bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial activity of nudibranch Chromodoris lineolata associated bacteria against skin diseases pathogens from Jepara Coastal Waters, Indonesia
Authors: WIJAYA ALDI PRATAMA , SABDONO AGUS , SIBERO MADA TRIANDALA , TRIANTO AGUS , RADJASA OCKY KARNA
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Wijaya AP, Sabdono A, Sibero MT, Trianto A, Radjasa OK. 2022. Antimicrobial activity of nudibranch Chromodoris lineolata associated bacteria against skin diseases pathogens from Jepara Coastal Waters, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1911-1919. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) skin pathogens has caused the treatment of skin diseases to become increasingly ineffective using by conventional antibiotics. As a source of antimicrobial compounds against MDR pathogens, marine invertebrate-associated bacteria have been widely known for their valuable biological activity. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of nudibranch Chromodoris lineolata associated bacteria against various skin pathogens and to detect the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) through a molecular approach. A total of 14 nudibranch-associated bacteria were successfully isolated from Awur Bay and Panjang Island. Antimicrobial activity screening using the agar plug method indicated that three bacterial strains showed antimicrobial activity against two skin pathogens, Propionibacterium acnes and Malassezia furfur. Based on the biochemical test, these potential strains were classified into the Terrabacteria and Proteobacteria groups. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, potential strains were identified as Streptomyces lateritius, Labrenzia marina, and Halomonas meridiana through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results of BGC detection showed the presence of a type II polyketide synthase (PKS II) biosynthetic gene cluster in Streptomyces lateritius and Labrenzia marina strains at 600bp-650bp.
Short Communication: Diversity and distribution of epiphytic orchid Dendrobium section Spatulata on the host plants in the Cycloop Mountain Nature Reserve of Papua, Indonesia
Authors: AROBAYA AGUSTINA YOHANA SETYARINI , ZUHUD ERVIZAL A.M. , SIREGAR ISKANDAR Z. , IRAWATI IRAWATI
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Arobaya AYS, Zuhud EAM, Siregar IZ, Irawati. 2022. Short Communication: Diversity and distribution of epiphytic orchid Dendrobium section Spatulata on the host plants in the Cycloop Mountain Nature Reserve of Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2025-2034. Knowledge of species diversity and distribution is indispensable to assist in formulating a sound conservation strategy. This is truly significant for epiphytic orchids that grow on tree surfaces or phorophyte. The data and information are still limited despite their important role as biological indicators in forest ecosystems. The aim of the study was to carry out an inventory of epiphytic orchids and the phorophytes (host tress) in the Tropical Rain Forest of Cycloop Mountain Nature Reserve. The study took place in four sites located in the regency and city of Jayapura. Exploratory and sampling strip methods of 20x100 square meters were employed during the fieldwork. Orchids were observed and samples were collected based on their distribution in the host plants divided into five zones (Stem zone I and II; Crown zone III to V). The habitat's vegetation profiles were described using computer-aided design (CAD) verse 2018. Plant samples were identified in herbarium Manokwariense and the identified species were incorporated into CAD. Nineteen species of Dendrobium section Spatulata were identified as living as an epiphyte on the 12 phorophytes. These orchids and the host plants were described, determined and analyzed using PATN software. Most orchids are growing abundant in zone II and III. The phorophytes hosting the orchids in the lowland are mainly Syzygium and Intsia, while in the highland are Agathis and Podocarpus. Two types of vegetation profiles were described as savannah woodland in the low land area and coniferous trees vegetation in the highland above 650 m above sea level.
Role of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) as seed dispersal agent in a Sumatran lowland tropical forest
Authors: ADYN MUHAMMAD FARHAN , SIBARANI MARSYA CHRISTYANTI , UTOYO LAJI UTOYO , SURYA RIKHA ARYANIE , SEDAYU AGUNG
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Adyn MF, Sibarani MC, Utoyo L, Surya RA, Sedayu A. 2022. Role of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) as seed dispersal agent in a Sumatran lowland tropical forest. Biodiversitas 23: 2101-2110. Seed dispersal is mutualistic interaction between angiosperms and dispersal agents. One of the important dispersers for lowland tropical forests, including in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP), is siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus Raffles, 1821). This study aimed to determine the seed dispersal pattern, composition of dispersed seeds, and the seed fate dispersed by siamangs at Way Canguk Research Station, BBSNP, Lampung, Indonesia, from February-April 2021. We used the continuous focal sampling method to observe siamang behavior, while the purposive sampling method collected feces and seeds. Siamangs dispersed endozoochory dominantly, all fecal contained seeds, deposited more in the morning, and more scattered than clumped. With a gut passage time of 22.5 ± 3 hours, the seed dispersal distance was 223.9 ± 142 meters from the parents. Seeds < 3 mm were more numerous, but seeds > 3 mm were dispersed more often. Siamang was recorded to disperse a mean of 3.3 ± 1.4 species/feces, and 22 species were dispersed. The germination test showed that only 28% of total planted seeds successfully germinated. Based on in situ monitoring, the remaining deposit sites only accounted for 12% of total records, while the germination rate of dispersed seeds from these deposit sites varied. Further studies are needed with a larger sample to test the consistency of these findings.
The use of statistical models in identifying skipjack tuna habitat characteristics during the Southeast Monsoon in the Bone Gulf, Indonesia
Authors: Hasyim Safruddin , Hidayat Rachmat , Farhum St Aisjah , Zainuddin Mukti
Published: April 2022

Abstract. Safruddin, Hidayat R, Farhum SA, Zainuddin M. 2022. The use of statistical models in identifying skipjack tuna habitat characteristics during the Southeast Monsoon in the Bone Gulf, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 2231-2237. Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) is the main fishery product in the Bone Gulf, Indonesia, since it has high economic value and is widely accepted by the market. The migration of skipjack tuna can be described by oceanographic dynamics, influenced by seasonal changes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the oceanographic factors and the distribution and abundance of skipjack tuna obtained by pole and line fishing in the Bone Gulf, Indonesia. The research was conducted during the southeast monsoon season (April-September) from 2015 until 2018. Three oceanographic parameters were used to understand this relationship, i.e., Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Sea Surface Chlorophyll-a (SSC), and water depth. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) used to predict the spatial pattern of the skipjack tuna showed that all considered parameters significant influenced the distribution of skipjack tuna in the study area. The fish are mostly distributed from coastal to offshore areas, ranging between 50 to 2000 meters and even wider. The concentration tends to be high within the range of 29.5 to 30.5°C of SST, 0.25 to 0.35 mgm-3 of SSC, and 500 to 1500 meters of water depth. The research also found that the skipjack tuna migration to the Bone Gulf may have followed the current water interruption during the southeast monsoon, for preferred warmer temperatures and lower primary productivity waters in the offshore areas. This factor may represent the optimal habitat of skipjack tuna during the period and can be the basis for determining the skipjack fishing schedule in the Bone Gulf.
Concept validation of a high dynamic range point-diffraction interferometer for wavefront sensing in adaptive optics
Authors: Dubost Nicolás , Bharmal Nazim Ali , Dubbeldam Marc , Myers Richard M.
Published: April 2022

The direct detection and imaging of exoplanets requires the use of high-contrast adaptive optics (AO). In these systems quasi-static aberrations need to be highly corrected and calibrated. To achieve this, the pupil-modulated point-diffraction interferometer (m-PDI) was presented in an earlier paper. This present paper focuses on m-PDI concept validation through three experiments. First, the instrument’s accuracy and dynamic range are characterized by measuring the spatial transfer function at all spatial frequencies and at different amplitudes. Then, using visible monochromatic light, an AO control loop is closed on the system’s systematic bias to test for precision and completeness. In a central section of the pupil with 72% of the total radius, the residual error is 7.7 nm rms. Finally, the control loop is run using polychromatic light with a spectral FWHM of 77 nm around the R-band. The control loop shows no drop in performance with respect to the monochromatic case, reaching a final Strehl ratio larger than 0.7.
Wavelength stabilization and spectra narrowing of a 405  nm external-cavity semiconductor laser based on a volume Bragg grating
Authors: Liu Ye , Liu Yu , Li Hongling , Xiao Huidong , Xia Yingkai , Gao Ruihong , Li Xiang , Zheng Quan
Published: April 2022

We introduce a 405 nm external-cavity semiconductor laser using a volume Bragg grating (VBG) as the feedback element. By decreasing the length of the external cavity and reducing the wavelength difference between the output wavelength of the laser diode during free running and Bragg wavelength of the VBG, the emission wavelength of the semiconductor laser is stably locked at 405.1 nm with a spectral linewidth of 0.08 nm. The output power reaches 292 mW, and the wavelength drift with temperature reduces to 0.0006 nm/°C. These results are helping for the spectroscopy applications of a blue-violet laser diode. In contrast to traditional external-cavity semiconductor lasers, this laser is less expensive and more compact, in addition to having a narrow linewidth and good wavelength stability. These advantages would facilitate the development of associated areas of research, including optical data storage, laser display, and laser medicine.
Polarization-selective absorptive and transmissive metamaterials
Authors: Shi Xiaoyan , Qin Zheng , Liang Zhongzhu , Meng Dejia , Li Jinhuan , Zhang Shoutao , Dai Rui , Hou Enzhu , Xin Wei , Liu Hua , Xu Haiyang , Liu Yichun
Published: April 2022

A polarization sorting metamaterial with polarization filtering and absorption is proposed. When unpolarized incident light strikes the metamaterial, one polarization component is completely absorbed, and the other polarization component is completely transmitted. We achieved an absorption extinction ratio of up to 350 and a transmission extinction ratio of 425 simultaneously in the LWIR. Unlike the 50% energy utilization limit of other polarization absorbers due to the complete reflection of another polarization component, our proposed metamaterial can be composed of layered polarization selective absorption devices to achieve more than 90% energy utilization. Therefore our design can provide a new solution for real-time polarization detection.
Plasmon mode manipulation based on multi-layer hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Mao Yu , Wang JunQiao , Sun Shuai , He Mengyue , Tian Shuo , Liang Erjun
Published: April 2022

Metamaterial with hyperbolic dispersion properties can effectively manipulate plasmonic resonances. Here, we designed a hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) substrate with a near-zero dielectric constant in the near-infrared region to manipulate the plasmon resonance of the nano-antenna (NA). For NA arrays, tuning the equivalent permittivity of HMM substrate by modifying the thickness of Au/diamond, the wavelength range of plasmon resonance can be manipulated. When the size of the NA changes within a certain range, the spectral position of the plasmon resonance will be fixed in a narrow band close to the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) wavelength and produce a phenomenon similar to “pinning effect.” In addition, since the volume plasmon polaritons (VPP) mode is excited, it will couple with the localized surface plasmon (LSP) mode to generate a spectrum splitting. Therefore, the plasmon resonance is significantly affected and can be precisely controlled by designing the HMM substrate.
Electrically driven whispering-gallery-mode microlasers in an n-MgO@ZnO:Ga microwire/p-GaN heterojunction
Authors: Zhou Xiangbo , Jiang Mingming , Wu Junfeng , Liu Maosheng , Kan Caixia , Shi Daning
Published: April 2022

In emerging miniaturized applications, semiconductor micro/nanostructures laser devices have drawn great public attentions of late years. The device performances of micro/nanostructured microlasers are highly restricted to the different reflective conditions at various side surfaces of microresonators and junction interface quality. In this study, an electrically driven whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) microlaser composed of a Ga-doped ZnO microwire covered by a MgO layer (MgO@ZnO:Ga MW) and a p-type GaN substrate is illustrated experimentally. Incorporating a MgO layer on the side surfaces of ZnO:Ga MWs can be used to reduce light leakage along the sharp edges and the ZnO:Ga/GaN interface. This buffer layer incorporation also enables engineering the energy band alignment of n-ZnO:Ga/p-GaN heterojunction and manipulating the current transport properties. The as-constructed n-MgO@ZnO:Ga MW/p-GaN heterojunction device can emit at an ultraviolet wavelength of 375.5 nm and a linewidth of about 25.5 nm, achieving the excitonic-related recombination in the ZnO:Ga MW. The broadband spectrum collapsed into a series of sharp peaks upon continuous-wave (CW) operation of electrical pumping, especially for operating current above 15.2 mA. The dominant emission line was centered at 378.5 nm, and the line width narrowed to approximately 0.95 nm. These sharp peaks emerged from the spontaneous emission spectrum and had an average spacing of approximately 5.5 nm, following the WGM cavity modes. The results highlight the significance of interfacial engineering for optimizing the performance of low-dimensional heterostructured devices and shed light on developing future miniaturized microlasers.
High-efficiency, high-repetition-rate cavity-dumped Q-switched Yb:YAG thin-disk laser based on a 72-pass pump module
Authors: Dai Longhui , Liu Rui , Li Xiang , Gong Faquan , Lei Xiyin , Li Hui , Deng Songwen , Lv Qipeng , Sun Tianxiang , Teng Fei , Li Gang , Jin Yuqi
Published: April 2022

We demonstrated a compact cavity-dumped Q-switched Yb:YAG laser based on a 72-pass pump module. A highly stable nanosecond pulse laser with a duration of 18.38 ns was achieved at a repetition rate of 100 kHz, which is pumped by multimode laser diode stacks at 969 nm. The average output power of more than 150 W is delivered in a good output beam characterized by M2 = 1.53. The result shows that the pulse duration derived from simulation agrees well with the one retrieved from the experimental measurements. To the best of our knowledge, the 43.5% optical-optical efficiency is the highest reported to date from a cavity-dumped Q-switched Yb:YAG TDL (thin-disk laser).
Characterization of femtosecond laser-induced grating scattering of a continuous-wave laser light in air
Authors: Wu Yulan , Ding Pengji , Zheng Yue , Zhao Tongxun , Zhu Zoumingyang , Liu Xiaoliang , Sun Shaohua , Wang Jijin , Liu Zuoye , Hu Bitao
Published: April 2022

Nanosecond laser-induced grating scattering/spectroscopy (LIGS) technique has been widely applied for measuring thermodynamic parameters such as temperature and pressure in gaseous and liquid media. Recently, femtosecond (fs) laser was demonstrated to induce the grating and develop the fs-LIGS technique for gas thermometry. In this work, we systematically investigated the fs-LIGS signal generation using 35 fs, 800 nm laser pulses at 1 kHz repetition rate in ambient air by varying the pump laser energies, the probe laser powers and the temporal delays between two pump laser pulses. The stability of single-shot fs-LIGS signal was studied, from which we observed that the signal intensity exhibits a significant fluctuation while the oscillation frequency shows a much better stability. A 4.5% precision of the oscillation frequency was achieved over 100 single-shot signals. By using a previously-developed empirical model, the fs-LIGS signals were fitted using nonlinear least-squares fitting method, by which crucial time constants characterizing the signal decay process were extracted and their dependences on the pump laser energy were studied. From the measured results and theoretical analysis, we found that the appropriate range of the overall pump laser energy for reliable fs-LIGS measurements is approximately located within 80 ∼ 300 μJ. The limitations on the accuracy and precision of the fs-LIGS measurements, the origin of destructive influence of plasma generation on the signal generation as well as the electrostriction contribution were also discussed. Our investigations could contribute to a better understanding of the fs-LIGS process and further applications of the technique in single-shot gas thermometry and pressure measurements in various harsh conditions.
Design of a wideband metamaterial absorber for optical wavelength applications based on the quantum-inspired Hadamard matrix
Authors: Biswas Erik Upol , Sahel Salman Meem , Kamal Md. Moin Ebne , Mahmud Sultan , Biswas Sudipta , Hassan Syeda Sarita , Mahdy M. R. C.
Published: April 2022

Attaining broadband absorption with a simple-designed photonic absorber is still considered a complex and daunting task. The Hadamard matrix has been a well-known concept for designing quantum gates in quantum mechanics and computing. Despite a series of noteworthy works being done with regard to the design of metamaterial absorbers, very few works exist in literature where a quantum-inspired design has been employed to design a metamaterial-based photonic absorber. In this work, we have demonstrated a polarization-insensitive ultrathin and wideband metamaterial (MM) absorber based on the pattern distribution of the Hadamard matrix. Within the optical domain, the demonstrated MM absorber showcases absorption of over 91% for both transverse electric (TE) mode and transverse magnetic (TM) mode. To explore the angular dependence on absorption features of our Hadamard matrix meta-absorber (HMMA), both TE and TM modes have been used at numerous incident-angles. Finite integration technique has been utilized to simulate the demonstrated MM absorber design and validated using the interference theory model to assure the simulated data. Moreover, electric and magnetic field characteristics, current distributions, and a plethora of parametric sweeps have also been investigated in order to better understand the suggested HMMA absorption mechanism. Because of its wideband absorption and polarization-insensitive characteristic, this MM absorber based on the Hadamard matrix arrangement permits a variety of applications such as light detectors, optical-sensors, magnetic resonance imaging, plasmonic-sensors, and thermal imaging applications.
Multiple nutrient transporters enable cells to mitigate a rate-affinity tradeoff
Authors: Montaño-Gutierrez Luis Fernando , Correia Kevin , Swain Peter S.
Published: April 2022

Eukaryotic genomes often encode multiple transporters for the same nutrient. For example, budding yeast has 17 hexose transporters (HXTs), all of which potentially transport glucose. Using mathematical modelling, we show that transporters that use either facilitated diffusion or symport can have a rate-affinity tradeoff, where an increase in the maximal rate of transport decreases the transporter’s apparent affinity. These changes affect the import flux non-monotonically, and for a given concentration of extracellular nutrient there is one transporter, characterised by its affinity, that has a higher import flux than any other. Through encoding multiple transporters, cells can therefore mitigate the tradeoff by expressing those transporters with higher affinities in lower concentrations of nutrients. We verify our predictions using fluorescent tagging of seven HXT genes in budding yeast and follow their expression over time in batch culture. Using the known affinities of the corresponding transporters, we show that their regulation in glucose is broadly consistent with a rate-affinity tradeoff: as glucose falls, the levels of the different transporters peak in an order that mostly follows their affinity for glucose. More generally, evolution is constrained by tradeoffs. Our findings indicate that one such tradeoff often occurs in the cellular transport of nutrients.
Measurement tools and indicators for assessing nurturing care for early childhood development: A scoping review
Authors: Jeong Joshua , Bliznashka Lilia , Sullivan Eileen , Hentschel Elizabeth , Jeon Youngkwang , Strong Kathleen L. , Daelmans Bernadette
Published: April 2022

Nurturing care encompasses five components that are crucial for supporting early childhood development: good health, adequate nutrition, opportunities for early learning, responsive caregiving, and safety and security. While there has been increasing attention in global public health towards designing and delivering programs, services, and policies to promote nurturing care, measurement has focused more on the components of health and nutrition, with less attention to early learning, responsive caregiving, and safety and security. We conducted a scoping review to identify articles that measured at least one nurturing care outcome in a sample of caregivers and/or children under-5 years of age in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We systematically searched five electronic bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed articles published from database inception until November 30, 2020. We first classified outcomes to their respective nurturing care component, and then applied an inductive approach to organize key constructs within each nurturing care component and the specific measures and indicators used across studies. We identified 239 total articles representing more than 50 LMICs for inclusion in the review. The majority of included studies reported a measure of nutrition (N = 166), early learning (N = 140), and health (N = 102), followed by responsive caregiving (N = 78) and lastly safety and security (N = 45). For each nurturing care component, we uncovered multiple constructs relevant to children under-5: nutrition (e.g., anthropometry, complementary feeding), early learning (e.g., stimulation practices, early childhood education), health (e.g., birth outcomes, morbidity), responsive caregiving (e.g., parental responsivity, parent-child interactions), and safety and security (e.g., discipline, inadequate supervision). Particularly for outcomes of early learning and responsive caregiving, there was greater variability with regards to the measures used, reported indicators, and analytic construction of variables than the other three nurturing care components. This study provides a comprehensive review of the current state of measurement of nurturing care. Additional research is needed in order to establish the most optimal measures and indicators for assessing nurturing care, especially for early learning and responsive caregiving.
Delayed correlation between the incidence rate of indigenous murine typhus in humans and the seropositive rate of Rickettsia typhi infection in small mammals in Taiwan from 2007–2019
Authors: Chiang Pai-Shan , Su Shin-Wei , Yang Su-Lin , Shu Pei-Yun , Lee Wang-Ping , Li Shu-Ying , Teng Hwa-Jen
Published: April 2022

Murine typhus is a flea-borne zoonotic disease with acute febrile illness caused by Rickettsia typhi and is distributed widely throughout the world, particularly in port cities and coastal regions. We observed that murine typhus was an endemic disease (number of annual indigenous cases = 29.23±8.76) with a low incidence rate (0.13±2.03*10−4 per 100,000 person-years) in Taiwan from 2007–2019. Most (45.79%, 174/380) indigenous infections were reported in May, June, and July. The incidence rates in both May and June were statistically higher than those in other months (p<0.05). Correspondingly, sera collected from small mammals (rodents and shrews) trapped in airports and harbors demonstrated anti-R. typhi antibody responses (seropositive rate = 8.24±0.33%). Interestingly, the ports with the highest seropositivity rates in small mammals are all inside/near the areas with the highest incidence rates of indigenous murine typhus. In addition, incidence rates in humans were positively correlated with the 1-month and 2-month prior seropositive rates in small mammals (R = 0.31 and 0.37, respectively). As early treatment with appropriate antibiotics for murine typhus could effectively shorten the duration of illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization and fatality, flea-related exposure experience should be considered in clinics during peak seasons and the months after a rise in seropositivity rates in small mammals. Surveillance in small mammals might be helpful for the development of real-time reporting or even early reminders for physicians of sporadic murine typhus cases based on the delayed correlation observed in this study.
Complete chloroplast genomes of Asparagus aethiopicus L., A. densiflorus (Kunth) Jessop ‘Myers’, and A. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr.: Comparative and phylogenetic analysis with congenerics
Authors: Wong Kwan-Ho , Kong Bobby Lim-Ho , Siu Tin-Yan , Wu Hoi-Yan , But Grace Wing-Chiu , Shaw Pang‑Chui , Lau David Tai-Wai
Published: April 2022

Asparagusspecies are widely used for medicinal, horticultural, and culinary purposes. Complete chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) genomes of threeAsparagusspecimens collected in Hong Kong—A.aethiopicus,A.densiflorus‘Myers’, andA.cochinchinensis—werede novoassembled using Illumina sequencing. Their sizes ranged from 157,069 to 157,319 bp, with a total guanine–cytosine content of 37.5%. Structurally, a large single copy (84,598–85,350 bp) and a small single copy (18,677–18,685 bp) were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (26,518–26,573 bp). In total, 136 genes were annotated forA.aethiopicusandA.densiflorus‘Myers’; these included 90 mRNA, 38 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Further, 132 genes, including 87 mRNA, 37 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes, were annotated forA.cochinchinensis. For comparative and phylogenetic analysis, we included NCBI data for four congenerics,A.setaceus,A.racemosus,A.schoberioides, andA.officinalis. The gene content, order, and genome structure were relatively conserved among the genomes studied. There were similarities in simple sequence repeats in terms of repeat type, sequence complementarity, and cpDNA partition distribution.A.densiflorus‘Myers’ had distinctive long sequence repeats in terms of their quantity, type, and length-interval frequency. Divergence hotspots, with nucleotide diversity (Pi) ≥ 0.015, were identified in five genomic regions:accD-psaI,ccsA,trnS-trnG,ycf1, andndhC-trnV. Here, we summarise the historical changes in the generic subdivision ofAsparagus. Our phylogenetic analysis, which also elucidates the nomenclatural complexity ofA.aethiopicusandA.densiflorus‘Myers’, further supports their close phylogenetic relationship. The findings are consistent with prior generic subdivisions, except for the placement ofA.racemosus, which requires further study. Thesede novoassembled cpDNA genomes contribute valuable genomic resources and help to elucidateAsparagustaxonomy.
Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata cultured on a low maintenance line nursery design in The Bahamas
Authors: Maurer Leah , Puishys Lauren , Ho Nancy Kim Pham , Dahlgren Craig , Kamerman Tanya Y. , Martin Scott , Stamper M. Andrew
Published: April 2022

Acroporid corals are one of the most important corals in the Caribbean because of their role in building coral reefs. Unfortunately, Acropora corals have suffered a severe decline in the last 50 years thus prompting the development of many restoration practices, such as coral nurseries, to increase the abundance of these species. However, many coral nursery designs require constant visits and maintenance limiting restoration to more convenient sites. Additionally, most studies lack the details required for practitioners to make informed decisions about replicating nursery designs. Two line nurseries were monitored for three years in The Bahamas to assess the survival of corals, Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata, as well as evaluate the durability and cost effectiveness of the nursery design. Survivorship ranged from 70 to 97% with one location experiencing significantly higher survivorship. The initial year build-out cost was high for a nursery, $22.97 per coral, but each nursery was comprised of specific materials that could withstand high storm conditions. Some unique aspects of the design included the use of longline clips and large-diameter monofilament lines which allowed for easier adjustments and more vigorous cleaning. The design proved to be very durable with materials showing a life expectancy of five years or more. Additionally, the design was able to withstand multiple hurricanes and winter storm conditions with little to no damage. Only two maintenance visits a year were required reducing costs after construction. After three years, this nursery design showed promising durability of materials and survivorship of both Acropora cervicornis and Acropora palmata despite being serviced just twice a year.
Virtual care use during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on healthcare utilization in patients with chronic disease: A population-based repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Stamenova Vess , Chu Cherry , Pang Andrea , Fang Jiming , Shakeri Ahmad , Cram Peter , Bhattacharyya Onil , Bhatia R. Sacha , Tadrous Mina
Published: April 2022

Purpose

It is currently unclear how the shift towards virtual care during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have impacted chronic disease management at a population level. The goals of our study were to provide a description of the levels of use of virtual care services relative to in-person care in patients with chronic disease across Ontario, Canada and to describe levels of healthcare utilization in low versus high virtual care users.

Methods

We used linked health administrative data to conduct a population-based, repeated cross-sectional study of all ambulatory patient visits in Ontario, Canada (January 1, 2018 to January 16, 2021). Further stratifications were also completed to examine patients with COPD, heart failure, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, mental illness, and angina. Patients were classified as low (max 1 virtual care visit) vs. high virtual care users. A time-series analysis was done using interventional autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling on weekly hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and diagnostic tests.

Results

The use of virtual care increased across all chronic disease patient populations. Virtual care constituted at least half of the total care in all conditions. Both low and high virtual care user groups experienced a statistically significant reduction in hospitalizations and laboratory testing at the start of the pandemic. Hospitalization volumes increased again only among the high users, while testing increased in both groups. Outpatient visits among high users remained unaffected by the pandemic but dropped in low users.

Conclusion

The decrease of in-person care during the pandemic was accompanied by an increase in virtual care, which ultimately allowed patients with chronic disease to return to the same visit rate as they had before the onset of the pandemic. Virtual care was adopted across various chronic conditions, but the relative adoption of virtual care varied by condition with highest rates seen in mental health.
Homo adaptans
Authors: Ley Graham
Published: April 2022

The foundation of this journal always envisaged a broad and welcoming attitude to diverse studies of the principle of adaptation at work. That shaping principle can be found in the earliest evidence of human activity, and it may be constructive to understand human culture as the product of homo adaptans.
‘Everything transforms and nothing changes’1: Strategies of adapting The Transformers toys into a TV series
Authors: Wolski Michał
Published: April 2022

The Transformers franchise is one of the highest-grossing intellectual properties of all time, mostly because of the successful marketing and advertising strategy called toyesis (Jason Bainbridge’s term). Toyesis is a kind of symbiosis between toy market and cultural products, such as cartoons and comics, in which the latter creates an urge of having a new toy, sales of which in turn help finance the whole system. A series of legal decisions and regulations in the 1980s United States made an uncontrolled toy advertising in TV shows possible, and the Transformers franchise (and its owner, the Hasbro company) exploited it without hesitation. But to do so, their contractors (writers, animation studios, etc.) encountered an issue regarding how one can adapt a toy into a cartoon. The article focuses on the strategies of remediation, reconfiguration and incorporation of a toy material into storytelling media, especially into a cartoon. Using Marsha Kinder’s concept of entertainment system, it also examines which strategies reinforced the advertising potential of this material, often without children realizing that they, in fact, watch a sophisticated commercial.
Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Cold Snare and Forceps Polypectomy Among Small POLYPs in Rates of Complete Resection: The TINYPOLYP Trial
Authors: Wei Mike T. , Louie Christine Y. , Chen Yu , Pan Jennifer Y. , Quan Susan Y. , Wong Robert , Brown Ryanne , Clark Melissa , Jensen Kristin , Lau Hubert , Friedland Shai
Published: April 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Optimizing complete resection during colonoscopy is important because residual neoplastic tissue may play a role in interval cancers. The US Multi-Society Task Force recommends diminutive (≤5 mm) and small (6–9 mm) polyps be removed by cold snare polypectomy (CSP). However, evidence is less clear whether CSP retains significant advantage over cold forceps polypectomy (CFP) for polyps ≤3 mm.

METHODS:

This study is a single-center prospective noninferiority randomized clinical trial evaluating CFP and CSP for nonpedunculated polyps ≤3 mm. Patients 18 years and older undergoing colonoscopy for any indication were recruited. During each colonoscopy, polyps underwent block randomization to removal with CFP or CSP. After polypectomy, 2 biopsies were taken from the polypectomy margin. The primary noninferiority outcome was the complete resection rate, defined by absence of residual polyp in the margin biopsies.

RESULTS:

A total of 179 patients were included. Patients had similar distribution in age, sex, race/ethnicity, as well as indication of procedure. A total of 279 polyps ≤3 mm were identified, with 138 in the CSP group and 141 in the CFP group. Mean polypectomy time was longer for CSP compared with CFP (42.3 vs 23.2 seconds, P < 0.001), although a higher proportion of polyps removed by CFP were removed in more than 1 piece compared with CSP (15.6 vs 3.6%, P < 0.001). There were positive margin biopsies in 2 cases per cohort, with a complete resection rate of 98.3% in both groups. There was no significant difference in cohorts in complete resection rates (difference in complete resection rates was 0.057%, 95% confidence interval: −4.30% to 4.53%), demonstrating noninferiority of CFP compared with CSP.

DISCUSSION:

Use of CFP was noninferior to CSP in the complete resection of nonpedunculated polyps ≤3 mm. CSP required significantly more time to perform compared with CFP. CFP should be considered an acceptable alternative to CSP for removal of polyps ≤3 mm.
Estudios geográficos y naturalistas, siglos xix y xx
Authors: Azuela Bernal Luz Fernanda , Vega y Ortega Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

studios geográficos y naturalistas, siglos XIX y XX presenta nueve capítulos que rescatan, analizan e interpretan la memoria histórica en torno a la serie de trabajos geográficos y naturalistas que en los siglos xix y xx fueron desplegados por diversos actores de las ciudades mexicanas e incluso por extranjeros después de la Independencia y hasta su consolidación después de la Revolución Mexicana. A lo largo de siglo y medio, los actores de la ciencia en varias regiones del país reorganizaron el entramado científico en distintas ocasiones dependiendo de las circunstancias políticas, sociales y económicas para hacer frente a las demandas del Estado y la sociedad, para lo cual se fundaron universidades, instituciones, laboratorios, colecciones, comisiones y agrupaciones, que se acompañaron de explicaciones en torno a la importancia del aprovechamiento de los recursos ambientales. Varios autores de este libro colectivo enfatizan el aspecto económico de las iniciativas científicas. Hay que tomar en cuenta que la apertura económica iniciada con la vida independiente de México requirió de la mejora de caminos, la determinación de la distancia entre centros de producción, consumo y exportación, la defensa de las fronteras y la búsqueda de materias primas para el despegue de la industria nacional y el comercio en el mercado extranjero. Para ello, se requería de los conocimientos y prácticas de los naturalistas y geógrafos que aquilatarían los recursos del país en términos de la demanda económica al interior y exterior. De ahí que también arribaran viajeros buscando flora, fauna y minerales nativos para vender en sus países.
fronteira agrícola aos territórios do agronegócio florestal
Authors: Oliveira Allison Bezerra , Maria de Araújo Souza Tayssa
Published: April 2022

Ao incorporar novos territórios, a fronteira agrícola do agronegócio florestal vem provocando mudanças nas formas de uso do solo e transformando os territórios, incluindo as áreas destinadas à agricultura familiar e aos cultivos tradicionais. Considerando esse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é compreender as mudanças decorrentes do processo de expansão da silvicultura de eucalipto sobre territórios de agricultura familiar nos municípios maranhenses de São Pedro da Água Branca e Vila Nova dos Martírios, localizados na microrregião de Imperatriz. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa utiliza dados primários fundamentados em pesquisa de campo, em visita a plantações de eucalipto, assentamentos e pequenas propriedades de agricultura familiar; também foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com pequenos produtores de áreas sobre as quais a silvicultura de eucalipto tem avançado. Os dados secundários utilizados para criação de mapas, gráficos e tabelas foram coletados nas bases do Incra, IBGE e em relatórios da Indústria Brasileira de Árvores. Os resultados da pesquisa sugerem que a expansão territorial do eucalipto, por meio do controle e apropriação de terras, tem provocado transformações na agricultura familiar, tais como a diminuição e o enfraquecimento de cultivos tradicionais da região.
Impacts of habitat variability on the phenotypic traits of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf. at different altitudes and environmental conditions in the Ladakh Himalaya, India.
Authors: Hadi Abdul , Singh Seema , Nawchoo Irshad A , Rafiq Shah , Ali Sajjad
Published: April 2022

Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf is endemic to the Northern Himalayan regions of India, Pakistan and Nepal. To adapt and endure the rigorous stressful situations, phenotypic features of a specific plant species vary across different climatic conditions and elevations. The aim of this study was to reveal the impact of altitude and environmental conditions on the morphological attributes of a threatened species A. violaceum. Plants at high elevations (Maan-man, 4010m asl) were short; whereas the plants grown at ecological conditions of population-I (Khawous, 3220m asl) showed better growth and development in all morphological attributes. It has been noticed that there is a considerable reduction in the plant height, rhizome, leaf dimension, flower number and leaf number at higher elevations. Regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient demonstrated a positive relationship between plant height and all other morphological attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the habitat, ecological conditions and elevations of population-I (Khawous) and Population-II (Numsuru) were proved to be relatively better for the luxuriant growth and development of an endemic plant species A. violaceum. From the observations, it can be inferred that A. violaceum grows successfully at an elevation ranges between 3000 to 3500m ASL. This study provides a comprehensive account of phenotypic variability concerning environmental conditions and suggested a suitable environment for sustainable cultivation of this important medicinal plant species in the Ladakh Himalaya.
Effects of organic materials on soil bacterial community structure in long-term continuous cropping of tomato in greenhouse
Authors: Chen Jun , Du Yichun , Zhu Wei , Pang Xin , Wang Zhen
Published: April 2022

Long-term fertilization will affect the above-ground vegetation, but we have little understanding of soil bacterial community structure and diversity so far. This study aims to study the effect of organic fertilization on the soil bacterial community structure and diversity of protected long-term continuous tomato cropping by using high-throughput sequencing technology. Results show that (1) fertilization application (chemical fertilizer [CF] and vermicompost [VM]) significantly changed the soil physico-chemistry properties, such as soil pH decreased compared with control treatment and increased the soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK) contents; (2) VM increased the Shannon index of soil bacteria but decreased the soil Chao1 index; and (3) soil Proteobacteria and Actinomycetes were dominant taxa and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased by 36.40–44.27 and 25.80–29.35%, with CF and VM, respectively, compared with the control. Pearson correlation analysis showed that soil pH, SOC, TN, TP, and TK were the main environmental factors that affected the diversity and richness of soil bacterial communities. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the SOC and TN play important roles in the composition of soil bacterial communities. In summary, the effect of VM on the soil bacterial community structure of continuous tomato cropping is better than that of CF, which should be used in the sustainable production of facility tomatoes.
The (Virtual) Reality of Social Approach-Avoidance Behaviours: Operationalisation Development and Construct Validity Testing
Authors: Nuel Ivane , Fayant Marie-Pierre , Morgado Nicolas , Subra Baptiste , Alexopoulos Theodore
Published: April 2022

Research suggests that interpersonal approach-avoidance behaviours influence group evaluations. However, previous work partly neglected the multi-sensory and contextual cues at stake during interpersonal interactions and may offer a limited picture of the phenomenon. Here, we argue that immersive virtual reality (IVR) represents a useful tool to address this issue. In IVR, we implemented interpersonal approach-avoidance behaviours and tested their construct validity. Based on a careful examination of the literature, we defined two construct validity criteria: the evaluative influence of repeated approach-avoidance behaviours as well as the activation of the corresponding neuropsychological systems. In two experiments (NExp1 = 199, NExp2 = 205), we tested whether, compared to avoidance, approach leads to more positive group evaluations on self-report, reaction time based and behavioural intention measures. Additionally, we investigated whether the IVR operationalisations influence the neuropsychological systems assumed to underlie approach-avoidance behaviours. Overall, the findings are not consistent with the hypotheses and do not conclusively validate our IVR approach-avoidance operationalisation. Although additional research should examine more thoroughly the issues raised by the current work by investigating new ways of implementing approach-avoidance in IVR, the present contribution paves the way for such future developments. Despite these challenges, we encourage a consideration of the full-fledged subtleties of social interactions via adequate tools (IVR) for the study of approach-avoidance.
CRISPR memories in single cells
Authors: Sparmann Anke , Beisel Chase L
Published: April 2022

CRISPR‐Cas systems allow bacteria to memorize prior infections as a means to combat the same invader if it attempts another attack in the future. While the underlying mechanisms of this bacterial immunity have been intensely studied over the past decade, little attention has been paid to CRISPR defense at the single‐cell level. In their recent work, Brouns and colleagues (McKenzie et al, 2022) track memory acquisition and defense in individual cells and find a wide range of temporal dynamics that shape how a cell population experiences and combats an active infection.
Identification of a novel hepatocyte nuclear factor-1 alpha (HNF1A) variant in maturity onset diabetes of the young type 3 (HNF1A-MODY)
Authors: Verma Megha , Stone Stephen I
Published: April 2022

We identified an adolescent young woman with new-onset diabetes. Due to suspicious family history, she underwent genetic testing for common monogenic diabetes (MODY) genes. We discovered that she and her father carry a novel variant of uncertain significance in the HNF1A gene. She was successfully transitioned from insulin to a sulfonylurea with excellent glycemic control. Based on her family history and successful response to sulfonylurea, we propose that this is a novel pathogenic variant in HNF1A. This case highlights the utility of genetic testing for MODY, which has the potential to help affected patients control their diabetes without insulin.

Learning points

HNF1A mutations are a common cause of monogenic diabetes in patients presenting with early-onset diabetes and significant family history.

Genetic testing in suspected patients allows for the identification of mutations causing monogenic diabetes.

First-degree relatives of the affected individual should be considered for genetic testing.

The use of sulfonylurea agents in patients with HNF1A-MODY can reduce dependence on insulin therapy and provide successful glycemic control.
Subacute thyroiditis presenting as a painful suspicious thyroid nodule
Authors: Zeng Wanling , Tan Sophie , King Thomas Frederick James
Published: April 2022

We report a case of subacute thyroiditis in a 40-year-old female who initially presented with painful thyroid nodules without clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism. Thyroid ultrasound was done to evaluate the thyroid nodules and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in view of the suspicious features. As the FNA showed a follicular lesion of undetermined significance or atypia of undetermined significance (FLUS/AUS, Bethesda III), she was advised for surgical excision. She was subsequently diagnosed with subacute thyroiditis based on her clinical symptoms, biochemical evidence of hyperthyroidism, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as low uptake on thyroid scintigraphy. The thyroid lesions disappeared after symptomatic treatment. It is important to recognise that subacute thyroiditis can present with painful thyroid lesions with ultrasound features similar to suspicious thyroid nodules which can resolve with the resolution of the thyroiditis.

Learning points

Subacute thyroiditis can present with atypical features such as the absence of pain, normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate or absence of hyperthyroidism.

In subacute thyroiditis, ultrasound findings are commonly described as focal or multifocal lesions with poorly defined and heterogeneous and hypoechoic echogenicity which can be misdiagnosed as malignancy.

Thyroid lesions can resolve with the resolution of thyroiditis with or without symptomatic treatment.