bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volumetric additive manufacturing via tomographic reconstruction
Authors: Kelly Brett E. , Bhattacharya Indrasen , Heidari Hossein , Shusteff Maxim , Spadaccini Christopher M. , Taylor Hayden K.
Published: February 2019

Fabrication goes for a quick spin

Most 3D printing techniques involve adding material layer by layer. This sets some limitations on the types of applications for which 3D printing is suitable, such as printing around a preexisting object. Kelly
et al.
present a different method for manufacturing by rotating a photopolymer in a dynamically evolving light field (see the Perspective by Hart and Rao). This allowed them to print entire complex objects through one complete revolution, circumventing the need for layering. The method may be particularly useful for high-viscosity photopolymers and multimaterial fabrication.

Science
, this issue p.
1075
; see also p.
1042
Rare earth elements: Mendeleev’s bane, modern marvels
Authors: Cheisson Thibault , Schelter Eric J.
Published: February 2019

The rare earths (REs) are a family of 17 elements that exhibit pronounced chemical similarities as a group, while individually expressing distinctive and varied electronic properties. These atomistic electronic properties are extraordinarily useful and motivate the application of REs in many technologies and devices. From their discovery to the present day, a major challenge faced by chemists has been the separation of RE elements, which has evolved from tedious crystallization to highly engineered solvent extraction schemes. The increasing incorporation and dependence of REs in technology have raised concerns about their sustainability and motivated recent studies for improved separations to achieve a circular RE economy.
Populating the periodic table: Nucleosynthesis of the elements
Authors: Johnson Jennifer A.
Published: February 2019

Elements heavier than helium are produced in the lives and deaths of stars. This Review discusses when and how the process of nucleosynthesis made elements. High-mass stars fuse elements much faster, fuse heavier nuclei, and die more catastrophically than low-mass stars. The explosions of high-mass stars as supernovae release elements into their surroundings. Supernovae can leave behind neutron stars, which may later merge to produce additional heavy elements. Dying low-mass stars throw off their enriched outer layers, leaving behind white dwarfs. These white dwarfs may also later merge and synthesize elements as well. Because these processes occur on different time scales and produce a different pattern of elements, the composition of the Universe changes over time as stars populate the periodic table.
AIBP-mediated cholesterol efflux instructs hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell fate
Authors: Gu Qilin , Yang Xiaojie , Lv Jie , Zhang Jiaxiong , Xia Bo , Kim Jun-dae , Wang Ruoyu , Xiong Feng , Meng Shu , Clements Thomas P. , Tandon Bhavna , Wagner Daniel S. , Diaz Miguel F. , Wenzel Pamela L. , Miller Yury I. , Traver David , Cooke John P. , Li Wenbo , Zon Leonard I. , Chen Kaifu , Bai Yongping , Fang Longhou
Published: February 2019

Regulating HSC progenitors via cholesterol

Atherosclerosis is characterized by the buildup of cholesterol-containing lipoproteins in the vascular wall. This increased cholesterol augments hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) counts, and the resultant increase in leukocytes is associated with increased cardiovascular disease. Gu
et al.
describe a mechanism orchestrating HSPC specification from the hemogenic endothelium (HE) during embryogenesis (see the Perspective by Rajan and Berman). ApoA-I binding protein accelerated cholesterol efflux from the HE, activating the transcription factor Srebp2, which in turn transactivated Notch signaling. This mechanism also appears to be important for adult HSPC expansion in hypercholesterolemia.

Science
, this issue p.
1085
; see also p.
1041
The shaky science of recovery
Good to Go: What the Athlete in All of Us Can Learn from the Strange Science of Recovery
Christie Aschwanden
Norton, 2019. 296 pp.
Authors: James Cyan
Published: February 2019

Holistic workout recovery regimes often outperform touted tech, finds a writer who tried them all
Testing evolutionary predictions in wild mice
Authors: Pelletier Fanie
Published: February 2019

An experimental demonstration of a “simple” evolutionary path for camouflage in nature
A human postcatalytic spliceosome structure reveals essential roles of metazoan factors for exon ligation
Authors: Fica Sebastian M. , Oubridge Chris , Wilkinson Max E. , Newman Andrew J. , Nagai Kiyoshi
Published: February 2019

A human P spliceosome structure

Splicing of some pre–messenger RNAs could be regulated by cell type–specific splicing factors. Fica
et al.
describe the cryo–electron microscopy structure of the human postcatalytic (P) spliceosome. Surprisingly, it lacks the splicing factor Prp18, which plays an essential role in exon ligation in the yeast spliceosome. Instead, a metazoan-specific splicing factor, FAM32A, compensates for Prp18 and promotes exon ligation by penetrating the active sites and directly stapling the 5′ exon and the 3′ splice site. These findings suggest a way to control tissue-specific alternative splicing.

Science
, this issue p.
710
‘Never say never’: the first successful management of a type A aortic dissection in Liberia
Authors: Swift Callum Patrick , Ekyinabah Emmanuel , Graglia Sally , Adeiza Mukhtar Abdulmajeed
Published: February 2019

The West African country of Liberia ranks as one of the lowest in the world in most measures of health. The diagnosis and management of complex surgical cases such as aortic dissection is extremely challenging, for reasons ranging from lack of diagnostic imaging capabilities to the high resources required for definitive surgical intervention. We present the first known successfully managed case of aortic dissection in the country’s history and with it highlight the challenges faced and a number of lessons learned that are beneficial to anyone working in resource-limited environments.
Recurrent mesalazine-induced myopericarditis in a patient with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Dias Teresa , Santos Arsénio , Santos Rui M , Carvalho Armando
Published: February 2019

Mesalazine is a common treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and can be rarely associated with myopericarditis. We report a case of a 19-year-old man recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and started on mesalazine, who presented with chest pain 2 weeks after beginning this therapy. Blood tests demonstrated elevated troponin I. ECG and echocardiographic changes were consistent with myopericarditis. When mesalazine was reintroduced 2 weeks after discharge, he suffered from myopericarditis again. On cessation of the drug, the cardiac symptoms resolved in combination with anti-inflammatory therapy. The onset of symptoms after mesalazine, and improvement of chest pain and cardiac biomarkers after discontinuing the drug, suggest that our patient suffered from a rare drug-hypersensitivity reaction to mesalazine.
Importance of clinical signs leading to the diagnosis in a case of microbiological smear negative ocular microsporidiosis
Authors: Agarwal Prateek , Coc Ivana Romac , Navon Samuel Edward
Published: February 2019

A 28-year-old patient presented to us with multifocal coarse raised epithelial lesions in the left eye associated with pain watering redness and blurred vision with a visual acuity of 20/40 in the left eye. The patient had been managed elsewhere with a course of topical moxifloxacin eye-drops four times a day and topical steroids (prednisolone acetate) 1% three times a day for 2 weeks without any resolution, which was stopped 2 days ago prior to presentation at our centre. Gram stain was negative for bacteria as well as microsporidial spores. 10% KOH was negative for fungal hyphae. Based on strong clinical signs of corneal microsporidiosis, in spite of the negative microbiology smear, the patient was started on voriconazole eye-drops five times a day. The lesions started resolving in 5 days and completely healed after 17 days of therapy. No relevant history pertaining to exposure of contaminated water, swimming or history of trauma could be elicited.
Diagnostics for Nipah virus: a zoonotic pathogen endemic to Southeast Asia
Authors: Mazzola Laura T , Kelly-Cirino Cassandra
Published: February 2019

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging pathogen that, unlike other priority pathogens identified by WHO, is endemic to Southeast Asia. It is most commonly transmitted through exposure to saliva or excrement from thePteropusfruit bat, or direct contact with intermediate animal hosts, such as pigs. NiV infection causes severe febrile encephalitic disease and/or respiratory disease; treatment options are limited to supportive care. A number of in-house diagnostic assays for NiV using serological and nucleic acid amplification techniques have been developed for NiV and are used in laboratory settings, including some early multiplex panels for differentiation of NiV infection from other febrile diseases. However, given the often rural and remote nature of NiV outbreak settings, there remains a need for rapid diagnostic tests that can be implemented at the point of care. Additionally, more reliable assays for surveillance of communities and livestock will be vital to achieving a better understanding of the ecology of the fruit bat host and transmission risk to other intermediate hosts, enabling implementation of a ‘One Health’ approach to outbreak prevention and the management of this zoonotic disease. An improved understanding of NiV viral diversity and infection kinetics or dynamics will be central to the development of new diagnostics, and access to clinical specimens must be improved to enable effective validation and external quality assessments. Target product profiles for NiV diagnostics should be refined to take into account these outstanding needs.
Referendum opposition to fluoridation and health literacy: a cross-sectional analysis conducted in three large US cities
Authors: Curiel John A , Slade Gary D , Christian Thu-Mai L , Lafferty-Hess Sophia , Carsey Thomas M , Sanders Anne E
Published: February 2019

Objective

To explore health literacy as a marker of voter confusion in order to understand the basis for public opposition to community water fluoridation.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Conducted in three large US cities of San Antonio, Texas (602 voting precincts); Wichita, Kansas (171 voting precincts); and Portland, Oregon (132 voting precincts). Precinct-level voting data were compiled from community water fluoridation referendums conducted in San Antonio in 2002, Wichita in 2012 and Portland in 2013.

Participants

Voter turnout expressed as a percentage of registered voters was 38% in San Antonio (n=2 92 811), 47% in Wichita (n=129 199) and 38% in Portland (n=164 301).

Main outcome measures

The dependent variable was the percentage of votes in favour of fluoridating drinking water. Precinct-level voting data were mapped to precinct scores of health literacy, and to US Census and American Community Survey characteristics of race/ethnicity, age, income and educational attainment. Multilevel regression with post-stratification predicted the precinct mean health literacy scores, with weights generated from the National Association of Adult Literacy health literacy survey, with item response theory computed scoring for health literacy. Predictive models on voter support of community water fluoridation were compared using robust linear regression to determine how precinct-level characteristics influenced voter support in order to determine whether health literacy explained more variance in voting preference than sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Precinct-level health literacy was positively associated with voter turnout, although sociodemographic characteristics were better predictors of turnout. Approximately 60% of voters opposed community water fluoridation in Wichita and Portland, whereas in San Antonio, a small majority (53%) voted in favour of it. Models suggest that a one SD increase in health literacy scores predicted a 12 percentage point increase support for community water fluoridation.

Conclusion

Educational attainment and health literacy are modifiable characteristics associated with voting precincts' support for community water fluoridation.
Metastatic breast cancer incidence, site and survival in Australia, 2001–2016: a population-based health record linkage study protocol
Authors: Lord Sarah J , Kiely Belinda E , Pearson Sallie-Anne , Daniels Benjamin , O’Connell Dianne L , Beith Jane , Bulsara Max K , Houssami Nehmat
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Advances in systemic therapy for early and metastatic breast cancer (BC) over the last two decades have improved patients’ survival, but their impact on metastatic disease outcomes at a population level is not well described. The aim of this study is to investigate changes in the incidence, site and survival of metastatic disease for women with a first diagnosis of BC in 2001–2002 vs 2006–2007.

Methods and analysis

Population-based retrospective cohort study of women with first primary invasive BC registered in the New South Wales (NSW) Cancer Registry in 2001–2002 and 2006–2007. We will use linked records from NSW hospitals, dispensed medicines, outpatient services and death registrations to determine: women’s demographic and tumour characteristics; treatments received; time to first distant metastasis; site of first metastasis and survival. We will use the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate cumulative incidence of distant metastasis, distant recurrence-free interval and postmetastasis survival by extent of disease at initial diagnosis, site of metastasis and treatment-defined tumour receptor type (hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-positive, triple negative). We will use Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate the relative effects of prognostic factors, and we will compare systemic therapy patterns by area-of-residence and area-level socioeconomic status to examine equity of access to healthcare.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics committee approval was granted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (#EO2017/2/255), NSW Population and Health Services (#HREC/17/CIPHS/19) and University of Notre Dame Australia (#0 17 144S). We will disseminate research findings to oncology, BC consumer and epidemiology audiences through national and international conference presentations, lay summaries to BC consumer groups and publications in international peer-reviewed oncology and cancer epidemiology journals.
Selecting topic areas for developing quality standards in a resource-limited setting
Authors: Khampang Roongnapa , Khuntha Sarayuth , Hadnorntun Phorntida , Kumluang Suthasinee , Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Tanuchit Sonvanee , Tantivess Sripen , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: February 2019

Variation in practices of and access to health promotion and disease prevention (P&P) across geographical areas have been studied in Thailand as well as other healthcare settings. The implementation of quality standards (QS)—a concise set of evidence-informed quality statements designed to drive and measure priority quality improvements—can be an option to solve the problem. This paper aims to provide an overview of the priority setting process of topic areas for developing QS and describes the criteria used. Topic selection consisted of an iterative process involving several steps and relevant stakeholders. Review of existing documents on the principles and criteria used for prioritising health technology assessment topics were performed. Problems with healthcare services were reviewed, and stakeholder consultation meetings were conducted to discuss current problems and comment on the proposed prioritisation criteria. Topics were then prioritised based on both empirical evidence derived from literature review and stakeholders’ experiences through a deliberative process. Preterm birth, pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage were selected. The three health problems had significant disease burden; were prevalent among pregnant women in Thailand; led to high mortality and morbidity in mothers and children and caused variation in the practices and service uptake at health facilities. Having agreed-on criteria is one of the important elements of the priority setting process. The criteria should be discussed and refined with various stakeholders. Moreover, key stakeholders, especially the implementers of QS initiative, should be engaged in a constructive way and should be encouraged to actively participate and contribute significantly in the process.
Pharmacotherapeutic management of paediatric heart failure and ACE-I use patterns: a European survey
Authors: Castro Díez Cristina , Khalil Feras , Schwender Holger , Dalinghaus Michiel , Jovanovic Ida , Makowski Nina , Male Christoph , Bajcetic Milica , van der Meulen Marijke , de Wildt Saskia N , Ablonczy László , Szatmári András , Klingmann Ingrid , Walsh Jennifer , Läer Stephanie
Published: February 2019

Objective

To characterise heart failure (HF) maintenance pharmacotherapy for children across Europe and investigate how angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) are used in this setting.

Methods

A Europe-wide web-based survey was conducted between January and May 2015 among European paediatricians dedicated to cardiology.

Results

Out of 200-eligible, 100 physicians representing 100 hospitals in 27 European countries participated. All participants reported prescribing ACE-I to treat dilated cardiomyopathy-related HF and 97% in the context of congenital heart defects; 87% for single ventricle physiology. Twenty-six per cent avoid ACE-I in newborns. Captopril was most frequently selected as first-choice for newborns (73%) and infants and toddlers (66%) and enalapril for children (56%) and adolescents (58%). Reported starting and maintenance doses varied widely. Up to 72% of participants follow formal creatinine increase limits for decision-making when up-titrating; however, heterogeneity in the cut-off points selected existed. ACE-I formulations prescribed by 47% of participants are obtained from more than a single source. Regarding symptomatic HF maintenance therapy, 25 different initial drug combinations were reported, although 79% select a regimen that includes ACE-I and diuretic (thiazide and/or loop), 61% ACE-I and aldosterone antagonist; 44% start with beta-blocker, 52% use beta-blockers as an add-on drug. Of the 89 participants that prescribe pharmacotherapy to asymptomatic patients, 40% do not use ACE-I monotherapy or ACE-I-beta-blocker two-drug only combination.

Conclusions

Despite some reluctance to use them in newborns, ACE-I seem key in paediatric HF treatment strategies. Use in single ventricle patients seems frequent, in apparent contradiction with current paediatric evidence. Disparate dosage criteria and potential formulation-induced variability suggest significant differences may exist in the risk-benefit profile children are exposed to. No uniformity seems to exist in the drug regimens in use. The information collected provides relevant insight into real-life clinical practice and may facilitate research to identify the best therapeutic options for HF children.
Family talk intervention in paediatric oncology: a pilot study protocol
Authors: Lövgren Malin , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Udo Camilla
Published: February 2019

Introduction

There is evidence that families with a child diagnosed with cancer need psychosocial support throughout the illness trajectory. Unfortunately, there is little research into psychosocial interventions for such families, especially interventions where the entire family is involved. The aim of this pilot study is therefore to evaluate a psychosocial intervention, the family talk intervention (FTI), in paediatric oncology in terms of study feasibility and potential effects.

Methods and analysis

This pretest/post-test intervention pilot study is based on families with a child diagnosed with cancer. All families that include at least one child aged 6–19 years (ill child and/or sibling) at one of the six paediatric oncology centres in Sweden between September 2018 and September 2019 will be asked about participation. The intervention consists of six meetings with the family (part of the family or the entire family), led by two interventionists. The core elements in the intervention are to support the families in talking about the illness and related subjects, support the parents in understanding the needs of their children and how to support them and support the families in identifying their strengths and how to use them best. Mixed methods are used to evaluate the intervention (web-based questionnaires, interviews, field notes and observations). Self-reported data from all family members are collected at baseline, directly after the intervention and 6 months later. Study outcomes are family communication, knowledge about the illness, resilience, quality of life and grief.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Stockholm (Dnr 2018/250-31/2 and 2018/1852–32). Data are processed in coded form, accessible only to the research team and stored at Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College in a secure server.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT03650530, registered in August 2018.
Hierarchical process using Brier Score Metrics for lower leg injury risk curves in vertical impact
Authors: DeVogel Nicholas , Yoganandan N , Banerjee A , Pintar F A
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Parametric survival models are used to develop injury risk curves (IRCs) from impact tests using postmortem human surrogates (PMHS). Through the consideration of different output variables, input parameters and censoring, different IRCs could be created. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of the Brier Score Metric (BSM) to determine the optimal IRCs and derive them from lower leg impact tests.

Methods

Two series of tests of axial impacts to PMHS foot–ankle complex were used in the study. The first series used the metrics of force, time and rate, and covariates of age, posture, stature, device and presence of a boot. Also demonstrated were different censoring schemes: right and exact/uncensored (RC-UC) or right and uncensored/left (RC-UC-LC). The second series involved only one metric, force, and covariates age, sex and weight. It contained interval censored (IC) data demonstrating different censoring schemes: RC-IC-UC, RC-IC-LC and RC-IC-UC-LC.

Results

For each test set combination, optimal IRCs were chosen based on metric–covariate combination that had the lowest BSM value. These optimal IRCs are shown along with 95% CIs and other measures of interval quality. Forces were greater for UC than LC data sets, at the same risk levels (10% used in North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)). All data and IRCs are presented.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a novel approach to examining which metrics and covariates create the best parametric survival analysis-based IRCs to describe human tolerance, the first step in describing lower leg injury criteria under axial loading to the plantar surface of the foot.
Relationship between obesity and health problems in help-seeking military veterans
Authors: Williamson Victoria , Rossetto A , Murphy D
Published: February 2019

Background

UK Armed Forces (UK AF) veterans may be particularly vulnerable to obesity and its comorbid physical and mental health problems.

Aim

To examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), physical health problems, mental health disorders and sociodemographic characteristics in UK AF veterans engaged in psychological treatment.

Methods

Information regarding veteran BMI, demographic characteristics, physical health conditions and mental health problems was collected and analysed using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Rates of veteran obesity were also compared with the UK general population.

Results

Of the 384 help-seeking veterans, 37.5% (n=151) were overweight (BMI 26–30) and 35.5% (n=143) were obese. Obesity in help-seeking male veterans was two to four times higher than that of the general population of UK. Higher scores on measures of anger and common mental health problems were significantly associated with greater BMI. Problems with physical systemic functioning and mobility were also significantly associated with greater BMI.

Conclusions

The results indicate that treatment-seeking UK AF veterans exhibit higher levels of obesity compared with the general population, and clinically significant physical and mental comorbidities. The findings highlight a need for mental health services to offer treatments that effectively integrate physical and mental healthcare in the treatment of people with mental health problems.
Two temperature regimes of triplet transfer in the dissociation of the correlated triplet pair after singlet fission
Authors: Lee Tia S. , Lin YunHui L. , Kim Hwon , Rand Barry P. , Scholes Gregory D.
Published: February 2019

The ability to undergo spin-allowed exciton multiplication makes singlet fission materials promising for photovoltaic applications. Here, we examine the separation of correlated triplet pairs, 1(T…T), in polycrystalline pentacene films via temperature-dependent transient absorption spectroscopy. Single wavelength analysis reveals a profound delay in 1(T…T) dynamics. Moreover, the dynamics of 1(T…T) exhibit temperature dependence, whereas other features show no discernable temperature dependence. Previous literatures have suggested that correlated triplet separation is mediated by a thermally activated hopping process. Surprisingly, we found that the time constants governing triplet pair separation display two distinct temperature-dependent regimes of triplet transport. The high temperature regime follows a thermally activated hopping mechanism. The experimentally derived reorganization energy and electronic coupling is verified by density matrix renormalization group quantum chemical calculations. In addition, we evaluated the low temperature regime and show that the trend can be modelled by a Miller–Abrahams-type model that incorporates the effects of energetic disorder. We conclude that the correlated triplet pair separation is mediated by thermally activated hopping or a disorder driven Miller–Abrahams-type mechanism at high and low temperature, respectively. We observe that crossover between two regimes occurs ∼226 K. We find the time constant for triplet–triplet energy transfer to be 1.8 ps at ambient temperature and 21 ps at 77 K.
Oxidative stress does not differ in primary dermal fibroblasts isolated from fast-growing and control-growing Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica)
Authors: Beattie Ursula Konstantin , Jimenez Ana Gabriela
Published: February 2019

Growth rate is a key life-history trait that influences fitness and shapes the physiology of organisms. Additionally, faster growing individuals of the same species seem to be burdened with higher whole-animal metabolism and higher cellular turnover rates, which may lead to increases in oxidative stress, though this fact remains controversial within the literature. Aerobic organisms are subjected to metabolic by-products known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can wreak havoc on macromolecules, such as structurally altering proteins and inducing mutations in DNA, among others. To combat accumulating damage, organisms have evolved endogenous antioxidants and can consume exogenous antioxidants to sequester ROS before they cause cellular damage. We used primary fibroblast cells isolated from control-growing and fast-growing Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica Temminck and Schlegel, 1849) as a study model for the effects of differing growth rates on oxidative stress. We measured reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration, ROS production, mitochondrial content, and lipid peroxidation (LPO) damage. We found no significant differences in the four parameters measured between control-growing and fast-growing Quail. However, we found that in fast-growing Quail, GSH correlated with LPO damage and mitochondrial content, and LPO damage positively correlated with mitochondrial content, whereas control-growing Quail only showed positive relationships between LPO damage and ROS production.
Forensic botany and forensic chemistry working together: application of plant DNA barcoding as a complement to forensic chemistry—a case study in Brazil
Authors: Paranaiba Renato T.F. , Carvalho Carlos B.V. , Freitas Jorge M. , Fassio Levy H. , Botelho Élvio D. , Neves Diana B.J. , Silva Ronaldo C. , Aguiar Sérgio M.
Published: February 2019

Recently, Brazilian Federal Police used forensic chemistry and forensic botany techniques on a case. Two packets containing fragmented plant matter were seized and sent for forensic analysis. Forensic chemistry, the gold standard for evaluating plant material suspected to contain illicit substances, did not find illicit materials. Gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified thujone in the botanical material. Thujone is a chemical compound naturally found in many plant species, notably Artemisia absinthium. Because doubt remained, we next used plant DNA barcoding methods. Total DNA from plant tissue fragments was extracted and five different DNA regions were amplified, sequenced, and analyzed using plant DNA barcoding methods. Genetic analysis yielded 30 good quality sequences representing five taxa. Most specimens were identified as A. absinthium. Few studies focus on practical forensic applications of plant DNA barcoding methods using a case solved in a forensic laboratory with its difficulties and limitations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report an effective joint effort of forensic chemistry and botany techniques to assess plant material in Brazil. The availability of a new technical approach for the genetic sequencing of plant species will enhance many forensic investigations and inspire similar initiatives.
Structural properties and decay modes of Z = 122, 120 and 118 superheavy nuclei
Authors: Saxena G. , Kumawat M. , Singh S. Somorendro , Aggarwal Mamta
Published: February 2019

Structural properties and the decay modes of the superheavy elements [Formula: see text] and 118 are studied in a microscopic framework. We evaluate the binding energy, one- and two- proton and neutron separation energy, shell correction and density profile of even and odd isotopes of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] which show a reasonable match with FRDM results and the available experimental data. Equilibrium shape and deformation of the superheavy region are predicted. We investigate the possible decay modes of this region specifically [Formula: see text]-decay, spontaneous fission (SF) and the [Formula: see text]-decay and evaluate the probable [Formula: see text]-decay chains. The phenomena of bubble like structure in the charge density is predicted in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with significant depletion fraction around 20–24% which increases with increasing Coulomb energy and diminishes with increasing isospin ([Formula: see text]) values exhibiting the fact that the coulomb forces are the main driving force in the central depletion in superheavy systems.
Zn2+-Doped Carbon Dots, a Good Biocompatibility Nanomaterial Applied for Bio-Imaging and Inducing Osteoblastic Differentiation in vitro
Authors: Meng Yang , Yang Mingxi , Liu Xinchan , Yu Weixian , Yang Bai
Published: February 2019

Multifunctional photoluminescent (PL) nanomaterials have attracted considerable interest in terms of their potential applications in the field of clinical medicine. Carbon dots (CDs), as emerging optical nanomaterials, are promising in various fields including biological imaging, drug transport and nerve tracing. However, little research has investigated on bone tissue engineering as of now. In this study, a new kind of bifunctional Zn[Formula: see text]-doped carbon dots (Zn-CDs) has been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method, Zn-CDs show effective fluorescent imaging and induce osteoblastic differentiation abilities in vitro. Moreover, compared with the raw material, Zn-CDs exhibited more effective osteoblastic differentiation promoting capability. Overall, the biocompatible nanomaterial Zn-CDs show potential to be used as a promising novel nanodrug for bone loss therapy and also a monitor of cell variation by fluorescence imaging.
The electronic structure and optical properties of Ca3(Mn1−xTix)2O7from first-principle calculations
Authors: Wang Fengqi , Cai Wei , Fu Chunlin , Gao Rongli , Chen Gang , Deng Xiaoling , Wang Zhenhua , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: February 2019

The electronic structure and optical properties of Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7([Formula: see text], 1/8, 2/8, 3/8, 4/8) were studied by first-principle calculations within the generalized gradient approximation approaches (GGA). The lattice constants of Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7increase with the increase of Ti[Formula: see text] content caused by the substitution of Ti[Formula: see text] with larger ionic radius for Mn[Formula: see text]. Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7is a direct band gap semiconductor, and the band gap ([Formula: see text]) increases with the increase of Ti[Formula: see text] content. From the density of states, the introduction of Ti-3[Formula: see text] states can weaken the effects of Mn-3[Formula: see text] states on the bottom of conduction band and has little influence on O-2[Formula: see text] states on the top of valence band. The introduction of nonmagnetic Ti[Formula: see text] ions can weaken the magnetism of Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7. According to the Mulliken population analysis, it is found that the introduction of Ti[Formula: see text] enhances the electronic accepting capacity of oxygen ions and enhances the electronic losing capacity of manganese ions. The bond strength of Ti–O covalent bond is stronger than that of Mn–O covalent bond. Furthermore, the optical properties of Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7was calculated. As Ti[Formula: see text] content increases, the absorption edge of Ca3(Mn[Formula: see text]Ti[Formula: see text]O7has a blue shift, the static refractive index [Formula: see text] decreases, the static dielectric constant [Formula: see text](0) decreases, the position of loss peak moves to higher energy.
Supergene alteration, environmental impact and laboratory scale acid water treatment of Cyprus-type ore deposits: case study of Mathiatis and Sha abandoned mines
Authors: Galanopoulos Evangelos , Skarpelis Nikolaos , Argyraki Ariadne
Published: February 2019

Waste-rock dumps and the water quality of pit-lakes formed at abandoned mines of pyrite-rich ore deposits are of considerable environmental concern around the world. The Mathiatis and Sha mines provide typical examples of abandoned mines where Cyprus-type Cu-pyrite ore was exploited. Supergene alteration of the sulphide ore and the mine waste leads to the formation of efflorescence and generation of acid mine drainage filling the pit-lakes. Sulphate concentrations range from 4600 to 4850 mg/l and from 35 900 to 38 500 mg/l for the Mathiatis and Sha mines, respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals exceed the established regulatory limits in water. A preliminary assessment of the mine waste at the Mathiatis mine indicated that it cannot be characterized as inert material according to current European legislation, posing an environmental threat as a source of acid mine drainage (AMD). The identified Mg, Ca and Fe(II)- Fe(III) efflorescence mineral phases retain temporarily trace metals near the mine waste and the open pit-lake shore. Neutralization experiments on the acidic waters of the epilimnion indicated local limestone is not sufficient for full remediation. However, it could be used as a low-cost pretreatment method for AMD. The study expands the international database of AMD affected areas and provides the basis for future remediation efforts.

Supplementary material:
Detection limits and reference material analyses is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4383254
Modulating cardiac conduction during metabolic ischemia with perfusate sodium and calcium in guinea pig hearts
Authors: George Sharon A. , Hoeker Gregory , Calhoun Patrick J. , Entz Michael , Raisch Tristan B. , King D. Ryan , Khan Momina , Baker Chandra , Gourdie Robert G. , Smyth James W. , Nielsen Morten S. , Poelzing Steven
Published: February 2019

We previously demonstrated that altering extracellular sodium (Nao) and calcium (Cao) can modulate a form of electrical communication between cardiomyocytes termed “ephaptic coupling” (EpC), especially during loss of gap junction coupling. We hypothesized that altering Nao and Cao modulates conduction velocity (CV) and arrhythmic burden during ischemia. Electrophysiology was quantified by optically mapping Langendorff-perfused guinea pig ventricles with modified Nao (147 or 155 mM) and Cao (1.25 or 2.0 mM) during 30 min of simulated metabolic ischemia (pH 6.5, anoxia, aglycemia). Gap junction-adjacent perinexal width ( WP), a candidate cardiac ephapse, and connexin (Cx)43 protein expression and Cx43 phosphorylation at S368 were quantified by transmission electron microscopy and Western immunoblot analysis, respectively. Metabolic ischemia slowed CV in hearts perfused with 147 mM Nao and 2.0 mM Cao; however, theoretically increasing EpC with 155 mM Nao was arrhythmogenic, and CV could not be measured. Reducing Cao to 1.25 mM expanded WP, as expected during ischemia, consistent with reduced EpC, but attenuated CV slowing while delaying arrhythmia onset. These results were further supported by osmotically reducing WP with albumin, which exacerbated CV slowing and increased early arrhythmias during ischemia, whereas mannitol expanded WP, permitted conduction, and delayed the onset of arrhythmias. Cx43 expression patterns during the various interventions insufficiently correlated with observed CV changes and arrhythmic burden. In conclusion, decreasing perfusate calcium during metabolic ischemia enhances perinexal expansion, attenuates conduction slowing, and delays arrhythmias. Thus, perinexal expansion may be cardioprotective during metabolic ischemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates, for the first time, that modulating perfusate ion composition can alter cardiac electrophysiology during simulated metabolic ischemia.
Cardiovascular injury induced by tobacco products: assessment of risk factors and biomarkers of harm. A Tobacco Centers of Regulatory Science compilation
Authors: Conklin Daniel J. , Schick Suzaynn , Blaha Michael J. , Carll Alex , DeFilippis Andrew , Ganz Peter , Hall Michael E. , Hamburg Naomi , O’Toole Tim , Reynolds Lindsay , Srivastava Sanjay , Bhatnagar Aruni
Published: February 2019

Although substantial evidence shows that smoking is positively and robustly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), the CVD risk associated with the use of new and emerging tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes, hookah, and heat-not-burn products, remains unclear. This uncertainty stems from lack of knowledge on how the use of these products affects cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular injury associated with the use of new tobacco products could be evaluated by measuring changes in biomarkers of cardiovascular harm that are sensitive to the use of combustible cigarettes. Such cardiovascular injury could be indexed at several levels. Preclinical changes contributing to the pathogenesis of disease could be monitored by measuring changes in systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, organ-specific dysfunctions could be gauged by measuring endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation), platelet aggregation, and arterial stiffness, and organ-specific injury could be evaluated by measuring endothelial microparticles and platelet-leukocyte aggregates. Classical risk factors, such as blood pressure, circulating lipoproteins, and insulin resistance, provide robust estimates of risk, and subclinical disease progression could be followed by measuring coronary artery Ca2+ and carotid intima-media thickness. Given that several of these biomarkers are well-established predictors of major cardiovascular events, the association of these biomarkers with the use of new and emerging tobacco products could be indicative of both individual and population-level CVD risk associated with the use of these products. Differential effects of tobacco products (conventional vs. new and emerging products) on different indexes of cardiovascular injury could also provide insights into mechanisms by which they induce cardiovascular harm.
Equidad y educación de la primera infancia en la agenda educativa mundial
Authors: Ancheta-Arraba Ana ,   Universidad de Valencia, España
Published: February 2019

(descriptive): The present paper is inspired by the need to carry out an analysis of equality in early childhood education using a holistic approach and contribute to the current debate regarding the importance of equality in the new education agenda and its goals for early childhood. This analysis is based on the foundations of the theoretical study of educational equality from a holistic perspective, which facilitates its application to early childhood education in Ibero-American societies. This will provide a broader perspective on the discussion of the achievements and challenges in the area of equality. Finally, the understandings reached as a result of this analysis facilitate the interpretation of the limits and possibilities of global education targets for early childhood, the measurement of progresses and implications for educational equality.
Significados y alcances de la acción solidaria en jóvenes de Medellín
Authors: Giraldo-Giraldo Yicel Nayrobis , Ruiz-Silva Alexander ,   Universidad Pedagógica Nacional, Colombia
Published: February 2019

(analítico): presenta los resultados de un estudio sobre las acciones solidarias de
jóvenes que participan en colectivos juveniles de Medellín. El interés está centrado en la solidaridad como acción —más allá de su connotación como valor o sentimiento—, esto es, como experiencia moral. La estrategia metodológica es la producción y análisis de narrativas testimoniales, a partir de la entrevista en profundidad y los grupos de discusión. Los resultados están agrupados así: 1) la solidaridad como acción orientada al fortalecimiento de los vínculos sociales; 2) la solidaridad como acción dirigida a la superación de la injusticia y a combatir la indiferencia y el miedo. Como conclusiones se afirma que si bien algunas de las acciones solidarias son respuestas a situaciones coyunturales, la mayoría de ellas responden a la búsqueda de justicia.
Fantasmas na teoria urbana contemporânea? Notas para reivindicar uma atitude crítica
Authors: Parrado Rodríguez Cristhian , Cevallos Aráuz Andrea
Published: February 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir o modelo de análise da teoria urbana contemporânea e o papel desempenhado pelo urbano e o decolonial nela. Inicialmente tente explicar como a ideia tradicional de cidade –entendida como categoria analítica– e a colonialidade do conhecimento –já que gera conhecimento hegemônico e marginal– são os fantasmas que viajam pela teoria urbana na atualidade. A partir de refletir sobre as perspectivas teóricas que destacam o direito à cidade e a descolonização do conhecimento, conclui destacando o papel crucial que desempenham na teoria urbana crítica o conceito de cidade e as teorias do Norte global, mas não seus fantasmas
Reconfigurando a cidade
Authors: Flynn Alex , Vital Selma
Published: February 2019

Neste artigo, exponho como os praticantes da arte contemporânea incorporam desobediência epistêmica e o conceito de ocupação para proporem uma reconfiguração da cidade. Primeiro, argumento que há cada vez mais reflexão sobre a ressignificação do espaço urbano, provocada por um tipo particular de prática de arte contemporânea intersticial; em seguida, defendo que os contextos em que essas práticas ocorrem sugere que artistas trabalhando com tais paradigmas encontram, e respondem a, uma noção totalmente diferente de “participação” do que aquela articulada por Claire Bishop (2004, 2012) ou Nicolas Bourriaud (2002). A localização é essencial ao que caracteriza e forma a prática artística. Situadas na fronteira porosa entre espaços de arte contemporânea institucionais e não-institucionais e frequentemente integradas às complexas lutas pelo direito à cidade, essas práticas ocorrem dentro de redes e hierarquias, que derivam de múltiplos modos de vida. É esta encruzilhada de eixos – o horizontal e o vertical, o efêmero e o utópico – que dá a tal reconfiguração seu potencial único, enquanto também oferece uma teorização da já amplamente observada iminência da arte.
Imigrantes e refugiados na cidade
Authors: Zelaya Silvia
Published: February 2019

O artigo descreve e analisa os discursos e as ações de uma rede de atores governamentais e não governamentais produzidos durante uma série de eventos – uma audiência pública, a criação de um albergue emergencial e um festival cultural – que teve como objetivo central a visibilização da questão migratória como problema contemporâneo. Analisando essas iniciativas e as mais recentes práticas dos próprios refugiados e imigrantes na cidade, o artigo reflete sobre a articulação e o entrelaçamento da implementação de direitos com o humanitarismo no Brasil contemporâneo. A argumentação está amparada em uma etnografia multissituada das relações de saber e poder que produziram a imigração e o sujeito imigrante como tipo particular de população urbana suscetível de intervenção mediante uma complexa trama de atores, tecnologias, saberes e relações em Porto Alegre e São Paulo, entre os anos 2013 e 2016.
Testemunha, vivência e as atuações do repórter na TV brasileira
Authors: Gutmann Juliana Freire , Vilas Bôas Valéria Maria , Gomes Itania Maria Mota
Published: February 2019

O artigo investiga historicidades que constituem o testemunho jornalístico na televisão brasileira, considerando o corpo do repórter como dispositivo de autenticação dos relatos e de constituição de subjetividades. Argumentamos que a noção de testemunha ocular da história, que configura a identidade do repórter desde o Repórter Esso, é uma matriz cultural do telejornalismo brasileiro e evidenciamos reconfigurações dessa matriz, em programas contemporâneos – mais especificamente no Jornal Nacional, da Rede Globo, e no programa A Liga, da Rede Bandeirantes, – em torno do repórter que vivencia o acontecimento. Esse processo exibe uma contínua disputa por marcas e convenções que atravessam a história da TV no Brasil e constituem o telejornalismo enquanto uma forma cultural.
Nota a propósito de Pantallas transnacionales
Authors: Sá Arthur Autran Franco de
Published: February 2019

Esta resenha aborda o livro Pantallas transnacionales – El cine argentino y mexicano del período clásico, organizado pelas pesquisadoras argentinas Ana Laura Lusnich, Alicia Aisemberg e Andrea Cuarterolo. O livro tem como foco os diversos tipos de relações cinematográficas entre Argentina e México entre as décadas de 1930 e 1950, com base em marcos teóricos ligados ao conceito de transnacional. A resenha destaca as principais características do livro e aponta algumas questões de interesse para o leitor brasileiro.