The tracheal system of the Common Wasp (Vespula vulgaris) - A micro-CT study.

X-ray micro-CT has been used to study the tracheal system of Pre and Post hibernation Queen wasps (Vespula vulgaris) and their workers. We have compared our findings in wasps with Snodgrass's description of the tracheal system of the honeybee as characterised by anatomical dissection. Our images, whilst broadly similar, identify the tracheal system as being considerably more complex than previously suggested. One of the 30 wasps imaged had a markedly different, previously undescribed tracheal system. Since completing this study, a large micro-CT study from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has been published. This used different software (Slicer) and analysed 16bit digital data. We have compared our methods with that described in the AMNH publication, adopted their suggested nomenclature and have made recommendations for future studies.

Teriparatide ameliorates articular cartilage degradation and aberrant subchondral bone remodeling in DMM mice.

Objective: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder characterized by degeneration of cartilage and abnormal remodeling of subchondral bone (SCB). Teriparatide (PTH (1-34)) is an effective anabolic drug for osteoporosis (OP) and regulates osteoprotegerin (OPG)/receptor activator of nuclear factor ligand (RANKL)/RANK signaling, which also has a therapeutic effect on KOA by ameliorating cartilage degradation and inhibiting aberrant remodeling of SCB. However, the mechanisms of PTH (1-34) in treating KOA are still uncertain and remain to be explored. Therefore, we compared the effect of PTH (1-34) on the post-traumatic KOA mouse model to explore the potential therapeutic effect and mechanisms. Methods: In vivo study, eight-week-old male mice including wild-type (WT) (n â€‹= â€‹54) and OPG-/- (n â€‹= â€‹54) were investigated and compared. Post-traumatic KOA model was created by destabilization of medial meniscus (DMM). WT mice were randomly assigned into three groups: the sham group (WT-sham; n â€‹= â€‹18), the DMM group (WT-DMM; n â€‹= â€‹18), and the PTH (1-34)-treated group (WT-DMM â€‹+ â€‹PTH (1-34); n â€‹= â€‹18). Similarly, the OPG-/- mice were randomly allocated into three groups as well. The designed mice were executed at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks to evaluate KOA progression. To further explore the chondro-protective of PTH (1-34), the ATDC5 chondrocytes were stimulated with different concentrations of PTH (1-34) in vitro. Results: Compared with the WT-sham mice, significant wear of cartilage in terms of reduced cartilage thickness and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) loss was detected in the WT-DMM mice. PTH (1-34) exhibited cartilage-protective by alleviating wear, retaining the thickness and GAG contents. Moreover, the deterioration of the SCB was alleviated and the expression of PTH1R/OPG/RANKL/RANK were found to increase after PTH (1-34) treatment. Among the OPG-/- mice, the cartilage of the DMM mice displayed typical KOA change with higher OARSI score and thinner cartilage. The damage of the cartilage was alleviated but the abnormal remodeling of SCB didn't show any response to the PTH (1-34) treatment. Compared with the WT-DMM mice, the OPG-/--DMM mice caught more aggressive KOA with thinner cartilage, sever cartilage damage, and more abnormal remodeling of SCB. Moreover, both the damaged cartilage from the WT-DMM mice and the OPG-/--DMM mice were alleviated but only the deterioration of SCB in WT-DMM mice was alleviated after the administration of PTH (1-34). In vitro study, PTH (1-34) could promote the viability of chondrocytes, enhance the synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) (AGC, COLII, and SOX9) at the mRNA and protein level, but inhibit the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Conclusion: Both wear of the cartilage was alleviated and aberrant remodeling of the SCB was inhibited in the WT mice, but only the cartilage-protective effect was observed in the OPG-/- mice. PTH (1-34) exhibited chondro-protective effect by decelerating cartilage degeneration in vivo as well as by promoting the proliferation and enhancing ECM synthesis of chondrocytes in vitro. The current investigation implied that the rescue of the disturbed SCB is dependent on the regulation of OPG while the chondro-protective effect is independent of modulation of OPG, which provides proof for the treatment of KOA. The translational potential of this article: Systemic administration of PTH (1-34) could exert a therapeutic effect on both cartilage and SCB in different mechanisms to alleviate KOA progression, which might be a novel therapy for KOA.

Polarization-Resolved p-Se/n-WS2 Heterojunctions toward Application in Microcomputer System as Multivalued Signal Trigger.

Polarization-sensitive photodetectors based on van der Waals heterojunctions (vdWH) have excellent polarization-resolved optoelectronic properties that can enable the applications in polarized light identification and imaging. With the development of optical microcomputer control systems (OMCS), it is crucial and energy efficient to adopt the self-powered and polarization-resolved signal-generators to optimize the circuit design of OMCS. In this work, the selenium (Se) flakes with in-plane anisotropy and p-type character are grown and incorporated with n-type tungsten disulfide (WS2 ) to construct the type-II vdWH for polarization-sensitive and self-powered photodetectors. Under 405 nm monochrome laser with 1.33 mW cm-2 power density, the photovoltaic device exhibits superior photodetection performance with the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.6%, the responsivity (R) of 196 mA W-1 and the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of about 60%. The strong in-plane anisotropy of Se crystal structure gives rise to the capability of polarized light detection with anisotropic photocurrent ratio of ≈2.2 under the 405 nm laser (13.71 mW cm-2 ). Benefiting from the well polarization-sensitive and photovoltaic properties, the p-Se/n-WS2 vdWH is successfully applied in the OMCS as multivalued signal trigger. This work develops the new anisotropic vdWH and demonstrates its feasibility for applications in logic circuits and control systems.

Effects of oral losartan administration on homeostasis of articular cartilage and bone in a rabbit model.

Background and aims: Previous work has shown that oral losartan can enhance microfracture-mediated cartilage repair in a rabbit osteochondral defect injury model. In this study, we aimed to determine whether oral losartan would have a detrimental effect on articular cartilage and bone homeostasis in the uninjured sides. Methods: New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups including normal uninjured (Normal), contralateral uninjured side of osteochondral defect (Defect), osteochondral defect plus microfracture (Microfracture) and osteochondral defect plus microfracture and losartan oral administration (10 mg/kg/day) (Losartan). Rabbits underwent different surgeries and treatment and were sacrificed at 12 weeks. Both side of the normal group and uninjured side of treatment groups tibias were harvested for Micro-CT and histological analysis for cartilage and bone including H&E staining, Herovici's staining (bone and cartilage) Alcian blue and Safranin O staining (cartilage) as well as immunohistochemistry of losartan related signaling pathways molecules for both cartilage and bone. Results: Our results showed losartan oral treatment at 10 mg/kg/day slightly increase Alcian blue positive matrix as well as decrease collagen type 3 in articular cartilage while having no significant effect on articular cartilage structure, cellularity, and other matrix. Losartan treatment also did not affect angiotensin receptor type 1 (AGTR1), angiotensin receptor type 2 (AGTR2) and phosphorylated transforming factor ß1 activated kinase 1 (pTAK1) expression level and pattern in the articular cartilage. Furthermore, losartan treatment did not affect microarchitecture of normal cancellous bone and cortical bone of tibias compared to normal and other groups. Losartan treatment slightly increased osteocalcin positive osteoblasts on the surface of cancellous bone and did not affect bone matrix collagen type 1 content and did not change AGTR1, AGTR2 and pTAK1 signal molecule expression. Conclusion: Oral losartan used as a microfracture augmentation therapeutic does not have significant effect on uninjured articular cartilage and bone based on our preclinical rabbit model. These results provided further evidence that the current regimen of using losartan as a microfracture augmentation therapeutic is safe with respect to bone and cartilage homeostasis and support clinical trials for its application in human cartilage repair.

Design of automatic urine collection system for medical system applications.

BACKGROUND: The results of urine tests are often affected by improper midstream urine collection time, urine spilling, and urine pollution, all of which can lead to an increase in the test error. OBJECTIVE: To solve this problem, aiming at improving the toilet environment at the hospitals and public physical examination centers, this paper designs an automatic urine collection system. It can automatically adjust the position of the urine cup with an infrared remote controller, or manually, adjust the position of the urine cup in special situations according to the needs of the user. It also has an alarm function. METHODS: The overall size and shape are designed based on the squatting pan, suitable for disposable plastic urine cups of different shapes and sizes. It can realize the automatic collection of midstream urine, manual collection in exceptional cases, emergency stops, and rescue calls. RESULTS: Through the trial survey, there was a significant difference between the statistical results of using the device and not using the device (t= 13.937, P= 0.000). 96% of the subjects thought that the design of the system was reasonable, 22% thought that it was inconvenient to use, and 91.7% of the medical staff thought that the system met the sampling requirements. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the trial evaluation is satisfactory, and the proposed collection system is suitable for use in hospitals at all levels and public health examination centers with a large amount of inspection.

An X-ray micro-computer tomography study of the Malpighian tubules of the Blue Bottle Blow Fly (Calliphora vomitoria) Diptera: Calliphoridae.

Malpighian tubules are the insect equivalent of mammalian kidneys and normally drain into the gut at the junction between the mid and hind gut. The Malpighian tubules of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are increasingly being used as a model for studying human renal tract development, histology, nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis. In the present study we report when using X-ray micro-computer tomography techniques, the larval, intrapuparial and adult stages of the larger Calliphora vomitoria can contain large amounts of calcium-rich concretions which are tightly packed in the lumen of both anterior Malpighian tubules. We show that it is feasible to utilise these calcium-rich concretions as a form of marking agent to delineate the various developmental stages of the Malpighian tubules including the crucial phase when the Malpighian tubules reconnect with the hind gut. In the majority of cases during the intrapuparial period the ureters of the Malpighian tubules did not start to re-canalise and thus reconnect with the developing hind gut until the 7th day of the 10-11 day. Just prior to ecdysis, virtually all the radio-opaque concretions in the Malpighian tubules had emptied into the hind gut and had then been completely excreted by the time the imago emerged from its puparium. In contrast, we show that in flies developing from larvae previously stained by ingesting Rhodamine B, a known substrate for both the Multi Xenobiotic Resistance and Multi Drug Resistant membrane transport systems, the efficiency with which these calcium-rich concretions are excreted by the imago as it emerges from its intrapuparial period can be significantly impaired. Therefore, it might be useful to include C. vomitoria as a model when studying renal tract development and urolithiasis using X-ray micro-computer tomography.

Something old, something new: challenges and developments in Aspergillus niger biotechnology.

The filamentous ascomycete fungus Aspergillus niger is a prolific secretor of organic acids, proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites. Throughout the last century, biotechnologists have developed A. niger into a multipurpose cell factory with a product portfolio worth billions of dollars each year. Recent technological advances, from genome editing to other molecular and omics tools, promise to revolutionize our understanding of A. niger biology, ultimately to increase efficiency of existing industrial applications or even to make entirely new products. However, various challenges to this biotechnological vision, many several decades old, still limit applications of this fungus. These include an inability to tightly control A. niger growth for optimal productivity, and a lack of high-throughput cultivation conditions for mutant screening. In this mini-review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art for A. niger biotechnology with special focus on organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid and itaconic acid), secreted proteins and secondary metabolites, and discuss how new technological developments can be applied to comprehensively address a variety of old and persistent challenges.

Comprehensive Appraisal of Graphene-Oxide Ratio in Porous Biopolymer Hybrids Targeting Bone-Tissue Regeneration.

The bone-tissue engineering (BTE) field is continuously growing due to a major need for bone substitutes in cases of serious traumas, when the bone tissue has reduced capacity for self-regeneration. So far, graphene oxide (GO)-reinforced natural materials provide satisfactory results for BTE, for both in vitro and in vivo conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the biocompatibility of a new biocomposite consisting of chitosan and fish gelatin crosslinked with genipin and loaded with various concentrations of GO (0.5, 1, 2, 3 wt.%) for prospective BTE applications. Scaffold characterizations revealed a constant swelling degree and good resistance to enzyme degradation. The composites presented a porous structure with pores of similar size, thus mimicking the bone structure. In vitro biocompatibility assays demonstrated an overall beneficial interaction between preosteoblasts, and these particular composites, particularly with 0.5 wt.% GO, reinforced composition. Next, the materials were implanted subcutaneously in 6-week old CD1 mice for in vivo evaluation of biocompatibility and inflammatory activity. Immunohistochemical staining revealed maximal cell infiltration and minimal inflammatory reaction for fish gelatin/chitosan/genipin with 0.5 wt.% GO scaffold, thus demonstrating the best biocompatibility for this particular composition, confirming the in vitro results. This study revealed the potential use of fish gelatin/chitosan GO composites for further implementation in the BTE field.

Analysis of Interfacial Effects in All-Solid-State Batteries with Thiophosphate Solid Electrolytes.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) present a promising route toward safe and high-power battery systems in order to meet the future demands in the consumer and automotive market. Composite cathodes are one way to boost the energy density of ASSBs compared to thin-film configurations. In this manuscript, we investigate composites consisting of ß-Li3PS4 (ß-LPS) solid electrolyte and high-energy Li(Ni0.6Mn0.2Co0.2)O2 (NMC622). The fabricated cells show a good cycle life with a satisfactory capacity retention. Still, the cathode utilization is below the values reported in the literature for systems with liquid electrolytes. The common understanding is that interface processes between the active material and solid electrolyte are responsible for the reduced performance. In order to throw some light on this topic, we perform 3D microstructure-resolved simulations on virtual samples obtained via X-ray tomography. Through this approach, we are able to correlate the composite microstructure with electrode performance and impedance. We identify the low electronic conductivity in the fully lithiated NMC622 as material inherent restriction preventing high cathode utilization. Moreover, we find that geometrical properties and morphological changes of the microstructure interact with the internal and external interfaces, significantly affecting the capacity retention at higher currents.

Gaps at the interface between dentine and self-adhesive resin cement in post-endodontic restorations quantified in 3D by phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT.

AIM: To assess the extent of gaps between root dentine and titanium or fibreglass post restorations following cementation with a self-adhesive resin cement. METHODOLOGY: Fourteen root filled maxillary central incisors restored with prefabricated posts made of Fibreglass (n = 7) or Titanium (n = 7) and cemented with RelyX Unicem 2 were imaged by rapid, high-resolution phase contrast-enhanced micro-CT (PCE-CT) in a synchrotron X-ray imaging facility (ID19, ESRF, 34 KeV, 0.65 µm pixel resolution). Reconstructions were used to measure canal, cement and post perimeters and cross-sectional areas and interfacial gaps at 0.1 mm increments in the root canal space, along the cervical region of the tooth. Remnants of endodontic sealer (AH Plus), when present, were also quantified. Mann-Whitney and 2-way ANOVA tests were used to compare findings within slices and between the two post groups. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were determined between the interfacial gaps and the other measured parameters. RESULTS: Clearly detectable gaps were found in 45% (±14%) of the interfaces between dentine and cement, along the canal in the cervical area of the tooth beneath the core. The length of interfacial gaps was moderately correlated to the canal cross-sectional area, to the canal perimeter and to the canal area filled by cement (R = 0.52 ~ 0.55, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between samples with fibreglass or titanium (P > 0.01). Both post types had defect-free interfaces with cement. Endodontic sealer remnants were found on ~10% of the canal walls and were moderately correlated to the presence of gaps. Approximately 30% of the sealer-affected interfaces exhibited no detachment between dentine, sealer and cement. CONCLUSIONS: Self-adhesive cements had interfacial gaps along substantial regions of the root canal surface, which was not correlated with the amount of cement in the canal. PCE-CT proved to be an excellent non-destructive method to study root canal restorations of hydrated samples in 3D.

Internet of things based multi-sensor patient fall detection system.

Accidental falls of patients cannot be completely prevented. However, timely fall detection can help prevent further complications such as blood loss and unconsciousness. In this study, the authors present a cost-effective integrated system designed to remotely detect patient falls in hospitals in addition to classifying non-fall motions into activities of daily living. The proposed system is a wearable device that consists of a camera, gyroscope, and accelerometer that is interfaced with a credit card-sized single board microcomputer. The information received from the camera is used in a visual-based classifier and the sensor data is analysed using the k-Nearest Neighbour and Naïve Bayes' classifiers. Once a fall is detected, an attendant at the hospital is informed. Experimental results showed that the accuracy of the device in classifying fall versus non-fall activity is 95%. Other requirements and specifications are discussed in greater detail.

Nurse's A-Phase-Silicocarnotite Ceramic-Bone Tissue Interaction in a Rabbit Tibia Defect Model.

Calcium phosphate materials are widely used as bone substitutes due to their bioactive and biodegradable properties. Also, the presence of silicon in their composition seems to improve the bioactivity of the implant and promote bone tissue repair. The aim of this study was to develop a novel ceramic scaffold by partial solid-state sintering method with a composition lying in the field of the Nurse's A-phase-silicocarnotite, in the tricalcium phosphate-dicalcium silicate (TCP-C2S) binary system. Also, we evaluated its osteogenic and osteoconductive properties after being implanted into tibia defects in New Zealand rabbits. X-ray, microcomputer tomography, and histomorphometry studies demonstrated that this porous ceramic is highly biocompatible and it has excellent osteointegration. The material was being progressively reabsorbed throughout the study and there was no unspecified local or systemic inflammatory response observed. These results suggest that ceramic imitates the physicochemical characteristics of bone substitutes used in bone reconstruction.

BELL1-like homeobox genes regulate inflorescence architecture and meristem maintenance in rice.

Inflorescence architecture is diverse in angiosperms, and is mainly determined by the arrangement of the branches and flowers, known as phyllotaxy. In rice (Oryza sativa), the main inflorescence axis, called the rachis, generates primary branches in a spiral phyllotaxy, and flowers (spikelets) are formed on these branches. Here, we have studied a classical mutant, named verticillate rachis (ri), which produces branches in a partially whorled phyllotaxy. Gene isolation revealed that RI encodes a BELL1-type homeodomain transcription factor, similar to Arabidopsis PENNYWISE/BELLRINGER/REPLUMLESS, and is expressed in the specific regions within the inflorescence and branch meristems where their descendant meristems would soon initiate. Genetic combination of an ri homozygote and a mutant allele of RI-LIKE1 (RIL1) (designated ri ril1/+ plant), a close paralog of RI, enhanced the ri inflorescence phenotype, including the abnormalities in branch phyllotaxy and rachis internode patterning. During early inflorescence development, the timing and arrangement of primary branch meristem (pBM) initiation were disturbed in both ri and ri ril1/+ plants. These findings suggest that RI and RIL1 were involved in regulating the phyllotactic pattern of the pBMs to form normal inflorescences. In addition, both RI and RIL1 seem to be involved in meristem maintenance, because the ri ril1 double-mutant failed to establish or maintain the shoot apical meristem during embryogenesis.

Product development of a condenser dosimeter using a skin-insulated USB-A-substrate with a silicon X-ray diode.

To measure integral doses in image-guided radiation therapy, we developed an integral condenser dosimeter comprising a disposable USB-A mini-substrate with a 0.1-µF condenser and a silicon X-ray diode (Si-XD), a microcomputer (mbed) dock, and a personal computer (PC). The Si-XD is a high-sensitivity photodiode selected for detecting X-rays. The USB-A substrate with dimensions of 24 × 14 mm2 is inserted into the microcomputer dock, and the condenser is charged to 3.23 V through a 10-kΩ resistor. The condenser charging voltage is subsequently measured directly using an analog-digital converter (ADC) in mbed. When the condenser is fully charged, the microcomputer dock is switched to high impedance, and the substrate is removed. Subsequently, the substrate is exposed to an X-ray source, and the condenser is discharged via the photocurrent flowing through the Si-XD. The substrate is inserted into the dock again, and the charging voltage is measured. The dock is connected to a PC through a mini-USB cable, and integral doses are shown on the PC monitor. The doses were proportional to decreases in the charging voltage, and the calibrated doses corresponded well to those obtained using a typically available ionization chamber.

Study on process parameters and optimization of microencapsulation based on phase separation.

As surfactants are capable of influencing the droplet formation, our study primarily aims the investigation of the effect of a nonionic surfactant e.g. Polysorbate 80 on the formation of microspheres on the course of vibrating nozzle method with coacervation. The experiments also concern the impact of the different process parameters (e.g. vibration frequency, feed rate and voltage) on the shape and size distribution of microspheres characterized by laser diffraction size determination completed with particle image analysis. The calcium-alginate microspheres were processed using freeze-drying to ensure solid state with better drug carrier capability. Addition of isomalt was advantageous in the formation of freeze-dried microspheres at low alginate concentration, which was explained by micro-CT analysis of the constructed particle structure. The internal three-dimensional network of calcium alginate demonstrated a more cancellous architecture ameliorating the roundness of microparticles.

A 3D printed bilayer oral solid dosage form combining metformin for prolonged and glimepiride for immediate drug delivery.

Fused Deposition Modelling (a.k.a. FDM-3D printing) has been previously employed in the development of personalized medicines with unique properties and release behavior. In the present work, a bilayer dosage form containing two anti-diabetic drugs with different daily dosage regimens; i.e. metformin and glimepiride, was manufactured via FDM 3D printing, studied using a variety of techniques and characterized in vitro. Metformin and glimepiride were embedded in Eudragit® RL sustained release layer and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) layer respectively. Incorporation of more than one API's into the formulation is desirable, as it increases patient compliance and reduces cost of treatment, especially when distinct dosages of API's can be adjusted individually in situ, in order to meet each patient's specific needs, a capability provided by 3D printing. A number of different preparation methods, which involved different plasticizers and extruders, were tested on manufacturing Eudragit® RL drug-loaded filaments for printing the sustained release layer. The properties of the produced filaments were assessed by means of mechanical and physicochemical characterization techniques and the filaments with the optimum properties were used for printing. Microfocus computed tomography (µCT) imaging-based actual/nominal comparison analysis showed a printing accuracy ranging between -100, +200 µm, while X-ray (XRD) diffractograms revealed the incorporation of the (initially crystalline) API's as amorphous dispersions into polymer matrices. Dissolution tests showed sufficient drug release for both drugs in desired time frames (75 min for glimepiride and 480 min for metformin). The results from the current study emphasize the potentiality of 3D printing technology for tailor-made solid dosage forms for combined pharmacotherapy, even at the cases when API's with different desirable release profiles are employed.

A design of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring system based on the control of AT89C51 / 中国医学装备

Objective: To design an ambulatory blood pressure measuring system based on control of single chip microcomputer AT89C51 so as to accurately measure the blood pressure of human body. Methods: In the design, single chip computer AT89C51 was used as main controller, and pressure transducer MPX5050GP was used to collect signal of blood pressure of human body, and then through calculated and processed of single chip microcomputer to measure the blood pressure value. The peripheral design adopted on-off circuit and liquid crystal display (LCD) to monitor the start control and blood pressure value of system. Results: This system could convert the blood pressure signal of human body into electrical signal through pressure transducer. And after these weak electrical signals were amplified and filtrated, they were further convert into digital signal so as to be inputed in single chip microcomputer. And then, these measurement value were finally displayed on LCD through calculating and processing of main program for these signals. The results of this system has well stability, and its largest indication error was 3 mmHg, which was in the permissible error range, and the detection was qualified. Conclusion: The system can accurately measure the blood pressure of human body, and it has the advantages of small size, convenient using, clear display and so on.

Sequential determination of multi-nutrient elements in natural water samples with a reverse flow injection system.

An integrated system was developed for automatic and sequential determination of NO2-, NO3-, PO43-, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Mn2+ in natural waters based on reverse flow injection analysis combined with spectrophotometric detection. The system operation was controlled by a single chip microcomputer and laboratory-programmed software written in LabVIEW. The experimental parameters for each nutrient element analysis were optimized based on a univariate experimental design, and interferences from common ions were evaluated. The upper limits of the linear range (along with detection limit, µmolL-1) of the proposed method was 20 (0.03), 200 (0.7), 12 (0.3), 5 (0.03), 5 (0.03), 9 (0.2) µmolL-1, for NO2-, NO3-, PO43-, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Mn2+, respectively. The relative standard deviations were below 5% (n=9-13) and the recoveries varied from 88.0±1.0% to 104.5±1.0% for spiked water samples. The sample throughput was about 20h-1. This system has been successfully applied for the determination of multi-nutrient elements in different kinds of water samples and showed good agreement with reference methods (slope 1.0260±0.0043, R2=0.9991, n=50).

Phylogenetic implications of sperm storage in Podotremata: Histology and 3D-reconstructions of spermathecae and gonopores in female carrier crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Homoloidea).

Female reproductive systems are important characters for understanding the evolution of Brachyura and resolving its phylogenetic relationships. We herein investigate a podotreme brachyuran reproductive system comprehensively for the first time studying spermathecae and gonopores of Homoloidea with histological methods, micro-computer tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that spermathecal apertures are species-specific and their shape corresponds closely to that of male copulatory organs. Apertures were either enclosed by membranous cuticle areas or otherwise occluded preventing direct access into spermathecae. 3D-reconstructions reveal that spermathecae differ between the species Paromola cuvieri and Homola barbata with regard to the involvement of sternite 7 and 8, respectively, in forming the sperm storage chamber. The cuticle epithelium that lines the spermathecal chamber is irregular and distinct from the remaining cylindrical cuticle epithelium. A first uniramous pleopod was present in all homoloids studied and always held in a position to cover spermathecal apertures. Specific pulvinated cuticle structures present on both sides of the first pleopod are herein interpreted as adhesive structures functioning in reproductive processes. The coxal gonopores were enclosed by a laterally arising muscular mobile operculum that resembles opercula described in eubrachyuran vaginae, which raises the question whether these two structures are homologous. Our results are compared with data available for other brachyuran groups and discussed in terms of phylogenetic relationships within the Brachyura and possible functions in insemination and fertilization in Podotremata. J. Morphol. 278:89-105, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.

"Discussion on ""Microcomputer Principle and Interface Technology"" course in military medical university based on SPOC mode" / 医疗卫生装备

Objective To explore the feasibility of applying small private online course (SPOC) in the course of Microcomputer Principle and Interface Technology to solve its problems in complicated knowledge points,abstract contents and difficulty in understanding.Methods The characteristics of the undergraduate students in the military medical university and SPOC mode were analyzed,and then the design and implementation of a SPOC-based Microcomputer Principle and Interface Technology course were explored in the military medical university.Results By applying the SPOC into the teaching of Microcomputer Principle and Interface Technology course,the student could find out the forgotten or leaked knowledge and reiterate them to reinforce the memory of those knowledge points,which promoted their self-regulation of learning.Besides,teaching the students with real cases not only increased the learner's enthusiasm but also strengthened the military medical background.The offline group discussion facilitated the students in understanding and application of knowledge.Conclusion Applying SPOC mode into PMIT teaching no doubt improves the effect and quality of teaching and learning.