bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAPPING AND INDEX VEGETATION ANALYSES OF MANGROVE IN SAPARUA ISLAND, CENTRAL MOLUCCAS
Authors: Waas Harold J. D. , Nababan Bisman
Published: October 2017

2TMapping and index vegetation analyses of mangrove in coastal areas of Saparua Island, Central Moluccas was conducted using Landsat 7/ETM+ satellite data acquired in April to May 2007. The results showed that the distributions of mangrove vegetation were concentrated in the north, south, and west of the region with the area of 218.88 ha (38.26%), 105.12 ha (18.38%), and 248.04 ha (43.36%), respectively. Total area of mangrove vegetation in this island was about 572.04 ha (5.72 kmP2P), or 3.49% of the island area. Vegetation indexes (NDVI) in the north, south, and west of the region were dominated by values of >0.7 (very high density).

Keyword: Mangrove, NDVI, Landsat Satellite, Saparua, Central Maluku
FISH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN DIFFERENT SEAGRASS BEDS OF BARRANG LOMPO ISLAND
Authors: Rappe Rohani Ambo
Published: October 2017

The importance of seagrass meadows as a habitat for fishes, including several of economic importance, is widely acknowledged. The complexity of seagrass beds might offer a different condition of habitat for fishes. The physical nature of the seagrass canopy is thought to play a major role, potentially influencing available shelter, food, and protection from predators. Structural complexity of seagrass such as shoot and leaf density is also an important factor in determining ecological function of seagrass in the marine environment. The objective of the research is to assess the ecological function of different seagrass beds (in terms of spesies and density) in supporting fish community. The study found 28 species of fish originating from 14 families and Pomacentridae were dominantly found. Abundance of fish found to be higher in seagrass beds with high densities both composed by one species of seagrass (monospesific) or by more than one species of seagrass (multispesific), compared to the seagrass beds with low density and bare areas. Fish community diversity index was found higher in dense seagrass beds composed of many species of seagrass compared to the rare and consists of only one species of seagrass. The presence of epiphytes as nutrients for the fish that live in seagrass beds may contribute to the finding.

Keywords: Seagrass, fish, Barrang Lompo Island
PLANNING ON HATCHING TIME OF GROUPER EGGS THROUGH DIFFERENT INCUBATION TEMPERATURES
Authors: Melianawati Regina , Imanto Philip Teguh , Suastika Made
Published: October 2017

Groupers were known as a high economically marine commodity and in order to support groupers production, the seed availability was the most important. Eggs are still as limited factor in hatchery production, for this reason the success of eggs transportation is one as base of successful production of seed. Planning on hatching time of eggs through different incubation temperature was an option to solve that problem. This experiment was aimed to find out the optimum temperature for groupers eggs and the minimum temperature to arrange incubation time and to plan the hatching time. Fertilized eggs were incubated into three beaker glasses of 1 liter in volume with the density of ± 250 eggs/liter. The incubation was done under laboratory condition at controlled temperature, i.e. (A) 21-22 ºC, (B) 24-25 ºC, (C) 27-28 ºC and (D) 30-31 ºC. The eggs that used were including orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coiodes), brown marbled grouper (E. microdon), tiger grouper (E. fuscoguttatus) and humpback grouper (Cromileptes altivelis). Investigated variables were embryonic development pattern, incubation time and hatching rate. The result showed that the eggs incubated in temperature range of 24-31°C had the normal sequence of embryonic development pattern, but in temperature of 21-22°C performed irregular sequence and the embryonic development stopped at blastula or gastrula stage or even the eggs could still develop but the body of hatched larvae were abnormal. In lower temperature incubation, the incubation time was longer and the hatching rate of eggs was lower than those in higher temperature. Therefore the optimum temperature for incubation of orange spotted grouper, marbled grouper, tiger grouper and humpback grouper eggs ranged between 24-31 ºC, while the lowest possible temperature was 24 ºC.

Keywords: incubation temperature, embryonic development pattern, grouper eggs, hatching rate
SKIPJACK TUNA IN RELATION TO SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE AND CHLOROPHYLL-A CONCENTRATION OF BONE BAY USING REMOTELY SENSED SATELLITE DATA
Authors: Zainuddin Mukti
Published: October 2017

Skipjack tuna is an important species targeting by pole and line fishery in Bone Bay. The distribution and abundance of this species tended to aggregate to the preferred bio-physical environments. To describe the short term relationship between skipjack tuna and oceanographic conditions and to visualize the predicted high catch areas, remotely sensed satellite based-oceanographic sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a together fisheries data were used. Results indicated that the highest skipjack CPUEs were mainly found in coastal areas of Palopo and Kolaka both in 2007 and in 2009 during the period of study. The high tuna concentrations corresponded well with chlorophyll-a of 0.15-0.40 mg mg-3 and SST of 29.0-31.5 °C. The preferred ranges provide a good indicator for initially detecting potential skipjack fishing grounds. This study suggested that thermal and chlorophyll fronts as well as upwelling may important mechanisms in explaining the temporal and spatial dynamics of skipjack tuna distribution and abundance in Bone Bay.

Keywords: skipjack tuna, potential fishing grounds, satellite images and fronts
MORPHOLOGY AND CELL BIOMASS OF SPONGE Aaptos aaptos AND
Authors: Ismet Meutia Samira , Soedharma Dedi , Effendi Hefni
Published: October 2017

Aaptos aaptos and Petrosia sp. sponges are known for their ability to produce potential marine bioactive compound. As a metazoan animal with simple body structure, the morphology and it association with symbiont-bacteria could influence their bioactive compound both type and activity, as much as their habitat adaptation. In order to determine morphology and its cell biomass of Aaptos aaptos dan Petrosia sp., samples were taken from the West Pari Island, at 7 m depth. Preserved samples (in 4% formaldehyde) were examined using a histological mounting and centrifugation method to separate the cells fraction of sponge’s tissues. A. aaptos sponge has a soft body structure with 55.9% skeleton-forming fraction, 14.2% sponge cell fraction and 29.9% bacteria fraction. Meanwhile, Petrosia sp. sponge has a rigid body with dominant skeleton-forming fraction (68.6%), and lesser sponge cell and bacteria associated (19.7% and 11.7%, respectively).

Keywords: A. aaptos, Petrosia sp, morphology, cell biomass
PERIODS OF MOUTH OPENING AND YOLK ABSORPTION RELATED TO THE ACTIVITY OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES IN THE EARLY STADIA FROM THE SECOND GENERATION OF HUMPBACK GROUPER BROODSTOCK
Authors: Andriyanto Wawan , Marzuqi Muhammad
Published: October 2017

The experiment was carried out to determine the exposure time of the first mouth opening on humpback grouper larval from F2 broodstock on hatchery until 10 DAH (days after hatching) because this phase is a critical phase of larval adaptation from food endogenous (from yolk sac) to the ability of absorbing nutrients from external (exogenous). The eggs used were collected from natural spawning of second generation of humpback grouper reared in the tank size of 150 litre. The mouth opening was observed at 90 and 45 degrees under computerize integrated microscope and processed by a specific software. The rate of yolk absorption was observed in larvae from the beginning to the end of breeding, while the activities of digestive enzymes (trypsin and chymotripsin) were analyzed by enzyme assay techniques. The results showed that the period of mouth opening of larvae of humpback grouper occurred at 3 DAH with mouth openings of 45° as large as 0.103 mm and of 90° as large as 0.156 mm. In the early stadia, the diameter of yolk was 0.1875 mm, while the oil globule was 0.0537 mm. At 4 days after hatching, the yolk and oil globule had been absorbed, while the enzymes trypsin and chymotripsin were detected in the early stadia. The results also showed that the larvae was started to use foods from outside after the age of 4 DAH. Up to the age of 10 days, the mouth opening increased and the activity of trypsin and chymotripsin were still detected.

Keywords: progeny larvae of humpback grouper F2, mouth opening, yolk sac, enzyme
THE DISTRIBUTION OF TOXIC DINOFLAGELLATES ON SEA GRASS Enhalus acoroides AT PARI ISLAND, SERIBU ISLANDS
Authors: Widiarti Riani , Anggraini Fitrian
Published: October 2017

Benthic dinoflagellates causing Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), could be found attached either on macroalgae or sea grasses. Research on density and distribution of benthic dinoflagellates on sea grass leaves was conducted in Pari Island waters, Seribu Islands, in April 2012. Research was carried out by collecting Enhalus acoroides leaves from each site, and put inside the plastic jars containing seawater. In order to separate the dinoflagellates species from the leaves, the plastic jars were shaken vigorously and the seawater filtered through a series of sieves (125μm and 20μm). The resulted residue was than observed using Sedgewick rafter cell under light microscope. Based on samples collected, eight benthic dinoflagellates were found, where five of them were potentially toxic. They were Prorocentrum concavum, P. lima, P. rhathymum, Ostreopsis lenticularis, and O. siamensis. The highest abundance was found in the reef flat on the southern side of the island (652 sel/cm2 seagrass leaf). Research showed that the density and distribution of toxic dinoflagellates on sea grass at Pari Island, Seribu Islands were more influenced by local water currents.

Keywords: benthic dinoflagellates, Ciguatera Fish Poisoning, Pari Island, seagrass
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF SHORELINE CHANGES IN THE COASTAL OF SUBANG DISTRICT, WEST JAVA
Authors: Taofiqurohman Ankiq , Ismail M. Furqon Azis , Ismail M. Furqon Azis , Ismail M. Furqon Azis
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Observation of coastal shoreline changes in the Subang District was conducted using Digital Shoreline Analysis System Program based on the satelite images of Landsat TM from 1996 to 2010. The purpose of this study was to determine the distance of shoreline change. Methods used in this study were field survey and regression analysis of shoreline data. The results of this study indicated the existence of a region experiencing accretion and abrasion. The maximum width of accretion of the coast was 1,051.55 meter while the maximum abration was 1,206.83 meter. Coastal shoreline change in Subang District occurred mainly due to the development activities such as residential construction, altering the coastal mangrove to ponds and rice paddies, and sediment transport from the river around Subang District.

Keywords: shoreline, Subang District, satelite images, accretion, abration
DIMENSION OF SEAMOUNT USING MULTIBEAM ECHOSOUNDER IN BENGKULU WATERS
Authors: Fahrulian Fahrulian , Manik Henry , Hartoyo Djoko
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this research was to determine the dimensions of seamount using echosuonder in Bengkulu waters.  The survey was conducted by BPPT, LIPI, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, CGGVeritas, and the Institut de Physique du Globe (IPG) Paris in the southwest of the Sumatera island on 18-19 December 2010. Two  acoustic instruments were  used i.e., ELAC Seabeam 1050D with a frequency of 50 kHz and Simrad EM 12D with a frequency of 12 kHz.  Data acquisition was obtained by using the hydrostar software in Baruna Jaya 3 and 4 research vessels. CARIS HIPS and SIPS6.1 softwares were used toprocess the data of bathymetry. Amplitude and backscatter data were obtained by data processing on the MBSystem. Data visualization in 3-D was performed using the Fladermaus 6.2 software (personal license of Djoko Hartoyo). Seamount form was assumed as a cone with an elliptical base to calculate the dimensions. The result showed an under water seamount of 320 Km from the southwest of Bengkulu city at -4°22’9.16’’latitude and 99°25’01.47’’ longitude. The seamount height was ± 3,968 meters and had two peak separated at ± 3,050 meters. Seamount peaks located at ± 1.270 meters below sea level. The major axis was ± 50,240 meters and the minor axis in this seamount was ± 5,644 meters

Keywords: seamount dimension, bathymetry, backscattering, Bengkulu Waters
CHARACTERIZATION OF CRUDE EXTRACT POLYPHENOLOXIDASE ENZYME FROM BLACK TIGER SHRIMP (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Suhandana Made , Nurhayati Tati , Ambarsari Laksmi
Published: October 2017

Shrimp is a  very important export  commodity with  high market value world wide. However, it is still facing problem related to the waste and deterioration quality as main issues for the shrimp industry. In this experiment, polyphenoloxidase from the carapace of Penaeus monodon was extracted and characterized. The research was carried out to obtain the optimum extraction condition and to evaluate the properties of enzyme i.e., pH, optimum temperature for activating enzyme, kinetic enzyme, and chelating on metal ion. The best method for PPO enzyme extraction used buffer with 1:3  proportion.  The optimum activity of enzyme was at pH 7 and temperature of 35°C. The kinematic enzyme (Km) value and the maximum substrate concentration were 5.42 mM and 7.5 mM, respectively.  Na+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and EDTA with concentration 5 and 10 mM inhibited enzyme activity.  Cu2+at concentration of 10 mM and Mn2+ at concentration 5 mM also inhibited enzyme activity

Keywords: carapace, characterization, polyphenoloxidase, shrimp
FLUORESCENT LAMP LIGHT INTENSITY ON THE EMBRYOGENESIS DEVELOPMENT AND THE SURVIVAL OF PEARL OYSTER (Pinctada maxima) LARVAE
Authors: Hamzah Mat Sardi
Published: October 2017

One of the important factors in determining the success of pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) culture is the quality and quantity of larvae produced in brood stock spawning process in the laboratory. Problems were often found in larval rearing and larvae attachment to the substrate that were low in quality and little number of larvae. The study purposes were observe the embryogenesis development and the survival rate of pearl oyster larvae under different fluorescent lamp light intensities. The study was conducted in August 1nd – 30th, 2011 in Sambelia Bumi Gemilang Hamparan Mutiara laboratory, East Lombok. Results revealed that different in light intensities effected the survivorship of the pearl oyster larvae significantly (p<0.01). Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test indicated that the highest survival rate occurred in dark condition (dark treatment) of 38%, followed by intensity of 10 watts (34.67%), 5 watts (30.67%) and 15 watts (4.66%) resfectively

Keywords: embryogenesis development, survivorship, pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) larvae,  fluorescent lamp light intensity
ACOUSTIC DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE SEDIMENT WITH SHALLOW SEISMIC TECHNOLOGY IN RAMBAT WATERS, BANGKA BELITUNG
Authors: Ramdhani Haqqu , Manik Henry M. , Susilohadi Susilohadi
Published: October 2017

High resolution of marine seismic reflection seismic were used to detect the layers of seafloor sediment and to interpret the seismic data geologically. The objectives of this study weres to detect and to characterize the seafloor sediment in the Rambat area, West Bangka, Bangka Belitung. Acquisition data was held on 10-24  August  2012 located between 105.1°00'00" - 105.5°00'00 " N and 1.7°00'00"-1.9° 00'00" W. Several methods used to process the data were geometry processing, band pass filter, predictive deconvolution,  and Autocoralation Gain Control (AGC)  in order to reduce the multiple noise and to  ease the data interpretation. Seismic cross section found in Cross Rambat (CRMBT) line 11 exhibited  sedimentation process of the sea floor which rocky substrates. The process was assumed to be occurred due to legal and illegal mining activities for long period of time.

Keywords: seismic, acoustic, sediment, band pass filter, deconvolution, noise
A NUMERICAL MODELING STUDY ON UPWELLING MECHANISM IN SOUTHERN MAKASSAR STRAIT
Authors: Atmadipoera Agus S , Widyastuti Priska
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

While it has been well documented in the previous studies that upwelling events in the southern Makassar Strait (MAK) during the Southeast Monsoon (SEM) period are associated with low sea surface temperature (SST) and high chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations in the seawater, the dynamic and physical processes that trigger these upwelling events are still less well understood. In the present study we proposed a mechanism of the upwelling event using a numerical model of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS).  Model validations showed a high correlation of SST climatology between the model and the NOAA-AVHRR satellite data. Moreover, velocity fields of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) Makassar in Libani Channel was well reproduced by proposed model, revealing an intensification of the flow centered near 120 m depth, which is in good agreement with the observation data. The model demonstrated that during the SEM period strong southeasterly winds that blow over southern Sulawesi Island can increase high vertical diffusivity and heat loss through heat flux. Hence, these physical processes lead to increased vertical mixing that, in turn, generates low SST, as a proxy of upwelling event. Furthermore, the upwelling process is enhanced by the ITF Makassar jet that creates large circular eddies flow due to complex topographic within the triangle area of southern Makassar - eastern Java Sea - western Flores Sea. The eddies generate the area of convergence offshore along the ITF pathways and divergence area in the coastal waters close to southern Sulawesi Island.  Model experiment with closing/opening Selayar Strait revealed a change of intensity and area of upwelling, suggesting that the Selayar Island forms a barrier for the outflow from MAK to northern part of Flores Sea.

 Keywords: Upwelling, ITF Makassar, SE monsoon winds, ROMS-AGRIF, Makassar Strait.
EFFECTIVENESS OF REARING EQUIPMENT ON THE SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF PEARL OYSTER (Pinctada maxima) SEED AT KODEK BAY, NORTH LOMBOK
Authors: Hamzah M S
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Oyster seeds mass mortality is one of the problemes in pearl farming business. Extreme temperature changes may cause mortality in oyster seed within sehll size of 3-4 cm. Modification in rearing equipment is therefore needed to maintain oyster survival from the impact of seasonal temperature fluctuation. The aim of this research was to observe the effectiveness and effect of rearing equipment on the survival and growth of pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) seed at Kodek Bay, North Lombok. This research conducted from March- November 2009 was the continuation from the previous observation (December 2008-February 2009). Percentage of pearl oyster seed survival reared in “tento” basket was 84%, while that in pocket was 53%. “Chi-square” test showed that pearl oyster survival rate was siginifcantly affected by using the two equipment influence within 95% confidence level with ratio of 1.00:1.06. The growth of shell width, thickness, and weight of oyster seed tended to be higher reared in a“tento” basket (having broader space for movement) than that reared in a pocket. Length-weight relationship for those treatments showed similar pattern with minor allometry (b<3).

 Keywords: “Tento”basket, pocket, survival, growth, pearl oyster seed, Pinctada maxima
DEVELOPMENT OF DIGESTIVE ENZYMES ACTIVITY ON BLACK SADDLED CORAL GROUPER (Plectropomus laevis) LARVAE
Authors: Slamet Bejo , Aslianti Titiek
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

Protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes were used as biological indicators to measure larvae’s food digestion. The aim of this study was to describe digestive enzyme activity development of black saddled coral grouper (Plectropomus laevis) larvae. The just hatching larvae were reared in concrete tank 2x3x1 m3 with stocking density of 10 larvae/L. In the larval rearing media were added with Nanochloropsis oculata at 105 cel/ml started from 1 day old (D-1). The larvae was fed with rotifer (Brachionus rotundiformis) at 10-20 ind/ml started from D-2 and artificial diet from D-10. To analyze  the protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes activities, samples were taken 0.5-1 g or about 1000 larvae on D-3, D-4, D-6, D-8 and 500 larvae on D-10, D-12, D-16, and D-20. The result showed that the protease, amylase, and lipase enzymes activity were positively correlated with the growth. Digestive enzymes activity was increased when larvae started on endogenous feeding (D-3), become down on D-6, stable on D-8 to D-10, increased on D-12, and reached the highest level on D-16. Digestive enzymes activity was higher when larvae started feeding with artificial diet compared to the larvae before feeding with artificial diet.

 Keywords:  digestive enzymes, development, larvae, blacksaddled coral grouper
POPULATION BIOLOGY OF MUD CRAB Scylla serrata - Forsskal, 1775 IN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM OF SUBANG DISTRICT, WEST JAVA
Authors: Kumalah Ayu Annisa , Wardiatno Yusli , Setyobudiandi Isdradjad , Fahrudin Achmad
Published: October 2017

The study of population biology of mud crab Scylla serrata is necessary to analyse the population dynamics, such as growth of crabs, size distribution, mortality and exploitation rates of S. serrata. Population biology data collection was carried out from March to June 2016 at estuary and silvofishery areas of three stations (Mayangan, Tanjung Tiga and Blanakan villages). Data  were analyzed using analytical methods of FISAT-II (FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Toool II)instruments. The results showed the growth of S. serrata male in Subang distric was positive allometric and the female was negative allometric. Growth coefficient (K) ranged from 0.21 to 0.43 in the estuary and from 0.28 to 0.89 in silvofishery area. Exploitation rate in the silvofishery area has been above the maximum exploitation rate. The size distribution of S. serrata in Subang district has the highest frequency at class interval of 106-110 mm (male) and of 101-105 mm. The highest abundance of mature female crabs is in May.

Keywords : population biology, Scylla serrata, Subang District
La cultura de la investigación científica, la medicina genómica y las biotecnologías emergentes frente al interés social
Authors: Estévez Montalvo Edmundo
Published: November 2017

La cultura de la investigación científica, la medicina genómica y las biotecnologías emergentes frente al interés social
Sex Differences in Doctoral Student Publication Rates
Authors: Lubienski Sarah Theule , Miller Emily K. , Saclarides Evthokia Stephanie
Published: November 2017

Women in the sciences who earn PhDs are less likely than their male counterparts to pursue tenure-track positions at research universities. Moreover, among those who become STEM researchers, men have been found to publish more than women. These patterns raise questions about when sex differences in publication begin. Using data from a survey of doctoral students at one large institution, this study finds that men submitted and published more scholarly works than women across many fields, with differences largest in natural/biological sciences and engineering. Potential contributing factors are considered, including sex differences in faculty support, assistantships, family responsibilities, and career goals.
Typh fevers: a combination of Typhoid and Typhus
Authors: Manappallil Robin George
Published: November 2017

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi, while typhus fever is a rickettsial infection. In both cases the patients present with almost similar pattern of illness and are often misdiagnosed. This is the case of a young lady who presented with 10 days history of fever and was diagnosed to have typhoid fever. She continued to be febrile despite ceftriaxone therapy. She was later found to have a typhus coinfection and improved with addition of doxycycline.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(6) 2017 40-41
Perinatal outcome in terminal oligohydramnios
Authors: Patil Rajeshree Tukaram , Patil Renuka Vivekanand
Published: November 2017

Background of the Study: Amniotic fluid or liquor, the fluid around the developing fetus serves various functions. A balance of formation and reabsorption of this fluid has to be maintained. The amniotic fluid volume (AFV) undergoes changes during pregnancy. Oligohydramnios is a condition in which the AFV decreases and is associated with conditions like renal agenesis, placental dysfunction, congenital anomalies, anemia, PIH, hypoxia. Its effects depend on the duration of pregnancy. But when AFV decreases terminally, the chances of having a normal baby are more.Aims and Objective: This study was aimed to find the perinatal outcome in terms of LSCS and instrumental deliveries, needs for induction, neonatal mortality, low apgars, meconium staining, NICU admissions in women with oligohydramnios occurring after 34 weeks of pregnancy.Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study included women with singleton pregnancy admitted with intact membranes after 34 weeks. AFV was calculated by USG.Results: Less number of women had AF Index less than 5 cm but as AFV decreases risk of LSCS increases and spontaneous onset of labor ends mostly with vaginal deliveries. Amniotic fluid Index less than 5 cm increases the risk of low Apgar, septicaemia and neonatal mortality. Although Apgar was low at 1 min, it improved at 5 min suggesting a good adaption outside utero.Conclusion: Low AF Index (as determined by USG)in last trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse perinatal outcome like operative delivery, fetal distress, NICU, low apgar, septicemia, neonatal mortality. Here, Doppler can relieve obstetrician stress in decision making and amnioinfusion in selected cases can reduce operative morbidity. Parameters like risk of septicemia and effects in extremes of maternal age need to be evaluated further in a larger number of cases.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(6) 2017 35-39
A Visit from ﻿﻿Philippulus
Authors: Fresnault-Deruelle Pierre
Published: November 2017

‘Scenariographics’ is defined as the deployment of the (non-specific) codes
of the medium by individual comics artists in order to achieve effects that
are specific to their work and therefore difficult to transpose to any other
medium. L’Étoile mystérieuse, is used as a case study: a close reading of
Hergé’s comic demonstrates how the artist creates a complex semiological
web, drawing upon the resources of comics syntax and layout, onomatopoeia
and emanata, visual metaphor, infra-narrative elements and intertextual
motifs, blurring boundaries between dream life (more often nightmares)
and wakefulness, realism and the fantastic. Moreover, through the coexistence
and transposition of different levels of reality, including the everyday,
the supernatural and the psychic, Hergé creates meanings that have political
resonance in an album produced for a collaborationist newspaper.
Flemish Comics versus Communist Atheism
Authors: Delisle Philippe
Published: November 2017

It is well known that from 1920 to 1950, Belgian comics, embedded in a
Catholic milieu, sometimes promoted anti-Communism. Au pays de la
grande angoisse, drawn by Renaat Demoen and published from 1950 to
1951 in Zonneland and Petits Belges, fits into this category. Nonetheless, its
ideological stance can be differentiated from that of series appearing in
major Franco-Belgian magazines. Au pays de la grande angoisse is Flemish,
intended only for the Belgian market, and therefore not subject to the control
of the French Control Commission set up by the July 1949 law. Its critique
of Eastern bloc countries is more explicit and more violent. Moreover, the
story appeared in comics with a religious affiliation. It sets out to denounce
the atheism of the Communists and to glorify the resistance of the believers.
Ultimately, Au pays de la grande angoisse is as much a Christian comic as an
adventure comic.
The Unexpected Role of Aβ1-42 Monomers in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tamagno Elena , Guglielmotto Michela , Monteleone Debora , Manassero Giusi , Vasciaveo Valeria , Tabaton Massimo
Published: October 2017

Amyloid-β (Aβ) has been proposed as a biomarker and a drug target for the therapy of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The neurotoxic entity and relevance of each conformational form of Aβ to AD pathology is still under debate; Aβ oligomers are considered the major killer form of the peptide whereas monomers have been proposed to be involved in physiological process. Here we reviewed some different effects mediated by monomers and oligomers on mechanisms involved in AD pathogenesis such as autophagy and tau aggregation. Data reported in this review demonstrate that Aβ monomers could have a major role in sustaining the pathogenesis of AD and that AD therapy should be focused not only in the removal of oligomers but also of monomers.
Treadmill Training with Cues and Feedback Improves Gait in People with More Advanced Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Studer Valeria , Maestri Roberto , Clerici Ilaria , Spina Letizia , Zivi Ilaria , Ferrazzoli Davide , Frazzitta Giuseppe
Published: November 2017

Background:

Gait disturbances in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are highly disabling and poorly responsive to drugs, especially in advanced stages. While the efficacy of a treadmill training based on external feedback and cues (treadmill-plus) on gait disturbances in early PD stages is demonstrated, no definitive evidence exists about advanced stages.

Objective:

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and the effects of a treadmill-plus training on gait disturbances in advanced PD.

Methods:

Two hundred and six PD patients from medium to more advanced Hoehn & Yahr stage (stage 2, n = 79, stage 3 n = 74, and stage 4 = 53) who underwent a 4-week treadmill-plus training, were retrospectively identified. All patients were able to walk on a treadmill for one minute at 1.5 km/h, without support. Feasibility was evaluated by measuring safety, adverse events, and attrition rate. The effects of treatment were evaluated by assessing, both at enrolment and at the end of treatment, the on-land, self-paced 6-minute Walking Test (6MWT) and the gait parameters obtained from the treadmill during a 1.5 km/h trial.

Results:

All patients completed the treadmill-plus training and no adverse events were recorded, even among more disabled patients. After training, we observed a significant improvement in the 6MWT, an increase in step length and a reduction of cadence and step variability in the whole sample. After stratifying patients according to disease stage, we found that patients in more advanced stages experienced the same improvements in all gait parameters as patients in less advanced stages.

Conclusions:

Treadmill-plus training is well tolerated and may have a positive impact on many aspects of gait in more advanced PD stages.
Is the Enzyme ACMSD a Novel Therapeutic Target in Parkinson’s Disease?
Authors: Thirtamara-Rajamani Keerthi , Li Peipei , Escobar Galvis Martha L. , Labrie Viviane , Brundin Patrik , Brundin Lena
Published: November 2017

Several large genome wide association studies have identified a locus in close proximity to the gene encoding the enzyme aminocarboxymuconate-semialdehyde-decarboxylase (ACMSD) to be associated with the risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD), tentatively suggesting that this enzyme might influence PD pathogenesis. Further support for this comes from the recent identification of a disease-segregating stop codon mutation in ACMSD in a family with Parkinsonism, and a missense mutation in the ACMSD gene predicted to disrupt enzyme function in an individual with typical PD. ACMSD is part of the kynurenine pathway, responsible for the catalytic breakdown of tryptophan into NAD+, generating several neuroactive metabolites in the process. The enzyme is located at a key branch-point of the pathway, limiting the production of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid, which has excitotoxic and inflammatory properties. In this review, we discuss the genetic findings in light of the functions of ACMSD and its potential involvement in PD pathogenesis.
Bioactive Potentials of Cleome viscosa L. Extracts: Dose-mortality, Insect Repellency and Brine Shrimp Lethality
Authors: Rimi S. A. , Hossain S. , Islam S. , Islam Z. , Chhabi S. B. , Islam N.
Published: November 2017

Petroleum ether (Pet. ether), chloroform (CHCl3) and methanol (CH3OH) extracts of Cleome viscosa have thoroughly screened against Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) for repellency and dose mortality, against Callosobruchus chinensis for dose mortality activities, and against Artemia salina nauplii for lethality. In case of repellency of T. castaneum, Pet. ether extract found significantly active at 1% level of significance (P < 0.01), CHCl3 extract offered activity at 5% level of significance (P < 0.05) and CH3OH extract did not show any activity at all. In case of mortality against T. castaneum  the LD50 values of Pet. ether, CHCl3, and CH3OH extracts were 2.380, 2.188, 1.867, 1.658 and 1.429 mg/cm2; 4.950, 2.906, 2.664, 2.658 and 2.609 mg/cm2; and 4.950 and 2.791, 2.609, 2.552 and 2.474 mg/cm2 after 0.5, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h of exposure respectively.  Against C. chinensis the LD50 values of the same extracts were 0.781, 0.670, 0.642, 0.614, 0.560 and 0.494 mg/cm2; 1.964, 1.050, 0.867, 0.725, 0.635 and 0.590 mg/cm2; and 2.631, 1.851, 1.471, 1.703, 1.524 and 1.457 mg/cm2 after  6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 h of exposure respectively. In case of cytotoxicity test against A. salina, the extracts offered LC50 values in a descending order CH3OH > CHCl3 > Pet. ether extracts.
Effect of Multiple Orders on Superconducting Transition Temperature of Hole Doped Cuprates
Authors: Qabid I. , Naqib S. H.
Published: November 2017

Hole doped high-Tc cuprate superconductors are strongly correlated electronic systems. In these materials, various electronic orders are often found, but whether they support or compete with superconducting order is not unambiguous. Superconductivity normally manifests itself by a superconducting gap in the electronic density of states (EDOS). In cuprates, a gap appears even in the normal state called the pseudogap (PG). For certain doping range, spin density wave and charge density wave coexist with superconductivity by inducing corresponding additional gaps in the EDOS. In this study, we have tried to obtain expression for superconducting transition temperature, Tc by solving the BCS (Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer) energy gap equation in the presence of depleted EDOS of various origins and types. We have been successful to solve the weak-coupling BCS integral equation analytically in some special cases and also in the general case by using numerical integration. We have found that depending on conditions these non-pairing gaps/orders can enhance as well as reduce Tc.
Stability and Aggregation Kinetics of Silver Nanoparticles in Water in Oil Microemulsions of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide and Triton X-100
Authors: Begum F. , Jahan S. A. , Mollah M. Y. A. , Rahman M. M. , Susan M. A. B. H.
Published: November 2017

Water in oil (W/O) microemulsions are simple preparative route for nanoparticles where water droplets dispersed in oil stabilized by surfactant or surfactant and cosurfactant monolayer act as nanoreactors to carry out chemical reactions. In this work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared in W/O microemulsions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and triton X-100 (TX-100) by using AgNO3 and NaBH4 as a precursor salt and reducing agent, respectively. To prepare microemulsions, CTAB or TX-100, 1-pentanol, cyclohexane and water were mixed with different molar ratio. AgNPs were prepared with different [AgNO3] in microemulsions of CTAB with fixed water to surfactant ratio (Wo). Average particle sizes were determined from dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. AgNPs prepared from microemulsions of CTAB were unstable while from TX-100, NPs were stable. Aggregation kinetics was investigated by measuring the absorbance at definite time intervals at the absorption maximum, ?max of AgNPs in different media under pseudo-first-order conditions. The aggregation behavior was studied at different [AgNO3]:[NaBH4] and Wo and the parameters were optimized to ensure formation of stable AgNPs without aggregation in microemulsions. This would help tuning the size, stability, and aggregation kinetics of AgNPs by controlling the nature of the surfactant and composition of the microemulsions.
The Pornographer and McGahern's Allusive Practice
Authors: Walker Tom
Published: November 2017

Allusions to other texts abound in John McGahern's fiction. His works repeatedly, though diffidently, refer to literary tradition. Yet the nature of such allusiveness is still unclear. This article focuses on how allusion in The Pornographer (1979) is depicted as an intellectual and social practice, embodying particular attitudes towards the function of texts and the knowledge they represent. Moreover, the critique of the practice of allusion that the novel undertakes is shown to have broader significance in terms of McGahern's whole oeuvre and its evolving attempts to salvage something of present value from the literature of the past.
Writing by and about Republican Women Prisoners: ‘Willful Subjects’
Authors: McCann Fiona
Published: November 2017

This article builds on existing criticism of the interaction of militant republicanism and feminism during the Troubles by focusing in particular on the prisoners' own writing, analyzing the ways in which they choose to self-represent, but also the ways in which they are represented. The discussion is supported both by recent criticism by Sara Ahmed on the designation of who or what is willful, and how that willfulness is restrained, managed, and presented by various power groups, and by the theoretical writing of Jacques Rancière. The co-dependency of politics and aesthetics in these texts is explored, with a view to showing how they present a radical re-articulation of feminism in the carceral context.
A Study of the Lateral Stability of Self-Propelled Fruit Harvesters
Authors: Cutini Maurizio , Brambilla Massimo , Bisaglia Carlo , Melzi Stefano , Sabbioni Edoardo , Vignati Michele , Cavallo Eugenio , Laurendi Vincenzo
Published: November 2017

Self-propelled fruit harvesters (SPFHs) are agricultural machines designed to facilitate fruit picking and other tasks requiring operators to stay close to the foliage or to the upper part of the canopy. They generally consist of a chassis with a variable height working platform that can be equipped with lateral extending platforms. The positioning of additional masses (operators, fruit bins) and the maximum height of the platform (up to three meters above the ground) strongly affect machine stability. Since there are no specific studies on the lateral stability of SPFHs, this study aimed to develop a specific test procedure to fill this gap. A survey of the Italian market found 20 firms manufacturing 110 different models of vehicles. Observation and monitoring of SPFHs under real operational conditions revealed the variables mostly likely to affect lateral stability: the position and mass of the operators and the fruit bin on the platform. Two SPFHs were tested in the laboratory to determine their centre of gravity and lateral stability in four different settings reproducing operational conditions. The test setting was found to affect the stability angle. Lastly, the study identified two specific settings reproducing real operational conditions most likely to affect the lateral stability of SPFHs: these should be used as standard, reproducible settings to enable a comparison of results.
Fosfomycin: Pharmacological, Clinical and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dijkmans Anneke Corinne , Zacarías Natalia Veneranda Ortiz , Burggraaf Jacobus , Mouton Johan Willem , Wilms Erik , Van Nieuwkoop Cees , Touw Daniel Johannes , Stevens Jasper , Kamerling Ingrid Maria Catharina
Published: October 2017

Fosfomycin is a bactericidal, low-molecular weight, broad-spectrum antibiotic, with putative activity against several bacteria, including multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, by irreversibly inhibiting an early stage in cell wall synthesis. Evidence suggests that fosfomycin has a synergistic effect when used in combination with other antimicrobial agents that act via a different mechanism of action, thereby allowing for reduced dosages and lower toxicity. Fosfomycin does not bind to plasma proteins and is cleared via the kidneys. Due to its extensive tissue penetration, fosfomycin may be indicated for infections of the CNS, soft tissues, bone, lungs, and abscesses. The oral bioavailability of fosfomycin tromethamine is <50%; therefore, oral administration of fosfomycin tromethamine is approved only as a 3-gram one-time dose for treating urinary tract infections. However, based on published PK parameters, PK/PD simulations have been performed for several multiple-dose regimens, which might lead to the future use of fosfomycin for treating complicated infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Because essential pharmacological information and knowledge regarding mechanisms of resistance are currently limited and/or controversial, further studies are urgently needed, and fosfomycin monotherapy should be avoided.
Qualitative and Quantitative Changes of Carbonate Rocks Exposed to SC CO2 (Basque-Cantabrian Basin, Northern Spain)
Authors: Berrezueta Edgar , Kovacs Timea , Luquot Linda
Published: November 2017

This study aims at the qualitative and quantitative determination of porosity, mineralogical and textural changes in carbonate rock samples after injection of (i) supercritical CO2-rich brine and (ii) dry supercritical CO2, under similar experimental conditions (P ≈ 75 bar, T ≈ 35 °C, 970 h exposure time and no CO2 flow). The studied rocks were sampled in the western Basque-Cantabrian Basin, North Spain, and consist of vuggy carbonates (“Carniolas”) of the Puerto de la Palombera formation (Hettangian). Mineralogical and pore space characterization is completed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and optical image analysis. In addition, X-ray fluorescence analyses are performed to refine the mineralogical information and to obtain whole rock geochemical data and the brine composition is analysed before and after the experiment. Mineralogical and chemical results indicate that the carbonate rocks exposed to supercritical CO2 in dry conditions do not suffer significant changes. However, the injection of supercritical CO2-rich brine induces chemical and physical changes in the rock due to the high reactivity of calcite at the low pH conditions produced by the acidified brine. Numerical modelling validates the experimental observations. These results can be used to characterize the behaviour of carbonate rocks under conditions similar to the vicinity of a CO2 injection well. The results should be considered only at the scale of the studied samples and not at reservoir scale.
Dupuytren’s and Ledderhose Diseases in a Family with LMNA-Related Cardiomyopathy and a Novel Variant in the ASTE1 Gene
Authors: Zaragoza Michael , Nguyen Cecilia , Widyastuti Halida , McCarthy Linda , Grosberg Anna
Published: November 2017

Dupuytren’s disease (palmar fibromatosis) involves nodules in fascia of the hand that leads to flexion contractures. Ledderhose disease (plantar fibromatosis) is similar with nodules of the foot. While clinical aspects are well-described, genetic mechanisms are unknown. We report a family with cardiac disease due to a heterozygous LMNA mutation (c.736C>T, p.Gln246Stop) with palmar/plantar fibromatosis and investigate the hypothesis that a second rare DNA variant increases the risk for fibrotic disease in LMNA mutation carriers. The proband and six family members were evaluated for the cardiac and hand/feet phenotypes and tested for the LMNA mutation. Fibroblast RNA studies revealed monoallelic expression of the normal LMNA allele and reduced lamin A/C mRNAs consistent with LMNA haploinsufficiency. A novel, heterozygous missense variant (c.230T>C, p.Val77Ala) in the Asteroid Homolog 1 (ASTE1) gene was identified as a potential risk factor in fibrotic disease using exome sequencing and family studies of five family members: four LMNA mutation carriers with fibromatosis and one individual without the LMNA mutation and no fibromatosis. With a possible role in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, ASTE1 may contribute to the increased risk for palmar/plantar fibromatosis in patients with Lamin A/C haploinsufficiency.
An Extensive Method for Maintenance of Sterility in Mammalian Cell Culture Laboratory Routine
Authors: Çelik-Uzuner Selcen , Uzuner Uğur
Published: October 2017

Cell culture laboratories are designed to secure sterile environments for biological studies, and its susceptibility to biological contaminants is a major problem for researchers. Contamination can generally be overcome by frequently disposing of contaminated materials, cleaning and maintaining the sanitation of working areas, but in some cases, it is hard to eradicate the source(s) of contaminating agents completely. In particular, mold and fungal-based contaminants could be a devastating problem for any laboratory. Therefore, various contamination types can repeat over time and result in an increasing problem in the lab. To control and eliminate possible contaminations, a periodic cleaning treatment with disinfectant materials should be a routine procedure of every specialized laboratory, regardless of the existence of any contamination. The conventional method for maintaining hygiene in cell culture laboratories is to clean all surfaces with 70% ethanol; however, this may not be the complete solution. This paper presents a short and easy way to check whether any contamination source(s) are present in laboratories. After identification of the most contaminant-rich areas, without any distinction, each laboratory surface where the culturing samples were taken was comprehensively treated with suggested concentrations of ethanol, sodium hypochlorite and Virkon-S solutions. The method might be useful to regularly check and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of entire cell culture laboratories to enable the control of possible contaminations in advance.
Comparative Study of Phase Transformation in Single-Crystal Germanium during Single and Cyclic Nanoindentation
Authors: Kosai Koji , Huang Hu , Yan Jiwang
Published: November 2017

Single-crystal germanium is a semiconductor material which shows complicated phase transformation under high pressure. In this study, new insight into the phase transformation of diamond-cubic germanium (dc-Ge) was attempted by controlled cyclic nanoindentation combined with Raman spectroscopic analysis. Phase transformation from dc-Ge to rhombohedral phase (r8-Ge) was experimentally confirmed for both single and cyclic nanoindentation under high loading/unloading rates. However, compared to single indentation, double cyclic indentation with a low holding load between the cycles caused more frequent phase transformation events. Double cyclic indentation caused more stress in Ge than single indentation and increased the possibility of phase transformation. With increase in the holding load, the number of phase transformation events decreased and finally became less than that under single indentation. This phenomenon was possibly caused by defect nucleation and shear accumulation during the holding process, which were promoted by a high holding load. The defect nucleation suppressed the phase transformation from dc-Ge to r8-Ge, and shear accumulation led to another phase transformation pathway, respectively. A high holding load promoted these two phenomena, and thus decreased the possibility of phase transformation from dc-Ge to r8-Ge.