bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Hantavirus Research in Indonesia: Prevalence in Humans and Rodents, and the Discovery of Serang Virus
Authors: Lukman Nurhayati , Kosasih Herman , Ibrahim Ima Nurisa , Pradana Antonius Arditya , Neal Aaron , Karyana Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Dengue and other common tropical infectious diseases of similar clinical presentation are endemic in Indonesia, which may lead to an underestimation of the prevalence of hantavirus (HTV) infection in the country. To better understand the current burden of HTV infection, this study aimed to both identify acute HTV infection among hospitalized patients with fever and to determine the overall seroprevalence of HTV. These results were further considered within the context of previously reported HTV infection in humans and animals in Indonesia by conducting a review of published literature. As part of an observational cohort study of acute febrile illness, this sub-study retrospectively analyzed blood specimens obtained during admission, during the 2–4-week convalescent period, and three months after admission. Convalescent specimens from patients with clinical signs and symptoms of HTV infection were first screened for HTV IgG. When positive, convalescent specimens and paired acute specimens were screened for HTV IgM, and paired acute specimens were tested for HTV by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). A literature review of HTV in Indonesia was conducted on manuscripts manually reviewed for relevance after identification from a search using the terms “hantavirus/Seoul virus” and “Indonesia”. From patients at eight hospitals in seven provincial capitals, HTV IgG seroprevalence was 11.6% (38/327), with the highest being in Denpasar (16.3%, 7/43) and the lowest being in Yogyakarta (3.4%, 1/31). Anti-HTV IgG was most prevalent in adults (13.5%, 33/244) and males (15.6%, 29/186). Acute HTV infections were identified in two subjects, both of whom had Seoul virus. In Indonesia, HTVs have been studied in humans and animals since 1984. Over the past 35 years, the reported seroprevalences in rodents ranged from 0% to 34%, and in humans from 0% to 13%. Fourteen acute infections have been reported, including one in a tourist returning to Germany, but only two have been confirmed by RT-PCR. Almost all rodent and human surveillance results demonstrated serological and molecular evidence of Seoul virus infection. However, in Semarang, anti-Puumala virus IgM has been detected in humans and Puumala RNA in one rodent. In Serang, a new virus named Serang virus was identified due to its differences from Seoul virus. In Maumere, HTV and Leptospira spp. were identified simultaneously in rodents. The burden of HTV infection in Indonesia is underestimated, and additional studies are needed to understand the true prevalence. Seroprevalence data reported here, previous observations of HTV co-infections in rodents, and the prevalence of rodent-borne bacterial infections in Indonesia suggest that the population may be routinely encountering HTVs. While Seoul virus appears to be the most prevalent HTV in the country, further studies are needed to understand which HTVs are circulating.
Rapid Detection of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus (PPRV) Nucleic Acid Using a Novel Low-Cost Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP) Assay for Future Use in Nascent PPR Eradication Programme
Authors: Mahapatra Mana , Howson Emma , Fowler Veronica , Batten Carrie , Flannery John , Selvaraj Muneeswaran , Parida Satya
Published: July 2019

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a disease of small ruminants caused by peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), and is endemic in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Effective control combines the application of early warning systems, accurate laboratory diagnosis and reporting, animal movement restrictions, suitable vaccination and surveillance programs, and the coordination of all these measures by efficient veterinary services. Molecular assays, including conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) have improved the sensitivity and rapidity of diagnosing PPR. However, currently these assays are only performed within laboratory settings; therefore, the development of field diagnostics for PPR would improve the fast implementation of control policies, particularly when PPR has been targeted to be eradicated by 2030. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays are simple to use, rapid, and have sensitivity and specificity within the range of RT-qPCR; and can be performed in the field using disposable consumables and portable equipment. This study describes the development of a novel RT-LAMP assay for the detection of PPRV nucleic acid by targeting the N-protein gene. The RT-LAMP assay was evaluated using cell culture propagated PPRVs, field samples from clinically infected animals and samples from experimentally infected animals encompassing all four lineages (I-IV) of PPRV. The test displayed 100% concordance with RT-qPCR when considering an RT-qPCR cut-off value of CT >40. Further, the RT-LAMP assay was evaluated using experimental and outbreak samples without prior RNA extraction making it more time and cost-effective. This assay provides a solution for a pen-side, rapid and inexpensive PPR diagnostic for use in the field in nascent PPR eradication programme.
Exposure to Hantavirus is a Risk Factor Associated with Kidney Diseases in Sri Lanka: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Sarathkumara Yomani D. , Gamage Chandika D. , Lokupathirage Sithumini , Muthusinghe Devinda S. , Nanayakkara Nishantha , Gunarathne Lishanthe , Shimizu Kenta , Tsuda Yoshimi , Arikawa Jiro , Yoshimatsu Kumiko
Published: July 2019

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) imposes a substantial burden on public health in Sri Lankan agricultural communities. High seroprevalences of hantavirus have been reported in CKDu patients in several locations of Sri Lanka. We carried out a cross-sectional study followed by an unmatched case-control comparison in two geographically distinct areas of Sri Lanka, Girandurukotte (CKDu endemic) and Kandy (CKDu non-endemic) to determine whether exposure to hantaviruses is a potential risk factor in patients with kidney disease. An indirect immunofluorescent antibody assay using two antigens, Thailand orthohantavirus-infected and recombinant N protein-expressing Vero E6 cells, were used for serodiagnosis. Participants’ demographic and other socio-economic data were collected through a structured questionnaire. Fifty kidney disease patients and 270 controls from Kandy and 104 kidney disease patients and 242 controls from Girandurukotte were examined. Seropositivities were 50% and 17.4% in kidney patients and controls, respectively, in Girandurukotte, and they were 18% and 7% in Kandy. The odds of exposure to hantaviruses were higher for kidney disease patients than for controls in both Girandurukotte (OR:3.66, 95% CI:2.01 to 6.64) and Kandy (OR:2.64, 95% CI:1.07 to 6.54) in binary logistic regression models. According to statistical analysis, individuals exposed to hantaviruses had a higher risk of developing renal impairment. Therefore, hantavirus infection might be an important risk factor for development of kidney disease in Sri Lanka.
Magnetic Field Usage Supported Filtration Through Different Filter Materials
Authors: Szatyłowicz Ewa , Skoczko Iwona
Published: July 2019

Currently, methods of water purification and aqueous solutions leading to effective reduction of introduced chemical compounds into water purification systems have become the subject of research. Physical methods have become an alternative, because by subjecting water and aqueous solutions to UV (ultraviolet) radiation or magnetic fields (MF), either ultrasonic or electric, it is possible to influence the change of structure, which results in changes in the properties of water and aqueous solutions. This paper attempts to verify the influence of a weak magnetic field on the removal of iron and manganese compounds in the filtration process on gravel of 1–2 mm granulation, sand of 0.4–0.8 mm granulation, activated alumina and activated carbon. The conducted research proved that MF has a significant influence on the effectiveness of iron and manganese removal from water in the case of alumina, while in the filtration process through other filter materials the effect of MF was small.
Sea Surface Circulation Structures in the Malta-Sicily Channel from Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Reyes Suarez Nydia C. , Cook Michael S. , Gačić Miroslav , Paduan Jeffrey D. , Drago Aldo , Cardin Vanessa
Published: July 2019

The Malta-Sicily Channel is part of the Sicily Channel system where water and thermohaline properties between the Eastern and Western Mediterranean basins take place. Several mesoscales features are detached from the main circulation due to wind and bathymetric forcing. In this paper, surface circulation structures are studied using different remotely sensed datasets: satellite data (absolute dynamic topography, Cross-Calibrated Multi-Platform wind vector analysis, satellite chlorophyll and sea surface temperature) and high frequency radar data. We identified high frequency motions (at short time scales—hours to days), as well as mesoscale structures fundamental for the understanding of the Malta-Sicily Channel circulation dynamics. One of those is the Malta-Sicily Gyre; an anticyclonic structure trapped between the Sicilian and Maltese coasts, which is poorly studied in the literature and often confused with the Malta Channel Crest and the Ionian Shelf Break Vortex. In order to characterize this gyre, we calculated its kinetic properties taking advantage of the fine-scale temporal and spatial resolution of the high frequency radar data, and thus confirming its presence with an updated version of the surface circulation patterns in the area.
Changes in Nutrient Concentrations of Two Streams in Western Lithuania with Focus on Shrinkage of Agriculture and Effect of Climate, Drainage Runoff and Soil Factors
Authors: Bučienė Angelija , Povilaitis Arvydas , Langas Valdas , Bučas Martynas , Petkuvienė Jolita , Vaičiūtė Diana , Gužys Saulius
Published: July 2019

The causal relationship of changes in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the Akmena-Danė River and its largest tributary, the Eketė River, was analysed for the period 1999–2014. Results showed that the annual concentrations of NH4-N and PO4-P significantly decreased in the Eketė River over the research period. NH4-N also significantly decreased in the Akmena-Danė River. This was mostly due to the shrinkage of agriculture, i.e., the reduction in agricultural land area, total farm and animal numbers and other agricultural activities. The effect of other factors such as air temperature, precipitation rate, shift of precipitation maximum from warm to cold season, drainage runoff from the large tile-drained areas, soil types and the slight increase in forested land was also examined.
Raw Water Storage as a Simple Means for Controlling Membrane Fouling Caused by Inorganic Foulants in River Water in a Tropical Region
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Gunawan Patricia Angelina , Wattanachira Suraphong , Wongrueng Aunnop , Takizawa Satoshi
Published: July 2019

Natural waters in tropical countries are turbid and rich in inorganic substances such as iron and manganese. Hence, membrane fouling by these inorganic substances is the most serious problem in membrane filtration processes for potable water production. This study aimed to assess raw water storage as a simple but effective means for controlling membrane fouling in the filtration of river water in a tropical country. Raw water taken from the Ping River in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in different seasons, was either immediately filtered or stored in a tank for two days before filtration through a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane with a nominal pore size of 0.1 μm. The turbidity and particulate organic carbon (POC) in the raw water were reduced by storage, while dissolved manganese was oxidized during the storage period. Although the amounts of metallic substances retained on membranes were larger than those of silica and organic matter, their contribution to the fouling resistance was found to be less than silica and organic carbon. The fouling analysis using hydraulically irreversible fouling index (HIFI) was found to be not able to measure the effects of storage when the initial flux increased. Hence, the ratio of the hydraulically reversible fouling index (HRFI) to the total fouling index (TFI), i.e., HRFI/TFI, was proposed to elucidate the effects of raw water storage on membrane fouling, which was manifest during the early stage of membrane filtration operation.
Efectos de la arteterapia sobre las personas ingresadas en unidades psiquiátricas. Revisión scoping.
Authors: Pérez Ruiz Lucía , Juliá-Sanchis Rocío , Pastor-Bernabeu Marcelino Vicente , Sanjuan-Quiles Ángela
Published: July 2019

Introducción: Nuevas estrategias arte terapéuticas inclusivas centradas en la persona y no en su etiqueta diagnóstica se están abriendo paso en las unidades de hospitalización psiquiátrica como coadyuvantes a los métodos habituales de psicoterapia y psicofármacos. Esta implementación viene dada por los refutados beneficios reportados en contextos comunitarios. Objetivo: determinar la efectividad de la implementación de la terapia artística en el contexto hospitalario.

Metodología: Revisión en las bases de datos electrónicas CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS y WOS.

Resultados: se identificaron 1101 registros de los que 1081 fueron excluidos en base a la información incluida en su título y resumen. 21 artículos fueron analizados para la revisión de los cuales 14 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión/ exclusión. Las intervenciones se clasificaron 4 categorías: musicoterapia, terapias creativas artesanales (dibujo, arcilla y marmolado), terapias sensoriales y expresión corporal.

Conclusiones: La estimulación de la expresión es un recurso esencial para que los pacientes adquieran nuevas estrategias para alcanzar el máximo nivel de salud y calidad de vida que su condición les permita. La implementación de intervenciones de arte terapia en unidades de hospitalización psiquiátrica tienen efectos beneficiosos en las personas con trastorno mental grave. Aunque son escasos los estudios, todos coinciden en destacar el valor positivo en el bienestar físico y mental de los participantes gracias a la expresión de emociones, la reducción de sintomatología negativa, a los procesos de adaptación al trastorno y la adherencia al tratamiento.
Déterminants de l’activité décisionnelle régulatrice des enseignants stagiaires d’éducation physique et sportive
Authors: Candy Laure , Mouchet Alain
Published: July 2019

L’article tente de caractériser les décisions régulatrices (Candy, 2016) des enseignants d’EPS stagiaires. Ces dernières correspondent à l’activité de l’enseignant d’EPS lorsqu’il observe et régule l’activité motrice des élèves au sein de la leçon. L’objectif principal est de comprendre les déterminants majeurs de ces décisions de régulation en situation réelle, lors de l’observation de l’élève en activité. La perspective psychophénoménologique constitue ainsi un éclairage central en permettant l’accès à la compréhension de l’activité du point de vue de l’enseignant lui-même. Les résultats montrent que les logiques décisionnelles témoignent en partie de modes de fonctionnement convergents entre les enseignants stagiaires au travers de sources d’influences essentiellement extérieures à la situation d’enseignement apprentissage en cours, telles que leurs expériences passées, leurs connaissances dans l’APSA enseignée et leur planification de leçon. Il existe par ailleurs une part de subjectivité relative à la singularité de l’enseignant et à son contexte d’enseignement notamment. Enfin, l’expertise dans l’APSA autorise une plus grande prise en compte de déterminants intrinsèques à la situation et ainsi une meilleure adaptabilité à la réalité contextuelle de celle-ci.
Influence des messages électroniques sur l’activité physique aérobie personnelle et les performances en éducation physique et sportive
Authors: Robin Nicolas , Laurent Joris , Ruart Shelly
Published: July 2019

Le but de cette étude était d’une part de déterminer si le recours à une stratégie d’envoi de « Short Message System » (SMS) pouvait augmenter l’Activité Physique Aérobie (APA) chez vingt-deux élèves de seconde afin qu’ils atteignent les recommandations de l’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé qui est de 60 minutes par jour d’activité ; d’autre part si cette stratégie avait une influence positive sur les performances dans une activité de course de durée en Education Physique et Sportive (EPS). Les résultats de cette étude mettent en évidence que recevoir un SMS le matin (6 fois par semaine pendant 3 semaines), invitant à réaliser une APA, augmente de façon significative la durée moyenne hebdomadaire d’APA (de loisir). De plus, une amélioration des temps de réalisation des 3 x 400 mètres (réalisés en début, milieu et fin d’un cycle de course de durée en EPS) est observée tout en étant supérieure lorsque les élèves reçoivent le SMS du matin que quand ils n’en ont pas reçu. L’utilisation des SMS est donc une stratégie efficace permettant de rendre les élèves plus actifs. Cette technique pourrait pleinement trouver sa place au sein d’un lycée dans le cadre d’un projet faisant un lien entre l’EPS, l’éducation à la santé et les Techniques de l’Information et de la Communication pour l’Enseignement.
Les situations émotionnellement marquantes en EPS : traits typiques et rôles dans le développement professionnel des enseignants novices
Authors: Descoeudres Magali , Méard Jacques
Published: July 2019

Cette recherche vise à identifier les types de situations émotionnellement marquantes vécues par les enseignants novices (EN) d’éducation physique et sportive (EPS) en classe. Un questionnaire qualitatif (demandant de rapporter deux situations émotionnellement marquantes) a été documenté par 139 EN (N =278) et traité de façon inductive. Les résultats montrent que ces situations sont regroupées en 12 types. Les EN en EPS rapportent des situations conduisant pour deux tiers à des émotions négatives, en lien notamment avec la transgression de règles par les élèves, la gestion de cas d’élèves particuliers et celles impliquant l’intégrité physique d’un élève. La plupart des EN déclarent que ces situations ont favorisé leur développement professionnel. De plus, ils ont partagé ces situations avec leur tuteur, leurs collègues, mais aussi leurs amis et conjoints dans des proportions importantes. Ces résultats sont discutés avec des éléments de la littérature et d’un point de vue développemental.
IRF7 Is Involved in Both STING and MAVS Mediating IFN-β Signaling in IRF3-Lacking Chickens
Authors: Cheng Yuqiang , Zhu Wenxian , Ding Chan , Niu Qiaona , Wang Hengan , Yan Yaxian , Sun Jianhe
Published: July 2019

IFN regulatory factor (IRF) 3 has been identified as the most critical regulator of both RNA and DNA virus–induced IFN production in mammals. However, ambiguity exists in research on chicken IRFs; in particular IRF3 seems to be missing in chickens, making IFN regulation in chickens unclear. In this study, we comprehensively investigated the potential IFN-related IRFs in chickens and showed that IRF7 is the most critical IFN-β regulator in chickens. With a chicken IRF7 (chIRF7) knockout DF-1 cell line, we conducted a series of experiments to demonstrate that chIRF7 is involved in both chicken STING (chSTING)- and chicken MAVS (chMAVS)-mediated IFN-β regulation in response to DNA and RNA viral infections, respectively. We further examined the mechanisms of chIRF7 activation by chSTING. We found that chicken TBK1 (chTBK1) is indispensable for chIRF7 activation by chSTING as well as that chSTING interacts with both chIRF7 and chTBK1 to function as a scaffold in chIRF7 activation by chTBK1. More interestingly, we discovered that chSTING mediates the activation of chIRF7 through a conserved SLQxSyS motif. In short, we confirmed that although IRF3 is missing in chickens, they employ IRF7 to reconstitute corresponding IFN signaling to respond to both DNA and RNA viral infections. Additionally, we uncovered a mechanism of chIRF7 activation by chSTING. The results will enrich and deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of the chicken IFN system.
Distribution, habitat profile and genetic variability of Namibian succulent Lithops ruschiorum
Authors: Loots Sonja , Ritz Christiane M. , Schwager Michaela , Sehic Jasna , Herklotz Veit , Garkava-Gustavsson Larisa , Nybom Hilde E.
Published: July 2019

Background: The species-rich flora of southern Africa comprises a high number of endemics, including succulents such as the flowering stones in the genus Lithops, but conservation status for these species is not well underpinned because detailed field data and assessments of genetic diversity are lacking.Objectives: We wanted to assess plant abundance and identify factors that may affect survival in Lithops ruschiorum through carefully conducted field surveys, and to determine amount and partitioning of genetic variation by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis.Method: Field surveys were carried out in nine populations in Namibia. The most meticulously studied population was divided into 51 sites, while another 43 sites were recognised in the remaining eight populations. At each site, occupied area and number of plants were recorded as well as altitude, aspect, slope, soil texture and substrate. Amplified fragment length polymorphism markers were employed to study 52 individuals from seven populations.Results: In total, 8465 individuals were recorded. Plant density and/or plant number was associated with aspect, slope, soil texture, substrate and geographic distance from the coast. Analysis of molecular variation showed that 95% of the variability occurs within populations. Genetic and geographic distances among populations were correlated suggesting an isolation-by-distance pattern.Conclusion: Results are concordant with a strong impact of fog-based precipitation on plant density in the coastal populations, whereas rain probably is more important at one population which is situated further inland. Within-population genetic variation was medium high as usually reported for perennial, outcrossing species, but the low population differentiation implies considerable gene flow and/or population fragmentation.
Frequency and intensity of nitrogen addition alter soil inorganic sulfur fractions, but the effects vary with mowing management in a temperate steppe
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Liu Heyong , Wang Ruzhen , Lü Xiao-Tao , Yang Junjie , Zhang Yunhai , He Peng , Wang Zhirui , Han Xingguo , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Sulfur (S) availability plays a vital role in driving functions of
terrestrial ecosystems, which can be largely affected by soil inorganic S
fractions and pool size. Enhanced nitrogen (N) input can significantly
affect soil S availability, but it still remains largely unknown if the N
effect varies with frequency of N addition and mowing management in
grasslands. To investigate changes in the soil S pool and inorganic S fractions
(soluble S, adsorbed S, available S, and insoluble S), we conducted a field
experiment with different frequencies (two times per year vs. monthly additions per year)
and intensities (i.e., 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 50 g N m−2 yr−1) of NH4NO3 addition and mowing (unmown vs. mown) over
6 years in a temperate grassland of northern China. Generally, N addition
frequency, N intensity, and mowing significantly interacted with each other
to affect most of the inorganic S fractions. Specifically, a significant increase
in soluble S was only found at high N frequency with the increasing
intensity of N addition. Increasing N addition intensity enhanced adsorbed S
and available S concentrations at low N frequency in unmown plots; however,
both fractions were significantly increased with N intensity at both N
frequencies in mown plots. The high frequency of N addition increased the
concentrations of adsorbed S and available S in comparison to the low frequency of
N addition only in mown plots. Changes in soil S fractions were mainly
related to soil pH, N availability, soil organic carbon (SOC), and plant S uptake. Our results
suggested that N input could temporarily replenish soil-available S by
promoting dissolution of soil-insoluble S with decreasing soil pH and
mineralization of organic S due to increasing plant S uptake. However, the
significant decrease in organic S and total S concentrations with N addition
intensity in mown plots indicated that N addition together with biomass
removal would eventually cause soil S depletion in this temperate grassland
in the long term. Our results further indicated that using large and
infrequent N additions to simulate N deposition can overestimate the main
effects of N deposition and mowing management on soil S availability in
semiarid grasslands.
Using a modified DNDC biogeochemical model to optimize field management of a multi-crop (cotton, wheat, and maize) system: a site-scale case study in northern China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Chunyan , Zheng Xunhua , Wang Kai , Cui Feng , Wang Rui , Li Siqi , Yao Zhisheng , Zhu Jiang
Published: July 2019

Abstract. It is still a severe challenge to optimize the field management
practices for a multi-crop system when simultaneously aiming at yield
sustainability and minimum negative impacts on climate as well as
atmosphere and water quality. This site-scale case study was devoted to developing a
biogeochemical process model-based approach as a solution to this challenge.
The best management practices (BMPs) of a three-crop system growing cotton
and winter wheat–summer maize (W–M) in rotation, which is widely adopted in
northern China, were identified. The BMPs referred to the management
alternatives with the lowest negative impact potentials (NIPs) among the
scenarios satisfying all given constraints. The independent variables used to
determine the NIPs and those utilized as constrained criteria were simulated by the
DeNitrification-DeComposition model, which was modified in this study. Due to the
unsatisfactory performance of the model in daily simulations of nitric oxide
(NO) emission and net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (NEE), the model
was modified to (i) newly parameterize the soil moisture effects
on NO production during nitrification, and (ii) replace the original NEE
calculation approach with an algorithm based on gross primary production.
Validation of the modified model showed statistically meaningful agreements
between the simulations and observations in the cotton and W–M fields. Three
BMP alternatives with overlapping uncertainties of simulated NIPs were
screened from 6000 management scenarios randomly generated by Latin
hypercube sampling. All of these BMP alternatives adopted the baseline
(currently applied) practices of crop rotation (3 consecutive years of
cotton rotating with 3 years of W–M in each 6-year cycle), the fraction of crop
residue incorporation (100 %), and deep tillage (30 cm) for cotton. At the
same time, these BMP alternatives would use 18 % less fertilizer nitrogen
and sprinkle or flood-irrigate ∼23 % less water than the
baseline while adopting reduced tillage (5 cm) for W–M. Compared with the
baseline practices, these BMP alternatives could simultaneously sustain crop
yields, annually enlarge the soil organic carbon stock by 4 ‰
or more, mitigate the aggregate emission of greenhouse gases, NO release,
ammonia volatilization, and nitrate leaching by ∼7 %,
∼25 %, ∼2 %, and ∼43 %,
respectively, despite a ∼5 % increase in N2O emission.
However, further study is still necessary for field confirmation of these
BMP alternatives. Nevertheless, this case study proposed a practical
approach to optimize multi-crop system management to simultaneously
achieve multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 to regional variability in particulate organic matter remineralization depths
Authors: Wilson Jamie D. , Barker Stephen , Edwards Neil R. , Holden Philip B. , Ridgwell Andy
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is sensitive to changes in the depth at which sinking particulate organic matter is remineralized: often described as a change in the exponent “b” of the Martin curve. Sediment trap observations from deep and intermediate depths suggest there is a spatially heterogeneous pattern of b, particularly varying with latitude, but disagree over the exact spatial patterns. Here we use a biogeochemical model of the phosphorus cycle coupled with a steady-state representation of ocean circulation to explore the sensitivity of preformed phosphate and atmospheric CO2 to spatial variability in remineralization depths. A Latin hypercube sampling method is used to simultaneously vary the Martin curve independently within 15 different regions, as a basis for a regression-based analysis used to derive a quantitative measure of sensitivity. Approximately 30 % of the sensitivity of atmospheric CO2 to changes in remineralization depths is driven by changes in the subantarctic region (36 to 60∘ S) similar in magnitude to the Pacific basin despite the much smaller area and lower export production. Overall, the absolute magnitude of sensitivity is controlled by export production, but the relative spatial patterns in sensitivity are predominantly constrained by ocean circulation pathways. The high sensitivity in the subantarctic regions is driven by a combination of high export production and the high connectivity of these regions to regions important for the export of preformed nutrients such as the Southern Ocean and North Atlantic. Overall, regionally varying remineralization depths contribute to variability in CO2 of between around 5 and 15 ppm, relative to a global mean change in remineralization depth. Future changes in the environmental and ecological drivers of remineralization, such as temperature and ocean acidification, are expected to be most significant in the high latitudes where CO2 sensitivity to remineralization is also highest. The importance of ocean circulation pathways to the high sensitivity in subantarctic regions also has significance for past climates given the importance of circulation changes in the Southern Ocean.
Precipitation of dolomite from seawater on a Carnian coastal plain (Dolomites, northern Italy): evidence from carbonate petrography and Sr isotopes
Authors: Rieder Maximilian , Wegner Wencke , Horschinegg Monika , Klackl Stefanie , Preto Nereo , Breda Anna , Gier Susanne , Klötzli Urs , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Arp Gernot , Meister Patrick
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The geochemical conditions conducive to dolomite formation in
shallow evaporitic environments along the Triassic Tethyan margin are still
poorly understood. Large parts of the Triassic dolomites in the Austroalpine
and the southern Alpine realm are affected by late diagenetic or
hydrothermal overprinting, but recent studies from the Carnian Travenanzes
Formation (southern Alps) provide evidence of primary dolomite. Here a
petrographic and geochemical study of dolomites intercalated in a
100 m thick Carnian sequence of distal alluvial plain deposits is presented
to gain better insight into the conditions and processes of dolomite
formation. The dolomites occur as 10 to 50 cm thick homogeneous beds,
millimetre-scale laminated beds, and nodules associated with palaeosols. The
dolomite is nearly stoichiometric with slightly attenuated ordering
reflections. Sedimentary structures indicate that the initial primary
dolomite or precursor phase consisted largely of unlithified mud. Strontium
isotope ratios (87Sr∕86Sr) of homogeneous and laminated dolomites
reflect Triassic seawater composition, suggesting precipitation in
evaporating seawater in a coastal ephemeral lake or sabkha system. However,
the setting differed from modern sabkha or coastal ephemeral lake systems by
being exposed to seasonally wet conditions with significant siliciclastic
input and the inhibition of significant lateral groundwater flow by
impermeable clay deposits. Thus, the ancient Tethyan margin was different
from modern analogues of primary dolomite formation.
Spatial exclusion in Lithuania: peripheries as “losers”, metropolitan areas as “winners”
Authors: Pociūtė-Sereikienė Gintarė , Baranauskienė Viktorija , Daugirdas Vidmantas
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on a comprehensive evaluation of socio-spatial inequalities as a means of analysing spatial exclusion in line with demographic, social and economic components expressed using 20 key indicators. The utilised method of grouping into quartiles was able to demonstrate increasingly pronounced polarisation trends in Lithuania, with widening disparities to be noted, both between the major cities of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda and their regions, and between peripheral areas of the country. The level of spatial exclusion is seen to be highest in Lithuania’s north-eastern and southern regions, which have been identified as problematic. It is to these regions that a majority of the attention in this work has been paid.
Functional and evolutionary perspectives on gill structures of an obligate air-breathing, aquatic snail
Authors: Rodriguez Cristian , Prieto Guido I. , Vega Israel A. , Castro-Vazquez Alfredo
Published: July 2019

Ampullariids are freshwater gastropods bearing a gill and a lung, thus showing different degrees of amphibiousness. In particular,Pomacea canaliculata(Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae) is an obligate air-breather that relies mainly or solely on the lung for dwelling in poorly oxygenated water, for avoiding predators, while burying in the mud during aestivation, and for oviposition above water level. In this paper, we studied the morphological peculiarities of the gill in this species. We found (1) the gill and lung vasculature and innervation are intimately related, allowing alternation between water and air respiration; (2) the gill epithelium has features typical of a transporting rather than a respiratory epithelium; and (3) the gill has resident granulocytes within intraepithelial spaces that may serve a role for immune defence. Thus, the role in oxygen uptake may be less significant than the roles in ionic/osmotic regulation and immunity. Also, our results provide a morphological background to understand the dependence on aerial respiration ofPomacea canaliculata. Finally, we consider these findings from a functional perspective in the light of the evolution of amphibiousness in the Ampullariidae, and discuss that master regulators may explain the phenotypic convergence of gill structures amongst this molluscan species and those in other phyla.
The use of biochar in animal feeding
Authors: Schmidt Hans-Peter , Hagemann Nikolas , Draper Kathleen , Kammann Claudia
Published: July 2019

Biochar, that is, carbonized biomass similar to charcoal, has been used in acute medical treatment of animals for many centuries. Since 2010, livestock farmers increasingly use biochar as a regular feed supplement to improve animal health, increase nutrient intake efficiency and thus productivity. As biochar gets enriched with nitrogen-rich organic compounds during the digestion process, the excreted biochar-manure becomes a more valuable organic fertilizer causing lower nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions during storage and soil application. Scientists only recently started to investigate the mechanisms of biochar in the different stages of animal digestion and thus most published results on biochar feeding are based so far on empirical studies. This review summarizes the state of knowledge up to the year 2019 by evaluating 112 relevant scientific publications on the topic to derive initial insights, discuss potential mechanisms behind observations and identify important knowledge gaps and future research needs. The literature analysis shows that in most studies and for all investigated farm animal species, positive effects on different parameters such as toxin adsorption, digestion, blood values, feed efficiency, meat quality and/or greenhouse gas emissions could be found when biochar was added to feed. A considerable number of studies provided statistically non-significant results, though tendencies were mostly positive. Rare negative effects were identified in regard to the immobilization of liposoluble feed ingredients (e.g., vitamin E or Carotenoids) which may limit long-term biochar feeding. We found that most of the studies did not systematically investigate biochar properties (which may vastly differ) and dosage, which is a major drawback for generalizing results. Our review demonstrates that the use of biochar as a feed additive has the potential to improve animal health, feed efficiency and livestock housing climate, to reduce nutrient losses and greenhouse gas emissions, and to increase the soil organic matter content and thus soil fertility when eventually applied to soil. In combination with other good practices, co-feeding of biochar may thus have the potential to improve the sustainability of animal husbandry. However, more systematic multi-disciplinary research is definitely needed to arrive at generalizable recommendations.
Water Stress Amelioration and Plant Growth Promotion in Capsicum Plants by Osmotic Stress Tolerant Bacteria
Authors: Gupta Shweta , Kaushal Rajesh , Sood Gaurav , Dipta Bhawna , Kirti Shruti , Spehia R. S.
Published: July 2019

The present study was initiated with testing of fifteen previously isolated indigenous plant growth promoting rhizobacteria for drought tolerance. Among all, two best isolates Pseudomonas aeruginosa (JHA6) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ROH14) were selected for in-vivo studies. A total of ten treatments comprising Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (JHA6 and ROH14) inoculated plants held at 80%, 60% and 40% field capacity (FC) soil moisture level was laid down in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Un-inoculated plants held at various stress levels and non-stressed conditions (100% FC) served as control. In general, both the bacteria could promote Capsicum growth in terms of increase in root and shoot biomass, height of plants, chlorophyll content as well as increase in nutrient content and uptake. Besides, the bacterial inoculated Capsicum plants could withstand water stress more efficiently as indicated by increases in leaf area, total soluble proteins and relative water content of treated water stressed plants in comparison to untreated stressed ones. Enhanced antioxidant responses were evident as elevated activities of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase was recorded. Therefore, the ability of Capsicum plants to tolerate water stress is enhanced by application of the isolated bacteria which also function as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria.
Investigation of calmodulin‐like and rod domain mutations suggests common molecular mechanism for α‐actinin‐1‐linked congenital macrothrombocytopenia
Authors: O'Sullivan Leanne Rose , Ajaykumar Amarendra Praburam , Dembicka Kornelia Maria , Murphy Aidan , Grennan Eamonn Paul , Young Paul William
Published: July 2019

Actinin‐1 mutations cause dominantly inherited congenital macrothrombocytopenia (CMTP), with mutations in the actin‐binding domain increasing actinin's affinity for F‐actin. In this study, we examined nine CMTP‐causing mutations in the calmodulin‐like and rod domains of actinin‐1. These mutations increase, to varying degrees, actinin's ability to bundle actin filaments in vitro. Mutations within the calmodulin‐like domain decrease its thermal stability slightly but do not dramatically affect calcium binding, with mutant proteins retaining calcium‐dependent regulation of filament bundling in vitro. The G764S and E769K mutations increase cytoskeletal association of actinin in cells, and all mutant proteins colocalize with F‐actin in cultured HeLa cells. Thus, CMTP‐causing actinin‐1 mutations outside the actin‐binding domain also increase actin association, suggesting a common molecular mechanism underlying actinin‐1 related CMTP.
Capturing the Onset of Bacterial Pulmonary Infection in Acini‐On‐Chips
Authors: Artzy‐Schnirman Arbel , Zidan Hikaia , Elias‐Kirma Shani , Ben‐Porat Lee , Tenenbaum‐Katan Janna , Carius Patrick , Fishler Ramy , Schneider‐Daum Nicole , Lehr Claus‐Michael , Sznitman Josué
Published: July 2019

Bacterial invasion of the respiratory system leads to complex immune responses. In the deep alveolar regions, the first line of defense includes foremost the alveolar epithelium, the surfactant‐rich liquid lining, and alveolar macrophages. Typical in vitro models come short of mimicking the complexity of the airway environment in the onset of airway infection; among others, they neither capture the relevant anatomical features nor the physiological flows innate of the acinar milieu. Here, novel microfluidic‐based acini‐on‐chips that mimic more closely the native acinar airways at a true scale with an anatomically inspired, multigeneration alveolated tree are presented and an inhalation‐like maneuver is delivered. Composed of human alveolar epithelial lentivirus immortalized cells and macrophages‐like human THP‐1 cells at an air–liquid interface, the models maintain critically an epithelial barrier with immune function. To demonstrate, the usability and versatility of the platforms, a realistic inhalation exposure assay mimicking bacterial infection is recapitulated, whereby the alveolar epithelium is exposed to lipopolysaccharides droplets directly aerosolized and the innate immune response is assessed by monitoring the secretion of IL8 cytokines. These efforts underscore the potential to deliver advanced in vitro biosystems that can provide new insights into drug screening as well as acute and subacute toxicity assays.
An Inverted Sandwich Electrochromic Device Architecture Does Not Require Optically Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Rozman Martin , Gaberšček Miran , Marolt Gregor , Bren Urban , Lukšič Miha
Published: July 2019

All currently known sandwich‐type electrochromic devices (ECDs) require at least one optically transparent electrode (OTE) for their operation. Here, it is demonstrated that this requirement is conceptually redundant. The so‐called inverted sandwich ECD architecture is introduced, with its principal components being: two solid optically nontransparent electrodes (high electrical conductivity material), an insulator that prevents a short‐circuit between the electrodes, and an electrochromic mixture applied on a solid carrier. The modus operandi of the present proof‐of‐concept solution‐phase double‐sided ECD is a reversible color change of the indicator dye caused by the variations in pH of the water‐based electrolyte solution due to electrolysis. Application of the inverted sandwich topology to make electrochromic tapes is given.
Regio‐ and Stereoselective Synthesis of Enynyl‐Aryl Ethers Enabled by Copper/Iodide Tandem Catalysis
Authors: Wu Yun‐Bin , Xiao Lin , Mao Chun‐Li , Zang Zhong‐Lin , Zhou Cheng‐He , Cai Gui‐Xin
Published: July 2019

An approach to preparing enynyl‐aryl ethers from phenols and phenylacetylenes is described. This method without extra ligands, overcoming the favored Glaser‐Hay dimerization of alkyne, features a wide substrate scope (38 examples including endofolliculina and indole) and the merits of high atom and step economy, good regio‐ and stereoselectivity (Z‐isomers major) in moderate to good isolated yields. Mechanistic studies show that the reaction is enabled by distinctive copper/iodide tandem catalysis.

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Enantioselective Synthesis of Alkyl Azaarenes
Authors: Meazza Marta , Rios Ramon
Published: July 2019

This Minireview covers reports on the enantioselective synthesis of alkyl azaarenes since 2014. It deals with the latest achievements on the reactivity of alkyl azaarenes aiming at the preparation of more complex azaarenes containing chiral centers. They rely on the activating properties of the nitrogen atom when opportunely coordinated with a metal complex or Brønsted acid and possibly containing chiral ligands. In addition, conveniently located electron‐withdrawing activating functional groups help increase the reactivity of the azaarenes. The same concepts operate in the case of vinyl azaarenes.
Flexible Graphene‐, Graphene‐Oxide‐, and Carbon‐Nanotube‐Based Supercapacitors and Batteries
Authors: Zhang Runzhi , Palumbo Anthony , Kim Jae Chul , Ding Junjun , Yang Eui‐Hyeok
Published: July 2019

Flexible energy‐storage devices increasingly attract attention owing to their advantages of providing lightweight, portable, wearable, or implantable capabilities. Many efforts are made to explore the structures and fabrication processes of flexible energy‐storage devices for commercialization. Here, the most recent advances in flexible energy‐storage devices based on graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are described, including flexible supercapacitors and batteries. First, properties, synthesis methods, and possible applications of those carbon‐based materials are described. Then, the development of carbon‐nanotube‐based flexible supercapacitors, graphene/graphene‐oxide‐based flexible supercapacitors, and graphene‐ and carbon‐nanotube‐based flexible battery electrodes are discussed. Finally, the future trends and perspectives in the development of flexible energy‐storage devices are highlighted.
Pivotal Role of the Basic Character of Organic and Salt Catalysts in C−N Bond Forming Reactions of Amines with CO2
Authors: Hulla Martin , Dyson Paul J.
Published: July 2019

Organocatalysts promote a range of C−N bond forming reactions of amines with CO2. Herein, we review these reactions and attempt to identify the unifying features of the catalysts that allows them to promote a multitude of seemingly unrelated reactions. Analysis of the literature shows that these reactions predominantly proceed by carbamate salt formation in the form [BaseH][RR′NCOO]. The anion of the carbamate salt acts as a nucleophile in hydrosilane reductions of CO2, internal cyclization reactions or after dehydration as an electrophile in the synthesis of urea derivatives. The reactions are enhanced by polar aprotic solvents and can be either promoted or hindered by H‐bonding interactions. The predominant role of all types of organic and salt catalysts (including ionic liquids, ILs) is the stabilization of the carbamate salt, mostly by acting as a base. Catalytic enhancement depends on the combination of the amine, the base strength, the solvent, steric factors, ion pairing and H‐bonding. A linear relationship between the base strength and the reaction yield has been demonstrated with IL catalysts in the synthesis of formamides and quinazoline‐2,4‐diones. The role of organocatalysts in the reactions indicates that all bases of sufficient strength should be able to catalyze the reactions. However, a physical limit to the extent of a purely base catalyzed reaction mechanism should exist, which needs to be identified, understood and overcome by synergistic or alternative methods.
Hydrophobic Poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) Photonic Crystals towards Robust Energy‐Saving Performance
Authors: Wu Xingjiang , Hong Ri , Meng Jinku , Cheng Rui , Zhu Zhijie , Wu Guan , Li Qing , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su
Published: July 2019

Photonic crystals (PCs) have been widely applied in optical, energy, and biological fields owing to their periodic crystal structure. However, the major challenges are easy cracking and poor structural color, seriously hindering their practical applications. Now, hydrophobic poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (P(t‐BA)) PCs have been developed with relatively lower glass transition temperature (Tg), large crack‐free area, excellent hydrophobic properties, and brilliant structure color. This method based on hydrophobic groups (tertiary butyl groups) provides a reference for designing new kinds of PCs via the monomers with relatively lower Tg. Moreover, the P(t‐BA) PCs film were applied as the photoluminescence (PL) enhanced film to enhance the PL intensity of CdSe@ZnS QDs by 10‐fold in a liquid‐crystal display (LCD) device. The new‐type hydrophobic force assembled PCs may open an innovative avenue toward new‐generation energy‐saving devices.