bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2. Our families and other animals
Authors: Yeates James
Published: February 2018

Anthropic and veterinary medical science overlap considerably, each learning from the other. However, simply comparing and contrasting them is not that helpful. Essentially, veterinary science is part of medical science. ‘Our families and other animals’ considers in turn animal biology (anatomy, physiology, and genetics); the pathology and microbiology of animal diseases; animal psychology and ethology; and animal responses to disease through immunology and pathophysiology. Despite the similarities between human and non-human animals, the medical treatment different species receive can vary. Key differences for veterinarians are in having to balance duties to their patients with responsibilities to humans; and that euthanasia is a common and important part of veterinary work.
6. Global veterinary medicine
Authors: Yeates James
Published: February 2018

Geographical distance is no longer a major barrier to the spread of germs or genes, or the interaction of different animals. We need to think of the world’s animals as a single population—herd medicine on a global scale. ‘Global veterinary medicine’ explains that as humans change the global and local environments, veterinary science needs to get better at predicting and preventing the emergence and spread of diseases and, when they inevitably occur, identify and respond to them quickly, effectively, and proportionately. Veterinary science also has a clear role in the conservation of species and biodiversity as well as in improving farming systems to make them both profitable and sustainable.
3. The business of organized crime
Authors: Antonopoulos Georgios A. , Papanicolaou Georgios
Published: February 2018

‘The business of organized crime’ discusses the types of business in which organized crime is involved. Although the discussion is not an exhaustive list of organized criminal activities, it covers a wide spectrum of possibilities in the reality of organized crime where there are opportunities for financial gain. The specific areas of organized criminality covered include predatory activities, such as extortion and protection; illegal markets of legal commodities such as tobacco; illegal markets of illegal commodities such as drugs; migrant smuggling and human trafficking; loansharking and illegal money lending; arms trafficking; counterfeiting; corporate crime; and money laundering.
Financial Literacy and Social Work
Authors: McGarity Stephen , Holosko Michael , Jennings Porter
Published: February 2018

In the second edition of Handbook of Consumer Finance Research, Margaret Sherraden, Jodi Jacobson Frey, and Julie Birkenmaier (Sherraden, et al. 2016, cited under Introductory Work) refer to financial literacy as the effective use of financial skills and knowledge to manage financial resources in a way that maximizes lifelong financial security. Resources normally include personal budgets, checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans, simple insurance products, and retirement plans. As explored in Sherraden’s entry on “Financial Capability” in the Encyclopedia of Social Work (Sherraden 2017, cited under Introductory Work), the need for financial literacy among the general population is becoming an increasingly essential function in response to the current trend toward increased financialization globally. As financial institutions and markets continue to increase in size and influence, individuals without financial skills and knowledge to navigate these systems become economically vulnerable. Many academic fields, including accounting, economics, and public policy, have focused on financial literacy as an intervention for poverty. The field of social work, however, offers a unique contribution to this subject area by positioning financial literacy within the larger system of financial capability. In “Financial Capability and Asset Building for All” (Sherraden, et al. 2015, cited under Introductory Work), Sherraden and colleagues define financial capability as the combined effects of financial literacy (i.e., the ability) with financial inclusion (i.e., the opportunity). Increasing both financial ability and opportunity is needed to increase one’s financial well-being. Currently, work related to financial social work takes many forms. Direct practitioners often help assess the financial well-being of clients, teach clients financial skills, help enroll participants into asset-building programs, and assist individuals to create spending plans. Complementing our micropractice work, mezzo and macro social workers promote high-quality community financial services, push for increased financial inclusion, and work to eliminate inequitable community financial practices through advocacy policy interventions.
Louis XIII, King of France
Authors: Nelson Eric
Published: February 2018

Louis XIII has received considerably less scholarly attention, especially in English, than either his father, Henri IV, the founder of the Bourbon royal line, or his son Louis XIV, who ruled over France as the “Sun King” at the height of the Ancien Régime. One reason for this relative neglect has been the focus of historians on Louis’s powerful first minister, Cardinal Armand-Jean du Plessis de Richelieu. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, historians typically cast Louis as the dedicated but less-talented partner in Richelieu’s efforts to unite France and make it a leading power in Europe. More recently, some scholars have developed a greater appreciation for Louis, arguing that he was a more effective and powerful ruler than traditionally portrayed, and that Richelieu worked with the king rather than effectively ruling from behind the throne. What is not in dispute is that Louis reigned during an important period in French history. His father had brought an uneasy peace to the kingdom after decades of religious civil war, but his assassination in 1610, when Louis was nine years old, left France with a child king. From 1610 to 1617, Louis’s mother, Marie de Medici, governed as his regent during a period of increasing political disorder and social unrest. Then, in 1617, Louis seized his throne in a dramatic royal coup d’etat signaled by the assassination of his mother’s favorite, Concino Concini, the maréchal d’Ancre. The political life of the kingdom in the 1620s was punctuated by a series of wars with the Protestant minority in France, which concluded with royal victory formalized in the Peace of Alès, and factional struggles at court that only ended with Richelieu’s clear victory over his opponents during the Day of the Dupes in 1630. The final decade of Louis’s rule brought both foreign conflict, as French armies intervened directly in the Thirty Years’ War, and a concerted effort to increase the power of royal government at home, in part to raise the resources for war. Louis’s reign also coincided with an intense period of religious and cultural development in the kingdom, which he contributed to. Louis died in May 1643, just months after the death of Richelieu.
Process Tracing Methods
Authors: Beach Derek
Published: February 2018

Process tracing is an in-depth within-case study method used in the social sciences for tracing causal mechanisms and how they play out within an actual case. Process tracing can be used to build and test theories of processes that link causes and outcomes in a bounded population of causally similar cases, in combination with comparative methods, or, when used in a more pragmatic fashion, to gain a greater understanding of the causal dynamics that produced the outcome of a particular historical case. The strength of process tracing is that detailed knowledge is gained through the collection of within-case, mechanistic evidence about how causal processes work in real-world cases. Process tracing enables only within-case inferences to be made, making comparative methods necessary to enable inferences to causally similar cases. Comparisons make generalization possible because we can then claim that as a set of other cases are causally similar to the studied one, we should expect similar mechanisms to also be operative in these cases. Process tracing as a method can be broken down into three core components: theorization about causal mechanisms linking causes and outcomes, the development and analysis of the observable empirical manifestations of the operation of parts of theorized mechanisms, and the complementary use of comparative methods to enable generalizations of findings from single case studies to other causally similar cases.
Tractate Avodah Zarah (in the Talmud)
Authors: Gray Alyssa M.
Published: February 2018

“Avodah Zarah” literally means “strange worship,” the worship of deities other than the God of Israel. The term has also been translated accurately (albeit nonliterally) as “forbidden worship” and “idolatry.” Avodah Zarah tractates are found in the Mishnah (c. 3rd century CE), Tosefta (2nd–3rd centuries CE), Palestinian Talmud (“Talmud Yerushalmi,” c. 5th century CE), and Babylonian Talmud (“Talmud Bavli,” c. 7th century CE). Tractate Avodah Zarah is the seventh tractate in the order Nezikin (“Damages”) of the Mishnah. The Avodah Zarah tractates in the Mishnah, Talmud Yerushalmi, and Talmud Bavli consist of five chapters, while that of the Tosefta consists of nine. The nine pericopes of Mishnah Avodah Zarah chapter 1 deal broadly with the topics of doing business with non-Jews on or around their festival days (1:1–4) and items that may or may not be sold or leased to non-Jews (1:5–9). Chapter 2 (seven pericopes) discusses prohibitions on secluding oneself or one’s animals with non-Jews and not assisting non-Jews as a midwife or wet-nurse (2:1), the related prohibition against utilizing the medical or barber services of a non-Jew (2:2), prohibited items of non-Jews from which a Jew may not (2:3–5) or may (2:6) derive some sort of ancillary benefit, and food items of non-Jews that are permissible to eat (2:7). Chapter 3 (10 pericopes) deals with whole or broken idolatrous images (3:1–3), the status of natural phenomena worshiped as deities (3:5, 8, 9, 10), houses built as, or beside, places of idolatrous worship (3:6–7), and an interesting fictitious dialogue between the sage R. Meir and a non-Jew (3:4). Chapter 4 discusses use by Jews of idolatrous spaces or items (including those abandoned despite having once been so used) and then pivots to a discussion of wine preparation (4:8–12), which is largely, but not entirely, the subject of the twelve pericopes in chapter 5. The portrayal of idolatry in the Avodah Zarah tractates reflects elements of traditional Roman religion refracted through the prism of rabbinic imagination. Christians and Christian beliefs are not identified explicitly, but they are not entirely absent. The Avodah Zarah tractates are fruitful sources for the study of rabbinic representations of economic and social relationships between Jews and non-Jews in Late Antiquity, the constructions by rabbis of Jewish identity and boundaries between Jews and “others,” Roman (and, to a lesser extent, Iranian) religion in Late Antiquity, overlapping discourses between rabbinic and late antique Christian interpretations of Torah, and rabbinic attitudes toward figural art. An interesting 21st-century development is the scholarly use of the Avodah Zarah tractates as tools with which to think through the theological implications of Jewish encounters with Eastern religions and, more broadly, to think through how human beings of all races and creeds are connected to each other, to sentient nonhuman life, and even to the inanimate objects of which our world is composed.
Large velocity dispersion of molecular gas in bars of strongly barred galaxies NGC 1300 and NGC 5383
Authors: Maeda Fumiya , Ohta Kouji , Fujimoto Yusuke , Habe Asao , Baba Junichi
Published: February 2018

We carried out $\sf ^{12}$CO(J = 1–0) observations toward bar and arm regions of the strongly barred galaxies NGC 1300 and NGC 5383 with the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope (beam size of 1–2 kpc in the galaxies). The aim of the observations is to qualitatively examine a new scenario for the suppression of star formation in bars based on recent high-resolution numerical simulations: higher speed collisions between molecular clouds in the bar region compared with the arm region suppress the massive star formation. CO emissions were detected from all the regions, indicating the presence of molecular gases in the strong bars without associating clear H II regions. In both galaxies, the velocity width of the CO line profile tends to be larger in the bar region than in the arm region, which is qualitatively consistent with the new scenario.
Novel nitrite-embedded packaging improves surface redness of dark-cutting longissimus steaks
Authors: Ramanathan Ranjith , Mitacek Rachel M , Billups Sabra D , Jadeja Ravi , Pfeiffer Morgan M , Mafi Gretchen G , VanOverbeke Deborah L
Published: February 2018

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of nitrite-embedded/FreshCase packaging on lean color of dark-cutting beef. Eight dark-cutting (pH > 6.0) and eight USDA Low Choice (normal-pH; mean pH = 5.6) beef strip loins (longissimus lumborum) were selected 3 day after harvest. Each dark-cutting loin was sliced into five 2.5-cm thick steaks and randomly assigned to 1) dark-cutting steak packaged in polyvinyl chloride film (PVC) overwrap, 2) dark-cutting steak packaged in nitrite-embedded film, 3) dark-cutting steaks dipped in 0.2% rosemary solution and packaged in nitrite-embedded film, and 4) dark-cutting steak dipped in deionized water and packaged in nitrite-embedded film. The fifth dark-cutting steak was used to determine pH and proximate composition. Normal-pH choice loins were used as a control and each loin was randomly assigned to either PVC overwrap for retail display or to determine pH and proximate composition. Packages were placed in coffin-style retail display cases under continuous fluorescent lighting for 3 days. A HunterLab MiniScan XE Plus spectrophotometer was utilized to characterize steak color every 24 h. There was a significant treatment × storage time interaction (P < 0.05) for a* values and nitric oxide myoglobin formation. On days 1, 2, and 3 of the display, nitrite-embedded treatment improved (P < 0.05) redness compared to other dark-cutting steaks in PVC. A 45% increase in redness (P < 0.05) was observed for nitrite-embedded rosemary treatment over dark-cutting steak in PVC on day 3 of display. Nitric oxide myoglobin formation on day 0 was less for all dark-cutting steaks in nitrite-embedded packaging. Metmyoglobin content was greater (P < 0.05) on day 0 for dark-cutting steaks packaged in nitrite-embedded treatments than dark-cutting steaks in PVC. However, metmyoglobin level in dark-cutting steaks packaged in nitrite-embedded treatments decreased (P < 0.05) on day 1 compared with day 0. Dark-cutting steaks packaged in PVC had greater (P < 0.05) L* values on day 0 than other dark-cutting steaks in nitrite-embedded packaging. Conversely, on days 1, 2, and 3, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in L* values between dark-cutting treatments. Dark-cutting steaks in nitrite-embedded packaging had lower total plate count (P < 0.05) than dark-cutting steak packaged in PVC. The current research indicated that nitrite-embedded packaging has the potential to improve surface color of dark-cutting beef.
Software for Planning Precise Intraoperative Correction of Rotational Deformity of Extremity
Authors: Gangadharan Sangeet , Markandaya Surrendra
Published: February 2018

Most of the torsional deformities of the limbs correct spontaneously with growth. Corrective derotation osteotomy forms the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic residual deformities. The described techniques for calculation of intraoperative assessment of rotational correction involve approximation of calculations and measures. We have designed a new method of computation with minimal error. For derotation osteotomy of subtrochanteric region of femur, preoperatively, the magnitude of rotational correction of the femur is measured by computed tomography. The cross section of femur at subtrochanteric level resembles closely to a circle or ellipse. Following osteotomy, the major and minor axis are measured. The magnitude of correction will correspond to the arc length of the circle/ellipse. The calculation carried out by numerical integration using Python programming language. Once the arc length is obtained, the osteotomy is fixed with the desired implant. Postoperative computed tomographic scan is performed to assess rotational correction. Unlike previously described techniques, our study provides the closest possible approximation in intraoperative calculation of rotational correction of torsional deformity of any long bone. We believe that this technique would yield more accurate results thus averting possibility second surgery. Further studies are required to validate its accuracy in clinical use.
De-escalation treatment of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: an evidence-based review for the locally advanced disease
Authors: Stock Gustavo T. , Bonadio Renata R.C. Colombo , de Castro Gilberto
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) incidence is increasing worldwide, especially in developed countries where it seems to be etiologically related to the elevating rates of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Considered a distinct disease because of its weak correlation with the traditional risk factors (tobacco use and alcohol), it has different patterns of survival outcomes, locoregional and distant failure, generally with better prognosis independently of the treatment. The standard therapeutic approach for locally advanced (LA) OPCs includes radiation therapy with concurrent chemotherapy, resulting in severe toxicities with negative impacts in quality of life (QoL). Considering this, efforts emerged to de-intensify treatment modalities in selected patients and achieve less morbidity while maintaining the favorable outcome.

Recent findings

Several de-escalated treatment strategies for HPV-related OPCs have been proposed to date with some of them being assessed in ongoing clinical trials. The main approaches encompass: minimally invasive surgery and reduced adjuvant treatment; antiepidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as alternative to chemotherapy concurrent with radiation therapy; adjusted radiation therapy dose intensity in responders to induction chemotherapy; reduced-dose radiation therapy.

There is still a lack of evidence to support de-intensification treatment for HPV-positive LA-OPC in clinical practice, and it remains investigational. Ongoing trials based on risk stratification might identify subgroups with greatest benefits of de-escalation strategies, reducing treatment morbidity without constituting the favorable prognosis.
Design and Evaluation of a Structural Reinforced Small Intestinal Submucosa Vascular Graft for Hemodialysis Access in a Porcine Model
Authors: Jaramillo Juliana , Valencia-Rivero Karen T. , Cedano-Serrano Francisco J. , López Rocío , Sandoval Néstor , Briceño Juan C.
Published: February 2018

Synthetic vascular access for hemodialysis exhibits biological and mechanical material properties mismatch with the native vessels. These limitations prevent infiltration of endothelial cells and decrease grafts long-term patency, particularly in small diameter vessels. We aimed to design a curved structural reinforced small intestinal submucosa (SIS) vascular graft for hemodialysis access and to evaluate in a porcine animal model graft patency by Doppler ultrasonography, tissue remodeling by histology, and vascular wall Young’s modulus after implantation by biaxial tensile test. Curved 4 mm inner diameter, 0.5 mm thickness, and 150 mm length SIS grafts were designed. Small intestinal submucosa vascular grafts were preliminary tested in vivo in a porcine animal model (n=3) constructing an arteriovenous fistula between the carotid artery and the jugular vein; GORE-TEX grafts were implanted as control. Small intestinal submucosa grafts remained patent 46 ± 7 days against the control, 30 ± 3 days. Histology showed thrombus formation on the lumen (80% to 100% surface area) of all explanted grafts. Small intestinal submucosa grafts exhibited neovascularization and endothelial cells alignment on the graft wall, indicating regeneration. Biaxial tensile tests demonstrated no significant differences in Young’s moduli between SIS grafts (E
Circ = 2.5 ± 1.0 MPa, E
Long = 5.7 ± 2.6 MPa) and native artery (E
Circ = 1.4 ± 0.8 MPa, E
Long = 5.5 ± 1.1 MPa), indicating similar wall stiffness. This study proposes an innovative design of a tissue-engineered vascular graft for hemodialysis access that, besides its structural characteristics similar to those of current synthetic grafts, could enhance biological performance because of its composition.
Damage control resuscitation in pediatric trauma
Authors: Gilley Meghan , Beno Suzanne
Published: February 2018

Purpose of review

Damage control resuscitation is an overall management strategy used in trauma patients to rapidly restore physiologic stability, while mitigating hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis. We review the evidence and current practice of damage control resuscitation in pediatric trauma patients with a specific focus on fluid management.

Recent findings

There have been a number of studies over the last several years examining crystalloid fluid resuscitation, balanced blood product transfusion practice and hemostatic agents in pediatric trauma. Excessive fluid resuscitation has been linked to increased number of ICU days, ventilator days and mortality. Balanced massive transfusion (1 : 1 : 1 product ratio) has not yet been demonstrated to have the same mortality benefits in pediatric trauma patients as in adults. Similarly, tranexamic acid (TXA) has strong evidence to support its use in adult trauma and some evidence in pediatric trauma.

Attention to establishing rapid vascular access and correcting hypothermia and acidosis is essential. A judicious approach to crystalloid resuscitation in the bleeding pediatric trauma patient with early use of blood products in keeping with an organized approach to massive hemorrhage is recommended. The ideal crystalloid volumes and/or blood product ratios in pediatric trauma patients have yet to be determined.
Fibroblastic Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour of the Uterine Cervix: Report of a Case and Literature Review With Emphasis on Possible Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Sangiorgio Valentina , Zanagnolo Vanna , Aletti Giovanni , Bocciolone Luca , Bruni Simone , Landoni Fabio , Colombo Nicoletta , Maggioni Angelo , Ricciardi Enzo
Published: February 2018

Cervical sarcomas are rare neoplasms, accounting for <1% of all cervical malignancies and characterized by an aggressive course despite radical excision. We report the clinical and microscopic features of a spindle cell sarcoma arising as a polypoid endocervical mass in a 45-yr-old woman. The neoplasm was characterized by a monotonous, mildly atypical proliferation of spindle cells, displaying a fibrosarcoma-like parallel pattern of highly dense fascicles, growing under the cervical epithelium. Mitotic activity was conspicuous, with up to 40 mitoses per 10 HPF. On immunohistochemistry, tumor cells were patchy S-100 protein positive. Additional immunohistochemical markers performed to rule out smooth muscle, melanocytic, epithelial, and sarcomatous differentiation were negative. A possible monophasic synovial sarcoma was also excluded by negative fluorescencein situhybridization t(X;18) analysis. Interestingly, the neoplasm showed a focal CD34 positivity, as reported in normal fibrocytic cells of the endocervical stroma. Giving the morphologic and immunohistochemical features, the neoplasm was eventually defined as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Histologic examination following radical surgery revealed the neoplasm was confined to the uterine cervix (FIGO stage IB1) and at 12 mo of follow-up, the patient is still free of disease. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are highly aggressive sarcomas that can rarely involve the uterine cervix. They have to be differentiated from melanoma, leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stromal sarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and other spindle cell neoplasms.
Oral Supplementation With Bovine Colostrum Prevents Septic Shock and Brain Barrier Disruption During Bloodstream Infection in Preterm Newborn Pigs
Authors: Brunse Anders , Worsøe Päivi , Pors Susanne E. , Skovgaard Kerstin , Sangild Per T.
Published: February 2018

Preterm infants have increased risk of neonatal sepsis, potentially inducing brain injury, and they may benefit from early initiation of enteral milk feeding. Using preterm pigs as models, we hypothesized that early provision of bovine colostrum to parentally nourished newborns protects against sepsis and neuroinflammation during bloodstream infection. Preterm newborn pigs were administered 109 CFU/kg of intra-arterial Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE, an opportunistic pathogen often causing sepsis in preterm infants), followed by administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN, SE + TPN, n = 15) or oral provision of bovine colostrum with supplementary parenteral nutrition (SE + COL, n = 14), and compared with uninfected, TPN-nourished controls (CON + TPN, n = 11). SE-infected animals showed multiple signs of sepsis, including lethargy, hypotension, respiratory acidosis, internal organ hemorrhages, cellular responses (leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), brain barrier disruption, and neuroinflammation. At 24 h, colostrum supplementation reduced the SE abundance in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, both P < 0.05). Furthermore, colostrum feeding normalized arterial blood pressure (38.5 ± 1.20 vs. 30.6 ± 3.79 mmHg), pH (7.37 ± 0.02 vs. 7.10 ± 0.07), and lactate (1.01 ± 0.11 vs. 4.20 ± 1.20 mM, all P < 0.05), and increased motor activity, to levels in controls (P < 0.001). Finally, colostrum-fed animals showed reduced blood–CSF barrier permeability and CSF leukocyte levels, and this was accompanied by normalized gene expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-5, both P < 0.05) and reduced expression of leukocyte chemoattractants (CXCL9-11, all P < 0.01). Early oral supplementation with bovine colostrum prevents septic shock and ameliorates brain barrier disruption and neuroinflammation during bloodstream infection in preterm pigs. Bovine colostrum supplementation may improve resistance against systemic infection in immature, immune-compromised preterm infants.
Meta-analysis reveals host-dependent nitrogen recycling as a mechanism of symbiont control inAiptasia
Authors: Cui Guoxin , Liew Yi Jin , Li Yong , Kharbatia Najeh , Zahran Noura I , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Eguiluz Victor M , Aranda Manuel
Published: February 2018

The metabolic symbiosis with photosynthetic algae of the genusSymbiodiniumallows corals to thrive in the oligotrophic environments of tropical seas. Many aspects of this relationship have been investigated using transcriptomic analyses in the emerging model organismAiptasia. However, previous studies identified thousands of putatively symbiosis-related genes, making it difficult to disentangle symbiosis-induced responses from undesired experimental parameters. Using a meta-analysis approach, we identified a core set of 731 high-confidence symbiosis-associated genes that reveal host-dependent recycling of waste ammonium and amino acid synthesis as central processes in this relationship. Combining transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we show that symbiont-derived carbon enables host recycling of ammonium into nonessential amino acids. We propose that this provides a regulatory mechanism to control symbiont growth through a carbon-dependent negative feedback of nitrogen availability to the symbiont. The dependence of this mechanism on symbiont-derived carbon highlights the susceptibility of this symbiosis to changes in carbon translocation, as imposed by environmental stress.
Cytokinin perception in potato: New features of canonic players
Authors: Lomin Sergey N. , Myakushina Yulia A. , Kolachevskaya Oksana O. , Getman Irina A. , Arkhipov Dmitry V. , Savelieva Ekaterina M. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Romanov Georgy A.
Published: February 2018

Potato is the most economically important non-cereal food crop. Tuber formation in potato is regulated by phytohormones, cytokinins (CKs) in particular. The present work was aimed to study CK signal perception in potato. The sequenced potato genome of doubled monoploid Phureja was used for bioinformatic analysis and as a tool for identification of putative CK receptors from autotetraploid potato cv. Désirée. All basic elements of multistep phosphorelay (MSP) required for CK signal transduction were identified in Phureja genome, including three genes orthologous to three CK receptor genes (AHK 2-4) of Arabidopsis. As distinct from Phureja, autotetraploid potato contains at least two allelic isoforms of each receptor type. Putative receptor genes from Désirée plants were cloned, sequenced and expressed, and main characteristics of encoded proteins, firstly their consensus motifs, structure models, ligand-binding properties, and the ability to transmit CK signal, were determined. In all studied aspects the predicted sensor histidine kinases met the requirements for genuine CK receptors. Expression of potato CK receptors was found to be organ-specific and sensitive to growth conditions, particularly to sucrose content. Our results provide a solid basis for further in-depth study of CK signaling system and biotechnological improvement of potato.
SMARTcleaner: identify and clean off-target signals in SMART ChIP-seq analysis
Authors: Zhao Dejian , Zheng Deyou
Published: February 2018

Background

Noises and artifacts may arise in several steps of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) process. Recently, a NGS library preparation method called SMART, orSwitchingMechanismAt the 5’ end of theRNATranscript, is introduced to prepare ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation and deep sequencing) libraries from small amount of DNA material. The protocol adds Ts to the 3’ end of DNA templates, which is subsequently recognized and used by SMART poly(dA) primers for reverse transcription and then addition of PCR primers and sequencing adapters. The poly(dA) primers, however, can anneal to poly(T) sequences in a genome and amplify DNA fragments that are not enriched in the immunoprecipitated DNA templates. This off-target amplification results in false signals in the ChIP-seq data.

Results

Here, we show that the off-target ChIP-seq reads derived from false amplification of poly(T/A) genomic sequences have unique and strand-specific features. Accordingly, we develop a tool (called “SMARTcleaner”) that can exploit the features to remove SMART ChIP-seq artifacts. Application of SMARTcleaner to several SMART ChIP-seq datasets demonstrates that it can remove reads from off-target amplification effectively, leading to improved ChIP-seq peaks and results.

Conclusions

SMARTcleaner could identify and clean the false signals in SMART-based ChIP-seq libraries, leading to improvement in peak calling, and downstream data analysis and interpretation.
Neuronal receptors display cytoskeleton-independent directed motion on the plasma membrane
Authors: Taylor R. D. , Heine M. , Emptage N. J. , Andreae L. C.
Published: February 2018

Directed transport of transmembrane proteins is generally believed to occur via intracellular transport vesicles. However, using single particle tracking in rat hippocampal neurons with a pH-sensitive quantum dot probe which specifically reports surface movement of receptors, we have identified a subpopulation of neuronal EphB2 receptors that exhibit directed motion between synapses within the plasma membrane itself. This receptor movement occurs independently of the cytoskeleton but is dependent on cholesterol and is regulated by neuronal activity.
Quantitative investigation of linear arbitrary polarization in an APPLE-II undulator
Authors: Hand Matthew , Wang Hongchang , Maccherozzi Francesco , Apollonio Marco , Zhu Jingtao , Dhesi Sarnjeet S. , Sawhney Kawal
Published: February 2018

Insertion devices are utilized at synchrotron radiation facilities around the world for their capability to provide a high-brilliance X-ray beam. APPLE-II type undulators are especially important for their capacity to switch between a variety of photon beam polarization states. A high-precision soft X-ray polarimeter has been used to investigate the polarization calibration of an APPLE-II undulator (period length λu= 64 mm) installed on beamline I06 at Diamond Light Source. Systematic measurement of the beam polarization state at a range of linear arbitrary angles has been compared with the expected result for a given set of undulator gap and row phase parameters calculated from theory. Determination of the corresponding Stokes–Poincaré parameters from the measured data reveals a discrepancy between the two. The limited number of energy/polarization combinations included in the undulator calibration tables necessitates the use of interpolated values for the missing points which is expected to contribute to the discrepancy. However, by modifying the orbit of the electron beam through the undulator by at least 160 µm it has been found that for certain linear polarizations the discrepancies can be corrected. Overall, it is suggested that complete correction of the Stokes–Poincaré parameters for all linear angles would require alteration of both these aspects.
6-Methyl-1-(nitromethyl)-4-(propan-2-yl)naphthalene
Authors: Dakir Mohamed , Benharref Ahmed , El Ammari Lahcen , Saadi Mohamed , Oukhrib Abdelouahd , Berraho Moha
Published: February 2018

The title compound, C15H17NO2, was synthesized in two steps from a mixture of α-himachalene (2-methylene-6,6,9-trimethylbicyclo[5.4.01,7]undec-8-ene), β-himachalene (2,6,6,9-tetramethylbicyclo[5.4.01,7]undeca-1,8-diene) and γ-himachalene (2,6,6,9-tetramethylbicyclo[5.4.01,7]undeca-2,8-diene), which was isolated from an essential oil of the Atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica). The nitro group and the isopropyl group lie almost normal to the mean plane of the naphthalene moiety, making dihedral angles of 83.13 (19) and 71.72 (16)°, respectively, and are inclined to one another by 49.8 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of C—H...π interactions and weak C—H...O interactions.
(Pyridin-2-yl)methyl 6-bromo-2-oxo-1-[(pyridin-2-yl)methyl]-1,2-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylate
Authors: Filali Baba Yassir , Kandri Rodi Youssef , Mague Joel T. , Ouzidan Younes , Ouazzani Chahdi Fouad , Essassi El Mokhtar
Published: February 2018

In the central dihydroquinoline unit of the title compound, C22H16BrN3O3, the dihydropyridinone and benzene rings are inclined to one another by 2.0 (1)°, while the outer pyridine rings are almost perpendicular to the plane of the dihydroquinoline ring system. The conformation of the molecule is partially determined by an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, molecules stack along theb-axis direction through a combination of C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions involving the dihydroquinoline units, with a centroid-to-centroid distance of 3.7648 (15) Å.
Female leadership in the Middle Eastern higher education
Authors: von Alberti-Alhtaybat Larissa , Aazam Salwa
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Female leadership is a still largely unexplored aspect of the higher education (HE) field. While it is known that barriers to entry exist, few studies have addressed female leadership and have investigated what makes a female academic seek leadership, what their experiences are and how they perceive their positions and the associated responsibilities. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to this lacuna as it provides a qualitative account of female academic leaders’ perceptions regarding their positions in the Middle East (ME) context. It also outlines their main tasks as administrative and academic leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection and analysis took place according to grounded theory principles, as outlined in this study. Participants were selected according to theoretical sampling principles, access and willingness to participate.

Findings

The findings illustrate a core concept, the female academic leadership mindset in the ME, and three emergent concepts that address the main shared perceptions, which are leadership experiences and expectations, differential treatment and work-life balance. The first discusses the different types of leadership and how female leaders experienced their positions, the second addresses the perceived differential treatment female leaders experience and the last addresses the dual pressure of work and home responsibilities that many female leaders have to deal with. Interestingly, several participants felt that fellow females were often unsupportive, which might also provide an explanation as to why women still experience obstacles.

Originality/value

This study provides in-depth exploratory accounts of female leaders in various Middle Eastern HE sectors, and gives insight into leadership-related perceptions. Furthermore, it explores the effect of the Middle Eastern cultural context on aspects of female leadership.
Utilisation of water extract of green chilli pepper in the manufacture of low‐fat fresh cheese
Authors: Ghanimah Mohamed , Hanafy Nasr , Hassanein Ahmed , Hashim Mahmood
Published: February 2018

The effect of the water extract of green chilli pepper (WECP) on some properties of low‐fat fresh cheese was studied. Cheese was manufactured from a mixture of reconstituted skim milk powder, whey protein concentrate and sodium chloride and fortified with WECP at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 3%. The addition of WECP significantly decreased the total and lactic acid bacteria counts as well as the yeasts and moulds counts in the fortified cheeses. The flavour was improved in cheeses made using 1 and 2% WECP, and the cheese manufactured with 2% WECP had the highest flavour and total scores.
Lymphocyte immunotherapy for recurrent miscarriages: Predictors of therapeutic success
Authors: Cavalcante Marcelo Borges , Sarno Manoel , Niag Marla , Pimentel Kleber , Luz Ivana , Figueiredo Bianca , Michelon Tatiana , Lima Simone , Machado Isabela Nelly , Araujo Júnior Edward , Barini Ricardo , Neumann Jorge
Published: February 2018

Problem

To evaluate the predictors of successful pregnancies in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages (RMs) having undergone lymphocyte immunotherapy (LIT).

Method of study

Retrospective, multicenter, observational study which involved 702 pregnant women with history of RM treated with LIT. Comparative analysis of women with a history of RM having undergone LIT and experienced treatment success vs those having experienced treatment failure along with the analysis of the association between the number of prior miscarriages and the efficacy of LIT.

Results

A total of 421 women were able to carry the pregnancy to term, with treatment success rate of 60%. The multivariate analysis showed that age, the association between autoantibodies and thrombophilia, and the number of previous miscarriages were factors associated with LIT failure. Secondary RMs alone were not found to be a factor predictive of LIT success or failure; however, secondary RMs among women with a history of 5 or more RM were found to be a predictor of LIT success (OR: 10.24; 95% CI: 1.9‐55.8; P = .007).

Conclusion

Age, the number of previous miscarriages, and the association between autoantibodies and thrombophilia are associated with LIT failure. A higher number of previous miscarriages in cases of secondary RM resulted in better LIT outcomes.
Cognitive decline in the middle‐aged after surgery and anaesthesia: results from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention cohort
Authors: Bratzke L. C. , Koscik R. L. , Schenning K. J. , Clark L. R. , Sager M. A. , Johnson S. C. , Hermann B. P. , Hogan K. J.
Published: February 2018

Surgery and anaesthesia might affect cognition in middle‐aged people without existing cognitive dysfunction. We measured memory and executive function in 964 participants, mean age 54 years, and again four years later, by when 312 participants had had surgery and 652 participants had not. Surgery between tests was associated with a decline in immediate memory by one point (out of a maximum of 30), p = 0.013: memory became abnormal in 77 out of 670 participants with initially normal memory, 21 out of 114 (18%) of whom had had surgery compared with 56 out of 556 (10%) of those who had not, p = 0.02. The number of operations was associated with a reduction in immediate memory on retesting, beta coefficient (SE) 0.08 (0.03), p = 0.012. Working memory decline was also associated with longer cumulative operations, beta coefficient (SE) −0.01 (0.00), p = 0.028. A reduction in cognitive speed and flexibility was associated with worse ASA physical status, beta coefficient (SE) 0.55 (0.22) and 0.37 (0.17) for ASA 1 and 2 vs. 3, p = 0.035. However, a decline in working memory was associated with better ASA physical status, beta coefficient (SE) −0.48 (0.21) for ASA 1 vs. 3, p = 0.01.
Morphology and ultrastructure of the testes and spermatozoa of the South African leopard (Panthera pardus)
Authors: Das Neves Jamie‐Lee , Wagenaar Ina
Published: February 2018

The survival of South African leopard (Panthera pardus) populations is at risk due to the decrease in natural habitat caused by increasing human populations, development projects and industry. The use of ex situ conservation methods such as assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) in captive breeding programmes can be used to conserve and protect this species. However, a good understanding of the reproductive system of the species is imperative in the development of successful ARTs. This study serves to provide information on the morphology and ultrastructure of the spermatozoa and testes of P. pardus that can be used to help in the development, testing and optimization of reproductive techniques. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the morphology and ultrastructure of the spermatozoa by means of fluorescence and electron microscopy respectively, and (ii) to examine the morphology and ultrastructure of the testicular tissue as well as of the stages of spermatogenesis using light and electron microscopy. In this study, it was noted that the morphology and ultrastructure of the spermatozoa are similar to those reported in other feline and mammalian species and that a high amount of morphologically abnormal ejaculated sperm was found to be a common occurrence in all samples obtained.
High‐dose melphalan‐based sequential conditioning chemotherapy followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Steckel Nina K. , Groth Christoph , Mikesch Jan‐Henrik , Trenschel Rudolf , Ottinger Hellmut , Kordelas Lambros , Mueller‐Tidow Carsten , Schliemann Christoph , Reicherts Christian , Albring Joern C. , Silling Gerda , Schmidt Eva , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Lenz Georg , Ditschkowski Markus , Beelen Dietrich W. , Stelljes Matthias
Published: February 2018

Considering the unsatisfactory results of salvage therapies for patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (R/R‐AML), their value before allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains questionable. However, direct allogeneic HSCT following established conditioning regimens applied in patients with R/R‐AML during active disease has been equally disappointing. In this retrospective observational study, high‐dose melphalan, as part of a sequential preparative regimen, followed by a total body irradiation (4 × 2 Gy)‐based or a treosulfan‐based dose‐adapted conditioning therapy for allogeneic HSCT was administered to 292 adult patients (median age 56 years, range 17–74) with primary refractory (144 patients), secondary refractory (97 patients) or relapsed AML (51 patients). Overall survival rates at 3 years were 34%, 29% and 41%, respectively. Risk factors associated with an inferior survival were higher age, transplantation from a human leucocyte antigen‐mismatched donor and high disease burden. Patients transplanted with blast infiltration <20% showed a notable survival rate of 51% at 3 years. In particular, patients with primary refractory AML showed a more favourable outcome when transplanted early during their disease course. Thus, high‐dose melphalan‐based sequential conditioning chemotherapy followed by an allogeneic HSCT is feasible and enables long‐term remission to be achieved in a substantial proportion of patients with active R/R‐AML.
Nerve alterations showing autophagy in 2 patients with lichen aureus
Authors: Yanagihara Makoto , Makino Teruhiko , Shimizu Tadamichi , Mochizuki Takashi
Published: February 2018

Lichen aureus is a rare, chronic, persistent purpuric dermatosis clinically characterized by striking yellow‐ to bronze‐colored lesions. Histologically, lichen aureus differs from other pigmented purpuric dermatoses in containing dense, band‐like infiltrates closely associated with the epidermis. This report describes 2 patients with lichen aureus, a 20‐year‐old woman with a lesion on her right arm and a 51‐year‐old man with a lesion on the right side of his groin. Skin biopsy specimens revealed almost identical findings in both patients, including dense band‐like infiltrates containing lymphocytes, histiocytes with hemosiderin deposits scattered extravasated red blood cells and nerve alterations at the dermo‐epidermal interface. The nerves within the lesions were filled with granules, which stained positive with antibody to microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3, suggesting autophagy within the nerves. These altered nerves were present only in areas of band‐like dermal lymphocytic infiltration. Electron microscopy of the lesions showed the accumulation of autophagosomes in Schwann cells.
Indeterminate cell histiocytosis in a Chinese patient with progressive and extensive nodular lesions and mixed indeterminate cell and macrophage‐monocyte lineage
Authors: Chen Qiping , Lee Joyce S.‐S. , Liang Michelle W. , Chan Michelle M.F. , Pujol Ramón M. , Requena Luis , Tan Suat Hoon
Published: February 2018

Indeterminate cell histiocytosis (ICH) is an extremely rare cutaneous neoplastic disorder. It has the immunophenotypic features of both Langerhans and non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report here a case of a healthy young Chinese woman who presented with disfiguring, thick, infiltrated cutaneous nodules on the face, trunk and extremities which appeared progressively over a period of 4 years. No systemic involvement has been detected so far. Results of a skin biopsy showed diffuse dermal infiltration of histiocytoid cells with indented nuclei and positive staining for S100 and CD1a and negativity for CD207 (langerin). Admixed within were some CD68‐positive foamy histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with focal expression of CD163. Although the clinical presentation is more typical of progressive nodular histiocytosis, the histology and immunoprofile is consistent with ICH. Our report adds to the limited case reports in the current literature of ICH in the Chinese population.
Promoting optimal bimanual performance in cerebral palsy
Authors: Pearse Janice
Published: February 2018

This commentary is on the original article by Klevberg et al. on pages 490–497 of this issue.