bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of red dragon fruit seedlings (Hylocereus costaricensis L.) from two sources of cuttings at various concentrations of shallot solutions
Authors: Dachlan A , Rafiuddin  , Susanti  , Syam’un E , Asrul L , Ulfa F , Irindu D
Published: May 2020

One of the obstacles faced in the expansion of the dragon fruit planting area is limited cutting materials to produce high quality seedlings. This study aimed to study the growth of dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis L.) seedlings from two sources of cuttings at various concentrations of shallots. The research was conducted at the Teaching Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Hasanuddin from November 2018 to February 2019. The trial was set based on Split Plot Design with source of cutting materials as the main plots, consisted of two types of sources ie. apical primary branch and basal primary branch, while concentration of shallots solution as sub plot, consisted of five levels, namely 0, 200, 400, and 600 g.L−1 water, and Rooton-F 10 gL−1 water. The results show that the growth of the dragon fruit seedlings from two different sources of cuttings at various concentrations of shallots did not show significant differences. Sources of cuttings from the basal of the primary branch gave the best results on the number of shoots (2.40 shoots). Application of various concentration of shallot solution resulted in the highest percentage of life cuttings (100%) compared to control (75%). The concentration of shallot solution of 600 g.L−1 water showed the highest results in shoot length (28.33 cm), root length (31.09 cm) and root volume (66.67 mL). The use of Rooton-F as a positive control gave the highest results in root length (31.09 cm) and root volume (66.67 mL).
Effect of Trichoderma and tofu waste based organic fertilizer on the fruit development of chili (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Mantja K , Fitrianti  , Farid M , Ulfa F , Mollah A , Amin A R , Ridwan I , Kasmiati
Published: May 2020

The study aimed to determine the effect of the application of Trichoderma and liquid organic fertilizer from tofu wastes on the growth and production of large chilli plants (Capsicum annuum L.). The study was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture Experimental Farm, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, from April to August 2017. This study used a factorial two-factor randomized block design with three replications. The first factor of Trichoderma dose consisted of four levels (control, 10 g plant−1, 15 g plant−1, and 20 g plant−1). The second factor was the concentration of liquid organic fertilizer consisted of four levels (control, 10 ml L−1, 15 ml L−1, and 20 ml L−1). The results show that the interaction between Trichoderma treatment with a dose of 10 g plant−1 and liquid organic fertilizer 15 ml L−1 gave a higher number of fruits per plant. Trichoderma treatment with a dose of 20 g plant−1 gave the heaviest fruit weight and fruit weight per plant. There is no one concentration of liquid organic fertilizer which gives better growth and production of chili.
Isolation of fungi producing hormone Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) on sugarcane bagasse and filter cake
Authors: Rahmad  , Asrul L , Kuswinanti T , Musa Y
Published: May 2020

Sugarcane bagasse and filter cake are the residual results of the process of extracting sugarcane stems into sugar which is widely used as an organic material that is beneficial to plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability of fungi that live in sugarcane bagasse and filter cake to produce Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) hormone. A bagasse sample of 1 gram was crushed and suspended in 99 ml of pure aquades water and a 10 gram sample of filter cake was suspended in 90 ml of pure aquades. 1 ml was taken and put into 9 ml of sterile distilled water and then mixed using vortex and diluted 10−5 to 10−6, 0.1 ml pipette then poured into a cup containing Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. Purification was carried out by removing a fungi colony on a sterile PDA media and then morphologically characterized. Qualitatively testing IAA production capability by culturing 1 full loop on the PDA media, then put it into PDB media and added L-Triptophan and Salkowski reagents. Supernatant was stored for 24 hours at room temperature and dark. The change in color of the superoxide to pink indicates IAA and the quantity test was performed using a spectrophotometer λ 530 nm to measure absorbance. The results show that bagasse and filter cake isolates had morphological differences. All isolates tested had the ability to produce IAA. The average production of the hormone IAA of isolate from sugarcane bagasse was 1.063 – 3.469 ppm while filter cake was 0.891-1.547 ppm. The highest IAA production produced by T4 isolates of 3.469 ppm and fungi isolates which produced the lowest IAA hormone was B21 isolates of 0.047 ppm. T4 isolates from sugarcane bagasse have good potential to be developed for use in plants.
The effectiveness of the land suitability analysis approach as a determinant of a sustainable cocoa (Theobroma cacao. L) productivity improvement strategy in East Luwu Regency
Authors: Nurqadri S , Asrul L , Mustari K
Published: May 2020

This study was conducted at Burau, Wotu, and Mangkutana Districts which are the center of cocoa production in East Luwu Regency. This study aimed to determine the strategies to increase cocoa yields (Theobroma cacao. L) in East Luwu according to the land suitability assessment and SWOT analysis. In this study, firstly, primary and secondary data were collected by doing a survey, while the determination of study sites was based on purposive sampling tecnique. Following data collection, land suitability assessment and SWOT analysis were conducted and used in order to determine the strategies. The results show that Burau, Wotu, and Mangkutana Districts are categorized in class S2 land (moderately suitable). In Burau, the limiting factor is temperature, while in Wotu and Mangkutana, the constrains are temperature, rainfall, and soil texture. Based on SWOT analysis and land suitability assessment, the strategies to increase cocoa productivity are optimizing the inputs of organic fertilizer and pesticide, using superior cultivars, educating the local farmers by organizing a weekly meeting, improving the production cost of cocoa beans, using cover crops, making catchment area, and improving the technologies.
The effectiveness of biofilter and density of different stocking in aquaponic resirculation systems in the integration of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) and pakchoy plants (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Munawarawanti A E , Omar S B A , Syamsuddin R , Syaiful S A , Ulfa F , Dachlan A
Published: May 2020

The availability of land and water for the cultivation process is limited, thus aquaponics cultivation technique is necessary to be considered. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of bio filter at different stocking densities and the effects on the growth of tilapia and pakchoy plants in aquaponic systems. This research was conducted at Romangpolong Village, Bontomarannu District, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, from August to October 2018. The study was conducted in the form of factorial experiment with two factors arranged according to a randomized block design. The first factor was the treatment of biofilter with bioball filter media which consisted of three levels: without bioball, 25 bioballs, 50 bioballs. The second factor was the density of fish stock consisting of two levels namely density of fish stocking with 6 fish per 50 L water per container and with 12 fish per 50 L water per container. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Least Significant Difference test at the level of 5%. The results indicate that the interaction of 25 bioballs filter and the fish density of 6 fish per 50 L container produced the best water quality, thus can support the optimum metabolic process and producing the best growth and survival of fish reaching 100 % and was able to supply the nutrient needs of pakchoy plants. The best results of growth and production of pakchoy shown were leaf area of 70.22 cm2 and fresh weight of 65.99 g/plant.
Vertical distribution of the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood, within potato plant canopy
Authors: Jumardi J , Melina M , Nasruddin A
Published: May 2020

The greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the most important pests of horticultural crops worldwide. The presence of the insect in South Sulawesi was first reported in 2016 when it was seriously damaging field grown potato crops in Malino, causing a yield loss of up to 39%. As a new invasive pest in the region, its population and distribution must be continuously monitored. Effective monitoring can only be achieved if it is based on the knowledge of insect bio-ecology and behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the vertical distribution of T. vaporariorum within the plant canopy. A survey was conducted in a farmer’s potato plantation in Tinggi Moncong, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The selected plantation was about 0.2 ha. Ninety plants were randomly selected throughout the field. Each plant canopy was divided into three parts: upper, middle, and lower parts. From each part of the canopy, two leaflets were randomly selected for egg, nymph, and adult counts. The adult number was determined in the field by slowly turning the leaves and all adults found on the lower leaf surface were counted and recorded. The leaves were then picked up and put inside of zip lock bags and brought to the lab for counting the eggs and nymphs under a dissecting microscope (200x). The results showed that about 81, 18, and 1% of the eggs were laid on the upper, middle, and lower parts of the canopy, respectively. Similarly, about 80, 17, and 3% of the adults were found on the upper, middle, and lower parts, respectively. In contrast, no nymphs were found in the upper part of the canopy but about 39 and 61% were found in the middle and lower parts, respectively. This information is very important in monitoring the pest on potato because we now know that for monitoring eggs and adults, the sample should be taken from the upper part of the canopy, whereas for monitoring the nymphs, samples should be taken from the middle and lower parts of the plant canopy.
The population density of arthropods in the rice field ecosystem with insecticide application
Authors: Fatahuddin F , Melina M , Fatmawaty F , Sulaeha S
Published: May 2020

This research was conducted in Jeneponto Regency with the purpose was to determine the effect of the use of insecticide on the presence of arthropods in the paddy ecosystem. This research was conducted in 2 rice plantations, each measuring 65 m x 12 m, the first plot was carried out without the application of insecticides in accordance with the habits of farmers. Arthropod sampling begins at the age of the plant 30 days to 70 days. Sampling is done every seven days. Sampling of Arthropod Sweep Net and Pitfall Trap Samples. Arthropod samples can be observed morphologically to know their counterparts in the paddy ecosystem. The results showed that in the rice field without insecticide found 6 species of pests, 10 species of predators, 7 species of predators, and 2 species, pollinators. In the rice field with applied insecticide, found 5 species of pests, 8 species of predators, and 3 species of parasitoids. The results of statistical analysis showed that the average number of arthropods found in rice fields without insecticide treatment was significantly different from those applied with insecticides starting at observations at 42 days to 77 days.
Evaluation of small-sized skidders performance
Authors: Grigorev G V , Dmitrieva I N , Kotenev E V
Published: May 2020

The aim of the work is to further develop theoretical description of interaction between small-sized forestry vehicles and soils, to study productivity and indicators of interaction of wheeled and tracked vehicles with weaker forest soils. According to the calculation results it was established that the LMT-3 wheeled skidder when working on weakly-bearing soils is able to provide productivity when skidding trunks within 43 m3 per shift, with the trunks to be skidded for the tops. Productivity of small-sized tracked vehicle LMT-6 is slightly lower and makes up to 39 m3 per shift when trunks are skidded for the tops. For both tractor models, the productivity of skidding is reduced by approximately 5 m3 per shift when the trunks are to be skidded for the bottoms.
The analysis of the interaction of the abrasive wheel working fluid with the treated surface when grinding wood and wood materials
Authors: Sergeevichev A , Sokolova V , Vlasov E , Sergeevichev V , Fedyaev A
Published: May 2020

In the mechanical technology of wood, a large amount of work falls on grinding operations, which are final in the manufacture of parts before finishing or gluing. The flow of these technological operations, the appearance and quality of products depends on the roughness of the polished surface. The use of abrasive wheels made of spherecorundum increases the productivity of the process of abrasive machining of parts. The field of application of hard abrasive tools for grinding wood and wood materials is expanding due to the reduction of tool salting and the elimination of burn-in of the treated surface. In the manufacture of an abrasive tool, the characteristics of the internal volumetric structure are regulated - granularity, grain content and ligaments. When grinding wood and wood materials, only the peripheral surface of the circle, its relief, takes a direct part in the work. The paper describes the relief of a circle made of spherecorundum and establishes a relationship between volumetric characteristics and its surface geometric parameters, which are necessary to determine the main indicators of the grinding process.
Development of innovative approach to diagnosis of coated abrasive surface
Authors: Shatko D B , Lyukshin V S , Strelnikov P A
Published: May 2020

One of the most important performance criteria when machining parts is the surface quality, which depends on many parameters, in particular on the state of a cutting tool. However, a cutting tool eventually loses its cutting ability, and therefore, its timely diagnosis is necessary to exclude scrap in the form of a poorly machined surface. There are many methods for measuring the wear of a cutting tool, including direct and indirect ones, which allow monitoring the condition of a cutting tool and timely dressing or replacing it. At the same time, existing methods are not applicable for all types of tools, or do not provide complete information about their condition. This fully applies to a coated abrasive, the condition of which is determined, as a rule, visually or by the quality of the machined surface. Based on this, the study aimed at developing a new approach to the diagnosis of a coated abrasive face is of great relevance and practical value.
Evaluation of dispersion of MWCNT/cellulose composites sheet using electrical resistance 3D-mapping for strain sensing
Authors: Shin Pyeong-Su , Kim Jong-Hyun , Lawrence DeVries K , Park Joung-Man
Published: May 2020

Carbon nanomaterials including, but not limited to, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have attracted considerable attention due to their nanoscale electrical conductivity. Flexible sensors have experienced a growing demand due to several potential applications, such as personalized health monitoring and robots. In this study, CNT/cellulose composite sheets were manufactured using spray methods for flexible sensors. MWCNTs were ultrasonically dispersed in an acetone solvent and flexible plain paper was used as a substrate on which the CNT suspension was sprayed. At the end of the coating process, to remove the acetone solvent, the specimens were dried in an oven. Electrical resistance (ER) three-dimensional-mapping and optical observation were used to confirm and evaluate the dispersion of CNTs on the paper. To access the wettability of CNT/cellulose sheets, the changes of static contact angle of distilled water droplets on the sheets were measured. The critical point of the CNT coating numbers was determined using the ER method as well as the change of wettability using the static contact angle measurements.
Characteristic cycles and the conductor of direct image
Authors: Saito Takeshi
Published: May 2020

We prove the functoriality for a proper push-forward of the characteristic cycles of constructible complexes by morphisms of smooth projective schemes over a perfect field, under the assumption that the direct image of the singular support has the dimension at most that of the target of the morphism. The functoriality is deduced from a conductor formula which is a special case for morphisms to curves. The conductor formula in the constant coefficient case gives the geometric case of a formula conjectured by Bloch.
A hybrid stochastic–deterministic mechanochemical model of cell polarization
Authors: Copos Calina , Mogilner Alex
Published: May 2020

At the onset of cell locomotion, cells break symmetry to form well-defined cell fronts and rears through the process of cellular polarization. Using an in silico approach, we have identified one of the simplest quantitative frameworks as a possible mechanochemical mechanism for spontaneous cell polarization.
LuxUS: DNA methylation analysis using generalized linear mixed model with spatial correlation
Authors: Halla-aho Viivi , Lähdesmäki Harri
Published: May 2020

Motivation

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification, which has multiple functions. DNA methylation and its connections to diseases have been extensively studied in recent years. It is known that DNA methylation levels of neighboring cytosines are correlated and that differential DNA methylation typically occurs rather as regions instead of individual cytosine level.

Results

We have developed a generalized linear mixed model, LuxUS, that makes use of the correlation between neighboring cytosines to facilitate analysis of differential methylation. LuxUS implements a likelihood model for bisulfite sequencing data that accounts for experimental variation in underlying biochemistry. LuxUS can model both binary and continuous covariates, and mixed model formulation enables including replicate and cytosine random effects. Spatial correlation is included to the model through a cytosine random effect correlation structure. We show with simulation experiments that using the spatial correlation, we gain more power to the statistical testing of differential DNA methylation. Results with real bisulfite sequencing dataset show that LuxUS is able to detect biologically significant differentially methylated cytosines.

Availability and implementation

The tool is available at https://github.com/hallav/LuxUS.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Propagation of BOLD Activity Reveals Task-dependent Directed Interactions Across Human Visual Cortex
Authors: Gravel Nicolás , Renken Remco J , Harvey Ben M , Deco Gustavo , Cornelissen Frans W , Gilson Matthieu
Published: May 2020

It has recently been shown that large-scale propagation of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activity is constrained by anatomical connections and reflects transitions between behavioral states. It remains to be seen, however, if the propagation of BOLD activity can also relate to the brain’s anatomical structure at a more local scale. Here, we hypothesized that BOLD propagation reflects structured neuronal activity across early visual field maps. To explore this hypothesis, we characterize the propagation of BOLD activity across V1, V2, and V3 using a modeling approach that aims to disentangle the contributions of local activity and directed interactions in shaping BOLD propagation. It does so by estimating the effective connectivity (EC) and the excitability of a noise-diffusion network to reproduce the spatiotemporal covariance structure of the data. We apply our approach to 7T fMRI recordings acquired during resting state (RS) and visual field mapping (VFM). Our results reveal different EC interactions and changes in cortical excitability in RS and VFM, and point to a reconfiguration of feedforward and feedback interactions across the visual system. We conclude that the propagation of BOLD activity has functional relevance, as it reveals directed interactions and changes in cortical excitability in a task-dependent manner.
The Functional Convergence and Heterogeneity of Social, Episodic, and Self-Referential Thought in the Default Mode Network
Authors: Wen Tanya , Mitchell Daniel J , Duncan John
Published: May 2020

The default mode network (DMN) is engaged in a variety of cognitive settings, including social, semantic, temporal, spatial, and self-related tasks. Andrews-Hanna et al. (2010; Andrews-Hanna 2012) proposed that the DMN consists of three distinct functional–anatomical subsystems—a dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dMPFC) subsystem that supports social cognition; a medial temporal lobe (MTL) subsystem that contributes to memory-based scene construction; and a set of midline core hubs that are especially involved in processing self-referential information. We examined activity in the DMN subsystems during six different tasks: 1) theory of mind, 2) moral dilemmas, 3) autobiographical memory, 4) spatial navigation, 5) self/other adjective judgment, and 6) a rest condition. At a broad level, we observed similar whole-brain activity maps for the six contrasts, and some response to every contrast in each of the three subsystems. In more detail, both univariate analysis and multivariate activity patterns showed partial functional separation, especially between dMPFC and MTL subsystems, though with less support for common activity across the midline core. Integrating social, spatial, self-related, and other aspects of a cognitive situation or episode, multiple components of the DMN may work closely together to provide the broad context for current mental activity.
Changing Patterns of Relationships Between Geographic Markers and IBD: Possible Intrusion of Obesity
Authors: Szilagyi Andrew , Smith Brian E , Sebbag Natanel , Leighton Henry , Xue Xiaoqing
Published: May 2020

Background

Latitude and lactase digestion status influence incidence and prevalence rates of some noncommunicable diseases. Latitudinal correlations helped define beneficial roles of vitamin D in many diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In view of recent global expansion of IBD and population migrations, we reexamine relations with these markers. As these changes also paralleled the pandemic of obesity, we explore possible interactions with IBD.

Methods

We undertook a literature review to compare rates of obesity, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis with the geographic markers of lactase digestion status, average population-weighted national latitude, and national yearly sunshine exposure. Pearson correlations were used throughout to determine r correlation factors. Statistical significance was accepted at P <0.05 using 2-tailed tests.

Results

Forty-seven countries were matched with various data sets that could be analyzed (range of availability was 49%–85%). While global correlations of IBD with latitude and lactase status remain similar to previous analyses, in Europe and Asia, outcomes were different. Global outcome contains a statistical paradox related to combining countries from Europe and Asia. Obesity showed moderate global correlations with IBD but weak and negligible correlations in Europe and Asia. There was also a weak global correlation with latitude.

Conclusions

It is suggested that global correlations point to parallel geographic spread of IBD and obesity. The lack of latitudinal relations with obesity suggests reduced vitamin D effect. The paradox supports epidemiological differences in western and eastern IBD. Obesity combined with IBD may contribute to different relations, partly due to variable vitamin D effects.
Congenital double mitral orifice with severe mitral regurgitation-associated rheumatoid arthritis: a case report
Authors: Natraj Setty Huliurdurga Srinivasa Setty , Shankar Somanna , Yeriswamy Mogalahally Channabasappa , Manjunath Cholenahally Nanjappa
Published: May 2020

Background

A double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) represents a rare congenital malformation characterized by two valve orifices with two separate subvalvular apparatus. Double orifice mitral valve is congenital anomaly of the subvalvular mitral valve apparatus consisting of an accessory bridge of fibrous tissue, which partially or completely divides the mitral valve into two orifices.

Case summary

A 30-year young male presented with dyspnoea and palpitation for 4 years, joint pain for 2 years and weakness of right upper limb and lower limb for 6 months. On clinical examination, Boutonniere, Swan neck, and Z-deformity of hand and foot metatarsal bone deformities are noted, on further evaluation, patient was diagnosed as a case of DOMV and was managed conservatively since patient was not willing for surgery.

Discussion

Two-dimensional echocardiography is the best detection method, the parasternal short-axis view being most useful to show DOMV.
Schools as centers for health educational initiatives, health behavior research and risk behavior for dengue infection in school children and community members: a systematic review
Authors: Díaz-González Esteban E , Danis-Lozano Rogelio , Peñaloza Gonzalo
Published: May 2020

Dengue virus is the main arboviral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and affects mainly school-aged children and teens. Many methods have been developed for dengue control, including health education strategies for elementary and high school students. The objective of this study is to provide an update on the status of health education on dengue in schools and provide new perspectives on health behavior research in order to reduce the proliferation of mosquitoes and spread of arboviral diseases among school-aged children and other community members. A systematic review about health educational initiatives was carried out. This research discusses the effectiveness of these strategies in educating students about dengue disease and mosquito control and how the school is relevant for community-based participation in research on dengue education. The study found that employing ludic strategies and directly involving children in mosquito control in their households have been the most attractive and effective strategies for dengue education in children and teens. However, the sustainability of protective behaviors has been poorly evaluated, and new approaches for health behavior research are needed. Inasmuch as, schools are important places for gathering community members, and students can serve as an essential link between educative interventions and the community.
Asymptotics for the Expected Number of Nodal Components for Random Lemniscates
Authors: Kabluchko Zakhar , Wigman Igor
Published: May 2020

We determine the true asymptotic behaviour for the expected number of connected components for a model of random lemniscates proposed recently by Lerario and Lundberg. These are defined as the subsets of the Riemann sphere, where the absolute value of certain random, $\textrm{SO}(3)$-invariant rational function of degree $n$ equals to $1$. We show that the expected number of the connected components of these lemniscates, divided by $n$, converges to a positive constant defined in terms of the quotient of two independent plane Gaussian analytic functions. A major obstacle in applying the novel non-local techniques due to Nazarov and Sodin on this problem is the underlying non-Gaussianity, intrinsic to the studied model.
Building antimicrobial stewardship through massive open online courses: a pilot study in Macedonia
Authors: von Schreeb Sebastian , Robilotti Elizabeth , Deresinski Stan , Boshevska Golubinka , Panovski Nikola , Tyrstrup Mia , Hedin Katarina , Milevska-Kostova Neda
Published: May 2020

Background

The global struggle against antibiotic resistance requires antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Massive open online courses (MOOCs) offer health professionals unprecedented access to high-quality instructional material on AMS; the question is how apprehensible it is to non-native English speakers. Furthermore, to better understand how education interventions promote change towards rational antibiotic prescribing, leading institutions call for studies integrating behavioural science. Research from lower- and middle-income countries is particularly needed.

Objectives

To measure the knowledge improvement from an AMS MOOC, the influence of language, course satisfaction and subsequent effect on intention to change antibiotic prescribing behaviour.

Methods

Fifty-five physicians from Macedonia completed the MOOC. Pre- and post-course knowledge test scores were compared using a one-sample t-test. The effect of a language barrier was assessed using self-reported English level. Scores were compared with participants’ intention to change behaviour in clinical practice.

Results

Scores significantly improved from 77.8% to 82.2%. Participants with a higher English level improved most, while the low-level group showed no significant improvement. Physicians reported a high or very high intention to change behaviour. This was independent of knowledge improvements.

Conclusions

First, lower self-reported English proficiency hindered knowledge acquisition from a MOOC platform. AMS programmes should commit to bridge this barrier so as to enable a global spread of education in AMS. Second, factors underlying the physicians’ intentions to engage in AMS appear to be more complex than simple knowledge improvements. This suggests that less time-consuming interventions could be as effective.
The HD-ZIP IV transcription factor GL2-LIKE regulates male flowering time and fertility in cucumber
Authors: Cai Yanling , Bartholomew Ezra S , Dong Mingming , Zhai Xuling , Yin Shuai , Zhang Yaqi , Feng Zhongxuan , Wu Licai , Liu Wan , Shan Nan , Zhang Xiao , Ren Huazhong , Liu Xingwang
Published: May 2020

Cucumber is dioecious by nature, having both male and female flowers, and is a model system for unisexual flower development. Knowledge related to male flowering is limited, but it is reported to be regulated by transcription factors and hormone signals. Here, we report functional characterization of the cucumber (Cucumis sativus) GL2-LIKE gene, which encodes a homeodomain leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) IV transcription factor that plays an important role in regulating male flower development. Spatial–temporal expression analyses revealed high-level expression of CsGL2-LIKE in the male flower buds and anthers. CsGL2-LIKE is closely related to AtGL2, which is known to play a key role in trichome development. However, ectopic expression of CsGL2-LIKE in Arabidopsis gl2-8 mutant was unable to rescue the gl2-8 phenotype. Interestingly, the silencing of CsGL2-LIKE delayed male flowering by inhibiting the expression of the florigen gene FT and reduced pollen vigor and seed viability. Protein–protein interaction assays showed that CsGL2-LIKE interacts with the jasmonate ZIM domain protein CsJAZ1 to form a HD-ZIP IV–CsJAZ1 complex. Collectively, our study indicates that CsGL2-LIKE regulates male flowering in cucumber, and reveals a novel function of a HD-ZIP IV transcription factor in regulating male flower development of cucumber.
The amino acid transporter AAP1 mediates growth and grain yield by regulating neutral amino acid uptake and reallocation in Oryza sativa
Authors: Ji Yuanyuan , Huang Weiting , Wu Bowen , Fang Zhongming , Wang Xuelu
Published: May 2020

Nitrogen (N) is a major element necessary for crop yield. In most plants, organic N is primarily transported in the form of amino acids. Here, we show that amino acid permease 1 (AAP1) functions as a positive regulator of growth and grain yield in rice. We found that the OsAAP1 gene is highly expressed in rice axillary buds, leaves, and young panicles, and that the OsAAP1 protein is localized to both the plasma membrane and the nuclear membrane. Compared with the wild-type ZH11, OsAAP1 overexpression (OE) lines exhibited increased filled grain numbers as a result of enhanced tillering, while RNAi and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat; Osaap1) knockout lines showed the opposite phenotype. In addition, OsAAP1-OE lines had higher concentrations of neutral and acidic amino acids, but lower concentrations of basic amino acids in the straw. An exogenous treatment with neutral amino acids promoted axillary bud outgrowth more strongly in the OE lines than in the WT, RNAi, or Osaap1 lines. Transcriptome analysis of Osaap1 further demonstrated that OsAAP1 may affect N transport and metabolism, and auxin, cytokinin, and strigolactone signaling in regulating rice tillering. Taken together, these results support that increasing neutral amino acid uptake and reallocation via OsAAP1 could improve growth and grain yield in rice.
piNET: a versatile web platform for downstream analysis and visualization of proteomics data
Authors: Shamsaei Behrouz , Chojnacki Szymon , Pilarczyk Marcin , Najafabadi Mehdi , Niu Wen , Chen Chuming , Ross Karen , Matlock Andrea , Muhlich Jeremy , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Zheng Jie , Turner John , Vidović Dušica , Jaffe Jake , MacCoss Michael , Wu Cathy , Pillai Ajay , Ma’ayan Avi , Schürer Stephan , Kouril Michal , Medvedovic Mario , Meller Jarek
Published: May 2020

Rapid progress in proteomics and large-scale profiling of biological systems at the protein level necessitates the continued development of efficient computational tools for the analysis and interpretation of proteomics data. Here, we present the piNET server that facilitates integrated annotation, analysis and visualization of quantitative proteomics data, with emphasis on PTM networks and integration with the LINCS library of chemical and genetic perturbation signatures in order to provide further mechanistic and functional insights. The primary input for the server consists of a set of peptides or proteins, optionally with PTM sites, and their corresponding abundance values. Several interconnected workflows can be used to generate: (i) interactive graphs and tables providing comprehensive annotation and mapping between peptides and proteins with PTM sites; (ii) high resolution and interactive visualization for enzyme-substrate networks, including kinases and their phospho-peptide targets; (iii) mapping and visualization of LINCS signature connectivity for chemical inhibitors or genetic knockdown of enzymes upstream of their target PTM sites. piNET has been built using a modular Spring-Boot JAVA platform as a fast, versatile and easy to use tool. The Apache Lucene indexing is used for fast mapping of peptides into UniProt entries for the human, mouse and other commonly used model organism proteomes. PTM-centric network analyses combine PhosphoSitePlus, iPTMnet and SIGNOR databases of validated enzyme-substrate relationships, for kinase networks augmented by DeepPhos predictions and sequence-based mapping of PhosphoSitePlus consensus motifs. Concordant LINCS signatures are mapped using iLINCS. For each workflow, a RESTful API counterpart can be used to generate the results programmatically in the json format. The server is available at http://pinet-server.org, and it is free and open to all users without login requirement.
LocalSTAR3D: a local stack-based RNA 3D structural alignment tool
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Khan Nabila Shahnaz , Zhang Shaojie
Published: May 2020

A fast-growing number of non-coding RNA structures have been resolved and deposited in Protein Data Bank (PDB). In contrast to the wide range of global alignment and motif search tools, there is still a lack of local alignment tools. Among all the global alignment tools for RNA 3D structures, STAR3D has become a valuable tool for its unprecedented speed and accuracy. STAR3D compares the 3D structures of RNA molecules using consecutive base-pairs (stacks) as anchors and generates an optimal global alignment. In this article, we developed a local RNA 3D structural alignment tool, named LocalSTAR3D, which was extended from STAR3D and designed to report multiple local alignments between two RNAs. The benchmarking results show that LocalSTAR3D has better accuracy and coverage than other local alignment tools. Furthermore, the utility of this tool has been demonstrated by rediscovering kink-turn motif instances, conserved domains in group II intron RNAs, and the tRNA mimicry of IRES RNAs.
Slurs, Pejoratives, and Hate Speech
Authors: Popa-Wyatt Mihaela
Published: May 2020

Slurring is a type of hate speech meant to harm individuals simply because of their group membership. It not only offends but also causes oppression. Slurs have some strange properties. Target groups can reclaim slurs, so as to express solidarity and pride. Slurs are noted for their “offensive autonomy” (they offend regardless of speakers’ intentions, attitudes, and beliefs) and for their “offensive persistence,” as well as for their resistance to cancellation (they offend across a range of contexts and utterances). They are also noted for their “offense variation” (not all slurs offend equally) and for the complicity they may induce in listeners. Slurs signal identity affiliations; they cue and re-entrench ideologies. They subordinate and silence target members and are sometimes used non-derogatorily. Slurs raise interesting issues in the philosophy of language and linguistics, social and political philosophy, moral psychology, and social epistemology. The literature on slurs also connects to socio-psychological theory, critical race theory, and legal philosophy. There are two main types of questions: those of a social nature and those of a linguistic nature. In the first category are questions such as, “What social and psychological effects do slurs create and how do they create them?” In the second category we ask, “What sort of linguistic properties do slurs have and what do those properties tell us about theories of language, reference and meaning?” Researchers also try to accommodate the answers to these questions with a unified theory (i.e., to explain how the linguistic properties of slurs bring about harm). Others are concerned with the social significance of slurs, their relation to harm and discrimination, and how to remedy them. One related question is whether slurring utterances are constitutive of (or cause) harm. This underpins debates on free speech and specifically the legal question of whether slurs should be regulated speech. Other linguistic problems are definitional. How do slurs differ from pejoratives, insults, swear words, and offensive behavior? Within the realm of evaluative language, how do slurs compare to Fregean “coloring” and hybrid terms such as moral, “thick,” and evaluative terms?
Walter Ralegh
Authors: Lorimer Joyce
Published: May 2020

Sir Walter Ralegh (this is how he spelled his name) (b. 1552–d. 1618) possessed an innate capacity to draw attention to himself. His obvious personal attractions and actor’s capacity for self-presentation were underpinned by his remarkable intellect and efficiency in martial endeavors and provincial administration. Although his own ventures to the Americas produced no lasting result, they initiated English interest in trade and settlement there. He was an undoubtedly brilliant but entirely self-interested and proud man who, for all of his intelligence, wide-ranging scholarship, and creativity, misread the instability of his political position in the closing years of the reign of Elizabeth I. He always aroused conflicting reactions among his contemporaries; enjoying far greater popularity after his death than he did in his lifetime. Ralegh’s reputation as a national hero and founder of empire was created in the three centuries following his death. Scholarly reassessment of his achievements and the corpus and significance of his written works have continued.
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber
Authors: Brewer Charles E.
Published: May 2020

During his lifetime, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber von Bibern (b. 1644–d. 1704) was widely recognized as one of the foremost performers on the violin, and his published instrumental music helped spread his reputation, though he was criticized by some of his contemporaries for his extravagant technique and use of scordatura. Charles Burney’s comment in his 1789 General History of Music that “of all the violin players of the last century, Biber seems to have been the best, and his solos are the most difficult and most fanciful of any Music I have seen of the same period” was most likely based only on a visual examination of the original print of Biber’s 1681 violin sonatas. Aside from a few specialized studies by Guido Adler, Paul Nettl, and others, and four acknowledged works published in the Denkmäler der Tonkunst in Österreich (two collections of music for solo violin, a mass, and a Requiem), Biber’s music was little known until the 1940s. Modern editions of the other instrumental and sacred music, both published and in manuscript, along with critical studies of both his sacred and secular compositions have significantly enhanced the appreciation of Biber’s compositional creativity. Performances of Biber’s music have also steadily increased along with the “Historically Informed Performance” movement. Since Susanne Lautenbacher’s recording of the “Mystery” Sonatas was released in 1962, there have been a further thirty-four recordings and many of Biber’s other instrumental collections now have multiple recordings available, and even the Missa Salisburgensis has been released on six recordings and two DVDs.
Archipelagic States
Authors: Franckx Erik , Boeye Aster
Published: May 2020

According to a 2018 count, there are twenty-two states that claim archipelagic state status. It was only after the independence of the Philippines and Indonesia at the end of the Second World War, when both countries made unilateral claims during the 1950s, that the demand for a specific regime for archipelagic states became articulated. Third states wanted to retain their navigational rights in archipelagic waters for economic and military purposes, while the archipelagic states wanted to claim these archipelagic waters as internal waters, following the swift development of the concept of coastal archipelagos after the 1951 judgement of the International Court of Justice through the creation, and codification a few years afterward, of the notion of straight baselines. The concept of an archipelagic state was only incorporated in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 LOSC), after nine years of negotiations on this issue during the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III, 1973–1982), of which the first session was totally devoted to procedural matters. At the First United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS I, 1958) and during its preparatory work undertaken by the International Law Commission (ILC, 1949–1956), the Special Rapporteur J. P. A. François already developed the concept of a group of islands or archipelagic states in 1953. States were, however, unable to find common ground because the concept at that time. Especially the legal nature of the waters on the inside of the archipelago proved to be elusive. It was consequently deleted from the ILC draft and even though specific proposals were introduced during UNCLOS I and II (1960) on this issue, neither conference reached any conclusion on the matter. The issue was picked up again during the work of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of the Sea-bed and the Ocean Floor beyond the Limits of National Jurisdiction (Sea-bed Committee) in 1971, which prepared the agenda for UNCLOS III. At UNCLOS III, the debate after a while (1976) totally narrowed down to mid-ocean archipelagic states, dashing the hopes of continental states, sometimes referred to as mixed states, to see their mid-ocean “archipelagos” included in the system being elaborated at that time. In the early 21st century, the provisions of Part IV of the 1982 LOSC determine the regime of archipelagic states in international law of the sea and can be considered as progressive development of international law. Never before had such a concept been written down in an international treaty. Due to the package-deal approach, a balance of interests can clearly be found in these provisions. New concepts are created such as archipelagic states, archipelagic baselines, and archipelagic sea-lanes passage, all of which are being carefully defined in the 1982 LOSC.
Colonial Art of New Granada (Colombia)
Authors: Fajardo de Rueda Marta
Published: May 2020

The history of colonial art in the New Kingdom of Granada, which includes present-day Colombia (the primary focus of this bibliography) and parts of modern-day Ecuador and Venezuela, starts with the chroniclers and travelers who registered works of architecture and art through the 19th century. In 1886 the inaugural Exhibition of the School of Fine Arts recognized the artistic value of religious works. At the beginning of the 20th century, the first inventories were made and inquiries about painters and sculptors began. In 1931 Juan Contreras Marqués de Lozoya wrote The History of Hispanic Art (Historia del arte hispánico), which included Spanish America for the first time. By the mid-20th century, foreign professors had visited Colombia to include art from the New Kingdom of Granada in general art history books on the Spanish Americas. Mario Buschiazzo recommended to local authorities and the general public the recognition of original and autonomous works of architecture and the creation of Institutes for Aesthetic Research. The 1960s mark the beginning of the systematic study of art and architecture, and later the iconographic and iconological method was introduced, which led to new interpretations. In 1974 the Colombian government created the National Restoration Center, and in 1975 the Spanish publishing house Salvat published the first Colombian Art History (Historia del arte colombiano), with contributions by several national scholars. The meeting on Latin American Baroque, held in Rome in 1980, guided and stimulated new research. Silvia Arango, in 1990, wrote The History of Architecture in Colombia. At the beginning of the new millennium, art history studies became more specialized. Reviews of the past have led to the careful re-examination of visual models, written sources, and their interpretation. This research has highlighted how the indigenous past, rich in cosmogonies, facilitated the reception of European culture. The first studies on textiles, altarpieces, silverware, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, engraving, and painting, together with analyses of gilders and trade associations, have now been produced. The names of new artists and artistic trades are being discovered. In sister disciplines a similar development has occurred: in architecture, considering new interpretations about constructions and urbanism, scholars have turned their attention to doctrine temples, exchange houses, bridges, and mills. Archaeology is providing useful data for historical research on buildings, urban planning, goldsmithing, and ceramics. Thus, researchers have revealed that the spectrum of artistic production is more complex than originally thought. It was not limited to evangelization through persuasive works, but also supplied the aesthetic and utilitarian requirements of a new society in formation. But colonial art has not yet been properly registered or catalogued. Much remains to be investigated about the artists and their works, and the techniques, materials, and regional contributions are not fully known.