylate (PMMA) cylinder is observed at low frequencies in water, which suggests that the PMMA cylinders may have essential applications in the low-frequency standard scatterer design. A slightly deformed surface structure with regular corrugation is presented to manipulate the low-frequency backscattering resonance frequency of PMMA cylinder passively. Using the perturbation method, the approximate resonance frequency shift is derived for an infinite slightly deformed cylinder with regular corrugations. Based on the phase matching of Rayleigh waves, the mechanism of low-frequency resonance frequency shift is revealed. Studies show that compared with a bare cylinder, a small boundary deformation can cause the propagation path of Rayleigh waves to change, namely, the Rayleigh waves propagate along the slightly deformed surface with regular corrugations. The modified propagation path can cause the propagation phase to change, which brings about the low-frequency backscattering resonance frequency shift of a PMMA cylinder. Furthermore, how the resonance frequency shifts with the deformation coefficient and period of the corrugation is discussed in detail. The backscattering resonance frequency of the regular corrugated cylinder shifts to low frequency with the increase of ξ under the condition of the deformation coefficient ξ > 0, but shifts to high frequency with the decrease of ξ at ξ < 0, and the resonance frequency shift increases with the increase of absolute value of deformation coefficient. When corrugation period m < 10, the phase variation with m is too small, so the corrugation period has little effect on the resonance frequency shift. Finally, acoustic scattering experiment of the regular corrugated cylinder is conducted in the tank. The resonance frequency shift is obviously observed in the experiment, which is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. Hence, the characteristics of backscattering enhancement associated with subsonic Rayleigh wave and the resonance frequency shifts make the PMMA deformed cylinder have potential applications such as in standard scatter design and identification using “AcoustiCode”.
Tnni1b-ECR183-d2, an 87 bp cardiac enhancer of zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Yawen , Wang Feng , Wu Fang , Wang Youhua , Wang Xu , Gui Yonghao , Li Qiang
Published: November 2020

Background

Several heart malformations are associated with mutations in the regulatory regions of cardiac genes.Troponin I type 1b (tnni1b)is important for the formation of the atrioventricular canal in zebrafish hearts; however, the regulation oftnni1bis poorly understand. We aimed to identify a small but functional enhancer that is distal totnni1b.

Methods

Evolutionary Conserved Region (ECR) Browser was used to analyze the 219 kb zebrafish and human genomes covering thetnni1bgene as well as the 100 kb regions upstream and downstream oftnni1b. Putative transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) were analyzed using JASPAR and PROMO, and the enhancer activity was identified using zebrafish embryos and the luciferase reporter assay. A correlation analysis between the enhancer and transcription factors (TFs) was performed via TF overexpression and TFBS mutation experiments and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). To analyze the conservation between zebrafish and human enhancers, human DNA fragments were functionally verified. Images were captured and analyzed by fluorescence microscopy or confocal microscopy.

Results

Combined with comparative analysis and functional validation, we identified a 183 bp ECR (termed tnni1b-ECR183) that was located approximately 84 kb upstream oftnni1bthat had the heart-specific enhancer activity in zebrafish. TFBS analysis and the enhancer activity detection assay data showed that the 87 bp core region (termed tnni1b-ECR183-d2) was capable of driving specific GFP expression near the atrioventricular junction and increased luciferase expression in HEK293 and HL1 cell lines. The GFP pattern in zebrafish embryos was similar to the expression profiles oftnni1b. A correlation analysis showed that the enhancer activity of tnni1b-ECR183-d2 was increased when NKX2.5 (p = 0.0006) or JUN (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed and was decreased when the TFBSs of NKX2.5 (p < 0.0001) or JUN (p = 0.0018) were mutated. In addition, DNA-protein interactions were not observed between these TFs and tnni1b-ECR183-d2 in the EMSA experiment. The conservation analysis showed that tnni1b-ECR183-h179 (aligned from tnni1b-ECR183) drove GFP expression in the heart and skeletal muscles and increased the luciferase expression after NKX2.5 (p < 0.0001), JUN (p < 0.0001) or ETS1 (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed. Interestingly, the truncated fragment tnni1b-ECR183-h84 mainly drove GFP expression in the skeletal muscles of zebrafish and the enhancer activity decreased when NKX2.5 (p = 0.0028), ETS1 (p = 0.0001) or GATA4 (p < 0.0001) was overexpressed.

Conclusions

An 87 bp cardiac-specific enhancer located 84 kb upstream oftnni1bin zebrafish was positively correlated with NKX2.5 or JUN. The zebrafish and human enhancers in this study target different tissues. The GFP expression mediated by tnni1b-ECR183-d2 is a valuable tool for marking the domain around the atrioventricular junction.
Characterization and comparison of the bacterial communities of rhizosphere and bulk soils from cadmium-polluted wheat fields
Authors: Song Li , Pan Zhenzhi , Dai Yi , Chen Lin , Zhang Li , Liao Qilin , Yu Xiezhi , Guo Hongyan , Zhou Guisheng
Published: November 2020

Cadmium pollution is becoming a serious problem due to its nondegradability and substantial negative influence on the normal growth of crops, thereby harming human health through the food chain. Rhizospheric bacteria play important roles in crop tolerance. However, there is little experimental evidence which demonstrates how various cadmium concentrations affect the bacterial community in wheat fields including rhizosphere microorganisms and nonrhizosphere (bulk) microorganisms. In this study, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing technology was used to investigate bacterial communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils under different levels of pollution in terms of cadmium concentration. Both the richness and diversity of the rhizosphere microorganism community were higher under nonpolluted soil and very mild and mild cadmium-contaminated soils than compared with bulk soil, with a shift in community profile observed under severe cadmium pollution. Moreover, cadmium at various concentrations had greater influence on bacterial composition than for the nonpolluted site. In addition, redundancy analysis (RDA) and Spearman’s analysis elucidated the impact of exchangeable Cd and total Cd on bacterial community abundance and composition. This study suggests that cadmium imposes a distinct effect on bacterial community, both in bulk and rhizosphere soils of wheat fields. This study increases our understanding of how bacterial communities in wheat fields shaped under different concentrations of cadmium.
Associations of alcohol consumption with chronic diseases, lifestyle behaviors and socioeconomic-demographic characteristics in India
Authors: Patel Sunita , Ram Faujdar , Parry Charles , Kumar Patel Surendra
Published: November 2020

Aims: The objective of the present study was to analyse self-reported and measured chronic diseases and their association with alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the study examined the intensity and patterns of alcohol consumption by lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics among respondents with chronic diseases.Methods: Secondary data were analysed from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE), Wave 1 (2007–08), covering respondents aged 18 and older (10,914) in India. Chronic diseases, namely chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, asthma, depression and angina were self-reported as diagnoses and measured using validated epidemiological tools. A multivariable adjusted logistic regression model was used to analyze the association of quantity of alcohol consumed and patterns of alcohol consumption with chronic diseases. A multinomial multivariable regression model was used to examine the risk ratio between alcohol consumption and each lifestyle characteristic among the diseased population.Results: About 17.0% (1,432/10,914) of the population consumed alcohol. At 18.0% (1,967/10,914), the prevalence of self-reported chronic diseases was lower than measured chronic diseases (37.5%; 4091/10,914). Moderate drinking was associated with self-reported hypertension (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.10, 2.55) and measured hypertension (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.16, 2.42). Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per session was associated with self-reported depression (OR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.32, 5.45). Alcohol consumption of more than three drinks per session was associated with vigorous physical activity (RRR = 3.57; 95% CI = 1.25, 10.23). Heavy drinking was associated with the risk of having a body mass index in the overweight range (RRR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.17, 4.47).Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate that alcohol is a risk factor for hypertension, self-reported depression and being overweight, with these associations varying with the amount of alcohol consumed. A coordinated, targeted multisectoral approach is needed to improve knowledge and awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and to strengthen alcohol use control policies in India.
Roles of Technology Enhanced Learning in Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance among Laboratory Professionals in Public Health Facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Bawa Nura , Imam Hafsat Yusuf
Published: November 2020

Technology has been found effective in almost all aspects of life. This includes its effectiveness in the field of education through technology enhanced learning. This paper aimed to look at roles of technology enhanced learning in tackling antimicrobial resistance among laboratory professionals in public health facilities in Nigeria. Qualitative research design was adopted for the study. Population of the study included all 75300 laboratory professionals in the North-west Nigeria. Convenience sampling technique was used to select 382 participants as sample for the study. This was guided by Research Advisors Model for selection of sample size. The instrument (open ended questionnaire) was used to gather data for the study. It was validated by experts, pilot study was conducted, and reliability index of 0.88 was obtained. It was found from the study that most of the health care professionals lamented not only they lack modern laboratory equipment but also lack technical knows how to operate the modern laboratory equipment/tools/apparatuses. It also was gathered that vast majority of them use handheld devices (smart phones) with few of them using laptops and in extreme cases desktops computers for learning and other day-to-day activities. Based on the findings from the study, it was concluded that in the 21st Century, collaborations through technology has become imminent. Thus, technology enhanced professional learning will not only help share information about global challenges but also help in providing lasting solutions to it. The study recommended that workshops and regular trainings should be organized to teach health care professionals on how to effectively collaborate, generate and share information through social media platforms.
Agri-business in North East India: Current Status, Potential Ventures and Strategies
Authors: Kadirvel G. , Gangmei Digia Lois , Banerjee Bandita B. , Assumi S. R. , Dkhar Sao Evalwell , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: November 2020

The Northeast region (NER) of India comprises of 8 sister states namely Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur. The region has an agrarian economy composing of rich agricultural resources which needs strategic exploration for inclusive growth of the region. This can be achieved through the realization of the immense scope and potential for agribusiness in the region. The study aims to explore the agribusiness scenario in the region and to throw light on the constraints in the sector prevailing in the region. Several agribusiness ventures have also been discussed which have potential in the region’s unique business ecosystem. Finally several strategies were provided which may have policy implications on future entrepreneurial development strategies in the region. The descriptive policy paper was formulated based on data collected and experienced gained from over four years (2016-2020) of entrepreneurial development activities by the Agri Business Incubation Centre under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Research Centre for North Eastern Hill region (ICAR RC for NEH) and its 5 regional centers across the NER. Further, references from other researchers have been included to substantiate the topics discussed here and improve validity of the observations. Agribusiness sector in the region may be promoted through intensified entrepreneurial initiatives by adequately exploiting the resource potential, particularly in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fishery sector. This creation of market driven products to suffice the demands of growing middle-class consumers will lead to improve rural employment generation, augment farm income and raise revenue through intensified participation in export trade. However several infrastructural, technical and policy improvement have to be made in order to unlock the potential of these ventures. Only planned structural and strategic changes which include increased exports, impactful research and development, institutional support, etc., can be catalytic for entrepreneurial development in the region.
Effect of Performance-based Financing on the Coverage of Antenatal Care and Immunization Services in Buea Health District, Cameroon
Authors: Ekenja Betrand , Mbah Finley
Published: November 2020

Introduction and Aim: Financing healthcare is a major factor in our society today which affects access to quality healthcare. The MDGs reached their deadline in 2015 but progress has been insufficient with reducing the morbidity and mortality rates of diseases. The healthcare system of Cameroon is characterized by low coverage for preventive care services. Innovative ways must be identified to fast track the coverage of MCH services. Lack of incentives affects the coverage of ANC and immunization services. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PBF on the coverage of ANC and immunization services.

Methods: An experimental study design was used and health facilities in the Buea Health District were randomly selected and assigned to one of four groups, three intervention groups (T1, C1 and C2) and one control group (C3). Using multistage sampling, a total of 434 postpartum mothers and 474 children participated in the study. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used and data was analyzed using EPI Info version 3.5.4 and STATA version 10.1 statistical software.

Results: The mean age of the 434 postpartum mothers was 26.03. Supervision alone had significant effect on the four or more ANC visits (p=0.04). Both financing and supervision had statistically significant effect on the four or more ANC visits (p=0.003) and immunization. Financing and fixed per capita budgetary supplement did not have a significant effect on the coverage of ANC and immunization services.

Conclusion: Both Financing and enforced supervision is necessary in order to improve the coverage of ANC and immunization services thus accelerating progress towards improving MCH.
Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein-1 Expression in Salmonella typhi Infection with Acute Recurrence State of Typhoid Fever in Endemic Areas, Indonesia
Authors: Junita Ade Rifka , Hamid Firdaus , Natzir Rosdiana , Agus Rosana , Bahar Burhanuddin , Hatta Mochammad
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: The molecular pathogenesis of typhoid fever is complex and the host susceptibility mechanisms such as Natural Resistance Associated Macrophages Protein-1 (NRAMP-1) are poorly understood. This study explores the expression of NRAMP-1 in the serum of Acute Recurrence State (ARS) of typhoid fever compared with typhoid fever patients and healthy persons.

Methods: Thirty of ARS of typhoid fever and 30 typhoid fever patients were collect from several Primary Health Care and Hospitals in the endemic area. Diagnosis of typhoid fever based on clinical symptoms and confirmed by blood culture. Healthy persons were collect from the Blood Transfusion Unit, Makassar, Indonesia. The expression of NRAMP-1 was determined using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: The mean of NRAMP-1 expression in 30 ARS of typhoid fever and 30 typhoid fever were found 10.941,56 pg/mL and 11.027,65 pg/mL, respectively. However, the mean of NRAMP-1 expression in healthy persons was found 21.103,91 pg/mL.

Conclusion: No different the expression of NRAMP-1 in ARS of typhoid fever compared with typhoid fever patients. However, expression of NRAMP-1 in both ARS of typhoid fever and typhoid fever showed significantly lower than healthy persons. Future study is needed to explore the other molecular factors involved to become ARS.
Isolation of glucagon‐37 (bioactive enteroglucagon/oxyntomodulin) from porcine jejuno‐ileum
Authors: Bataille D. , Coudray A.M. , Carlqvist M. , Rosselin G. , Mutt V.
Published: July 2002

A 37 amino acid‐peptide has been isolated from porcine jejuno‐ileum on the basis of its glucagon‐like activity in liver (interaction with glucagon‐binding sites and activation of adenylate cyclase) using gel filtration, ion‐exchange and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Depending on the criteria chosen, this peptide is referred to as either ‘bioactive enteroglucagon’ (activity in liver), ‘oxyntomodulin’ (specific action in gastric oxyntic glands) or ‘glucagon‐37’ (chemical structure).
Changes in lipid phase behaviour in human myelin during maturation and aging
Authors: Chia L.S. , Thompson J.E. , Moscarello M.A.
Published: July 2002

The biophysical properties of human myelin isolated from white matter of patients aged two months to 74 years were investigated using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The myelin transition temperature increased from 13°C to 65°C as age increased from two months to 17 years, demonstrating an increase in the myelin lipid stability. Following this maturation period, the myelin transition temperature remained constant at 65°C until age 50. Beyond age 50, the transition temperature of myelin decreased by 13°C indicating that myelin stability decreased with aging. During this aging period, the levels of malondialdehyde and conjugated diene increased, indicating an increasing amount of lipid peroxidation. Although evidence is indirect, the results of this investigation strongly suggest that free radicals could be primary factor in the acceleration of the aging processes in the human brain.
An aminopeptidase activity in bovine pituitary secretory vesicles that cleaves the N‐terminal arginine from β‐lipotropin60–65
Authors: Gainer Harold , Russell James T. , Loh Y.Peng
Published: July 2002

Secretory vesicles isolated from the neural and intermediate lobes of the bovine pituitary contained a membrane‐bound aminopeptidase activity which cleaved arginine from β‐LPH60–65 (Arg‐Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Met) and Arg‐MCA. Neither methionine enkephalin (Tyr‐Gly‐Gly‐Phe‐Met) nor Substance P, which has an N‐terminal arginine followed by a proline, could serve as substrates for this aminopeptidase activity; nor could cathepsin B‐like or chymotrypsin‐like enzyme activities be detected in the vesicle preparations. Maximal enzyme activity was at pH 6.0, and the activity was inhibited by EDTA, stimulated by Co2+and Zn2+, but was unaffected by leupeptin, pepstatin A, phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride and p‐chloromercuribenzenesulfonate, suggesting that the enzyme is a metalloaminopeptidase. The presence of this aminopeptidase activity in secretory vesicles suggests that it may be involved in peptide prohormone processing.
Primary structure of two sialylated triantennary glycans from human serotransferrin
Authors: Spik Geneviève , Debruyne Véronique , Montreuil Jean , van Halbeek Herman , Vliegenthart Johannes F.G.
Published: July 2002

Transferrin
NMR analysis
Glycan structure
Glycoprotein heterogeneity
Kinetic alterations of cytochrome‐c oxidase in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Battino Maurizio , Rugolo Michela , Romeo Giovanni , Lenaz Giorgio
Published: July 2002

We compared the kinetics of cytochrome‐c oxidase (cytochrome‐c: oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.9.3.1) in fibroblasts derived from normal and cystic fibrosis individuals. The K
m of the enzyme for reduced cytochrome c was significantly increased in CF cells; the change, however, was observed only at temperatures above 25°C. The V
max values were comparable in both types of individuals.
Specific binding of human growth hormone but not insulin‐like growth factors by human adipocytes
Authors: DiGirolamo Mario , Edén Staffan , Enberg Gösta , Isaksson Olle , Lönnroth Peter , Hall Kerstin , Smith Ulf
Published: July 2002

Binding of human GH (hGH) and insulin‐like growth factors I and II (IGFI and II) to isolated human adipocytes from adult subjects was studied. Binding equilibrium for hGH at 24°C was reached at 120 min and half‐maximal specific binding at 6–8 . Apparent K
a was 2.1 × 109 M−1 and B
max 7.3 × 10−11 M/106 cells. The human fat cellgrowth hormone receptor recognized neither bovine, ovine or rat GH nor human prolactin or placental lactogen. No specific receptors for human IGFII could be demonstrated. Thus, human adipocytes do not possess IGF receptors but have specific GH receptors which recognize hGH but not GH from lower species.