bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation of Traits in Natural Enemies Relevant for Biological Control: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ferguson Kim B. , Chattington Sophie R. , Plouvier Wouter N. , Pannebakker Bart A.
Published: January 2020

The concept of genetic improvement in relation to biological control involves the exploitation of natural genetic variation for the benefit of existing biological control agents (BCAs). Despite recent calls for this process to be adopted in biological control research, there is no clear overview of the current state of research into genetic variation within a biological control context, including quantifiable estimates such as narrow-sense heritability (h2). In this systematic review, we aim to determine the current state of research on the genetic variation of biological control traits in natural enemies. After the searching process, screening for papers that can deliver on our research question reduced the initial 2,927 search hits to only a mere 69 papers for data extraction. Of these, the majority (73.6%) did not report quantitative values for genetic variation. Extracting the traits measured in these papers, we categorized them according to two approaches; the first related to fitness components, and the second related to biological control importance. This systematic review highlights the need for more rigorous reporting of the quantitative values of genetic variation to enable the successful genetic improvement of biological control agents.
Knockout of the Murine Ortholog to the Human 9p21 Coronary Artery Disease Locus Leads to SMC Proliferation, Vascular Calcification, and Advanced Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kojima Yoko , Ye Jianqin , Nanda Vivek , Wang Ying , Flores Alyssa M. , Jarr Kai-Uwe , Tsantilas Pavlos , Guo Liang , Finn Aloke V. , Virmani Renu , Leeper Nicholas
Published: January 2020

Background: Genome-wide association studies have identified the chromosome 9p21 locus as one of the most important genetic risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism by which this locus promotes disease remains unclear due to difficulty identifying the causal genes and lack of a suitable animal model. Methods and Results: A total of 180 coronary artery autopsy specimens were analyzed histopathologically. The genotype of 9p21 (rs1333049) was not associated with any coronary risk factors nor the vulnerable plaque phenotype, but carriers of 9p21 risk allele did demonstrate more lesional calcification. To extend these studies into an animal model, mice with a targeted deletion of the orthologous 70-kb non-coding interval on chromosome 4 (chr4D70kb/D70kb) were bred onto ApoE-/- and fed with high fat diet. Targeted deletion of the 9p21 risk interval increased susceptibility to atherosclerotic plaque progression, but did not affect plaque rupture in the tandem stenosis model. Coronary risk factors such as body weight, blood pressure, lipid, and glucose levels did not differ between genotypes. Von Kossa staining revealed that chr4D70kb/D70kb, ApoE-/- developed more calcification in the plaque compared with chr4+/+, ApoE-/- mice, and that this this change was accompanied by increased aortic mRNA expression of Runx2, a key osteogenic transcription factor. Primarily cultured smooth muscle cells from chr4D70kb/D70kb were hyperproliferative, and showed a calcification-prone phenotype after exposure to high-phosphate medium. Treatment with Palbociclib, a selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, reduced mRNA expression of osteogenic genes in smooth muscle cells. Conclusion: Results from human and mouse studies indicate that the 9p21 non coding risk interval is associated with larger atherosclerotic plaque burden, but not with plaque rupture. 9p21 may promote lesion expansion by inducing the proliferation of de-differentiated and osteogenic smooth muscle cells.
Recovery of Niobium and Tantalum by Solvent Extraction from Penouta Sn–Ta–Nb Deposit
Authors: Rodríguez Olga , Alguacil Francisco J. , Escudero Baquero Esther , García-Díaz Irene , López Félix A.
Published: January 2020

This work presented data using always real solutions yielded from the treatment of Spanish raw material, in detail, from a slag obtained in a pyrometallurgy process of tin production from mining tailings containing mainly cassiterite and columbo tantalite. In this investigation the raw material was treated by acid leaching, using HF/H2SO4 as a leaching agent. Then, liquid-liquid extraction of Nb and Ta have performed with Cyanex®923 extractant, further, both metals were separately stripped. Once metals were separated into two aqueous solutions, they were precipitated and calcined to yield the corresponding compounds (Nb2O5 of 98.5% purity and Ta2O5 of 97.3% purity).
Religious Beliefs and Public Pro-Environmental Behavior in China: the Mediating Role of Environmental Risk Perception
Authors: Zeng Sheng , Wu Lin , Liu Tianyuan
Published: January 2020

Although the positive relationship between religion and environmental behavior is well-argued, empirical research about the relationship between religion and public pro-environmental behavior is relatively lacking. This paper aims to explore the group differences in the influence of religion on public pro-environmental behavior and the mediating role of environmental risk perception in religion and public pro-environmental behavior. Using the Chinese General Social Survey data in 2013 for empirical analysis, this study’s results show that there are group differences in the impact of religion on public pro-environmental behavior. Women with religious beliefs are more willing to engage in public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. Religious believers over the age of 45 are more willing to participate in public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. Political participants with religious beliefs are more willing to practice public pro-environmental behavior than those without religious beliefs. In addition, we found that environmental risk perception can act as partial mediation in religious and public pro-environmental behavior. In other words, religious beliefs are deeply embedded in local political and social culture. In order to correctly understand the relationship between religion and public pro-environmental behavior, it is necessary to consider religion in a specific cultural background.
Impact of a Hybrid Assisted Wheelchair Propulsion System on Motion Kinematics during Climbing Up a Slope
Authors: Wieczorek Bartosz , Warguła Łukasz , Rybarczyk Dominik
Published: January 2020

Overcoming terrain obstacles presents a major problem for people with disabilities or with limited mobility who are dependent on wheelchairs. An engineering solution designed to facilitate the use of wheelchairs are assisted propulsion systems. The objective of the research described in this article is to analyse the impact of the hybrid manual-electric wheelchair propulsion system on the kinematics of the anthropotechnical system when climbing hills. The tests were carried out on a wheelchair ramp with an incline degree of 4°, using a prototype wheelchair with a hybrid manual-electric propulsion system in accordance with the patent application P.427855. The test subjects were three people whose task was to propel the wheelchair in two assistance modes supporting manual propulsion. The first mode is hill climbing assistance, while the second one is assistance with propulsion torque in the propulsive phase. During the tests, a number of kinematic parameters of the wheelchair were monitored. An in-depth analysis was performed for the amplitude of speed during a hill climb and the number of propulsive cycles performed on a hill. The tests performed showed that when propelling the wheelchair only using the hand rims, the subject needed an average of 13 pushes on the uphill slope, and their speed amplitude was 1.8 km/h with an average speed of 1.73 km/h. The climbing assistance mode reduced the speed amplitude to 0.76 km/h, while the torque assisted mode in the propulsive phase reduced the number of cycles required to climb the hill from 13 to 6. The tests were carried out at various values of assistance and assistance amplification coefficient, and the most optimally selected parameters of this coefficient were presented in the results. The tests proved that electric propulsion assistance has a beneficial and significant impact on the kinematics of manual wheelchair propulsion when compared to a classic manual propulsion system when overcoming hills. In addition, assistance and assistance amplification coefficient were proved to be correlated to operating conditions and the user's individual characteristics.
The Science and Engineering of Stem Cell–Derived Organoids-Examples from Hepatic, Biliary, and Pancreatic Tissues
Authors: Ogoke Ogechi , Maloy Mitchell , Parashurama Natesh
Published: January 2020

Organoid engineering promises to revolutionize medicine with wide ranging applications of scientific, engineering, and clinical interest, including precision and personalized medicine, gene editing, drug development, disease modeling, cellular therapy, and a basic understanding of human development. Organoids are a three-dimensional (3D), miniature, caricature of a target organ, are initiated with stem/progenitor cells, and are extremely promising tools to model organ function. The biological basis for organoids is that they foster stem cell-self renewal, differentiation, and self-organization, recapitulating tissue structure or function better than 2D systems. In this review, we first discuss the importance of epithelial organs and the general properties of epithelial cells to provide context for the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder and rationale for organoid cultures. Next, we develop a general framework to understand self-organization, tissue hierarchy, and organoid cultivation. For each of these areas, we provide historical context, and review both a wide range of biological and/or biophysical/mathematic perspectives that enhances understanding of organoids. Next, we review existing techniques and progress in hepatobiliary and pancreatic organoid engineering. To do this, we review organoids from both primary tissues, cell lines, and stem cells, and introduce engineering studies when applicable. Noninvasive assessment of 1 organoids can reveal underlying biology and enable improved assays for growth, metabolism, and function. Applications of organoid for cell therapy are also discussed. Taken together, we establish a broad strong scientific foundation for organoids and provide an in-depth review of hepatic, biliary and pancreatic organoids.
Additives Used with Straw Bedding Can Mitigate Ammonia and Greenhouse Gaseous Emissions from Solid Cattle Manure in Sloping-Floor Housing System
Authors: Shah Ghulam Abbas , Shah Ghulam Mustafa , Rashid Muhammad Imtiaz , Sadiq Maqsood , Khan Faheem , Mahmood Imran , Hassan Zeshan , Anwar Adeel , Luqman Muhammad , Tarar Zahid Hassan , Groot Jeroen C. J. , Lantinga Egbert A.
Published: January 2020

We studied the influence of lava meal, zeolite and top layer of sandy soil as bedding additives on gaseous C and N losses from a sloping-floor barn of naturally ventilated animal housing. We selected four barn units where eight young bulls’ group was reared in each barn. Chopped straw of wheat and barley applied daily at the rate of 5 kg per livestock unit (LU) in bedding areas where one LU consisted of 500 kg body mass of live bulls. Zeolite, lava meal and sandy soil (18% clay + silt) applied in barn at the rate of 10, 20 and 30% of straw dose, respectively. Static flux chamber was used to measure gases emissions from the barn unit and mass balance calculation was used to calculate straw manure total N (TN) losses during housing phase. On an average, all bedding additives decreased 85% of the NH3 emission compared to control; however, they did not influence CH4 emission. Zeolite decreased CO2 (35%) and N2O (37%) emission rates. Subsequently, lava meal, sandy soil and zeolite decreased 23, 37, and 50% of TN losses from barn manure, respectively. Overall, measured N emissions through NH3-N and N2O-N from the barns was 11% of calculated TN losses while remainder 89% was most probably attributed to di-nitrogen (N2), a harmless gas. Hence, in straw-based cattle housings, zeolite could be a promising additive for reduction of CO2, N2O and NH3 emissions and sandy soil can be considered as cheap and readily available resource for reducing NH3 emission.
A Monte Carlo-Based Outlier Diagnosis Method for Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Rofatto Vinicius Francisco , Matsuoka Marcelo Tomio , Klein Ivandro , Roberto Veronez Mauricio , da Silveira Jr. Luiz Gonzaga
Published: January 2020

An iterative outlier elimination procedure based on hypothesis testing, commonly known as Iterative Data Snooping (IDS) among geodesists, is often used for the quality control of the modern measurement systems in geodesy and surveying. The test statistic associated with IDS is the extreme normalised least-squares residual. It is well-known in the literature that critical values (quantile values) of such a test statistic cannot be derived from well-known test distributions, but must be computed numerically by means of Monte Carlo. This paper provides the first results about Monte Carlo-based critical value inserted to different scenarios of correlation between the outlier statistics. From the Monte Carlo evaluation, we compute the probabilities of correct identification, missed detection, wrong exclusion, overidentifications and statistical overlap associated with IDS in the presence of a single outlier. Based on such probability levels we obtain the Minimal Detectable Bias (MDB) and Minimal Identifiable Bias (MIB) for the case where IDS is in play. MDB and MIB are sensitivity indicators for outlier detection and identification, respectively. The results show that there are circumstances that the larger the Type I decision error (smaller critical value), the higher the rates of outlier detection, but the lower the rates of outlier identification. For that case, the larger the Type I Error, the larger the ratio between MIB and MDB. We also highlight that an outlier becomes identifiable when the contribution of the measures to the wrong exclusion rate decline simultaneously. In that case, we verify that the effect of the correlation between the outlier statistics on the wrong exclusion rates becomes insignificant from a certain outlier magnitude, which increases the probability of identification.
Integer Versus Fractional Order SEIR Deterministic and Stochastic Models of Measles
Authors: Islam Md Rafiul , Peace Angela , Medina Daniel , Oraby Tamer
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we compare the performance between systems of ordinary and (Caputo) fractional differential equations depicting the susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered (SEIR) models of diseases. In order to understand the origins of both approaches as mean-field approximations of integer and fractional stochastic processes, we introduce the fractional differential equations as approximations of some type of fractional nonlinear birth--death processes. Then, we examine validity of the two approaches against empirical courses of epidemics; we fit both of them to case counts of three measles epidemics that occurred during the pre-vaccination era in three different locations. While FDEs appear more flexible in fitting empirical data, our ODEs offered better fits to two out of three data sets. Important differences in transient dynamics between these modeling approaches are discussed.
Hybrid TiO2-Polyaniline Photocatalysts and Their Application in Building Gypsum Plasters
Authors: Sulowska Agnieszka , Wysocka Izabela , Pelczarski Daniel , Zielińska-Jurek Anna
Published: January 2020

Hybrid materials of conjugated polymer and titanium(IV) oxide have attracted considerable attention concerning potential benefits, including (i) efficient exploitation of visible light, (ii) high adsorption capacity for organic contaminants, (iii) effective charge carriers separation. The new class of the photocatalysts is promising for the removal of environmental pollutants in both aqueous and gaseous phases. For the first time, in this study, the PANI/TiO2 hybrid composite was used for the degradation of phenol in water and toluene in the gas phase. Polyaniline-TiO2 was prepared by in-situ polymerization of aniline on the TiO2 surface. The obtained hybrid material was characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DR/UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fast-Fourier transformation spectroscopy (FTIR), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, microscopy analysis (SEM/TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An insight into the mechanism was shown based on the photodegradation analysis of charge carriers scavengers. Polyaniline is an efficient TiO2 photosensitizer for photodegradation in visible light (λ> 420 nm). The trapping experiments revealed that mainly h+ and ˙OH were reactive oxygen species responsible for phenol degradation. Furthermore, the PANI-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposite was used in gypsum plaster to study the self-cleaning properties of the obtained building material. The effect of PANI-TiO2 content on hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties and crystallographic structure of gypsum was studied. The obtained PANI-TiO2 modified gypsum plaster had improved photocatalytic activity in the reaction of toluene degradation under Vis light.
Natural Products as Modulators of Sirtuins
Authors: Karaman Mayack Berin , Sippl Wolfgang , Ntie-Kang Fidele
Published: January 2020

Natural products have been used for the treatment of human diseases since ancient history. Over time, due to the lack of precise tools and techniques for the separation, purification, and structural elucidation of active constituents in natural resources there has been a decline in financial support and efforts in characterization of natural products. Advances in the design of chemical compounds and the understanding of their functions is of pharmacological importance for the biomedical field. However, natural products regained attention as sources of novel drug candidates upon recent developments and progress in technology. Natural compounds were shown to bear an inherent ability to bind to biomacromolecules and cover an unparalleled chemical space in comparison to most libraries used for high-throughput screening. Thus, natural products hold a great potential for the drug discovery of new scaffolds for therapeutic targets such as Sirtuins. Sirtuins are Class III histone deacetylases that have been linked to many diseases such as Parkinson`s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, type II diabetes, and cancer linked to aging. In this review, we examine the revitalization of interest in natural products for drug discovery and discuss natural product modulators of Sirtuins that could serve as a starting point for the development of isoform selective and highly potent drug-like compounds.
QSPR/QSAR: State-of-art, Weirdness, the Future
Authors: Toropov Andrey , Toropova Alla
Published: January 2020

Ability of quantitative structure – property / activity relationships (QSPRs/QSARs) to serve for epistemological processes in natural sciences is discussed. Some weirdness of QSPR/QSAR state-of-art are listed. There are some contradictions in the research results in this area. Sometimes, these should be classified as paradoxes or weirdness. These points often are ignored. Here these are listed and briefly commented. In addition, hypothesises on the future evolution of the QSPR/QSAR theory and practice are suggested.
Assessment of Fatty Acid Desaturase (Fads2) Structure-Function Properties in Fish in the Context of Environmental adaptations and as a Target for Genetic Engineering
Authors: Bláhová Zuzana , Harvey Thomas Nelson , Pšenička Martin , Mráz Jan
Published: January 2020

Fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2) is the key enzyme of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) biosynthesis. Endogenous production of these biomolecules in vertebrates, if present, is insufficient to meet demand. Hence, LC-PUFA are considered as conditionally-essential. At present however, LC-PUFA are globally-limited nutrients due to anthropogenic factors. Attention of research is given therefore to find ways to maximize endogenous LC-PUFA production especially in production species, whereby deeper knowledge on molecular mechanisms of enzymatic steps involved is being generated. This review first briefly informs about the milestones in the history of LC-PUFA essentiality exploration before it focuses on the main aim – to highlight the fascinating Fads2 potential to play roles fundamental to adaptation to novel environmental conditions. Investigations are summarized, which elucidate the evolutionary history of fish Fads2 providing an explanation for the remarkable plasticity of this enzyme in fish. Further, structural implications of Fads2 substrate specificity are discussed and some relevant studies performed on organisms other than fish are mentioned in cases when such studies have so far not been conducted on fish models. The importance of Fads2 in the context of growing aquaculture demand and dwindling LC-PUFA supply is depicted and a few remedies in the form of genetic engineering to improve endogenous production of these biomolecules are outlined.
Choices We Make: Rethinking Decision-making in the Context of Climate Crisis
Authors: Waeber Patrick , Stoudmann Natasha , Ghazoul Jaboury , Wilmé Lucienne , Sayer Jeffrey , Nobre Carlos , Innes John , Garcia Claude
Published: January 2020

Leaders are failing to respond to the climate and environmental urgency the world is facing. A growing action gap, clearly visible during the recent CoP25, has been fueled by leaders' inability to respond efficiently to the mounting threats scientists—and increasingly society—are concerned about. Bridging this gap and tackling the growing polarization within society calls for leaders to accept the full complexity of the issues the world is facing. This will require them to question their understanding of these geopolitical affairs and embrace the dynamics at play, and avoid falling back on simplistic cognitive models. We propose a heuristic to convey the pathways available to decision-makers to make their way out of the current inaction impasse. By breaking free of this deadlock, a social transition will have the potential to take place, helping us to avoid crossing the climate system tipping points.
Structure of Thermal Drilling Joints
Authors: Sobotova Lydia , Badida Miroslav , Maslejova Alica
Published: January 2020

The contribution deals with the joining of various types of materials by technology of thermal drilling. In various branches of industries, also in the automotive industry must be joining operations, service, repairing, substitution or protection workpieces, components with various types of materials. Equally, the important role as joint, is also used material, and a product preparation by assembly and disassembly operations. By utilization of new friction hybrid joining technologies we can shortage the production time, provide automation in operations, increase the quality of joints, spare of economical expenses and also we can protect the environment. In this paper authors have investigated the effect of friction drilling on the tested material, aluminium alloy AlMgSi, which was used for material testing. The created joints were evaluated visually and by microscopy methods. The errors of tested joining were documented and described, too. This contribution was made with cooperation of Technical University of Kosice and with U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.
A Review on Dispersal Polymorphism in Wing-Dimorphic, Mono-Morphic, Wingless, and Range-Expanding Insects, and Experimental Designs for Sorting out Resident and Disperser Phenotypes
Authors: Renault David
Published: January 2020

Dispersal represents a key life-history trait with several implications for the fitness of organisms, population dynamics and resilience, local adaptation, meta-population dynamics, range shifting and biological invasions. Plastic and evolutionary changes of dispersal traits have been intensively studied over the past decades in entomology, in particular in wing-dimorphic insects for which literature reviews are available. Importantly, dispersal polymorphism also exists in wing-monomorphic and wingless insects, and except for butterflies, fewer syntheses are available. In this perspective, by integrating the very last research in the fast moving field of insect dispersal ecology, this review article provides an overview of our current knowledge of dispersal polymorphism in insects. After having provided a definition of the main terms characterising insects’ movements, some of the most often used experimental methodologies for the separation of dispersers and residents in wing-monomorphic and wingless insects are presented. The existing knowledge on the morphological and life-history trait differences between resident and disperser phenotypes is then synthetized. The fourth part examines the effects of range expansion on dispersal traits and performance, in particular for insects from range edges and invasion fronts. Finally, some research perspectives are proposed in the last part of the review.
SUMOylation is Required for ERK5 Nuclear Translocation and ERK5-Mediated Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Erazo Tatiana , Espinosa-Gil Sergio , Diéguez-Martínez Nora , Gómez Néstor , Lizcano Jose M.
Published: January 2020

The MAP kinase ERK5 contains an N-terminal kinase domain and a unique C-terminal tail including a nuclear localization signal and a transcriptional activation domain. ERK5 is activated in response to growth factors and stresses, and regulates transcription at the nucleus by either phosphorylation or interaction with transcription factors. MEK5-ERK5 pathway plays an important role regulating cancer cell proliferation and survival. Therefore, it is important to define the precise molecular mechanisms implicated in ERK5 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. We previously described that the molecular chaperone Hsp90 stabilizes and anchors ERK5 at the cytosol, and that ERK5 nuclear shuttling requires Hsp90 dissociation. Here, we show that MEK5 or Cdc37 overexpression -mechanisms that induce nuclear ERK5- induced ERK5 SUMO-2 modification at residues Lys6/Lys22 in cancer cells. We also show that overexpression of the SUMO protease SENP2 completely abolished endogenous ERK5 nuclear localization in response to EGF stimulation. Furthermore, mutation of these SUMO sites abolished the ability of ERK5 to translocate to the nucleus and to promote prostatic cancer PC-3 cell proliferation. These results allow us to propose a more precise mechanism: in response to MEK5 activation, ERK5 SUMOylation favors the dissociation of Hsp90 from the complex, allowing ERK5 nuclear shuttling and activation of transcription.
Flow Allocation in Meshed AC-DC Electricity Grids
Authors: Hofmann Fabian , Schlott Markus , Kies Alexander , Stöcker Horst
Published: January 2020

In power systems, flow allocation (FA) methods allow to allocate usage and costs of the transmission grid to each single market participant. Based on predefined assumptions, the power flow is split into isolated generator specific or producer specific sub-flows.
Two prominent FA methods, Marginal Participation (MP) and Equivalent Bilateral Exchanges (EBE), build upon the linearized power flow and thus on the Power Transfer Distribution Factors (PTDF). Despite their intuitive and computationally efficient concept, they are restricted to networks with \emph{passive} transmission elements only. As soon as a significant number of \emph{controllable} transmission elements, such as High-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines, operate in the system, they loose their applicability.
This work reformulates the two methods in terms of Virtual Injection Patters (VIP) which allows to efficiently introduce a shift parameter $q$, tuning contributions of net sources and net sinks in the network. Major properties and differences of the methods are pointed out. Finally, it is shown how the MA and EBE algorithm can be applied to generic meshed AC-DC electricity grids: Introducing a \emph{pseudo-impedance} which reflects the operational state of controllable elements, allows to extend the PTDF matrix under the assumption of knowing the current system's flow. Basic properties from graph theory are used for solving the pseudo-impedance dependent on the position in the network. This directly enables \emph{e.g.} HVDC lines to be considered in the MP and EBE algorithm.
The extended methods are applied to a low-carbon European network model (PyPSA-EUR) with a spatial resolution of N=181 and an 18\% transmission expansion. The allocations of VIP and MP, show that countries with high wind potentials profit most from the transmission grid expansion. Based on the average usage of transmission system expansion a method of distributing operational and capital expenditures is proposed. Further it is shown, how injections from renewable resources strongly drive country-to-country allocations and thus cross-border electricity flows.
Chromothripsis and DNA-repair Disorders
Authors: Nazaryan-Petersen Lusine , Bjerregaard Victoria Alexandra , Nielsen Finn Cilius , Tommerup Niels , Tümer Zeynep
Published: January 2020

Chromothripsis is a mutational mechanism leading to complex and relatively clustered chromosomal rearrangements resulting in diverse phenotypic outcomes depending on the involved genomic landscapes. It may occur both in the germ and the somatic cells resulting in congenital and developmental disorders and cancer, respectively. Asymptomatic individuals may be carriers of chromotriptic rearrangements and experience recurrent reproductive failures when two or more chromosomes are involved. Several mechanisms are postulated to underly chromothripsis. The most attractive hypothesis involves chromosome pulverization in micronuclei followed by incorrect reassembly of fragments through DNA repair to explain the clustered nature of the observed complex rearrangements. Moreover, exogenous or endogenous DNA damage induction and dicentric bridge formation may be involved. Chromosome instability is commonly observed in the cells of patients with DNA-repair disorders, such as ataxia telangiectasia, Nijmegen breakage syndrome and Bloom syndrome. In addition, germline variations of TP53 have been associated with chromothripsis in Sonic-Hedgehog medulloblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia. In the present review, we focus on the underlying mechanisms of chromothripsis and the involvement of defective DNA-repair genes resulting in chromosome instability and chromothripsis-like rearrangements.
Honesty: A Multidimensional Study as Motivation for National Character Building
Authors: M, Suud Fitriah , Sutrisno  , Abd.Madjid
Published: January 2020

Honesty has discussed in various disciplines. Honesty studies have carried out to examine the relationship of honesty with many factors that influence certain fields of science. This study aims to present a multidimensional study to convey the goodness of honesty as a tangible manifestation of the normative message that honesty guide to goodness and it will lead to happiness. This study uses a text analysis method in the form of a literature review through searching several resources. The sources that found is analysed by Wilson's procedure. The results of this study shows that honesty as a whole has a good impact on the physical health and mental health of individuals. Honesty related to many psychological attributes. Therefore, it recommended embedding motivations in educational honesty that concluded from various scientific disciplines.
Effect of Self-Regulated Learning Strategy on students’ achievement in Basic Science in Makurdi Local Government, Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Jirgba Christy Mbakohol , Bur Joy Iember
Published: January 2020

This study examined the effects of self-regulated learning instructional strategy on students’ achievement in basic science among Upper Basic 2 in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. The study employed non-equivalent group pre-test-post-test quasi experimental design. The population of the study was 638 upper basic school levels. The sample for this study was 128 students from six co-educational schools within Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The instrument used for data collection was Basic Science Achievement Test (BSAT) and was trial tested using Kuder-Richardson (K-R, 20) formula to determine the reliability coefficient of BSAT which was found to be 0.99. Descriptive statistics of means and standard deviation were used to answer all the research questions and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test all the hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. The results of the study showed that demonstration method enhanced students’ achievement in basic science better than self-regulated strategy. There is no significant difference between the mean achievement score of students taught basic science using self-regulated learning strategy and those taught using demonstration method. There was no significant difference between the mean achievement scores of male and female students taught basic science using self-regulate learning strategy. Basic science Teachers should not only use demonstration method to teach but also allow the student to actively participate in the learning. This can foster confidence in the students and enhance better achievement in basic science.
IMUNITAS UDANG VANNAME (Litopenaeus vannamei) YANG DIBERI PAKAN TAMBAHAN DAUN KASEMBUKAN (Paederia foetida Linn.)
Authors: Ismawati I , Destryana R. Amilia , Huzaimah Nailiy
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTOne of the efforts to prevent crop failure in vanname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) can be done by increasing immunity in vanname shrimp. Increased shrimp immunity by chemical means has a weakness that can create resistance to bacteria. To overcome the positive impact of the use of antibiotics in preventing infection in vanname shrimp by utilizing a natural ingredient with medicinal properties namely kasembukan (Paederi foetida Linn.) The research aims to determine the immunity of vanname shrimp and survival ratio. The  research used a Completely Randomized Design with the treatment of paederia leaf concentration added to commercial shrimp feed, namely A1; A2; A3; A4; A5 (0%; 10%; 20%; 40%; 80%). Observations were made on day 0, day 10, day 20 and day 30. The results of research using ANOVA showed that there was an effect of treatment on immune vanname shrimp based on total vanname shrimp hemocytes. Duncon's further tests showed that the treatment of adding 10% and 20% of the paederia leaves had the same effect while the addition of 0%, 40% and 80% of the paederia leaves had a reduced effect on the total haemocyte of vanname shrimp. The survival ratio (SR) of vanname shrimp for each treatment for 30 days were A1: 80%, A2: 100%, A3: 90%, A4: 91% and A5: 96%.Keywords: Immunity, feed, Litopenaus vannamei, Paederia foetida L.ABSTRAKUpaya dalam mencegah kegagalan panen pada budidaya udang vanname (Litopenaeus vannamei) salah satunya dapat dilakukan dengan cara meningkatkan imunitas pada udang vanname. Peningkatan imunitas udang dengan cara kimia memiliki kelemahan yaitu dapat membuat resistensi pada bakteri. Untuk menanggulangi dampak positif penggunaan antibiotik dalam mencegah infeksi pada udang vanname yaitu dengan cara memanfaatkan bahan alami berkasiat obat yaitu kasembukan (Paederi foetida Linn.) Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui imunitas udang vanname serta kelulus hidupan udang yang diberi pakan tambahan daun ksembukan sebagai imunostimulan. Rancangan penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan perlakuan konsentrasi tepung daun kasembukan yang ditambahkann pada pakan udang komersil yaitu A1; A2; A3; A4; A5 (0%; 10%; 20%; 40%; 80%). Pengamatan dilakukan pada hari ke 0, hari ke 10, hari ke 20 dan hari ke 30. Hasil penelitian menggunakan ANOVA menunjukkan terdapat pengaruh perlakuan terhadap imun udang vanname berdasarkan total hemosit udang vanname. Uji lanjut Duncon menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan penambahan 10% dan 20% daun kasembukan memiliki pengaruh yang sama sedangkan penambahan 0%, 40% dan 80% daun kasembukan memiliki pengaruh yang bereda terhadap total hemosit udang vanname. Kelulus kehidupan udang vanname untuk masing-masing perlakuan selama 30 hari yaitu A1:80%, A2:100%, A3:90%, A4:91% dan A5:96%.Kata Kunci: Imunitas, kasembukan, pakan, udang vanname
KARAKTERISTIK GEOKIMIA PHOSPHOR SEDIMEN PERMUKAAN PERAIRAN MANGUNHARJO (SEMARANG) DAN MARUNDA (JAKARTA)
Authors: Damardjati Noor Syafaat , Maslukah Lilik , Wulandari Sri Yulina
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTThe waters of Mangunharjo, Semarang and Marunda, Jakarta are located in the area of industrial and dense population. There is the activity of industrial, household, urban waste and agricultural in the land or along the river upstream can potentially as a source of pollutants and impacting the aquatic environment. Pollutants get into the water together with a suspension of sediment through river water flow and precipitation in the coastal environment. The study aims to determine the geochemical characteristics of sedimentary phosphor from two different locations. Determination of the phosphate fraction of sediment, using sequential determination extraction (SEDEX). The results showed that the concentration of the inorganic phosphorus sediment fraction has a similar relative distribution of Mangunharjo and Marunda waters i.e. Fe-P Ca-P Ads-P. The concentration of Ads-P, Ca-P, and Fe-P in Mangunharjo water is between 0.20-0.26 μmol g-1, 2.77-3.60 μmol g-1, and 4.60-5.74 μmol g-1 and Marunda water is between 0.28-0.61 μmol g-1, 2.91-4.13 μmol g-1, and 0.92-2.83 μmol g-1, respectively. The grain size of sediments and current patterns affect the distribution of phosphorus fraction.Keywords: Phosphorus fraction, surface sediments, Mangunharjo, MarundaABSTRAKPerairan Mangunharjo, Semarang dan Marunda, Jakarta berada didaerah kawasan industri dan padat penduduk. Terdapatnya aktivitas industri, rumah tangga, limbah perkotaan dan pertanian di daratan ataupun di sepanjang hulu sungai dapat berpotensi sebagai sumber pencemar dan berdampak bagi lingkungan perairan. Bahan pencemar masuk ke perairan bersama-sama muatan sedimen tersuspensi melalui aliran air sungai dan  mengalami pengendapan di lingkungan pantai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik geokimia sedimen phosphor dari dua lokasi yang berbeda. Penentuan lokasi penelitian menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Penentuan fraksi phosphat sedimen, menggunakan ekstraksi bertingkat (SEDEX). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi dari fraksi inorganic phosphor sedimen memiliki distribusi relatif yang serupa antara Perairan Mangunharjo dan Marunda yaitu Fe-P Ca-P Ads-P. Konsentrasi Ads-P, Ca-P, dan Fe-P di Perairan Mangunharjo  adalah antara 0.20 - 0.26 μmol g-1, 2.77 - 3.60 μmol g-1, dan 4.60 - 5.74 μmol g-1 dan Perairan Marunda adalah antara 0.28 - 0.61 μmol g-1, 2.91 - 4.13 μmol g-1, dan 0.92 - 2.83 μmol g-1, secara berurutan. Ukuran butir sedimen dan pola arus mempengaruhi konsentrasi fraksi fosfat pada kedua perairan tersebut.Kata Kunci : Fraksi phosphor, Sedimen permukaan, Mangunharjo, Marunda
Metabolic alterations provide insights into Stylosanthes roots responding to phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Luo Jiajia , Liu Yunxi , Zhang Huikai , Wang Jinpeng , Chen Zhijian , Luo Lijuan , Liu Guodao , Liu Pandao
Published: January 2020

Background: Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the major constraints limiting plant growth, especially in acid soils. Stylosanthes (stylo) is a pioneer tropical legume with excellent adaptability to low P stress, but its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.Results: In this study, the physiological, molecular and metabolic changes in stylo responding to phosphate (Pi) starvation were investigated. Under low P condition, the growth of stylo root was enhanced, which was attributed to the up-regulation of expansin genes participating in root growth. Metabolic profiling analysis showed that a total of 256 metabolites with differential accumulations were identified in stylo roots response to P deficiency, which mainly included flavonoids, sugars, nucleotides, amino acids, phenylpropanoids and phenylamides. P deficiency led to significant reduction in the accumulation of phosphorylated metabolites (e.g., P-containing sugars, nucleotides and cholines), suggesting that internal P utilization was enhanced in stylo roots subjected to low P stress. However, flavonoid metabolites, such as kaempferol, daidzein and their glycoside derivatives, were increased in P-deficient stylo roots. Furthermore, the qRT-PCR analysis showed that a set of genes involved in flavonoids synthesis were found to be up-regulated by Pi starvation in stylo roots. In addition, the abundances of phenolic acids and phenylamides were significantly increased in stylo roots during P deficiency. The increased accumulation of the metabolites in stylo roots, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and phenylamides, might facilitate P solubilization and cooperate with beneficial microorganisms in rhizosphere, and thus contributing to P acquisition and utilization in stylo.Conclusions: These results suggest that stylo plants cope with P deficiency by modulating root morphology, scavenging internal Pi from phosphorylated metabolites and increasing accumulation of flavonoids, phenolic acids and phenylamides. This study provides valuable insights into the complex responses and adaptive mechanisms of stylo roots to P deficiency.
A feasibility study of a WhatsApp-delivered transtheoretical model-based intervention to promote healthy eating knowledge and habits for firefighters in Hong Kong: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: NG Winnie WM , Cheung Kin
Published: January 2020

Background: Firefighters’ health is often affected by a high prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, which are common risk factors for sudden cardiac death. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of enhancing healthy eating habits and knowledge in firefighters through an education programme. Method: This will be a cluster randomized control trial study. The participants will be assigned randomly into either control (health promotion pamphlet) or intervention (health promotion pamphlet and education materials through WhatsApp) groups. Changes in healthy eating habits and knowledge will be assessed by a self-administrative questionnaire (Appendix III) and anthropometric measurements at three different time points. Discussion: More education is required in order to improve firefighters’ eating habits and knowledge
Gene Co-expression Networks Are Associated with Obesity-Related Traits in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Jaime-Lara Rosario B , Roy Abhrarup Abe , Wang Yupeng , Stanfill Ansley , Cashion Ann K , Joseph Paule
Published: January 2020

Background Obesity is common among kidney transplant recipients; However biological mediators of obesity are not well understood in this population. Because subcutaneous adipose tissue can be easily obtained during kidney transplant surgery, it provides a unique avenue for studying the mechanisms of obesity for this group. Although differential gene expression patterns were previously profiled for kidney transplant patients, gene co-expression patterns can shed light on gene modules not yet explored on the coordinative behaviors of gene transcription in biological and disease processes from a systems perspective. Methods In this study, we collected 29 demographic and clinical variables and matching microarray expression data for 26 kidney transplant patients. We conducted Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) for 5,758 genes with the highest average expression levels and related gene co-expression to clinical traits. Results A total of 35 co-expression modules were detected, two of which showed associations with obesity-related traits, mainly at baseline. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment was found for these two clinical trait-associated modules. One module consisting of 129 genes was enriched for a variety of processes, including cellular homeostasis and immune responses. The other module consisting of 36 genes was enriched for tissue development processes. Conclusions Our study generated gene co-expression modules associated with obesity-related traits in kidney transplant patients and provided new insights regarding the cellular biological processes underlying obesity in this population.
Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes Among Prisoners and Non-Prisoners in Zomba, Malawi
Authors: Singano Victor Hamilton , Kip Esther , Ching’ani Wilson , Chiwaula Lawrence
Published: January 2020

Background TB remains a major global health problem. it is particularly prevalent in prisons in sub-Saharan Africa. Prisoners have experienced worse TB treatment outcomes than the general population. The researchers investigated the TB treatment outcomes and pre d ictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among prisoners and the general population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed TB registers of prisoners and the general population diagnosed with TB from January 2011 to December 2016 at Zomba Maximum Central Prison and Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi. The study used routinely collected data extracted from national, standardized TB treatment monitoring tools. Successful treatment outcome was classified as the total for cured and completed treatment while unsuccessful treatment outcome was classified as the total of deaths and treatment failures. We used descriptive statistics to compare the demographics and TB treatment parameters among prisoners and non – prisoners and computed multivariate analysis to predict the independent factors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Results Of 1652 registered cases, 27% were prisoners (all males) and 72% were non-prisoners (58 % males). The median age was 35 years (IQR: 29 - 42); 76 % were Pulmonary TB cases (78 % among prisoners vs 75% among non-prisoners); 83 % were new TB cases (77% among prisoners vs 86% among non-prisoners); and 65 % were HIV positive (50 % among prisoners vs 71% among non – prisoners). Regarding treatment outcome, 1472 (89%) were cured and/or completed treatment (93% among prisoners vs 88 % among non – prisoners), 2 (0.2%) were treatment failures, 122 (8%) died (5 % among prisoners vs 8 % among non – prisoners) and 55 (3%) were not evaluated (1% among prisoners vs 4% among non – prisoners). Unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes were associated with age greater than 35 years (aOR = 0.68: 95% C.I: 0.58 – 0.80), Extra-Pulmonary TB (aOR=1.69: 95% C.I: 1.08 – 2.63) andHIV positive status (aOR = 0.63: 95 % C.I: 0.42 – 0.94). Conclusion Maximum prisons provide a stable population that can be easily monitored during TB treatment. Good TB treatment outcomes comparable to the general population can be achieved among prisoners despite the challenging prison conditions.