bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downgrading of grade group 2 intermediate‐risk prostate cancer from biopsy to radical prostatectomy: Comparison of outcomes and predictors to identify potential candidates for active surveillance
Authors: Su Zhuo T. , Patel Hiten D. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Pavlovich Christian P. , Allaf Mohamad E.
Published: February 2020

Background

A proportion of men with grade group (GG) 2 intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer are downgraded to GG1 or harbor favorable pathology (FP, defined as GG1 or GG2 with <5% Gleason pattern 4) at radical prostatectomy (RP). Prediction of downgrading or FP may help identify potential active surveillance candidates within this group that have outcomes similar to biopsy low‐risk (LR) disease.

Methods

We performed a comparative cohort study of biopsy LR and IR men who underwent RP at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center between 2005 and 2018. We evaluated pathological outcomes at RP and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied and individual predicted probabilities were calculated.

Results

Among 2943 biopsy GG2 IR patients, 223 (7.6%) were downgraded to GG1, while 525 (17.8%) had FP; 730 of 1325 biopsy LR patients (55.1%) were upgraded (GG >1). Concordance statistics for final predictive regression models were 0.76 for downgrading and 0.70 for upgrading. Biopsy GG2 IR patients downgrading to GG1 or harboring FP had similar RFS to biopsy LR patients. A cutoff of >10% predicted probability of downgrading (24.7% of patients; hazard ratio [HR], 1.55; 95% CI, 0.89‐2.68) or >20% predicted probability of FP (37.0% of patients; HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.81‐2.24) led to similar RFS to biopsy LR patients.

Conclusion

GG2 IR patients who experience downgrading or harbor FP had similar oncologic outcomes as LR patients. The developed models may serve as tools to inform patients about the risks of pathological downgrading/upgrading and help identify a segment of GG2 IR patients who would consider pursuing active surveillance based on predicted probability cutoffs.
Understanding the Role of Chalcogens in Ether‐Based Luminophores with Aggregation‐Induced Fluorescence and Phosphorescence
Authors: Riebe Steffen , Wölper Christoph , Balszuweit Jan , Hayduk Matthias , Gutierrez Suburu Matias Ezequiel , Strassert Cristian A. , Doltsinis Nikos L. , Voskuhl Jens
Published: February 2020

We describe the role of chalcogen variation (O, S, Se and Te) on the photoluminescence properties of ether‐based luminophores showing aggregation‐induced fluorescence and phosphorescence. To this end, a library of eleven different compounds with varying substitution patterns was synthesized and analyzed in terms of their photophysical properties. Ortho‐ and tetra‐ selenoethers revealed remarkable phosphorescence properties. To the best of our knowledge, these are one of the first phosphorescent organic selenium‐containing compounds featuring AIE properties. Besides photophysical investigations, X‐ray diffractometric analyses were performed, yielding the molecular structures of nine compounds in a crystalline environment, facilitating a direct correlation between the packing and the emission performances. All experimental results were supported by quantum chemical calculations providing an in‐depth understanding of the role of chalcogens within this class of compounds.
Low‐power class‐AB 4th‐order low‐pass filter based on current conveyors with dynamic mismatch compensation of biasing errors
Authors: Centurelli Francesco , Monsurrò Pietro , Stornelli Vincenzo , Barile Gianluca , Trifiletti Alessandro
Published: February 2020

A 4th‐order Butterworth class‐AB current‐mode low‐pass filter is proposed, based on second‐generation Current Conveyors (CCII). Class‐AB operation allows high‐power efficiency and driving large loads with small quiescent currents. The CCII topology uses the class‐AB output buffer with error amplifiers: this topology is known to be sensitive to mismatch errors, which cause offsets in the error amplifiers, affecting the biasing current of the stage. This problem is solved via a control loop, which compensates the effect of mismatches. The technique is shown to be effective in Monte Carlo simulations with process variations and mismatches. Simulations have been carried out in 40 nm CMOS technology. The proposed filter achieves good power efficiency, thanks to the class‐AB architecture, and good dynamic range, thanks to the closed‐loop output buffer. A cut‐off frequency of 6 MHz, with 184 μW of total quiescent power consumption, is achieved, with a THD of ‐55 dB and a SNR of 49 dB.
Telemetry and genetics reveal asymmetric dispersal of a lake‐feeding salmonid between inflow and outflow spawning streams at a microgeographic scale
Authors: Finlay Ross , Poole Russell , Coughlan Jamie , Phillips Karl P. , Prodöhl Paulo , Cotter Deirdre , McGinnity Philip , Reed Thomas E.
Published: February 2020

The degree of natal philopatry relative to natal dispersal in animal populations has important demographic and genetic consequences and often varies substantially within species. In salmonid fishes, lakes have been shown to have a strong influence on dispersal and gene flow within catchments; for example, populations spawning in inflow streams are often reproductively isolated and genetically distinct from those spawning in relatively distant outflow streams. Less is known, however, regarding the level of philopatry and genetic differentiation occurring at microgeographic scales, for example, where inflow and outflow streams are separated by very small expanses of lake habitat. Here, we investigated the interplay between genetic differentiation and fine‐scale spawning movements of brown trout between their lake‐feeding habitat and two spawning streams (one inflow, one outflow, separated by <100 m of lake habitat). Most (69.2%) of the lake‐tagged trout subsequently detected during the spawning period were recorded in just one of the two streams, consistent with natal fidelity, while the remainder were detected in both streams, creating an opportunity for these individuals to spawn in both natal and non‐natal streams. The latter behavior was supported by genetic sibship analysis, which revealed several half‐sibling dyads containing one individual that was sampled as a fry in the outflow and another that was sampled as fry in the inflow. Genetic clustering analyses in conjunction with telemetry data suggested that asymmetrical dispersal patterns were occurring, with natal fidelity being more common among individuals originating from the outflow than the inflow stream. This was corroborated by Bayesian analysis of gene flow, which indicated significantly higher rates of gene flow from the inflow into the outflow than vice versa. Collectively, these results reveal how a combination of telemetry and genetics can identify distinct reproductive behaviors and associated asymmetries in natal dispersal that produce subtle, but nonetheless biologically relevant, population structuring at microgeographic scales.
Flea sharing among sympatric rodent hosts: implications for potential plague effects on a threatened sciurid
Authors: Goldberg Amanda R. , Conway Courtney J. , Biggins Dean E.
Published: February 2020

For vector‐borne diseases, the abundance and competency of different vector species and their host preferences will impact the transfer of pathogens among hosts. Sylvatic plague is a lethal disease caused by the primarily flea‐borne bacterium Yersinia pestis. Sylvatic plague was introduced into the western United States in the early 1900s and impacts many species of rodents. Plague may be suppressing populations of the threatened northern Idaho ground squirrel (Urocitellus brunneus) if a competent flea community is allowing plague to be maintained within the few extant sites that support this rare ground squirrel. We collected fleas from four species of sympatric rodents in central Idaho: northern Idaho ground squirrels, Columbian ground squirrels (Urocitellus columbianus), yellow‐pine chipmunks (Tamias amoenus), and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). We evaluated which flea species were present and whether fleas were shared among the rodent community. We documented seven species of fleas among 3356 fleas collected from the four host species of rodents, and all seven species of fleas are known vectors of plague. Three of the seven flea species were detected on all four rodent species, demonstrating potential for spillover of plague (bridge vectors) in the rodent community. We used generalized linear mixed models to evaluate which abiotic and biotic factors influence flea abundance (total number of fleas, regardless of flea species, on each individual host of the four rodent host species). Factors that impacted flea abundance varied among the four host species, but flea abundance: (1) changed over summer depending on host species, (2) was greater on males, and (3) was impacted by summer and winter precipitation depending on host species. Our results suggest this diverse flea community has the capacity to transfer Y. pestis among populations of the four rodents if Y. pestis is present. Furthermore, the disease may be more likely to persist in some locations than others, those that have higher flea abundances, more sympatric hosts, or optimal conditions for fleas, and such high‐risk sites can be identified based on their abiotic and biotic factors.
Critical Review of Read-Across Potential in Testing for Endocrine-Related Effects in Vertebrate Ecological Receptors
Authors: McArdle Margaret E. , Freeman Elaine L. , Staveley Jane P. , Ortego Lisa S. , Coady Katherine K. , Weltje Lennart , Weyers Arnd , Wheeler James R. , Bone Audrey J.
Published: February 2020

Recent regulatory testing programs have been designed to evaluate whether a chemical has the potential to interact with the endocrine system and could cause adverse effects. Some endocrine pathways are highly conserved among vertebrates, providing a potential to extrapolate data generated for one vertebrate taxonomic group to others (i.e., biological read-across). To assess the potential for biological read-across, we reviewed tools and approaches that support species extrapolation for fish, amphibians, birds, and reptiles. For each of the estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways, we considered the pathway conservation across species and the responses of endocrine-sensitive endpoints. The available data show a high degree of confidence in the conservation of the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis between fish and mammals and the hypothalamus–pituitary–thyroid axis between amphibians and mammals. Comparatively, there is less empirical evidence for the conservation of other EATS pathways between other taxonomic groups, but this may be due to limited data. Although more information on sensitive pathways and endpoints would be useful, current developments in the use of molecular target sequencing similarity tools and thoughtful application of the adverse outcome pathway concept show promise for further advancement of read-across approaches for testing EATS pathways in vertebrate ecological receptors. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:739–753. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Circulating mucosal‐associated invariant T cells in subjects with recurrent urinary tract infections are functionally impaired
Authors: Terpstra Matty L. , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , van Aalderen Michiel C. , Wever Joyce J. , Sinnige Marjan J. , van der Bom‐Baylon Nelly D. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Geerlings Suzanne E.
Published: February 2020

Background

Urinary tract infection recurrence is common, particularly in women and immunocompromised patients, such as renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play a role in the antibacterial response by recognizing bacterial riboflavin metabolites produced by bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Here, we investigated whether MAIT cells are involved in the pathogenesis of recurrent urinary tract infections (RUTIs).

Methods

Using multichannel flow cytometry, we characterized the MAIT cell phenotype and function in blood from immunocompetent adults with (n = 13) and without RUTIs (n = 10) and in RTRs with (n = 9) and without RUTIs (n = 10).

Results

There were no differences in the numbers of MAIT cells between the study groups. MAIT cells in patients with RUTI expressed T‐bet more often than those in controls. MAIT cells from immunocompetent RUTI participants required more antigen‐presenting cells coincubated with E. coli to evoke a similar cytokine and degranulation response than those from controls. This effect was absent in the RTR with RUTI vs RTR control groups, where the overall percentage of MAIT cells that responded to stimulation was already reduced.

Conclusion

Circulating MAIT cells in immunocompetent individuals with RUTIs respond to bacterial stimuli with reduced efficacy, which suggests that they are involved in the pathogenesis of RUTIs.
Distinct clinical phenotype and genetic testing strategy for Lynch syndrome in China based on a large colorectal cancer cohort
Authors: Dong Lin , Jin Xianglan , Wang Wenmiao , Ye Qiurong , Li Weihua , Shi Susheng , Guo Lei , Ying Jianming , Zou Shuangmei
Published: February 2020

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) predisposition syndrome. We performed a large‐scale study to assess a screening strategy for identifying LS in Chinese CRC patients in routine clinical testing. A total of 4,195 eligible CRCs were universally screened. Then, 8.7% of CRCs were detected with dMMR. The incidence of LS was 2.7% (115 of 4,195) in this cohort; among patients over 70 years of age, only 0.3% (2 of 678) were diagnosed as LS. Then, 17.4% of LS cases showed large genomic deletions/duplications. LS probands developed CRCs predominantly at proximal colon location. The frequency of BRAF V600E mutation among Chinese CRCs was significantly lower than that among Western populations, and MLH1 promoter methylation significantly improved the efficiency of genetic screening for LS among MLH1‐deficient patients. A comprehensive molecular testing strategy that includes detection of large genomic rearrangements is imperative for the diagnosis of LS. Among CRC patients aged 70 years or younger, a selective strategy for LS screening might be considered for routine clinical testing.
Myostatin inhibition in combination with antisense oligonucleotide therapy improves outcomes in spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Meng Jinhong , Malerba Alberto , Catapano Francesco , Sintusek Palittiya , Jarmin Susan , Feng Lucy , Lu‐Nguyen Ngoc , Sun Lianwen , Mariot Virginie , Dumonceaux Julie , Morgan Jennifer E. , Gissen Paul , Dickson George , Muntoni Francesco
Published: February 2020

Background

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by genetic defects in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene that lead to SMN deficiency. Different SMN‐restoring therapies substantially prolong survival and function in transgenic mice of SMA. However, these therapies do not entirely prevent muscle atrophy and restore function completely. To further improve the outcome, we explored the potential of a combinatorial therapy by modulating SMN production and muscle‐enhancing approach as a novel therapeutic strategy for SMA.

Methods

The experiments were performed in a mouse model of severe SMA. A previously reported 25‐mer morpholino antisense oligomer PMO25 was used to restore SMN expression. The adeno‐associated virus‐mediated expression of myostatin propeptide was used to block the myostatin pathway. Newborn SMA mice were treated with a single subcutaneous injection of 40 μg/g (therapeutic dose) or 10 μg/g (low‐dose) PMO25 on its own or together with systemic delivery of a single dose of adeno‐associated virus‐mediated expression of myostatin propeptide. The multiple effects of myostatin inhibition on survival, skeletal muscle phenotype, motor function, neuromuscular junction maturation, and proprioceptive afferences were evaluated.

Results

We show that myostatin inhibition acts synergistically with SMN‐restoring antisense therapy in SMA mice treated with the higher therapeutic dose PMO25 (40 μg/g), by increasing not only body weight (21% increase in male mice at Day 40), muscle mass (38% increase), and fibre size (35% increase in tibialis anterior muscle in 3 month female SMA mice), but also motor function and physical performance as measured in hanging wire test (two‐fold increase in time score) and treadmill exercise test (two‐fold increase in running distance). In SMA mice treated with low‐dose PMO25 (10 μg/g), the early application of myostatin inhibition prolongs survival (40% increase), improves neuromuscular junction maturation (50% increase) and innervation (30% increase), and increases both the size of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (60% increase) and the preservation of proprioceptive synapses in the spinal cord (30% increase).

Conclusions

These data suggest that myostatin inhibition, in addition to the well‐known effect on muscle mass, can also positively influence the sensory neural circuits that may enhance motor neurons function. While the availability of the antisense drug Spinraza for SMA and other SMN‐enhancing therapies has provided unprecedented improvement in SMA patients, there are still unmet needs in these patients. Our study provides further rationale for considering myostatin inhibitors as a therapeutic intervention in SMA patients, in combination with SMN‐restoring drugs.
Co‐Occurrence and Occupancy of Mourning Doves and Eurasian Collared‐Doves
Authors: Green Adam W. , Sofaer Helen R. , Otis David L. , Van Lanen Nicholas J.
Published: February 2020

Understanding how land cover and potential competition with invasive species shape patterns of occupancy, extirpation, and colonization of native species across a landscape can help target management for declining native populations. Mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) populations have declined throughout the United States from 1965–2015. The expansion of the Eurasian collared‐dove (Streptopelia decaocto), an introduced species with similar food preferences, may further threaten mourning dove populations. We analyzed data from 2009–2016 from a large‐scale monitoring program in the Western Great Plains of the United States in a 2‐species occupancy model to assess the effects of collared‐doves on mourning dove distributions, while accounting for imperfect detection and variation in land cover across the landscape. Mourning dove occupancy was stable or increasing across our study area, and despite overlap in resource use and co‐occurrence between mourning doves and Eurasian collared‐doves, we found no evidence that collared‐doves are extirpating mourning doves from preferred habitat during the breeding season. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Hydrosoluble Graphene/Polyvinyl Alcohol Membranous Composites with Negative Permittivity Behavior
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Zongxiang , Xin Jiahao , Wang Zhongyang , Xie Peitao , Fan Guohua , Murugadoss Vignesh , Fan Runhua , Fan Jincheng , Guo Zhanhu
Published: February 2020

In this work, a hydrosoluble matrix is used for the first time to prepare flexible membranous composites, in order to improve their environmental friendliness and simplify the processing. Modified graphene (GR) sheets are distributed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to achieve flexible GR/PVA metacomposites. As graphene content increases, an interconnected graphene network is eventually formed among the PVA matrix, and the resulting composites present a conductor‐like behavior. Interestingly, the Drude‐like negative permittivity is obtained in the composites with 20 wt% graphene, which is ascribed to the plasma oscillation. Meanwhile, the absolute values of negative permittivity decrease by several orders of magnitude due to the moderate electron density of graphene. It is demonstrated that the negative permittivity is dependent on the inductive character. This work provides a novel and versatile approach based on water‐soluble matrices to prepare flexible membranous metacomposites, which can be applied in wearable cloaking, thin‐film capacitors, and flexible and stretchable devices.
On semiclassical orthogonal polynomials associated with a Freud‐type weixght
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhu Mengkun , Chen Yang
Published: February 2020

The recursion relationship:

is satisfied by all monic orthogonal polynomials in regard to an arbitrary Freud‐type weight function. In current paper, one focuses on the weight function

to analyze its relative
and
. Through above equation and orthogonality, we find that
satisfy the first discrete Painlevé equation I Hierarchy and a high‐order differential‐difference equation, respectively. Then, we find that the asymptotic value of
is settled by Coulomb fluid. Additionally, we talk about
with
, including approximation for
and
, and bounds for
as
are settled.
A broadband and excellent flatness power amplifier with novel‐designed band‐pass filter based on composite right/left‐handed unit cell
Authors: Luo Yonglun , Wang Zhicheng , Lei Ruya
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a broadband and excellent flatness power amplifier (PA) with a novel‐designed band‐pass filter based on composite right/left‐handed (CRLH) unit cell structure is proposed. On studying the structure of CRLH unit cell, a way to enhance PA bandwidth, gain flatness, and power‐added efficiency (PAE) flatness is explored. The novel‐designed CRLH unit cell structure is studied and applied in PA design. The measurements show that the PA has an output power of greater than 40 dBm, a gain flatness of 0.5 dB, and a PAE flatness of 4.4% within 1.7‐3.1 GHz bandwidth.
An intergranular strain concept for material models formulated as rate equations
Authors: Bode Manuel , Fellin Wolfgang , Mašín David , Medicus Gertraud , Ostermann Alexander
Published: February 2020

The intergranular strain concept was originally developed to capture the small‐strain behaviour of the soil with hypoplastic models. A change of the deformation direction leads to an increase of the material stiffness. To obtain elastic behaviour for smallstrains, only the elastic part of the material stiffness matrix is used. Two different approaches for an application of this concept to nonhypoplastic models are presented in this article. These approaches differ in the determination of the elastic stress response, which is used for reversible deformations. The first approach determines an elastic response from the original material model, and the second one uses an additional elastic model. Both approaches are applied on barodesy. The simulations are compared with experimental results and with simulations using hypoplastic models with the original intergranular strain concept.
Examining Heterogeneity of Outcomes in a Weight Gain Prevention Program for Young Adults
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Russell Gregory B. , Tate Deborah F. , Espeland Mark A. , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Gorin Amy A. , Lewis Cora E. , Jelalian Elissa , Perdue Letitia H. , Bahnson Judy , Polzien Kristen , Ferguson Robichaud Erica ,   for the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP) Research Group
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study aimed to characterize young adults who experienced significant weight gains (> 10%) over 3 years in a weight gain prevention program.

Methods

Secondary data analysis from the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP), a randomized trial comparing two self‐regulation interventions and a control arm in young adults (18‐35 years; BMI 21‐30.9 kg/m2), was used. Large Gainers (≥ 10% of their body weight; n = 48), Small Gainers (2.6%‐9.9%; n = 149), and Weight Stable participants (± 2.5%; n = 143) were compared on dimensions affecting weight gain.

Results

Differences in weight gain among the three groups were significant by year 1 and subsequently increased. Those who became Large Gainers were heavier at baseline and further below their highest weight, and they reported more weight cycling than Weight Stable, with Small Gainers intermediate. Neither study arm nor pregnancy explained weight change differences among the three groups. Large Gainers reported more depressive symptoms than Weight Stable at years 1 and 2. Large Gainers were less likely to weigh themselves at least weekly at 4 months, before differences in weight gain emerged, and at years 1 and 2.

Conclusions

Large Gainers (representing almost 10% of participants) could be identified early by greater weight issues at baseline and lower use of weight gain prevention strategies.
Maternal Adiposity is Associated with Fat Mass Accretion in Female but not Male Offspring During the First 2 Years of Life
Authors: Heard‐Lipsmeyer Melissa E. , Diaz Eva C. , Sims Clark R. , Sobik Sarah R. , Ruebel Meghan L. , Thakali Keshari M. , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Cleves Mario , Børsheim Elisabet , Shankar Kartik , Andres Aline
Published: February 2020

Objective

This study investigated which antenatal and postnatal factors determine offspring adiposity during the first 2 years of life.

Methods

Participants were mother and child pairs (N = 224). Offspring percent fat mass (%FM) was obtained using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance at 11 time points between ages 0.5 and 24 months. Independent variables included race, age, gestational weight gain, first‐trimester %FM, delivery mode, gestational measures of resting energy expenditure, respiratory exchange ratio, physical activity, serum cytokines and lipids, and dietary intake for the mothers, as well as sex, birth weight and length, breastfeeding duration, and physical activity at age 2 years for the children. Linear mixed models were used to construct the best‐fitted models for the entire cohort and for each sex.

Results

Maternal %FM (P = 0.006), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.001), and breastfeeding duration (P = 0.023) were positively associated with female offspring adiposity, whereas maternal dietary fiber intake (P = 0.016) had a negative association. Birth weight (P = 0.004), maternal HDL (P = 0.013), and breastfeeding duration (P = 0.015) were all positively associated with male offspring adiposity.

Conclusions

Antenatal and postnatal factors differentially impact male and female offspring adiposity during the first 2 years of life.
Ring‐opening copolymerization of epoxycyclohexane and phthalic anhydride catalyzed by the asymmetric Salen‐CrCl complex
Authors: Shi Dapeng , Li Limei , Wen Yuqing , Yang Qiusheng , Duan Zhongyu
Published: February 2020

A new metallic chromium complex with asymmetric salen ligand and ancillary chloride group (complex 1) has been synthesized and applied as co‐catalytic system with bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium chloride (PPNCl) for the polymerization of epoxycyclohexane (CHO) and phthalic anhydride (PA). The catalyst loading, polymerization temperature, reaction time and type of co‐catalyst were varied in order to explore the influences on the catalytic activity of 1. It was found that 1 exhibited relatively good activity in the catalytic copolymerization of PA and CHO to form the product with more than 90% ester linkage content under mild conditions after the addition of the PPNCl co‐catalyst. This was in sharp contrast to the dinuclear [ONSO]CrCl analogue, where the resulting polymer with more than 97% ether units was achieved under identical conditions. According to the kinetic data, the apparent activation energy of CHO ring‐opening copolymerization was 9.0 kJ mol−1. A reasonable polymerization mechanism was proposed based on the interaction between the single‐metal two‐component catalyst system and the monomer. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
31P NMR spectroscopic analysis on photooxidation of 1,n‐bis(diphenylphosphino)alkanes with the aid of DFT calculations
Authors: Yasui Shinro , Yamazaki Shoko
Published: February 2020

The chloroform‐d solution of diphosphine, 1,n‐bis(diphenylphosphino)alkane (Ph2P(CH2)nPPh2; n = 1‐6), was photolyzed with light from a xenon lamp in air. The progress of the reaction was followed by 31P NMR spectroscopy. The observed spectral change showed that the diphosphine is initially oxidized to diphosphine monoxide, Ph2P(═O)(CH2)nPPh2, which is further oxidized to diphosphine dioxide, Ph2P(═O)(CH2)nP(═O)Ph2. The oxidation of the diphosphine to the diphosphine monoxide took place according to first‐order kinetics with respect to the concentration of the diphosphine, the first‐order rate constant, kobs, being larger with increasing number of the methylene units in the spacer. The observation in kinetics is interpreted based on the conformation of the diphosphine radical cation intermediate initially generated by electron transfer from the photoexcited diphosphine to oxygen. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations predict that the diphosphine radical cation takes “folded” conformation where two phosphorus atoms are arranged closely to each other. The “folded” conformer of the diphosphine radical cation results from electrostatic interaction of these two phosphorus atoms. This conformer explains the observed dependency of kobs on the length of the spacer in the diphosphine.
A selective androgen receptor modulator SARM‐2f activates androgen receptor, increases lean body mass, and suppresses blood lipid levels in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Morimoto Megumi , Yamaoka Masuo , Hara Takahito
Published: February 2020

SARM‐2f a selective androgen receptor (AR) modulator, increases skeletal muscle mass and locomotor activity in rats. This study aimed to clarify its pharmacological effects in monkeys. In reporter assays, the EC50 values of SARM‐2f for rat, monkey, and human AR were 2.5, 3, and 3.6 nmol/L, respectively; those of testosterone were 12, 3.2, and 11 nmol/L, respectively. A single oral administration (10 mg/kg SARM‐2f) produced a maximal plasma concentration of 3011 ng/mL, with an area under the 24 hours concentration‐time curve of 8152 ng·h/mL in monkeys. Body weight (BW), lean body mass (LBM), and plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), alanine aminotransferase, and asparagine aminotransferase were measured after 4 weeks of treatment with SARM‐2f (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day, QD, p.o.) or testosterone enanthate (TE; 2 mg/kg/2 weeks, s.c.) in monkeys. BW and LBM were significantly increased by 12% each by SARM‐2f at 10 mg/kg, and by 5% and 8%, respectively, by TE, but these effects were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of all lipids were either decreased or showed a tendency to be decreased by SARM‐2f. TE decreased the triglyceride level and increased the low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Liver marker levels were not changed by either SARM‐2f or TE. Our data demonstrated that SARM‐2f exerted anabolic effects and produced a lipid profile that differed from that produced by testosterone in monkeys, suggesting that SARM‐2f might be useful for diseases such as sarcopenia.
In search of large signals at the cosmological collider
Authors: Wang Lian-Tao , Xianyu Zhong-Zhi
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We look for oscillating signals in the primordial bispectrum from new physics heavy particles which are visibly large for next generation large scale structures (LSS) survey. We show that in ordinary inflation scenarios where a slow-rolling inflaton generates density fluctuations and with no breaking of scale invariance or spacetime symmetry, there exist no naturally large signals unless the rolling inflaton generates a parity-odd chemical potential for the heavy particles. We estimate the accessibility of this signal through observations. While current CMB data are already sensitive in the most optimistic scenario, future probes, including LSS survey and 21 cm observation, can cover interesting regions of the model space.
Spectral and coherent properties of partially polarized pulsed electromagnetic beams upon turbulent atmosphere propagation for different source conditions
Authors: Li Yan , Gao Ming
Published: February 2020

The spectral and coherent properties of partially polarized pulsed electromagnetic beams propagating in a horizontal homogeneous and isotropic turbulent atmosphere channel for different source conditions are investigated in detail. Based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and von Karman power spectrum, the analytical expressions for the elements of the two-frequency cross spectral density matrix, the average spectral intensity, the beam width, and the spectral degree of electromagnetic coherence are derived in turn. Finally, with the help of numerical calculations, the effects of different source conditions on the changes in the beam width, spectral and coherent properties of partially polarized pulsed Gaussian Schell-model electromagnetic beams are studied. Some theoretical results in this paper will be useful for applications involving polarized pulsed electromagnetic beams propagating through atmospheric turbulence.
UKGrsHP: a UK high-resolution gauge–radar–satellite merged hourly precipitation analysis dataset
Authors: Yu Jingjing , Li Xiao-Feng , Lewis Elizabeth , Blenkinsop Stephen , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: February 2020

There is an urgent need for high-quality and high-spatial-resolution hourly precipitation products around the globe, including the UK. Although hourly precipitation products exist for the UK, these either contain large errors, or are insufficient in spatial resolution. An efficient way to solve this is to develop a merged precipitation product that combines the information and benefits from multiple data sources, improving both the spatial resolution and accuracy of hourly precipitation estimates over the UK. In this study, we develop a UK high-resolution gauge–radar–satellite merged hourly precipitation analysis: the UKGrsHP. It covers the UK from 12.5° W to  3.5° E, 49° N–60° N, with a spatial resolution of 0.01° × 0.01° in latitude/longitude (equivalent to 1 km resolution in the mid-latitudes). An optimal interpolation (OI)–based multi-source merging scheme with compound strategy is developed and tested for producing the UKGrsHP. Three input data sources are used: gauge analysis data interpolated from 1903 quality-controlled hourly observations, the UK Nimrod radar precipitation analysis and the GSMaP global satellite precipitation analysis. Using independent tests against ~ 220 independent gauge observations on 1 year’s experimental UKGrsHP, covering the period from January to December 2014, we find that the final merged data performs better than three individual precipitation analyses used as inputs. A full version of the UKGrsHP starting in April 2004 is now under production, which will have wide applications in climate services and scientific research across multiple disciplines.
Mixed peridynamic formulations for compressible and incompressible finite deformations
Authors: Bode T. , Weißenfels C. , Wriggers P.
Published: February 2020

The large flexibility of meshfree solution schemes makes them attractive for many kinds of engineering applications, like Additive Manufacturing or cutting processes. While numerous meshfree methods were developed over the years, the accuracy and robustness are still challenging and critical issues. Stabilization techniques of various kinds are typically used to overcome these problems, but often require the tuning of unphysical parameters. The Peridynamic Petrov–Galerkin method is a generalization of the peridynamic theory of correspondence materials and offers a stable and robust alternative. In this work, the stabilization free approach is extended to three dimensional problems of finite elasticity. Locking-free mixed formulations for nearly incompressible and incompressible materials are developed and investigated in convergence studies. In general, an efficient implicit quasi-static framework based on Automatic Differentiation is presented. The numerical examples highlight the convergence properties and robustness of the proposed formulations.
Development of a CanMEDS-based instrument for evaluating medical students’ perceptions of the key competencies of a socially accountable healthcare practitioner
Authors: Naidu Claudia , Reid Steve , Burch Vanessa
Published: February 2020

Introduction Numerous frameworks and tools have been developed to assist medical schools striving to achieve their social accountability mandate. The purpose of this study was to design an instrument to evaluate medical students’ perceptions of the key competencies of a ‘socially accountable’ healthcare practitioner using widely accepted frameworks which contain clear measurable outcomes.

Methods The instrument was designed in three phases: selection of a competency-based framework, development of items, and validation of the instrument through exploratory factor analysis. Medical students in the 6‑year medical degree program at the University of Cape Town, South Africa were invited to participate in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed using Stata/SE version 13.1.

Results Of 619 students invited to participate in the study, 484 (78%) responded. The CanMEDS framework was selected for designing the instrument, which comprised 35 statements reflecting five competencies for each CanMEDS role. Exploratory factor analysis of the student responses yielded a 28-item instrument. There was a significant difference in overall Perceptions of Social Accountability Instrument (PSAI) scores between men and women (p = 0.002) but no significant difference between the overall PSAI scores for students in the respective years of study.

Discussion This study describes the design of an instrument to evaluate medical students’ perceptions of the essential competencies of socially accountable healthcare practitioners. Used longitudinally, the data may provide evidence of the successes of our programs and identify areas where further improvements are required.
Psychometric properties of the external Housing-Related Control Belief Questionnaire among people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Andersson Nilla , Nilsson Maria H. , Slaug Björn , Oswald Frank , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: February 2020

Background

Housing-related control beliefs are associated with aspects of health among older people in general. Research on Parkinson’s disease (PD) focusing on perceptions of the home are rare and instruments capturing perceived aspects of home have seldom been used.

Aims

To evaluate psychometric properties of the external Housing-related Control Beliefs Questionnaire (HCQ) among people with PD.

Methods

The external HCQ were administrated to 245 participants with PD, (mean age = 69.9 years; mean PD duration = 9.7 years). External HCQ has 16-items, with five response options. The psychometric properties evaluated were data quality, structural validity (factor analysis), floor and ceiling effects, corrected item total correlations, internal consistency and construct validity (testing correlations with relevant constructs according to pre-defined hypotheses).

Results

Data quality was high. Structural validity showed a unidimensional construct with removal of two items. Homogeneity was questionable, but strengthened after the removal of the two items. For the 14-item version internal consistency was α = 0.78 and SEM 4.47. Corrected item total correlation ranged between 0.31 and 0.54 and no floor or ceiling effects. Significant correlations with relevant constructs supported the construct validity.

Conclusions

Taken together, the psychometric results suggest a 14-item version of the external HCQ to be sufficiently reliable and valid for use in the PD population. The results pave the way for further studies, using the HCQ to analyse how perceptions of control of the home may be associated with health among people ageing with PD.
A perspective on the potential of using marine organic fertilizers for the sustainable management of coastal ecosystem services
Authors: Emadodin Iraj , Reinsch Thorsten , Rotter Ana , Orlando-Bonaca Martina , Taube Friedhelm , Javidpour Jamileh
Published: February 2020

Agricultural production is predicted to double during the next century. To ensure food security in response to global population growth is a challenge and will require strategies that mitigate associated environmental damage in ways consistent with United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. One possible approach is to utilize organic fertilizers from marine sources to improve soil structure by enhancing activities of soil organisms and restoring essential plant nutrients to the soil. Here we identify opportunities to develop organic fertilizers from two types of materials of marine origin: seagrass wrack and jellyfish biomass. Seagrass wrack often occurs as undesirable waste material on beaches. In many coastal areas around the world jellyfish bloom presents a nuisance because of negative impacts on marine ecosystem productivity. Several investigations have reported that organic fertilizers produced from seagrass and jellyfish could enhance coastal ecosystem services by reducing pollution, and by improving soil health and quality. Recent research indicates that seagrass litter improves soil water holding capacity and the nutritional value of crops; moreover, it can be used as multi-functional fertilizer, due to its content of valuable macro- and microelements. The application of jellyfish fertilizer increases soil contents of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and enhances the growth and survival of seedlings significantly. In this overview we describe novel approaches regarding the utilization of seagrass and jellyfish as sources of fertilizer, and experimental studies on the influences of marine organic fertilizers on soil restoration, and implications for coastal management.
Effects of Black Liquor-Montmorillonite Complexes on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epichlorohydrin Rubber
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Tan Yating , Luo Qionglin , Wang Xi , Su Shengpei
Published: February 2020

The aim of the present study was to examine effects of black liquor-montmorillonite (BL-Mnt) complexes on the mechanical and thermal properties of epichlorohydrin rubber. Considering the stability effect of lignin and the barrier property of clay minerals, a significant enhancement of thermo-oxidative aging properties of ECO/BL-Mnt composites was expected. Poly (epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide) (ECO) composites filled with BL-Mnt complex were prepared by mechanical mixing on a two-roll mill. The ECO/BL-Mnt composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both XRD and TEM data showed that the filler particles were well dispersed throughout the ECO/BL-Mnt composites. The tensile strength, elongation at break, and 100% modulus of the rubber composite were 14.0 MPa, 457%, and 3.9 MPa, respectively, at a 50% loading of BL-Mnt. The retention of tensile strength was 99% after thermal oxidative aging in an air-circulating oven for 72 h at 100°C. Evidence indicated that ECO/BL-Mnt composites with good mechanical properties and thermo-oxidative aging properties were obtained.
Negotiating identity at the intersection of family legacy and present time life conditions: A qualitative exploration of central issues connected to identity and belonging in the lives of children of refugees
Authors: Drummond Johansen Jennifer , Varvin Sverre
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Most studies on refugee populations are organized around trauma‐related issues and focus on explanations of pathological factors. Few studies are anchored in general developmental psychology with the aim of exploring normal age‐specific developmental tasks and how the special circumstances associated with forced migration can influence that development.

Methods

Using an ecological and transactional understanding of developmental trajectories, this qualitative study explored issues connected to identity formation processes in an exile context based on interviews with 6 male and 10 female children of refugees (18–26 years) who have grown up in Norway.

Results

The findings show that family experiences of war and conflict intersect with experiences of marginalization in exile. The interaction of these experiences influences the development of individual identity in cumulative and complex ways. Many of the participants expressed feelings of isolation, disconnectedness, and a lack of belonging. Nevertheless, though the participants described growing up facing major challenges, they also searched for ways to reframe their difficult personal and family histories into meaningful experiences.

Conclusions

In order to provide conditions and develop interventions that can support well‐being and identity development, we need a better understanding of the different forces that influence the identity development of children of refugees. By foregrounding the participants’ experiences, and perspectives, we gained insight into different ways in which participants negotiate identity issues in relation to often contradictory demands and messages from family and the wider social context.
Inhibitory Role of Gamma-Aminobutyric Receptors in Paraventricular Nucleus on Ejaculatory Responses in Rats
Authors: Zhang Qi-Jie , Yang Bai-Bing , Yang Jie , Wang Ya-Min , Dai Yu-Tian , Song Ning-Hong , Wang Zeng-Jun , Xia Jia-Dong
Published: February 2020

Background

Although abnormal sympathetic nerve system (SNS) activity has been demonstrated in the pathogenesis of ejaculation disorders, few data are available on its underlying mechanism.

Aim

To investigate whether differences in ejaculatory behavior of rats were associated with the state of SNS activity and gamma-aminobutyric (GABA) receptor expressions in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and the effects of GABA receptors in the PVN on ejaculatory behavior.

Methods

Based on ejaculatory performance, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into “sluggish,” “normal,” and “rapid” ejaculators. PVN microinjection was performed to evaluate the role of GABA receptors on sexual behavior.

Outcomes

The outcomes include differences in expression and distribution of GABA receptors and norepinephrine level among the 3 groups and changes in copulation behavior parameters after PVN microinjection.

Results

Compared with “normal” rats, the “rapid” group ejaculated more times with shorter latency (P < .001, P < .001) and had lower expression and distribution of both GABA-A and GABA-B receptors, while the opposed results appeared in the “sluggish” group. The norepinephrine level was successively increased among “sluggish,” “normal,” and “rapid” rats (P < .001) and correlated with ejaculation frequency (r = 0.896, P < .001) and ejaculation latency (r = −0.835, P < .001). In addition, bilateral microinjection of the GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonist (isoguvacine and baclofen) into the PVN both significantly prolonged the intromission latency and inhibited ejaculation, which could be blocked by antagonist gabazine and CGP-35348, respectively. Vigabatrin, the GABA-transaminase inhibitor, caused a significantly reduced ejaculation frequency and extended ejaculation latency in rats, which could be offset by simultaneous injections of gabazine and CGP-35348.

Clinical Implications

Our findings provide new understanding about GABA receptors in the PVN on sexual behavior and enhance the comprehension of neurobiological mechanisms involved in premature ejaculation.

Strengths & Limitations

Our results have indicated that GABA receptors in the PVN may inhibit ejaculation through restraining the activity of SNS. However, our study did not analyze the changes of GABA receptors in other brain areas, which needs further study.

Conclusion

Ejaculation behaviors in male rats are associated with SNS activity and could be regulated by GABA receptors in the PVN, which may be of assistance in the treatment of ejaculation disorders in the future.