bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellagic Acid Inhibits Trichophyton rubrum Growth via Affecting Ergosterol Biosynthesis and Apoptotic Induction
Authors: Li Zhi-Jian , Abula Amima , Abulizi Abudumijiti , Wang Chun , Dou Qin , Maimaiti Youlidouzi , Abudouaini Abudoujilili , Huo Shi-Xia , Aibai Silafu
Published: October 2020

Background. Trichophyton rubrum, among other dermatophytes, is a major causative agent for superficial dermatomycoses like onychomycosis and tinea pedis, especially among pediatric and geriatric populations. Ellagic acid (EA) and shikonin (SK) have been reported to have many bioactivities, including antifungal activity. However, the mechanism of EA and SK on Trichophyton rubrum has not yet been reported. Objectives. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the antifungal activities of EA and SK against Trichophyton rubrum and to illuminate the underlying action mechanisms. Methods. The effect of EA (64, 128, and 256 μg/mL) and SK (8, 4, and 2 μg/mL) on Trichophyton rubrum was investigated with different doses via detecting cell viability, ultrastructure with using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), cell apoptosis and necrosis by using the flow cytometry instrument technique (FCIT), and the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway‐related fungal cell membrane key gene expressions in vitro. Results. SEM detection revealed that the T. rubrum cell surface was shrivelled, folded, and showed deformation and expansion, visible surface peeling, and broken hyphae, and cell contents overflowed after being treated with EA and SK; the cell apoptosis rate was significantly increased in dose‐dependent manner after T. rubrum was treated with EA and SK; the qPCR results showed that mRNA expression of MEP4 and SUB1 was downregulated in EA‐ and SK‐treated groups. Conclusions. Overall, our results revealed the underlying antifungal mechanism of EA and SK, which may be related to the destruction of the fungal cell membrane and inhibition of C14 demethylase and the catalytic rate of squalene cyclooxidase in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway via downregulation of MEP4 and SUB1, suggesting that EA and SK have the potential to be developed further as a natural antifungal agent for clinical use.
Acceleration Signal Processing Method of Impact Response of Floating Shock Platform Based on Rigid Body Motion Model
Authors: Yao Xiongliang , Zhang Wenqi , Wang Zhikai , Chen Jin , Yang Heng
Published: October 2020

Floating shock platform is generally used to test the antishock performance of large shipboard equipment. Shock acceleration signal will produce zero-shift phenomenon in the test measurement process, which will affect the subsequent shock response spectrum analysis. In this paper, a method of shock acceleration signal processing based on rigid body motion revision model is established. The rigid body motion revision model adopts the theory of ship’s seakeeping based on the hypothesis of KrylovFroude, in which the shock wave load of underwater explosion adopts the empirical formula. The bubble pulsation load adopts the GeersHunter spherical bubble model. The empirical mode decomposition method is used to eliminate the trend term of the low-frequency part of the acceleration signal, and the frequency filtering technology is used to eliminate the noise of the high frequency part. The response estimated by the rigid body motion model is used to modify the measured signal. The modified signal is analyzed by shock response spectrum to get the round design spectrum. The validity of the signal is determined by the Pauta criterion. Finally, the shock environment statistics of the whole platform is given. This method can eliminate the low-frequency trend term and high frequency noise and has good robustness. It can be applied to many kinds of signals. This method can provide technical support for antishock performance of shipboard equipment and also applied to other shock signal processing fields.
Larval Cytotoxic and Subacute Toxicity of Gardenia ternifolia, Rourea coccinea, and Cassytha filiformis Used in Traditional Medicine of Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Agbodjento E. , Klotoé J. R. , Sacramento T. I. , Dougnon T. V. , Déguenon E. , Agbankpé J. , Fabiyi K. , Assogba P. , Hounkanrin M.-P. , Akotegnon R. , Dougnon T. J. , Atègbo J.-M.
Published: October 2020

The use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine is a common practice in developing countries. However, this unregulated or irrational use may pose a risk of toxicity to humans in the short and/or long term. Recent studies reported interesting ethnopharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical data on some medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of male infertility in Benin. Unfortunately, very little data exist on the long-repeated dose toxicity of these medicinal plants. This study was aimed at evaluating the larval cytotoxicity and subacute toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of Cassytha filiformis whole plant, Gardenia ternifolia roots, and Rourea coccinea leaves. The subacute toxicity of these plants was evaluated in male Wistar albino rats at three different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) according to the OECD 407 guidelines. Hematological and biochemical examinations and the histological study of the liver and kidneys were carried out. Larval cytotoxicity was assessed by the sensitivity of Artemia salina larvae to different concentrations of the studied plants extracts. The mean lethal concentration (LC50) was determined by the probit method. Subacute toxicity data indicated that there was no mortality or structural alterations of the liver and kidneys in the lot of treated animals. However, significant alterations in certain hematological and biochemical parameters (hematocrit, ASAT, and uremia) were noted. These abnormalities were observed in the lot of rats treated with Rourea coccinea and Cassytha filiformis extracts. Larval cytotoxicity data indicate that the studied plants extracts are not cytotoxic (LC50 > 0.1 mg/mL). These data suggest that the use in traditional medicine of studied plants at high doses and repeated over a long period of time requires special attention.
Right-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Caused by Hepatopulmonary Fusion
Authors: Patel Sonal , Rael Jennifer
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Hepatopulmonary fusion is a very rare finding associated with right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. With less than 50 reported cases, management and outcomes of hepatopulmonary fusion are poorly understood. This report highlights that clinical presentation is not a reliable indicator of outcomes in this rare disease. Case Presentation. A term neonate admitted for tachypnea and complete opacification of the right hemithorax was diagnosed with right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Preoperative respiratory support was minimal, and the only symptom exhibited was tachypnea. During surgical repair, fusion of the lung and liver were noted, consistent with a diagnosis of hepatopulmonary fusion. Postoperatively, the patient’s pulmonary hypertension worsened and required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Conclusions. Many patients with hepatopulmonary fusion and only mild symptoms die postoperatively from severe pulmonary hypertension and progressive respiratory failure. Preoperative clinical status is not indicative of postoperative outcomes, and literature suggests that patients who require less support preoperatively have high mortality rates. The availability of ECMO for postoperative complications may be necessary in patients requiring repair of hepatopulmonary fusion.
Real-Time Optimal Control Strategy for Multienergy Complementary Microgrid System Based on Double-Layer Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Mou Min , Zhou Yuhao , Zheng Wenguang , Zhang Zhongping , Lin Da , Ke Dongdong
Published: October 2020

Because of the problems of low operation efficiency and poor energy management of multienergy input and output system with complex load demand and energy supply, this paper uses the double-layer nondominated sorting genetic algorithm to optimize the multienergy complementary microgrid system in real-time, allocating reasonably the output of each energy supply end and reducing the energy consumption of the system on the premise of meeting the demand of cooling, thermal and power load, so as to improve the economy of the whole system. According to the system load demand and operation mode, the first layer of this double-layer operation strategy calculates the power required by each node of the microgrid system to reduce the system loss. The second layer calculates the output of each equipment by using nondominated sorting genetic algorithm with various energy values calculated in the first layer as constraint conditions, considering the operation characteristics of various equipment and aiming at economy and environmental protection. In this paper, a typical model of energy input-output is established. This model combines with the operation control strategy suitable for multienergy complementary microgrid system, considers the operation mode and equipment characteristics of the system, and uses a double-layer nondominated sorting genetic algorithm to optimize the operation of each equipment in the multienergy complementary system in real time, so as to reduce the operation cost of the system.
Lattice-Based Linearly Homomorphic Signature Scheme over

F

2
Authors: Cai Jie , Jiang Han , Wang Hao , Xu Qiuliang
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we design a new lattice-based linearly homomorphic signature scheme over

F

2

. The existing schemes are all constructed based on hash-and-sign lattice-based signature framework, where the implementation of preimage sampling function is Gaussian sampling, and the use of trapdoor basis needs a larger dimension

m
≥
5
n
 
log
 
q

. Hence, they cannot resist potential side-channel attacks and have larger sizes of public key and signature. Under Fiat–Shamir with aborting signature framework and general SIS problem restricted condition

m
≥
n
 
log
 
q

, we use uniform sampling of filtering technology to design the scheme, and then, our scheme has a smaller public key size and signature size than the existing schemes and it can resist side-channel attacks.
Extended Renal Artery Denervation Is Associated with Artery Wall Lesions and Acute Systemic and Pulmonary Hemodynamic Changes: A Sham-Controlled Experimental Study
Authors: Vakhrushev Aleksandr D. , Condori Leandro Heber Ivan , Goncharova Natalia S. , Korobchenko Lev E. , Mitrofanova Lubov B. , Lebedev Dmitry S. , Mikhaylov Evgeny N.
Published: October 2020

Objectives. We sought to assess acute changes in systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and microscopic artery lesions following extended renal artery denervation (RDN). Background. RDN has been proposed to reduce sympathetic nervous system hyperactivation. Although the effects of RDN on systemic circulation and overall sympathetic activity have been studied, data on the impact of RDN on pulmonary hemodynamics is lacking. Methods. The study comprised 13 normotensive Landrace pigs. After randomization, 7 animals were allocated to the group of bilateral RDN and 6 animals to the group of a sham procedure (SHAM). Hemodynamic measures, cannulation, and balloon-based occlusion of the renal arteries were performed in both groups. In the RDN group, radiofrequency ablation was performed in all available arteries and their segments. An autopsy study of the renal arteries was carried out in both groups. Results. The analysis was performed on 12 pigs (6 in either group) since pulmonary thromboembolism occurred in one case. A statistically significant drop in the mean diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was detected in the RDN group when compared with the SHAM group (change by

13.0
±
4.4

and

10.0
±
3.0
 
mmHg

, correspondingly;

P
=
0.04

). In 5 out of 6 pigs in the RDN group, a significant decrease in systemic systolic blood pressure was found, when compared with baseline (

98.8
±
17.8

vs.

90.2
±
12.6
 
mmHg

,

P
=
0.04

), and a lower mean pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (

291.0
±
77.4

vs.

228.5
±
63.8
 
dyn
∗
sec
∗
c

m

−
5

,

P
=
0.03

) after ablation was found. Artery dissections were found in both groups, with prevalence in animals after RDN. Conclusions. Extensive RDN leads to a rapid and significant decrease in PAP. In the majority of cases, RDN is associated with an acute lowering of systolic blood pressure and PVR. Extended RDN is associated with artery wall lesions and thrombus formation underdiagnosed by angiography.
A Pocket Assay Grouting Technology for Rock Burst Control under Huge-Thick Conglomerate
Authors: Shi Junwei , Meng Xiangrui , Du Jifang , Dong Yu , Wang Ying
Published: October 2020

As the carrier of force and energy, large-scale breaking or bending of huge-thick conglomerate tends to induce impact ground pressure in stope and tunnel. The stratum movement under huge-thick conglomerate was studied in this paper, which is mainly based on the key stratum theory for ground control. Based on this theory, the huge-thick conglomerate can be regarded as the main key stratum, and stratum movement or the development of grassroots state under huge-thick conglomerate will affect the structure itself, which may induce rock burst in stope and tunnel. The grouting technology is proved to effectively limit the bending settlement of conglomerate, control stress concentration of conglomerate, and improve the structure of the source of rock burst, which is an effective method for the control of huge-thick conglomerate. In this paper, the optimization of grouting filling material ratio is studied by the orthogonal experiments and the results show that the optimization of material ratio is cement: fly ash: gangue 1 : 2.22 : 4.44, concentration 75%. Under such conditions, pumpability and intensity reach the best. Meanwhile, a new technology, called pocket assay grouting technology, is put forward in this paper. It can prevent slurry leakage, protect the environment, and improve the efficiency of slip casting. The application of this technology in Huafeng mine shows that it not only realizes the safe, efficient, and green of coal mine but also provides technical support to control occurrence of rock burst induced by the movement of the huge-thick conglomerate in deep mining.
Research on Construction of a Cloud Platform for Tourism Information Intelligent Service Based on Blockchain Technology
Authors: Wei Cao , Wang Qinan , Liu Chengying
Published: October 2020

The development of global tourism has put forward new requirements for the construction of smart tourism. More and more travel-related data have reached the level of TB or even PB, which has brought great difficulties to tourism management. This article explores the use of big data technologies such as genetic algorithms to explore massive travel data and establish a comprehensive tourism information service platform for governments, enterprises, tourists, and scientific research institutions. The overall design of an industrial information service platform based on big tourist data is proposed. The overall function, data source, data standard, and application scope of the platform are all focused on. The traceability and nontampering of blockchain technology can also help passengers retain and verify their identity information. From the perspective of the design goals of the system, in general, the time required for repeated authentication will greatly reduce air ticket bookings, accommodation reservations, and bill verification, and improving efficiency is the only way to establish a “trust ecology.” Architecture design, distributed architecture, and intelligent service design, as well as the key implementation technology of service platform construction, route recommendation algorithm and tourism information big data mining, research and analysis on the construction of tourism information intelligent service.
Reducing Meat Perishability through Pullulan Active Packaging
Authors: Khan Muhammad Jamshed , Kumari Suriya , Selamat Jinap , Shameli Kamyar , Sazili Awis Qurni
Published: October 2020

The provision of safe products from the meat industry has been considered as the major source of protein for maintaining human health. Meat-borne outbreaks are mainly due to Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), reducing the shelf life and consumer demands. A variety of vulnerable substances, including cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), are generated by the oxidation of meat induced by the microbial infestations. The use of certain biodegradable active packaging, including pullulan active packaging, is being focused by the meat industry due to their safety, stability, and negligible health risks. The potential of pullulan active packaging, incorporated with silver nanoparticles and essential oils, against E. coli, S. typhimurium, Mycoplasma, and other bacterial species is exclusive. Similarly, maintenance of organoleptic properties of meat with nominal oxidative rancidity and limited human health issues can be acquired by pullulan active packaging.
Real-Time Visualization Optimization Management Simulation of Big Data Stream on Industrial Heritage Cloud Platform
Authors: Gao Mengya
Published: October 2020

Recently, the development and utilization of industrial heritage resources by using big data has gradually attracted attention. This paper proposes a real-time visualization optimization management simulation of an industrial heritage cloud platform, which realizes the high reliability and diversified storage and utilization of industrial big data by the cloud data distributed storage subsystem. The big data prediction model of the GRU neural network based on a spark distributed framework is constructed to realize the prediction of industrial genetic data. Finally, visualization technology can provide information supporting for industrial production by displaying effective information intuitively. The model’s effectiveness and reliability are verified by simulation.
Prevention and Control Technology for Harmful Toxic Gas Intrusion in High-Fire-Hazard-Risk Areas of Close-Distance Coal Seams
Authors: Wang Wei , Liang Yuntao
Published: October 2020

Fire hazard-risk area in small coal pits can be found in the southern part of the Shigetai Coal Mine, a close-distance coal seam mining sector in the Shendong mining area, which is susceptible to the risk of harmful toxic gas intrusion, seriously threatening the safety of mining around the working surface. Aiming at this problem, a numerical model representing the mining activity on the close-distance coal seams was established to simulate the movement pattern of overlying strata and the development process of fractures based on the horizontal stress “normalization” technology. Also, the principal air-leak passageways were detected with the SF6 tracer analysis. On this basis, the influencing pattern of harmful toxic gas intruding into the working surface can be comprehensively analyzed, providing a basis for effectively preventing and controlling gas intrusion disasters. The research findings show that, after a lower coal seam has been mined, the caving zone ranges from 73 m to 94 m in height, and the fractured zone tends to develop all the way to the surface. Furthermore, shear fractures are the major passageways for air leakage, and the occurrence of gas intrusion disasters is basically taking place at the same time frame as the occurrence of roof weighting. Meanwhile, the harmful toxic gas intrudes the working surface through the fractures on the security coal pillars and shear fractures on the overlying strata. To prevent intrusion disasters from occurring, the applications of inorganic foaming and curing materials for filling were studied in combination with the actual engineering conditions. The construction grounds in sections where the fire hazard-risk area in small coal pits have not been stripped were drilled, and filling materials were poured into the goaf to create an isolation belt. As can be observed from the applied areas, constructing isolation belts to block the major air-leak passageways can effectively prevent the harmful toxic gases from intruding into the working surface, ensuring the safety of mining on the working surface.
Sistema de Compras Públicas
Authors: Bordón Tapia Paola
Published: October 2020

A fines de agosto, la Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) hizo público un Estudio de Mercado sobre Compras Públicas. En este informe se detallan una serie de falencias, proponiendo una serie de medidas para reducir el gasto. Estos ahorros podrían llegar a ser del orden de US$ 855 millones al año si se aplicaran. A continuación, se explican brevemente los problemas de incentivos e información que se requieren atender para aumentar la eficiencia del sistema. Continuar leyendo...
Desafíos que enfrentamos
Authors: García Carlos
Published: October 2020

E n este último año, la economía -y el país en general- ha transitado por momentos dramáticos que están desafiado no solo su organización social sino también las políticas económicas. Continuar leyendo...
Desafíos técnicos para asegurar pensiones mínimas en la vejez:
Authors: López Fernando
Published: October 2020

El principal objetivo de un sistema de pensiones es producir ingresos que permitan a las personas financiar sus necesidades en la vejez. En Chile, existe consenso de que las pensiones son bajas y que es necesario aumentarlas, sin embargo, no hay acuerdo sobre los cambios que necesitamos para  lograrlo. Las principales discrepancias tienen como trasfondo diferencias ideológicas sobre redistribución de ingreso (solidaridad inter e intra generacional y su financiamiento) y disputas de poder asociadas a la gobernanza y administración del sistema. Continuar leyendo...
Educación Superior
Authors: Giolito Eugenio
Published: October 2020

Como todos sabemos, el Estado otorga la gratuidad a la educación superior a estudiantes que pertenezcan al 60% más pobre de la población y que hayan accedido a una institución adscrita. La forma en la que se diseñó la política de gratuidad, (un hibrido entre un subsidio a la demanda y a la oferta), genera dos tipos de asimetrías que, si bien vienen desde el inicio, se vuelven mas graves en el contexto de una crisis económica como la que se ha gestado a partir de la pandemia. Continuar leyendo...
The Changing Landscape of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines—Novel Platforms and Neoantigen Identification
Authors: Jou Jessica , Harrington Kevin J. , Zocca Mai-Britt , Ehrnrooth Eva , Cohen Ezra E.W.
Published: October 2020

Therapeutic cancer vaccines, an exciting development in cancer immunotherapy, share the goal of creating and amplifying tumor-specific T-cell responses, but significant obstacles still remain to their success. Here, we briefly outline the principles underlying cancer vaccine therapy with a focus on novel vaccine platforms and antigens, underscoring the renewed optimism. Numerous strategies have been investigated to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and counteract tumor escape, including improving antigen selection, refining delivery platforms, and use of combination therapies. Several new cancer vaccine platforms and antigen targets are under development. In an effort to amplify tumor-specific T-cell responses, a heterologous prime-boost antigen delivery strategy is increasingly used for virus-based vaccines. Viruses have also been engineered to express targeted antigens and immunomodulatory molecules simultaneously, to favorably modify the TME. Nanoparticle systems have shown promise as delivery vectors for cancer vaccines in preclinical research. T-win is another platform targeting both tumor cells and the TME, using peptide-based vaccines that engage and activate T cells to target immunoregulatory molecules expressed on immunosuppressive and malignant cells. With the availability of next-generation sequencing, algorithms for neoantigen selection are emerging, and several bioinformatic platforms are available to select therapeutically relevant neoantigen targets for developing personalized therapies. However, more research is needed before the use of neoepitope prediction and personalized immunotherapy becomes commonplace. Taken together, the field of therapeutic cancer vaccines is fast evolving, with the promise of potential synergy with existing immunotherapies for long-term cancer treatment.
Penetrating Orbital Sphenoid Sinus Trauma with a Wooden Stick: A Challenging Case Report
Authors: Hansen Marie-Louise Uhre , Thorsberger Mads , Jørgensen Jesper Skovlund , von Buchwald Christian
Published: October 2020

Transorbital and intra-sphenoidal traumas are relatively uncommon, can be challenging to manage, and are associated with a high risk of complications and potentially fatal outcome. Transorbital and intra-sphenoidal trauma pose a medical challenge due to close relationship to delicate and critical anatomical structures, such as the globe, optic nerve, the ophthalmic internal carotid arteries, and central nervous system. Rapid admission to a level 1 trauma center with a high surgical expertise level is essential to ensure the best possible treatment and outcome. We present a case of a 75-year-old man who had a severe orbital trauma, where a wooden foreign object penetrated the orbit into the sphenoid sinus without penetrating its posterior wall. This case is important because of the rare trauma presentation with a wooden foreign object, which can easily be missed on computed tomography. The case also illustrates the importance of close collaboration between ophthalmologists and rhinologists when challenged with severe orbital sphenoid sinus trauma.
A Decade of Food and Nutrition Policy in Portugal (2010–2020)
Authors: Graça Pedro , Gregório Maria João , Freitas Maria da Graça
Published: October 2020

For the first time, in 2012, the Portuguese Government, through the National Program for the Promotion of Healthy Eating of the Directorate-General for Health, implemented a set of concerted measures for improving the dietary habits, nutritional status and health of the population. Prior to, and since 2007, several epidemiological, social and political circumstances converged, for later enabling the development of a national strategy throughout the decade 2010–2020. This was also supported by specific international guidelines, namely from the World Health Organization and the European Commission. The national strategy objectives have been: (a) To increase the knowledge about the population’s food consumption, its determinants and consequences; (b) to modify the access to certain food items specially in schools, workplaces and public spaces; (c) To inform and empower individuals regarding shopping, preparation and storage of healthy foods, especially amongst those most vulnerable or with a lower income; (d) to identify and promote actions capable of encouraging a healthier diet through the integration of other societal sectors, namely agriculture, sports, environment, education, social security and local authorities; and (e) to better capacitate different professionals who, owing to their roles, may influence nutritional knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. Several actions are described, including the creation of legislation to address these objectives. It is worth noting that one of the biggest challenges to this public policy has been the interventions within the environments where people live. By knowingly being central to food choice determinants, these environmental modifications were also where the stakeholders felt the greatest tensions and difficulties, but also where there are the greatest gains to be made. Solutions to overcome these problems and other perceived difficulties have been proposed here and are considered to be some of the main lessons and achievements throughout this process.
Comparative Cytogenetics of Four Sea Turtle Species (Cheloniidae): G-Banding Pattern and in situ Localization of Repetitive DNA Units
Authors: Machado Caroline R.D. , Glugoski Larissa , Domit Camila , Pucci Marcela B. , Goldberg Daphne W. , Marinho Layse A. , da Costa Gideão W.W.F. , Nogaroto Viviane , Vicari Marcelo R.
Published: October 2020

Sea turtles are considered flagship species for marine biodiversity conservation and are considered to be at varying risk of extinction globally. Cases of hybridism have been reported in sea turtles, but chromosomal analyses are limited to classical karyotype descriptions and a few molecular cytogenetic studies. In order to compare karyotypes and understand evolutive mechanisms related to chromosome dif­ferentiation in this group, Chelonia mydas, Caretta caretta, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Lepidochelys olivacea were cytogenetically characterized in the present study. When the obtained cytogenetic data were compared with the putative ancestral Cryptodira karyotype, the studied species showed the same diploid number (2n) of 56 chromosomes, with some variations in chromosomal morphology (karyotypic formula) and minor changes in longitudinal band locations. In situ localization using a 18S ribosomal DNA probe indicated a homeologous microchromosome pair bearing a 45S ribosomal DNA locus and size heteromorphism in all 4 species. Interstitial telomeric sites were identified in a microchromosome pair in C. mydas and C. caretta. The data showed that interspecific variations occurred in chromosomal sets among the Cheloniidae species, in addition to other Cryptodira karyotypes. These variations generated lineage-specific karyotypic diversification in sea turtles, which will have considerable implications for hybrid recognition and for the study, the biology, ecology, and evolutionary history of regional and global populations. Furthermore, we demonstrated that some chromosome rearrangements occurred in sea turtle species, which is in conflict with the hypothesis of conserved karyotypes in this group.
Automatisierte Diagnosestellung und Vermessung des Strabismus bei Kindern
Authors: Siebelmann Sebastian
Published: October 2020

Purpose: Manual measurements of strabismus are subjective, time consuming, difficult to perform in babies, toddlers, and young children, and rely on the examiner’s skill and experience. An automated system, based on eye tracking and dedicated full occlusion glasses, was developed to provide a fast, objective, and easy-to-use alternative to the manual measurements of strabismus. This study tested the efficacy of the system in determining the presence of strabismus in children, as well as its type and the amount of deviation, in addition to differentiating between phorias and tropias. Design: A prospective, masked, inter-rater reliability study. Methods: A prospective, masked, cross-sectional study included 69 children, 3–15 years of age. A cover-uncover test and a prism alternating cover test (PACT) for the primary gaze, at a distance of 50 cm, were performed by 2 independent, masked examiners and by the automated system. Results: A high correlation was found between the automated and the manual test results (R = 0.9 and P < 0.001 for the horizontal deviation, and R = 0.91 and P < 0.001 for the vertical deviations, with 100% correct identification of the type of deviation). The average automated test duration was 46 seconds. The Bland-Altman plot, used to compare the 2 measurement methods, showed a mean value of −2.9 prism diopters (PD) and a half-width of the 95% limit of agreement of ± 11.4 PD. Conclusion: The automated system provides precise detection and measurements of ocular misalignment and differentiated between phorias and tropias. It can be used in participants from the ages of 3 years old and up.
Update Diabetische Retinopathie
Authors: Boussaid Ines , Augustin Albert J.
Published: October 2020

In the last decades, significant changes have been taking place regarding the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and the complex mechanisms that eventually lead to the various manifestations of the disease, including diabetic macular edema (DME). DR was first considered a pure microvascular disease, due to the evident capillary structural changes (microaneurysms), fluid extravasation, and lipid exudation. With the advent of fundus fluorescein angiography, the concept of ischemia and the correlation between peripheral nonperfusion and neovascularization has been introduced, which was eventually followed by the advent of new therapeutic strategies, such as peripheral photocoagulation. Nowadays, thanks to more advanced imaging techniques, namely optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, and wide-field imaging (imaging up to 200° of the retina in a single shot), it became clear that other elements participate in the occurrence of DR and DME, including inflammation and neurodegeneration. In the future, integration of standard investigations with new diagnostic devices would allow the prompt recognition of DR even before clinical signs of the disease are ophthalmoscopically evident, and the development of personalized treatment for both retinopathy and DME will be available.
ETV2 (Ets Variant Transcription Factor 2)-
Rhoj
Cascade Regulates Endothelial Progenitor Cell Migration During Embryogenesis
Authors: Singh Bhairab N. , Sierra-Pagan Javier E. , Gong Wuming , Das Satyabrata , Theisen Joshua W.M. , Skie Erik , Garry Mary G. , Garry Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Endothelial progenitors migrate early during embryogenesis to form the primary vascular plexus. The regulatory mechanisms that govern their migration are not completely defined. Here, we describe a novel role for ETV2 (Ets variant transcription factor 2) in cell migration and provide evidence for an ETV2
-Rhoj
network as a mechanism responsible for this process.

Approach and Results:

Analysis of RNAseq datasets showed robust enrichment of migratory/motility pathways following overexpression of ETV2 during mesodermal differentiation. We then analyzed ETV2 chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq and assay for transposase accessible chromatin-seq datasets, which showed enrichment of chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq peaks with increased chromatin accessibility in migratory genes following overexpression of ETV2. Migratory assays showed that overexpression of ETV2 enhanced cell migration in mouse embryonic stem cells, embryoid bodies, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Knockout of
Etv2
led to migratory defects of
Etv2-EYFP
+
angioblasts to their predefined regions of developing embryos relative to wild-type controls at embryonic day (E) 8.5, supporting its role during migration. Mechanistically, we showed that ETV2 binds the promoter region of
Rhoj
serving as an upstream regulator of cell migration. Single-cell RNAseq analysis of
Etv2-EYFP
+
sorted cells revealed coexpression of
Etv2
and
Rhoj
in endothelial progenitors at E7.75 and E8.25. Overexpression of ETV2 led to a robust increase in
Rhoj
in both embryoid bodies and mouse embryonic fibroblasts, whereas, its expression was abolished in the
Etv2
knockout embryoid bodies. Finally, shRNA-mediated knockdown of
Rhoj
resulted in migration defects, which were partially rescued by overexpression of ETV2.

Conclusions:

These results define an ETV2
-Rhoj
cascade, which is important for the regulation of endothelial progenitor cell migration.
A Sign For You: A Child Savior Revealed to Child Shepherds
Authors: Allen Amy Lindeman
Published: October 2020

Drawing on parallels from Jewish, Greco-Roman, and Early Christian sources alongside of sociological models of agriculture in subsistence economies, this essay makes the case for the presence (if not preponderance) of child shepherds among those who receive the angelic message in Luke 2:1–20. By engaging a childist reading that both considers the position of the shepherds with regards to their economic and social standing in Bethlehem and re-reads the angelic message and proclamation of an infant as sign in light of such a youthful audience, this essay reframes the perceived identity of the Bethlehem shepherds to foreground the children in their midst.
Ecomimetic Interpretation: Ascertainment, Identification, and Dialogue in Matthew 6:25–34
Authors: Copeland Rebecca L.
Published: October 2020

Biblical scholars often disregard ecological hermeneutics too readily as a special interest approach that is incapable of contributing to wider interpretive and theological conversations. This essay offers a new approach, ecomimetic interpretation, as a reading strategy that can bridge the gap between ecological hermeneutics and other forms of hermeneutical inquiry. Ecomimetic interpretation requires the interpreter to identify with non-human characters in a given text and allow that identification to contribute to the questions and findings that other approaches raise. In doing so, it contributes to such disparate fields as historical critical studies, theology, ethics, and ecological hermeneutics. This essay first develops the method of ecomimetic interpretation, illustrating each step with a brief reading of Matt. 6:25–34, and then surveys the contributions that this reading strategy can make to a variety of disciplines.
Apechei (Mark 14:41) as Hermeneutic Clue in/to Gethsemane
Authors: Hatton Stephen B.
Published: October 2020

Attempts to explain the meaning of apechei in Mark 14:41 have failed to achieve a consensus among scholars perhaps because they dwell on events and characters in the story. In contrast, this article seeks to understand the use of apechei in the text of the author. The translation with the strongest evidence relates to a financial transaction that has been completed. The article argues that apechei refers to the final prayer of Jesus and sleep of the disciples and asks what it is about that pair that makes them a final payment. It examines the three prayer–sleep iterations in Gethsemane and shows that they comprise a comic scene. Apechei thus refers to the sufficiency of the three iterations to attest to comedy. The article then demonstrates that the betrayal, ear-cutting, and naked young man narratives are all comedy. Apechei is thus an important hermeneutic clue to comedy in Gethsemane.
Cut & Splice: Reading Judges 19 Cinematically
Authors: Hurlbert Brandon M.
Published: October 2020

What is the purpose of the violence in Judges 19 and what does this narrative aim to accomplish in its readers? Phyllis Trible (1984), Cheryl Exum (1993), and more recently, Margaret Atwood (2019), suggest that this violence is viewed positively by the narrator and serves to reinforce patriarchal ideology. I propose that a different conclusion may be reached by adopting a ‘grammatical-cinematic’ approach. The goal of this approach is to read the biblical narrative through film, i.e., to tell the biblical story in the language of the cinema by focusing on the ‘cinematic sensibilities’ of the text. Using examples from Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained, I argue that this approach can recover the agency and dignity of the woman and better visualize the brutality of violence. Finally, I argue that one can understand the object of the author’s critique to be the events and characters of the narrative.
The Prophet of Second Chances: Jonah, Israel and Assyria and their Missed Opportunities for Redemption
Authors: Scolnic Benjamin Edidin
Published: October 2020

The author of the Book of Jonah carefully selected the prophet Jonah ben Amittai, mentioned briefly in 2 Kings 14:23–29, to be the anti-hero of his tale. We may integrate knowledge from the historical context of this prophet’s lifetime in the eighth century bce to see structural parallels between the sinful actions, Yhwh’s merciful responses to the actions, and the continued sinful actions, of Jonah, Israel and Assyria. Jonah becomes the prophet of second chances: for Israel, for himself, for the Assyrians, and then for the Judean audience, either in the Babylonian exile or thereafter, in a work written in agreement with the theological paradigm of the Deuteronomistic histories that attempt to demonstrate Yhwh’s mercy.
Corporate Criminality and Individual Criminal Responsibility in International Law: Removing the Hurdles from the International Criminal Court’s Approach to Perpetration through Control of a Collective Entity
Authors: Kotzamani Panagiota
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the International Criminal Court’s (icc) understanding of the notion of collective criminality and its application in identifying the perpetrators of international crimes committed through the activities of a corporation. It analyses the Court’s current approach to the notion of control in interpreting Art. 25(3)(a) of the icc Statute and explains why it cannot prove useful against individuals within non-state collective entities. In this direction, it suggests a more flexible theory of control and it applies it in the context of corporate criminality to identify the responsibility of company directors as perpetrators of international crimes through their corporation’s activities.
An Economic Analysis of the Perception of ‘Grief’ in the Letter to Philippians in the Light of New Institutional Economics (NIE)
Authors: Hon Ho Ip Alex
Published: October 2020

Beginning with Paul Holloway’s view that the letter to Philippians is a letter of consolation aimed at comforting the “grief” of the grieving among the Philippi community, this paper argues one step further that the grief in the community is a problem of perception, with the help of new institutional economics (NIE). The primary reason for the divergence in perception is due to living in the Roman colony, the believing community was greatly affected by the values embedded in both formal and informal rules of the economy. In order to justify this view, this paper will, first, demonstrate the textual evidence showing that Paul’s major concern is the perception of believing community. Then, with the help of NIE, I will show how the formal and informal economic institutions of the Roman colony might constitute a perception that is very different from what Paul would expect.
A Perceptual Approach to EU Public Diplomacy: Investigating Collaborative Diplomacy in EU-Ukraine Relations
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Elgström Ole
Published: October 2020

This article contributes to the theorisation of collaborative public diplomacy by introducing a perceptual approach. Engaging with the collaborative diplomacy paradigm developed to conceptualise public diplomacy in the context of non-traditional security threats and conflicts, as well as nation building, the article explores and compares perceptions of the European Union (EU) as a public diplomacy actor in Ukraine (tracked in 50 elite interviews) and in Brussels (13 interviews with EU practitioners). The article engages with a concept of a ‘perception gap’ hypothesising a gap between the Others’ perception of the EU and the EU’s self-perception. It furthers the conceptualisation of a perception gap by suggesting to consider it at cognitive, normative and emotive levels in the image structure and arguing variation between the levels. The article contends that a perception gap is a critical factor in preventing genuine dialogue, engagement and listening — key concepts proposed by the collaborative diplomacy paradigm.
COVID-19 and Gender: A Necessary Connection in Diplomatic Studies
Authors: Towns Ann E. , Jezierska Katarzyna , Kreft Anne-Kathrin , Niklasson Birgitta
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has fundamentally gendered effects, on intimate partner violence, the division of care labour, healthcare and more. This, and other COVID-19-related changes, may have important consequences for the gendered practice of diplomacy. This essay therefore discusses COVID-19 to highlight the need to pay better attention to gender in the study of diplomacy. For instance, what are the gender dimensions of diplomacy moving online? What are the gendered implications of the increased pressures on consular diplomacy? Turning to longer-term issues, how do gender justice organisations that respond to COVID-19 target diplomats and embassies? How, in turn, do diplomats respond to such advocacy and the underlying problems they address, and does the recent increase in women diplomats make any difference? Gender and diplomacy are intimately interwoven, this essay contends, and understanding the implications of COVID-19 on diplomacy necessitates examining this connection.
Still Head Waiters Who Are Occasionally Allowed to Sit? Heads of Mission after COVID-19
Authors: Heine Jorge
Published: October 2020

‘A diplomat these days is nothing but a head waiter who is occasionally allowed to sit’, the actor Peter Ustinov once quipped. The paradox is that at the height of the current phase of globalisation, diplomacy and diplomats were sidelined rather than recognised for their key roles as ‘hinges’ of this process. Will the COVID-19 pandemic, with its cutting back on travel and (most likely) the budgets of ministries of foreign affairs, and the blistering attacks of populists on diplomats lead to their further marginalisation? Looking at the newly emerging role of Chinese ambassadors, this essay argues that may not necessarily be the case.
A New Paradigm for EU Diplomacy? EU Council Negotiations in a Time of Physical Restrictions
Authors: Maurer Heidi , Wright Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Can diplomacy work without physical presence? International relations scholars consider the European Union (EU) the most institutionalised case of international co-operation amongst sovereign states, with the highest density of repeated diplomatic exchange. In a year, the Council of Ministers hosts on average 143 ministerial and 200 ambassadorial meetings, along with hundreds of working group meetings. These intense diplomatic interactions came to an abrupt halt in mid-March 2020, when the spread of COVID-19 forced the Council to approve — in a manner unprecedented in European integration history — the temporary derogation from its rules of procedures to allow votes in written form, preceded by informal videoconferences between ministers or ambassadors. This argumentative essay reflects on how we can use these extraordinary months of intra-European diplomacy to assess the viability of virtual diplomacy in the EU context and what lessons it provides as we seek more sustainable means of international engagement.
Antarctic Diplomacy in a Time of Pandemic
Authors: Dodds Klaus , Hemmings Alan D.
Published: October 2020

In the reporting about COVID-19 diplomacy, Antarctica has functioned as the exceptional — the only continent, thus far, not to record a single case of COVID-19, although cases were reported on Antarctic tourism vessels in the northern Antarctic Peninsula. For six decades, Antarctic governance has been an experiment in global democracy and diplomacy. Under the auspices of the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and associated legal instruments, all Consultative Parties from Argentina to Ukraine have the same fundamental rights to be engaged with the business of managing Antarctica. This essay speculates on ramifications of the pandemic for Antarctic governance and diplomacy. What are the implications when geographical distancing is joined by new forms of social distancing? Does the model of Antarctic governance and diplomacy still work? One possible future scenario is that conservation enforcement suffers because relevant parties refuse to accept the presence of others and weaponise public health to prevent public scrutiny.