bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sterbehilfe: Der Handlungsspielraum der Ärzteschaft in der Schweiz aus strafrechtlicher Sicht
Authors: Teichmann Fabian , Camprubi Madeleine
Published: March 2020

Der Ärzteschaft kommt vor dem Ableben ihrer Patientinnen und Patienten eine einflussreiche Position ihnen gegenüber zu, insbesondere wenn diese nicht mehr am Leben bleiben möchten und sich ärztliche Unterstützung für ein vorzeitiges Ableben wünschen. Es stellt sich zum einen die Frage, inwiefern das Strafrecht diese faktische Machtposition des Arztberufs eingrenzt, und zum anderen, ob und inwiefern diese Eingrenzung einen sinnvollen Ausgleich der auf dem Spiel stehenden Interessen gewährleistet.
Menschenrechtsschutz in der internationalen Gesellschaft
Authors: Peters Daniel
Published: March 2020

The idea of an international responsibility to protect, which implies that the international community or individual states should exercise graded responsibilities to protect basic human rights, remains disputed in contemporary international society. By analysing the debates about protection from mass atrocities and from human rights violations in a globalised world economy, this study discusses the problem of a fragmented human rights regime. Against this backdrop, it demonstrates the possibility of linking different concepts of protection in order to overcome the isolated implementation of different concepts of human rights protection. At the same time, this study introduces additional primary institutions of international society, thereby contributing to the English School of IR.

Dr. rer. pol. Daniel Peters is a lecturer in Fundamental Rights and Security Studies at the Federal University of Applied Administrative Science, department of Federal Police, in Lübeck.
Fractal Antennas for Wireless Communications
Authors: T. Abed Amer , J. Abu-AlShaer Mahmood , M. Jawad Aqeel
Published: March 2020

When the length of the antenna is less than a quarter of the wavelength of the operating frequency, good radiation properties are difficult to obtain. However, size limitations can be overcome in this case using a fractal geometry antenna. The shape is repeated in a limited size such that the total length of the antenna is increased to match, for example, half of the wavelength of the corresponding desired frequency. Many fractal geometries, e.g., the tree, Koch, Minkowski, and Hilbert fractals, are available. This chapter describes the details of designing, simulations, and experimental measurements of fractal antennas. Based on dimensional geometry in terms of desired frequency bands, the characteristics of each iteration are studied carefully to improve the process of designing the antennas. In depth, the surface current distribution is investigated and analyzed to enhance the circular polarization radiation and axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW). Both, simulation and experimental, results are discussed and compared. Two types of fractal antennas are proposed. The first proposed fractal antenna has a new structure configured via a five-stage process. The second proposed fractal antenna has a low profile, wherein the configuration of the antenna was based on three iterations.
Induced Immunosuppression in Critical Care
Authors: Grigoryev Evgeny , Matveeva Vera , Ivkin Artem , Khanova Maryam
Published: March 2020

The maladaptive nature of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, which may be caused by sepsis, trauma, or ischemia-reperfusion injury, is characterized by a shift towards the distant effects of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. Shock, blood loss, and metabolic disorders may cause the onset of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The final phase of critical illness is generally associated with induced immunosuppression and dysfunctions of neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages, dendritic cells, release of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, damage to glycocalyx and endothelium, and impaired metabolic conjugation. This review is aimed at providing novel evidences on the roles of various immune components, either innate or acquired, in the induction of immunosuppression from the standpoint of the rapid diagnosis of immune disorders in the intensive care unit using flow cytometry as a commonly accepted option.
Tiering Instruction for Seventh-Grade Students
Authors: Hackenberg Amy J. , Jones Robin , Borowski Rebecca
Published: March 2020

We tiered instruction for a class of seventh grade students during a proportional reasoning unit by providing the same problem with different numbers to different groups of students. We explain why we tiered, show students' work, describe what students learned, and give recommendations about differentiating instruction.
Is This Vending Machine FUNCTIONing Correctly?
Authors: Lovett Jennifer N. , McCulloch Allison W. , Patterson Blain A. , Martin Patrick S.
Published: March 2020

In this manuscript we describe a lesson that utilizes an applet we designed to help students develop a conceptual understanding of the concept of function. We describe how removing algebraic representations and focusing on a real world context can support students' development of these conceptual understandings of the function concept.
The Three Little Engineers
Authors: Jurgenson Kari N. , Delaney Ashley R.
Published: March 2020

The Three Little Pigs launched a lesson in which kindergarten students were challenged with designing a house out of materials such as marshmallows and toothpicks that could withstand the Big Bad Wolf. Students engaged in the engineering design process and geometry standards while building and testing their models.
The Evolution of Classroom Structure
Authors: Tobias Jennifer M.
Published: March 2020

In this article I describe my teaching experiences and how my classroom and role as the teacher has changed throughout my career.
You Can TOTALLY Do It!
Authors: Barlow Angela T.
Published: March 2020

These comments provide potential authors with insights to support the writing process.
‘Andrà tutto bene’: cantar y comprar papel higiénico
Authors: Creus Amalia
Published: March 2020

La crisis sanitaria causada por el COVID-19 está poniendo a prueba el delicado engranaje de nuestra organización social. Cierre de fronteras, escuelas y calles vacías, escasez de suministros, estupor y desorientación. Para vencer la fase de contagio del coronavirus se recomienda no salir de nuestras casas y evitar el contacto con los demás. Una pandemia que nos obliga a aislarnos, pero también a reivindicar el cuidado mutuo y la fraternidad como único antídoto posible a una dolencia que nos afecta a todos y que solo juntos podremos superar.
Marcas en cuarentena
Authors: Sivera Sílvia
Published: March 2020

Las marcas son vulnerables, igual que las personas. Sufren las consecuencias de las crisis económicas y, como estamos viendo en plena pandemia del COVID-19, tampoco escapan a crisis sanitarias. Tienen que ocuparse de campañas canceladas, eventos postergados, importantes oscilaciones de ventas… y algunas, además, estarán pendientes de la gestión de su reputación en redes, simplemente por llamarse, sí, Corona.
Mitigating the impact of conference and travel cancellations on researchers’ futures
Authors: Weissgerber Tracey , Bediako Yaw , de Winde Charlotte M , Ebrahimi Hedyeh , Fernández-Chiappe Florencia , Ilangovan Vinodh , Mehta Devang , Paz Quezada Carolina , Riley Julia L , Saladi Shyam M , Sarabipour Sarvenaz , Tay Andy
Published: March 2020

The need to protect public health during the current COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated conference cancellations on an unprecedented scale. As the scientific community adapts to new working conditions, it is important to recognize that some of our actions may disproportionately affect early-career researchers and scientists from countries with limited research funding. We encourage all conference organizers, funders and institutions who are able to do so to consider how they can mitigate the unintended consequences of conference and travel cancellations and we provide seven recommendations for how this could be achieved. The proposed solutions may also offer long-term benefits for those who normally cannot attend conferences, and thus lead to a more equitable future for generations of researchers.
Labor Studies and the Political Economy of Trump
Authors: Szymanski Sharon , Wells Richard
Published: March 2020

This article proposes a “pedagogy of popular political economy” in a Labor Studies program to counter a historical legacy of racism and draw on students’ respect for expertise to help them see through the distortions of the day.
Single trial estimation of event‐related potential components using spatiotemporal filtering and artificial bee colony optimized Gaussian kernel mixture model
Authors: Ranjbar Mojtaba , Mikaeili Mohammad , Banaraki Anahita Khorami
Published: March 2020

Single trial estimation of event‐related potential (ERP) components is an open research topic in neuroscience. In this article, we have proposed a method to improve the performance of spatiotemporal filtering by decreasing its dependency to prior estimates of ERP components. For this purpose, we have used a mixture of Gaussian kernels instead of a raw prior signal, and the parameters of the Gaussian kernel are estimated using artificial bee colony algorithm. The algorithm starts with one Gaussian kernel, and after optimizing its parameters, another Gaussian kernel is added. This procedure goes on until the stopping criterion is reached. The efficiency of the algorithm is tested for one single uncorrelated component and two correlated components for synthesized electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. Also, the efficiency of the proposed method is presented on real data for extraction of N170 component in real EEG data.
3D Printed Smart Windows for Adaptive Solar Modulations
Authors: Zhou Chengzhi , Li Dan , Tan Yutong , Ke Yujie , Wang Shancheng , Zhou Yang , Liu Guowei , Wu Shaofan , Peng Jinqing , Li Anran , Li Shuzhou , Chan Siew Hua , Magdassi Shlomo , Long Yi
Published: March 2020

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) based thermochromic smart window is considered as the most promising approach for economizing building energy consumption. However, the high phase transition temperature (τc), low luminous transmission (Tlum), and solar modulation (ΔTsol) impose an invertible challenge for commercialization. Currently, smart window research surprisingly assumes that the sunlight radiates in one direction which is obviously not valid as most regions receive solar radiation at various angles in different seasons. For the first time, solar elevation angle is considered and 3D printing technology is employed to fabricate tilted microstructures for modulating solar transmission dynamically. To maximize energy‐saving performance, the architecture of the structures (tilt, thickness, spacing, and width) and tungsten (W) doped VO2 can be custom‐designed according to the solar elevation angle variation at the midday between seasons and tackle the issue of compromised Tlum and ΔTsol with W‐doping. The energy consumption simulations in different cities prove the efficiency of such dynamic modulation. This first attempt to adaptively regulate the solar modulation by considering the solar elevation angle together with one of the best reported thermochromic properties (τc = 40 °C, Tlum(average) = 40.8%, ΔTsol = 23.3%) may open a new era of real‐world‐scenario smart window research.
Effect of Gate Conductance on Hygroscopic Insulator Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Arthur Joshua N. , Chaudhry Mujeeb Ullah , Woodruff Maria A. , Pandey Ajay K. , Yambem Soniya D.
Published: March 2020

Hygroscopic insulator field‐effect transistors (HIFETs) are a class of low‐voltage‐operation organic transistors that have been successfully demonstrated for biosensing applications through modification of the gate electrode. However, modification of the gate electrode often leads to nonideal transistor characteristics due to changes in its intrinsic electrical properties. This work investigates the effect of gate conductance in HIFETs using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) as a model gate electrode. It is revealed that a reduction in gate conductance results in a reduction in the effective gate voltage and plays an important role in defining HIFET characteristics. Key figures of merit, including ON/OFF ratio, threshold voltage, transconductance, and saturation mobility increase with increasing gate conductance and reach a plateau once sufficient gate conductance is attained. This effect is attributed to a decrease in the effective gate voltage along the gate electrode arising from its resistivity when a gate leakage current is present. These results are widely applicable and serve as design rules for HIFET device optimization.
Triethylene Glycol Substituted Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐ and Isoindigo‐Dye Based Donor–Acceptor Copolymers for Organic Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells and Transistors
Authors: Liu Qian , Kanahashi Kaito , Matsuki Keiichiro , Manzhos Sergei , Feron Krishna , Bottle Steven E. , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Nanseki Tomonori , Takenobu Taishi , Tanaka Hisaaki , Sonar Prashant
Published: March 2020

Triethylene glycol, a common side chain, is attached to two different dye moieties, diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and isoindigo (II), and their bromo derivative monomers are copolymerized, respectively, with common bisstannyl alkylated bithiophene via Stille coupling. The resulting donor–acceptor low‐bandgap copolymers, namely, PTDPP‐DT and PTII‐DT, are rationally deigned and synthesized conjugated polymeric systems suitable for doping. Both polymers are successfully investigated as single‐component and composite‐system‐based electrochemical transistors and light‐emitting electrochemical cells. A PTDPP‐DT thin film exhibits relatively high electrical conductivity of up to 80 S cm−1 in the electrochemically doped state, whereas PTII‐DT thin film prevents the macroscopic charge transport due to a large‐scale crystalline disorientation. Upon evaluating both polymers as active conjugated materials in light‐emitting electrochemical cells, they both exhibit emission under efficient electron/hole doping conditions.
Neurodevelopmental outcome of prenatally diagnosed boys with 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) and the potential influence of early hormonal therapy
Authors: Samango‐Sprouse Carole A. , Tran Selena L. , Lasutschinkow Patricia C. , Sadeghin Teresa , Powell Sherida , Mitchell Francie L. , Gropman Andrea
Published: March 2020

This cross‐sectional study examined the neurodevelopment of a large, prenatally diagnosed population of boys with 47,XXY; investigated the potentially positive effects of early hormonal therapy (EHT) on language, cognition, and motor in this population; and identified novel at risk biomarkers associated with 47,XXY. Two‐hundred and seventy two evaluations were collected from 148 prenatally diagnosed boys with 47,XXY between 0 and 36 months and separated into one of three groups, depending on visit age: Y1 (0–12 months; n = 100), Y2 (13–24 months; n = 90), and Y3 (25–36 months; n = 82). Those who received EHT (administered by 12 months) were further separated (Y1, n = 37; Y2, n = 34; Y3, n = 30). Neurodevelopmental evaluations consisted of Preschool Language Scales, Early Language Milestone Scale, and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development and evaluated the effect of EHT on auditory comprehension, expressive communication, receptive language, cognition, and motor. EHT was found to be associated with a positive effect within the first year of life in these domains, as well as in the second and third year of life. Additionally, three novel at‐risk biomarkers were identified in this cohort: feeding difficulties in infancy, positional torticollis, and the need for orthotics. The positive effects of EHT observed in language, cognition, and motor at variable stages within the first 3 years of life provide additional evidence into the possible efficacy of early biological treatment for boys with 47,XXY to address the neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
Long‐term observation of a Japanese mucolipidosis IV patient with a novel homozygous p.F313del variant of MCOLN1
Authors: Hayashi Takaaki , Hosono Katsuhiro , Kubo Akiko , Kurata Kentaro , Katagiri Satoshi , Mizobuchi Kei , Kurai Minehiro , Mamiya Norihito , Kondo Mineo , Tachibana Toshiaki , Saitsu Hirotomo , Ogata Tsutomu , Nakano Tadashi , Hotta Yoshihiro
Published: March 2020

Mucolipidosis type IV (MLIV) is an autosomal recessively inherited lysosomal storage disorder characterized by progressive psychomotor delay and retinal degeneration that is associated with biallelic variants in the MCOLN1 gene. The gene, which is expressed in late endosomes and lysosomes of various tissue cells, encodes the transient receptor potential channel mucolipin 1 consisting of six transmembrane domains. Here, we described 14‐year follow‐up observation of a 4‐year‐old Japanese male MLIV patient with a novel homozygous in‐frame deletion variant p.(F313del), which was identified by whole‐exome sequencing analysis. Neurological examination revealed progressive psychomotor delay, and atrophy of the corpus callosum and cerebellum was observed on brain magnetic resonance images. Ophthalmologically, corneal clouding has remained unchanged during the follow‐up period, whereas optic nerve pallor and retinal degenerative changes exhibited progressive disease courses. Light‐adapted electroretinography was non‐recordable. Transmission electron microscopy of granulocytes revealed characteristic concentric multiple lamellar structures and an electron‐dense inclusion in lysosomes. The in‐frame deletion variant was located within the second transmembrane domain, which is of putative functional importance for channel properties.
Prevention of pathogen transmission during ultrasound use in the Intensive Care Unit: Recommendations from the College of Intensive Care Medicine Ultrasound Special Interest Group (USIG)
Authors: Costello Cartan , Basseal Jocelyne M , Yang Yang , Anstey James , Yastrebov Konstantin
Published: March 2020

ICU ultrasonography constitutes important part of modern car patient care. Current standards and practice of infection control and prevention are inadequate. This purpose of this document is to adapt and expand the 2017 Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (ASUM) and the Australasian College for Infection Prevention Control (ACIPC) guidelines on minimum standards for reprocessing/cleaning of ultrasound transducers to the specifics of intensive care medicine and provide advice to the ICU practitioners and health care administrators. It considers the medical, administrative, financial and practical controversies surrounding implementation, and addresses emerging issues of care for patients with confirmed or suspected Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19).
ATPase Domain AFG3L2 Mutations Alter OPA1 Processing and Cause Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Caporali Leonardo , Magri Stefania , Legati Andrea , Del Dotto Valentina , Tagliavini Francesca , Balistreri Francesca , Nasca Alessia , La Morgia Chiara , Carbonelli Michele , Valentino Maria L. , Lamantea Eleonora , Baratta Silvia , Schöls Ludger , Schüle Rebecca , Barboni Piero , Cascavilla Maria L. , Maresca Alessandra , Capristo Mariantonietta , Ardissone Anna , Pareyson Davide , Cammarata Gabriella , Melzi Lisa , Zeviani Massimo , Peverelli Lorenzo , Lamperti Costanza , Marzoli Stefania B. , Fang Mingyan , Synofzik Matthis , Ghezzi Daniele , Carelli Valerio , Taroni Franco
Published: March 2020

Objective

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, with a prevalence of 1:12,000 to 1:25,000. OPA1 mutations are found in 70% of DOA patients, with a significant number remaining undiagnosed.

Methods

We screened 286 index cases presenting optic atrophy, negative for OPA1 mutations, by targeted next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing. Pathogenicity and molecular mechanisms of the identified variants were studied in yeast and patient‐derived fibroblasts.

Results

Twelve cases (4%) were found to carry novel variants in AFG3L2, a gene that has been associated with autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia 28 (SCA28). Half of cases were familial with a dominant inheritance, whereas the others were sporadic, including de novo mutations. Biallelic mutations were found in 3 probands with severe syndromic optic neuropathy, acting as recessive or phenotype‐modifier variants. All the DOA‐associated AFG3L2 mutations were clustered in the ATPase domain, whereas SCA28‐associated mutations mostly affect the proteolytic domain. The pathogenic role of DOA‐associated AFG3L2 mutations was confirmed in yeast, unraveling a mechanism distinct from that of SCA28‐associated AFG3L2 mutations. Patients' fibroblasts showed abnormal OPA1 processing, with accumulation of the fission‐inducing short forms leading to mitochondrial network fragmentation, not observed in SCA28 patients' cells.

Interpretation

This study demonstrates that mutations in AFG3L2 are a relevant cause of optic neuropathy, broadening the spectrum of clinical manifestations and genetic mechanisms associated with AFG3L2 mutations, and underscores the pivotal role of OPA1 and its processing in the pathogenesis of DOA. ANN NEUROL 2020 ANN NEUROL 2020;88:18–32
Mean Oxygen Saturation during Sleep Is Related to Specific Brain Atrophy Pattern
Authors: Marchi Nicola Andrea , Ramponi Cristina , Hirotsu Camila , Haba‐Rubio José , Lutti Antoine , Preisig Martin , Marques‐Vidal Pedro , Vollenweider Peter , Kherif Ferath , Heinzer Raphael , Draganski Bogdan
Published: March 2020

Objective

There is much controversy about the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of sleep‐disordered breathing on the brain. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between markers of sleep‐related hypoxemia and brain anatomy.

Methods

We used data from a large‐scale cohort from the general population (n = 775, 50.6% males, age range = 45–86 years, mean age = 60.3 ± 9.9) that underwent full polysomnography and brain magnetic resonance imaging to correlate respiratory variables with regional brain volume estimates.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors, only mean oxygen saturation during sleep was associated with bilateral volume of hippocampus (right: p = 0.001; left: p < 0.001), thalamus (right: p < 0.001; left: p < 0.001), putamen (right: p = 0.001; left: p = 0.001), and angular gyrus (right: p = 0.011; left: p = 0.001). We observed the same relationship in left hemispheric amygdala (p = 0.010), caudate (p = 0.008), inferior frontal gyrus (p = 0.004), and supramarginal gyrus (p = 0.003). The other respiratory variables—lowest oxygen saturation, percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation < 90%, apnea–hypopnea index, and oxygen desaturation index—did not show any significant association with brain volumes.

Interpretation

Lower mean oxygen saturation during sleep was associated with atrophy of cortical and subcortical brain areas known for high sensitivity to oxygen supply. Their vulnerability to hypoxemia may contribute to behavioral phenotype and cognitive decline in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing. ANN NEUROL 2020;87:921–930
Pigmentierungschemie und radikalbasierter Kollagenabbau bei Alkaptonurie und Arthrose
Authors: Chow Wing Ying , Norman Brendan P. , Roberts Norman B. , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R. , Teutloff Christian , Bittl Robert , Duer Melinda J. , Gallagher James A. , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: March 2020

Alkaptonurie (AKU) ist eine seltene Krankheit, die durch einen hohen Gehalt an Homogentisinsäure (HGA) im Körper gekennzeichnet ist. Patienten leiden an Gewebe‐Ochronose: eine dunkelbraune Verfärbung, insbesondere des Gelenkknorpels, die zu schwerer früher Osteoarthropathie führt. Kein molekularer Mechanismus verbindet erhöhten HGA‐Gehalt mit Ochronose; weder die chemische Identität des Pigments ist bekannt, noch wie es den Abbau des Gelenkknorpels induziert. Hier geben wir wichtige Einblicke in die mit HGA verbundene Pigmentzusammensetzung und die Kollagenstörung im AKU‐Knorpel. Synthetisches Pigment und pigmentiertes menschliches Knorpelgewebe zeigten beide Hydrochinon‐ähnliche NMR‐Signalmuster. EPR‐Spektroskopie zeigte, dass das synthetische Pigment Radikale enthält. Darüber hinaus beobachteten wir eine strukturelle Störung der Kollagen‐Tripelhelix im pigmentierten menschlichen AKU‐Knorpel und im Knorpel von Patienten mit Arthrose. Wir schlagen vor, dass der Kollagenabbau über transiente Glycylradikale erfolgen kann, die bei AKU aufgrund der durch Pigmentierung erzeugten Redoxumgebung verstärkt gebildet werden.
Oxidation of Alkynyl Boronates to Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Amides
Authors: Li Chenchen , Zhao Pei , Li Ruoling , Zhang Bing , Zhao Wanxiang
Published: March 2020

A general efficient protocol was developed for the synthesis of carboxylic acids, esters, and amides through oxidation of alkynyl boronates, generated directly from terminal alkynes. This protocol represents the first example of C(sp)−B bond oxidation. This approach displays a broad substrate scope, including aryl and alkyl alkynes, and exhibits excellent functional group tolerance. Water, primary and secondary alcohols, and amines are suitable nucleophiles for this transformation. Notably, amino acids and peptides can be used as nucleophiles, providing an efficient method for the synthesis and modification of peptides. The practicability of this methodology was further highlighted by the preparation of pharmaceutical molecules.
Selective Hydrogenation and Hydrodeoxygenation of Aromatic Ketones to Cyclohexane Derivatives Using a Rh@SILP Catalyst
Authors: Moos Gilles , Emondts Meike , Bordet Alexis , Leitner Walter
Published: March 2020

Rhodium nanoparticles immobilized on an acid‐free triphenylphosphonium‐based supported ionic liquid phase (Rh@SILP(Ph3‐P‐NTf2)) enabled the selective hydrogenation and hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic ketones. The flexible molecular approach used to assemble the individual catalyst components (SiO2, ionic liquid, nanoparticles) led to outstanding catalytic properties. In particular, intimate contact between the nanoparticles and the phosphonium ionic liquid is required for the deoxygenation reactivity. The Rh@SILP(Ph3‐P‐NTf2) catalyst was active for the hydrodeoxygenation of benzylic ketones under mild conditions, and the product distribution for non‐benzylic ketones was controlled with high selectivity between the hydrogenated (alcohol) and hydrodeoxygenated (alkane) products by adjusting the reaction temperature. The versatile Rh@SILP(Ph3‐P‐NTf2) catalyst opens the way to the production of a wide range of high‐value cyclohexane derivatives by the hydrogenation and/or hydrodeoxygenation of Friedel–Crafts acylation products and lignin‐derived aromatic ketones.
Patterns and magnitudes of craniofacial covariation in extant cercopithecids
Authors: Monson Tesla A.
Published: March 2020

The cranium contains almost all of the vertebrate sensory organs and plays an essential role in vertebrate evolution. Research on the primate cranium has revealed that it is both highly integrated and modular, but studies have historically focused on covariance between the neurocranium and facial skeleton rather than on bones specific to special senses such as vision. The goal of this work is to investigate patterns and magnitudes of craniofacial covariation in extant cercopithecids with particular attention to the orbits. This study takes a quantitative approach using data collected from 38 homologous cranial landmarks across 11 genera of cercopithecid monkeys (Cercopithecidae,N= 291). These data demonstrate that both patterns and magnitudes of craniofacial covariation differ across Cercopithecidae at subfamily, tribe, and genus levels, with the strongest integration in the papionins (and specificallyPapio) and significantly weaker covariation in the colobines, particularlyPresbytis. Orbital height does not covary with other measurements of the cranium to the same degree as other cranial traits in Cercopithecidae and is highly constrained across the family. This study has important implications for our understanding of the evolution and development of morphological diversity in the cercopithecid cranium and evolution of the primate eye. This study also highlights the potential error of broad assumptions about generalizing patterns and magnitudes of modularity and integration across primates. Additionally, these findings reiterate the importance of trait selection for interpreting fossil taxonomy, as craniofacial covariation may impact phenotypes commonly used to differentiate fossil primate species.
Evaluating ground‐penetrating radar antenna performance for investigating Mississippian mound construction compared with data from solid‐earth cores and magnetometry
Authors: Schurr Mark R. , Monaghan G. William , Herrmann Edward W. , Pike Matthew , Wilson Jeremy J.
Published: March 2020

Mississippian mounds in the south‐eastern and mid‐continental United States often contain multiple construction stages and a diverse array of features. Investigating mound construction with excavation is expensive, logistically challenging, and sometimes politically impossible. Three mounds at the Angel site (12VG1), a Mississippian village (ca ad 1100–1450) in the lower Ohio River Valley, were investigated with non‐invasive geophysical and minimally invasive geoarchaeological methods. We compare the efficacy of two different ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) antenna frequencies (250 and 500 MHz) for detecting elements of mound construction previously identified with solid‐earth cores, magnetometry, and electrical resistance tomography. Solid‐earth cores provide stratigraphic information about mound layers and construction soils and materials with low horizontal spatial resolution. Surface magnetometry provides information on shallow features, such as buried building walls and floors at high resolution, but little information about depth. Radar profiles taken with 500 MHz and 250 MHz antennae were evaluated to determine which antenna frequencies are most suitable for detecting features and strata that had been documented using the other methods. Utilizing the solid‐earth cores for velocity correlations, the 500 MHz antenna provided the most useful information about prehistoric structures near the mound surface, but was limited by its relatively shallow penetration depth. The 250 MHz antenna was not able to resolve shallow features as clearly as the 500 MHz antenna. However, it was able to detect possible interior mound platforms and features, although without providing many details about possible buried structures. In combination, GPR, solid‐earth cores, and magnetometry provided new information about the construction of mounds at the Angel site.
Green proteins: An energy‐efficient solution for increased self‐sufficiency in protein in Europe
Authors: Njakou Djomo Sylvestre , Knudsen Marie Trydeman , Martinsen Louise , Andersen Mikael Skou , Ambye‐Jensen Morten , Møller Henrik Bjarne , Hermansen John Erik
Published: March 2020

The heavy reliance of the livestock industry of the European Union (EU) on feed protein imports has initiated a transition to alternative protein sources such as grass proteins. Green biorefineries (which process grass into protein and other related bio‐products) are gaining interest in the EU as the EU searches for ways to cut its import of feed proteins, to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and to combat climate change. However, the vulnerability of green biorefineries to fossil energy constraints has not been studied. We estimated the energy conversion efficiencies (EE) and the energy return on investment (EROI) of bio‐products from standalone (SGBR) and integrated grass refinery (IGBR) systems using scenario and energy analysis. The base scenario assumes an SGBR that processes grass into protein, fiber, and brown juice. The three IGBR scenarios assume that grass is processed into protein, fiber, and biomethane (Scenario 1); into protein, fiber, heat, and electricity (Scenario 2); or into protein, fiber, heat, and biomethane (Scenario 3). We found that the EE of the IGBR (83%–85%) largely exceeded that of the SGBR (77%) in all cases. Energy returns on investment were lower for grass than for clover‐grass because of the high fertilizer needs of the former. The standard EROIs (EROIstd) for grass protein ranged from 1.6 to 5.4 over the various feedstocks and scenarios evaluated. The EROIstd decreased when the system boundary was expanded to the point of use (EROIpou), or when they were adjusted for quality (EROIqly). Other bioproducts from both SGBR and IGBR also had high EROIstd, and showed similar patterns to that of grass protein (i.e., EROIstd > EROIpou > EROIqly). Although Scenario 1 had a high EE relative to the base scenario, its heavy reliance on auxiliary energy inputs reduced the EROIs of its products. Our analysis showed the strong impacts of brown‐juice recycling in the energy performance of green biorefinery. It thus deserves close attention when designing and implementing a green biorefinery in a given region. With favorable economic conditions, green biorefineries could contribute to the reduction of food and energy insecurity in Europe in a sustainable way. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Time lapse analysis of tumor response in patients with soft tissue sarcoma treated with trabectedin: A pooled analysis of two phase II clinical trials
Authors: Endo Makoto , Takahashi Shunji , Araki Nobuhito , Sugiura Hideshi , Ueda Takafumi , Yonemoto Tsukasa , Takahashi Mitsuru , Morioka Hideo , Hiraga Hiroaki , Hiruma Toru , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Matsumine Akihiko , Goda Kazato , Kawai Akira
Published: March 2020

The time course of the response to each drug is important to avoid inappropriate termination of treatment by misjudging tumor progression; however, little is known about soft tissue sarcoma (STS) regarding this matter. This study aimed to perform a time‐lapse analysis of tumor response in patients with STS treated with trabectedin from 2 phase II clinical trials.

We examined 66 patients with translocation‐related sarcoma registered in 2 Japanese phase II clinical trials. All patients previously received standard therapy before the administration of trabectedin at 1.2 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Imaging evaluation was performed according to the study protocol. The sum of the maximum diameters of the target lesions was calculated and analyzed over time.

Among the 66 patients, 9 (13.6%) showed partial response (PR) to trabectedin. Histological diagnoses of these 9 responders comprised 6 myxoid liposarcoma, 2 synovial sarcoma, and a mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. The median period from treatment initiation to the first PR was 123 (range, 34‐328) days. The pattern of tumor response to trabectedin showed an increasing tendency in size in the initial stage, usually followed by a size decrease with repeated administration.

STS response to trabectedin was characterized as delayed and potentially persistent. Clinicians treating STS with trabectedin should know the features of the response pattern to avoid interrupting the treatment before maximal efficacy is achieved.
A case of disseminated perforating necrobiosis lipoidica
Authors: Gori Niccolò , Di Stefani Alessandro , De Luca Erika Valentina , Peris Ketty
Published: March 2020

Perforating necrobiosis lipoidica (PNL) is a granulomatous inflammatory skin disease that usually occurs in patients with diabetic. We present a case of a female patient affected by a disseminated form of necrobiosis lipoidica.
Magneto‐Chiral Dichroism: A Playground for Molecular Chemists
Authors: Atzori Matteo , Rikken Geert L. J. A. , Train Cyrille
Published: March 2020

Magneto‐chiral dichroism (MChD) is a non‐reciprocal manifestation of light–matter interaction that can be observed in chiral systems possessing a magnetization, either spontaneous or induced by an external magnetic field. It features a differential absorption or emission of unpolarized light that depends on the relative orientation of the magnetization with respect to the direction of the light propagation vector and on the absolute configuration of the system. Molecular chemistry is the best‐suited route towards systems combining chirality and magnetism. Nowadays, investigation of MChD is still in its infancy although this effect might play a fundamental role in technological applications, such as optical readout of magnetic data with unpolarized light. With this Minireview, the authors provide a precise description of this unconventional effect, recall the main results obtained so far and, highlighting new challenges, underline the opportunities opened to molecular chemists interested in investigating this fascinating effect with implications in chemistry and beyond.
Electrochemical Iodine‐Mediated Oxidation of Enamino‐Esters to 2H‐Azirine‐2‐Carboxylates Supported byDesign of Experiments
Authors: Babaoglu Emre , Hilt Gerhard
Published: March 2020

An electrochemical iodine‐mediated transformation of enamino‐esters for the synthesis of 2H‐azirine‐2‐carboxylates is presented. In addition, a thermic conversion of azirines to 4‐carboxy‐oxazoles in quantitative yield without purification was described. Both classes 2H‐azirines‐2‐carboxylates and the 4‐carboxy‐oxazoles are substructures in natural products and therefore are of considerable interest for synthetic and pharmaceutical chemists. The optimization was not performed in a conventional manner with a one‐factor‐at‐a‐time process but with aDesign of Experiments(DoE) approach. Beside a broad substrate scope the reaction was also employed to a robustness screen, a sensitivity assessment, and complemented with mechanistic considerations from cyclic voltammetry experiments.
Geospatial assessment for crop physiological and management improvements with examples using the simple simulation model
Authors: Sinclair Thomas R. , Soltani Afshin , Marrou Helene , Ghanem Michel , Vadez Vincent
Published: March 2020

Physiological and management modifications to increase crop yields require an appreciation of the impact of these changes on a geospatial basis. It is quite possible that the yield response to any modification may vary from positive in one location to negative in another location. Therefore, tools to undertake geospatial analysis are required to assess the overall impact. It is argued that mechanistic models based on the physics and physiology of plant development, growth, and yield formation are required for such tasks. Several criteria in selecting model tools are discussed. First, models that need to be “calibrated” are not suited for geospatial assessments because the calibration processes causes the model to be an empirical representation of the calibration data and limited to the calibration environment. Extreme caution is needed to extrapolate model use beyond the domain of calibration, since geospatial analysis requires the model to be run for a range of geographical locations over a number of growing seasons. Second, to readily understand the output from simulations across space and time, models needs to be compact and transparent so output that seems inconsistent or not intuitively obvious can be tracked to the critical features in the model. Models with a smaller number of parameters are likely to be more transparent. Finally, it is necessary that the robustness of the model has been tested against a range of environmental conditions. In this paper, we discuss the example of the Simple Simulation Model (SSM) as an option that meets these criteria.
D‐ribose‐L‐cysteine enhances memory task, attenuates oxidative stress and acetyl‐cholinesterase activity in scopolamine amnesic mice
Authors: Emokpae Osagie , Ben‐Azu Benneth , Ajayi Abayomi M. , Umukoro Solomon
Published: March 2020

d‐Ribose‐l‐cysteine (DRLC) is an analogue of cysteine that has been shown to boost cellular antioxidant capacity by enhancing intracellular biosynthesis of glutathione (GSH). Deficiency of GSH has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of memory. Thus, the use of antioxidants to prevent or retard the progression of memory deteriorations in persons with AD has been the focus of intense investigations. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of DRLC on memory and scopolamine‐induced amnesia, acetyl‐cholinesterase activity, and oxidative stress in mice. Male Swiss mice were given oral administration of saline (10 ml/kg), DRLC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or donepezil (1 mg/kg) 30 min before testing for memory performance using Y‐maze and object recognition models. Another set of mice were also pretreated orally with saline, DRLC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or donepezil (1 mg/kg) but in combination with scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 7 days. Thirty minutes after treatment on Day 7, memory function was then evaluated. The brain levels of acetyl‐cholinesterase and oxidative stress parameters were assayed. DRLC significantly (p < .05) enhanced memory performance and attenuated scopolamine‐induced amnesia. Increased acetyl‐cholinesterase activity and oxidative stress, as shown by decreased antioxidant substrates (glutathione and catalase) and elevated malondialdehyde contents in mice with scopolamine amnesia were also attenuated by DRLC. Our findings suggest that inhibition of oxidative stress and acetyl‐cholinesterase activity might contribute to the potential benefit of DRLC in persons with amnesia.
Rethinking fire‐adapted species in an altered fire regime
Authors: Tubbesing Carmen L. , York Robert A. , Stephens Scott L. , Battles John J.
Published: March 2020

Novel combinations of fire regime and forest type are emerging in areas affected by climate change, fire exclusion, and other stressors. Species interactions following wildfire in these areas are not well understood. In Sierra Nevada mixed‐conifer forests, large patches of stand‐replacing fire were once rare but are becoming increasingly prevalent and are quickly revegetated by native shrubs. There is uncertainty as to which tree species are best adapted to recover in the resulting post‐fire environments. We introduce a conceptual framework for understanding how the altered fire regime in the Sierra Nevada may affect species composition. We investigate an understudied link in this framework: how juvenile ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and white fir (Abies lowiana) growth and mortality rates are affected by shrub competition following stand‐replacing fire. We measured juvenile conifer growth in relation to shrub competition in five fire footprints ranging from 8 to 35 yr old and >400 ha in size. To test whether reductions in conifer growth may lead to increased mortality, we also evaluated how recent tree growth predicts mortality of similarly aged juvenile trees in nearby managed stands. We found that juvenile ponderosa pine growth was negatively associated with nearby shrub competition, but white fir growth was not. Both species grew slower preceding mortality, with a steeper relationship found in ponderosa pine. Across the range of shrub competition in this study, expected pine annual relative growth rate varied from 0.27 to 0.10, which corresponded to an eleven‐fold difference in annual probability of mortality (0.1–1.1%, respectively). These results show that ponderosa pine is sensitive to shrub competition following wildfire in terms of both growth and survival while white fir is less sensitive, presumably due to its high shade tolerance. Though pines are generally considered fire‐adapted, this study argues that post‐fire species interactions in a novel fire regime may exacerbate the already shifting species composition toward shade‐tolerant species, which are less well adapted to survive through future fires and to persist in future drier, warmer climates.
Android to gynoid fat ratio and its association with functional capacity in male patients with heart failure
Authors: Dos Santos Marcelo Rodrigues , da Fonseca Guilherme Wesley Peixoto , Sherveninas Letícia Pironato , de Souza Francis Ribeiro , Battaglia Filho Antônio Carlos , Novaes Caio Eduardo , Pereira Rosa Maria Rodrigues , Negrão Carlos Eduardo , Barretto Antônio Carlos Pereira , Alves Maria‐Janieire de Nazaré Nunes
Published: March 2020

Aims

We studied the association between android (A) to gynoid (G) fat ratio and functional capacity (peak VO2) in male patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

We enrolled 118 male patients with HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Body composition (by using dual x‐ray absorptiometry) and peak VO2 (by cardiopulmonary exercise testing) were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria (FNIH). Blood sample for metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured. Fifteen patients (12.7%) showed sarcopenic obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m2 with FNIH index < 0.789). The median A/G ratio was 0.55. A/G ratio > 0.55 was detected in 60 patients. Relative peak VO2 was lower in patients with A/G ratio > 0.55 than in patients with A/G ratio <0.55 (18.7 ± 5.3 vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed A/G ratio >0.55 to be independently associated with reduced peak VO2 adjusted for age, body mass index, LVEF, presence of sarcopenia, anabolic hormones, and haemoglobin (odds ratio 3.895, 95% confidence interval 1.030–14.730, P = 0.045).

Conclusions

Body fat distribution, particularly android and gynoid fat composition, together with other cofactors, might have an important adverse role on functional capacity in male patients with HFrEF. Future studies are needed to address possible mechanisms involved in this relationship.
Right ventricular mechanical pattern in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery: a predictor of post‐operative dysfunction?
Authors: Tokodi Márton , Németh Endre , Lakatos Bálint K. , Kispál Erika , Tősér Zoltán , Staub Levente , Rácz Kristóf , Soltész Ádám , Szigeti Szabolcs , Varga Tamás , Gál János , Merkely Béla , Kovács Attila
Published: March 2020

Aims

The PREPARE‐MVR study (PRediction of Early PostoperAtive Right vEntricular failure in Mitral Valve Replacement/Repair patients) sought to investigate the alterations of right ventricular (RV) contraction pattern in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement/repair (MVR) and to explore the associations between pre‐operative RV mechanics and early post‐operative RV dysfunction (RVD).

Methods and results

We prospectively enrolled 42 patients (63 ± 11 years, 69% men) undergoing open‐heart MVR. Transthoracic three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography was performed pre‐operatively, at intensive care unit discharge, and 6 months after surgery. The 3D model of the RV was reconstructed, and RV ejection fraction (RVEF) was calculated. We decomposed the motion of the ventricle to compute longitudinal ejection fraction (LEF) and radial ejection fraction (REF). Pulmonary artery catheterization was performed to monitor RV stroke work index (RVSWi). RVEF was slightly decreased after MVR [52 (50–55) vs. 51 (46–54)%; P = 0.001], whereas RV contraction pattern changed notably. Before MVR, the longitudinal shortening was the main contributor to global systolic RV function [LEF/RVEF vs. REF/RVEF; 0.53 (0.47–0.58) vs. 0.33 (0.22–0.42); P < 0.001]. Post‐operatively, the radial motion became dominant [0.33 (0.28–0.43) vs. 0.46 (0.37–0.51); P = 0.004]. However, this shift was temporary as 6 months later the two components contributed equally to global RV function [0.44 (0.38–0.50) vs. 0.41 (0.36–0.49); P = 0.775]. Pre‐operative LEF was an independent predictor of post‐operative RVD defined as RVSWi < 300 mmHg⋅mL/m2 [OR = 1.33 (95% CI: 1.08–1.77), P < 0.05].

Conclusions

MVR induces a significant shift in the RV mechanical pattern. Advanced indices of RV mechanics are associated with invasively measured parameters of RV contractility and may predict post‐operative RVD.