bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tannin Identification of 4 Species Pterydophyta from Baluran National Park
Authors: Sri Sulasmi Eko , Saptasari Murni , Mawaddah Kuni , Ama Zulfia Firda
Published: June 2019

Tannins are one polyphenol antioxidants which have higher molecular weight and having two ring aromatic group containing -OH. Antioxidant polyphenols in plants are potentially beneficial to human health as antibacterial, astringent, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant. The aim of this study was to identify tannins from 4 Pterydophyta species from Baluran National Park. This type of research is qualitative. The research sample consisted of rhizom and frond extracts of Pseudocyclosorus ochthodes, Dyopteris hirtipes, Phymatodes sp., and Pteris vittata. The extraction process was carried out using maceration method using 96% methanol and phytochemical screening was tested followed by TLC test. The results showed all samples were positive tannins and their Rf range were 0.62-0.86.
Embryogenesis Callus Induction of Carica pubescens Using Divine Smoke Particulates Containing Amino Acids
Authors: Shinta  , Effendi S R N , Rofiqoh I
Published: June 2019

Carica pubescens is one of plants that can live in the highlands which has a potential as medicinal plant to treat many diseases. The plant propagation is still done conventionally. Embryogenic callus culture is the alternative. The success of callus culture depends on the role of auxin growth regulator (2,4-D) and Amino Acids. The aim of this study is to determine the effet of amino acids through Divine smoke particulation to the induction of embryogenesis callus carica pubescens. This research is an experimental study with Complete Randomized Design (CRD) method. It has 7 treatments consist of control and the Amino Acids (Threonine, Tryptophan, Serine, Histidine, Asparagine, and Methionine). The result of this study showed a significant effect of amino acids through Divine smoke particulation to the induction of embryogenesis callus Carica pubescens which is grown on ½ MS media + 3 mg/L of 2,4-D. Tryptophan is the fastest treatment to induce callus which is grown 24 days after planting (DAP). Serine influences to the percentage of callus area in explants is 98,8% and the fresh weight of callus 0,6733 gr. The observation of morphology and anatomy embryonic callus color is yellowish white, friable texture and has a large cell nucleus
Exercise Training Induced ERK1/2 Expression in Bone
Authors: Mahmudati N , Nurdiana H
Published: June 2019

Osteoporosis is bone metabolic disorder that can decrease quality of life. It is the reason why that this study on the factors on bone metabolism urgently conducted. The research was conducted to describe the role of exercise training on bone metabolism on rat ovariectomized by using cell and molecular approach. This research was purely experiment research that was carried out to prove that exercise training can increase extra cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and it correlation with calcium. Design of the research “The Randomized Posttest only. Control Group Design”. The unit of experimental was female Sprague Dawly Rat, 2,5 months and divided in three group A) Ovariectomized (O); B) O + exercise training (ET)and C) Ovariectomized calcium supplement (CS). Exercise training as independent variable and ERK1/2 expression was dependent variable. ERK1/2 was measured by using ELISA, while and calcium level measured by using SSA. The data was analysis by using ANOVA. The result of this research showed that ERK1/2 expression of the exercise training were higher (1,861) than the control group (1,031) α 0.005 and calcium level were not different in all group. It can be concluded that exercise training can decrease ERK1/2 expression but no change on level of calcium.
The Effect of Differentiation of Hydrolysis Time towards Ethanol Levels Produced Through Ulva Lactuca Fermentation
Authors: Micelyn Amelia Ngamput Hendrika , Herrani Retno
Published: June 2019

Indonesia as one of the largest maritime territories in the world has potential of marine products which can be used as the alternative source of bioethanol substrates, known as macroalgae. Ulva lactuca can be used as the substrates because it contains 16.42% hemicellulose and 19.58% cellulose. The acid hydrolysis stage is required to damage the cellulose structure and break down the hemicellulose to simple materials that can be converted by microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acid hydrolysis time on ethanol levels produced from Ulva lactuca and to determine which of the treatments can produce the highest level of ethanol. This research was an experimental research with four kinds of treatment time of acid hydrolysis: 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. The fermentation was done with the help of microbes isolated from bread yeast and tape yeast. The sample products were distilled and tested for the ethanol content. The data obtained were then analysed using one-way ANOVA test. The results showed that the acid hydrolysis time have a significant effect on the ethanol levels produced from Ulva lactuca. The highest ethanol level was resulted from 60 minutes hydrolysis time, which was 13.17%.
The Use of Teak Leaves (Tectonagrandis) as Alternative Plantation Media for White Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotusostreatus)
Authors: Margi Wahyuni Ignasia , Ratna Susilawati Puspita
Published: June 2019

White oyster mushroom (Pleurotusostreatus) is one offavorite food in Indonesia because it contains high protein. The farmer uses sawdust as plantation media to supply white oyster mushroom nutrition because it contains lignin and cellulose. Teak leaves potentially use as plantation media because it contains lignin and cellulose. The aim of this research was to know the ability of teak leaves as an alternative plantation media. This research used 5 treatments of sawdust and teak leaves ratio K = 88% : 0%, P1 = 38% : 50%, P2 = 28% : 60%, P3 = 18% : 70%, P4 = 8% : 80%. The same ingredients in each baglog were 2% chalk, 10% bran and 60% water. Parameters used in this research were the growth rate of mycelium, the number of fruit body, fresh weight, dry weight, and water content. Data were analyzed statically. The result showed the P4 treatment with 80% of teak leaves in planted media can give an optimal growth rate of mycelium. The added of teak leaves also showed the insignificant result for the tested parameters if compared with the sawdust. It means that teak leaves can be used as alternative plantation media for white oyster mushroom.
Instructional techniques’ teacher’s questions in the presenting stage of project-based learning to improve students’ concept map scores
Authors: Wahyu Kumala Dewi Akta , Widoretno Sri , Dwiastuti Sri , Sajidan  , Muzzazinah
Published: June 2019

The study aims to improve students’ concept maps scores through the implementation of instructional techniques’ teacher’s questions in the presenting stage of project-based learning (PjBL). The research is Classroom Action Research with 3 cycles, procedures of the research are: lesson plan, implementation of action activities, observation, reflection and construct of expert concept map. The participants were 35 students of class X high school. Percentage of students’ concept map scores calculated based on Novak and Gowin. Validation test use triangulation method, includes: verification of concept map scores suitability and documentation based on concept map expert and interview. Data analysis with qualitative descriptive by reducing, presenting data and drawing conclusions based on complete concept map data. The results showed that the teacher’s questions as instructional techniques’ in the presenting stage of project-based learning commonly improve scores of students’ concept map, but each component of the concept map has a variation percentage.
The Problem-Solving Skills of Senior High School Students on Biology in Temanggung
Authors: Lestari A B , Djukri
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to determine the level of Senior High school students’ problem-solving skills and to identify students’ problem-solving skills based on gender. This study was a descriptive study by using survey method. The population of this study was all of the eleventh-grade students from mathematics and natural science class in SMA N 1 Temanggung, SMA N 3 Temanggung, and SMA N 1 Pringsurat, with 191 students as the sample. The sampling technique was cluster sampling. Data collection was conducted by providing a question in the form of problem-solving essays. The score category level to analyze student’s problem-solving skills level and inferential statistics with independent sample t-test to analyze problem-solving skills based on gender. The result of the study showed that (1) the problem-solving skills level of Senior High school students in Temanggung mostly in the moderate category, (2) there is a significant difference of problem-solving skills in students based on gender. Female students have higher problem-solving skills than male students.
The Relationship between Logical-Thinking Ability and Science Achievement of Middle School Students
Authors: Riyanti Henni , Suciati  , Karyanto Puguh
Published: June 2019

The students’ science achievement is one of the educational problems that need to be considered. Factors that can influence students’ science achievement are important to investigate in order to design science learning that is appropriate to students’ characteristics in order to support the improvement of students’ science achievement. Therefore, this study aims to identify the relationship between logical-thinking ability and students’ science achievement. Sampling is done by using a random sampling technique. The sample used in this study were 33 middle school students grade VIII. The research data was collected using tests and observations, which were then analyzed using quantitative descriptive techniques with SPSS 21. The results obtained Pearson correlation values is 0.266 and significance value is 0.135 (Sig.> 0.05), which means that there is an insignificant relationship between logical-thinking ability and students’ science achievement.
The use of Brain Based Learning Model in classroom
Authors: Sari Rahmatin Lia , Suyanto Slamet
Published: June 2019

This study examined the effects of the brain based learning model to the student’s achievement on biology class. Its held on the second grade students of SMP Negeri 7 Mataram. Using the pre-test and post-test group design, two class were divided into two groups. The brain based learning model were apply to the experimental class and other group was instructed conventionally. Each group were compete to acquire the increase of the learning’s achievement (cognitive domain). The evidence of this study based on t-test score (tcount > ttable : 3,29 > 1,99), showed the different between the two groups. It can be concluded that the brain based learning model can significantly affect the student’s achievement on learning biology for the second grade students of SMP Negeri 7 Mataram.
Instructional Technique Question Application in Stage of Deciding in Project Based Learning to Increase Score Concept Map
Authors: Hardiana Nina , Widoretno Sri , Dwiastuti Sri , Sajidan  , Nurmiyati
Published: June 2019

The study aimed to improve the concept map score through the application of instructional techniques questions in stage of deciding the study group way of collecting data and data analysis in project based learning. The research subjects consisted of 34 high school students. The study is a Class Action Research with three cycles, including: planning to develop lesson plan and its completeness, implementation of actions, observations, and reflections. Data collection is done by observation, assessment to calculate the concept map score, interviews, and documentation. Data validation uses triangulation techniques: verification of suitability of concept map scores and documentation based on expert concept maps and interviews. Data analiyzed used qualitative descriptive conducted by data reduction, data presentation and conclusion drawing based on complete data concept map. The results of the study showed that the instructional technique of the questions in the deciding the study group the way of collecting data and data analysis stage on project based learning increased the students’ concept map score of students.
Development of instruments to improve student’pedagogical knowledge based mentoring
Authors: Nopriyeni  , Kun Prasetyo Zuhdan , Djukri  , Endri Yanto Bagus
Published: June 2019

This researchhad the purpose of developing measurement instruments for mastering pedagogical knowledge based on mentoring. The research method using the stages of instrument development refers to test development procedures according to Oriondo&Dallo-Antonio: (1) test design, (2) test trials, (3) determination of validity, and (4) determination of reliability.The sample used was 120 students in the even semester of 2017/2018 academic year in the university of sanatha dharma and University of ahmad dahlan, of biology education study program.Polytomous data were analyzed using Partial Credit Model using the QUEST program. The results showed that as many as 11 items of PK instruments were proven fit with the PCM model using the lowest boundary range criteria of INFIT MNSQ of 0.77 and the highest limit of 1.30, instrument reliability of 0.9 based on the estimation according to the test was high. Item difficulty index starts from 2.35 to 0.93 which means all items are in good category.The results of data analysis on validation can be concluded that the instrument product was suitable to be used as a measurement of pedagogical knowledge ability of mentoring-based must be prioritized in learning for students of biological education.
Development of An Observation Sheet Instrument to Measure Biology Teachers’ Ability of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) Application
Authors: Hapsari Noviana , Paidi
Published: June 2019

This research aims for making observation sheet instrument which is valid and reliable that is used to measure the ability in applying Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of biology teachers in learning process. This research categorized Design and Development Research (D & DR) by using 6 development steps according to Peffers, et al and Ellis & Levy. Steps in developing PCK observation instrument are: (1) Identify the problem; 2) Describe the objectives; 3) Design and develop the product; 4) product testing; 5) Evaluate the results of testing; and 6) Communicate the testing results. PCK observation instrument was tested on 11 biology teachers on July-August 2018, involving four raters. Face validity of the instrument involved two experts judgement. Empirical validity acquired by calculating Biserial Correlation value. Instrument reliability determined by calculating Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) value. Empirical Validity based on Biserial Correlation value shows that 18 items categorized as valid with R count > 0.602, while 10 items are not valid with R count < 0.602. Reliability of PCK observation instrument shows 0.951 for the ICC value which means the instrument has a high stability based on the agreement between raters (reliable).
Non-Curricular Strategies in the Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development in Three Prominent Green Schools in Indonesia
Authors: Karyanto Puguh
Published: June 2019

Non-curricular strategies have been qualitatively studied towards three leading green schools in Indonesia. These strategies have made those the three green schools reach an amazing success story in achieving national green school award from the government of Indonesia. This study follows a qualitative research paradigm. Content analysis was used to interpret the main pattern of the data resulted from the performed in depth interview upon three school principals. Evidences also collected to confirm the result of interview. According to the analysis, three patterns of strategies can be easily identified. Those the three strategies were related to character building. These non-curricular strategies were habituating Javanese culture to enhance positive ethical attitude, reinforcing student’s Islamic spiritual value to raise the respects towards nature and, strengthening student’s environmental literacy trough engaging student in research and project-based activities.
Developing Instrument to Evaluate the Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) Application of Biology’s Teacher
Authors: Pradana S P , Paidi
Published: June 2019

Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) is an integration of technology in a learning that based on the material that is being taught. The aim of this research is to develop observation instrument for measuring how the application of TCK of biology in Senior High School during the class. The type of this research is Design and Development Research (D&DR) that based on the development model of Peffers with the steps: 1) problem identification, 2) describe the objectives, 3) design and develop the artifact, 4) test the artifact, 5) evaluate testing result, 6) communicate the testing result. Instrument validity involved judgment from expert while empirical validity was analyzed by using biserial correlation. Instrument reliability uses inter-rater reliability and analyzed by using interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Result of empirical validity shows that from 12 TCK evaluation items, two of them are not valid. While for the reliability, instruments that have been made are reliable with the ICC as much as 0.921.
A Survey of High School Students’ Scientific Literacy Skills in Different Gender
Authors: Rosyadah Mukti Windy , Dahlia Yuliskurniawati Irma , Ika Noviyanti Nurul , Mahanal Susriyati , Zubaidah Siti
Published: June 2019

Scientific literacy skills are one of the skills required by the students nowadays, especially in biology. Students should master these skills in order to be able to apply scientific knowledge to solve problems related to science. The aim of this study was to investigate male and female senior high school students’ scientific literacy skills. The current study employed a survey method. The samples of the study consisted of the eleventh graders from three public senior high schools (SMAN) in Malang: SMAN 8 Malang, SMAN 7 Malang, and SMAN 1 Malang. The research data were analysed using an independent-samples t-test. The analysis result showed that there was a significant difference between male and female students’ scientific literacy skills. Female students tend to perform better in scientific literacy skills than male students (p = 0.002). Around 2.33% of the male students were on level 0, 23.26% on level 1, 51.16% on level 2, and 23.26% on level 3. On the other hand, 4.05 % of the female students were found on level 1, 56.76 % on level 2, and 39.19% on level 3. This condition suggests that an innovative learning to empower students’ scientific literacy skills needs to be introduced to biology learning.
Middle School Students’ Mastery of Scientific Inquiry Literacy based on Gender and School Location
Authors: Innatesari D K , Sajidan S , Sukarmin S
Published: June 2019

21st century competencies have contained the purpose of science education. The purpose of science education is to promote scientific literacy among citizens using information and scientific issues in everyday life. Scientific inquiry is a part of science literacy. This study aimed to describe the mastery of middle school students’ scientific inquiry literacy and its influence based on gender and school location. The paper test used the instrument to measure scientific inquiry literacy which was based on ScInqLiT (scientific inquiry literacy test) as proposed by Wenning (2007). The study was conducted in four middle schools in Kediri district with 267 students. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by gender (119 boys and 148 girls) and school location (urban and rural areas). The result showed that the girls’ mastery of scientific inquiry was higher than the boys’, and the urban school students had a higher mastery of scientific inquiry literacy than the rural school students did. Moreover, science learning must be improved with learning methods and teaching materials and also refer to gender as well as school location.
The Effect of Android-based Pictorial Biology Dictionary on Students’ Motivation on Topic of Invertebrate
Authors: Pahlifi D M , Nurcahyo H
Published: June 2019

Nowadays the application of Android-based media is currently a trend in science education research. In the subject of Invertebrates, there can be found terms use the Latin or scientific language. Students are having difficulty in following the materials of invertebrates, especially in understanding the terms of invertebrate’s body structures. This research aims to know the effect of the implementation of Android-based biology dictionary on invertebrate’s subject topic to improve student’s learning motivation. Questionnaire is used as instrument in this research. This research used the pretest-posttest control group design. The subject was XI Grader of SMAN 2 Bantul consisted of an experimental class and a control class. The gain scores were analyzed to know the improvement of student’s learning motivation. The result shows that Android-based illustrated biology dictionary is able to provide significant effect towards the improvement of student`s learning motivation.
The Profile of the Scientific Communication of the Seventh-Grade Students
Authors: Widayanti E , Masykuri M , Setyono P
Published: June 2019

Scientific communication plays a role in delivering concepts, ideas, opinions, the process of an activity, results, conclusions, and recommendations from the source of information to the recipient. This communication is needed by the graduates from the educational unit. Thus, the government also includes this competence as one of the graduate competency standards. This study aimed to determine the profile of the scientific communication of the 7th grade students of junior high schools (SMP). The type of this research is qualitative research. The data were collected using questionnaires. The results showed that there were 8 students with excellent category, 5 students with good category, and 19 students with adequate category of scientific communication. This research can be used as a reference by the teacher to find out the profile of the scientific communication so that efforts can be made to improve scientific communication if it is still low.
Metacognitive Knowledge and Critical Thinking Biology 11th of Public Senior High School in Bogor
Authors: Sari K M , Paidi
Published: June 2019

The research aims to find out the profile of students level of knowledge, especially in metacognitive knowledge and critical thinking skills eleventh grade students public senior high school in Bogor City on biology subjects. This research used survey method in descriptive research. The population used were all students of eleventh grade students, the sampling technique was used multistage random sampling. Data collection was carried out with test and non-test techniques, then data would be analyzed using descriptive. Descriptive analysis is used to find out metacognitive knowledge and critical thinking skills student. Based on the results obtained from metacognitive knowledge and critical thinking students on biology subject in the low category. Between aspect of Cognition Knowledge and Cognition Regulation is not significantly different, namely 71.95 and 71.48. Metacognitive results show that metacognitive knowledge is in line with critical thinking skills students.
Competency of Pre-Service Biology Teachers on the Academic and Pedagogical Aspects
Authors: Wibowo Y , Kurniawati A , Handziko R C
Published: June 2019

This study aims to determine the academic and pedagogical competencies of undergraduate (undergrad) students of Biology Education Department FMIPA UNY. This research is a descriptive study with survey techniques. The populations in this study were all undergrad students of the Biology Education Study Program 2016/2017 academic year. Samples were taken purposively as many as 95 undergrad students who participated in the microteaching and Field Experience Program (PPL) activities in 2016. Instrument in this study included questionnaire on academic and pedagogic abilities. The subjects in this study were biology lecturers majoring in microteaching, undergad students who took microteaching courses in the 2016/2017 academic year, and biology teachers who guided the PPL in high schools in Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). The results of the research data were analyzed descriptively by looking at the percentage of the academic and pedagogical abilities of the undergrad students. The results showed that Biology Education Study Program students had academic and pedagogical competencies in good categories.
An Analysis of Outdoor Learning towards Students’ Outcomes in Learning Biology
Authors: Arianti Yuliana , Aminatun Tien
Published: June 2019

This study aims to determine the extent to which the use of non-classroom learning methods in high school. The environment is a natural laboratory that is available which must be utilized maximally in learning. By learning outside the classroom students will be faster in understanding the material to be studied because they are directly dealing with objects. The method used in this study is a meta-analysis. Data is collected from various literature relating to outdoor learning. Data collection techniques are using primary and secondary data. Conclusions can be shown after the data is analyzed. The results of this study are to determine the effectiveness of the use of outdoor learning that is adapted to the subject matter that is suitable for outdoor learning. The environment is a real object and can be used directly by students in learning. Many objects found in the environment can be used as a source of learning for students.
Towards quantifying uncertainty in ocean heat content changes using synthetic profiles
Authors: Allison L C , Roberts C D , Palmer M D , Hermanson L , Killick R E , Rayner N A , Smith D M , Andrews M B
Published: June 2019

Observational estimates of global ocean heat content (OHC) change are used to assess Earth’s energy imbalance over the 20th Century. However, intercomparison studies show that the mapping methods used to interpolate sparse ocean temperature profile data are a key source of uncertainty. We present a new approach to assessing OHC mapping methods using ‘synthetic profiles’ generated from a state-of-the-art global climate model simulation. Synthetic profiles have the same sampling characteristics as the historical ocean temperature profile data but are based on model simulation data. Mapping methods ingest these data in the same way as they would real observations, but the resultant mapped fields can be compared to a model simulation ‘truth’. We use this approach to assess two mapping methods that are used routinely for climate monitoring and initialisation of decadal forecasts. The introduction of the Argo network of autonomous profiling floats during the 2000s drives clear improvements in the ability of these methods to reconstruct the variability and spatial structure of OHC changes. At depths below 2000 m, both methods underestimate the magnitude of the simulated ocean warming signal. Temporal variability and trends in OHC are better captured in the better-observed northern hemisphere than in the southern hemisphere. At all depths, the sampling characteristics of the historical data introduces some spurious variability in the estimates of global OHC on sub-annual to multi-annual timescales. However, many of the large scale spatial anomalies, especially in the upper ocean, are successfully reconstructed even with sparse observations from the 1960s, demonstrating the potential to construct historical ocean analyses for assessing decadal predictions. The value of using accurate global covariances for data-poor periods is clearly seen. The results of this ‘proof-of-concept’ study are encouraging for gaining further insights into the capabilities and limitations of different mapping methods and for quantifying uncertainty in global OHC estimates.
Irrigation-limited yield gaps: trends and variability in the United States post-1950
Authors: Kukal Meetpal S , Irmak Suat
Published: June 2019

Irrigated agriculture is generally considered to be more productive than rainfed agriculture at any given location. This difference in crop yield between irrigated and rainfed production (‘Irrigation-limited yield gap’ or ILYG) is subject to spatio-temporal variability, due to differences in management, environmental conditions, soils, and policy. However, quantification of ILYG and its associated variability remains uninvestigated. In this study, we analyzed the spatio-temporal dynamics of county level-ILYG for nine major irrigated crops in the United States: maize, soybean, spring wheat, winter wheat, alfalfa, sorghum, cotton, barley and oats from around 1950 to 2015. ILYG was found to be highly specific to crop and location and has been increasing, in general, over time, albeit with regional differences. Maize had the greatest ILYG magnitude on a national basis, with cotton ILYG showing highest temporal rates of increase. Increased ILYG variability over the study period was found for all crops, except cotton, which also showed the highest magnitude of long-term mean variability. Maps and key information in this article are significant to irrigation research, policy and decision-making, plant breeding, groundwater withdrawal allocation strategies and producers to identify pertinent regions using historical ILYG for optimizing farm irrigation management strategies to enhance overall national agricultural productivity.
Ehrhart-equivalent 3-polytopes are equidecomposable
Authors: Erbe Jakob , Haase Christian , Santos Francisco
Published: June 2019

We show that if two lattice

3
3

-polytopes

P
P

and

P
′

P’

have the same Ehrhart function, then they are

GL
d

⁡
(

Z

)

\operatorname {GL}_d(\mathbb {Z})

-equidecomposable, that is, they can be partitioned into relatively open simplices

U
1

,
…
,

U
k

U_1,\dots , U_k

and

U
1
′

,
…
,

U
k
′

U’_1,\dots ,U’_k

such that

U
i

U_i

and

U
i
′

U’_i

are unimodularly equivalent for each

i
i

.
Physicochemical mechanotransduction alters nuclear shape and mechanics via heterochromatin formation
Authors: Stephens Andrew D. , Liu Patrick Z. , Kandula Viswajit , Chen Haimei , Almassalha Luay M. , Herman Cameron , Backman Vadim , O'Halloran Thomas , Adam Stephen A. , Goldman Robert D. , Banigan Edward J. , Marko John F.
Published: June 2019

The nucleus houses, organizes, and protects chromatin to ensure genome integrity and proper gene expression, but how the nucleus adapts mechanically to changes in the extracellular environment is poorly understood. Recent studies have revealed that extracellular physical stresses induce chromatin compaction via mechanotransductive processes. We report that increased extracellular multivalent cations lead to increased heterochromatin levels through activation of mechanosensitive ion channels, without large-scale cell stretching. In cells with perturbed chromatin or lamins, this increase in heterochromatin suppresses nuclear blebbing associated with nuclear rupture and DNA damage. Through micromanipulation force measurements, we show that this increase in heterochromatin increases chromatin-based nuclear rigidity, which protects nuclear morphology and function. In addition, transduction of elevated extracellular cations rescues nuclear morphology in model and patient cells of human diseases, including progeria and the breast cancer model cell line MDA-MB-231. We conclude that nuclear mechanics, morphology, and function can be modulated by cell sensing of the extracellular environment through mechanosensitive ion channels and consequent changes to histone modification state and chromatin-based nuclear rigidity.
A Dictionary of Politics and International Relations in India
Authors: Ogden Chris
Published: June 2019

Over 280 entries

This new dictionary covers India’s core political structures, ideologies, and practices, as well as individuals, groups, and concerns that are essential to them.

The entries cover a diverse range of subjects, from caste, the Gujral Doctrine, and the Indian diaspora to the Partition of India and the Shah Bano controversy. The dictionary captures the richness of India’s politics, as well as its foremost ideas and principles, explaining and interrogating important historical events and social concerns.

Complete with useful web links, this new addition to the Oxford Quick Reference series is an indispensable companion for students studying Asian and international politics, as well as for professionals whose interests relate to India’s expanding domestic and foreign politics.
Pest Injury Guilds, Lepidoptera, and Placing Fruit-Piercing Moths in Context: A Review
Authors: Klem Crystal C , Zaspel Jennifer
Published: June 2019

The pest status of insects in agricultural settings is human-defined based on behaviors that may negatively impact the yield of susceptible crops. As such, both the insect behavior and the affected crop play a part in determining pest status. One helpful means of understanding pest status involves using pest injury guilds, which distinguish different pest groups based on similar kinds of injury to comparable plant tissues. Pest injury guilds defined in the literature are reviewed and then applied to agriculturally significant Lepidoptera. More specialized Lepidoptera behaviors which are economically relevant, such as leaf-rolling or stem-boring, are examined within their respective injury guilds. In this review, fruit-piercing moths are discussed within the context of pest Lepidoptera behaviors and are highlighted due to their unique means of causing economic damage. Unlike other Lepidoptera in agricultural settings, fruit-piercing moths are harmful as adults rather than larvae, and directly injure fruits using a specially adapted proboscis. The ecology and systematics of fruit-piercing moths, as well as current control options, are also discussed.
The Magnetism of Moral Reasoning and the Principle of Proportionality in Comparative Constitutional Adjudication
Authors: Stacey Richard
Published: June 2019

A constitutional limitations clause manages the conflict between constitutional rights and the legislative pursuit of broader social objectives. In six paradigm postwar constitutional democracies—Canada, Germany, India, Israel, Poland, and South Africa—the principle of proportionality has emerged as the analytical fulcrum of the judicial inquiry into the constitutionality of rights limitations. Criticism of the principle of proportionality has crystallized into three main objections: proportionality analysis devalues rights by exposing them to the ordinary processes of political bargaining; it offends the rule of law because it depends on unpredictable moral reasoning; and it involves the unintelligible balancing of incommensurable goods. This Article considers, first, whether limitations jurisprudence in the paradigm countries contains responses to these objections. It argues that there are ways of meeting the devaluation and incommensurability objections, but suggests that models of analysis that purport to meet the unpredictability objection by minimizing the role of moral reasoning are undermined by the continued judicial reliance on moral reasoning in the paradigm countries. The Article argues, second, that moral reasoning maintains this magnetic attraction over judges because the conception of the rule of law at work in the paradigm countries, and which judges and other public officials are committed to upholding, compels judges and legislators to engage directly and fully with the normative commitments a political community makes and which inform its constitution. Because people reasonably disagree over the content and contours of these normative commitments, judges cannot rely on a de-moralized analysis but must make arguments intended to persuade rational, morally autonomous members of a political community how our most fundamental normative commitments should be understood by the legal system.
Win-Win: Reconciling Social Epidemiology and Causal Inference
Authors: Galea Sandro , Hernán Miguel A
Published: June 2019

Social epidemiology is concerned with the health effects of forces that are “above the skin.” Although causal inference should be a key goal for social epidemiology, social epidemiology and quantitative causal inference have been seemingly at odds over the years. This does not have to be the case and, in fact, both fields stand to gain through a closer engagement of social epidemiology with formal causal inference approaches. We discuss the misconceptions that have led to an uneasy relationship between these 2 fields, propose a way forward that illustrates how the 2 areas can come together to inform causal questions, and discuss the implications of this approach. We argue that quantitative causal inference in social epidemiology is an opportunity to do better science that matters, a win-win for both fields.
Phenotypic plasticity of stomatal and photosynthetic features of four Picea species in two contrasting common gardens
Authors: Wang Ming Hao , Wang Jing Ru , Zhang Xiao Wei , Zhang Ai Ping , Sun Shan , Zhao Chang Ming
Published: June 2019

Global climate change is expected to affect mountain ecosystems significantly. Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of any genotype to produce a variety of phenotypes under different environmental conditions, is critical in determining the ability of species to acclimate to current climatic changes. Here, to simulate the impact of climate change, we compared the physiology of species of the genus Picea from different provenances and climatic conditions and quantified their phenotypic plasticity index (PPI) in two contrasting common gardens (dry vs. wet), and then considered phenotypic plastic effects on their future adaptation. The mean PPI of the photosynthetic features studied was higher than that of the stomatal features. Species grown in the arid and humid common gardens were differentiated: the stomatal length (SL) and width (SW) on the adaxial surface, the transpiration rate (Tr) and leaf mass per area (LMA) were more highly correlated with rainfall than other traits. There were no significant relationships between the observed plasticity and the species’ original habitat, except in P. crassifolia (from an arid habitat) and P. asperata (from a humid habitat). Picea crassifolia exhibited enhanced instantaneous efficiency of water use (PPI = 0.52) and the ratio of photosynthesis to respiration (PPI = 0.10) remained constant; this species was, therefore, considered to the one best able to acclimate when faced with the effects of climate change. The other three species exhibited reduced physiological activity when exposed to water limitation. These findings indicate how climate change affects the potential roles of plasticity in determining plant physiology, and provide a basis for future reforestation efforts in China.
Quinolone and Multidrug Resistance Predicts Failure of Antibiotic Prophylaxis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Mücke Marcus M , Mayer Amelie , Kessel Johanna , Mücke Victoria T , Bon Dimitra , Schwarzkopf Katharina , Rüschenbaum Sabrina , Queck Alexander , Göttig Stephan , Vermehren Annika , Weiler Nina , Welker Martin-Walter , Reinheimer Claudia , Hogardt Michael , Vermehren Johannes , Herrmann Eva , Kempf Volkhard A J , Zeuzem Stefan , Lange Christian M
Published: June 2019

Background

The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in patients colonized with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is unknown. We evaluated the effectiveness of fluoroquinolone-based SBP prophylaxis in an era and area of frequent antibiotic resistance.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study in patients with liver cirrhosis and an indication for fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis of SBP. Patients were recruited and followed in a large German tertiary reference center with comprehensive microbiological and clinical monitoring performed at baseline and after 30, 60, 90, and 180 days of prophylaxis.

Results

Overall, 77 patients received antibiotic prophylaxis for an average of 93 days. Baseline prevalence of colonization with MDROs was high (N = 39, 50.6%). At least one de novo MDRO was detected in 27 patients (35.1%) during antibiotic prophylaxis; 33 patients (42.9%) developed secondary infections, including 14 cases (17.9%) of infections with MDROs, and 13 cases (16.9%) of de novo/recurrent SBP. Thirty patients (39.0%) died during follow-up. Significantly higher risks of SBP development during antibiotic prophylaxis were observed for patients with versus without any apparent MDROs (P = .009), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (P = .008), multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria (P = .016), or quinolone-resistant gram-negative bacteria (QR-GNB) (P = .015). In competing risk analysis, QR-GNB were independently associated with prophylaxis failure (hazard ratio, 3.39; P = .045) and infections with QR-GNB were independently associated with death before SBP (subdistribution hazard risk, 6.47; P = .034).

Conclusions

Antibiotic prophylaxis of SBP appears to be less efficient in patients with known MDROs. Regular MDRO screening seems to be useful to tailor treatment of secondary infections and re-evaluate antibiotic prophylaxis in case of selection of quinolone resistance.
Pervasive impacts of invasive brown treesnakes drive low fledgling survival in endangered Micronesian Starlings (Aplonis opaca) on Guam
Authors: Pollock Henry S , Savidge Julie A , Kastner Martin , Seibert Thomas F , Jones Todd M
Published: June 2019

Invasive predators have caused widespread loss of biodiversity in island ecosystems, yet certain species are able to tolerate the presence of generalist invaders. For example, the invasive brown treesnake (BTS; Boiga irregularis) caused the extirpation of 10 of 12 native forest bird species on the island of Guam, but a remnant population of the Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca), or Såli, has managed to persist on a military installation in northern Guam. Understanding how Micronesian Starlings are coping with the presence of BTS can inform conservation efforts for island bird populations facing invasive predators and provide insight into strategies for expanding the starling population. We monitored the survival, movements, and habitat use of 43 radio-tagged starling fledglings during this vulnerable life-history stage. Invasive predators accounted for 75% of fledgling mortality (56% from BTS; 19% from feral cats) and contributed to one of the lowest post-fledging survival rates (38% through day 21 post-fledging) recorded for passerine birds. Predation by BTS persisted at elevated rates following natal dispersal, further reducing cumulative survival to 26% through 53 days post-fledging. Nest location was an important predictor of survival: fledglings from nest boxes closer to the forest edge were more likely to use forest habitat at younger ages and more likely to be depredated by BTS. Overall, our findings indicate that BTS continue to severely impact Guam’s starling population, even more so than invasive predators affect native birds in other island systems. We recommend deploying nest boxes farther from the forest to improve fledgling survival and implementing urban predator control to promote growth of the Micronesian Starling population on Guam and facilitate future reintroductions of other species.
Subxiphoid versus intercostal uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for bilateral lung resections: a single-institution experience
Authors: Cai Haomin , Xie Dong , Al Sawalhi Samer , Jiang Lei , Zhu Yuming , Jiang Gening , Zhao Deping
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVES

Subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SUVATS) is a technically difficult and challenging operation that can help decrease pain around the incision after traditional intercostal uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (IUVATS), and can also treat bilateral lesions through the same incision. We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and pain scores after SUVATS and IUVATS in patients receiving synchronous treatment of bilateral lung lesions.

METHODS

Patients who received SUVATS and IUVATS bilateral lung resections from September 2014 to February 2018 were analysed. Ultimately a total of 381 cases were analysed after using one-to-one propensity score matching to match baseline characteristics between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The 381 patients included 56 with SUVATS and 325 with IUVATS. After matching, 54 SUVATS and 54 IUVATS cases were analysed. The 2 groups had similar preoperative factors and did not differ with respect to duration of chest tube placement, length of stay in hospital and incidence of postoperative complications. SUVATS was associated with a significantly longer operative time (212.3 vs 154.6 min, P < 0.001) and more blood loss (190.9 vs 72.7 ml, P < 0.001), lower pain score on the first day after operation (2.6 vs 3.0, P = 0.03) and before discharge (0.8 vs 1.4, P < 0.001). Furthermore, less patients in group SUVATS requested for additional analgesic therapy (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with IUVATS, despite the longer operative time and greater blood loss, SUVATS for bilateral lung lesions is a safe surgical procedure associated with significantly less postoperative pain and a similar incidence of postoperative complications in selected patients.
The synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 modulates Saccharomyces cerevisiae energetic metabolism
Authors: Ferreira Carla , Couceiro Joana , Família Carlos , Jardim Carolina , Antas Pedro , Santos Cláudia N , Outeiro Tiago F , Tenreiro Sandra , Quintas Alexandre
Published: June 2019

Synthetic cannabinoids are a group of novel psychoactive substances with similar properties to Δ9-THC. Among the vast number of synthetic cannabinoids, designed to be tested in clinical trials, JWH-018 was the first novel psychoactive substance found in the recreational drug marketplace. The consumption of JWH-018 shows typical effects of CB1 agonists including sedation, cognitive dysfunction, tachycardia, postural hypotension, dry mouth, ataxia and psychotropic effects, but appeared to be more potent than Δ9-THC. However, studies on human cells have shown that JWH-018 toxicity depends on the cellular line used. Despite these studies, the underlying molecular mechanisms to JWH-018 action has not been clarified yet. To understand the impact of JWH-018 at molecular and cellular level, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. The results showed an increase in yeast growth rate in the presence of this synthetic cannabinoid due to an enhancement in the glycolytic flux at expense of a decrease in pentose phosphate pathway, judging by 2D-Gel proteomic analysis, qRT-PCR experiments and ATP measurements. Overall, our results provide insights into molecular mechanisms of JWH-018 action, also indicating that Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a good model to study synthetic cannabinoids.
Comparative Analyses of Chromatin Landscape in White Adipose Tissue Suggest Humans May Have Less Beigeing Potential than Other Primates
Authors: Swain-Lenz Devjanee , Berrio Alejandro , Safi Alexias , Crawford Gregory E , Wray Gregory A
Published: June 2019

Humans carry a much larger percentage of body fat than other primates. Despite the central role of adipose tissue in metabolism, little is known about the evolution of white adipose tissue in primates. Phenotypic divergence is often caused by genetic divergence in cis-regulatory regions. We examined the cis-regulatory landscape of fat during human origins by performing comparative analyses of chromatin accessibility in human and chimpanzee adipose tissue using rhesus macaque as an outgroup. We find that many regions that have decreased accessibility in humans are enriched for promoter and enhancer sequences, are depleted for signatures of negative selection, are located near genes involved with lipid metabolism, and contain a short sequence motif involved in the beigeing of fat, the process in which lipid-storing white adipocytes are transdifferentiated into thermogenic beige adipocytes. The collective closing of many putative regulatory regions associated with beigeing of fat suggests a mechanism that increases body fat in humans.