bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy between SIRT1 and SIRT6 helps recognize DNA breaks and potentiates the DNA damage response and repair in humans and mice
Authors: Meng Fanbiao , Qian Minxian , Peng Bin , Peng Linyuan , Wang Xiaohui , Zheng Kang , Liu Zuojun , Tang Xiaolong , Zhang Shuju , Sun Shimin , Cao Xinyue , Pang Qiuxiang , Zhao Bosheng , Ma Wenbin , Songyang Zhou , Xu Bo , Zhu Wei-Guo , Xu Xingzhi , Liu Baohua
Published: June 2020

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a highly orchestrated process but how double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are initially recognized is unclear. Here, we show that polymerized SIRT6 deacetylase recognizes DSBs and potentiates the DDR in human and mouse cells. First, SIRT1 deacetylates SIRT6 at residue K33, which is important for SIRT6 polymerization and mobilization toward DSBs. Then, K33-deacetylated SIRT6 anchors to γH2AX, allowing its retention on and subsequent remodeling of local chromatin. We show that a K33R mutation that mimics hypoacetylated SIRT6 can rescue defective DNA repair as a result of SIRT1 deficiency in cultured cells. These data highlight the synergistic action between SIRTs in the spatiotemporal regulation of the DDR and DNA repair in humans and mice.
Quantitatively assessing mekosuchine crocodile locomotion by geometric morphometric and finite element analysis of the forelimb
Authors: Stein Michael D. , Hand Suzanne J. , Archer Michael , Wroe Stephen , Wilson Laura A.B.
Published: June 2020

Morphological shifts observed in the fossil record of a lineage potentially indicate concomitant shifts in ecology of that lineage. Mekosuchine crocodiles of Cenozoic Australia display departures from the typical eusuchian body-plan both in the cranium and postcranium. Previous qualitative studies have suggested that these crocodiles had a more terrestrial habitus than extant crocodylians, yet the capacity of mekosuchine locomotion remains to be tested. Limb bone shape, such as diaphyseal cross-section and curvature, has been related to habitual use and locomotory function across a wide variety of taxa. Available specimens of mekosuchine limbs, primarily humeri, are distinctly columnar compared with those of extant crocodylians. Here we apply a quantitative approach to biomechanics in mekosuchine taxa using both geomorphic morphometric and finite element methods to measure bone shape and estimate locomotory stresses in a comparative context. Our results show mekosuchines appear to diverge from extant semi-aquatic saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in cross-sectional geometry of the diaphysis and generate different structural stresses between models that simulate sprawling and high-walk gaits. The extant crocodylians display generally rounded cross-sectional diaphyseal outlines, which may provide preliminary indication of resistance to torsional loads that predominate during sprawling gait, whereas mekosuchine humeri appear to vary between a series of elliptical outlines. Mekosuchine structural stresses are comparatively lower than those of the extant crocodylians and reduce under high-walk gait in some instances. This appears to be a function of bending moments induced by differing configurations of diaphyseal curvature. Additionally, the neutral axis of structural stresses is differently oriented in mekosuchines. This suggests a shift in the focus of biomechanical optimisation, from torsional to axial loadings. Our results lend quantitative support to the terrestrial habitus hypothesis in so far as they suggest that mekosuchine humeri occupied a different morphospace than that associated with the semi-aquatic habit. The exact adaptational trajectory of mekosuchines, however, remains to be fully quantified. Novel forms appear to emerge among mekosuchines during the late Cenozoic. Their adaptational function is considered here; possible applications include navigation of uneven terrain and burrowing.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Fish Consumption Export (Case Study: FQS FPQSC Cirebon)
Authors: Hasanah Fitria Nurul , Rizal Achmad , Supriadi Dedi , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to analyze the factors that have a significant effect on the export volume of fish consumption (Case study: FQS FPQSC Cirebon). The method used in this FPQSC Cirebon. This research was the case study method. This study was conducted in September 2019 until March 2020 which took place in FQS FPQSC Cirebon, PT. Timur Jaya Cemerlang and PD. Sambu. The research method used is quantitative descriptive method by sampling techniques, namely census sampling and purposive sampling methods. The type of data used is secondary data and primary data utilizing by means of multiple linear regression analysis by the classical assumption test and statistical test. The results of this study found that the most significant factors affecting the fish consumption exports in Cirebon was the number of export destination countries with a significant value of 0.024 when seen from the α value of less than 0.05. If there are many export destination countries, the export volume will tend to increase and if export destination countries decline, the export volume will also decrease and It is necessary to add other variables to support research of 0.024 or less than the α requirement of 5% (0.05) countries.
Rashba Spin-orbit Interaction in Semiconductor Nanostructures (Review)
Authors: Guseyn Ibragimov Behbud
Published: June 2020

In this work I review of the theoretical and experimental issue related to the Rashba Spin-Orbit interaction in semiconductor nanostructures. The Rashba spin-orbit interaction has been a promising candidate for controlling the spin of electrons in the field of semiconductor spintronics. In this work, I focus study of the electrons spin and holes in isolated semiconductor quantum dots and rings in the presence of magnetic fields. Spin-dependent thermodynamic properties with strong spin-orbit coupling inside their band structure in systems are investigated in this work. Additionally, specific heat and magnetization in two dimensional, one-dimensional quantum ring and dot nanostructures with Spin Orbit Interaction are discussed.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Uropathogens in Children Attending Tertiary Health Care Centre in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Maduakor C. Uzoamaka , Ohanu E. Martin , Udoh P. Iniekong , Onyebueke E. Adaeze , Okonkwo N. Innocent , Ihezue O. Assumpta
Published: June 2020

Infections of the urinary tract are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections in developing countries. It is a challenge that is most often encountered in pediatrics. Uncontrolled use of antimicrobial drugs has led to the development of drug-resistant organisms. Hence, this study was aimed at isolating, characterizing, and identifying the pathogens associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in children attending Tertiary Health Care Centre in Enugu metropolis and to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. Urine samples were collected from 260 patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of urinary tract infection (UTI). The children were seen in children out-patients, children emergency departments of the hospital, and pediatric ward. Their ages ranged from 0-17 years. The urine samples were analyzed in the laboratory using standard bacteriological methods. Antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Of the 260 urine samples, significant bacterial agents were recorded in 98(37.7%). Escherichia coli ranked highest with 30(32.6%) followed by Klebsiella spp. 17(18.5%) and the least was Enterococcus fecalis 1(1.1%). Gender distribution showed a higher prevalence in females (p <0.05). The highest positive result was obtained from children between 0-5years. Most of the isolates were sensitive to Imipenem, Nitrofurantoin, Ceftriaxone, and Ciprofloxacin but resistant to Augmentin and Amoxicillin. There is a need to regularly monitor the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of these etiological agents to keep track of the effectiveness of certain therapeutic agents.
Agricultural Land Use and Management Practice Influence on Efflux and Influx of Carbon between Soil and the Atmosphere: A Review
Authors: Hossain M. B.
Published: June 2020

The objective of this paper is to formulate suitable policies and management practices that can firmly reduce CO2–C (carbon dioxide –carbon) emissions and sequester it in a sustainable way. Land use and management practices can influence both efflux and influx of carbon between soil and the atmosphere. Organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling in the soil are closely related to nutrient immobilization and mineralization. Unplanned conversion of lands to agricultural production causes a sharp decrease in carbon stored in soil. In the atmosphere, 4.0 Gt C yr-1 is enriched by different sources. Increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) improves soil health and mitigate climate change. Histosol, clayey and fine particle size have good capacity to sequestrate C in soil. Land use pattern controls organic matter status in soil. Crop/grass, forestry/agroforestry, reduced tillage, quality of organic matter, soil biotic - abiotic are the major factors to sequestrate significant C in soil. The application of fertilizers especially nitrogen usually results in an increase in crop growth as well as a corresponding increase in root development takes place for building up active organicmatter in soil. Biochar amendments can impact soil C storage and net CO2 removals from the atmosphere in three different ways such as longer residence time due to resistant to microbial decay, plant productivity and reduce N2O emission. Wetland soil, effective management practices and control deforestation sequestrate 0.2, 2.0 and 1.6 Gt C yr-1, respectively. Based on these information, it is possible to increase 4‰ carbon a year the quantity of carbon contained in soils at 0-40 cm soil depth to halt carbon dioxide enrichment (4.0 Gt C yr-1) in the atmosphere.
The Roles of Hydrogen Peroxide Exposure in the Toxic Aggregation of Alpha-synuclein and Translocation of DNA Methyltransferase-1 in Human Neuroblastoma Cell Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Olorunyomi O. A. , Mafulul S. G. , Jiyil K. M. , Smith D. P.
Published: June 2020

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in neuronal damage in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the specific roles of reactive oxygen species such as Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and Iron in the pathogenesis of PD especially, alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) aggregation and translocation of nuclear DNA Methyltransferase-1(Dnmt1), are yet to be fully understood.

Aims: This study investigated and compared the effects of H2O2 and ferrous iron (Fe2+) on α-Syn aggregation and localization of Dnmt1 in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y), using a Parkinson’s disease model expressing A53T mutation and wild typed (WT) α-Syn respectively.

Materials and Methods: The study was done using CellTox™ assay, Immunocytochemical and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) methods. Statistical analysis of triplicate data were analysed on Microsoft Excel 2010 and Stats Direct© using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnet comparison tests.

Results: Specifically, 100 µM of H2O2 caused significant reduction of cell viability, translocation of Dnmt1 from nucleus into the cytoplasm and expression of relatively higher amount of α-Syn proteins, compared to 500 µM iron after 24 hours treatment. H2O2 elicited the highest expression of both WT α-Syn (13.7 ± 0.5) ng/ml and (16.0 ± 0.2) ng/ml A53T α-Syn proteins respectively. While Iron caused the expression of (9.1± 1.1) ng/ml and (14.8 ± 1.1) ng/ml of WT and A53T α-Syn proteins respectively. The untreated controls expressed (3.2 ± 0.1) ng/ml and (7.5 ± 0.0) ng/ml of WT and A53T α-Syn proteins respectively. Furthermore, the A53T mutation also promoted the expression and aggregation of α-Syn, as evidenced with the relatively higher amount of A53T α-Syn protein compared to WT α-Syn expressed in control, H2O2 and Iron treated cells.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that H2O2 and Fe2+ induced α-Syn aggregation and Dnmt-1 translocation, which promotes the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. Likewise, the A53T genetic alterations increased the overexpression and aggregation of α-Syn proteins. Hence, novel therapies targeting reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and mutations may be beneficial for long term treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
A Class of Explicit Integrators with o-grid Interpolation for Solving Non-linear Systems of First Order ODEs
Authors: Sirisena U. W. , Luka S. I. , Yakubu S. Y.
Published: June 2020

This research work is aimed at constructing a class of explicit integrators with improved stability and accuracy by incorporating an off-gird interpolation point for the purpose of making them effcient for solving stiff initial value problems. Accordingly, continuous formulations of a class of hybrid explicit integrators are derived using multi-step collocation method through matrix inversion technique, for step numbers k = 2; 3; 4: The discrete schemes were deduced from their respective continuous formulations. The stability and convergence analysis were carried out and shown to be A(α)-stable and convergent respectively. The discrete schemes when implemented as block integrators to solve some non-linear problems, it was observed that the results obtained compete favorably with the MATLAB ode23 solver.
Detection of Fracture Bones in X-ray Images Categorization
Authors: Oyeranmi Adigun , Ronke Babatunde , Mohammed Rufai , Edwin Aigbokhan
Published: June 2020

Fractured bone detection and categorization is currently receiving research attention in computer aided diagnosis system because of the ease it has brought to doctors in classification and interpretation of X-ray images.  The choice of an efficient algorithm or combination of algorithms is paramount to accurately detect and categorize fractures in X-ray images, which is the first stage of diagnosis in treatment and correction of damaged bones for patients. This is what this research seeks to address. The research design involves data collection, preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, classification and evaluation of the proposed method. The sample dataset were x-ray images collected from the Department of Radiology, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi-Lagos, Nigeria as well as Open Access Medical Image Repositories. The image preprocessing involves the conversion of images in RGB format to grayscale, sharpening and smoothing using Unsharp Masking Tool.  The segmentation of the preprocessed image was carried out by adopting the Entropy method in the first stage and Canny edge method in the second stage while feature extraction was performed using Hough Transformation. Detection and classification of fracture image employed a combination of two algorithms;  K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) for detecting fracture locations based on four classification types: (normal, comminute, oblique and transverse).Two performance assessment methods were employed to evaluate the developed system. The first evaluation was based on confusion matrix which evaluates fracture and non-fracture on the basis of TP (True Positive), TN (True negative), FP (False Positive) and FN (False Negative). The second appraisal was based on Kappa Statistics which evaluates the type of fracture by determining the accuracy of the categorized fracture bone type. The result of first assessment for fracture detection shows that 26 out of 40 preprocessed images were fractured, resulting to the following three values of performance metrics: accuracy value of 90%, sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 100%. The Kappa coefficient error assessment produced accuracy of 83% during classification. The proposed method can find suitable use in categorization of fracture types on different bone images based on the results obtained from the experiment.
Incidence of Septicemia in Children Attending University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Adedokun Amudatu Ambali , Onosakponome Evelyn Orevaeghene , Nyenke Clement Ugochukwu
Published: June 2020

Introduction: Septicemia is an invasive infection where chemical substances released into the bloodstream causes morbidity and mortality in neonates. The developing countries carries major burden of the problem and Nigeria is not exceptional.

Objective: The study was carried out to determine age/sex-related prevalence, causative agents and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of neonatal septicemia in children at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the pediatric department for a period of twelve months. Blood culture test using thioglycollate broth and tryptone soya broth for isolation of microorganisms was adopted. Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern was done with disc diffusion method. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square for significance.

Results: A total of 598 children were examined, of which 394(67.9%) children showed negative blood cultures, while 204(34.1%) children had positive bacterial cultures and 2 children (0.3%) were positive for Candida albicans. Overall, Klebsiella spp. was the most common pathogen, accounting for (37.8%) of the total isolates, which is followed by Staphylococcus aureus (28.4%), Escherichia coli (11.8%), unclassified Coliforms (8.3%), Pseudomonas spp. (4.9%), Proteus spp. (3.4%), Enterococcus spp. (2.9%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (2.5%) respectively. Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONNS) had Klebsiella spp as the most prevalent causative agent while Staphylococcus aureus was prevalent among the late onset neonatal sepsis (LONNS). Klebsiella spp. was susceptible to spafloxacin (87.0%) followed by ofloxacin (82.0%), amoxycillin-clavulanic acid (79.0%) and ceftazidime (65.0%) among the Gram negative organisms. In the category of Gram positive organisms, Staphylococcus aureus was highly sensitive to ofloxacin (81.0%) followed by spafloxacin (79.0%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (71.0%).

Conclusion: The study showed Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were the prevalent bacterial organisms of septicemia in children in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Early diagnosis with use of appropriate antimicrobial treatment will effect intervention for management of the children.
Amegilla sp. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Visitors to Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum, Malvaceae) Flowers and Their Role in Crop Pollination at Djoumassi (North, Cameroon)
Authors: Moïse Adamou , Sanda Mazi , Taimanga . , Minéo Yatahaï Clément
Published: June 2020

Aims: To evaluate the impact of a single flower visit of Amegilla sp. on the production of Gossypium hirsutum.

Study Design: A randomized complete block design was used in a split plot scheme of 437 m2 delimited and divided into eight subplots, each measuring 8*4.5 m2.

Place and Duration of Study: Locality of Djoumassi, Benoue Division, in the city of Garoua, the North Region of Cameroon from June through October 2018 and 2019.

Methodology: The experiments were carried out on 540 flowers labeled at bud stage and divided in four treatments: two differentiated according to the presence or absence flowers protection regarding insect visits; the third protected and uncovered when flowers were opened, to allow Amegilla sp. visits and the fourth with the flowers protected, uncovered when they were opened, then rebagged without any visit.

Results: Among 21 insect species recorded on G. hirsutum flowers, Amegilla sp. ranked second and harvested nectar and pollen. Throughout the pollination efficiency of a single flower visit, Amegilla sp. provoked a significant increase of the fruiting rate, the mean number of seeds per boll and the percentage of normal seeds by 14.89%, 12.93% and 7.01% respectively.

Conclusion: The conservation and installation of Amegilla sp. nests close to G. hirsutum fields is recommended to improve its boll production and seed quality.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Performance of Convex-Cut Baffles in Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Petinrin Moses Omolayo , Dare Ademola Adebukola
Published: June 2020

In this study, comparative performance of single-segmental baffle and a newly developed baffle – convex-cut in shell-and-tube heat exchanger were both numerically and experimentally investigated. For the numerical analysis, three working fluids (engine oil, water and air) were successively utilised on the shell-side of heat exchangers with 30, 35, 40 and 45% convex-cut (CeC_STHE) and 25% segmental (SS_STHE) baffles, and the resulting models were solved in COMSOL Multiphysics. Experiments were carried out on 30% CeC_STHE and SS_STHE exclusively running on water. The data obtained were used to determine the weighted shell-side heat transfer coefficient and weighted performance factor of each heat exchanger. Hence, the results for all the ranges of Reynolds number indicate that the shell-side heat transfer coefficients of all the CeC_STHEs are lower than that of SS_STHE except for the 30% CeC_STHE. However, the SS_STHE showed greater pressure drop than the CeC_STHEs. The choice of working fluid had more influenced on the weighted shell-side heat transfer coefficient CeC_STHE. Moreover, the weighted performance factors of the CeC_STHEs indicated positive values. Thus, 30% CeC_STHE demonstrated a better performance while the 45% had the lowest performance.
Sleeping Duration, Bedtime and BMI and Their Rapport on Academic Performance among Adolescents
Authors: Rayyan Walid Abu , Salem Shadi , Dayyih Wael Abu , Shawareb Aseel Al , Awad Riad , Batarseh Yazan S. , Matubsi Hisham Y. Al
Published: June 2020

Background: Proper development of cognitive skills during childhood is substantially connected with adequate sleeping. Sleeping is drastically undergoing pattern changes during the shifting from childhood to adolescence. The academic acquisition is a multifactorial process with devastating inputs. Academic achievement directly correlates with the behavioral attitudes of students. Shorter sleeping duration erodes the volume of brain gray matter in frontal and precuneus cortex regions. Moreover, the concomitant depletion of neurotransmitters is proportionally connected with inadequate sleeping.

Aims: To evaluate the associations between bedtime initiations, sleeping sufficiency and objective academic performance in a large sample of second secondary students.

Methods: The study sample consisted of 900 adolescents; 450boysand 450 girls in the second secondary class at Hail city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants filled a questioner about their socioeconomic factors as bedtime, sleeping duration, mental games practicing, and physical activity. Weight and height were measured to assess body mass index (kg/m2). Data extracted from the questioner used to study the contribution of the concomitant factors on academic achievement.

Results: The mean weight was 73.57±8.34 kg IQR (44-126) while the mean height was (170.38±6.45) cm IQR (141-192). The mean BMI was 33.57±14.79(IQR 21.0–38.8). The overall prevalence of childhood obesity was 460 (49.6%; 95% CI: 55.3–66.8%) while the prevalence of overweight was 85 (9.04%; 95% CI: 7.3 –11.4%). The mean ministry academic score for the second secondary class was 70±9.99 IQR (44- 99) while the school academic score was 88.07±7.44 IQR (60-99). 51.6% of the students went to bed between 10-12 pm and only 17.6% slept between 8 and 10 hours.

Conclusion: We can summarize, the independent variables as bedtime, sleeping duration, and obesity ameliorate academic achievement in a counteractive way; high BMI above 35 and prolonged sleeping duration more than 10 hours significantly curb the total academic score, whereas, healthy bedtime of 8-10 pm concomitantly augment the academic achievement.
Assessment of the Knowledge and Self-medication Practices towards Antibiotics among Future Healthcare Professionals in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Aboulilah Mariam , Ahmed Sara , Jarjouma Razan , Sabri Razan , Palaian Subish
Published: June 2020

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and self-medication behavior among health professions students regarding antibiotic usage.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire. A sample of 424 questionnaires was distributed randomly among health science students of a medical university in Ajman, UAE. The questionnaire is categorized into three sections which are Socio-demographic details of the participant, knowledge and self-medication practice of antibiotic. The data was entered in MS Excel spread sheet and analyzed as per the study objectives.

Key Findings: Upon assessing the knowledge of respondents, authors found 85.8% of the students were familiar with the term ‘antibiotic resistance’. Half of the students agreed that antibiotics treat common cold quickly. Regarding the self-medication practices, 55.6% (n= 236) of students reported that they always take antibiotic without prescription. Cold and flu was the common reason for using antibiotics. Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid) was the common medication used among the students. Nearly one third of the respondents (32.78%; n=139) saved the antibiotics in case of reinfection.

Conclusions: In conclusion, antibiotic usage was common among study respondents. Preventive strategies, antibiotic stewardship programs, training, education programs and more restriction towards antibiotic dispensing should be implemented to avoid the misuse and antibiotic resistance.
The Mediator Effect of Visual Impairment in the Relationship between Poor Oral Health and Depression
Authors: Akano Obinna F. , Joseph Michael A. , Helzner Elizabeth , Afable Aimee
Published: June 2020

Purpose: Visual impairment (VI) with a global estimate of 161 million has been associated with a lot of health concerns and physical conditions. This study investigates the mediator effect of visual impairment on the relationship between poor oral health and depression.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving secondary analysis using data from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Self-reported visual impairment was categorized as no and yes (a little difficulty, moderate difficulty, extreme difficulty and unable to do because of eyesight). The responses to oral health were dichotomized to 0-5 teeth removed and 6+ teeth removed (poor oral health). For depression, we used physician-diagnosed depression (yes or no) and self-rated depression (validated Patient Health Questionnaire-8) (PHQ-8). We examined the association between visual impairment and depression using multivariable logistic regression accounting for the survey’s complex design.

Results: After adjusting for socio-demographic variables, health behavior, BMI and diabetes; the model produced a significant relationship between poor oral health and depression. Controlling for visual impairment resulted in the attenuation of the effect poor oral health has on depression. Furthermore, after improving eyesight, a previously significant relationship between poor oral and depression became non-significant.

Conclusion: Controlling for visual impairment, by treating or preventing visual impairment, in patients with poor oral health, merely indicates a reduction in the outcome of depression.
Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern in Escherichia coli Isolated from Children Admitted at Selected Health Care Facilities in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania
Authors: Daud Mzelifa , Nyombi Balthazar
Published: June 2020

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development among Gram negative bacteria has become a significant public health threat worldwide. Currently there are fewer antimicrobials available for treatment and prevention of some of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial resistance development in some of bacterial strains undermines empirical treatment regimens, thereby limiting choice of appropriate antibiotic. As this problem continues to grow, epidemiological surveillance is warranted to generate data that is reliable to understand the distribution of AMR among healthcare settings and geographical regions.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from children admitted at selected health care facilities in Moshi municipality, Tanzania. This was descriptive cross sectional facility based study conducted from October 2017 to April 2018. The study aimed at answering the following questions; What are the carriage rates of Escherichia coli among children admitted at selected health facilities in Moshi municipality, What is the resistance rates of Escherichia coli isolated from children against the commonly used antibiotics in Moshi Municipality and What is the prevalence of the Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolates from children admitted at health facilities in Moshi municipality?

Results: Escherichia coli were isolated from all 282 cultured archived rectal swabs and all isolates were susceptible to amikacin and meropenem. Extended spectrum beta lactamase producers were 13.1% and 86.9% were nonextended spectrum beta lactamase producers. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 282 isolates on the commonly used antimicrobial agents: ampicillin (83%), trimethoprim (75.9%), cefuroxime (32.6%), ceftriaxone (30.1%), ceftazidime (29.4%), ciprofloxacin (27.7%), amoxicillin/clavunic (24%), gentamicin (21%), chloramphenicol (16.3%) and piperacillin-tazobactam (8.1%). All Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing isolates were resistant to Ampicillin.

Conclusion: Amikacin and meropenem is still the antibiotic of choice as a second line for treatment of infections caused by Escherichia coli. Majority of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and Trimethoprim. Both ESBL and non ESBL producing Escherichia coli showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics, hence, further studies are warranted to understand mechanisms used by non ESBL producing Escherichia coli to develop resistance.
Nitric Acid
Authors: Groves Michael C.E
Published: June 2020

Nitric acid is a key chemical for many industries. Some 60 million tons are produced annually, of which 80% goes into nitrate production for fertilizers and explosives, the latter principally for mining. Other significant uses include the manufacture of intermediates for polyurethane and polyamide production. This article covers the birth and development of the Ostwald nitric acid manufacturing process and describes the modern commercial production methods for both “weak” (≤68 wt%) and “strong” (∼69–99 wt%) nitric acid. An overview of the present state of knowledge is given about the main chemical process steps of ammonia oxidation and nitrogen oxide absorption. Nitric acid plants are emitters of NOxand N2O, and the currently available technologies to limit these to their permitted levels are discussed. Further information includes health and safety aspects, shipping and handling regulations, and economics. The article concludes with a description of alternative production technologies and a brief outlook on the future of nitric acid.
Plant Layout
Authors: Moran Sean
Published: June 2020

Plant layout is a key aspect of process plant design, which is at the heart of plant safety, productivity, and efficiency. This article considers the stages of plant layout and general factors to be considered in layout design and summarizes a consensus methodology used by process engineers. Specific issues relevant to key equipment items (such as pumps, columns, tanks, and piping) are described, together with a summary of 2D and 3D computer‐aided design software tools available to the modern layout designer.
Crystal structure of the human NLRP9 pyrin domain reveals a bent N‐terminal loop that may regulate inflammasome assembly
Authors: Ha Hyun Ji , Park Hyun Ho
Published: June 2020

Members of the NLR family pyrin domain containing (NLRPs) are pattern recognition receptors that participate in innate immunity. They form inflammasomes, which are platforms for caspase‐1 recruitment and activation. The NLRP pyrin domain (PYD) is critical for the assembly of inflammasomes due to its ability to mediate protein interactions. Despite intensive structural studies on inflammasomes with PYDs, the structure of the PYD of NLRP9—the least studied member of the family—remains unknown. Herein, we report the crystal structure of the human NLRP9 PYD at 2.1 Å resolution, which reveals a kinked N‐terminal loop oriented toward the interior of the helical bundle. Based on our findings, we propose a regulatory role for the kinked N‐terminal loop of NLRP9 PYD in inflammasome assembly.
Anthropological Linguistics
Authors: Foley William A.
Published: June 2020

Anthropological linguistics is the study of language within the wider context of culture. It is concerned with how humans employ communicative culturally meaningful, or
semiotic
practices, as resources to forge large and small, transient or permanent social groups. Such semiotic practices are underpinned by abilities and conventions at three levels: individual‐cognitive, interpersonal‐interactive, and sociocultural‐institutional, and the breadth of anthropological linguistics results from the fact that it conducts studies at all three levels, examples of which are presented in this entry.
Attention, Noticing, and Awareness in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Leow Ronald P.
Published: June 2020

The current interest in the role of attention as a construct in learning arguably began in the early 1990s and has generated a large body of empirical studies that have investigated the role(s) of attention or noticing (attention plus a low level of awareness), or both in L2 development. Indeed, the early postulations of Schmidt and Robinson in SLA and Tomlin and Villa from cognitive science regarding the roles of attention and awareness propelled researchers to probe deeper, both methodologically and empirically, into the constructs of attention, noticing, and awareness, especially during the early stages of the L2 learning process. While the role attention plays is relatively noncontroversial in most research fields, there remains a debate as to whether awareness plays a role in learning in all these fields. This entry presents a concise review of the important tenets of several major theoretical underpinnings that have postulated roles for both the constructs of attention and awareness in L2 learning at the initial stage of language processing. A report of empirical studies addressing the role of attention/noticing is presented followed by studies that have attempted to isolate the construct of awareness to investigate its effects on L2 learning, viewed either as a process (construction) or a product (reconstruction). Finally, studies in SLA that have empirically probed deeper into the construct of unawareness will be reported and suggestions made for future research directions.
Conversation Analysis and Interactional Linguistics
Authors: Kern Friederike , Selting Margret
Published: June 2020

Interactional linguistics is grounded on the premise that language should not be analyzed in terms of context‐free linguistic structures but as a resource for the accomplishment of actions in social interaction. With this in mind, interactional linguistics takes an interdisciplinary approach to a linguistic analysis that aims at an understanding of how language is both shaped by and itself shapes the actions it is used for. Interactional linguistics combines an interest in linguistic phenomena and structures with the theory and methodology of conversation analysis (CA). It is conceptualized as an interface between linguistic analysis and the analysis of social interaction. Interactional linguistic studies should be compatible with and link up to studies of the multimodality of social interaction. Research in interactional linguistics is strictly empirical and grounded in databases of naturally occurring talk‐in‐interaction; methods of analysis and validation in interactional linguistics draw mainly on principles of sequential analysis. Objects of research include, for instance, the role of syntax, phonetics‐prosody, and, more recently, gesture and body for the conduct of turn construction and turn taking, formation of action and practices, and constitution of conversational genres and styles.
Conversation Analysis: Transcriptions and Data
Authors: Wagner Johannes
Published: June 2020

This entry discusses the relation between recordings of human interaction and transcription of such data. It shows the specific achievements of CA transcriptions for applied linguistics and discusses the relation between granularity and readability. The entry covers page design, transcription conventions for talk and multimodal features, and issues related to ethic standards.
Critical Pedagogy in Language Teaching
Authors: Crookes Graham
Published: June 2020

Critical pedagogy in language teaching is a perspective in language curriculum theory and instructional practice that supports language teaching and associated analyses to promote social justice. This entry defines critical pedagogy and briefly sketches the areas with which it is concerned and indicates both classical sources in the area and recent developments.
Critical Period
Authors: Hyltenstam Kenneth
Published: June 2020

This entry departs from the early scholarly discussion on the notion of a critical period (CP) for language acquisition by Wilder Penfield and Lamar Roberts and later Eric Lenneberg. These authors suggested that differences in the outcomes of child and adult second language acquisition most likely had a biological basis. The notion of a CP had its origin in the biological sciences and was used by ethologists to account for the observation that species‐specific development and eventual behavior in a specific area are dependent on early and well‐timed exposure to certain environmental stimuli. A CP can therefore generally be defined as a time span in early life during which the organism is responsive to stimuli that are crucial or relevant for a behavior (or capacity) to develop in keeping with a species‐specific standard. During recent years, the concept of a CP for language acquisition has come under intense debate. In particular, although there is unanimous acceptance of the fact that children eventually reach a more native‐like level of proficiency in a second language than learners who start learning a second language as adults, there is no consensus that this difference has a biological foundation, as the critical‐period hypothesis (CPH) would assume. The entry focuses on the arguments for and the workings of a CP for language acquisition, but space is also given to a detailed presentation of the criticisms that have been leveled against the existence of a CP.
Research Methods and Sociocultural Approaches in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Fazalehaq Hafiz Muhammad , Mahn Holbrook , Reierson Shannon
Published: June 2020

This entry analyzes and synthesizes various studies in the field of second language acquisition (SLA) that appeared after the publication of Frawley and Lantolf's 1985 study and expanded on sociocultural approaches based on Vygotsky's theoretical framework and methodological approach. Researchers interested in diverse facets of SLA both in and out of educational contexts have utilized sociocultural theory in a variety of ways. Some have focused more on the internal aspects of language, the mental processes involved in making and communicating meaning through language activities, while others have focused more on the social, cultural, physical, and historical contexts of second language learning and acquisition. These approaches seek to understand language development in its manifold richness and draw on the experiences and introspections of second language learners, who learn language in very different contexts and situations of development. The entry does not attempt to give a comprehensive account of all of the work that has been done using Vygotsky's core concepts to investigate second language learning, teaching, and acquisition from a sociocultural perspective, but instead focuses on such primary concepts as zone of proximal development; dynamic assessment; inner speech; private speech; the regulatory function of speech; gesture; social situation of development; and the historical and theoretical work that has been central to sociocultural approaches to SLA research and that can contribute to this effort through a reconceptualization of Vygotsky's work.
Teaching Reading: Foundations and Practices
Authors: Grabe William , Stoller Fredricka L.
Published: June 2020

This review of teaching reading addresses three foundations for reading development: (a) reading research findings that provide insights into the construct of academic reading abilities, (b) the translation of research findings into a coherent set of curricular principles for reading instruction, and (c) a set of effective instructional practices that draw upon research findings and curricular principles. Research has shown the complexity of skilled reading, which integrates a large number of specific linguistic skills and underlying cognitive skills. Two lines of research have major implications for reading instruction. The first centers on the powerful roles of vocabulary and syntax in L2 reading development, and the second centers on the widespread affirmation among researchers that reading experience is the key to becoming a skilled reader. The amount of reading that L2 readers engage in serves as the primary explanation for their developing L2 vocabulary, syntax, fluency, and comprehension skills; amount of reading also supports a range of underlying cognitive abilities critical for reading development (background knowledge, motivation, inferencing, comprehension monitoring, goal setting, and self‐regulation, among others). The curricular principles, stemming from these findings as well as research into effective teaching, highlight concepts that drive effective reading instruction. The instructional practices recommended rely on both the research evidence reviewed and best practices among skilled educators.
Vygotsky and Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Mahn Holbrook , Fazalehaq Hafiz Muhammad
Published: June 2020

The work of Lev S. Vygotsky (1896–1934) on the development of language in young children provides a foundation for studying second language development. His main focus was on meaning as the core of the system that children develop in acquiring language, what is referred to in this entry as a thinking/languaging system. This important aspect of his work remains underappreciated because of political ideology and translation issues, but this entry describes in detail his analysis of the thinking/languaging system. The methodological approach Vygotsky developed to study the relationships between thinking and languaging processes in the formation of this system can help inform investigations into the processes involved in acquiring and developing communicative capacity in a second language. The entry concludes by examining Vygotsky's writings on second language acquisition, which, while not extensive, help in understanding both first and second language development.
Teaching Speaking
Authors: de Jong Nivja H.
Published: June 2020

What should teachers do to facilitate students' learning to speak a second language? This entry introduces speaking as a skill under time pressure; it describes how scholars have defined the speaking ability and looks at what knowledge and skills they deem necessary for successful speaking. It goes on to present what researchers have said about teaching these types of knowledge and skills. The entry concludes by situating the methods of teaching speaking in influential models of second language acquisition, which reflect the two complementary perspectives of “speaking to learn” and “learning to speak.”
Disease Mongering
Authors: Cooper Rachel
Published: June 2020

Disease mongers seek to increase the perceived incidence of diseases so that they can sell drugs or other medical services. Disease mongers can either split current disease categories into multiple categories, or medicalize conditions previously considered normal. Medicalization has mixed effects. Disease mongers claim that they help relieve human suffering, as sufferers can receive the medical treatments that they need once a disorder is recognized. However, medicalization also changes the ways in which we relate to each other and think of ourselves. When a condition comes to be considered a disorder, this acts to place a problem under medical expert control. Simultaneously, medicalization acts to individualize and depoliticize problems that potentially could be seen in social or political terms. Those who argue that some condition has been inappropriately medicalized have two basic strategies available to them. Some theorists believe that there are objective, natural boundaries to what can rightly be considered as a disorder, and can thus argue that some attempts at medicalization are factually mistaken. On the other hand, those who hold that there are no natural boundaries to what might be called a disorder must adopt a different approach. In arguing against cases of medicalization, they must argue on moral or political grounds that we would do better to refuse to consider some particular conditions to be disorders.
Intersubjectivity
Authors: Zahavi Dan , Overgaard Søren
Published: June 2020

The first systematic and extensive philosophical discussion and treatment of the notion of intersubjectivity can be found in the work of the German philosopher Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenology. Husserl primarily used the term to designate a plurality of subjects and the relation that exists between them. This understanding of the term, which was subsequently taken up by later phenomenologists and which then (through the work of Alfred Schütz) found its way into sociology and social theory, places the term alongside related terms such as sociality, social cognition, and interpersonal understanding. As we will see in this entry, ethical issues did not remain foreign to these accounts.
Biotechnology
Authors: Wolf Clark
Published: June 2020

In the broadest sense of the term, “biotechnology” refers to any technological process that essentially involves the use of biological systems. In a narrower sense, the term refers to modern techniques of genetic engineering, including methods for moving DNA from one organism to another, and methods for gene editing. This entry describes methods of genetic engineering and gene editing, including some treatment of the application of these methods in agriculture and medicine. Agricultural biotechnology is already well developed. Products in this area are already grown globally, although they have faced skepticism and resistance from consumers and activists. Many applications in human medicine have similarly been developed and implemented. Like other areas of technological advance, biotechnology makes possible new kinds of choices, with associated ethical implications. Discussions of biotechnology ethics often distinguish betweenextrinsicandintrinsiccritiques.Extrinsiccritiques of biotechnology concern objections that are based on the effects or consequences of the use of this technology. For example, concerns that biotechnology is dangerous to human beings or to the environment are extrinsic concerns in this sense.Intrinsicobjections address concerns based on anythingother thaneffects or consequences. For example, arguments that biotechnology is unnatural or hubristic are usually understood to beextrinsic. After distinguishing these different kinds of objection, this entry briefly discusses critical examination of different applications of biotechnology, different principles for making decisions about the use of biotechnology, and strategies for legal regulation of the products of biotechnology.