bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POPDC3 Gene Variants Associate with a New Form of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Vissing John , Johnson Katherine , Töpf Ana , Nafissi Shahriar , Díaz‐Manera Jordi , French Vanessa M. , Schindler Roland F. , Sarathchandra Padmini , Løkken Nicoline , Rinné Susanne , Freund Max , Decher Niels , Müller Thomas , Duno Morten , Krag Thomas , Brand Thomas , Straub Volker
Published: October 2019

Objective

The Popeye domain containing 3 (POPDC3) gene encodes a membrane protein involved in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. Besides gastric cancer, no disease association has been described. We describe a new muscular dystrophy associated with this gene.

Methods

We screened 1,500 patients with unclassified limb girdle weakness or hyperCKemia for pathogenic POPDC3 variants. Five patients carrying POPDC3 variants were examined by muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle biopsy, and cardiac examination. We performed functional analyses in a zebrafish popdc3 knockdown model and heterologous expression of the mutant proteins in Xenopus laevis oocytes to measure TREK‐1 current.

Results

We identified homozygous POPDC3 missense variants (p.Leu155His, p.Leu217Phe, and p.Arg261Gln) in 5 patients from 3 ethnically distinct families. Variants affected highly conserved residues in the Popeye (p.Leu155 and p.Leu217) and carboxy‐terminal (p.Arg261) domains. The variants were almost absent from control populations. Probands’ muscle biopsies were dystrophic, and serum creatine kinase levels were 1,050 to 9,200U/l. Muscle weakness was proximal with adulthood onset in most patients and affected lower earlier than upper limbs. Muscle MRI revealed fat replacement of paraspinal and proximal leg muscles; cardiac investigations were unremarkable. Knockdown of popdc3 in zebrafish, using 2 different splice‐site blocking morpholinos, resulted in larvae with tail curling and dystrophic muscle features. All 3 mutants cloned in Xenopus oocytes caused an aberrant modulation of the mechano‐gated potassium channel, TREK‐1.

Interpretation

Our findings point to an important role of POPDC3 for skeletal muscle function and suggest that pathogenic variants in POPDC3 are responsible for a novel type of autosomal recessive limb girdle muscular dystrophy. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:832–843
The use of curcumin as an effective adjuvant to cancer therapy: A short review
Authors: Bashang Hadi , Tamma Seetha
Published: October 2019

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a popular spice that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to treat various common ailments. There have been statistical correlations between turmeric consumption and lower incidences of cancer development, prompting research into its primary component curcumin. Several in vitro and in vivo studies over the last decade into cancer treatment have provided experimental evidence that curcumin contains antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and apoptotic properties. The results of human clinical trials however, have proven mostly to be inconclusive. This short review provides an insight into the properties of curcumin including its bioavailability, biological activity, and potential usage in clinical trials as a chemotherapeutic drug.
Cover Picture: Reversible Wide‐Range Tuneable Luminescence of a Dual‐Stimuli‐ Responsive Silver Cluster‐Assembled Material (Chin. J. Chem. 11/2019)
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Hong , Wang Jia‐Yin , Guo Jun‐Jie , Wang Zhao‐Yang , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: October 2019

The cover picture shows a new silver cluster‐assembled material of {[Ag18(StBu)10(CF3COO)2(PhPO3)(PhPO3H)4(bpy‐NH2)2]∙(PhPO3H2)}n, being prepared by a facile one‐pot method. Ag18bpy‐NH2 exhibits reversible luminescent mechanochromism between blue and cyan upon external mechanical stimulation and treatment with ethanol‐acetone. In addition, the as‐synthesized Ag18bpy‐NH2 also showed reversible luminescent thermochromism from blue at room temperature to bluish white at 83 K and vice versa. More details are discussed in the article by Zang et al. on page 1120–1124.

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Back Cover: Metal‐Carbene‐Templated Photochemistry in Solution: A Universal Route towards Cyclobutane Derivatives* (Chin. J. Chem. 11/2019)
Authors: Li Yang , Jin Guang‐Feng , An Yuan‐Yuan , Das Rajorshi , Han Ying‐Feng
Published: October 2019

The love story of “Niu Lang and Zhi Nv” is one of the most famous tales in China. The couple separated by the Tianhe river were able to meet each other once a year with the help of numerous magpies who built a colorful bridge across the river. With this backdrop, Y.‐F. Han et al. present in their article a metal‐carbene‐templated photochemistry in solution. Assisted by the bridge of carbene‐metal‐carbene units, two olefin substrates can reach each other closely, leading to photodimerization and the formation of cyclobutane derivatives. More details are discussed in the article by Han et al. on page 1147–1152.

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150 Years of the Periodic System of Chemical Elements
Authors: Boeck Gisela
Published: October 2019

Das Internationale Jahr des Periodensystems gibt Anlass, die wichtigsten Stationen auf dem Weg bis zu dessen Aufstellung nachzuzeichnen. Es werden einige Klassifikationssysteme von Vorläufern vorgestellt und die Beiträge von Lothar Meyer und Dmitri I. Mendeleev näher untersucht. Schwerpunkt wird dabei auf die weniger bekannten Meyer'schen Arbeiten gelegt.
Critical appraisal of guidelines for coronary artery disease on dual antiplatelet therapy: More consensus than controversies
Authors: Zhang Shaozhao , Zhou Huimin , Zhuang Xiaodong , Yang Daya , Sun Xiuting , Zhong Xiangbin , Lin Xiaoyu , Hu Xun , Huang Yiquan , Liao Xinxue , Du Zhimin
Published: October 2019

Background

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the form of aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor, when indicated, is one of the key treatments in coronary artery disease (CAD). Many recommendations on DAPT in patients with CAD based on current guidelines are largely inconsistent. In our current study, we aimed at systematically reviewing DAPT‐relevant clinical practice guidelines, and highlighting their commonalities and differences for better informed decision‐making.

Methods

Contemporary guidelines in English were searched in MEDLINE, Embase and websites of guideline organizations and professional societies. Guidelines with recommendations on DAPT for CAD patients were included. Guideline quality was appraised with the 6‐domain Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument. The reporting of conflicts of interest (COI) was assessed individually with supplementary items from the RIGHT (Reporting Item for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) checklist. Meanwhile, extraction of recommendations was performed.

Results

A total of 18 guidelines fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Most of them were graded with relatively good scores averaging from 42% to 74%. Domains for lower scores were in “stakeholder involvement” and “application.” The reporting of COI was satisfactory. For the recommendations on DAPT, most guidelines with high AGREE II scores included consistent recommendations on the timing and P2Y12 inhibitor selection. Nonetheless, conflicts still exist on the duration of DAPT.

Conclusions

Quality of guidelines for DAPT in CAD was relatively high, though defects existed in “Applicability” and “Stakeholder Involvement.” As these guidelines developed, DAPT recommendations gradually converged on a consensus. Clinical decision should be made on an individual basis.
Comparing the Pharmacokinetics of 2 Novel Intravenous Tramadol Dosing Regimens to Oral Tramadol: A Randomized 3‐Arm Crossover Study
Authors: Lu Lucy , Ryan Michael , Harnett Mark , Atiee George J. , Reines Scott A.
Published: October 2019

Tramadol is a dual‐mechanism (opiate and monoamine reuptake inhibition) analgesic. Intravenous (IV) tramadol has been widely prescribed outside the United States. However, there have not been studies comparing the pharmacokinetics (PK) of IV dosing regimens to that of oral tramadol. In this phase 1, open‐label, single investigational center, 3‐treatment, 3‐period, multidose crossover study, we compared 2 novel IV dosing regimens (IV tramadol 75 mg and IV tramadol 50 mg) to oral tramadol 100 mg given every 6 hours (the highest approved oral dosage in the United States) Compared to the oral regimen, IV tramadol 50 mg administered at hours 0, 2, and 4 and every 4 hours thereafter reached initial tramadol peak serum concentration (Cmax) more rapidly, while resulting in similar overall steady‐state Cmax and area under the plasma concentration–time curve. IV tramadol 75 mg administered at hours 0, 3, and 6 and every 6 hours thereafter had higher Cmax and greater fluctuation in peak to trough tramadol concentration. The primary metabolite M1 (a potent μ agonist) had lower area under the plasma concentration–time curve and Cmax for both IV regimens than for the oral regimen. IV tramadol at both doses was well tolerated, with adverse event profiles consistent with the known pharmacological effects of tramadol. IV tramadol 50 mg is now in phase 3 development in patients with postsurgical pain.
A simple and effective design strategy to increase power conversion efficiency of linear charge pumps
Authors: Ballo Andrea , Grasso Alfio Dario , Palumbo Gaetano
Published: October 2019

This paper introduces a simple design strategy to increase the power efficiency of linear charge pumps. The technique exploits a voltage amplitude of the clock signal lower than the supply voltage to reduce the power conversion losses. The nominal output voltage is maintained unaltered by increasing the number of stages.
Negative psychological correlates of the pursuit of muscularity among women
Authors: Cunningham Mitchell L. , Szabo Marianna , Kambanis P. Evelyna , Murray Stuart B. , Thomas Jennifer J. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Franko Debra L. , Griffiths Scott
Published: October 2019

Objective

There is increasing public and scientific focus on women's pursuit of a muscular and toned appearance. However, the psychological correlates of women's drive for muscularity are currently unclear. Therefore, we examined the associations of drive for muscularity with four important negative psychological indices among women: eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

Method

A sample of 221 university women completed an online survey that included measures assessing the aforementioned constructs.

Results

Drive for muscularity evidenced positive associations with all negative psychological indices, except for anxiety. Muscularity‐oriented attitudes, as opposed to behaviors, demonstrated the strongest associations with ED and depression symptoms.

Discussion

Our findings make a novel contribution to the scant literature by demonstrating that women who endorse attitudes and/or behaviors geared toward attaining the female muscular ideal may be susceptible to experiencing ED symptoms and negative emotional states. This study provides preliminary evidence that muscularity‐oriented attitudes, in particular, may be a promising target for the treatment of EDs and negative emotional states in women with a preoccupation toward muscularity.
Relative prey abundance and predator preference predict individual diet variation in prey‐switching experiments
Authors: Coblentz Kyle E.
Published: October 2019

Individual diet specialization appears widespread and has several ecological ramifications. Hypotheses on the causes of diet specialization generally assume prey preferences differ among predator individuals. They then predict how the magnitude of diet variation should change when ecological factors (e.g., intraspecific competition) alter prey abundances. However, the magnitude of diet variation is expected to change with prey abundances due to stochasticity in the foraging process even if all predators share the same prey preferences. Here I show that the relative prey abundance where diet variation is maximized and the magnitudes of diet variation in prey switching experiments are predicted well by a simple stochastic foraging model based only on relative prey abundances and a shared relative prey preference among predators. These results suggest that the effects of stochasticity during foraging may confound studies of individual diet specialization if these effects are not accounted for in experimental design or interpretation. Furthermore, the stochastic foraging model provides simple baseline expectations for theoretical studies on the ecological consequences of diet variation and offers a way forward on quantitative predictions of how ecological factors influence the magnitude of diet variation when stochasticity during foraging and diet specialization occur simultaneously. Last, this study highlights the continued importance of integrating stochasticity into mechanistic ecological hypotheses.
Principles of solar energy storage
Authors: Dimitriev Oleg , Yoshida Tsukasa , Sun He
Published: October 2019

Energy storage is one of the most important energetic strategies of the mankind, along with other energy challenges, such as development of energy resources, energy conversion, and energy saving. The problem of energy storage is especially actual in respect to renewable sources of energy, such as sun, wind, tides, which have seasonal or diurnal variations and which therefore are not available at any moment of time. This article overviews the main principles of storage of solar energy for its subsequent long‐term consumption. The methods are separated into two groups: the thermal and photonic methods of energy conversion. The comparison of efficiency of energy production and storage through natural and artificial photosynthesis, sensible and latent heat, chemisorptions and physisorption, chemical and electrochemical reactions is given.
Laboratory and Field-Based Assessment of the Effects of Sediment Capping Materials on Zinc Flux, Bioavailability, and Toxicity
Authors: Cervi Eduardo Cimino , Thiamkeelakul Kesiree , Hudson Michelle , Rentschler Alison , Nedrich Sara , Brown Steven S. , Burton G. Allen
Published: October 2019

A former mining site has been the subject of extensive remediation and restoration, with a significant focus on disconnecting mine spoils from groundwater and managing the quantity and quality of runoff. A remaining task is ensuring concentrations of zinc (Zn) in the stream outflow of a pit lake are reduced below water quality standards. The efficacy of multiple capping materials for decreasing Zn dissolution from sediments was conducted under natural and reasonable worst-case conditions (pH = 5.5). Capping materials included AquaBlok™, limestone, and limestone–bone char. Field exposures were conducted in limnocorrals that isolated overlying water columns above the sediment and capping treatments. Simultaneous in situ and ex situ toxicity tests were conducted using Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, and Chironomus dilutus. In situ caged organisms were protected from temperature shock (warm epilimnetic waters) by deploying within a Toxicity Assessment Container System (TACS). Organisms were exposed to surficial sediments, caps, and hypolimnetic overlying waters for 4 d. Ex situ testing was conducted in core tube mesocosms containing sediments and caps at similar temperatures (15–19 °C). Results demonstrated the usefulness of TACS deployment in stratified lake systems. There were no differences in responses between treatments involving sediment capping materials in both in situ and ex situ tests. The lack of differences was likely due to dissolved Zn in surface water being below the hardness-adjusted threshold effects levels (164 μg L–1). This field- and laboratory-based weight-of-evidence study provided site-specific data to support the selection of an effective remedy, with reduced uncertainty compared to laboratory and chemistry-only approaches. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:240–249. © 2019 SETAC
Tissue Distribution, Growth Dilution, and Species-Specific Bioaccumulation of Organic Ultraviolet Absorbents in Wildlife Freshwater Fish in the Pearl River Catchment, China
Authors: Peng Xianzhi , Zhu Zewen , Xiong Songsong , Fan Yujuan , Chen Guangshi , Tang Caiming
Published: October 2019

Tissue distributions and body-size dependent and species-specific bioaccumulation of 12 organic ultraviolet absorbents (UVAs) were investigated in 9 species of wildlife freshwater fish from the Pearl River catchment, South China. The concentrations of the 12 UVAs were from 109 to 2320 ng/g lipid weight in the fish tissue samples. The UVAs 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone (BP-3), octocrylene (OCR), UV531, and 5 benzotriazole UV stabilizers (UVP, UV329, UV234, UV328, and UV327) were detected in more than half of the fish tissue samples. The UVA UV531 showed an obvious potential for bioaccumulation in the wild freshwater fish, with an estimated bioaccumulation factor (log BAF) and a biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) of 4.54 ± 0.55 and 4.88 ± 6.78, respectively. Generally, liver (989 ± 464 ng/g lipid wt) contained the highest level of UVAs, followed in decreasing order by belly fat (599 ± 318 ng/g lipid wt), swimming bladder (494 ± 282 ng/g lipid wt), dorsal muscle (470 ± 240 ng/g lipid wt), and egg (442 ± 238 ng/g lipid wt). The bioaccumulation of UVAs in the freshwater wild fish was species specific and compound dependent. Bottom-dwelling detritus-ingesting omnivorous fish contained obviously higher UVA concentrations, suggesting that detritus/sediment ingestion is a significant pathway for exposure of the wild freshwater fish to the UVAs. The UVAs UV531 and BP-3 demonstrated a potential for growth dilution. Metabolism might play a significant role in elimination of the UVAs in the fish tissues, with the highest rate of metabolism in the liver. The UVAs did not demonstrate obvious trophic magnification in the freshwater ecosystem of the Pearl River catchment. More research is warranted to elucidate maternal transfer of the UVAs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:343–351. © 2019 SETAC
Tectonic evolution of the Qingshuihe Basin since the Late Miocene: Relationship with north‐eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Tian Jingxiong , Li Mingtao , Liang Zhirong , Li Liming , Yan Guoxiang , Lu Maoxin , Tan Zhen
Published: October 2019

Southwest Ningxia is located at the tectonic and geographical north‐eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and is an ideal site for studying continental dynamics and plateau building. The Southern Ningxia Arc Tectonic Belt (SNATB) formed during the Cenozoic period as a result of the collision between India and Eurasia and was affected by the Tibetan Plateau uplift. However, the upward growth and expansion processes of the SNATB remain unclear. We investigated the Qingshuihe Basin (a Late Cenozoic basin located between the Tianjingshan and Qingshuihe faults in the north‐eastern SNATB) using field geological surveys combined with borehole, high‐density resistivity, and optically stimulated luminescence dating. Four distinct stages in the tectonic evolution of the Qingshuihe Basin since the Late Miocene are identified, corresponding to four tectonic events in the local region influenced by the Tibetan Plateau expansion. First, the Late Miocene experienced several significant events, including tectonic stress field transitions, sedimentary hiatus, and sudden environmental changes, which may have been the first local tectonic activity due to the north‐eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau. Second, the Early–Middle Pleistocene growth strata in the Hejiakouzi valley (controlled by the Hejiakouzi anticline and Tianjingshan Fault) suggest that the basin‐range‐style tectonic features were basically formed in the SNATB. Third, geological investigations of lacustrine sedimentation reveal that two palaeolakes were present during the Late Pleistocene. Significant phase transitions and a sedimentary hiatus during the Late Pleistocene in the lake formations indicate a transformation of the sedimentary environment, which marked the beginning of the left‐lateral strike‐slip of the Tianjingshan Fault. Finally, the broad distribution of second‐level river terraces along the banks of the Qingshuihe and other seasonal rivers close to the Tianjingshan indicate the effect of the north‐eastward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau on the local tectonic evolution. We elucidate the stratigraphy, major unconformities, and river terraces formed since the Late Miocene in the Qingshuihe Basin, providing important information regarding the tectono‐topographical‐sedimentary system.
Learning to define an electrical biomarker of the epileptogenic zone
Authors: Li Jian , Grinenko Olesya , Mosher John C. , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge , Leahy Richard M. , Chauvel Patrick
Published: October 2019

The role of fast activity as a potential biomarker in localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) remains controversial due to recently reported unsatisfactory performance. We recently identified a “fingerprint” of the EZ as a time‐frequency pattern that is defined by a combination of preictal spike(s), fast oscillatory activity, and concurrent suppression of lower frequencies. Here we examine the generalizability of the fingerprint in application to an independent series of patients (11 seizure‐free and 13 non‐seizure‐free after surgery) and show that the fingerprint can also be identified in seizures with lower frequency (such as beta) oscillatory activity. In the seizure‐free group, only 5 of 47 identified EZ contacts were outside the resection. In contrast, in the non‐seizure‐free group, 104 of 142 identified EZ contacts were outside the resection. We integrated the fingerprint prediction with the subject's MR images, thus providing individualized anatomical estimates of the EZ. We show that these fingerprint‐based estimates in seizure‐free patients are almost always inside the resection. On the other hand, for a large fraction of the nonseizure‐free patients the estimated EZ was not well localized and was partially or completely outside the resection, which may explain surgical failure in such cases. We also show that when mapping fast activity alone onto MR images, the EZ was often over‐estimated, indicating a reduced discriminative ability for fast activity relative to the full fingerprint for localization of the EZ.
Overriding Adaptive Resistance to Sorafenib Through Combination Therapy With Src Homology 2 Domain–Containing Phosphatase 2 Blockade in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Leung Carmen Oi Ning , Tong Man , Chung Katherine Po Sin , Zhou Lena , Che Noélia , Tang Kwan Ho , Ding Jin , Lau Eunice Yuen Ting , Ng Irene Oi Lin , Ma Stephanie , Lee Terence Kin Wah
Published: October 2019

Background and Aims

The survival benefit of sorafenib for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unsatisfactory due to the development of adaptive resistance. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance can be acquired by cancer cells by activating a number of signaling pathways through receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs); nevertheless, the detailed mechanism for the activation of these alternative pathways is not fully understood.

Approach and Results

Given the physiological role of Src homology 2 domain–containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) as a downstream effector of many RTKs for activation of various signaling cascades, we first found that SHP2 was markedly up‐regulated in our established sorafenib‐resistant cell lines as well as patient‐derived xenografts. Upon sorafenib treatment, adaptive resistance was acquired in HCC cells through activation of RTKs including AXL, epidermal growth factor receptor, EPH receptor A2, and insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor, leading to RAS/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK), and AKT reactivation. We found that the SHP2 inhibitor SHP099 abrogated sorafenib resistance in HCC cell lines and organoid culture in vitro by blocking this negative feedback mechanism. Interestingly, this sensitization effect was also mediated by induction of cellular senescence. SHP099 in combination with sorafenib was highly efficacious in the treatment of xenografts and genetically engineered models of HCC.

Conclusions

SHP2 blockade by SHP099 in combination with sorafenib attenuated the adaptive resistance to sorafenib by impeding RTK‐induced reactivation of the MEK/ERK and AKT signaling pathways. SHP099 in combination with sorafenib may be a safe therapeutic strategy against HCC.
Is open defaecation in outdoor recreation and camping areas a public health issue in Australia? A literature review
Authors: Stevenson Leah C. , Allen Tammy , Mendez Diana , Sellars David , Gould Gillian S.
Published: October 2019

Issue addressed

In Australia, natural areas used for outdoor recreation activities or camping often have limited or no sanitation infrastructure. Recreationist and campers may use open defaecation practices where toilets are not provided. Contaminated soils and watercourses are associated with gastrointestinal illnesses. This review aims to determine if open defaecation is a public health issue in outdoor recreation and camping areas in Australia.

Method

A literature review was conducted using the following search engines: CINAHL, Informit Database, Scopus, ProQuest Science & Technology, Medline (Ovid) and EBSCOhost. Inclusion criteria for this review were both experimental and observational research designs for studies describing the public health issues associated with open defaecation practice.

Results

Out of 12 147 papers identified, only three studies met the inclusion criteria, showing a lack of research into this area. Included were two studies that addressed human waste management practices in outdoor environments and the breakdown of human waste in alpine regions of Tasmania. The third study measured water contamination at a freshwater beach on K'gari‐Fraser Island, Queensland. Visitors to natural areas are potentially at high risk of illness due to exposure to faecal contamination from other visitors using unsafe open defaecation practices in high‐use camping areas.

Conclusion

The limited number of studies addressing open defaecation in the outdoor recreation and camp areas in Australia indicates this review is a starting point to identify critical areas that may be of concern when managing visitors in an outdoor recreation setting. This review recommends investigating barriers and enablers motivating human disposal waste in these settings to help formulate health promotion content; environmental management policies related to sanitation and hygiene should be also underpinned by public health policy; and providing appropriate sanitation options depending on the ecological and visitor numbers to natural areas.

So what‐relevance of findings

Outdoor recreation activities offer physical and mental health benefits for communities. The popularity of outdoor recreation activities is on the increase in Australia. With the rise in visitation to natural areas, management of human waste needs to be addressed to reduce the public health risk of illness.
Histomorphology of the glans penis in Vespertilionidae and Phyllostomidae species (Chiroptera, Mammalia)
Authors: Jubilato Fernanda C. , Comelis Manuela T. , Bueno Larissa M. , Taboga Sebastião R. , Góes Rejane M. , Morielle‐Versute Eliana
Published: October 2019

The penises of bats are taxonomically distinctive in size and shape. In addition, they are variable in microscopic anatomy, indicating that histomorphological studies of copulatory organs of bats may help understanding their successful reproductive strategies. We studied adult males of 13 species of vespertilionid and phyllostomid bats. Both families exhibited the basic structure of the vascular penis of mammals: the hydrostatic elements of the corpora cavernosa and the corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethra, as well as accessory cavernous tissue. Variation in the position and amount of the tissues were observed in these families. Vespertilionid bats have a small glans penis with abundant accessory cavernous tissue on the prepuce and a highly variable baculum. The baculum varied in size and morphology, even among congeneric species, such as the three Lasiurus species and the two Myotis species. Phyllostomid species possess no bacula, but vascular structures are present to produce penile stiffening, particularly on the glans. Variation in the microscopic anatomy of the phyllostomid prepuce was observed, for example, Artibeus species had accessory cavernous tissue surrounded by a tunica albuginea, but Carollia perspicillata had two bundles of striated musculature and some adipose tissue; abundant pigments were present in the prepuce of most species.
Patch aggregation trends of the global climate landscape under future global warming scenario
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Guan Yanlong , He Li , Adhikari Hari , Pellikka Petri , Heiskanen Janne , Maeda Eduardo
Published: October 2019

The global temperature has increased approximately 0.9°C over the past 50 years and is projected to continue to increase. Many efforts have been taken to investigate the evolutionary dynamics of climate classification zones in response to the rising temperature. However, the changing dynamics of the spatial climate patterns remain poorly understood. It is thus desired that the unobserved characteristics of the global climate patterns, such as aggregation and subdivision, are explored from the landscape perspective. Here, we demonstrate that the global climate zones have undergone a process of aggregation during the past 100 years and that this dynamic is expected to continue in the future. The climate aggregation effect is especially evident in the Arctic, Tibet, and East Africa. We find that the tropical, arid, temperate, and cold climates are aggregating while the polar climate zone exhibits subdivision. Furthermore, our analysis demonstrates a clear spatial aggregation process with a latitudinal feature. We should pay enough attention to the phenomenon of patch aggregation of global climate landscape pattern, which will undoubtedly help us to deepen our understanding of global climate change and help to further explore the feedback relationship between climate and biological systems.
Comparison of North Atlantic Oscillation‐related changes in the North Atlantic sea ice and associated surface quantities on different time scales
Authors: Wu Renguang , Wang Yuqi
Published: October 2019

By separating variations on different time scales, the present study reveals important differences in the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)‐related sea ice concentration (SIC), surface air temperature (SAT), and sea surface temperature (SST) patterns for trend, interdecadal, and interannual variations. The SIC has a prominent decreasing trend in the Greenland Sea and the Barents Sea, collocating with an increasing SAT trend and a weak increasing SST trend in the high‐latitude North Atlantic. The wind trends display a weak NAO signal. Corresponding to the positive interdecadal NAO phase, the SIC shows a decreasing trend in the Greenland and Barents Seas. The SAT change features a west negative‐east positive pattern along with positive anomalies extending to the Greenland Sea. The SST change is very weak in the Greenland Sea. Corresponding to the positive interannual NAO phase, the SIC change is opposite between the Greenland/Barents Seas and the Labrador Sea. The SAT change is characterized by a broad west–east pattern over the mid‐high latitudes. The SST change features an east–west dipole pattern in the mid‐latitude North Atlantic Ocean. In both interdecadal and interannual variations, NAO‐related meridional wind anomalies induce anomalous advection that contributes to the SAT change together with upward long‐wave radiation. The SIC and SAT changes are coupled closely through surface heat fluxes in all the three time scales. The present results suggest that it is necessary to distinguish time scales in studying the relationship among SIC, SAT, and SST variations.
Preparation of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester from fish oil ethyl esters by continuous batch chromatography
Authors: Li Yanmei , Zhao Lei , Huang Xiaolei , Zhang Liguang , Li Jingjing , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2019

Fish oils are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid, which has the wide‐ranging biological activities. The rapid and efficient separation of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester from fish oils ethyl ester is still regarded as a challenge. In this study, we described an effective and flexible chromatography for eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester preparation, named continuous batch chromatography, which combined the batch chromatography with the continuous chromatographic operation mode. After continuous batch chromatography experiment, the recovery of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester was 82.01%, the average relative purity and the relative highest purity of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester were 97.82 and 98.98%. The productivity of continuous batch chromatography was 5.48 times higher than that of batch chromatography, while the solvent consumption of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester was 78% of the batch chromatography. This study provided a reference for the separation of the targeted chemical component from multi‐component mixtures.
High‐Fat Diet from Weaning until Early Adulthood Impairs T Cell Development in the Thymus
Authors: Li Hao , Wetchapinant Chattiya , Zhang Liya , Wu Kunpeng
Published: October 2019

The growing prevalence of childhood obesity has become a serious health problem over the past few decades. Although the immune system is greatly affected by childhood obesity, whether obesity influences the T cell development in the thymus is poorly understood. In this study, we used a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity mice model to study the influence of HFD from weaning on the thymus. C57BL/6 mice (male, 3 weeks old) were fed a HFD or standard diet (lean controls) for 6 weeks. The bodyweight of mice fed with an HFD was 28% higher than that in the control group, while the thymus weight of HFD mice decreased by 15% compared with controls. As expected, thymic triacylglycerol content of the HFD mice increased by 37% compared to the control mice. Importantly, the frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ single‐positive (SP) thymocytes decreased by 38% and 44%, respectively. The apoptotic analysis revealed that thymic tissue of HFD mice had a higher level of Annexin‐V positive thymocytes than control animals. Furthermore, the immunoblotting analysis showed that survival signal pathways in the thymus were impaired in the HFD mice, including the AKT/mTOR and ERK pathways. With the analysis of T‐cell receptor excision circles (TREC), we found that HFD‐induced obesity decreased recent thymic emigrants in spleen tissue. Our findings indicate that HFD from the weaning period impairs T cell development in the thymus, possibly by induction of apoptosis of thymocytes, involving disruption of survival signal pathways.
3D‐Printing of High‐κ Thiol‐Ene Resins with Spiro‐Orthoesters as Anti‐Shrinkage Additive
Authors: Marx Philipp , Romano Angelo , Roppolo Ignazio , Chemelli Angela , Mühlbacher Inge , Kern Wolfgang , Chaudhary Sunny , Andritsch Thomas , Sangermano Marco , Wiesbrock Frank
Published: October 2019

Tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether and the spiro‐orthoester 2‐((allyloxy)methy)‐1,4,6‐trioxospiro[4.4]nonane can be formulated in different ratios and crosslinked by thiol‐ene reactions. The spiro‐orthoester is used as anti‐shrinkage additive, enabling shrinkage reduction of up to 39%. Addition of a radical photoinitiator for the thiol‐ene reaction and a cationic photoinitiator for the double ring‐opening of the spiro‐orthoester enables dual‐curing for application in 3D‐printing. The formulation free of the spiro‐orthoester shows gelation during the printing process and, correspondingly, low resolution. The formulations containing the spiro‐orthoester exhibit higher resolutions in the range of 50 µm. The resins containing mixtures of tri(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether and the spiro‐orthoester show permittivities as high as 104. The dielectric loss factor of the resins is in the range of 0.5–7.6, and the conductivity in the range of 1.3⋅10−11 to 2.0⋅10−11 S cm−1. These high‐κ materials can be 3D‐printed by digital light processing for the next generation of electronic materials.
Advocates react as Supreme Court considers gender rights
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

As the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in cases dealing with workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, advocates in the field have been weighing in, asserting that such discrimination “should be deemed illegal under federal law.”
Microstrip array antenna bandwidth enhancement using reactive surface
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arun , Yang Dooheon , Nam Sangwook
Published: October 2019

A single layer reactive screen, made of printed elements, is introduced to increase the bandwidth of a patch array antenna. It is found that by decreasing the periodicity of the printed elements on the screen, the return loss bandwidth can be improved significantly compared with a two‐layered stacked patch counterpart. Simulated results are shown, and the bandwidth improvements are explained in terms of a standard stub‐matching procedure that is normally exercised in microwave circuits.
A simple and efficient technique to improve the performance of compact circular‐polarized slot antenna
Authors: Park Donghee , Qu Longyue , Kim Hyeongdong
Published: October 2019

In this letter, a circularly polarized (CP) slot antenna with compact size is proposed for global positioning system (GPS) applications. An annular slot structure is adopted in this design because it inherently has two orthogonal degenerate modes, called one‐wavelength modes. Lumped capacitors are utilized so that miniaturized antenna size of 0.26
λ0 × 0.26
λ0 is obtained, but the axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) is narrow because of high‐Q characteristics of the slot modes, providing a rapid change in phase difference near the operating frequency. Accordingly, an additional T‐shaped strip is implemented on the ground in the proposed design, which is known as ground‐mode tuning technique, to improve the ARBW. The T‐shaped strip provides a slower change of the phase difference between the two orthogonal slot modes, efficiently contributing to a greatly improved ARBW. The proposed antenna achieves a 3 dB ARBW of 50 MHz, which is over two times wider than that of the reference antenna. The operation mechanisms of the proposed antenna design are analyzed, and a comparison with typical slot antennas is discussed.
Magnetoelectric composite coupled by bonding material in energy trapping vibration for RF/microwave devices
Authors: Zhou Guang‐Zhu , Qu Shi‐Wei , Yang Shiwen
Published: October 2019

In this work, the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling and electrical impedance of thickness extensional vibration mode in ME composite are investigated. The piezoelectric and magnetostrictive layers are adhered by epoxy, which acts as a central substrate layer, and the vibration is trapped by the electrodes located at the center of the piezoelectric material so as to generate energy trapping vibration mode. Parametric studies are performed to evaluate the influences of epoxy thickness and electrode dimensions on ME coupling and electrical impedance. It is found that the ME coupling increases to a peak value as the central epoxy thickness increases, and then it decreases because of the clamping effect. Therefore, an optimal thickness of the epoxy layer exits to achieve the maximum ME effect. In the converse ME effect, the electrical impedance decreases and then increases vs the thickness increase of the central substrate. In addition, the electrical impedance declines as the electrode radius increases. It is numerically demonstrated that good impedance matching can be achieved by properly design of the electrode dimensions.
Using Decision Analysis to Balance Angler Utility and Conservation in a Recreational Fishery
Authors: Poorten Brett T. , MacKenzie Cameron J. A.
Published: October 2019

Recreational fisheries are often managed to provide satisfying fishing experiences for anglers while conserving wild fish stocks. However, managing recreational fisheries is difficult because fish populations are often infrequently monitored and fishing effort is uncontrolled; moreover, a satisfying fishery may draw many anglers, which may lead to enhanced risk of overfishing. Furthermore, external pressures will also affect fisheries, leading to fishery collapses despite the best intentions of management. Any management decision about regulations and habitat alteration will have effects on angler satisfaction and conservation. Decisions should be made with the intention of achieving fisheries objectives despite the uncertainties that arise from sampling data, ecosystem processes, and external factors, yet they must be defensible to stakeholders and the public. We show herein how decision analysis can be used to evaluate and communicate the relative efficacy of management decisions that are made to achieve fisheries management objectives by using a variety of commonly collected field data. We used a wild kokanee population at risk of overfishing as a case study and evaluated the medium-term effects of fishing regulations and habitat alterations on conservation and angler utility objectives. Using a flexible age-structured model, we determined that these two objectives are often at odds, where management actions leading to high angler utility in this fishery also lead to high conservation risk. Overall, decision analysis helps to communicate these tradeoffs and makes it clear how particular decisions were made. Decision analysis is not new, but it is often underused in recreational fisheries. This work demonstrates how it may streamline decisions, even for infrequently monitored fisheries, and lead to better fisheries overall.
Further results on random cubic planar graphs
Authors: Noy Marc , Requilé Clément , Rué Juanjo
Published: October 2019

We provide precise asymptotic estimates for the number of several classes of labeled cubic planar graphs, and we analyze properties of such random graphs under the uniform distribution. This model was first analyzed by Bodirsky and coworkers. We revisit their work and obtain new results on the enumeration of cubic planar graphs and on random cubic planar graphs. In particular, we determine the exact probability of a random cubic planar graph being connected, and we show that the distribution of the number of triangles in random cubic planar graphs is asymptotically normal with linear expectation and variance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time one is able to determine the asymptotic distribution for the number of copies of a fixed graph containing a cycle in classes of random planar graphs arising from planar maps.
Rapid, High‐Temperature, In Situ Microwave Synthesis of Bulk Nanocatalysts
Authors: Zhong Geng , Xu Shaomao , Cui Mingjin , Dong Qi , Wang Xizheng , Xia Qinqin , Gao Jinlong , Pei Yong , Qiao Yun , Pastel Glenn , Sunaoshi Takeshi , Yang Bao , Hu Liangbing
Published: October 2019

Carbon‐black‐supported nanoparticles (CNPs) have attracted considerable attention for their intriguing catalytic properties and promising applications. The traditional liquid synthesis of CNPs commonly involves demanding operation conditions and complex pre‐ or post‐treatments, which are time consuming and energy inefficient. Herein, a rapid, scalable, and universal strategy is reported to synthesize highly dispersed metal nanoparticles embedded in a carbon matrix via microwave irradiation of carbon black with preloaded precursors. By optimizing the amount of carbon black, the microwave absorption is dramatically improved while the thermal dissipation is effectively controlled, leading to a rapid temperature increase in carbon black, ramping to 1270 K in just 6 s. The whole synthesis process requires no capping agents or surfactants, nor tedious pre‐ or post‐treatments of carbon black, showing tremendous potential for mass production. As a proof of concept, the synthesis of ultrafine Ru nanoparticles (≈2.57 nm) uniformly embedded in carbon black using this microwave heating technique is demonstrated, which displays remarkable electrocatalytic performance when used as the cathode in a Li–O2 battery. This microwave heating method can be extended to the synthesis of other nanoparticles, thereby providing a general methodology for the mass production of carbon‐supported catalytic nanoparticles.
The performance of nCaO2 for BTEX removal: Hydroxyl radical generation pattern and the influences of co‐existing environmental pollutants
Authors: Sun Xuecheng , Sun Yong , Lyu Shuguang , Qiu Zhaofu , Sui Qian
Published: October 2019

In this study, nano‐CaO2 (nCaO2) was successfully synthesized and constituted the nCaO2/Fe(II) system applying to remediate BTEX, which are typical mixed pollutants in contaminated groundwater. The particle size of the synthesized nCaO2 was 108.91 nm, and it displayed better BTEX remediation performance than that of commercial CaO2. The innovative generation pattern of hydroxyl radicals () in the nCaO2/Fe(II) system has been investigated using benzoic acid as the probe, and the proper molar ratio of nCaO2/Fe(II) was optimized as 1/1. Over 90% of BTEX was removed in 180 min with the nCaO2/Fe(II)/BTEX molar ratio of 40/40/1. Further experiments evaluated the influence of co‐existence of mixed pollutants chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds (CHCs) or surfactant constituents on BTEX remediation performance. The experimental results suggested that CHCs have limited influence on BTEX removal rate and surfactants have negative effects on BTEX remediation performance in the experimental conditions. In conclusion, the findings in this study could give some inspirations to apply the nCaO2/Fe(II) process in remediating co‐existing pollutants in contaminated groundwater.

Practitioner points

nCaO2/Fe(II) system applied to remediate mixed contaminants.

generation pattern of the nCaO2/Fe(II) system has been investigated.

The influence of chloride hydrocarbon compounds have been studied.

The effects of surfactants were evaluated.
Advance Care Planning im Kontext von Demenz
Authors: Voß Henrike , Kruse Andreas
Published: October 2019

Hintergrund

Seit 2015 definiert das Hospiz- und Palliativgesetz einen Anspruch auf Vorsorgeplanung in der letzten Lebensphase für Pflegeheimbewohner. Dennoch ist das Konzept Advance Care Planning (ACP) in Deutschland bislang unzureichend beforscht. Die defizitäre Evidenzlage erscheint zu diesem Thema in Verbindung mit dem Krankheitsbild Demenz noch gravierender. Die Bedeutung eines solchen Gesprächsprozesses steigt mit dem Umstand der Diagnosestellung Demenz für den Betroffenen, aber auch für seine An- und Zugehörigen und medizinisch-pflegerische Begleitung erheblich.

Ziel der Arbeit

Im Hinblick auf Menschen mit Demenz wurden Dokumente eines prominenten deutschen ACP-Anbieters von den Autoren als unzureichend eingeschätzt. Ziel der hier dargelegten Pilotstudie war es, einen im nationalen Kontext vielfach verwendeten Fragebogen (Werteanamnese) zu modifizieren, um ihn bei dieser vulnerablen Gruppe anwenden zu können.

Material und Methoden

Die Werteanamnese wurde in 11 Schritten modifiziert und im Pretest mit früherkrankten Menschen mit Demenz erprobt. Der Fokus des Dokuments liegt auf Einstellungen zu Leben, Sterben und lebensverlängernden Maßnahmen. Der Modifikationsprozess erfolgte in einem iterativen Prozess, angelehnt an die Grounded Theory nach Strauss und Corbin.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die schrittweise Anpassung des Dokuments hat einen praktikablen und niedrigschwelligen Zugang geschaffen, der es auch der vulnerablen Gruppe der Menschen mit Demenz ermöglicht, sich mit existenziellen Fragen umfassend auseinanderzusetzen und sich darüber auszutauschen. Dieser Fragenkatalog dient als Basisdokument für die anschließende Hauptstudie – hier wird nach der Lebensbindung von Menschen mit Demenz gefragt und somit eine neue Perspektive auf ACP gelegt.