bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HLA-G in Preeclampsia: a Pilot Study to Propose a Tolerogenic Treatment
Authors: Lucio García César , Lucio García Cynthia Ayerim , Alonso Barreto Arely Sarai , Camarillo Romero María del Socorro , Layton Tovar Cristian Fabian , Abril Riaño Deisy Julieth , Mendieta Zerón Hugo
Published: November 2019

Background: The serum level of soluble Human Leukocyte Antigen-antigen-D Related (HLA)-(DR) (sHLA-DR) may appear as a useful parameter to monitor maternal immune response during pregnancy. Objective: The aim was to compare HLA-G serum levels in patients with or without preeclampsia.

Methods: Pregnant women seen at the “Mónica Pretelini Sáenz” Maternal-Perinatal Hospital (HMPMPS) were recruited at their first visit. Two groups were conformed: a) women with healthy pregnancies, and b) women with preeclampsia. The patients’ sociodemographic and laboratory data were introduced into the SPSS software program. HLA-G quantification was performed in peripheral blood samples through the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

Results: The total number of women seen was 16 (mean age, 24 ± 8 years), eight healthy women (mean age, 22 ± 3 years) and eight women with preeclampsia (mean age, 27 ± 7 years). Women with preeclampsia were older, heavier, had higher levels of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), and referred less sexual intercourse per week than healthy pregnant women. There was no difference in HLA-G levels.

Conclusion: The sexual intercourse frequency is a major factor to develop preeclampsia and the serum HLA-G levels measured previous to the child delivery or cesarean are not different between women with or without preeclampsia.
Addressing the Enduring Primary Care Physician Shortage in The United States: The Direct and Indirect Effects of Gender on the Medical Specialty Decision-Making Process
Authors: MacArthur Kelly Rhea , Royer Emily , Hawkins Daniel N.
Published: November 2019

Background: There has been an enduring primary care (PC) physician shortage in the United States (U.S.) for decades, which is projected to worsen. With women entering PC at significantly higher rates than men, the aim of this study was to explore various pathways through which gender may affect the medical specialty decision-making process. Methods: Using data from the National Survey of Attitudes and Choices in Medical Education and Training (ACMET) II on a sample of 492 medical residents, this study employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore how gender shaped residents’ preferences for future practice and their perceptions of PC, and how their experiences with faculty affected the medical specialty decision-making process. Results: As expected, women were significantly more likely than men to report choosing PC. This study also found that there were several indirect pathways through which gender affects specialty choice, including through negative perceptions about PC and the time spent with PC faculty in medical school. Conclusion: Given the multiple pathways through which gender affects the medical specialty decision-making process, this study highlights a need for gender-specific interventions when addressing the enduring PC physician shortage in the U.S. Specifically, the results of this study suggest that increasing the time that male medical students spend in PC through structural changes in medical education might mitigate negative perceptions about PC and encourage males to enter PC at higher rates. Future research should assess the effectiveness of such gender-specific interventions.
To Teach is to Learn
Authors: Hussain Sara , Hussain Sahar
Published: November 2019

Learner centered education has been one of the major highlights that has revolutionized the teaching method in every department. While some effort has been made to better implement peer learning into the curriculum in some universities, it remains a vastly underused utility that can be employed both in and out of the classroom. Learning among, and teaching others who are at the same level of education does not only lead to enhanced memory and recall, it also develops critical real-world skills that can enhance the involved individual both professionally and academically. This article is a medical student’s perspective on encouraging peer assisted education in the healthcare environment, and a preliminary learning guide for the students who wish to implement this method of education.
A Case Report Looking at An Incidental Finding of A Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (PAPVC) Using Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Authors: Qamar Iqra , Waleed Mohammad
Published: November 2019

Background: Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) is a rare congenital defect where one or more of the pulmonary veins drain to the right atrium or its tributaries. This may cause a left to right shunt (LTRS) which may need surgical management. This case looks at a 58-year-old lady  with a background of Non-­ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and co-­morbidities, who presented with central chest pain. Cardiac magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) was used in the  diagnosis and management of her PAPVC.

Results: On MRA an incidental finding of PAPVC was found (left upper pulmonary vein drained into brachiocephalic vein) creating a LTRS which wasn’t substantial (Qp/Qs <1.5). Delayed hyper-enhancement of the septal regions indicated a myocardial infarction, however the right and left ventricles remained unremarkable. Despite being asymptomatic, this patient was followed up, with informed consent, and if symptoms developed, she would be considered for PAPVC surgery.

Conclusion: Studies showed PAPVC patients developing symptoms or LTRS as candidates for operation. However, the issue lied in using multimodality imaging to diagnose the PAPVC, as one modality was insufficient. Physicians should be aware of rare anomalies like PAPVC and should follow up these patients closely in case of worsening of the LTRS, in which case surgical correction may be possible. Overall, PAPVC i) can be overlooked ii) diagnosis requires multimodality imaging iii) constant follow up and iv) may be operable.
Impact of Family History on Acute Appendicitis – An Iraqi Study at Baghdad Teaching Hospital
Authors: Yaseen Tabarek , Qais Zahraa , Abass Zahraa
Published: November 2019

Background: Appendicitis is one of the most common causes of the acute abdomen worldwide, but many patients present with atypical signs and symptoms. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of positive family history in the diagnosis of appendicitis in a limited diagnostic setting.

Methods: Gender matched case control study of ratio (1:2) was carried out from July 2016 to September 2016 with a sample size of 300 patients. Cases were patients presented in surgical department with acute abdominal pain diagnosed as having appendicitis for whom appendectomy was performed, while controls were hospital based with other abdominal problems. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Primary analysis was a Chi square (χ2) test and the calculation of odds ratio (OR) for the association between final diagnosis of appendicitis and family history.

Results: Females were 55% in both groups. Cases were younger than controls (27.05± 12.58 vs. 42.43±17.39 years). Positive family history of appendectomy was higher among cases (66%) than controls (31.5%). The diagnosis of acute appendicitis was 3.8 times higher among those with positive family history of appendectomy and abdominal pain, with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 66.4%. Cases with more than one relative with family history of appendectomy, increased suspicion by 13 times when compared to those without family history.

Conclusion: Positive family history of appendectomy in patients with acute abdominal pain and more than one relative with history of appendicitis can be considered as important parameters in the diagnosis of appendicitis in limited diagnostic setting.
What Was the Name of That Drug? How Medical Students can Make the Most Out of Their Education
Authors: Riahi Aryan , Jung David
Published: November 2019

Consolidating all of the knowledge that medical students are expected to learn in their first two years of education can be challenging. Strategies for committing concepts to memory are explored. The importance of making the most out of case-based learning is emphasized. In contrast with passive-styled learning in lectures, CBL takes an active approach requiring students to apply critical thinking. The power of active recall in committing information to memory is also delved into. In particular, one effective and popular form of active recall known as the testing effect is highly recommended. Applying these strategies will help medical students develop a strong foundation for clerkship.
Production of Cookies Enriched With Spirulina platensis Biomass
Authors: Donato Nilcimelly Rodrigues , Queiroz Alexandre José De Melo , Feitosa de Figueirêdo Rossana Maria , Feitosa Regilane Marques , Moreira Inacia Dos Santos , Lima José Franciraldo de
Published: November 2019

Spirulina platensis is a cyanobacterium that can be consumed by humans, for its high contents of proteins and nutraceutical compounds. This study aimed to develop cookies mixed with S. platensis for nutritional enrichment purposes. The study conducted quality control analyses and elaborated formulations of cookies with different contents of S. platensis (0, 5, 10 and 15%), which were subjected to physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. In the cookies, the increase of S. platensis percentage led to increment in protein percentage, besides increments in minerals, compared with the cookie produced with only refined wheat flour. Cookies with 15% of S. platensis (F5) stood out regarding the percentages of protein and minerals, and were similar to the whole cookies with respect to the minerals; lipids and highest energetic value were observed in the standard cookies. Cookies mixed with 5% of S. platensis and standard cookies were preferred with the same score, indicating a possible acceptance in the market.
Work Ethics and Social Responsibility: Actual and Aspiration
Authors: Alwagfi Ali Awad , Aljawarneh Nader Mohammad , Alomari Khaled Abdalqader
Published: November 2019

This study aims at investigating the reality of social responsibility, and its ethical dimensions in educational business organizations in addition to knowing the prevailing advantages and disadvantages. The sample of the study consisted of northern Jordanian universities were 210 male and female as respondents to a questionnaire. 200 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis in order to achieve the purposes of this study; the researcher adopted a descriptive approach. This study utilized a tool to measure the social responsibility, and its ethical dimensions in private northern Jordanian universities. The study concluded that the correlation between social responsibility and ethical dimensions were statistically significant. In light of the aforementioned findings, the study recommended the raising employees’ morals and motivating them in ethical ways, in addition to developing a clear plan applied by educational organizations to apply and practice social responsibility.
Lexical Fallacies in Rendering αὐθεντει̂ν in 1 Timothy 2:12: BDAG in Light of Greek Literary and Nonliterary Usage
Authors: Belleville Linda
Published: November 2019

On the basis of the studies of George Knight (1984) and Leland Wilshire (1988) in NTS, the 2000 edition of BDAG eliminated “domineer over” as a meaning of the Greek word αὐθεντέω and substituted “assume a stance of independent authority,” thereby calling into question lexicons dating from AD 1st-century Harpocration and translations of 1 Tim 2:12 dating back to the Old Latin, which render the phrase οὐδὲ αὐθεντεῖν ἀνδρός negatively as “nor to domineer over a man” or “nor to usurp authority over a man.” Indeed, examination of αὐθεντ- forms in Classical and Hellenistic literary and nonliterary materials shows that modern translations of αὐθεντεῖν as “to exercise authority” or “assume authority over” have no basis in the Greek of antiquity. Instead, “to murder” or “perpetrate a murder” surface exclusively in the literary materials, and “to domineer” or “to originate” appear without exception in the nonliterary materials.
Metaphor at Sinai: Cognitive Linguistics in the Decalogue and Covenant Code
Authors: Imes Carmen
Published: November 2019

Recent studies in cognitive linguistics demonstrate metaphor’s indispensability to meaning. Still, the presence of metaphor in biblical law is largely unrecognized. Utilizing Zoltán Kövecses’s categories of complex conceptual metaphor—orientational, ontological, and structural—this essay identifies and classifies such metaphors in the Decalogue (Exod 20:1–17) and Covenant Code (Exod 20:23–23:19), demonstrating their ubiquity and their influence on meaning. Exodus 20:7 is a potent example. Most interpretations of this prohibition—from false oaths to mispronunciation to magic—neglect the metaphorical nature of the expression. Exodus 20:7 exhibits metonymy embedded in metaphor, where name stands for Yhwh’sclaim to ownership (declared at Sinai). The command assumes that the divine name is worn as an invisible brand, and it charges the people to conduct themselves as befits Yhwh’s own people. The field of associations and entailments generated by this metaphor are a rich source of reflection on biblical election.
Stable Isotope Studies of North American Arctic Populations: A Review
Authors: Harris Alison J. T. , Elliott Deirdre A.
Published: November 2019

We review the major stable carbon and nitrogen isotope studies conducted on human remains in the North American Arctic (NAA) and discuss the findings with respect to two major research themes: diachronic subsistence, and the development of food cultures across the NAA. The interpretation of stable isotope data from human bone collagen and hair keratin is complicated by issues of equifinality in addition to uncertainty arising from the high fat/high protein diets of Arctic hunter gatherers. We suggest future lines of inquiry which may help to alleviate some of these challenges. Our review of Arctic stable isotope studies shows the ongoing potential of stable isotope analysis of Arctic hunter-gatherers and faunal populations, but we include the caveat that regardless of how cutting-edge or refined the analytical method, future stable isotope studies must be contextualized with other lines of evidence from well-excavated sites, and would profoundly benefit from the incorporation of indigenous perspectives and research priorities.
Neu an Bord
Authors: Müller Thomas , Hamm Michael , Vennemann Annika
Published: November 2019

In den kommenden Jahren findet ein nahezu branchenweiter Generationswechsel auf den Führungsebenen statt. Eine gute Übergabe ist für Organisationen essentiell, das Thema Einarbeitung für das auf Top-Management gewinnt an Relevanz.
Internationale Politische Ökonomie
Authors: Schirm Stefan A.
Published: November 2019

In this volume, Stefan A. Schirm provides an introduction to international political economy (IPE), starting with the field’s traditional theories and progressing to today’s policy areas (globalisation, the financial crisis and regional cooperation). He focuses on the foundations of IPE and on conducting an empirical analysis based on theory. In this way, he lays the groundwork for the systematic integration of IPE into political science research and teaching.
Apport de la variabilité spatiale des caractéristiques physiques du bassin versant dans la modélisation hydrologique et les sous-produits du bilan hydrologique : cas du bassin versant de l’aval Mekerra, Algérie
Authors: Otmane Abdelkader , Baba Hamed Kamila , Bouanani Abderrazak
Published: November 2019

Les avancées technologiques en matière d’acquisition de données spatialisées offrent la possibilité de prendre en compte la répartition spatiale des caractéristiques physiques du bassin versant dans la modélisation hydrologique. Cet article présente une étude comparative des performances entre un modèle hydrologique semi-distribué à base physique SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) et un modèle global à réservoirs GR4J (Génie rural à quatre paramètres journaliers) appliqués au bassin versant de l’aval Mekerra. Pour ces deux modèles, les données de pluie et de la température sont similaires, la seule différence est la façon de considérer les différents processus du cycle hydrologique en interaction avec les caractéristiques physiques du bassin. L’approche semi-distribuée semble donner des résultats légèrement meilleurs que l’approche globale sur le cas d’étude. Ceci est dû vraisemblablement à la spatialisation des caractéristiques physiques du bassin versant ainsi qu’à une meilleure représentation de la fonction de transfert du processus hydrologique du modèle SWAT. Cette étude met en évidence l’intérêt de la télédétection et du système d’information géographique (SIG) dans la facilité de l’introduction des caractéristiques physiques du bassin pour une utilisation optimale de la capacité du modèle. De plus, les résultats trouvés montrent l’intérêt d’utilisation du modèle SWAT sans pour autant prétendre à sa supériorité, car il peut offrir des résultats probants dans certains cas comme notre bassin et être moins performant dans d’autres.
Fraud Detection in Payments Transactions: Overview of Existing Approaches and Usage for Instant Payments
Authors: Diadiushkin Alexander , Sandkuhl Kurt , Maiatin Alexander
Published: November 2019

Financial industries are undergoing a digital transformation of their products, services, overall business models. Part of this digitalization in banking aims at automating most of the manual work in payment handling and integrating the workflows of involved service providers. The focus of the work presented in this paper is on fraud discovery and steps to fully automate it. Fraud discovery in financial transactions has become an important priority for banks. Fraud is increasing significantly with the expansion of modern technology and global communication, which results in substantial damages for the banks. Instant payment (IP) transactions cause new challenges for fraud detection due to the requirement of short processing time. The paper investigates the possibility to use artificial intelligence in IP fraud detection. The main contributions of our work are (a) an analysis of problem relevance from business and literature perspective, (b) a proposal for technological support for using AI in fraud detection of instant payment transactions, and (c) a feasibility study of selected fraud detection approaches.
Effect of object weight and experience on the organization of object management tasks in infants of 10 months of age
Authors: Silva Laísla Camila da , Marques Inara , Medina-Papst Josiane
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Little is known about the real impact the practice of manipulating objects on the development of infants perception-action and it is assumed that this newly acquired knowledge is useful for planning future actions. Objective: To analyse the effects of controlled practice on the tasks of reaching and transporting objects in 10-month-old infants when the weight of the object was changed. Methods: Sixteen infants were divided into two groups: heavy/ light group (HLG) and light/heavy group (LHG). The task  consisted in reaching, grasping, and lifting a lighter or heavier bar 9 times. On the tenth trial, the object weight was switched to the heavier or lighter weight object (whichever was opposite to the object weight experienced in the first 9 trials) to assess whether infants had learned and adapted their object-directed movement strength to the initial weight condition practiced during the first 9 trials. Results: No significant differences were found when comparing the reaching and lifting phases within groups (LHG, P = 0.06 and HLG, p = 0.41). However, group comparisons revealed that HLG infants presented increased velocity peak (p = 0.01) during the trials. Conclusion: The reaching and object lifting trials of the infants throughout the attempts were very variable, indicating that, possibly, at 10 months of age, infants present transitions from one organizational state to another. However, it is necessary to carry out more detailed investigations on reaching and lifting actions of objects to understand the processes involved in these transition periods.
Modulação autonômica cardíaca durante diferentes modos de desmame em ventilação mecânica
Authors: Guerra Marcelle , Zangirolami-Raimundo Juliana , Sarmento George Jerre Vieira , Salatini Renata , Silva Pammela de Jesus , Raimundo Rodrigo Daminello
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive method to analyze variations of time intervals between heart beats. HRV is a promising method to analyze autonomic balance quantitatively. During the weaning process of mechanical ventilation, alterations occur in the autonomic activity. Methods to identify increased risk for weaning failure are needed. Objective: To analyze the behavior of cardiac autonomic modulation in different phases of weaning mechanical ventilation. Methods: Cardiorespiratory parameters (SBP, DBP, MAP, RR, SpO2) of 18 participants were collected and a cardio-frequency meter was placed. The subjects were kept in supine Fowler's position t, ventilating for 10 minutes in the assist-controlled (A/C) ventilation mode the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) mode, pressure support ventilation (PSV) 18 and 10, and with nebulization through a T-piece. At the end of all ventilator modes, the pre-specified variables were measured. The HRV parameters were analyzed in the domains of time, frequency and geometric indexes. Results: There was an increase in the mean rMSSD of the A/C moment of 20.67 ± 19.36ms for the PSV 10 time 29.96 ± 21.26ms (p = 0.027), increase between the SIMV moments of 24.04 ± 18.31ms and PSV 10 to 29.96 ± 21.26ms (p = 0.042), but reduced between PSV 10 and T-Tube moments 21.22 ± 13.84ms (p = 0.035). There was an increase in the LF mean of the SIMV moments 158.46 ± 229.77ms2 and PSV 10 265.50 ± 359.88ms2 for T-tube 408.92 ± 392.77ms2 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037 respectively). The mean LF showed a decrease between C/A and SIMV moments, respectively, 62.48 ± 17.99nu and 54.29 ± 15.29nu (p = 0.024), increase in SIMV moments 54.29 ± 15.29nu and PSV 10 55.05 ± 23.07nu for TUBE T 65.57 ± 17.08nu (p = 0.049 and p = 0.027 respectively). HF increased between SIMV moments 162.89 ± 231.19ms2 and PSV 10 247.83 ± 288.99ms2 (p = 0.020) and also between SIMV and T-Tube moments 248.28 ± 214.46 ms2 (p = 0.044). There was a reduction in mean HF between PSV 10 times 44.71 ± 22.95nu and T-tube 34.22 ± 17.03nu (p = 0.026). Conclusions: The present study showed that in comparison with spontaneous breathing, controlled breathing was associated with lower HRV during weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Efficacy Evaluation of a non-human experimental model for ultrasound-guided superficial venous puncture: clinical randomized assay
Authors: Nardino Érica Patricio , Kafejian-Haddad Andrea Paula , Silva Danilo Argollo Pirutti , Correa João Antonio
Published: November 2019

Introduction: The use of a venipuncture simulator facilitates technique learning and improves skills, which reduces the risk of venipuncture complications in humans. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a non-human experimental model for Ultrasound guided superficial venipuncture. Methods: We randomized 39 nurses in two groups: A and B. The training had three steps: 1 - theoretical class, 2 - practical class, with the ultrasound device and 3 - ultrasound-guided puncture training in the non-human model. The group A participated in steps 1, 2 and 3 and group B in steps 1 and 2. After training, both groups were released for ultrasound guided venipuncture. Results: The success in puncture in group A (n = 20) was 90% and in group B (n = 19) it was 68.42%. In the sum of the identification and the puncture times, the average of group A was 61.5 seconds (95% CI, 33.58; 106.95) and in group B was 148.0 seconds (95% CI, 114.54; 208.44), which was statistically significant (p = 0.007, without overlapping the interval estimates). Conclusion: Nurses who received training with the nonhuman model had better identification and puncture times.
On-demand virtual research environments using microservices
Authors: Capuccini Marco , Larsson Anders , Carone Matteo , Novella Jon Ander , Sadawi Noureddin , Gao Jianliang , Toor Salman , Spjuth Ola
Published: November 2019

The computational demands for scientific applications are continuously increasing. The emergence of cloud computing has enabled on-demand resource allocation. However, relying solely on infrastructure as a service does not achieve the degree of flexibility required by the scientific community. Here we present a microservice-oriented methodology, where scientific applications run in a distributed orchestration platform as software containers, referred to as on-demand, virtual research environments. The methodology is vendor agnostic and we provide an open source implementation that supports the major cloud providers, offering scalable management of scientific pipelines. We demonstrate applicability and scalability of our methodology in life science applications, but the methodology is general and can be applied to other scientific domains.
Avoiding “conflicts of interest”: a computational approach to scheduling parallel conference tracks and its human evaluation
Authors: Manda Prashanti , Hahn Alexander , Beekman Katherine , Vision Todd J.
Published: November 2019

Conferences with contributed talks grouped into multiple concurrent sessions pose an interesting scheduling problem. From an attendee’s perspective, choosing which talks to visit when there are many concurrent sessions is challenging since an individual may be interested in topics that are discussed in different sessions simultaneously. The frequency of topically similar talks in different concurrent sessions is, in fact, a common cause for complaint in post-conference surveys. Here, we introduce a practical solution to the conference scheduling problem by heuristic optimization of an objective function that weighs the occurrence of both topically similar talks in one session and topically different talks in concurrent sessions. Rather than clustering talks based on a limited number of preconceived topics, we employ a topic model to allow the topics to naturally emerge from the corpus of contributed talk titles and abstracts. We then measure the topical distance between all pairs of talks. Heuristic optimization of preliminary schedules seeks to balance the topical similarity of talks within a session and the dissimilarity between concurrent sessions. Using an ecology conference as a test case, we find that stochastic optimization dramatically improves the objective function relative to the schedule manually produced by the program committee. Approximate Integer Linear Programming can be used to provide a partially-optimized starting schedule, but the final value of the discrimination ratio (an objective function used to estimate coherence within a session and disparity between concurrent sessions) is surprisingly insensitive to the starting schedule. Furthermore, we show that, in contrast to the manual process, arbitrary scheduling constraints are straightforward to include. We applied our method to a second biology conference with over 1,000 contributed talks plus scheduling constraints. In a randomized experiment, biologists responded similarly to a machine-optimized schedule and a highly modified schedule produced by domain experts on the conference program committee.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of heat shock protein family 70 provides insight into its divergent functions on immune response and development ofParalichthys olivaceus
Authors: Liu Kaiqiang , Hao Xiancai , Wang Qian , Hou Jilun , Lai Xiaofang , Dong Zhiguo , Shao Changwei
Published: November 2019

Flatfish undergo extreme morphological development and settle to a benthic in the adult stage, and are likely to be more susceptible to environmental stress. Heat shock proteins 70 (hsp70) are involved in embryonic development and stress response in metazoan animals. However, the evolutionary history and functions ofhsp70in flatfish are poorly understood. Here, we identified 15hsp70genes in the genome of Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), a flatfish endemic to northwestern Pacific Ocean. Gene structure and motifs of the Japanese flounderhsp70were conserved, and there were few structure variants compared to other fish species. We constructed a maximum likelihood tree to understand the evolutionary relationship of thehsp70genes among surveyed fish. Selection pressure analysis suggested that four genes,hspa4l,hspa9,hspa13,andhyou1, showed signs of positive selection. We then extracted transcriptome data on the Japanese flounder withEdwardsiella tardato induce stress, and found thathspa9,hspa12b, hspa4l, hspa13, andhyou1were highly expressed, likely to protect cells from stress. Interestingly, expression patterns ofhsp70genes were divergent in different developmental stages of the Japanese flounder. We found that at least onehsp70gene was always highly expressed at various stages of embryonic development of the Japanese flounder, thereby indicating thathsp70genes were constitutively expressed in the Japanese flounder. Our findings provide basic and useful resources to better understandhsp70genes in flatfish.
A combined morphological and molecular approach for hair identification to comply with the European ban on dog and cat fur trade
Authors: Mariacher Alessia , Garofalo Luisa , Fanelli Rita , Lorenzini Rita , Fico Rosario
Published: November 2019

Animal furs are encountering more and more the detriment of public opinion, that is increasingly sensitive to animals, their welfare and protection. The feeling of outrage against animal suffering is particularly intense when cats and dogs are involved, since these are the most popular pets in Western countries. However, in some Asian countries breeding of dogs and cats for the fur industry is a common practice. These furs and their finished garments are often mislabelled in order to be imported and sold to unaware consumers in Western countries. The European Union has issued the Regulation 1523/2007, which bans the use and trade of dog and cat furs. The main purposes of the Regulation were to normalise the internal market and to address the concerns of European consumers about the risk of inadvertently buying products containing these species. The Regulation states that several analytical methods (microscopy, DNA testing and mass spectrometry) can be used to exclude dogs and cats as source species, but an official analytical protocol was not provided. In this paper, we report on the development of a reliable and affordable method for species identification in furs, based on a combined morphological and molecular approach. Our protocol provides an initial morphological analysis as a time and cost effective screening test. Only samples that are morphologically not excluded as canid/felid furs, based on few selected microscopic features, are then submitted to DNA testing. The application of this protocol on seized furs reached 92% identification of species. Our approach assists in identifying frauds and reinforcing the ban on dog and cat fur trade, allowing (1) rapid inexpensive recognition of fake furs, (2) exclusion of non-canid/non-felid furs through fast microscopic morphological screening, (3) overall cost reduction with lower number of samples to be submitted to DNA analysis, (4) analytical protocol to stand in court in case criminal sanctions are to be applied.
Development of molecular markers for invasive alien plants in Korea: a case study of a toxic weed, Cenchrus longispinus L., based on next generation sequencing data
Authors: Hyun JongYoung , Do Hoang Dang Khoa , Jung Joonhyung , Kim Joo-Hwan
Published: November 2019

Background

Genomic data play an important role in plant research because of its implications in studying genomic evolution, phylogeny, and developing molecular markers. Although the information of invasive alien plants was collected, the genomic data of those species have not been intensively studied.

Methods

We employ the next generation sequencing and PCR methods to explore the genomic data as well as to develop and test the molecular markers.

Results

In this study, we characterize the chloroplast genomes (cpDNA) of Cenchrus longispinus and C. echinatus, of which the lengths are 137,144 and 137,131 bp, respectively. These two newly sequenced genomes include 78 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA. There are 56 simple single repeats and 17 forward repeats in the chloroplast genome of C. longispinus. Most of the repeats locate in non-coding regions. However, repeats can be found in infA, ndhD, ndhH, ndhK, psbC, rpl22, rpoC2, rps14, trnA-UGC, trnC-GCA, trnF-GAA, trnQ-UUG, trnS-UGA, trnS-GCU, and ycf15. The phylogenomic analysis revealed the monophyly of Cenchrus but not Panicum species in tribe Paniceae. The single nucleotide polymorphism sites in atpB, matK, and ndhD were successfully used for developing molecular markers to distinguish C. longispinus and related taxa. The simple PCR protocol for using the newly developed molecular markers was also provided.
Safety of slow‐pulsed transcranial electrical stimulation in acute spike suppression
Authors: Holmes Mark D. , Feng Rui , Wise Mackenzie V. , Ma Chengxin , Ramon Ceon , Wu Jinsong , Luu Phan , Hou Jidong , Pan Li , Tucker Don M.
Published: November 2019

We examined the effects of slow‐pulsed transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) in suppressing epileptiform discharges in seven adults with refractory epilepsy. An MRI‐based realistic head model was constructed for each subject and co‐registered with 256‐channel dense EEG (dEEG). Interictal spikes were localized, and TES targeted the cortical source of each subject's principal spike population. Targeted spikes were suppressed in five subject's (29/35 treatment days overall), and nontargeted spikes were suppressed in four subjects. Epileptiform activity did not worsen. This study suggests that this protocol, designed to induce long‐term depression (LTD), is safe and effective in acute suppression of interictal epileptiform discharges.
New Roll‐to‐Roll Processable PEDOT‐Based Polymer with Colorless Bleached State for Flexible Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Macher Sven , Schott Marco , Sassi Mauro , Facchinetti Irene , Ruffo Riccardo , Patriarca Giorgio , Beverina Luca , Posset Uwe , Giffin Guinevere A. , Löbmann Peer
Published: November 2019

Conjugated electrochromic (EC) polymers for flexible EC devices (ECDs) generally lack a fully colorless bleached state. A strategy to overcome this drawback is the implementation of a new sidechain‐modified poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) derivative that can be deposited in thin‐film form in a customized high‐throughput and large‐area roll‐to‐roll polymerization process. The sidechain modification provides enhanced EC properties in terms of visible light transmittance change, Δτv = 59% (ΔL* = 54.1), contrast ratio (CR = 15.8), coloration efficiency (η = 530 cm² C−1), and color neutrality (L* = 83.8, a* = −4.3, b* = −4.1) in the bleached state. The intense blue‐colored polymer thin films exhibit high cycle stability (10 000 cycles) and fast response times. The design, synthesis, and polymerization of the modified 3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene derivative are discussed along with a detailed optical, electrochemical, and spectroelectrochemical characterization of the resulting EC thin films. Finally, a flexible see‐through ECD with a visible light transmittance change of Δτv = 47% (ΔL* = 51.9) and a neutral‐colored bleached state is developed.
The Many Ways to Assemble Nanoparticles Using Light
Authors: Bian Tong , Chu Zonglin , Klajn Rafal
Published: November 2019

The ability to reversibly assemble nanoparticles using light is both fundamentally interesting and important for applications ranging from reversible data storage to controlled drug delivery. Here, the diverse approaches that have so far been developed to control the self‐assembly of nanoparticles using light are reviewed and compared. These approaches include functionalizing nanoparticles with monolayers of photoresponsive molecules, placing them in photoresponsive media capable of reversibly protonating the particles under light, and decorating plasmonic nanoparticles with thermoresponsive polymers, to name just a few. The applicability of these methods to larger, micrometer‐sized particles is also discussed. Finally, several perspectives on further developments in the field are offered.
Inhibition Role of Trace Metal Ion Additives on Zinc Dendrites during Plating and Striping Processes
Authors: Chang Ge , Liu Shijun , Fu Yanan , Hao Xin , Jin Wei , Ji Xiaobo , Hu Jiugang
Published: November 2019

Dendritic inhibition is crucial for the cycle and reversibility of zinc‐based batteries. In this work, the trace metal ions including lead, copper, and nickel are used as additives to inhibit the growth of zinc dendrites. The interfacial evolution behaviors of zinc deposits during plating and striping processes are in situ observed by synchrotron radiation X‐ray imaging technique. The addition of lead and nickel ions induces a polarization role for zinc reduction, whereas copper ions present a depolarization role. After adding trace lead or nickel ions, zinc deposits become smoother and dendrites are effectively suppressed because of the homogenous deposition sites induced by co‐deposition of lead or nickel. Due to the depolarization role of copper ions, a large number of bubbles generate on the substrate and the loose zinc dendrites adhere on the bubble surface. In addition, the zinc deposits in the presence of trace lead ions present a more homogeneous stripping behavior. These results are helpful for understanding the inhibition role of metal ions additives on zinc dendrites and potentially improve the reversibility of zinc‐based batteries.
Triboelectric Flow Sensor with Float–Cone Structure for Industrial Pneumatic System Monitoring
Authors: Wang Zheng , Gao Qiang , Wang Yingting , Wang Jianlong , Wang Yuqi , Cheng Tinghai , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2019

Flow monitoring is important in automatic control, medicine and health, flow safety, and early warning of pipeline leakages. In this work, a triboelectric flow sensor (TFS) with a float–cone structure is proposed. The fabricated TFS consists of an outer translucent conical shell and an inner float. As the float with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer film moves up and down along the triangular electrode with the change in flow, electrons are injected that flow back and forth between electrode and ground, generating an alternating current. Interestingly, the open‐circuit voltage of the TFS is directly proportional to the instantaneous flow and is not affected by the pressure and flow direction. The effective detection range of the TFS is 30 to 300 L min−1, and the corresponding range ratio is 10:1, which meets actual specifications in industrial applications. The experimental results are consistent with a theoretical analysis. Compared with a commercial digital‐display flow sensor, the TFS has superior flow measurement resolution of better than 5 L min−1. Therefore, the fabricated TFS is accurate and flexible, and thus provides alternative means to monitor flow for automated industrial equipment.
Phonon Polaritons and Hyperbolic Response in van der Waals Materials
Authors: Hu Guangwei , Shen Jialiang , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Alù Andrea , Dai Siyuan
Published: November 2019

Phonon polaritons provide useful opportunities, complementary to those provided by plasmon polaritons, in the study of the interaction of light with matter at small scales. The focus of this review is on phonon polaritons in low‐dimensional van der Waals (vdW) materials and heterostructures. Phonon polaritons confined in vdW materials exhibit large electromagnetic localization and are easy to hybridize with other collective modes. The extreme optical anisotropy in vdW systems produces the natural hyperbolic dispersion, enabling the access to deep subdiffractional optics and often yielding improved figures of merit over hyperbolic metamaterials. These virtues hold promises for practical nanophotonic applications, including optical sensing, super‐resolution imaging, energy and emission engineering, quantum optics, and a next generation of optical circuit elements.
Metal‐Free C3 Hydroxylation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in Water
Authors: Peng Sha , Hu Die , Hu Jia‐Li , Lin Ying‐Wu , Tang Shan‐Shan , Tang Hai‐Shan , He Jun‐Yi , Cao Zhong , He Wei‐Min
Published: November 2019

A practical protocol for the preparation of quinoxaline‐2,3(1H,4H)‐diones through direct C(sp2)−H hydroxylation of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in recyclable DL‐α‐Tocopherol methoxypolyethylene glycol succinate solution (2 wt% in water) (TPGS‐750‐M/H2O) was developed. The target products were exclusively generated and could be collected through extraction and recrystallization.

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Interface Engineered Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetic Insulating State in Ultrathin Manganite Films
Authors: Li Weiwei , Zhu Bonan , He Qian , Borisevich Albina Y. , Yun Chao , Wu Rui , Lu Ping , Qi Zhimin , Wang Qiang , Chen Aiping , Wang Haiyan , Cavill Stuart A. , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: November 2019

Ultrathin epitaxial films of ferromagnetic insulators (FMIs) with Curie temperatures near room temperature are critically needed for use in dissipationless quantum computation and spintronic devices. However, such materials are extremely rare. Here, a room‐temperature FMI is achieved in ultrathin La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 films grown on SrTiO3 substrates via an interface proximity effect. Detailed scanning transmission electron microscopy images clearly demonstrate that MnO6 octahedral rotations in La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 close to the interface are strongly suppressed. As determined from in situ X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, O K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory, the realization of the FMI state arises from a reduction of Mn eg bandwidth caused by the quenched MnO6 octahedral rotations. The emerging FMI state in La0.9Ba0.1MnO3 together with necessary coherent interface achieved with the perovskite substrate gives very high potential for future high performance electronic devices.
Chemical Cocktail Induces Hematopoietic Reprogramming and Expands Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells
Authors: Zhou Yi , Zhu Xingli , Dai Yuting , Xiong Shumin , Wei Chuijin , Yu Pei , Tang Yuewen , Wu Liang , Li Jianfeng , Liu Dan , Wang Yanlin , Chen Zhu , Chen Sai‐Juan , Huang Jinyan , Cheng Lin
Published: November 2019

Generation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) via cell expansion or cell reprogramming has been widely achieved by overexpression of transcription factors. Herein, it is reported that without introducing exogenous genes, mouse fibroblasts can be reprogrammed into hemogenic cells based on lineage tracing analysis, which further develop into hematopoietic cells, by treatment of cocktails of chemical compounds. The chemical cocktails also reprogram differentiated hematopoietic cells back into HSPC‐like cells. Most importantly, the chemical cocktails enabling hematopoietic reprogramming robustly promote HSPC proliferation ex vivo. The expanded HSPCs acquire enhanced capacity of hematopoietic reconstruction in vivo. Single‐cell sequencing analysis verifies the expansion of HSPCs and the cell reprogramming toward potential generation of HSPCs at the same time by the chemical cocktail treatment. Thus, the proof‐of‐concept findings not only demonstrate that hematopoietic reprogramming can be achieved by chemical compounds but also provide a promising strategy for acquisition of HSPCs by chemical cocktail‐enabled double effects.
Going beyond Intercalation Capacity of Aqueous Batteries by Exploiting Conversion Reactions of Mn and Zn electrodes for Energy‐Dense Applications
Authors: Yadav Gautam G. , Cho Jungsang , Turney Damon , Hawkins Brendan , Wei Xia , Huang Jinchao , Banerjee Sanjoy , Nyce Michael
Published: November 2019

The recent trend in zinc (Zn) anode aqueous batteries has been to explore layered structures like manganese dioxides and vanadium oxides as Zn‐ion intercalation hosts. These structures, although novel, face limitations like their layered counterparts in lithium (Li)‐ion batteries, where the capacity is limited to the host's intercalation capacity. In this paper, a new strategy is proposed in enabling new generation of energy dense aqueous‐based batteries, where the conversion reactions of rock salt/spinel manganese oxides and carbon nanotube‐nested nanosized Zn electrodes are exploited to extract significantly higher capacity compared to intercalation systems. Accessing the conversion reactions allows to achieve high capacities of 750 mAh g−1 (≈30 mAh cm−2) from manganese oxide (MnO) and 810 mAh g−1 (≈30 mAh cm−2) from nanoscale Zn anodes, respectively. The high areal capacities help to attain unprecedented energy densities of 210 Wh per L‐cell and 320 Wh per kg‐total (398 Wh per kg‐active) from aqueous MnO|CNT‐Zn batteries, which allows an assessment of its viable use in a small‐scale automobile.
Segment IV approach for difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Kitamura Hiroaki , Fujioka Shuichi , Hata Taigo , Misawa Takeyuki , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: November 2019

Although achieving the critical view of safety (CVS) is useful for avoiding vasculobiliary injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the CVS cannot always be achieved in cases of severe cholecystitis because of technical difficulties. Herein, we focused on segment IV of the liver and its diagonal line (D‐line) as a feasible landmark for carrying out difficult LC. The D‐line connects the right dorsal and left ventral corners of segment IV and is used as the vectoral landmark, which is where the gallbladder is first dissected to achieve CVS without misidentification. Conversion to subtotal cholecystectomy along the D‐line is also feasible when gallbladder wall scarring is severe. We named this procedure the segment IV approach for LC. Sixty‐two consecutive difficult LC (including 27 scheduled LC after percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage [PTGBD] and 35 conservatively treated cases of Tokyo Guidelines [TG] grade II cholecystitis) were managed by the segment IV approach. Successful gallbladder extraction along the D‐line was achieved in 44 (71%) cases; all of these cases also achieved CVS following total cholecystectomy. The other 18 (29%) cases were converted to subtotal cholecystectomy because gallbladder extraction along the D‐line failed as a result of severe cholecystitis with inflammatory adhesion with surrounding structures. Median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 135 (range, 54‐290) min and 10 (range, 0‐100) mL, respectively. No intra‐ or postoperative complications were observed. The segment IV approach is feasible for achieving CVS and for considering subtotal cholecystectomy in difficult LC cases where scarring of the gallbladder wall is present.