bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A willow sex chromosome reveals convergent evolution of complex palindromic repeats
Authors: Zhou Ran , Macaya-Sanz David , Carlson Craig H. , Schmutz Jeremy , Jenkins Jerry W. , Kudrna David , Sharma Aditi , Sandor Laura , Shu Shengqiang , Barry Kerrie , Tuskan Gerald A. , Ma Tao , Liu Jianquan , Olson Matthew , Smart Lawrence B. , DiFazio Stephen P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Sex chromosomes have arisen independently in a wide variety of species, yet they share common characteristics, including the presence of suppressed recombination surrounding sex determination loci. Mammalian sex chromosomes contain multiple palindromic repeats across the non-recombining region that show sequence conservation through gene conversion and contain genes that are crucial for sexual reproduction. In plants, it is not clear if palindromic repeats play a role in maintaining sequence conservation in the absence of homologous recombination.

Results

Here we present the first evidence of large palindromic structures in a plant sex chromosome, based on a highly contiguous assembly of the W chromosome of the dioecious shrubSalix purpurea. The W chromosome has an expanded number of genes due to transpositions from autosomes. It also contains two consecutive palindromes that span a region of 200 kb, with conspicuous 20-kb stretches of highly conserved sequences among the four arms that show evidence of gene conversion. Four genes in the palindrome are homologous to genes in the sex determination regions of the closely related genusPopulus, which is located on a different chromosome. These genes show distinct, floral-biased expression patterns compared to paralogous copies on autosomes.

Conclusion

The presence of palindromes in sex chromosomes of mammals and plants highlights the intrinsic importance of these features in adaptive evolution in the absence of recombination. Convergent evolution is driving both the independent establishment of sex chromosomes as well as their fine-scale sequence structure.
DNA methylation-driven EMT is a common mechanism of resistance to various therapeutic agents in cancer
Authors: Galle Eva , Thienpont Bernard , Cappuyns Sarah , Venken Tom , Busschaert Pieter , Van Haele Matthias , Van Cutsem Eric , Roskams Tania , van Pelt Jos , Verslype Chris , Dekervel Jeroen , Lambrechts Diether
Published: February 2020

Background

Overcoming therapeutic resistance is one of the major hurdles in cancer care. One mechanism contributing to therapeutic resistance is a process in which epithelial cells switch to a mesenchymal state (epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT). The precise mechanisms driving EMT-mediated therapeutic resistance have, however, not been elucidated.

Results

Here, we study ten cell line pairs, for which parental cell lines were made resistant to either a targeted or chemotherapy-based treatment. First, we show by miRNA-200 overexpression that treatment resistance is driven by EMT. Next, we demonstrate that DNA methylation changes occur within each cell line pair and show that exposure to 5-azacytidine or knock down of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), both of which globally demethylate cells, result in EMT reversal and increased therapeutic sensitivity. This suggests DNA methylation to causally underlie EMT and treatment resistance. We also observe significant overlap in methylation profiles between resistant lines, suggesting a common epigenetic mechanism to cause resistance to therapy. In line with this hypothesis, cross-resistance to other targeted and chemotherapies is observed, while importantly, this is lost upon demethylation of the cells. Finally, we clinically validate that DNA methylation changes drive EMT-mediated resistance to sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Specifically, we develop a capture-based protocol to interrogate DNA methylation in low amounts of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). By interrogating the methylation status in liquid biopsies, longitudinally collected during sorafenib treatment, we assess whether DNA methylation changes also drive EMT and therapy resistance in a clinical setting. Particularly, by monitoring methylation changes in EMT genes, we are able to predict tumor response and acquired resistance to sorafenib.

Conclusions

We propose methylation changes underlying EMT to constitute a common resistance mechanism to cancer therapies. This process can be reversed pharmacologically and monitored non-invasively in ctDNA to predict resistance to treatment.
The added value of digital breast tomosynthesis in improving diagnostic performance of BI-RADS categorization of mammographically indeterminate breast lesions
Authors: Basha Mohammad Abd Alkhalik , Safwat Hadeer K. , Alaa Eldin Ahmed M. , Dawoud Hitham A. , Hassanin Ali M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Mammographic findings are seen more clearly in tomographic images with consequent improvement of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) in categorization of indeterminate breast lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the added value of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to BI-RADS classification in categorization of indeterminate breast lesions after digital mammography (DM) as an initial approach.

Methods and results

We prospectively evaluated 296 women with BI-RADS indeterminate breast lesions (BI-RADS 0, 3, and 4) by DM between January 2018 and October 2019. All patients underwent DBT. Two radiologists evaluated lesions and assigned a BI-RADS category to each lesion according to BI-RADS lexicon 2013 classification using DM, DBT, and combined DM and DBT. The results were compared in terms of main radiological features, diagnostic performance, and BI-RADS classification using histopathology as the reference standard. A total of 355 lesions were detected on DBT and 318 lesions on DM. Thirty-seven lesions were detected by DBT and not seen by DM. The final diagnoses of 355 lesions were 58.3% benign and 41.7% malignant. In comparison to DM, DBT produced 31.5% upgrading and 35.2% downgrading of BI-RADS scoring of breast lesions. DBT reduced number of BI-RADS 3 and 4, compared to DM. All upgraded BI-RADS 4 were malignant. The combination of DBT and DM significantly increased the performance of BI-RADS in the diagnosis of indeterminate breast lesions versus DM or DBT alone (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Adding DBT to BI-RADS improves its diagnostic performance in detection and characterization of mammography indeterminate breast lesions.
Parent-reported outcomes in young children with disorders/differences of sex development
Authors: Ali Salma R. , Macqueen Zoe , Gardner Melissa , Xin Yiqiao , Kyriakou Andreas , Mason Avril , Shaikh M. Guftar , Wong Sze C. , Sandberg David E. , Ahmed S. Faisal
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a paucity of tools that can be used in routine clinical practice to assess the psychosocial impact of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development (DSD) on parents and children.

Objective

To evaluate the use of short Parent Self-Report and Parent Proxy-Report questionnaires that can be used in the outpatient setting.

Methods

Previously validated DSD-specific and generic items were combined to develop a Parent Self-Report questionnaire and a Parent Proxy-Report questionnaire for children under 7 years. Of 111 children approached at one tertiary paediatric hospital, the parents of 95 children (86%) with DSD or other Endocrine conditions completed these questionnaires.

Results

Questionnaires took under 10 min to complete and were found to be easy to understand. Compared to reference, fathers of children with DSD reported less stress associated with Clinic Visits (p = 0.02) and managing their child’s Medication (p = 0.04). However, parents of children with either DSD or other Endocrine conditions reported more symptoms of Depression (p = 0.03). Mothers of children with DSD reported greater Future Concerns in relation to their child’s condition (median SDS − 0.28; range − 2.14, 1.73) than mothers of children with other Endocrine conditions (SDS 1.17; − 2.00, 1.73) (p = 0.02). Similarly, fathers of children with DSD expressed greater Future Concerns (median SDS -1.60; − 4.21, 1.00) than fathers of children with other Endocrine conditions (SDS 0.48; − 2.13, 1.52) (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

DSD was associated with greater parental concerns over the child’s future than other Endocrine conditions. Brief parent-report tools in DSD can be routinely used in the outpatient setting to assess and monitor parent and patient needs.
Risk perception of antimicrobial resistance by infection control specialists in Europe: a case-vignette study
Authors:   the Percept-R Study Group, Birgand Gabriel , Mutters Nico T. , Ahmad Raheelah , Tacconelli Evelina , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Holmes Alison
Published: February 2020

Background

Using case-vignettes, we assessed the perception of European infection control (IC) specialists regarding the individual and collective risk associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among inpatients.

Methods

In this study, sixteen case-vignettes were developed to simulate hospitalised patient scenarios in the field of AMR and IC. A total of 245 IC specialists working in different hospitals from 15 European countries were contacted, among which 149 agreed to participate in the study. Using an online database, each participant scored five randomly-assigned case-vignettes, regarding the perceived risk associated with six different multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), varying from 0 (poor) to 1 (perfect), was used to assess the agreement for the risk on a 7-point Likert scale. High risk and low/neutral risk scorers were compared regarding their national, organisational and individual characteristics.

Results

Between January and May 2017, 149 participants scored 655 case-vignettes. The perceptions of the individual (clinical outcome) and collective (spread) risks were consistently lower than other MDRO for extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae cases and higher for carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) cases. Regarding CPE cases, answers were influenced more by the resistance pattern (93%) than for other MDRO. The risk associated with vancomycin resistant Enterococci cases was considered higher for the collective impact than for the individual outcome (63% vs 40%). The intra-country agreement regarding the individual risk was globally poor varying from 0.00 (ICC: 0–0.25) to 0.51 (0.18–0.85). The overall agreement across countries was poor at 0.20 (0.07–0.33). IC specialists working in hospitals preserved from MDROs perceived a higher individual (local, p = 0.01; national, p < 0.01) and collective risk (local and national p < 0.01) than those frequently exposed to bacteraemia. Conversely, IC specialists working in hospitals with a high MDRO clinical burden had a decreased risk perception.

Conclusions

The perception of the risk associated with AMR varied greatly across IC specialists and countries, relying on contextual factors including the epidemiology. IC specialists working in high prevalence areas may underestimate both the individual and collective risks, and might further negatively promote the MDRO spread. These finding highlight the need to shape local and national control strategies according to risk perceptions and contextual factors.
Preparation and characterisation of activated carbon from Vitisvinifera leaf litter and its adsorption performance for aqueous phenanthrene
Authors: Awe Adetunji Ajibola , Opeolu Beatrice Olutoyin , Fatoki Olalekan Siyanbola , Ayanda Olushola Sunday , Jackson Vanessa Angela , Snyman Reinette
Published: February 2020

The adsorption of phenanthrene onto activated carbons produced from Vitisvinifera leaf litter (a waste plant biomass) was investigated in this study. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were utilised as activating agents in producing the activated carbons. The characterisation of the activated carbons was achieved with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (for surface functional groups), scanning electron microscopy (for surface morphology) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) (for surface area determination). The adsorption of phenanthrene onto the activated carbons was optimised in terms of solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of adsorbate solution and contact time. Experimental results showed that H3PO4 modified activated carbon gave better yield (up to 58.40%) relative to ZnCl2 modified activated carbon (only up to 47.08%). Meanwhile, surface characterisation showed that ZnCl2 modification resulted in higher BET surface area (up to 616.60 m2/g) and total pore volume (up to 0.289 cm3/g) relative to BET surface area of up to 295.49 m2/g and total pore volume of up to 0.185 cm3/g obtained from H3PO4 modified activated carbons. Adsorption equilibrium data fitted well into Freundlich isotherm model relative to other applied isotherm models, with maximum Kf value of 1.27 for ZnCl2 modified activated carbon and 1.16 Kf value for H3PO4 modified activated carbon. The maximum adsorption capacity for ZnCl2 and H3PO4 activated carbons for the removal of phenanthrene were 94.12 and 89.13 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic studies revealed that dynamic equilibrium was reached at 80 min contact time. Experimental data fitted best into the Elovich kinetic model relative to other kinetic models, based on the correlation coefficient (R2) values obtained from kinetic studies. Chemisorption was deduced as a major phenanthrene removal pathway from aqueous solution and the physicochemical characteristics of the adsorbents have major influence on phenanthrene removal efficiencies.
Behavior of Small-Scale Concrete Cylinders in Compression Laterally Confined by Basalt Fiber and PEN Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
Authors: Baasankhuu Batzaya , Choi Donguk , Ha Sangsu
Published: February 2020

Axial compression test was conducted to investigate the effect of confinement on plain concrete cylinders by wrapping polyethylene naphthalate fiber reinforced polymer (PEN FRP) with large rupture strain (LRS) capacity. To draw comparison on the confinement effect by PEN FRP wrapping, the confining effect by basalt FRP (BFRP) wrapping was also investigated. A total of 25 tests was completed. Test variables were two different FRP composites (PEN FRP, BFRP) and number of FRP layers (1, 2, 3 layers of PEN FRP and 2, 4, 6 layers of BFRP) in the main confinement tests (21 tests). In the additional confinement tests, the test variable was overlap length of PEN FRP (four tests). Confinement by BFRP and LRS PEN FRP was both effective as demonstrated by continuously ascending stress–strain relationship of the confined concrete. The PEN FRP wrapped concrete deformed more both axially and laterally to develop strength equivalent to that of the BFRP wrapped concrete. A simplified procedure for rational modelling of stress–strain relationship of the confined concrete was suggested. The suggested procedure is applicable for both BFRP and PEN FRP confined circular concretes on condition that basic confinement test data specific to the FRP composite are provided.
Oculopalatal tremor following sequential medullary infarcts that did not cause hypertrophic olivary degeneration
Authors: Kattah Jorge C. , Elble Rodger J. , De Santo Jeffrey , Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: February 2020

Background

The syndrome of oculopalatal tremor is a known consequence of lesions in the dentate-olivary pathway. Hypertrophic degeneration of the inferior olive is a recognized pathological correlate of these lesions and hypothesized to cause tremorogenic olivary hypersynchrony. However, oculopalatal tremor also occurs in Alexander disease, which produces severe inferior olive degeneration without intervening hypertrophy.

Methods

Serial clinical, imaging, video-oculography and kinematic tremor recording of a patient with oculopalatal and limb tremor.

Case study

We report an unusual presentation of oculopalatal tremor and right upper extremity myorhythmia following sequential right dorsolateral and left anteromedial medullary infarcts directly involving both inferior olives. As in adult Alexander disease, our patient did not have hypertrophic olivary degeneration during 10 years of follow-up.

Conclusion

Contemporary theories have emphasized the role of cerebellar maladaptation in “shaping” oscillations generated elsewhere, the inferior olive in particular. Our patient and published Alexander disease cases illustrate that oculopalatal tremor can occur in the absence of hypertrophic olivary degeneration. Therefore, cerebellar maladaptation to any form of olivary damage may be the critical pathophysiology in producing oculopalatal tremor.
Development of an Aerosol Dose Collection Apparatus for In Vitro Dissolution Measurements of Orally Inhaled Drug Products
Authors: Price Robert , Shur Jagdeep , Ganley William , Farias Gonçalo , Fotaki Nikoletta , Conti Denise S. , Delvadia Renishkumar , Absar Mohammad , Saluja Bhawana , Lee Sau
Published: February 2020

The aim of the study was to develop a robust and standardized in vitro dissolution methodology for orally inhaled drug products (OIDPs). An aerosol dose collection (ADC) system was designed to uniformly deposit the whole impactor stage mass (ISM) over a large filter area for dissolution testing. All dissolution tests were performed under sink conditions in a sodium phosphate buffered saline solution containing 0.2%w/w sodium dodecyl sulphate. An adapted USP Apparatus V, Paddle over Disk (POD), was used throughout the study. The dissolution characteristics of the ISM dose of a commercial metered-dose inhaler (MDI) and a range of dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations containing inhaled corticosteroids were tested. The uniform distribution of the validated ISM dose considerably reduced drug loading effects on the dissolution profiles for both MDI and DPI formulations. The improvement in the robustness and discriminatory capability of the technique enabled characterization of dissolution rate differences between inhaler platforms and between different DPI product strengths containing fluticasone propionate. A good correlation between in vivo mean absorption time and in vitro dissolution half-life was found for a range of the inhaled corticosteroids. The ADC system and the reproducible in vitro POD dissolution measurements provided a quantitative-based approach for measuring the relationship between the influence of device and the dispersion characteristics on the aerosol dissolution of low solubility compounds. The in vitro dissolution method could potentially be applied as a dissolution methodology for compendial, quality control release testing, and during development of both branded orally inhaled drug products and their generic counterparts.
Impact of Intraoperative Cell Salvage on Blood Coagulation Factor Concentrations in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Adam Elisabeth H. , Funke Moritz , Zacharowski Kai , Meybohm Patrick , Keller Harald , Weber Christian F.
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND:

Cardiothoracic surgery is associated with major blood loss and allogeneic transfusion of red blood cell concentrates. To minimize allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, intraoperative cell salvage has been effectively used for years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cell salvage on blood coagulation factors.

METHODS:

We enrolled 30 patients scheduled for cardiac surgery in a prospective single-center observational cohort study at an academic hospital. Blood samples from the cell salvage system were obtained from both the reservoir and the processed red blood cell concentrate. Coagulation factors, fibrinogen, antithrombin and von Willebrand activity, and antigen were assessed before and after cell salvage. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test.

RESULTS:

Our results revealed a significant decrease of fibrinogen (P< .001), coagulation factors II (P= .004), factors VII, X, and XIII (P< .001), and all other measured coagulation factor concentrations/activities in the processed red blood cell concentrate, when compared to the concentrations/activities of the reservoir.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of the present study revealed a significant reduction of coagulation factor concentrations/activities by the washing process. Therefore, physicians need to consider adequate management of coagulation in patients with major blood loss and the need of large volumes of RBC transfusion.
Towards implementing an AI chatbot platform for museums
Authors: Varitimiadis Savvas , Kotis Konstantinos , Skamagis Andreas , Tzortzakakis Alexandros , Tsekouras George , Spiliotopoulos Dimitris
Published: February 2020

Recently, understanding their unique role in storytelling and aiming to attract more visitors, several museums have integrated modern ICT technologies. The problem with these technologies however is that gradually tend to be of no real interest to visitors, lack of significant interaction, cannot be continuously updated, and eventually distract visitors from experiencing the exhibits. Museum visitors do not need to be impressed by a technological application but need to learn about the stories of the exhibits in a creative, human-centered and interactive manner. This paper presents an ongoing work towards implementing a new interactive technological trend for museums, i.e., a museum chatbot platform, namely MuBot. The MuBot platform aims to provide museums the opportunity to create simple, interactive and human-friendly apps for their visitors. Such apps will integrate an intelligent chatbot that uses some of the most advanced AI technologies of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing/Generation, and the Semantic Web. Museum visitors will be able to use a chatbot application that will be created through the MuBot platform, to chat with a ‘smart’ exhibit. They will be able to ask questions through text or voice (in natural language) and receive audible or written answers. The more the visitors ask, the more MuBot will learn and store new knowledge in its knowledge base. The paper presents a preliminary design of the proposed MuBot platform, experimenting with first prototype implementations using the well-known Dialogflow framework, as well as using a Knowledge Graph-based approach.
Systematic study of the effect of short range correlations on the form factors and densities of s-p-d shell nuclei
Authors: Moustakidis H. C. , Massen S. E.
Published: February 2020

Analytical expressions of the one- and two-body terms in the cluster expansion of the charge form factors and densities of the s-p and s-d shell nuclei with N=Z are derived. They depend on the harmonic oscillator parameter 6 and the parameter β which originates from the Jastrow correlation function. These expressions are used for the systematic study of the effect of short range correlations on the form factors and densities and of the mass dependence of the parameters ò and β. These parameters have been determined by fit to the experimental charge form factors. The inclusion of the correlations reproduces the experimental charge form factors at the high momentum transfers (q > 2 fm^-1). It is found that while the parameter β is almost constant for the closed shell nuclei, 4He, 16O and 40Ca, its values are larger (less correlated systems) for the open shell nuclei, indicating a shell effect in the closed shell nuclei.
DNA methylation changes in biomarker loci occur early in cancer progression
Authors: Vrba Lukas , Futscher Bernard W.
Published: February 2020

Tumor-specific DNA methylation can be used for cancer diagnostics and monitoring.  We have recently reported a set of DNA methylation biomarkers that can distinguish plasma samples from lung cancer patients versus healthy controls with high sensitivity and specificity.  Furthermore, the DNA methylation signal from the biomarker loci detected in plasma samples correlated with tumor size and decreased after surgical resection of lung tumors.  In order to determine the timing of DNA methylation of these loci during carcinogenesis and thus the potential of the biomarkers to detect early stages of the disease we analyzed the DNA methylation of the biomarker loci in five precancerous conditions using available data from the GEO database.  We found that the DNA methylation of the biomarker loci is gained early in carcinogenesis since most of the precancerous conditions already have biomarker loci hypermethylated.  Moreover, these DNA methylation biomarkers are able to distinguish between precancerous lesions with malignant potential and those that stay benign where data is available.  Taken together, the biomarkers have the potential to detect the earliest cancer stages; the only limitation to detection of cancer from plasma samples or other liquid biopsies is the timing when tumors start to shed enough DNA into body fluids.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and attention skills in burnout patients: a randomized blinded sham-controlled pilot study
Authors: Van Noppen Pia , van Dun Kim , Depestele Siel , Verstraelen Stefanie , Meesen Raf , Manto Mario
Published: February 2020

Background: Burnout is characterized by deficiencies in attention and several components of the working memory, of which the lingering effects of impaired attention and executive functions are the most frustrating. We hypothesized that anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) can improve the executive control of attention and possibly several other components of working memory in patients with burnout.

Methods: This was a randomized double-blind sham-controlled pilot study with two groups. Patients with burnout received three weeks of daily sessions (15 sessions in total) of atDCS or sham stimulation in addition to three weekly sessions of standard behavioral therapy. The primary outcome measure was attention and the central executive of the working memory. Secondary, the effect of atDCS was measured on other components of working memory, on burnout and depression scores, and on quality of life (QoL).

Results: We enrolled and randomly assigned 16 patients to a sham or real stimulation group, 15 (7 sham, 8 real) were included in the analysis. atDCS had a significant impact on attention. Post-hoc comparisons also revealed a trend towards more improvement after real tDCS for inhibition and shifting, updating and control, and encoding. Both groups improved on burnout and depression scores.

Conclusion: These data provide preliminary evidence for the value of atDCS over the left DLPFC in rehabilitating attention deficits, and possibly also central executive and encoding deficits, in burnout. However, the current study has some limitations, including the sample size and heterogeneous patient population. More elaborate studies are needed to elucidate the specific impact of atDCS over the left DLPFC on burnout.

Trial registration: ISRCTN.com (ISRCTN94275121) 17/11/19
Differential equations
Authors: Zhukova Galina
Published: February 2020

The textbook presents the theory of ordinary differential equations constituting the subject of the discipline "Differential equations". Studied topics: differential equations of first, second, arbitrary order; differential equations; integration of initial and boundary value problems; stability theory of solutions of differential equations and systems. Introduced the basic concepts, proven properties of differential equations and systems. The article presents methods of analysis and solutions. We consider the applications of the obtained results, which are illustrated on a large number of specific tasks. For independent quality control mastering the course material suggested test questions on the theory, exercises and tasks.
It is recommended that teachers, postgraduates and students of higher educational institutions, studying differential equations and their applications.
Constitutional and legal provision of national security of the Russian Federation
Authors: Fedotova Yuliya
Published: February 2020

The textbook is devoted to the constitutional-legal framework (the concept, historical features of formation and development of constitutional system of Russia, its political, socio-economic and spiritual foundations, the concept, essence, content and purpose of the constitutional security as a legal expression of national security) and the system of ensuring national security of the Russian Federation, expressed in the state (consisting of activities of public authorities and other state authorities in ensuring national security) and private (characterized by the participation of citizens and their associations and other organizations in ensuring national security) of its subsystems.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
For students, graduates, teachers, professionals in the field of constitutional law and national security practitioners as well as for a wide circle of readers interested in issues of national security.
Evolution of Ancient Egyptian Bifacial Flint Knives
Authors: Lajs Katarzyna
Published: February 2020

Bifacial knives are a significant category of artefacts known from ancient Egypt, drawing the attention of researchers since the beginnings of Egyptology. A popular type of knife with a well-defined handle was produced from the Early Dynastic onwards. Bifacial knives were crucial in many aspects of life. The knives from the site of Tell el-Murra, located in the North-Eastern part of the Nile Delta, are no exception. The chronology of the site dates back to the Predynastic period and lasts to the end of the Old Kingdom. There are two main groups identified amongst the bifacial knives: the first one dated to the Early Dynastic period and the second to the Old Kingdom. Both of them have some specific features which allow them to be assigned to their proper chronological phases.
Combat, Myths and Seals in the Griffin Warrior Times
Authors: Kazimierz Lewartowski
Published: February 2020

In 2015, an intaglio gem was discovered in Pylos (Messenia, Greece) from the beginning of the Late Bronze Age with a scene of two warriors in combat. This representation is part of a group of similar images on seals. The analysis of these objects allows the suggestion that the scenes depicted on them are based on the same story/myth. This story helped to build the ideology of the Mycenaean elites based on, among other things, the use of violence in social life and set patterns of behavior, while at the same time linking the Mycenaeans living in different parts of Greece, especially in Mycenae, Pylos and Vapheio. Perhaps it had an epic dimension similar to Homer’s much later work.
Medical grade honey for the treatment of paediatric abdominal wounds: a case series
Authors: Smaropoulos Eleftherios , Cremers Niels AJ
Published: February 2020

Objective:

Children are at high risk of injuries and wounds. The application of medical grade honey is a promising approach to improving the healing of wounds of various origin and severity. However, the use of medical grade honey in young paediatric patients remains limited. The aim of this study is to show the safety, efficacy and usefulness of medical grade honey in abdominal wounds, of different causes, in paediatric patients.

Method:

This was a prospective, observational case series evaluating five young infants with abdominal wounds at the General Hospital in Thessaloniki. All wounds were treated in the same manner with daily medical grade honey applied to the wound area and closely monitored.

Results:

All treated wounds rapidly presented granulation tissue formation and underwent re-epithelialisation. Peripheral oedema and inflammation decreased upon initial application. Necrotic tissue was effectively debrided when present. Slough was removed and no signs of infection were detected, irrespective of initial wound presentations. Scar formation was minimal and the full range of motion was preserved in all cases.

Conclusion:

Based on this case study, medical grade honey is safe and effective in treating different abdominal wounds, including infected or dehisced wounds as well as burns. The easy application and broad applicability make medical grade honey recommendable as a first-line treatment in paediatric patients.
Comparison of two pixelated insoles using in-shoe pressure sensors to determine percent offloading: case studies
Authors: Penny Harry , Tran Son , Sansosti Laura , Pettineo Steven , Bloom Andrew , Qureshi Rafay , Bickers David , Kreuz Emma , Zaki Peter , McGuire James
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The gold standard for offloading neuropathic forefoot and midfoot wounds is the total contact cast (TCC). However, in practice TCC is rarely used and is contraindicated in patients with fluctuating oedema, poor perfusion, lack of adequate tissue oxygenation and morbid obesity. It can also be too restrictive for patients, inevitably resulting in treatment rejection and delayed healing. This paper examines the role of shoe-based offloading devices as an alternative in reducing plantar pressure and optimising the healing of neuropathic ulcers.

Method:

Healthy subjects were recruited and fitted for two types of pixelated insoles: PegAssist (PA) insole system (Darco International, US) and FORS-15 (FORS) offloading insole (Saluber, Italy). An area of discreet, elevated high pressure was created by adding a 1/4-inch-thick felt pad to the plantar skin under the first metatarsal head. Subjects walked barefoot in surgical shoes with standard insoles (Condition 1), barefoot in pixelated insoles (Condition 2), barefoot with pixels removed (Condition 3). Dynamic plantar pressures were measured using F-Scan and the results were analysed to determine plantar pressure changes in each condition.

Results:

Using PA, the percentage reduction of plantar pressure (kPa) under the first metatarsal between Condition 1 and Condition 2 was 10.54±15.81% (p=0.022), between Condition 2 and Condition 3 was 40.13±11.11% (p<0.001), and between Condition 1 and Condition 3 was 46.67±12.95 % (p<0.001). Using FORS, the percentage reduction between Condition 1 and Condition 2 was 24.25±23.33% (p=0.0029), between Condition 2 and Condition 3 was 23.61±19.45% (p<0.001), and between Condition 1 and Condition 3 was 43.39±18.70% (p<0.001). A notable difference in the findings between the two insoles was the presence of a significant edge effect associated with PA, indicating that the offloading was not entirely successful. No edge effect was detected with FORS.

Conclusion:

Our current analysis shows that pixelated insoles exhibit potential for supplemental offloading in surgical shoes. These devices could provide an alternative way for physicians to offload plantar wounds and expedite closure for patients that cannot tolerate a TCC or other restrictive devices.
Somers' D as an Alternative for the Item–Test and Item-Rest Correlation Coefficients in the Educational Measurement Settings
Authors: Metsämuuronen Jari
Published: February 2020

Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient between item g and test score X, known as item–test or item–total correlation (Rit), and item–rest correlation (Rir) are two of the most used classical estimators for item discrimination power (IDP). Both Rit and Rir underestimate IDP caused by the mismatch of the scales of the item and the score. Underestimation of IDP may be drastic when the difficulty level of the item is extreme. Based on a simulation, in a binary dataset, a good alternative for Rit and Rir could be the Somers’ D: it reaches the ultimate values +1 and –1, it underestimates IDP remarkably less than Rit and Rir, and, being a robust statistic, it is more stable against the changes in the data structure. Somers’ D has, however, one major disadvantage in a polytomous case: it tends to underestimate the magnitude of the association of item and score more than Rit does when the item scale has four categories or more.
A Comparison of Faculty and Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Engaging Online Courses: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Gonzalez Michelle , Moore Noreen
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast faculty and graduate students’ perceptions of engaging online courses. This mixed-methods study occurred in a mid-sized state university in northeastern United States. Data from an online survey and semi-structured interviews indicated that graduate students and faculty perceived similar online course elements in the areas of social and teaching presence as engaging: interpersonal connections, structured learning environments, and variety in course activities and type of technology used. Both believed that poor organization was unengaging. Subtle differences in perception were illuminated by the qualitative analysis. The results have implications for online course pedagogy and research methodology.
Short Communication: Seed germination, seedling survival and storage behavior of Koompassia excelsa (Leguminosae)
Authors: Latifah Dian , Wardani Fitri Fatma , Zulkarnaen Rizmoon Nurul
Published: February 2020

Abstract. Latifah D, Wardani FF, Zulkarnaen RN. 2020. Seed germination, seedling survival and storage behavior of Koompassia excelsa (Leguminosae). Nusantara Bioscience 12: 46-49. Koompassia excelsa (Becc.) Taub. (Leguminosae) is an important component of many tropical rainforests as an emergent canopy tree. Knowledge and application of germination strategies and increasing seedling survival of this species in many conservation efforts are essential as it is endemic to several areas in Southeast Asia. This research investigated the effects of the different moisture levels of the sowing media on the germination and seedling survival percentage of K. excelsa. The seeds exhibited faster germination percentage and higher seedling survival when sown in media with 33.2%-moisture. The seeds appeared to have intermediate storage behavior. Thus, sowing seeds in 33.2%-moisture media may promote seedling survival, which is an important part of regeneration as well as conservation of K. excelsa.
Fatwa Institution and Product Development for Islamic Finance in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Ghazala Ghalib
Published: February 2020

Pakistan, being an Islamic Republic, is constitutionally obliged to eliminate ribā (interest) from its economy. Thus, Islamic Finance (IF) industry was introduced as an alternate to conventional ribā-based system of financial intermediation. However, efforts towards innovative system of IF are not devoid of criticism. Thus, institutions offering IF, are denounced for excessive reliance on stratagems to legalize ribā, misuse of plurality in Islamic legal rules and gross misapplication of the principles of Islamic Law. The pivotal task of determining sharī'ah compatibility of products and services is realized through the institution of fatwa. Hence, the given scenario of industry stipulates critical appraisal of role and protocols of this very institution for product development (PD). This article argues that for consistency of Islamic financial intermediation with sharī'ah, the industry needs to standardize 'product development procedures' with greater focus on regulating its fatwa institution.
Water quality depends on remineralization’s method in the desalination plant
Authors: Biyoune Mohamed Ghali , Bouargane Brahim , Bari Hicham , Marrouche Abdelkhalek , Bellajrou Raddoine , Atbir Ali , Boukbir Laarbi , Mançour Billah Said
Published: February 2020

Desalination of seawater is an alternative solution in arid zones to provide potable water. In south Morocco, the National Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE) has built many desalination factories. However, the osmosis water (permeate) is unbalanced and has a corrosive character. Therefore, a post-treatment of remineralization is necessary to return to water its calcio-carbonic equilibrium and to protect the distribution pipelines from corrosion degradation. Following the performance on limestone bed remineralization in Daoura plant in comparison with other methods, this article evaluates this technique, by checking the effect of parameters on water quality on the laboratory scale using a calcite bed pilot. We tested E.B.C.T (Empty Bed Contact Time), the upward speed, the bed length, the effect of water debit and the residence time on the treated water quality. Monitoring these parameters on the laboratory scale is indeed essential for optimal remineralization process. With the results of this study as well as economic consideration, it is possible to optimize the choice of the conditions needed for remineralization operation through limestone bed to minimize its costs with sizing and extrapolating to the industrial scale.
Multiobjective optimization for target design in diffraction-based overlay metrology
Authors: Shi Yating , Li Kuangyi , Chen Xiuguo , Wang Peng , Gu Honggang , Jiang Hao , Zhang Chuanwei , Liu Shiyuan
Published: February 2020

Overlay target design is an important issue in overlay metrology, whose aim is to probe the optimal overlay target to achieve good performance on measurement precision and accuracy even in the presence of process variation. In this paper, the target design problem is first formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem and then solved by the multiobjective genetic algorithm. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified based on simulations carried out on two overlay targets. The results reveal that measurements with high precision, accuracy, and process robustness could be achieved on the targets designed by the proposed method.
Real-time diagnosis and visualization of tumor margins in excised breast specimens using fluorescence lifetime imaging and machine learning
Authors: Unger Jakob , Hebisch Christoph , Phipps Jennifer E. , Lagarto João L. , Kim Hanna , Darrow Morgan A. , Bold Richard J. , Marcu Laura
Published: February 2020

Tumor-free surgical margins are critical in breast-conserving surgery. In up to 38% of the cases, however, patients undergo a second surgery since malignant cells are found at the margins of the excised resection specimen. Thus, advanced imaging tools are needed to ensure clear margins at the time of surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate a random forest classifier that makes use of parameters derived from point-scanning label-free fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) measurements of breast specimens as a means to diagnose tumor at the resection margins and to enable an intuitive visualization of a probabilistic classifier on tissue specimen. FLIm data from fresh lumpectomy and mastectomy specimens from 18 patients were used in this study. The supervised training was based on a previously developed registration technique between autofluorescence imaging data and cross-sectional histology slides. A pathologist’s histology annotations provide the ground truth to distinguish between adipose, fibrous, and tumor tissue. Current results demonstrate the ability of this approach to classify the tumor with 89% sensitivity and 93% specificity and to rapidly (∼ 20 frames per second) overlay the probabilistic classifier overlaid on excised breast specimens using an intuitive color scheme. Furthermore, we show an iterative imaging refinement that allows surgeons to switch between rapid scans with a customized, low spatial resolution to quickly cover the specimen and slower scans with enhanced resolution (400 μm per point measurement) in suspicious regions where more details are required. In summary, this technique provides high diagnostic prediction accuracy, rapid acquisition, adaptive resolution, nondestructive probing, and facile interpretation of images, thus holding potential for clinical breast imaging based on label-free FLIm.
Optical characterization of porcine tissues from various organs in the 650–1100 nm range using time-domain diffuse spectroscopy
Authors: Mosca Sara , Lanka Pranav , Stone Nick , Konugolu Venkata Sekar Sanathana , Matousek Pavel , Valentini Gianluca , Pifferi Antonio
Published: February 2020

We present a systematic characterization of the optical properties
(µa and µs’) of nine representative ex vivo
porcine tissues over a broadband spectrum (650-1100 nm). We applied
time-resolved diffuse optical spectroscopy measurements for recovering
the optical properties of porcine tissues depicting a realistic
representation of the tissue heterogeneity and morphology likely to be
found in different ex vivo tissues. The results demonstrate a large
spectral and inter-tissue variation of optical properties. The data
can be exploited for planning or simulating ex vivo experiments with
various biophotonics techniques, or even to construct artificial
structures mimicking specific pathologies exploiting the wide
assortment in optical properties.
Field stop diffraction and sampling effects in apodized pupil Lyot coronagraphs
Authors: Will Scott D. , Fienup James R.
Published: February 2020

We study the predicted performance of two apodized pupil Lyot
coronagraph designs in the presence of an occulter-plane field stop.
We discuss techniques for capturing diffraction effects when the
radius of the stop is larger than the field of view of an ordinary
numerical diffraction model, including mask upsampling and analytical
focal-plane envelope functions. We simulate a closed-loop
coronagraphic wavefront control to assess the extent to which such
diffraction effects can be compensated using deformable mirrors. We
show that for the designs considered, field stop diffraction effects
are significant at diameters considerably larger than the instrument
field of view, suggesting the need to explicitly include a focal-plane
stop in the design process.
State preparation robust to modulation signal degradation by use of a dual parallel modulator for high-speed BB84 quantum key distribution systems
Authors: Zhang Weiyang , Kadosawa Yu , Tomita Akihisa , Ogawa Kazuhisa , Okamoto Atsushi
Published: February 2020

Security certification of quantum key distribution systems with a practical device is essential for their social deployment. Considering the transmitter, we investigate quantum state generation affected by degraded electrical signals from practical bandwidth-limited devices on high-speed phase-encoding BB84 quantum key distribution systems. The state preparation flaw caused by this degradation undesirably enhances the distinguishability between the two bases for the BB84 protocol and decreases the key generation rate. We propose the state preparation with a dual parallel modulator for increasing the robustness to signal degradation. To verify the effectiveness of the dual parallel modulator, we characterize the generated states using state tomography and estimate the key generation rate based on the Gottesman–Lo–Lütkenhaus–Preskill theory with fidelity derived from the estimated density matrices. Simulation results show that the key generation rate remains unaffected by modulation voltage shifts up to 20%.
Temperature compensated three-dimension fiber optic vector magnetic field sensor based on an elliptical core micro fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Gao Ran , Lu Danfeng , Zhang Qi , Xin Xiangjun , Tian Qinghua , Tian Feng , Wang Yongjun
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a temperature-compensated three-dimension vector fiber optic magnetic field sensor based on an elliptical core micro fiber Bragg grating (FBG) has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The elliptical core fiber was tapered to form a microfiber, in which a FBG was inscribed. Due to the magnetism-manipulation of the anisotropic aggregation of ferromagnetism nanoparticles around the fiber surface, the effective refractive index of the evanescent field for two orthogonal polarization modes was modulated, and the magnetic field orientation can be detected by interrogating the wavelength interval between two reflection peaks. However, two reflection peaks show the identical response to ambient temperature. Hence the proposed sensor can achieve the measurements of the magnetic field intensity and the orientation simultaneously without the temperature cross-sensitivity. The experimental results show that the magnetic field orientation sensitivity of 15 pm/deg and intensity sensitivity of 81 pm/mT can be achieved, and the maximum standard variation of the temperature cross-sensitivity is only 0.02 nm. The proposed elliptical core micro FBG appears to have potential applications in navigation, vehicle detection, and current sensing.