bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical, histomorphometric, and gingival crevicular fluid analysis of residual and shallow periodontal pockets in patients with periodontitis Stages III and IV
Authors: Martínez‐Villa Sergio , Sanz‐Martín Ignacio , Maldonado Estela , Virto Leire , Sanz‐Esporrín Javier , Sanz Mariano
Published: December 2019

Background

To study the differences between shallow and residual periodontal pockets in patients with periodontitis (Stages III and IV) after non‐surgical periodontal treatment.

Methods

Twenty patients diagnosed of periodontitis who were scheduled for periodontal surgery were included. In each patient, a palatal shallow site (≤3 mm) and a residual site (≥5 mm) were selected and GCF samples were processed by Luminex® analysis to determine the concentrations of interleukins (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐17a). During the periodontal surgery gingival biopsies were collected and processed for histo‐morphometric and immunohistochemical evaluation to determine the extent of connective tissue inflammatory infiltrate (CTII) using the following markers (CD4, CD5, CD8, CD14, CD19, Elastase, and Syndecan). Mean differences between shallow and residual pockets samples, as well as correlations between GCF cytokine concentrations, area of CTII, and cellularity of the CTII were calculated.

Results

A total of 15 patients were finally included, with analysis of 30 histological specimens and 30 GCF samples. Residual pockets presented significantly higher mean GCF volume, higher mean area of CTII and higher concentrations of IL‐1β and IL‐6 in GCF than shallow pockets. A significant correlation was detected between IL‐10 levels and the CTII area, IL‐10 and the percentage of Syndecan, and the area of CTII and the percentages of CD14 and Syndecan.

Conclusions

The concentration of GCF cytokines did not correlate with the area of CTII measured histologically. A residual CTII and elevated concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and cells were present in all sites 2 months after non‐surgical treatment. The lack of healthy controls does not allow to establish differences between both groups.
Digitally enhanced thin layer chromatography for simultaneous determination of norfloxacin and tinidazole with the aid of Taguchi orthogonal array and desirability function approach: Greenness assessment by analytical Eco‐Scale
Authors: Hemdan Abou‐Taleb Noura , Mahmoud El‐Enany Nahed , Tawfik El‐Sherbiny Dina , Ibrahim El‐Subbagh Hussein
Published: December 2019

In this study, an eco‐friendly fast simple method was developed for simultaneous determination of norfloxacin and tinidazole based on thin‐layer chromatography and image‐processing analysis. The binary mixture was separated using reversed phase ‐ thin layer chromatography plates and 30% trifluoroacetic acid only as mobile phase. Mobile phase composition was optimized using Taguchi orthogonal array and Derringer's desirability function. The plates were viewed under UV lamp and photographed by iPhone camera followed by image processing withFijisoftware using integrated density as the measured response. As decreasing illumination increases the sensitivity of the method, this method was applied on two different ranges for each drug. The first one was 0.6–6.0 and 0.9–9.0 µg/spot for norfloxacin and tinidazole, respectively measured on the original image with normal illumination. The second one was measured after decreasing the illumination of the captured images at 0.06–0.60 and 0.09–0.90 µg/spot for norfloxacin and tinidazole, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of both drugs in tablets dosage form without interference from the commonly encountered excipients. Analytical Eco‐Scale was used to evaluate the greenness profile of the proposed method and it was found to be excellent green analytical method.
A Novel Double‐Network, Self‐Healing Hydrogel Based on Hydrogen Bonding and Hydrophobic Effect
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Mingyue , Hu Xiangming , Lu Wei , Wang Miaomiao , Li Tingting , Zhao Yanyun
Published: December 2019

In this paper, acrylamide is used as a hydrophilic monomer, and octadecyl methacrylate (C18) and polyurethane (PU) monomers are used as hydrophobic monomers. In an aqueous solution containing mixed surfactants of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate, a series of composite physical hydrogels with dual network structures are synthesized using these three monomers through in situ micelle copolymerization. The results indicate that, with the increase in PU content (<0.08 g), the thermal stability and mechanical properties (stretching and compressive) of the composite gel are enhanced, while the swelling performance becomes poorer. Furthermore, it can heal at room temperature and the self‐healing property approaches 88% of that of the original sample after 60 min. Additionally, the self‐healing efficiency shows a downward trend with the increase in the amount of PU, which is mainly related to the recovery efficiency of the network chain (polyacrylamide (PAAM) chain and PU chain) and the decrease in the mobility of C18. By constructing the double‐crosslinked network, the design and preparation of polymer hydrogels with high stretching capability, good elasticity and self‐healing performance provides a new approach to preparing hydrogels with excellent properties.
Synergistic Effect of Mesoporous Nanocomposites with Different Pore Sizes and Structures on Fire Safety and Smoke Suppression of Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wang Xiu , Chen Ting , Peng Chaohua , Hong Jing , Lu Zhenwu , Yuan Conghui , Zeng Birong , Luo Weiang , Dai Lizong
Published: December 2019

Epoxy resin (EP) is extremely flammable, and smoke release during combusting is considered toxic and harmful for human health. Mesoporous materials offer reliable desorption performance due to their large specific surface area. Therefore, the construction of mesoporous nanocomposites is a novel method for enhanced smoke suppression effect of EP. In this work, zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS)‐mesoporous silica (SBA‐15 and MCM‐41) modified reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is successfully prepared and used to enhance the fire safety of EP. SBA‐15‐RGO‐ZHS/EP exhibits the lowest total smoke production (22.8 m2) and peak heat release rate (416 kW m−2), which are reduced by 55% and 37% compared with pure EP, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of mesoporous nanoparticles is also investigated. Apparently, the smoke suppression effect and flame retardancy of SBA‐15‐RGO‐ZHS/EP is even more remarkable than that of MCM‐41‐RGO‐ZHS/EP, which indicates that the pore size and structure of mesoporous are important factors for reducing the smoke toxicity of EP. Finally, it is verified that its enhanced fire safety is attributed to the synergistic action of physical barrier properties of RGO, “labyrinth” effect of SBA‐15, and catalytic ability of ZHS.
Mechanical effects of acupuncture
Authors: Yao Wei , Shen Zhoufeng , Yu Yi , Ding Guanghong
Published: December 2019

Acupuncture, a physiotherapy, has been widely accepted all around the world. This study focuses on the influence of membrane structures and explains the acupuncture sensations from the aspect of mechanical properties. By mathematical modeling and numerical simulation, the scientific meaning of the acupuncture depth is investigated and phenomena and theory of acupuncture are discussed. The simulation results show that (a) the fascial structure is the main contributor to the force on the needle, the axial force will gradually increase before piercing the fascial, and suddenly decrease after piercing the fascial; (b) there is an inverse relationship between the needle radius and the maximum radial stress, which indicates that the needle should not be too sharp to cause local stress concentration and piece the fascia layer; and (c) the simulation results of comprehensively considering the static friction and sliding friction is identical with the experiment results. This study proposes a preliminary study of mechanical effects of acupuncture manipulation, clarifies key factors affecting the stress on the needle, and explains the objective requirement of acupuncture depth to effective treatment.
Glandular dose indices using a glandular dose to air kerma volume histogram in mammography
Authors: Shinohara Sae , Araki Fujio , Ohno Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To develop a dose evaluation for heterogeneous glandular dose distributions by using glandular dose indices obtained from a glandular dose to air kerma (GD/K) volume histogram in addition to the existing mean glandular dose (MGD) in mammography.

Methods

The mammographic x‐ray fluence spectra were created using the EGSnrc/BEAMnrc Monte Carlo code. The combinations of the target and filter were Mo‐Mo and W‐Rh. The breast phantom was a half‐ellipsoidal form, composed of adipose and glandular tissues, and a 1.5‐mm‐thick outer skin. The compressed breast thicknesses (CBT) were 2, 4, and 6 cm with a glandularity of 15%. Two types of breast voxel phantoms with homogeneous and realistic heterogeneous glandular distributions were modeled. The glandular dose distributions in both breast voxel phantoms were calculated using the simulated x‐ray fluence spectra. The GD/K volume histograms for the glandular dose were presented by a relative glandular volume (%) as a function of the ratio of glandular dose (GD) and air kerma (K). Finally, the dose indices of MGD, GD2%/K (GD2% the dose covered by a 2% glandular volume), and VMGD (glandular volume percentage (%) receiving at least MGD), homogeneity index (HI) were obtained from the glandular dose distributions and GD/K volume histograms. The HI indicates the uniformity of GD distributions.

Results

The MGD in a standard heterogeneous phantom (CBT: 4 cm, glandularity: 15%) was 25%−37% lower than that in a standard homogeneous phantom. The lower the tube voltage, the larger was the difference between GD2% and MGD. The larger the CBT, the greater is the nonuniformity of the glandular dose distribution. The HI values for heterogeneous phantoms were higher than those for homogeneous phantoms. Values of VMGD were 35%−47% and increased slightly with the tube voltage. Values of VMGD for heterogeneous phantoms were smaller than those for homogenous phantoms at the same tube voltage.

Conclusion

The GD distribution differs depending on the CBT and tube voltage, even if the MGD has the same value. The new GD indices proposed in this study are useful for the dose evaluation of the heterogeneous GD distributions.
Structured FISTA for image restoration
Authors: Chen Zixuan , Nagy James G. , Xi Yuanzhe , Yu Bo
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we propose an efficient numerical scheme for solving some large‐scale ill‐posed linear inverse problems arising from image restoration. In order to accelerate the computation, two different hidden structures are exploited. First, the coefficient matrix is approximated as the sum of a small number of Kronecker products. This procedure not only introduces one more level of parallelism into the computation but also enables the usage of computationally intensive matrix–matrix multiplications in the subsequent optimization procedure. We then derive the corresponding Tikhonov regularized minimization model and extend the fast iterative shrinkage‐thresholding algorithm (FISTA) to solve the resulting optimization problem. Because the matrices appearing in the Kronecker product approximation are all structured matrices (Toeplitz, Hankel, etc.), we can further exploit their fast matrix–vector multiplication algorithms at each iteration. The proposed algorithm is thus called structured FISTA (sFISTA). In particular, we show that the approximation error introduced by sFISTA is well under control and sFISTA can reach the same image restoration accuracy level as FISTA. Finally, both the theoretical complexity analysis and some numerical results are provided to demonstrate the efficiency of sFISTA.
Synchronous and asynchronous optimized Schwarz methods for one‐way subdivision of bounded domains
Authors: El Haddad Mireille , Garay José C. , Magoulès Frédéric , Szyld Daniel B.
Published: December 2019

Convergence of both synchronous and asynchronous optimized Schwarz algorithms for the shifted Laplacian operator on a bounded rectangular domain, in a one‐way subdivision of the computational domain, with overlap, is shown. Convergence results are obtained under very mild conditions on the size of the subdomains and on the amount of overlap. A couple of results are also given, relating the convergence rate of the asynchronous method to changes in the size of the domain. Numerical experiments illustrate the theoretical results.
Cover Image, Volume 69, Issue 1
Authors: León Judith Martín‐de , Bernardo Victoria , Laguna‐Gutiérrez Ester , Rodríguez‐Pérez Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Article Influence of the viscosity of PMMA on the cellular structure of nanocellular materials by Judith Martín‐de Leí;n et al., DOI: 10.1002/pi.5920.

image

Cover credit: Cover image ©Judith Martín‐de León Images
A winter to remember! Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for life‐threatening asthma in children: A case series and review of literature
Authors: Medar Shivanand S , Derespina Kim R , Jakobleff William A , Ushay Michael H , Peek Giles J
Published: December 2019

Progressive refractory near‐fatal asthma requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation can lead to death. Data on outcomes in children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support for status asthmaticus is sparse. We describe our experience of three patients in the winter of 2018 to 2019 successfully rescued with ECMO. We also report our novel use of extubation while still being on ECMO support. Awareness and use of ECMO in refractory asthma can help lower the mortality for this very common disease in children. We also review the current literature on the use of ECMO and other extracorporeal therapies in asthma.
The impact of different mutations at arginine141 on the structure, subunit exchange dynamics and chaperone activity of Hsp16.3
Authors: Panda Alok Kumar , Chakraborty Ayon , Nandi Sandip Kumar , Biswas Ashis
Published: December 2019

Hsp16.3, a molecular chaperone, plays a vital role in the growth and survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis inside the host. We previously reported that deletion of three amino acid residues (142STN144) from C‐terminal extension (CTE) of Hsp16.3 triggers its structural perturbation and increases its chaperone activity, which reaches its apex upon the deletion of its entire CTE (141RSTN144). Thus, we hypothesized that Arg141 (R141) and Ser142 (S142) in the CTE of Hsp16.3 possibly hold the key in maintaining its native‐like structure and chaperone activity. To test this hypothesis, we generated two deletion mutants in which R141 and S142 were deleted individually (Hsp16.3ΔR141 and Hsp16.3ΔS142) and three substitution mutants in which R141 was replaced by lysine (Hsp16.3R141K), alanine (Hsp16.3R141A), and glutamic acid (Hsp16.3R141E), respectively. Hsp16.3ΔS142 or Hsp16.3R141K mutant has native‐like structure and chaperone activity. Deletion of R141 from the CTE (Hsp16.3ΔR141) perturbs the secondary and tertiary structure, lowers the subunit exchange dynamics and decreases the chaperone activity of Hsp16.3. But, the substitution of R141 with alanine (Hsp16.3R141A) or glutamic acid (Hsp16.3R141E) perturbs its secondary and tertiary structure. Surprisingly, such charge tampering of R141 enhances the subunit exchange dynamics and chaperone activity of Hsp16.3. Interestingly, neither the deletion of R141/S142 nor the substitution of R141 with lysine, alanine and glutamic acid affects the oligomeric mass/size of Hsp16.3. Overall, our study suggests that R141 (especially the positive charge on R141) plays a crucial role in maintaining the native‐like structure as well as in regulating subunit exchange dynamics and chaperone activity of Hsp16.3.
The pharmacology and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Castelli María Sofía , McGonigle Paul , Hornby Pamela J.
Published: December 2019

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged as a major class of therapeutic agents on the market. To date, approximately 80 mAbs have been granted marketing approval. In 2018, 12 new mAbs were approved by the FDA, representing 20% of the total number of approved drugs. The majority of mAb therapeutics are for oncological and immunological/infectious diseases, but these are expanding into other disease areas. Over 100 monoclonal antibodies are in development, and their unique features ensure that these will remain a part of the therapeutic pipeline. Thus, the therapeutic value and the elucidation of their pharmacological properties supporting clinical development of these large molecules are unquestioned. However, their utilization as pharmacological tools in academic laboratories has lagged behind their small molecule counterparts. Early therapeutic mAbs targeted soluble cytokines, but now that mAbs also target membrane‐bound receptors and have increased circulating half‐life, their pharmacology is more complex. The principles of pharmacology have enabled the development of high affinity, potent and selective small molecule therapeutics with reduced off‐target effects and drug‐drug interactions. This review will discuss how the same basic principles can be applied to mAbs, with some important differences. Monoclonal antibodies have several benefits, such as fewer off‐target adverse effects, fewer drug‐drug interactions, higher specificity, and potentially increased efficacy through targeted therapy. Modifications to decrease the immunogenicity and increase the efficacy are described, with examples of optimizing their pharmacokinetic properties and enabling oral bioavailability. Increased awareness of these advances may help to increase their use in exploratory research and further understand and characterize their pharmacological properties.
Antimicrobial peptide PMAP‐37 analogs: Increasing the positive charge to enhance the antibacterial activity of PMAP‐37
Authors: Zhou Jiangfei , Chen Liangliang , Liu Yongqing , Shen Tengfei , Zhang Cong , Liu Zhixin , Feng Xiuli , Wang Chen
Published: December 2019

Bacterial resistance induced by the use of antibiotics has provided a chance for the development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and modification of AMPs to enhance the antibacterial activity or stability has become a research focus. PMAP‐37 is an AMP isolated from porcine myeloid marrow, and studies on its modification have not yet been reported. In this study, three PMAP‐37 analogs named PMAP‐37(F9‐R), PMAP‐37(F34‐R), and PMAP‐37(F9/34‐R) were designed by residue substitution to enhance the positive charge. The antimicrobial activity of PMAP‐37 and its analogs in vitro and in vivo were detected. The results showed that compared with PMAP‐37, PMAP‐37(F9‐R) and PMAP‐37(F9/34‐R) exhibited antibacterial activity against S. flexneri CICC21534. Although PMAP‐37(F34‐R) had no antibacterial activity against S. flexneri CICC21534, its minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were significantly lower than those of PMAP‐37 against most bacterial strains. Besides, all PMAP‐37 analogs were pH stable, retaining stable antibacterial activity after treatment with solution from pH 2 to pH 8/9. In addition, the PMAP‐37 analogs displayed increased thermal stability, and PMAP‐37(F34‐R) retained >60% antibacterial activity after boiling for 2 hours. Furthermore, the PMAP‐37 analogs exhibited impressive therapeutic efficacy in bacterial infections by reducing bacterial burden and inflammatory damage in the lung and liver, resulting in a reduction in mortality. Notably, the therapeutic effect of PMAP‐37(F34‐R) was comparable to that of ceftiofur sodium, and even superior to antibiotics in L. monocytogenes CICC21533 infection model. In conclusion, the PMAP‐37(F34‐R) may be a candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections in the clinic.
Fabrication and Characterization of Multiquantum Shell Light‐Emitting Diodes with Tunnel Junction
Authors: Murakami Hideki , Suzuki Atsushi , Nokimura Kyohei , Takebayashi Minoru , Goto Nanami , Terazawa Mizuki , Lu Weifang , Sone Naoki , Iida Kazuyoshi , Ohya Masaki , Kamiyama Satoshi , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Iwaya Motoaki , Akasaki Isamu
Published: December 2019

A GaInN/GaN multiquantum shell (MQS) structure grown over GaN nanowires can be utilized as active regions in optoelectronic devices because of its advantages such as high crystalline quality and the absence of internal polarization. To improve the current injection toward the sidewall of the MQS active regions, a tunnel junction (TJ) and n‐GaN‐embedded cap layer are adopted without using an indium‐tin‐oxide film. A light‐emitting diode (LED) composed of n‐GaN nanowires, MQS active regions, TJs, and an n‐GaN‐embedded cap layer is demonstrated for the first time. Without the activation process of Mg acceptors, the MQS LED exhibits a linear increase in the light output with current injection and a high operating voltage. After removing the upper part of the n‐GaN‐embedded cap layer, thermal annealing is confirmed to activate Mg acceptors in p‐GaN and p+‐GaN, and the reduction of the operating voltage is observed, despite the lack of current spreading in the n‐GaN‐embedded cap layer by Mg diffusion.
Know when to guide rather than discipline staff members
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: December 2019

Only the worst employees need to be disciplined. Everyone else needs your guidance. My father taught me that principle, not in so many words but in the way he lived. It's the way he raised his children, and it's the way he treated those whom he supervised in the workplace. I know because I observed him at his job many, many times.
Efficient Synthesis of 3‐Aroyl Coumarins in Water via Catalytic Carbopalladation of Nitriles
Authors: Weng Yiyi , Yang Ting , Chen Hantao , Chen Zhuo , Zhu Meijie , Zhan Xuecheng
Published: December 2019

A mild and convenient Palladium‐Catalyzed addition for the synthesis of biologically attractive 3‐aroyl coumarins employing 3‐cyanocoumarins as substrates has been developed. This new method to synthesize 3‐aroyl coumarins has merits such as using green and non‐toxic medium, displaying broad substrate scopes, and achieving moderate to excellent yields. In particular, this protocol shows the significant chemoselectivity to synthesize the halogen (e. g.,bromo and iodo) substituted 3‐aroyl coumarins for further synthetic elaborations.
The Influence of Different Compounding Sequence and Peanut Shell Powder Loading on Properties of Polylactic Acid/Thermoplastic Corn Starch Biocomposites
Authors: Zaaba Nor Fasihah , Ismail Hanafi
Published: December 2019

Three different blending sequences were used to prepare the peanut shell powder (PSP)‐filled polylactic acid (PLA)/thermoplastic corn starch (TPCS) biocomposites. The blending sequences can be summarized as (1) S1: PLA was added, followed by TPCS and PSP, (2) S2: PLA was added, followed by PSP and TPCS, and (3) S3: TPCS was added, followed by PLA and PSP. Various loadings of PSP filler were used from 0 to 40 wt%. The correlation between different blending sequences and PSP filler loading of PLA/TPCS biocomposites were discussed in terms of processing torque, tensile properties, surface morphology, and thermal degradation. Results showed that S1 system is the best blending sequence to prepare PLA/TPCS biocomposites compared to S2 and S3 systems. S1 system had established the low stabilization torque, better tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of S1 system revealed better adhesion between filler and the matrix. Incorporation of PSP had influenced the properties of PLA/TPCS biocomposites. Increment of PSP loading increased stabilization torque and tensile modulus while decreasing tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability of PLA/TPCS biocomposites. SEM analysis also managed to detect holes and cavities as the filler pulled out on the tensile fractured surface due to poor adhesion between filler and matrix.
Higher curvature corrections to pole-skipping
Authors: Wu Xing
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Recent developments have revealed a new phenomenon, i.e. the residues of the poles of the holographic retarded two point functions of generic operators vanish at certain complex values of the frequency and momentum. This so-called pole-skipping phenomenon can be determined holographically by the near horizon dynamics of the bulk equations of the corresponding fields. In particular, the pole-skipping point in the upper half plane of complex frequency has been shown to be closed related to many-body chaos, while those in the lower half plane also places universal and nontrivial constraints on the two point functions. In this paper, we study the effect of higher curvature corrections, i.e. the stringy correction and Gauss-Bonnet correction, to the (lower half plane) pole-skipping phenomenon for generic scalar, vector, and metric perturbations. We find that at the pole-skipping points, the frequencies ω

n
= −i2πnT are not explicitly influenced by both R
2 and R
4 corrections, while the momenta k

n
receive corresponding corrections.
Platelet-derived factors impair placental chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit synthesis
Authors: Forstner Désirée , Maninger Sabine , Nonn Olivia , Guettler Jacqueline , Moser Gerit , Leitinger Gerd , Pritz Elisabeth , Strunk Dirk , Schallmoser Katharina , Marsche Gunther , Heinemann Akos , Huppertz Berthold , Gauster Martin
Published: December 2019

During histiotrophic nutrition of the embryo, maternal platelets may be the first circulating maternal cells that find their way into the placental intervillous space through narrow intertrophoblastic gaps within the plugs of spiral arteries. Activation of platelets at the maternal-fetal interface can influence trophoblast behavior and has been implicated in serious pregnancy pathologies. Here, we show that platelet-derived factors impaired expression and secretion of the human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit (βhCG) in human first trimester placental explants and the trophoblast cell line BeWo. Impaired βhCG synthesis was not the consequence of hampered morphological differentiation, as assessed by analysis of differentiation-associated genes and electron microscopy. Platelet-derived factors did not affect intracellular cAMP levels and phosphorylation of CREB, but activated Smad3 and its downstream-target plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 in forskolin-induced BeWo cell differentiation. While TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 did not restore impaired βhCG production in response to platelet-derived factors, Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 interfered with CREB activation, suggesting an interaction of cAMP/CREB and Smad3 signaling. Sequestration of transcription co-activators CBP/p300, known to bind both CREB and Smad3, may limit βhCG production, since CBP/p300 inhibitor C646 significantly restricted its forskolin-induced upregulation. In conclusion, our study suggests that degranulation of maternal platelets at the early maternal-fetal interface can impair placental βhCG production, without substantially affecting morphological and biochemical differentiation of villous trophoblasts.

Key messages

Maternal platelets can be detected on the surface of the placental villi and in intercellular gaps of trophoblast cell columns from gestational week 5 onwards.

Platelet-derived factors impair hCG synthesis in human first trimester placenta.

Platelet-derived factors activate Smad3 in trophoblasts.

Smad3 inhibitor SIS3 interferes with forskolin-induced CREB signaling.

Sequestration of CBP/p300 by activated Smad3 may limit placental hCG production.
Verhaltenstherapie bei depressiven Störungen im Alter
Authors: Gatterer Gerald
Published: December 2019

Depressive Störungen stellen neben organischen Störungen die Hauptgruppe der psychischen Erkrankungen im Alter dar. Ursachen hierfür sind einerseits die mit dem Alterungsprozess verbunden körperlichen, aber auch sozialen und kontextuellen Veränderungen und die Notwendigkeit der Verarbeitung derselben durch die betroffenen Menschen. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt die Ursachen von depressiven Störungen im Alter und die Möglichkeiten der Verhaltenstherapie dar.
Correction to: A nudibranch removes rival sperm with a disposable spiny penis
Authors: Sekizawa Ayami , Goto Shin G. , Nakashima Yasuhiro
Published: December 2019

The article A nudibranch removes rival sperm with a disposable spiny penis, written by Ayami Sekizawa, Shin G. Goto and Yasuhiro Nakashima, was originally published Online First without Open Access.
A match made in heaven: predictive approaches to (an unorthodox) sensorimotor enactivism
Authors: Clavel Vázquez María Jimena
Published: December 2019

It has been pointed out that Sensorimotor Enactivism, a theory that claims that perception is enacted and brought about by movement, says very little about the neural mechanisms that enable perception. For the proponents of the predictive approach to Sensorimotor Enactivism, this is a challenge that can be met by introducing predictive processing into the picture. However, the compatibility between these theories is not straightforward. Firstly, because they seem to differ in their stand towards representations: while Sensorimotor Enactivism is said to belong to the non-representational wing of cognitive science, predictive processing has a representational profile. And secondly, because they exhibit different explanatory strategies: while Sensorimotor Enactivism prioritizes the interactions of the embodied agent, predictive processing has internalist commitments. The aim of this paper is to address these concerns and show that a predictive approach to Sensorimotor Enactivism is viable. More specifically, I focus on the Free-Energy approach, a theory that falls within the ballpark of predictive processing. In this paper I argue for the following claims. I argue that (a) both Sensorimotor Enactivism and the Free-Energy approach may be understood for some systems in representational terms. The non-representational reading of Sensorimotor Enactivism is not mandatory and neither is the representational reading of the Free-Energy approach. (b) Sensorimotor Enactivism is, in this respect, compatible with both representational and non-representational interpretations of the FEA. So, the position towards representations of these frameworks should not stand in the way of a predictive approach to Sensorimotor Enactivism. I also show that (c) the Free-Energy approach allows for an account that prioritizes the interaction of the embodied agent with the environment. This is the explanatory strategy followed by Sensorimotor Enactivism. To justify this strategy and following other proponents of Sensorimotor Enactivism, I argue that by referring to the interactions of the embodied agent a better account of the phenomena in question is provided. On this basis, I claim that (d) Sensorimotor Enactivism and the Free-Energy approach are compatible in what concerns their explanatory strategy as well. Thus, making the case for the viability of the predictive approach to Sensorimotor Enactivism.
The Relations between Hope and Subjective Well-Being: a Literature Overview and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Pleeging Emma , Burger Martijn , van Exel Job
Published: December 2019

How we perceive the future can greatly affect how we feel in the present. Even a currently positive situation is hard to bear when we know the future will be grim. Indeed, previous research has found that more hopeful people are happier. However, both hope and subjective well-being are multidimensional concepts comprising emotion (i.e., anticipation and affect), cognition (expectation and satisfaction) and, to some degree, motivation. Since most studies include only one dimension of hope and subjective well-being, little is known about how different aspects of hope relate to different aspects of subjective well-being. This study aims to gain insight into these relationships by providing an overview of the existing empirical literature on hope and subjective well-being. Subsequently, cross-sectional data of a representative sample of the American population are used to further examine the relationship between hope and subjective well-being. Our findings from both the literature and our empirical analysis show that positive expectations are only weakly associated with all domains of subjective well-being, whereas cognitive and emotional hope are most strongly related to subjective well-being. This finding indicates that the more passive characteristics of positive expectations have less of an impact on subjective well-being than a more agentic hopeful disposition.
Three new species and some nomenclatural changes in Senecio (Compositae/Asteraceae: Senecioneae) in the Flora Zambesiaca area
Authors: Beentje Henk
Published: December 2019

Three new Senecio species are described, S. fanshawei from Zambia, S. ngandae from Malawi and S. nyangani from Zimbabwe. A new combination is made under S. brachypodus and a taxon is added to the synonymy of this species; single taxa are added for the first time to the synonymy of S. coronatus and S. purpureus, and two taxa each are added for the first time to the synonymy of S. hochstetteri and S. triactinus.
‘I always have fun at work’: How ‘remarkable workers’ employ agency and control in order to enjoy themselves
Authors: Owler Kathryn , Morrison Rachel L.
Published: December 2019

Organisations and associated management practices are generally considered responsible for promoting employees' enjoyment of work. Our study, on the other hand, seeks to examine the capacity of individual workers to regulate their own experience of fun. We interviewed eight ‘remarkable’ workers who claimed to always (or nearly always) have fun at work. We utilised a critical realist approach in the analysis that enabled the consideration of both structure and agency in the experience of workplace fun. A key research finding was that participants possessed a strong sense of control over their own happiness at work, demonstrated in four ways: (1) a priority placed on fun, (2) a sense of responsibility for fun, (3) a positive orientation to the world and (4) a sense of mastery and challenge in work tasks. Research findings may inspire both individual workers and organisations to adopt an agentic outlook in the workplace, implementing strategies that enhance employee control.
Peacebuilding and the Interface of State Law and Indigenous Market Laws in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Diala Anthony C
Published: December 2019

How the interface of state law and indigenous market laws contributes to peacebuilding in Nigeria is an unexplored question that demands attention. First, law, human security and peace are interrelated through the cultural ideas and norms that inform human behaviour. Second, the co-existence of normative orders in Africa favours a top-down approach that inadequately acknowledges indigenous law, neglects its economic, cultural and religious influences, and thereby affects human security. Based on key informant interviews, focus group discussions and observation of markets in southern Nigeria, this article finds that although indigenous market laws are much altered, their foundational values inform market union constitutions, bye-laws and dispute resolution mechanisms. Union officials draft these laws with the assistance of Western-trained legal practitioners and apply them in close co-operation with state organs, who recognize market tribunals as quasi-judicial bodies. The article urges policy attention on the manner people adapt indigenous market laws to socio-economic changes.
Suicide attempt and suicide in refugees in Sweden – a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Amin Ridwanul , Helgesson Magnus , Runeson Bo , Tinghög Petter , Mehlum Lars , Qin Ping , Holmes Emily A. , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite a reported high rate of mental disorders in refugees, scientific knowledge on their risk of suicide attempt and suicide is scarce. We aimed to investigate (1) the risk of suicide attempt and suicide in refugees in Sweden, according to their country of birth, compared with Swedish-born individuals and (2) to what extent time period effects, socio-demographics, labour market marginalisation (LMM) and morbidity explain these associations.

Methods

Three cohorts comprising the entire population of Sweden, 16–64 years at 31 December 1999, 2004 and 2009 (around 5 million each, of which 3.3–5.0% refugees), were followed for 4 years each through register linkage. Additionally, the 2004 cohort was followed for 9 years, to allow analyses by refugees' country of birth. Crude and multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. The multivariate models were adjusted for socio-demographic, LMM and morbidity factors.

Results

In multivariate analyses, HRs regarding suicide attempt and suicide in refugees, compared with Swedish-born, ranged from 0.38–1.25 and 0.16–1.20 according to country of birth, respectively. Results were either non-significant or showed lower risks for refugees. Exceptions were refugees from Iran (HR 1.25; 95% CI 1.14–1.41) for suicide attempt. The risk for suicide attempt in refugees compared with the Swedish-born diminished slightly across time periods.

Conclusions

Refugees seem to be protected from suicide attempt and suicide relative to Swedish-born, which calls for more studies to disentangle underlying risk and protective factors.
Neuroanatomical abnormalities in first-episode psychosis across independent samples: a multi-centre mega-analysis
Authors: Vieira Sandra , Gong Qiyong , Scarpazza Cristina , Lui Su , Huang Xiaoqi , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , Tordesillas-Gutierrez Diana , de la Foz Víctor Ortiz-García , Setien-Suero Esther , Scheepers Floor , van Haren Neeltje E.M. , Kahn René , Reis Marques Tiago , Ciufolini Simone , Di Forti Marta , Murray Robin M , David Anthony , Dazzan Paola , McGuire Philip , Mechelli Andrea
Published: December 2019

Background

Neuroanatomical abnormalities in first-episode psychosis (FEP) tend to be subtle and widespread. The vast majority of previous studies have used small samples, and therefore may have been underpowered. In addition, most studies have examined participants at a single research site, and therefore the results may be specific to the local sample investigated. Consequently, the findings reported in the existing literature are highly heterogeneous. This study aimed to overcome these issues by testing for neuroanatomical abnormalities in individuals with FEP that are expressed consistently across several independent samples.

Methods

Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were acquired from a total of 572 FEP and 502 age and gender comparable healthy controls at five sites. Voxel-based morphometry was used to investigate differences in grey matter volume (GMV) between the two groups. Statistical inferences were made at p < 0.05 after family-wise error correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

FEP showed a widespread pattern of decreased GMV in fronto-temporal, insular and occipital regions bilaterally; these decreases were not dependent on anti-psychotic medication. The region with the most pronounced decrease – gyrus rectus – was negatively correlated with the severity of positive and negative symptoms.

Conclusions

This study identified a consistent pattern of fronto-temporal, insular and occipital abnormalities in five independent FEP samples; furthermore, the extent of these alterations is dependent on the severity of symptoms and duration of illness. This provides evidence for reliable neuroanatomical alternations in FEP, expressed above and beyond site-related differences in anti-psychotic medication, scanning parameters and recruitment criteria.
Short fiction writing in English by Chinese university students: An integrated F-A-I-T-H approach
Authors: Sui Gang
Published: December 2019

When delivering a speech at a meeting of the Writers’ Congress, Ernest Hemingway said as a fiction writer:

A writer's problem does not change. He himself changes, but his problem remains the same. It is always how to write truly and having found what is true, to project it in such a way that it becomes part of the experience of the person who reads it. (1937)

Does this statement still ring true today? If it does, what approach should and can be taken for Chinese university students to write ‘truly’ during their fiction writing workshops in English when they know what they try to accomplish is indeed something fictional or self-evidently ‘untrue’? What characterises the main thematic and stylistic elements of Chinese students’ short stories written in English as creative outcomes?
Giving Children a Say without Giving Them a Choice: Obtaining Affirmation of a child’s Non-dissent to Participation in Nonbeneficial Research
Authors: KANTIN HOLLY
Published: December 2019

To what extent, if any, should minors have a say about whether they participate in research that offers them no prospect of direct benefit? This article addresses this question as it pertains to minors who cannot understand enough about what their participation would involve to make an autonomous choice, but can comprehend enough to have and express opinions about participating. The first aim is to defend David Wendler and Seema Shah’s claim that minors who meet this description should not be offered a choice about whether they participate. The second aim is to show, contra Wendler and Shah, that the principle of nonmaleficence requires more with respect to giving these minors a say than merely respecting their dissent. Additionally, it requires that investigators obtain affirmation of their non-dissent. This addresses intuitive concerns about denying children a choice, while steering clear of the problems that arise with allowing them one.
ASP-Core-2 Input Language Format
Authors: CALIMERI FRANCESCO , FABER WOLFGANG , GEBSER MARTIN , IANNI GIOVAMBATTISTA , KAMINSKI ROLAND , KRENNWALLNER THOMAS , LEONE NICOLA , MARATEA MARCO , RICCA FRANCESCO , SCHAUB TORSTEN
Published: December 2019

Standardization of solver input languages has been a main driver for the growth of several areas within knowledge representation and reasoning, fostering the exploitation in actual applications. In this document, we present the ASP-CORE-2 standard input language for Answer Set Programming, which has been adopted in ASP Competition events since 2013.
Responsibly Communicating Delays After Suicides on Railways
Authors: van Leeuwen Lonneke , Bommelé Jeroen , Hoogcarspel Bart
Published: December 2019

Abstract. Background: By communicating collision with a person as a reason for post-suicide railway delays, railway companies may involuntarily communicate to the public that colliding with a train is a suicide method. Aims: To compare the impact of the collision with a person delay announcement with an announcement about emergency services and one about collision with an animal (control announcement), we measured suicide-related emotions, associations with suicide, and announcement appreciation. Method: A randomized controlled online experiment ( N = 664) was conducted. Results: After exposure to the collision with a person announcement, participants were 9.1 times more likely to indicate suicide as the most probable reason for the delay than after the emergency services announcement. The emotional impact of both announcements was low. Still, participants reported more anger toward the victim after exposure to the collision with a person announcement than after exposure to the emergency services announcement. Announcement appreciation was significantly higher after exposure to collision with a person. Limitations: This online experiment may have reflected real-life situations concerning train delays to only a limited extent. Conclusion: From the perspective of suicide prevention, the emergency services announcement is a more appropriate delay announcement than the collision with a person announcement.
Plasma Flow in the North‐South Aligned Discrete Aurora Equatorward of the Cusp
Authors: Taguchi S. , Hosokawa K. , Ogawa Y.
Published: December 2019

On the equatorward side of the dayside cusp there often appear diffuse auroras. In this paper, we report north‐south aligned discrete aurora events and show the spatial relationships between the auroras and the plasma flow. Several events of the north‐south aligned discrete auroral structures were identified using an all‐sky imager at Longyearbyen, Svalbard, during the recovery of a moderately disturbed period on 8 December 2013. During a brief interval of the moderately disturbed period, the cusp shifted to higher latitudes; as a result, the field‐aligned beam of the EISCAT Svalbard Radar (ESR) passed through the northern portion of the north‐south aligned auroral structures. Simultaneous observations from the all‐sky imager and ESR reveal that enhancements in ion temperature (caused by fast ion flow) occurred near the eastward and westward boundaries of the north‐south aligned auroral structures. However, within the region of the most enhanced aurora, the ion temperature enhancements were moderately suppressed. These features indicate that the ion flow slows down in the region of electron precipitation responsible for north‐south aligned auroral structures. We can quantitatively interpret the slowdown of the flow as the reduction of the electric field due to the polarization effect in the north‐south aligned region of the increased Pedersen conductivity. It thus appears that the magnetospheric source of the north‐south aligned discrete auroras is a limited area embedded in the region of plasma flow toward the dayside magnetopause.
Terrestrial Bow Shock Parameters From MMS Measurements: Dependence on Upstream and Downstream Time Ranges
Authors: Hanson E. L. M. , Agapitov O. V. , Mozer F. S. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Bale S. D. , Avanov L. , Giles B. L. , Torbert R. B.
Published: December 2019

We have investigated the dependence of shock parameters (speed vsh, normal
, and angle θBn) on the choice of upstream and downstream regions for 51 bow shock crossings in Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Fast Survey data. We summarize guidelines for selecting stream regions based on the magnetic field and particle moments. Preferred upstream and downstream combinations were identified by minimizing Rankine‐Hugoniot conservation errors. Comparing parameters from different upstream/downstream combinations provided a measure of how stream region choices affect the parameters. Shifting from the preferred stream region combination to another would cause <5° change in
for 90% of shocks, <15 km/s change in vsh of 70% of shocks, and <5° change in θBn for 84% of shocks. All parameters would shift by more than their standard deviations σ. The most robust is
, which would change by <1σ for 22% and <3σ for 86% of shocks, while vsh is the least robust, changing by <3σ for only 12% of shocks. We provide summary plots and detailed lists of parameters in the supporting information (also available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3583341).