bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Zeitgeist in Xi Jinping
Authors: Hailiang Gu
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Xi Jinping’s speech on the theme of “Continuously Exploring the New Zeitgeist of Marxist Political Economy in China,” dated back to November 2015, has illuminated the historical background, social roots, practical basis, basic characteristics, Zeitgeist, ideological realm and other issues relative to the development of “Systematic Economic Theory” with Chinese characteristics (hereinafter referred to as SETCC). The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploring the SETCC marks a fundamental postulation for the development of contemporary Chinese Marxist political economy, and an important indicator of the Chinese wisdom thereof.

Findings

Unswervingly adhering to the new development concept as the leading factor, General Secretary Xi Jinping’s elucidation of the theoretical propositions and practical topics of building a modern economic system has, starting from the five aspects of development mainline, strategic support, fundamental approach, necessary road and institutional guarantee, and their interrelationships, unfolded new connotations and opened up a new realm of Xi’s New Economic Zeitgeist with new explorations on the structure and system of SETCC.

Originality/value

This paper first explains the development of Xi Jinping’s economic thoughts and reveals its systematization characteristics.
Demand response-based dynamic dispatch of microgrid system in hybrid electricity market
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Verma Yajvender Pal , Khanna Rintu
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Technological development has not only helped in effective integration of renewable sources but also made it possible for consumers to participate in system operation. Different market players are coming up in the electricity market, microgrid being one of them. Thus, this paper aims to investigate consumers’ role in the dispatch of a microgrid system that has a hybrid market structure under varied system conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical model developed has been solved by the CONOPT solver in the GAMS optimization tool. GAMS-MATLAB interfacing is done to obtain solutions.

Findings

The problem formulated shows the effect of consumers in dispatch and overall operational cost. Consumers’ participation has been proposed through a quadratic cost function. The system operation under pool and bilateral contracts has been investigated. It shows that proper incentives to the consumers can help in reduction and effective management of the demand, carbon emission and overall system operational cost.

Originality/value

This paper considers the hybrid market structure to find the load dispatch in a microgrid system. The participation of consumers in the microgrid system has been implemented considering variations in wind power, solar power and load. The power exchange between the grid and microgrid system has been modeled showing the contribution of the consumers in system operation.
Interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy TODIM approach through point operator-based similarity measures for multicriteria group decision making
Authors: Biswas Animesh , Sarkar Biswajit
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology based on TODIM (an acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multicriteria decision-making) approach for the selection of the best alternative in the context of multi criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) problems under possibilistic uncertainty in interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF) environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, IVPF-TODIM method is proposed. Some new point operator-based similarity measures (POSMs) for IVPF sets (IVPFSs) are introduced which have the capability to reduce the degree of uncertainty of the elements in the universe of discourse corresponding to IVPFS. Then the newly defined POSMs are used to compute the measure of relative dominance of each alternative over other alternatives in the IVPF-TODIM context. Finally, generalized mean aggregation operator is used to find the best alternative.

Findings

As the TODIM method is used to solve the MCGDM problems under uncertainty, POSMs are developed by using three parameters which can control the effect of decision-makers’ psychological perception under risk.

Research limitations/implications

The decision values are used in IVPF numbers (IVPFNs) format.

Practical implications

The proposed method is capable to solve real-life MCGDM problems with not only IVPFNs format but also with interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers.

Originality/value

As per authors’ concern, no approach using TODIM with IVPFNs is found in literature to solve MCGDM problems under uncertainty. The final judgment values of alternatives using the extended TODIM methodology are highly corroborate in compare to the results of existing methods, which proves its great potentiality in solving MCGDM problems under risk.
Inferring predator–prey interactions in food webs
Authors: Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Thompson Ross M. , Poisot Timothée , Harding Jon S.
Published: November 2018

Food webs are a powerful way to represent the diversity, structure, and function of ecological systems. However, the accurate description of food webs requires significant effort in time and resources, limiting their widespread use in ecological studies. Newly published methods allow for the inference of feeding interactions using proxy variables. Here, we compare the accuracy of two recently described methods, as well as describe a composite model of the two, for the inference of feeding interactions using a large, well‐described dataset.

Both niche and neutral processes are involved in determining whether or not two species will form a feeding link in communities. Three different models for determining niche constraints of feeding interactions are compared, and all three models are extended by incorporating neutral processes, based on relative abundances. The three models compared here infer niche processes through (a) phylogenetic relationships, (b) local species trait distributions (e.g., body size), and (c) a composite of phylogeny and local traits.

We show that all three methods perform well at predicting individual species interactions, and that these individual predictions scale up to the network level, resulting in food web structure of inferred networks being similar to their empirical counterparts.

Our results indicate that inferring food web structure using phylogenies can be an efficient way of getting summary webs with minimal data, and offers a conservative test of changes in food web structure, particularly when there is low species turnover between sites. Inferences made using traits require more data, but allows for greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying trophic interactions. A composite model of the two methods provides a framework for investigating the importance of how phylogeny, trait distributions, and relative abundances, affect species interactions, and network structure.
Working Memory Training in Alcohol Use Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Khemiri Lotfi , Brynte Christoffer , Stunkel Angela , Klingberg Torkel , Jayaram‐Lindström Nitya
Published: November 2018

Background

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with cognitive deficits such as impaired executive functions, which are hypothesized to contribute to the progression of the disease and worsen treatment outcome. Training of working memory (WM) to improve cognitive functions and thereby reduce alcohol use has been proposed as a novel treatment strategy.

Methods

Patients with AUD (n = 50) who were recruited to an outpatient addiction clinic were randomized to receive 5 weeks of active WM training or control training. Participants had weekly follow‐up visits, and all cognitive training sessions were done online at home. Primary outcomes were WM function and change in self‐reported heavy drinking. Secondary outcomes were craving, other drinking outcomes, and performance on a range of neuropsychological tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery.

Results

The active training group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in verbal WM compared with the control group. No statistically significant effect of training was found on the primary drinking outcome, but a trend was observed indicating that WM training reduces the number of drinks per drinking occasion. WM training had no statistically significant effect on any of the other neuropsychological tasks.

Conclusions

Cognitive training can improve WM function in individuals with AUD, suggesting that such interventions are feasible to administer in this patient population. The results do not support an effect of WM training on heavy drinking or transfer effects to other cognitive domains. Future studies should evaluate WM training as an adjunct to evidence‐based treatments for AUD to assess potential synergistic effects.
Detecting gastric cancer from video images using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Ishioka Mitsuaki , Hirasawa Toshiaki , Tada Tomohiro
Published: November 2018

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Diffusion of enrofloxacin to pregnancy fluids and effects on fetal cartilage after intravenous administration to late pregnant mares
Authors: Ellerbrock R. E. , Canisso I. F. , Roady P. J. , Rothrock L. T. , Zhong L. , Wilkins P. , Dirikolu L. , Lima F. S. , Honoroto J.
Published: November 2018

Background

In selective cases, enrofloxacin may be an alternative antibacterial agent to treat unresponsive infections in pregnant mares. Supratherapeutic doses of enrofloxacin are toxic to adult horses and also to newborn foals, however, it is unknown if enrofloxacin crosses the equine placenta or if it is toxic to the fetus.

Objectives

To assess the diffusion of enrofloxacin and its metabolite to fetal fluids and its effects on fetal cartilage when administered to pregnant mares.

Study design

In vivo and terminal controlled experiment.

Methods

Healthy mares at 260 days of gestation were allocated into three groups: untreated (n = 3), therapeutic treatment (5 mg/kg enrofloxacin, i.v., n = 7) or supratherapeutic treatment (10 mg/kg, i.v., n = 6) for 11 days. Fetal fluids were collected on days 1, 5 and 11 of treatment. Premature delivery was induced on day 11 with oxytocin and fetal fluids and plasma were collected during delivery. Plasma and fetal fluid enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fetal articular cartilage was examined macroscopically and histologically for lesions.

Results

Enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin reached the minimum inhibitory concentrations for common pathogens in all fluids. Ciprofloxacin did not increase with the double enrofloxacin dose in maternal plasma, but allantoic fluid showed a 10‐fold increase relative to fetal trough plasma concentrations. Administration of enrofloxacin at recommended doses did not result in cartilaginous lesions in fetuses.

Main limitations

Only one time point in gestation was evaluated and mares treated in the study were healthy at the time of treatment. It remains to be determined if enrofloxacin shows toxicity at other stages of pregnancy, after a longer duration of treatment, or once the foals are delivered and articular surfaces are weightbearing.

Conclusions

Short‐term administration of enrofloxacin to late gestation mares resulted in detectable enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin concentrations in fetal fluids and did not result in macroscopic or microscopic lesions in the fetus. While further research is needed to address long‐term foal outcomes, enrofloxacin may be useful for select bacterial infections in pregnant mares.
Warwick sandstone: a window onto Middle Triassic life and landscapes
Authors: Radley Jonathan D. , Coram Robert A.
Published: November 2018

The town of Warwick in central England, UK is built on Middle Triassic sandstone of alluvial origin. The sandstone beds were once extensively quarried for building stone, which is seen in many of the town’s older buildings. The quarries yielded fossilized remains of reptiles and amphibians, providing a glimpse of recovering life in the aftermath of the end‐Permian mass extinction. Study of sedimentary structures preserved within the sandstones has allowed reconstruction of the Pangean rivers and their floodplains, influenced by a hot, semi‐arid climate.
Gas‐pressure assisted sintering of copper indium gallium selenide thin films
Authors: Wu Yu‐Chien , Yang Chang‐Ting , Sun Manting , Hsiang Hsing‐I
Published: November 2018

Defects, such as cracks, porous structure, small grains that easily occur in the fabrication of copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film absorbers using non‐vacuum process have been the major obstacle to practical application of this technology so far. A gas‐pressure assisted sintering process has been developed to achieve dense, crack‐free, large‐grained CIGS films. The gas‐pressure assisted sintering effects on the microstructure, crystalline, and electric properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Hall‐effect analyzer. A uniform microstructure with a large grain size and small amount of isolated residual pores and good electric properties can be obtained by pre‐sintering at 500°C under 6 bar N2 overpressure and then annealing at 500°C for 20 minutes under a selenium atmosphere.
MARSHALL bundles elimination, Pulmonary veins isolation and Lines completion for ANatomical ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation: MARSHALL‐PLAN case series
Authors: Pambrun Thomas , Denis Arnaud , Duchateau Josselin , Sacher Frédéric , Hocini Mélèze , Jaïs Pierre , Haïssaguerre Michel , Derval Nicolas
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Beyond pulmonary veins (PV) isolation, the ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. Substrate ablation may provide a high termination rate but at the cost of impaired atrial physiology and recurrent complex re‐entries. To overcome these pitfalls, we investigated a new lesion set based on important anatomical considerations.

Methods and Results

The case series included 10 consecutive patients with persistent AF. Three atrial structures were successively targeted: (1) coronary sinus and vein of Marshall (CS‐VOM) musculature elimination; (2) PVs isolation; and (3) anatomical isthmuses block. The lesion set completion was the procedural endpoint. Step 1: VOM ethanol infusion was feasible in all cases (mean time of 33.4 ± 9.4 minutes), mean radiofrequency (RF) time for CS‐VOM bundles was 14.4 ± 6.9 minutes. Step 2: mean RF time for PV isolation was 27.7 ± 9.3 minutes. Step 3: mean RF time for mitral, roof, and cavotricuspid lines was 5.7 ± 2.3, 8.1 ± 4.3, and 5.9 ± 1.9 minutes, respectively. The lesion set was achieved in all patients. Mean procedure time was 270 ± 29.9 minutes. AF termination and noninducibility were, respectively, obtained in 50% and 90% of the patients. After a 6‐month follow‐up, all patients were free from arrhythmia recurrence.

Conclusion

The present case series reports a new ablation strategy systematically targeting anatomical structures previously identified as possibly involved in the fibrillatory process and the recurrent tachycardias. The resulting lesion set provides good short‐term outcomes. Although promising, these preliminary results need to be confirmed in the larger prospective study.
Novel peptide dermaseptin‐PS1 exhibits anticancer activity via induction of intrinsic apoptosis signalling
Authors: Long Qilin , Li Lei , Wang Hao , Li Miaoran , Wang Lei , Zhou Mei , Su Qiaozhu , Chen Tianbao , Wu Yuxin
Published: November 2018

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) secreted by the granular glands of frog skin have been widely reported to exhibit strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Many of them have been documented with potent antiproliferative effects on multiple cancer cells, many studies also suggested that AMPs exert their functions via disrupting cell membranes. However, whether and how other cell death induction mechanism is involved in mammalian cancer cells has rarely been investigated. In this study, a novel AMP named Dermaseptin‐PS1 was isolated and identified from Phyllomedusa sauvagei, it showed strong antimicrobial activities against three types of microorganisms. In vitro antiproliferative studies on human glioblastoma U‐251 MG cells indicated that Dermaseptin‐PS1 disrupted cell membranes at the concentrations of 10−5 M and above, while the cell membrane integrity was not affected when concentrations were decreased to 10−6 M or lower. Further examinations revealed that, at the relatively low concentration (10−6 M), Dermaseptin‐PS1 induced apoptosis through mitochondrial‐related signal pathway in U‐251 MG cells. Thus, for the first time, we report a novel frog skin derived AMP with anticancer property by distinct mechanisms, which largely depends on its concentration. Together, our study provides new insights into the mechanism‐illustrated drug design and the optimisation of dose control for cancer treatment in clinic.
Functional Decline in Alzheimer's Disease: A Continuum
Authors: Grimmer Timo , Licata Abigail
Published: November 2018

This editorial comments on the article by Vassilaki et al.
Petrology, geochemistry and P–T–t path of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the Changning–Menglian orogenic belt, southeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Huining , Liu Fulai , Li Jing , Sun Zaibo , Ji Lei , Tian Zhonghua , Liu Lishuang , Santosh M.
Published: November 2018

The Changning–Menglian orogenic belt (CMOB) in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, is considered as the main suture zone marking the closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean between the Indochina and Sibumasu blocks. Here, we investigate the recently discovered retrograded eclogites from this suture zone in terms of their petrological, geochemical and geochronological features, with the aim of constraining the metamorphic evolution and protolith signature. Two types of metabasites are identified: retrograded eclogites and mafic schists. The igneous precursors of the retrograded eclogites exhibit rare earth element distribution patterns and trace element abundance similar to those of ocean island basalts, and are inferred to have been derived from a basaltic seamount in an intra‐oceanic tectonic setting. In contrast, the mafic schists show geochemical affinity to arc‐related volcanics with the enrichment of Rb, Th and U, and depletion of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf and Ti, and their protoliths possibly formed at an active continental margin tectonic setting. Retrograded eclogites are characterized by peak metamorphic mineral assemblages of garnet, omphacite, white mica, lawsonite and rutile, and underwent five‐stage metamorphic evolution, including pre‐peak prograde stage (M1) at 18–19 kbar and 400–420°C, peak lawsonite‐eclogite facies (M2) at 24–26 kbar and 520–530°C, post‐peak epidote–eclogite facies decompression stage (M3) at 13–18 kbar and 530–560°C, subsequent amphibolite facies retrogressive stage (M4) at 8–10 kbar and 530–600°C, and late greenschist facies cooling stage (M5) at 5–8 kbar and 480–490°C. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) U–Pb spot analyses of zircon show two distinct age groups. The magmatic zircon from both the retrograded eclogite and mafic schist yielded protolith ages of 451 ± 3 Ma, which is consistent with the ages of Early Palaeozoic ophiolitic complexes and ocean island sequences in the CMOB reported in previous studies. In contrast, metamorphic zircon from the retrograded eclogite samples yielded consistent Triassic metamorphic ages of 246 ± 2 and 245 ± 2 Ma, which can be interpreted as the timing of closure of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean. The compatible peak metamorphic mineral assemblages, P–T–t paths and metamorphic ages, as well as the similar protolith signatures for the eclogites in the CMOB and Longmu Co–Shuanghu suture (LCSS) suggest that the two belts formed part of a cold oceanic subduction system in the Triassic. The main suture zone of the Palaeo‐Tethyan domain extends at least 1,500 km in length from the CMOB to the LCSS in the Tibetan Plateau. The identification of lawsonite‐bearing retrograded eclogites in the CMOB provides important insights into the tectonic framework and complex geological evolution of the Palaeo‐Tethys.
Corporate social responsibility and tax avoidance
Authors: Goerke Laszlo
Published: November 2018

We theoretically analyse the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and tax avoidance of an oligopolistic firm. The firm maximizes a weighted sum of profits and a CSR objective that depends on output and the firm's contribution to public good provision, that is, tax payments. Making one CSR element more important induces the firm to adhere less to the other and to reduce tax avoidance. Hence, simultaneously a substitutive and a complementary relationship between CSR and tax avoidance can be observed. Therefore, using composite indicators of CSR prevents an empirical identification of this linkage. Moreover, if tax avoidance declines, CSR activities will increase. Consequently, the overall link between CSR and tax avoidance is theoretically ambiguous.
Aid for Trade and Employment in Developing Countries: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm
Published: November 2018

This article examines the employment impact of Aid for Trade (AfT) flows to recipient countries. The analysis has used an unbalanced panel dataset comprising 126 countries, of which 42 Least developed countries (LDCs) over the period 2002–15. Based on the two‐step system Generalized Methods of Moments approach, the empirical analysis shows that over the full sample, AfT has exerted a positive and significant effect on total (male and female) employment share, as well as on female employment share, but no significant effect on male employment share. However, these effects are not the same in LDC economies versus non‐LDC economies.
Progressive behavioural, physiological and transcriptomic shifts over the course of prolonged starvation in ticks
Authors: Rosendale Andrew J. , Dunlevy Megan E. , McCue Marshall D. , Benoit Joshua B.
Published: November 2018

Ticks are obligatorily hematophagous but spend the majority of their lives off host in an unfed state where they must resist starvation between bouts of blood feeding. Survival during these extended off‐host periods is critical to the success of these arthropods as vectors of disease; however, little is known about the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms of starvation tolerance in ticks. We examined the bioenergetic, transcriptomic and behavioural changes of female American dog ticks,Dermacentor variabilis, throughout starvation (up to nine months post‐bloodmeal). As starvation progressed, ticks utilized glycogen and lipid, and later protein as energy reserves with proteolysis and autophagy facilitating the mobilization of endogenous nutrients. The metabolic rate of the ticks was expectedly low, but showed a slight increase as starvation progressed possibly reflecting the upregulation of several energetically costly processes such as transcription/translation and/or increases in host‐seeking behaviours. Starved ticks had higher activity levels, increased questing behaviour and augmented expression of genes related to chemosensing, immunity and salivary gland proteins. The shifts in gene expression and associated behavioural and physiological processes are critical to allowing these parasites to exploit their ecological niche as extreme sit‐and‐wait parasites. The overall responses of ticks to starvation were similar to other blood‐feeding arthropods, but we identified unique responses that could have epidemiological and ecological significance for ticks as ectoparasites that must be tolerant of sporadic feeding.
Welfare futures
Authors: Patrick Ruth
Published: November 2018

Properly reimagined, social security could be a source of pride for citizens and create a more equal society
A domestication‐associated reduction in K+‐preferring HKT transporter activity underlies maize shoot K+ accumulation and salt tolerance
Authors: Cao Yibo , Liang Xiaoyan , Yin Pan , Zhang Ming , Jiang Caifu
Published: November 2018

Maize was domesticated from Balsas teosinte c. 10 000 yr ago. Previous studies have suggested that increased tolerance to environmental stress occurred during maize domestication. However, the underlying genetic basis remains largely unknown.

We used a maize (W22)–teosinte recombinant inbred line (RIL) to investigate the salt wild‐type tolerance aspects of maize domestication.

We revealed that ZmHKT2 is a major QTL that regulates K+ homeostasis in saline soils. ZmHKT2 encodes a K+‐preferring HKT family transporter and probably reduces shoot K+ content by removing K+ ions from root‐to‐shoot flowing xylem sap, ZmHKT2 deficiency increases xylem sap and shoot K+ concentrations, and increases salt tolerance. A coding sequence polymorphism in the ZmHKT2W22 allele (SNP389‐G) confers an amino acid variant ZmHKT2 that increases xylem sap K+ concentration, thereby increasing shoot K+ content and salt tolerance. Additional analyses showed that SNP389‐G first existed in teosinte (allele frequency 56% in assayed accessions), then swept through the maize population (allele frequency 98%), and that SNP389‐G probably underwent positive selection during maize domestication.

We conclude that a domestication‐associated reduction in K+ transport activity in ZmHKT2 underlies maize shoot K+ content and salt tolerance, and propose that CRISPR‐based editing of ZmHKT2 might provide a feasible strategy for improving maize salt tolerance.
High‐Frequency Supraorbital Nerve Stimulation With a Novel Wireless Minimally Invasive Device for Post‐Traumatic Neuralgia: A Case Report
Authors: Van Buyten Jean‐Pierre , Smet Iris , Devos Marieke , Vanquathem Niek E.
Published: November 2018

Background

Post‐traumatic neuropathic pain in the head and face is a condition that is often refractory to medical management. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) can be an effective treatment. Successful implantation of a novel minimally invasive wireless device is reported here.

Objective

To assess analgesic effects of a minimally invasive wireless PNS device in the treatment of post‐traumatic supraorbital neuralgia (SON).

Case Summary

The patient presented with SON following multiple post‐traumatic cranioplasty surgeries, which were complicated by infections. Medical and interventional management failed, and the patient reported a numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score of 8 out of 10. Two octopolar implantable neural stimulators (INSs) (StimRelieve LLC, Pompano Beach, FL, U.S.A.) were implanted with a minimally invasive, percutaneous technique to stimulate the supraorbital nerves. Stimulation parameters were set at a frequency of 10 kHz and a pulse width of 30 microseconds.

Results

At 12‐ and 24‐month follow‐up evaluations, the patient's NRS score was only 2 out of 10, and the patient occasionally required 1 g of paracetamol to control the pain. Stimulation was reported to be paresthesia free. There were no adverse events related to the procedure or the treatment until today.

Conclusions

High‐frequency stimulation with an external pulse generator and minimally invasive, percutaneous, and bilateral placement of 2 passive INSs on the supraorbital nerves resulted in a significant pain relief in this patient with post‐traumatic SON. The device was safe and effective, and the cosmesis was satisfactory.
Using high‐throughput sequencing in support of a plant health outbreak reveals novel viruses in Ullucus tuberosus (Basellaceae)
Authors: Fox A. , Fowkes A. R. , Skelton A. , Harju V. , Buxton‐Kirk A. , Kelly M. , Forde S. M. D. , Pufal H. , Conyers C. , Ward R. , Weekes R. , Boonham N. , Adams I. P.
Published: November 2018

Ullucus tuberosus (ulluco) is a tuber‐forming species that has become a novel crop in highland and temperate maritime climates. Eight viruses have been previously reported infecting Ullucus, including Andean potato latent virus (APLV), a quarantine virus within the European Union. No reference sequences have been published for the viruses previously described from U. tuberosus. Plants grown in the UK for the internet trade were tested for the presence of quarantine viruses using ELISA and real‐time RT‐PCR. ELISA positive results were obtained for APLV and multiple other viruses. A similar suite of viruses was detected at a second outbreak site linked to horticultural trade. Virus identification was by high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) using a ribosomal RNA (rRNA)‐depleted total RNA approach. Analysis of viral contigs indicated the presence of several novel viruses closely related to, but not consistent with, the viruses indicated by ELISA. Further confirmatory testing by real‐time RT‐PCR indicated that two tymoviruses, tentatively named Ullucus tymovirus 1 and Ullucus tymovirus 2, were more closely related to each other (85% identity), than to APLV or Andean potato mild mosaic virus (63–66% identity). APLV could not be confirmed from either site by either HTS or PCR. A novel tobamovirus (Ullucus tobamovirus 1) was only detected at the initial outbreak site. A novel polerovirus (Ullucus polerovirus 1) and a distinct genotype of Papaya mosaic virus were detected from both outbreak sites. Deploying HTS during a plant health outbreak demonstrates the potential of this approach to give rapid, accurate diagnosis.
Washing or filtering of blood products does not improve outcome in a rat model of trauma and multiple transfusion
Authors: Wirtz Mathijs R. , Jurgens Jordy , Zuurbier Coert J. , Roelofs Joris J.T.H. , Spinella Philip C. , Muszynski Jennifer A. , Carel Goslings J. , Juffermans Nicole P.
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

Transfusion is associated with organ failure and nosocomial infection in trauma patients, which may be mediated by soluble bioactive substances in blood products, including extracellular vesicles (EVs). We hypothesize that removing EVs, by washing or filtering of blood products, reduces organ failure and improves host immune response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood products were prepared from syngeneic rat blood. EVs were removed from RBCs and platelets by washing. Plasma was filtered through a 0.22‐μm filter. Rats were traumatized by crush injury to the intestines and liver, and a femur was fractured. Rats were hemorrhaged until a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg and randomized to receive resuscitation with standard or washed/filtered blood products, in a 1:1:1 ratio. Sham controls were not resuscitated. Ex vivo whole blood stimulation tests were performed and histopathology was done.

RESULTS

Washing of blood products improved quality metrics compared to standard products. Also, EV levels reduced by 12% to 77%. The coagulation status, as assessed by thromboelastometry, was deranged in both groups and normalized during transfusion, without significant differences. Use of washed/filtered products did not reduce organ failure, as assessed by histopathologic score and biochemical measurements. Immune response ex vivo was decreased following transfusion compared to sham but did not differ between transfusion groups.

CONCLUSION

Filtering or washing of blood products improved biochemical properties and reduced EV counts, while maintaining coagulation abilities. However, in this trauma and transfusion model, the use of optimized blood components did not attenuate organ injury or immune suppression.
A smartphone‐based teleconsultation system for the management of chronic pressure injuries
Authors: Pak Changsik , In Jeon Ji , Kim Hyeonwoo , Kim Jungyoon , Park Suyeon , Ahn Ki‐hwan , Son Yeon‐joo , Yoo Sooyoung , Baek Rong‐Min , Jeong Jae Hoon , Heo Chan Yeong
Published: November 2018

We investigated the accuracy of pressure injury evaluation using tele‐devices and examined the concordance between automatically generated recommendations and primary manual recommendations. Caregivers took photos and videos of pressure injuries using smartphones with built‐in cameras and uploaded the media to the application. The wound team evaluated the wound using a specially modified version of the Pressure Sore Status Tool. This was compared with the Pressure Sore Status Tool score assessed during the actual examination of the patient. We developed an automatic algorithm for dressing based on the Pressure Sore Status Tool score, checking for consistency between this and the primary manual recommendation. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with pressure injuries were included. The κ coefficients indicated substantial agreement for wound size and total score, and excellent for all other items. We found that the overall concordance rates were statistically significant for all items (p < 0.001). For the primary dressing, the κ coefficient for the concordance rate of automatic algorithm and manual recommendation was 0.771, while that of teleconsultation system and manual recommendation was 0.971. For the secondary dressing, the figures were 0.798 and 0.989, respectively. All values were statistically significant (p < 0.001). We presented strong evidence documenting the utilization of a smartphone, patient‐driven system, and demonstrated that the measurements obtained were comparable to the ones obtained by a trained, on‐site, wound team. Furthermore, we confirmed agreement between automatically generated recommendations and primary manual recommendations.
Giardia duodenalis in small animals and their owners in Germany: A pilot study
Authors: Rehbein Sina , Klotz Christian , Ignatius Ralf , Müller Elisabeth , Aebischer Anton , Kohn Barbara
Published: November 2018

Giardia duodenalis is a relevant gastrointestinal protozoan pathogen of humans and animals. This species complex consists of eight genetically different assemblages. Assemblages A and B are pathogenic to humans and pets, thus confer zoonotic potential. The risk of zoonotic transmission has been controversially discussed. The aim of this monocentric cross‐sectional pilot study was to investigate G. duodenalis assemblages in humans and pets living in common households in Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany). Samples from dogs, cats and humans sharing the same households were screened for Giardia infection by antigen‐detecting assays. All human samples were additionally analysed by a Giardia‐specific qPCR. Cyst quantification and sequences of different gene loci (triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β‐giardin (bg) and for dogs SSUrDNA) were analysed. A total of 38 households (31 households with dogs and seven with cats) with 69 human individuals participated in the study. Initial antigen‐detecting assays revealed Giardia‐positive results for 13 (39%) canine, one (14%) feline and one human sample. Reanalysis of the human samples by qPCR revealed two more positive specimens (4%). Two of these three samples were identified as assemblage B at all tested loci. Success rate of assemblage typing for pet samples was generally low and comprised mainly the SSUrDNA locus only. Overall, six of 13 Giardia‐positive canine samples were typable (2× A, 1× co‐infection: A and B, 1× C; 2× D). One pair of samples (dog and human) from the same household had a similar but not identical assemblage B sequence at tpi locus. Assemblage A was also detected in the dog specimen, which hampered sequence analysis. In conclusion, although exhibiting limitations due to the sample size, our study highlights the need for better and standardized typing tools to distinguish G. duodenalis strains with higher resolution in order to perform proper case–control studies for a realistic estimation of zoonotic risk.
Evolutionary history of the scorpionfly Dicerapanorpa magna (Mecoptera, Panorpidae)
Authors: Hu Gui‐Lin , Hua Yuan , Hebert Paul D. N. , Hua Bao‐Zhen
Published: November 2018

Climate changes can have fundamental impacts on the distributional patterns of montane species, and range shifts frequently lead to allopatric divergence followed by the establishment of secondary contact zones. Many European and North American organisms have retreated to southern refugia during glacial periods and colonized northward during postglacial periods, but little is known about the evolutionary response of cold‐adapted insects to Pleistocene climate changes in eastern Asia. The scorpionfly Dicerapanorpa magna (Chou), with cold temperate habitat preference and weak dispersal ability, provides a good model system to explore how climate changes have influenced the distribution and divergence of cold‐adapted insects in eastern Asia. This study reconstructed the demographic dynamics and evolutionary history of D. magna with phylogeographic approaches, and predicted the species’ suitable areas under the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and current scenarios with the ecological niche modelling analysis. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I resolved three phylogenetic lineages in D. magna dating back to Pleistocene, corresponding well with the geographically isolated Qinling, Bashan and Minshan Mountains. The ecological niche modelling recovered the suitable habitats for D. magna were the Qinling and Bashan Mountains under LGM and current conditions. The three lineages of D. magna might be in a process of incipient speciation, and likely derived their current distribution from separate glacial origins, followed by vicariance and divergence.
A Hybrid Algorithm Based on Flower Pollination Algorithm and Electro Search for Global Optimization
Authors: Md Esa Md Fadil , Mustaffa Noorfa Haszlinna , Mohamed Radzi Nor Haizan
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we have presented a new hybrid optimization method called hybrid Electro-Search algorithm (Eo) and Flower Pollination Optimization Algorithm (FPA) which introduces Eo to FPA. EO-FPA combines the merits of both Eo and FPA by designing on the local-search strategy from Eo and global-search strategy from FPA. The results of the experiments performed with twenty-two well-known benchmark functions show that the proposed algorithm possesses outstanding performance in statistical merit as compared to the original and variant FPA. It is proven that the EO-FPA algorithm requires better formulation to achieve efficiency and high performance to work out with global optimization problems.
Public Finance of R&D and the Obstacles to Innovation: The Case of Spain
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos Konstantinos , Fernandez-Crehuet Jose Maria , Zayas Jose Molero
Published: November 2018

This paper examines the importance of public financing in R&D for Spanish companies and the correlation that exists between this kind of finance and the obstacles they encounter when innovating. For this, we have used a series of data obtained from the Technological Innovation Panel (PITEC) database for the year 2014. The number of observations used in this study is 7.071 and the models that are being developed are the Logit and Tobit models. From the analysis of these models, we conclude that the main obstacles that are relevant for the firms are related to the cost and knowledge factors, such as the lack of funding from outside sources or the excessive cost of innovation. However, market factors are not considered important for the companies, which always find a reason to innovate. Last but not least, we suggest which firms have the best chance of receiving public finance and make some reflections about the Spanish economy.
Butyrivibrio hungateiMB2003 Competes Effectively for Soluble Sugars Released byButyrivibrio proteoclasticusB316Tduring Growth on Xylan or Pectin
Authors: Palevich Nikola , Kelly William J. , Ganesh Siva , Rakonjac Jasna , Attwood Graeme T.
Published: November 2018

Feeding a future global population of 9 billion people and climate change are the primary challenges facing agriculture today. Ruminant livestock are important food-producing animals, and maximizing their productivity requires an understanding of their digestive systems and the roles played by rumen microbes in plant polysaccharide degradation.Butyrivibriospecies are a phylogenetically diverse group of bacteria and are commonly found in the rumen, where they are a substantial source of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes for the depolymerization of lignocellulosic material. Our findings suggest that closely related species ofButyrivibriohave developed unique strategies for the degradation of plant fiber and the subsequent assimilation of carbohydrates in order to coexist in the competitive rumen environment. The identification of genes expressed during these competitive interactions gives further insight into the enzymatic machinery used by these bacteria as they degrade the xylan and pectin components of plant fiber.
Clinical Validation of the cobas HPV Test on the cobas 6800 System for the Purpose of Cervical Screening
Authors: Saville Marion , Sultana Farhana , Malloy Michael J. , Velentzis Louiza S. , Caruana Michael , Ip Ellen L. O. , Keung Marco H. T. , Canfell Karen , Brotherton Julia M. L. , Hawkes David
Published: November 2018

This study demonstrates that the clinical sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility of the novel cobas human papillomavirus (HPV) test on the cobas 6800 system for high-risk HPV types fulfills the criteria for use in population-based cervical screening. The criteria were formulated by an international consortium, using the cobas 4800 HPV test as a validated reference assay.
A facile synthesis of carbon-encapsulated ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals as anode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Liu Boyang , Ke Shuyu , Zhang Xiqin , Cai Shuang , Shao Yingfeng , Yu Qi , Yan Shengchang
Published: November 2018

An explosive reaction between zinc nitrate hexahydrate and ferrocene taking place below 200∘C is discovered, which is employed for the one-step preparation of carbon-encapsulated ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals (ZnFe2O4@C) with core–shell structure in an autoclave. The small-sized equiaxed ZnFe2O4 nanocrystals have a median diameter of 22.1[Formula: see text]nm. The uniform carbon shell of about 5[Formula: see text]nm in thickness is amorphous, and its content is 32.6[Formula: see text]wt.% in the nanocomposite. After 50 cycles, the ZnFe2O4@C anode still maintains a high specific capacity of 551[Formula: see text]mAh[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] at a current density of 50[Formula: see text]mA[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The efficient, energy-saving and environment-friendly method will be very attractive for preparing different kinds of carbon-encapsulated nanocrystals.
The Origins of Productivity Change and Economic Growth in China’s Cities between the Years 2001 and 2014
Authors: LIU Jiancui , ZHENG Shilin
Published: November 2018

Total factor productivity represents not only the core of neo-classical growth theory research, but is also a key component in the understanding of the transitional processes of China from a factor-driven to an innovation-driven economy. In this paper, relying on 2000–2014 year statistical data, drawn from China’s four centrally administered and 283 provincial-level cities, the paper’s authors apply Cobb–Douglas production function methods to the calculation of urban total factor productivity rates of increase, and to changes in differing factor inputs, to show how, during the period of interest, involved changes impacted China’s economic growth. The analysis finds that: (1) between the years 2001 and 2005, changes in total factor productivity represented an important source of economic growth, but that after 2005 China’s economic growth clearly exhibited physical capital-driven features; (2) from 2012 onwards, influenced by resource-based and heavy chemical industries, the decrease in total factor productivity of China’s central region cities was the greatest (among the various areas), revealing an “extensive” aspect, and in 2014 the contribution rates of the region’s cities’ physical capital and total factor productivity were 127.77% and [Formula: see text]36.6%, respectively; (3) examining the cities based on their differing classifications, after 2012, the contribution rates of the fourth-tier cities’ total factor productivities underwent severe declines, while in China’s first- and second-tier cities the contribution rates of their total factor productivities exhibited signs of recovery.
Learning machine learning
Authors: Lewis Ted G. , Denning Peter J.
Published: November 2018

A discussion of the rapidly evolving realm of machine learning.
Relationship between climate and hemodynamics according to echocardiography
Authors: Rozenbaum Zach , Topilsky Yan , Khoury Shafik , Assi Milwidsky , Balchyunayte Asta , Laufer-Perl Michal , Berliner Shlomo , Pereg David , Entin-Meer Michal , Havakuk Ofer
Published: November 2018

Studies performed in controlled laboratory conditions have shown that environmental thermal application may induce various circulatory changes. We aimed to demonstrate the effect of local climate on hemodynamics according to echocardiography. Echocardiographic studies conducted in ambulatory patients, 18 yr of age or older, between January 2012 and July 2016, at our medical center, for whom climate data on the day of the echocardiogram study were available, were retrospectively included in case climate data. Discomfort index, apparent temperature, temperature-humidity index, and thermal index were computed. Echocardiograms conducted in hotter months (June–November) were compared with those done in colder months (December–May). The cohort consisted of 11,348 individuals, 46.2% women, and mean age of 57.9 ± 18.1 yr. Climate indexes correlated directly with stroke volume ( r = 0.039) and e′ (lateral r = 0.047; septal r = 0.038), and inversely with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP; r = −0.038) (all P values < 0.05). After adjustment for age and sex, echocardiograms conducted during June–November had a lower chance to show e′ septal < 7 cm/s (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.98, P = 0.017) and SPAP > 40 mmHg (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence interval 0.67–0.99, P = 0.04) compared with those conducted in other months. The authors concluded that climate may affect hemodynamics, according to echocardiographic assessment in ambulatory patients.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the present study, we examined 11,348 individuals who underwent ambulatory echocardiography. Analyses of the echocardiographic studies demonstrated that environmental thermal stress, i.e., climate, may affect hemodynamics. Most notably were the effects on diastolic function. Higher values of mitral e′, stroke volume, as well as ejection fraction, and lower values of systolic pulmonary artery pressure and tricuspid regurgitation were demonstrated on hotter days and seasons.
Review of Development Status of Bi2Te3‐Based Semiconductor Thermoelectric Power Generation
Authors: Chen Yan , Hou Xiangnan , Ma Chunyan , Dou Yinke , Wu Wentao
Published: November 2018

Semiconductor thermoelectric power generation is a new type of energy‐saving and environment‐friendly power generation technology, which directly converts heat energy into electrical energy by using the characteristics of semiconductor thermoelectric materials and has broad application prospects. This paper introduces the basic principles of thermoelectric materials and semiconductor thermoelectric power generation. The research status and progress of Bi2Te3‐based semiconductor materials and thermoelectric generators in recent years are also introduced, respectively. Then, the paper emphasizes the research status of low temperature difference semiconductor power generation and points out the future development directions.
A Rare Case of Monophasic Synovial Sarcoma of Thoracic Vertebra
Authors: Najib Sana , Saleem Tahmina , Nadhim Ali , Sen Shuvendu
Published: November 2018

Synovial sarcoma of spine is an extremely rare malignancy with poor prognosis. It is often metastatic at the time of presentation. Its relative rarity and histological resemblance to other tumors make it diagnostically challenging, requiring the need of immunohistochemistry and cytogenetics for definite diagnosis. Surgery is the mainstay of therapy with adjunct chemotherapy, although survival rates are very low.