bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of fascaplysin and palauolide from Fascaplysinopsis cf reticulata to reduce the risk of bacterial infection in fish farming
Authors: Mai Tepoerau , Toullec Jordan , Van Wynsberge Simon , Besson Marc , Soulet Stephanie , Petek Sylvain , Aliotti Emmanuelle , Ekins Merrick , Hall Kathryn , Erpenbeck Dirk , Lecchini David , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Saulnier Denis , Debitus Cécile
Published: December 2019

Marine natural products isolated from the sponge Fascaplysinopsis cf reticulata, in French Polynesia, were investigated as an alternative to antibiotics to control pathogens in aquaculture. The overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture is largely considered to be an environmental pollution, because it supports the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes within the aquatic environment. One environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics is the use of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs). Quorum sensing (QS) is a regulatory mechanism in bacteria which control virulence factors through the secretion of autoinducers (AIs), such as acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) in gram-negative bacteria. Vibrio harveyi QS is controlled through three parallel pathways: HAI-1, AI-2, and CAI-1. Bioassay-guided purification of F. cf reticulata extract was conducted on two bacterial species, i.e., Tenacibaculum maritimum and V. harveyi for antibiotic and QS inhibition bioactivities. Toxicity bioassay of fractions was also evaluated on the freshwater fish Poecilia reticulata and the marine fish Acanthurus triostegus. Cyclohexanic and dichloromethane fractions of F. cf reticulata exhibited QS inhibition on V. harveyi and antibiotic bioactivities on V. harveyi and T. maritimum, respectively. Palauolide (1) and fascaplysin (2) were purified as major molecules from the cyclohexanic and dichloromethane fractions, respectively. Palauolide inhibited QS of V. harveyi through HAI-1 QS pathway at 50 μg ml–1 (26 μM), while fascaplysin affected the bacterial growth of V. harveyi (50 μg ml–1) and T. maritimum (0.25 μg). The toxicity of fascaplysin-enriched fraction (FEF) was evaluated and exhibited a toxic effect against fish at 50 μg ml–1. This study demonstrated for the first time the QSI potential of palauolide (1). Future research may assess the toxicity of both the cyclohexanic fraction of the sponge and palauolide (1) on fish, to confirm their potential as alternative to antibiotics in fish farming.
Randomized comparison between dexmedetomidine–remifentanil and midazolam–fentanyl for deep sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Choi Young , Kim Sung-Hwan , Kim Ju Youn , Hwang Youmi , Kim Tae-Seok , Kim Ji-Hoon , Jang Sung-Won , Lee Man-Young , Oh Yong-Seog
Published: December 2019

Background and objectives

The efficacy of dexmedetomidine for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been well established. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sedation using dexmedetomidine with remifentanil compared to conventional sedative agents during RFCA for AF.

Subjects and methods

A total of 240 patients undergoing RFCA for AF were randomized to either the dexmedetomidine (DEX) group (continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil) or the midazolam (MID) group (intermittent injections of midazolam and fentanyl) according to sedative agents. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation was applied to all patients during the procedure. The primary outcome was patient movement during the procedure resulting in a 3D mapping system discordance, and the secondary outcome was adverse events including respiratory or hemodynamic compromise.

Results

During AF ablation, the incidence of the primary outcome was significantly reduced for the DEX group (18.2% vs. 39.5% in the DEX and the MID groups, respectively, p < 0.001). The frequency of a desaturation event (oxygen saturation < 90%) did not significantly differ between the two groups (6.6% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.056). However, the incidences of hypotension not owing to cardiac tamponade (systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg, 19.8% vs. 8.4%, p = 0.011) and bradycardia (HR < 50 beats/min: 39.7% vs. 21.8%, p = 0.003) were higher in the DEX group. All efficacy and safety results were consistent within the predefined subgroups.

Conclusion

The combined use of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil provides higher stability sedation during AF ablation, but can lead to more frequent hemodynamic compromise compared to midazolam and fentanyl.
Proximal fibular osteotomy in the treatment of medial osteoarthritis of the knee – A narrative review of literature
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Saseendar , Kambhampati Srinivas B. S. , Saseendar Samundeeswari
Published: December 2019

Proximal fibular osteotomy has been proposed as a simple and inexpensive alternative to high-tibial osteotomy and unicondylar knee arthroplasty and may be useful for low-income populations that cannot afford expensive treatment methods. However, there is no consensus existing regarding the mechanism by which it acts nor the outcome of this procedure. This study was performed to analyze the available evidence on the benefits of proximal fibular osteotomy and to understand the possible mechanisms in play. There are various mechanisms that are proposed to individually or collectively contribute to the outcomes of this procedure, and include the theory of non-uniform settlement, the too-many cortices theory, slippage phenomenon, the concept of competition of muscles, dynamic fibular distalization theory and ground reaction vector readjustment theory. The mechanisms have been discussed and future directions in research have been proposed. The current literature, which mostly consists of case series, suggests the usefulness of the procedure in decreasing varus deformity as well as improving symptoms in medial osteoarthritis. However, large randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are required to establish the benefits of this procedure over other established treatment methods.
Comparative study to evaluate dosimetric differences in patients of locally advanced carcinoma cervix undergoing intracavitary brachytherapy under two different anaesthesia techniques: an audit from a tertiary cancer centre in India
Authors: Kumar Divyesh , Srinivasa G. Y. , Gupta Ankita , Rai Bhavana , Oinam Arun S. , Bansal Pooja , Ghoshal Sushmita
Published: December 2019

Background

Carcinoma cervix is amongst the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in women population worldwide. High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) post external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the standard of care in managing locally advanced stage cervical cancer patients. HDR-ICBT is generally performed under general anaesthesia (GA) in operation theatre (OT), but due to logistic reasons, sometimes, it becomes difficult to accommodate all patients under GA. Since prolonged overall treatment time (OTT) makes the results inferior, taking patients in day care setup under procedural sedation (PS) can be an effective alternative. In this audit, we tried to retrospectively analyse the dosimetric difference, if any, in patients who underwent ICBT at our centre, under either GA in OT or PS in day care.

Results

Thirty five patients were analysed 16/35 (45.71%) patients underwent HDR-ICBT under GA while 19/35 (54.28%) patients under PS. In both groups, a statistically significant difference was observed between the dose received by 0.1 cc as well as 2 cc of rectum (p < 0.05), while the bladder and sigmoid colon had comparable dosages.

Conclusion

Though our dosimetric analysis highlighted better rectal sparing in patients undergoing HDR-ICBT under GA when compared to patients under PS, PS can still be considered an effective alternative, especially in centres dealing with significant patient load. Further studies are required for firm conclusion.
Mitigation of power oscillations using hybrid DE-PSO optimization-based SSSC damping controller
Authors: Behera Soudamini , Barisal Ajit Kumar , Dhal Nirmalya , Lal Deepak Kumar
Published: December 2019

This paper presents an optimal design of a static synchronous series compensator (SSSC)-based controller for damping of low-frequency oscillations in multi-machine power systems. The proposed controller design problem is formulated to the optimization problem. The tuning of controller parameters can be obtained by employing a new hybrid differential evolution and particle swarm optimization (hDE-PSO) algorithm. To justify the effectiveness of the proposed SSSC-based damping controller, three-machine and four-machine power systems have been considered. The hDE-PSO algorithm outperforms in the damping of oscillations over DE and PSO algorithms. Various simulation results are presented and compared for different load disturbances like three-phase fault, load rejection and tripping of one parallel transmission line. The simulation results ensure the robustness of the proposed controller.
Interpretation of Paleozoic paleokarst features in the Arkoma Basin of Oklahoma using 3D seismic and well logs
Authors: Aboaba Olanrewaju , Liner Christopher
Published: December 2019

Paleokarst regions worldwide are repositories for hydrocarbons, mineral deposits, and groundwater. Time structure maps were generated for the Ordovician Viola Limestone, Mississippian Caney Shale, and Pennsylvanian Jefferson Sandstone and Wapanucka Limestone. Isochron maps indicate pronounced visible sinkhole time thickening in the Viola-Caney and Caney-Jefferson intervals relative to the Jefferson-Wapanucka. Sinkhole features in the Viola exhibit mappable structural depression, characterized by lower positive amplitude, higher seismic variance, and most-negative curvature. Curiously, spatially coincident sinkhole features in the shallower Wapanucka display the opposite characteristics relative to adjacent areas that have not been modified, namely, higher positive amplitude and lower seismic variance with no mappable time structure relief. Seismic amplitude analysis based on well logs and Gassmann modeling indicate that the Viola has a reduction in limestone acoustic impedance inside sinkholes that allows estimation of increased porosity near 10%. Identical analysis for the Wapanucka suggests that no reasonable alteration of the limestone acoustic impedance alone can account for the observed amplitude behavior, implying that the limestone and overlying shale must be altered in sinkhole areas. Some of these interpreted sinkhole features coincide with vertical pipe structures with up to 490 m (1610 ft) vertical extent, diameter up to 520 m (1700 ft), and separation of at least 460 m (1510 ft). We interpret the Viola sinkhole features and associated vertical pipes to be part of a mature epigene karst system. Conversely, the shallower and more subtle Wapanucka sinkholes we interpret as related to an immature mixed karst system with epigene and hypogene elements. Our study indicates for the first time the seismic evidence of pipe features that extend both below and above the Viola and the presence of Wapanucka sinkhole features in the Arkoma Basin of Oklahoma, which provides a better understanding of paleokarst occurrence and its possible impact on resource exploration.
Defined extracellular ionic solutions to study and manipulate the cellular resting membrane potential
Authors: Bonzanni Mattia , Payne Samantha L. , Adelfio Miryam , Kaplan David L. , Levin Michael , Oudin Madeleine J.
Published: December 2019

All cells possess an electric potential across their plasma membranes and can generate and receive bioelectric signals. The cellular resting membrane potential (RMP) can regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Current approaches to measure the RMP rely on patch clamping, which is technically challenging, low-throughput and not widely available. It is therefore critical to develop simple strategies to measure, manipulate and characterize the RMP. Here, we present a simple methodology to study the RMP of non-excitable cells and characterize the contribution of individual ions to the RMP using a voltage-sensitive dye. We define protocols using extracellular solutions in which permeable ions (Na+, Cl− and K+) are substituted with non-permeable ions (N-Methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG), gluconate, choline, SO42-). The resulting RMP modifications were assessed with both patch clamp and a voltage sensitive dye. Using an epithelial and cancer cell line, we demonstrate that the proposed ionic solutions can selectively modify the RMP and help determine the relative contribution of ionic species in setting the RMP. The proposed method is simple and reproducible and will make the study of bioelectricity more readily available to the cell biology community.
Dual role of Jam3b in early hematopoietic and vascular development
Authors: Kobayashi Isao , Kobayashi-Sun Jingjing , Hirakawa Yuto , Ouchi Madoka , Yasuda Koyuki , Kamei Hiroyasu , Fukuhara Shigetomo , Yamaguchi Masaaki
Published: December 2019

In order to efficiently derive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from pluripotent precursors, it is crucial to understand how mesodermal cells acquire hematopoietic and endothelial identities: two divergent, but closely related, cell fates. Although Npas4 has been recently identified as a conserved master regulator of hemato-vascular development, the molecular mechanisms underlying cell fate divergence between hematopoietic and vascular endothelial cells are still unclear. Here, we show in zebrafish that mesodermal cell differentiation into hematopoietic and vascular endothelial cells is regulated by Junctional adhesion molecule 3b (Jam3b) via two independent signaling pathways. Mutation of jam3b led to a reduction in npas4l expression in the posterior lateral plate mesoderm and defects in both hematopoietic and vascular development. Mechanistically, we show that Jam3b promotes endothelial specification by regulating npas4l expression through repression of the Rap1a-Erk signaling cascade. Jam3b subsequently promotes hematopoietic development, including HSCs, by regulating lrrc15 expression in endothelial precursors through the activation of an integrin-dependent signaling cascade. Our data provide insight into the divergent mechanisms for instructing hematopoietic or vascular fates from mesodermal cells.
Cored in the act: the use of models to understand core myopathies
Authors: Fusto Aurora , Moyle Louise A. , Gilbert Penney M. , Pegoraro Elena
Published: December 2019

The core myopathies are a group of congenital myopathies with variable clinical expression – ranging from early-onset skeletal-muscle weakness to later-onset disease of variable severity – that are identified by characteristic ‘core-like’ lesions in myofibers and the presence of hypothonia and slowly or rather non-progressive muscle weakness. The genetic causes are diverse; central core disease is most often caused by mutations in ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), whereas multi-minicore disease is linked to pathogenic variants of several genes, including selenoprotein N (SELENON), RYR1 and titin (TTN). Understanding the mechanisms that drive core development and muscle weakness remains challenging due to the diversity of the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) proteins involved and the differential effects of mutations across proteins. Because of this, the use of representative models expressing a mature ECC apparatus is crucial. Animal models have facilitated the identification of disease progression mechanisms for some mutations and have provided evidence to help explain genotype-phenotype correlations. However, many unanswered questions remain about the common and divergent pathological mechanisms that drive disease progression, and these mechanisms need to be understood in order to identify therapeutic targets. Several new transgenic animals have been described recently, expanding the spectrum of core myopathy models, including mice with patient-specific mutations. Furthermore, recent developments in 3D tissue engineering are expected to enable the study of core myopathy disease progression and the effects of potential therapeutic interventions in the context of human cells. In this Review, we summarize the current landscape of core myopathy models, and assess the hurdles and opportunities of future modeling strategies.
Suction adhesion in the gliding joint of a cephalopod
Authors: Smith Andrew M. , LaValva Scott M. , Loiacono Matthew M. , Thompson Joseph T.
Published: December 2019

We discovered features of the nuchal joint in the squid, Dortyteuthis pealeii, that are unique compared to moveable joints in other animals. The joint's function is unclear but it allows the head to glide toward and away from the mantle. The head glides along the joint with ease yet disarticulating the joint perpendicular to the axis of movement requires considerable force. After disarticulation, the joint components can be repositioned and full function restored immediately. Thus, an unknown attachment mechanism prevents the joint from being disarticulated yet permits gliding. We showed that the joint was formed by the articulation of the nuchal cartilage and a heretofore-undescribed organ that we named the nuchal “joint pad.” The joint pad was composed predominantly of muscle, connective tissue, and cartilage organized into two distinct regions: a ventral cartilaginous layer and a dorsal muscular layer. Disarticulating the nuchal joint at a displacement rate of 5 mm s−1 required 1.5-times greater stress (i.e., force per unit area) than at 1 mm s−1. The force required to disarticulate the joint increased with nuchal cartilage area0.91 and with nuchal cartilage length1.88. The stress required to shear the nuchal joint was nearly three orders of magnitude lower than that required to disarticulate the joint. Stimulation of the joint pad dorso-ventral musculature resulted in significantly greater shear force required to move the joint (p=0.004). Perforating the nuchal cartilage decreased the stress required to disarticulate the joint to nearly zero. The results support the hypothesis that suction is the attachment mechanism.
Reassessing the contribution of the Na+/H+ exchanger Nhe3b to Na+ uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
Authors: Zimmer Alex M. , Shir-Mohammadi Khatereh , Kwong Raymond W. M. , Perry Steve F.
Published: December 2019

Freshwater fishes absorb Na+ from their dilute environment using ion-transporting cells. In larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), Na+ uptake is coordinated by (1) Na+/H+-exchanger 3b (Nhe3b) and (2) H+-ATPase-powered electrogenic uptake in H+-ATPase-rich (HR) cells and by (3) Na+-Cl−­­-cotransporter (Ncc) expressed in NCC cells. The present study aimed to better understand the roles of these 3 proteins in Na+ uptake by larval zebrafish under ‘normal’ (800 µmol/L) and ‘low’ (10 µmol/L) Na+ conditions. We hypothesized that Na+ uptake would be reduced by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout (KO) of slc9a3.2 (encoding Nhe3b), particularly in low Na+ where Nhe3b is believed to play a dominant role. Contrary to this hypothesis, Na+ uptake was sustained in nhe3b KO larvae under both Na+ conditions, which led to the exploration of whether compensatory regulation of H+-ATPase or Ncc was responsible for maintaining Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae. mRNA expression of the genes encoding H+-ATPase and Ncc were not altered in nhe3b KO. Moreover, morpholino knockdown of H+-ATPase, which significantly reduced H+ flux by HR cells, did not reduce Na+ uptake in nhe3b KO larvae, nor did rearing larvae in chloride-free conditions, thereby eliminating any driving force for Na+-Cl−-cotransport via Ncc. Finally, simultaneously treating nhe3b KO larvae with H+-ATPase morpholino and chloride-free conditions did not reduce Na+ uptake under normal or low Na+. These findings highlight the flexibility of the Na+ uptake system and demonstrate that Nhe3b is expendable to Na+ uptake in zebrafish and that our understanding of Na+ uptake mechanisms in this species is incomplete.
The visual spectral sensitivity of the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta
Authors: Tapia Felipe , Olivares Jesús , Schmachtenberg Oliver
Published: December 2019

Spiders are a large group of arthropods and nearly omnipresent in warm and temperate climates. They rely on tactile and visual information to hunt and breed, but compared to their mechanical senses, little is known about their visual systems. In this study we analyzed the visual spectral sensitivity of the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta, a synanthropic species posing a significant threat to humans, using electroretinogram recordings of its three eye types and open field tests with localized chromatic illumination for behavioral analysis. The electroretinogram displayed two sensitivity peaks in the ultraviolet and green ranges, but no differences were observed between the three eye types and between male and female specimens. Selective chromatic adaptation reduced overall light sensitivity, but did not support the expression of more than one type of rhodopsin in photoreceptors. The open field tests revealed a preference for corners over side areas, and an increased exploration of open field areas illuminated by shorter wavelength (violet to green) light compared to non-illuminated areas, while no behavioral responses to red and near-infrared light were observed. These data suggest that L. laeta has monochromatic vision without spectral specializations in its three secondary eye pairs.
Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση: Κορτέση-Δαφέρμου, Χ., & Σφυρόερα, Μ. (2019). Βιβλία με ιστορίες: για τον γραμματισμό και την κοινωνική ενδυνάμωση όλων των παιδιών. Αθήνα: Gutenberg.
Authors: Παπαδοπούλου Μαρία
Published: December 2019

Κορτέση-Δαφέρμου, Χ., & Σφυρόερα, Μ. (2019). Βιβλία με ιστορίες: για τον γραμματισμό και την κοινωνική ενδυνάμωση όλων των παιδιών. Αθήνα: Gutenberg.
Inpatients satisfaction with health care services after emergency admission at teritary hospital of attiki
Authors: Chantzopoulou Maria , Marvaki Christina , Latsou Dimitra , Papageorgiou Dimitris
Published: December 2019

Introduction: Measuring patients satisfaction is an important process for exploring needs, opinions and suggestions of patients about the healthcare services provided by an organization.Aim: To investigate patients  satisfaction with health care services,  who urgently admitted to a public hospital. Material and Methods: A simple random sampling was used in the current study.  The study period was March - May 2016. The sample consisted of 382 patients.  Data was collected by a self-completed questionnaire, which is standardized in Greek population by Polyzos N. et al.Results: According to the results, 69% of patients were very satisfied with the impression about hospital as far as the infrastructure (cleaning, organization and adequacy), medical and hotel equipment, room condition and nutrition. However, it is important that patients were dissatisfied with waiting time for admission to hospital, laboratory tests and operations. Eighty-nine point two percent reported high satisfaction about attention of the staff to the patients and specifically the frequent and understandable communication with the staff and kindness and confidence that they inspired. Generally, the majority of the sample (82.5%) was very satisfied with the hospital services and 95.3% indicated that would use again or recommend the hospital services. Finally, gender, education and duration of hospitalization statistically significantly affect patient satisfaction.Conclusions: These results could be a powerful tool for organizational development and strategic management of health care providers.
Benthic macro-faunal abundance and diversity and sediment distribution in Akhziv submarine canyon and the adjacent slope (eastern Levant Basin, Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: RODITI-ELASAR MIA , KEREM DAN , LAZAR MICHAEL , BARNEAH ORIT , ALMOGI-LABIN AHUVA , ANGEL DROR L.
Published: December 2019

The Israeli coastline is generally characterized by a broad and shallow continental shelf. Akhziv submarine canyon (ASC), in its northern reach, creates a locally unique marine ecosystem. The present study is the first to investigate the benthic macro-fauna of ASC, in order to assess its importance as a potential productivity ‘hotspot’ within its ultra-oligotrophic surroundings. Seven research cruises were conducted during 2010-2013, along ASC’s two channels and at iso-bathic control sites on the adjacent slope (AS), encompassing 8 sampling stations, at depths of 40-450 m. Bottom samples were collected by a Van Veen Grab, gravity corer and a GOMEX box corer. The infauna (≥500 µm) were counted and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Sediments were analysed for grain size & composition and total organic carbon concentration. Mean benthic macro-faunal abundance (individuals/500ml ± SD) was higher inside the canyon (13.0±19.4) compared to the AS (2.9±3.3) (p=0.004), as was estimated true taxon richness (Chao1): 42.2 versus 10, respectively. Sediments’ mode grain size was found to be significantly higher in ASC’s eastern channel compared to AS (p=0.028), along with sand enrichment of up to 36%. The higher macrofaunal abundance and taxon richness may relate to a more heterogeneous sea bed provided by the higher diversity in grain size existing inside ASC. A relatively rich benthic realm, such as that observed in the ASC, may serve as a refuge for certain species and by hosting a relatively diverse assemblage, stands a better chance of adapting to changing conditions such as climate change.
Continuous mapping of benthic habitats along the coast of Corsica: A tool for the inventory and monitoring of blue carbon ecosystems
Authors: VALETTE-SANSEVIN AUDREY , PERGENT GERARD , BURON KARINE , PERGENT-MARTINI CHRISTINE , DAMIER ELODIE
Published: December 2019

Continuous mapping of the benthic marine habitats along the coast of Corsica is based on a synthesis of all available historical data as well as new studies concerning sectors that are poorly taken into account and/or that are of particular interest. The mapped area covers more than 310 000 ha, almost all infralittoral and circalittoral, with a survey up to 150 m deep around the coast of Cap Corse. While within the infralittoral zone, Posidonia oceanica meadows are predominant, with a surface area of about 53 735 ha, in the circalittoral zone, soft bottoms (eg coastal detritic bottoms) are largely dominant, with the rhodolith association particularly well represented (26 493 ha). The coralligenous biocenosis (2 111 ha) covers relatively small areas but includes unique formations at Mediterranean scale: the coralligenous atolls. The reliability scale proposed to assess the accuracy of these maps shows satisfactory results (62% on average), with a higher value for the infralittoral zone (74%). The results confirm that Corsica's coastline is characterized by a significant expansion of the Blue Carbon ecosystems, and in particular the Posidonia oceanica meadows, which regularly reach more than 35 m depth and cover 61% of the of the seabed between 0 and -40m, and free-living coralline algae (8% of the known surfaces in the western Mediterranean basin). The areas covered by Posidonia oceanica in the Mediterranean basin are estimated at between 1.0 and 1.5 million hectares, and show a decreasing pattern along a north-west to southeast gradient.
Re-examining physician-scientist training through the prism of the discovery-invention cycle
Authors: Sarma Gopal P. , Levey Allan , Faundez Victor
Published: December 2019

The training of physician-scientists lies at the heart of future medical research. In this commentary, we apply Narayanamurti and Odumosu’s framework of the “discovery-invention cycle” to analyze the structure and outcomes of the integrated MD/PhD program. We argue that the linear model of “bench-to-bedside” research, which is also reflected in the present training of MD/PhDs, merits continual re-evaluation to capitalize on the richness of opportunities arising in clinical medicine. In addition to measuring objective career outcomes, as existing research has done, we suggest that detailed characterization of researchers’ efforts using both qualitative and quantitative techniques is necessary to understand if dual-degree training is being utilized. As an example, we propose that the application of machine learning and data science to corpora of biomedical literature and anonymized clinical data might allow us to see if there are objective “signatures” of research uniquely enabled by MD/PhD training. We close by proposing several hypotheses for shaping physician-scientist training, the relative merits of which could be assessed using the techniques proposed above. Our overarching message is the importance of deeply understanding individual career trajectories as well as characterizing organizational details and cultural nuances to drive new policy which shapes the future of the physician-scientist workforce.
Generalized EmbedSOM on quadtree-structured self-organizing maps
Authors: Kratochvíl Miroslav , Koladiya Abhishek , Vondrášek Jiří
Published: December 2019

EmbedSOM is a simple and fast dimensionality reduction algorithm, originally developed for its applications in single-cell cytometry data analysis. We present an updated version of EmbedSOM, viewed as an algorithm for landmark-based embedding enrichment, and demonstrate that it works well even with manifold-learning techniques other than the self-organizing maps. Using this generalization, we introduce an inwards-growing variant of self-organizing maps that is designed to mitigate some earlier identified deficiencies of EmbedSOM output. Finally, we measure the performance of the generalized EmbedSOM, compare several variants of the algorithm that utilize different landmark-generating functions, and showcase the functionality on single-cell cytometry datasets from recent studies.
ОЦЕНКА ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЯ НА КОМПЛЕКС ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННО-ПОЛЕЗНЫХ КАЧЕСТВ ТЕЛЯТ ЧЕРНО-ПЕСТРОЙ ПОРОДЫ ФАРМСУБСТАНЦИИ НА ОСНОВЕ КРАПИВЫ ДВУДОМНОЙ
Authors: Zubova Tat’yana Vladimirovna , Grachev Sergei Yur’evich , Saparova Elena Ivanovna
Published: December 2019

В статье представлены результаты исследования влияния фармсубстанции крапивы двудомной на рост и развитие телят черно-пестрой породы.Цель работы заключалась в установлении оптимальной дозы вводимой фармсубстанции крапивы двудомной для повышения показателей роста и развития телят черно-пестрой породы.Применение лекарственных растений в ветеринарной практике способствует сокращению падежа молодняка, снижает затраты на дорогостоящие химиотерапевтические препараты, способствует снижению цены на производство продуктов животноводства. Тем не менее, правильная заготовка и хранение растительного лекарственного сырья требует особых условий, поэтому использование концентрированных вытяжек, до некоторой степени может решить эту проблему. Включение фармсубстанций в состав рационов с целью увеличения продуктивности и повышения резистентности организма животных, является основным направлением замены антибиотикотерапии. Это повысит экологическую ценность продукции животноводства.Материалы и методы. Исследования проводили на телятнике ИП главы Крестьянского (фермерского) хозяйства «Баранов Александр Юрьевич» Юргинского района, Кемеровской области на 6 группах телят, по 6 голов в каждой.Результаты исследования показали, что введение фармсубстанции крапивы двудомной в дозе 10 мг/кг на голову в сутки способствовало увеличению массы тела телят, приросту живой массы и 100% сохранности поголовья.Заключение. Определен способ и доза введения фармсубстанции крапивы двудомной, положительно влияющие на показатели роста и развития телят.
Four Pedagogical Dimensions for Understanding Flipped Classroom Practices in Higher Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joyce Hwee Ling Koh
Published: December 2019

Despite being widely adopted in higher education to support student-centred learning, the pedagogical design of flipped classrooms has been criticised as lacking in theoretical framing. This study proposes that the pedagogical dimensions of personalisation, higher-order thinking, self-direction, and collaboration can be used as theoretical lenses to deconstruct how flipped classroom practices support student-centred learning. Through a systematic review of 56 cases from 51 studies of flipped learning implementation published in peer-reviewed articles, this study found that flipped classrooms personalise learning through resource and teacher access, develops higher-order thinking through problemsolving, and engages students in collaborative learning through both peer groups and design groups. Trends of positive student learning outcomes are more consistent among cases that support collaborative learning and student selfdirection of learning performance review by repeated application and remediation. Nevertheless, majority of the cases reflect students having limited personalisation of learning choice and structured collaborative processes are seldom used apart from the few cases implementing team-based learning. The theoretical applications of the four pedagogical dimensions as well as the implications for the future research and practice of flipped classrooms are discussed.
Factors Associated with Reading Comprehension of Secondary School Students
Authors: Lin Wu  , Martin Valcke  , Keer Hilde Van
Published: December 2019

Student’s individual, family, and teacher factors play a significant role in children’s reading development. However, the mechanisms by which these critical factors jointly contribute to children’s reading comprehension achievement are poorly understood. The present research aimed at developing a multilevel comprehensive model which shows critical correlates, involving these factors, of reading comprehension of Chinese secondary school students. A random sample of 1,322 students, nested in 27 classes, was taken from five secondary schools. The student-level variables included student’s gender, autonomous reading motivation, controlled reading motivation, metacognitive awareness of reading strategies (MARS), and household income. Class-level variables included teacher’s qualification and experience. The results indicated student’s MARS and autonomous reading motivation were the two most powerful correlates of reading comprehension among the significant variables. Furthermore, teacher’s qualification and experience moderated the strength of the relationship between MARS and reading comprehension. Implications for future research, policy making, and improvement of reading instruction are discussed.
Cognitive and functional impairment, and perception of illness in acute stroke patients
Authors: Turana Yuda , Sani Tara , Suryani Eva , Kaptein Adrian
Published: December 2019

Aim of the study

Objectives
Stroke, the leading cause of death and disability in Indonesia, has a substantial impact on patients’ life. However, only a few studies have assessed the psychological functioning in stroke patients. This study contributes to the need to map out psychological functioning in stroke patients by assessing their illness perception.

Subject or material and methods

Methods
This is a cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study. We used a structured questionnaire which consists of a standardized collection of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, brain CT-scan results, the severity of neurological deficit using NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), cognitive assessment tests, as well as Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) as an instrument to assess illness perception.

Results

Results
There were 56 stroke patients recruited as participants. The average age was 55.34 + 10.25, with 30.4 % had formal education less than 9-year compulsory education. Cognitive impairment in 64.3% of subjects was associated with lower coherence (p<0.005). Subjects with higher education had higher personal control, treatment control and coherence (p < 0.05). Subjects with mild neurological impairment had lower treatment control and coherence (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Stroke patients with mild neurologic impairment at discharge had a more positive perception on the timeline, personal and treatment control.

Conclusions

Stroke patients with mild neurological impairment who had been discharged had a more positive perception on the timeline, personal and treatment control. Cognitive impairment is associated with lower coherence, which underlines the importance of establishing the cognitive baseline before assessing illness perception in stroke patients.
The Perception of Indonesian Youths toward Islamophobia: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Shukri Syaza Farhana Mohamad
Published: December 2019

Islamophobia has been on the rise in the twenty-first century. Muslims from all over the world has been subjected to prejudice, hatred and fear based simply on their perceived religious affiliation. This is the new reality facing Muslims especially those living in the West. Scholars have debated this issue from the historical development of Islamophobia to the mistakes policymakers made in dealing with Islamophobia. It has been found that Islamophobia is the product of a systematic attack on Islam and Muslims by people who have an agenda to keep the world divided for their benefit. While this much we know, what is obviously missing in current literature is research from the perspective of non-western communities. Through the conduct of a focus group and thematic analysis of primary and secondary sources, this research aims to discover the causes of Islamophobia in Indonesia in the twenty-first century and its impact. With the rise of Islamic extremism, there has been a parallel rise in Islamophobia in Indonesia. Moreover, the study discovers that Islamophobic sentiment can be found not only among non-Muslims, but also among Muslims towards other Muslims. In combating Islamophobia, it is important for us to understand the new trend of rising conservatism in a country that prides itself with its own indigenous culture.
The Inextricability of Art, Religion and Politics in Iraq
Authors: Baram Halgurd A.
Published: December 2019

Artist Halgurd A. Baram reflects on two of his own works of art, “Iraqi Flag” and “Militarizing the Word of God,” which were presented in the show
Catalyst and which sought to explore and expose the cultural and political meanings embedded in the iconic aspects of Islamic calligraphy and its relationship to Arabic language. Baram's exploration goes beyond a simple understanding of the Arabic alphabet as being essential to calligraphy and linked to religious notions in order to uncover the other meanings that are brought to the Arabic language in its written form. This essay goes on to explore how the Arabic language has become intimately affiliated with Islam as a religion, to the extent that they are an inseparable unity, and how this relationship potentially impacts national identity, particularly for non-Arab Muslims.
Ground-based measurements of total ozone column amount with a multichannel moderate-bandwidth filter instrument at the Troll research station, Antarctica
Authors: Sztipanov Milos , Tumeh Lubna , Li Wei , Svendby Tove , Kylling Arve , Dahlback Arne , Stamnes Jakob J. , Hansen Georg , Stamnes Knut
Published: December 2019

Combining information from several channels of the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU-UV) irradiance meter, one may determine the total ozone column (TOC) amount. A NILU-UV instrument has been deployed and operated on two locations at Troll research station in Jutulsessen, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, for several years. The method used to determine the TOC amount is presented, and the derived TOC values are compared with those obtained from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) located on NASA’s AURA satellite. The findings show that the NILU-UV TOC amounts correlate well with the results of the OMI and that the NILU-UV instruments are suitable for monitoring the long-term change and development of the ozone hole. Because of the large footprint of OMI, NILU-UV is a more suitable instrument for local measurements.
Toward whole-brain in vivo optoacoustic angiography of rodents: modeling and experimental observations
Authors: Subochev Pavel , Smolina Ekaterina , Sergeeva Ekaterina , Kirillin Mikhail , Orlova Anna , Kurakina Daria , Emyanov Daniil , Razansky Daniel
Published: December 2019

Cerebrovascular imaging of rodents is one of the trending applications of optoacoustics aimed at studying brain activity and pathology. Imaging of deep brain structures is often hindered by sub-optimal arrangement of the light delivery and acoustic detection systems. In our work we revisit the physics behind opto-acoustic signal generation for theoretical evaluation of optimal laser wavelengths to perform cerebrovascular optoacoustic angiography of rodents beyond the penetration barriers imposed by light diffusion in highly scattering and absorbing brain tissues. A comprehensive model based on diffusion approximation was developed to simulate optoacoustic signal generation using optical and acoustic parameters closely mimicking a typical murine brain. The model revealed three characteristic wavelength ranges in the visible and near-infrared spectra optimally suited for imaging cerebral vasculature of different size and depth. The theoretical conclusions are confirmed by numerical simulations while in vivo imaging experiments further validated the ability to accurately resolve brain vasculature at depths ranging between 0.7 and 7 mm.
Improved optical slicing by stimulated emission depletion light sheet microscopy
Authors: Hernández José Martínez , Buisson Alain , Wang Irène , Vial Jean-Claude
Published: December 2019

Three-dimensional microscopy is mandatory for biological investigation. We describe a stimulated emission depletion selective plane illumination microscope (STED-SPIM) that provides both ease of implementation and an efficient optical slicing. This self-aligned system is based on a single diode-pumped solid-state laser and phase masks made of simple cover glass. A three-fold reduction of the light sheet thickness is achieved together with an enhancement of the sheet uniformity. This method is validated by using fluorescent microspheres and thick slices of fixed and clarified mouse brain to provide an enhanced imaging of Alzheimer’s disease models.
Complete-noncontact photoacoustic microscopy by detection of initial pressures using a 3×3 coupler-based fiber-optic interferometer
Authors: Wang Yi , Hu Yingxin , Peng Binyang , Zhou Hongxian , Zhao Yuqian , Ma Zhenhe
Published: December 2019

We demonstrate a 3×3 coupler-based fiber-optic interferometric system to detect the local initial photoacoustic pressure. In contrast with the existing interferometric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) relying on the measurement of the phase change of the probe light caused by the sample surface vibration, the present method measures the intensity change of the probe light caused by the initial photoacoustic pressure. Compared with the conventional interferometric PAMs, this method has the advantages: (1) it is free from the influence of the rough tissue surface, achieving complete noncontact in vivo imaging; (2) the probe light and the excitation light are focused at a same point below the sample surface, and the confocal configuration makes it more convenient for in vivo imaging; and (3) there is no need for phase stabilization, allowing a high imaging speed. These advantages show that the method will be a promising technique for in vivo imaging. This method is verified by imaging of a resolution test target and in vivo imaging of the blood vessels in a mouse ear.
Evolution properties of the orbital angular momentum spectrum of twisted Gaussian Schell-model beams in turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Zhou Mengyao , Fan Weichen , Wu Gaofeng
Published: December 2019

We derive the analytical formula of the energy weight of each orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode of twisted Gaussian Schell-model (TGSM) beams propagating in weak turbulent atmosphere. The evolution of its OAM spectrum is studied by numerical calculation. Our results show that the OAM spectrum of a TGSM beam changes with the beam propagating in turbulent atmosphere, which is completely different from that of the TGSM beam propagating in free space. Furthermore, influences of the source parameters and the turbulence parameters on the OAM spectrum of a TGSM beam in turbulent atmosphere are analyzed. It is found that the source parameters and turbulence parameters, such as twist factor, coherence length, beam waist size, and structure constant, have a significant influence on the OAM spectrum, but the value of the wavelength and inner scale have little influence. Increasing the beam waist size or decreasing the coherence length would lead to the OAM spectrum broadened in the source plane, but would be robust for the OAM modes of the TGSM beam in the turbulent atmosphere. It is clear that the bigger the value of the twist factor, the more asymmetric the OAM mode of the TGSM beam is, and the better mode distribution can be maintained when it propagates in turbulent atmosphere. Our results have potential applications in reducing the error rate of free-space optical communication and detecting the atmospheric parameters.
Analytic design of a spherochromatic singlet
Authors: González-Acuña Rafael G. , Gutiérrez-Vega Julio C.
Published: December 2019

We derive the analytic formula of the output surface of a spherochromatic lens. The analytic solution ensures that all the rays for a wide range of wavelengths fall inside the Airy disk. So, its amount of spherical aberration is small enough to consider the lens as diffracted limited. We test the singlet lens using ray-tracing methods and find satisfactory results, including spot diagram analysis for three different Abbe wavelengths.
Detecting subsurface phytoplankton layer in Qiandao Lake using shipborne lidar
Authors: Chen Peng , Mao Zhihua , Zhang Zhenhua , Liu Hang , Pan Delu
Published: December 2019

Qiandao Lake is located in the northern edge of subtropics, and its water body is thermally stratified in summer. It is of great scientific significance to study the vertical physical and chemical indexes and phytoplankton characteristics of the Qiandao Lake to reveal the aquatic ecosystem structure of the thermally stratified lake. Conventional observation uses in-situ profile instruments, which is time consuming and labor intensive. In recent years, lidar has shown increasing oceanic applications; however, it has not yet been extensively applied in inland water. There are no studies using lidar for detecting subsurface plankton layer in Qiandao Lake. In this study, we investigated the applicability of this technology for identifying subsurface plankton layer. A simple and fast phytoplankton layer detection method was introduced. The lidar-detected layer was found to well correspond with that of the in-situ measured subsurface chlorophyll maximum layer (SCML) and phycocyanin maximum layer. Primary results show that lidar and our detection method are effective for subsurface phytoplankton layer detection. They can serve as a good monitoring tool for studying inland water stratification.
Análisis contrastivo de la (des)cortesía en los comentarios digitales del periódico 20minutos.es y del Facebook de viajacontumascota.com: anonimato y comunidad virtual
Authors: Sanmartín Sáez Julia
Published: December 2019

Esta investigación analiza las diferencias entre dos tipos de discursos digitales: las intervenciones reactivas a cinco posts por parte de los seguidores de una página de Facebook, ViajaconTuMascota.com, en la que existe cierta camaradería por la afición compartida; y los comentarios de lectores anónimos, entre los que no se establece esa solidaridad, a cinco noticias del periódico digital, 20minutos.es. Se pretende comprobar cómo inciden estas diferencias, la presencia o ausencia de solidaridad y el anonimato frente a la identidad real, cuando se producen desacuerdos: si se mantiene la cortesía social, a través de una cortesía mitigadora, o si se quiebra al activarse una estrategia de ciberdescortesía.