bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired oxygen demand during exercise is related to oxidative stress and muscle function in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Wilson Vinicius Dias , Thomas Claire , Passerieux Emilie , Hugon Gérald , Pillard Fabien , Andrade André Gustavo , Bommart Sébastien , Picot Marie‐Christine , Pincemail Joël , Mercier Jacques , Arbogast Sandrine , Laoudj‐Chenivesse Dalila
Published: July 2019

Aims

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) causes progressive muscle weakness and loss. This study aims to compare changes in quadriceps oxygenation and hemodynamics during maximal voluntary quadriceps isometric contraction (MVCQ) and to determine the relationships between these parameters and systemic oxidative stress markers and muscle structural parameters and muscle volume in patients with FSHD and healthy controls.

Methods and results

17 patients with FSHD and 14 sedentary healthy controls were matched for age and physical activity level. Blood antioxidant status and stress markers were evaluated. The quadriceps tissue oxygenation index was evaluated by near infrared spectroscopy during MVCQ. Quadriceps volume was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Quadriceps muscle samples were obtained to evaluate muscle fiber typology and mitochondria morphology by transmission electron microcopy (TEM). Groups were compared by the unpaired Student t‐test or by the non‐parametric Kruskal ‐ Wallis test in case of skewed distributions with p<0.05. Associations were assessed by Spearman correlations. Compared to controls, patients with FSHD displayed a significantly lower local O2 consumption per second that was correlated with significantly lower MVCQ and systemic oxidative stress marker levels. Although no difference in muscle typology was observed between groups, TEM showed abnormal aggregation of mitochondria near blood capillaries in FSHD muscles.

Conclusions

These results suggest that patients with FSHD have a lower O2 demand during MVCQ and that TOI measured by NIRS during MVC could be useful to determine the muscle oxidative capacity. Furthermore, these adaptations are related to the muscle structure reorganization linked to the occurrence of oxidative stress.
Ethical guidelines for publishing in the journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle rapid communications
Authors: von Haehling Stephan , Ebner Nicole , Morley John E. , Coats Andrew J.S. , Anker Stefan D.
Published: July 2019

This article details the principles of ethical authorship and publishing in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle Rapid Communications (JCSM Rapid Communications). At the time of submission to JCSM Rapid Communications, the corresponding author, on behalf of all co‐authors, needs to certify adherence to these principles. The principles are obtained below:

All authors listed on a manuscript considered for publication have approved its submission and (if accepted) publication as provided to JCSM Rapid Communications;

No person having a right to be recognized as author has been omitted from the list of authors on the submitted manuscript;

The submitted work is original and is neither under consideration elsewhere nor has it been published previously in whole or in part other than in abstract form;

All authors certify that the work is original and does not contain excessive overlap with prior or contemporaneous publication elsewhere, and where the publication reports on cohorts, trials, or data that have been reported on before these other publications must be referenced;

All original research work are approved by the relevant bodies such as institutional review boards or ethics committees;

All conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise, that may affect the authors' ability to present data objectively, and relevant sources of funding have been duly declared in the manuscript;

The manuscript in its published form will be maintained on the servers of JCSM Rapid Communications as a valid publication only as long as all statements in the guidelines on ethical publishing remain true; and

If any of the aforementioned statements ceases to be true, the authors have a duty to notify the Editors of JCSM Rapid Communications as soon as possible so that the available information regarding the published article can be updated and/or the manuscript can be withdrawn.
Immobilization in diabetic rats results in altered glucose tolerance A model of reduced locomotion/activity in diabetes
Authors: Marmonti Enrica , Busquets Sílvia , Toledo Míriam , Ricci Marina , Bria Jessica , Oliva Francesc , López‐Pedrosa José María , Manzano Manuel , Rueda Ricardo , López‐Soriano Francisco J. , Argilés Josep M.
Published: July 2019

Aims Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus affects more than 350 million people worldwide. This metabolic disorder is characterized by insulin resistance, β‐cell dysfunction and elevated hepatic glucose output. Patients with diabetes are hospitalized frequently (3‐fold greater) and with longer admissions (30% longer) than the non‐diabetic subjects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of bed rest on the metabolic changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus, with particular interest in skeletal muscle mass and function and metabolism.

Methods and results 13wk old male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were randomly divided into two groups: control (ZDF‐Con) and cage‐immobilized animals (ZDF‐Cage) for 28 consecutive days in a space‐restricted cage. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) values for plasma glucose concentration in ZDF‐Cage rats were significantly increased (approximately 4‐fold as compared with ZDF‐Con rats). GLUT4 gene expression in red soleus muscle of ZDF‐Cage animals was reduced 2.5‐fold in comparison with ZDF‐Con rats. Although no apparent changes were observed either in fasting plasma glucose or insulin levels, a trend towards an increase in the HOMA‐IR index and decreased levels of plasma adiponectin (‐30%) were observed in ZDF‐Cage animals. Moreover, ZDF‐Cage rats did not lose muscle mass and force but performed a reduced total physical activity level (‐22%).

Conclusions The present study results suggests that 28 days of immobilization (in a space‐restriction model) significantly impaired glucose tolerance with concomitant reduced plasmatic adiponectin levels and GLUT4 expression in soleus muscle of type 2 diabetic rats.
The association between sarcopenia and decorin, an exercise‐induced myokine, in patients with liver cirrhosis: a pilot study
Authors: Bekki Masafumi , Hashida Ryuki , Kawaguchi Takumi , Goshima Norihiro , Yoshiyama Teruhito , Otsuka Takashi , Koya Shunji , Hirota Keisuke , Matsuse Hiroo , Niizeki Takashi , Torimura Takuji , Shiba Naoto
Published: July 2019

Background

Sarcopenia frequently occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). The skeletal muscles secrete myokines, including myostatin, irisin, and decorin, which regulate skeletal muscle mass. This study aimed to investigate the association between myokine levels and muscle mass and to identify independent factors for muscle mass in patients with LC.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐nine patients with LC were enrolled in this study (mean age, 75 years [41–84], female/male, 19/20) and were classified into muscle atrophy or non‐atrophy groups according to the Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines. Serum levels of myostatin, irisin, and decorin were measured by ELISA/EIA. Independent factors associated with skeletal muscle index (SMI) were investigated. Profiles associated with non‐atrophic muscle were determined by a decision‐tree analysis. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) or blood ammonia or myostatin levels between the muscle atrophy and non‐atrophy groups. However, serum decorin and irisin levels were significantly higher in the non‐atrophy group than the atrophy group (11,888±5,418 vs. 5,642±1,978 pg/mL, P=0.0394; 35.1±1.9 vs. 31.1±8.3 ng/mL, P=0.0109). BMI and serum decorin level were identified as independent factors associated with SMI (P=0.0121, P=0.0483). In the decision‐tree analysis, serum decorin level was identified as the first divergence variable for non‐atrophic muscle. Of the patients with ≥10,226.8 pg/mL of decorin, 75% were in the non‐atrophy group.

Conclusions

Serum decorin level was significantly associated with skeletal muscle mass and was an independent factor for skeletal muscle non‐atrophy in patients with LC. Decorin may be an important myokine regulating sarcopenia in patients with LC
Chemotherapy‐induced loss of bone and muscle mass in a mouse model of breast cancer bone metastases and cachexia
Authors: Hain Brian A. , Xu Haifang , Wilcox Jenna R. , Mutua Daniel , Waning David L.
Published: July 2019

Background

Chemotherapy used to treat malignancy can lead to loss of skeletal muscle mass and reduced force production, and can reduce bone volume in mice. We have shown that bone‐muscle crosstalk is a key nexus in skeletal muscle function and bone homeostasis in osteolytic breast cancer bone metastases. Because chemotherapy has significant negative side effects on bone mass, and because bone loss can drive skeletal muscle weakness, we have examined the effects of chemotherapy on the musculoskeletal system in mice with breast cancer bone metastases.

Methods and results

Six‐week‐old Female athymic nude mice were inoculated with 105 MDA‐MB231 human breast cancer cells into the left ventricle and bone metastases were confirmed by X‐ray. Mice were injected with carboplatin at a dose of 60mg/kg once per week starting 4 days after tumor inoculation. Skeletal muscle was collected for biochemical analysis and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) whole muscle contractility was measured. The femur and tibia bone parameters were assessed by microCT and tumor burden in bone was determined by histology. Healthy mice treated with carboplatin lose whole body weight and have reduced individual muscle weights (gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior (TA), and EDL), reduced trabecular bone volume (BV/TV), and reduced EDL function. Mice with MDA‐MB‐231 bone metastases treated with carboplatin lose body weight, and have reduced EDL function as healthy mice treated with carboplatin. Mice with MDA‐MB‐231 bone metastases plus carboplatin do have reduced proximal tibia BV/TV compared to carboplatin alone, but carboplatin does reduce tumor burden in bone.

Conclusions

Our data shows that carboplatin treatment, aimed at reducing tumor burden, contributes to cachexia and trabecular bone loss. The muscle atrophy and weakness may occur through bone‐muscle crosstalk and would lead to a feed‐forward cycle of musculoskeletal degradation. Despite anti‐tumor effects of chemotherapy, musculoskeletal impairment is still significant in mice with bone metastases.
The long noncoding RNA CTA‐941F9.9 is frequently downregulated and may serve as a biomarker for carcinogenesis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Guo Zhexu , Zhou Cen , Zhong Xi , Shi Jinxin , Wu Zhonghua , Tang Kaiwen , Wang Zhenning , Song Yongxi
Published: July 2019

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the carcinogenesis of many different cancers. This study aimed to detect expression of lncRNA CTA‐941F9.9 in colorectal cancer tissues compared with matched nontumorous adjacent tissues (NATs). Moreover, we investigated whether this molecule is able to influence carcinogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

Colorectal cancer tissues and NATs from two cohorts of patients were examined. Quantitative PCR was performed to quantify levels of CTA‐941F9.9 expression in these samples. The association between CTA‐941F9.9 expression and clinicopathological features, including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, was also analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CTA‐941F9.9 in CRC. Potential effects of lncRNA CTA‐941F9.9 on CRC cells were assessed via autophagy, transwell assay, CCK8 assays, and flow cytometry.

Results

Our experimental results showed lncRNA CTA‐941F9.9 to be significantly downregulated in CRC tissues in both cohorts, with areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.802 and 0.876. However, no significant correlations between CTA‐941F9.9 expression levels and clinicopathological characteristics or patient outcomes were observed. We also found that CTA‐941F9.9 promotes autophagy in CRC cell lines but no significant function of CTA‐941F9.9 in regulating cancer cell proliferation or migration.

Conclusions

LncRNA CTA‐941F9.9 is frequently downregulated in CRC compared with NATs and might play an important role in CRC carcinogenesis.
Resolution of inflammation: Role of B cells
Authors: Libreros Stephania
Published: July 2019

Discussion on pro-resolving lipid mediators in obesity: role of B cells.
Nitroreductases of bacterial origin in Giardia lamblia: Potential role in detoxification of xenobiotics
Authors: Müller Joachim , Müller Norbert
Published: July 2019

The anaerobic parasite Giardia lamblia, causative agent of persistent diarrhea, contains a family of nitroreductase genes most likely acquired by lateral transfer from anaerobic bacteria or archaebacteria. Two of these nitroreductases, containing a ferredoxin domain at their N‐terminus, NR1, and NR2, have been characterized previously. Here, we present the characterization of a third member of this family, NR3. In functional assays, recombinant NR1 and NR3 reduced quinones like menadione and the antibiotic tetracycline, and—to much lesser extents—the nitro compound dinitrotoluene. Conversely, recombinant NR2 had no activity on tetracycline. Escherichia coli expressing NR3 were less susceptible to tetracycline, but more susceptible to the nitro compound metronidazole under semi‐aerobic growth conditions. G. lamblia overexpressing NR1 and NR3, but not lines overexpressing NR2, are more susceptible to the nitro drug nitazoxanide. These findings suggest that NR3 is an active quinone reductase with a mode of action similar to NR1, but different from NR2. The biological function of this family of enzymes may reside in the use of xenobiotics as final electron acceptors. Thereby, these enzymes may provide at least two evolutionary advantages namely a higher potential to recycle NAD(P) as electron acceptors for the (fermentative) energy and intermediary metabolism, and the possibility to inactivate toxic xenobiotics produced by microorganisms living in concurrence inside the intestinal habitat.
A steerable dielectric resonator antenna array with isoflux radiation pattern
Authors: Davids Vernon P. , Lehmensiek Robert
Published: July 2019

A dielectric resonator antenna array is presented which is intended for use as an integrated solar panel antenna on low Earth orbit small satellites, such as CubeSats. This array has a back‐to‐back Yagi‐Uda topology and can steer its beam ensuring a constant flux density at a satellite ground station. This isoflux gain profile is formed by the envelope of the steered beams which are controlled using a single digital phase shifter. The array achieved a beam steering limit of ±66° with a measured maximum gain of 11.4 dBi.
A wideband planar filtering dipole antenna for 5G communication applications
Authors: Xi Lei
Published: July 2019

A wideband planar filtering dipole antenna for 5G communication applications is proposed in this article. The proposed dipole antenna is composed of two rectangle radiation patches, fed by the inverted L‐shaped feedline. Because of the gradient feedline, a wideband dipole antenna is obtained. Two complementary stepped impedance resonators (CSIRs) branches and two complementary split‐ring resonators (CSRRs) are etched on the radiating rectangular patches so that the antenna produces under and upper resonant zeros out of the operating band. The reflection coefficient of the mentioned antenna is <‐10 dB in 3.08 to 5.15 GHz (50.3%). In the working frequency band, the radiation pattern of the antenna is very stable. In the desired frequency bands, the antenna gain is >2 dBi. Specially, there are above 23 dB radiation suppression for gain in the out of band. Finally, the filtering dipole antenna is processed and fabricated, and the measured results are consistent with the simulation results.
Activating a Community: An Agent‐Based Model of Romp & Chomp, a Whole‐of‐Community Childhood Obesity Intervention
Authors: Kasman Matt , Hammond Ross A. , Heuberger Benjamin , Mack‐Crane Austen , Purcell Rob , Economos Christina , Swinburn Boyd , Allender Steven , Nichols Melanie
Published: July 2019

Objective

Successful whole‐of‐community childhood obesity prevention interventions tend to involve community stakeholders in spreading knowledge about and engagement with obesity prevention efforts through the community. This process is referred to by the authors as stakeholder‐driven community diffusion (SDCD). This study uses an agent‐based model in conjunction with intervention data to increase understanding of how SDCD operates.

Methods

This agent‐based model retrospectively simulated SDCD during Romp & Chomp, a 4‐year whole‐of‐community childhood obesity prevention intervention in Victoria, Australia. Stakeholder survey data, intervention records, and expert estimates were used to parameterize the model. Model output was evaluated against criteria derived from empirical data and experts’ estimates of the magnitude and timing of community knowledge and engagement change.

Results

The model was able to produce outputs that met the evaluation criteria: increases in simulated community knowledge and engagement driven by SDCD closely matched expert estimates of magnitude and timing.

Conclusions

Strong suggestive evidence was found in support of a hypothesis that SDCD was a key driver of the success of the Romp & Chomp intervention. Model exploration also provided additional insights about these processes (including where additional data collection might prove most beneficial), as well as implications for the design and implementation of future interventions.
Synthesis of (AB)n‐, AnBn‐, and AxBy‐type amphiphilic and double‐hydrophilic star copolymers by RAFT polymerization
Authors: Skandalis Athanasios , Pispas Stergios
Published: July 2019

The synthesis, characterization, and postpolymerization functionalization of star copolymers by RAFT polymerization, using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the difunctional monomer for core formation via crosslinking, is presented in this work. The “arm first” approach was used for the synthesis of PDMAEMAnPOEGMAn double‐hydrophilic mikto‐arm stars and PDMAEMAxPLMAy amphiphilic miktoarm stars, while the “core first” approach was used for the synthesis of (PDMAEMA‐b‐POEGMA)n double‐hydrophilic star block copolymers. Methyl iodide was used as the quaternizing agent for the transformation of the star copolymers into strong cationic star polyelectrolytes, through reaction on the dimethylamino groups of PDMAEMA blocks. The stars were characterized at the molecular level by SEC and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Preliminary light scattering experiments, using THF and H2O as the solvents, were performed in order to get information regarding the solution behavior of the novel star copolymers synthesized. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1771–1783
Multicrystalline Silicon Thin‐Film Solar Cells Based on Vanadium Oxide Heterojunction and Laser‐Doped Contacts
Authors: Martín Isidro , López Gema , Plentz Jonathan , Jin Chen , Ortega Pablo , Voz Cristóbal , Puigdollers Joaquim , Gawlik Annett , Jia Guobin , Andrä Gudrun
Published: July 2019

Liquid phase crystallized (LPC) silicon thin films on glass substrates are a feasible alternative to conventional crystalline silicon (c‐Si) wafers for solar cells. Due to substrate limitation, a low‐temperature technology is needed for solar cell fabrication. While silicon heterojunction is typically used, herein, the combination of vanadium oxide/c‐Si heterojunction as emitter and base contacts defined by IR laser processing of phosphorus‐doped amorphous silicon carbide stacks is explored. LPC solar cells are fabricated using such technologies to identify their issues and advantages with a promising performance of an active‐area efficiency of 5.6%. Apart from the absence of light‐trapping techniques, the relatively low efficiency obtained is attributed to a low lifetime in the LPC silicon bulk. These poor material properties imply a short diffusion length that makes it that only photogenerated carriers in the emitter regions can be collected. Consequently, future devices should show narrower base contact regions, suggesting a shorter‐wavelength laser, combined with longer LPC substrate lifetimes.
Influence of photodegradation and surface modification on the graphene‐diclofenac physisorption process
Authors: Kaczmarek‐Kędziera Anna
Published: July 2019

The present study provides the theoretical investigation of the mutual interaction of diclofenac and its photodegradation product with carbon materials. Because of the known weak interaction between graphene and aromatic molecules, the analyzed material surfaces are modified in order to maximize the mutual material: drug attraction. It is shown that the Stone‐Wales defects and single boron‐nitride pair doping only slightly influence the drug attraction, but the strongest impact is noticed for the introduction of the functional carboxyl group to the graphene sheet that preferably contains moreover single or double vacancies. Here, the additional stabilization with respect to the pristine graphene sheet is on the order of 7 to 10 kcal mol−1. A comparison of the adsorption of neutral acidic diclofenac molecule with its ionized form frequently applied in medical formulations shows that the negative charge accumulated on the carboxylate anion significantly increases the attraction of the drug by the graphene oxide (interaction energy changes from −27.45 to −46.33 kcal mol−1 upon ionization). Symmetry‐adapted perturbation theory applied for the decomposition of the interaction energy into the physically justified components confirms that all the investigated structures are governed by dispersion forces. Supermolecular MP2‐coupled approach with improved dispersion description allows to conclude that common density functional theory (DFT) functionals, including double hybrids with spin‐component scaling and dispersionless Pernal and Podeszwa functional, perform qualitatively well in the case of (modified‐) graphene materials, however, need to be applied with care for their boron‐nitride analogs.
A multi‐biomarker approach supports the use of compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids to quantify basal carbon source use in a salt marsh consumer
Authors: Johnson Jessica J. , Olin Jill A. , Polito Michael J.
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Determining the flow of energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels in complex systems remains an important task for ecologists. Biomarkers can be used to trace carbon or energy sources contributing to an organism's tissues. However, different biomarkers vary in their ability to trace carbon sources based on how faithfully they transfer between trophic levels. Comparing emerging biomarker techniques with more commonly used techniques can demonstrate the relative efficacy of each in specific systems.

Methods

Two common biomarker techniques, fatty acid analysis (FAA) and bulk stable isotope analysis (SIA), and one emerging biomarker technique, compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA), were compared to assess their ability to characterize and quantify basal carbon sources supporting the seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus), a common salt marsh species. Herbivorous insect and deposit‐feeding fiddler crab biomarker values were analyzed as proxies of major terrestrial and aquatic basal carbon sources, respectively.

Results

All three biomarker techniques indicated that both terrestrial and aquatic carbon sources were important to seaside sparrows. However, FAA could only be evaluated qualitatively, due to a currently limited understanding of trophic modification of fatty acids between primary producer and this consumer's tissues. Quantitative stable isotope (SIA or CSIA‐AA) mixing models predicted nearly equal contributions of terrestrial and aquatic carbon sources supporting seaside sparrows, yet estimates based on CSIA‐AA had greater precision.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of CSIA‐AA as an emerging tool to quantify the relative importance of basal carbon sources in salt marsh consumers. Integrating multiple biomarker techniques, with their differing benefits and limitations, will help to constrain models of carbon and energy flow in future ecosystem studies.
Remote sensing and identification of volcanic plumes using fixed‐wing UAVs over Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala
Authors: Schellenberg Ben , Richardson Tom , Watson Matt , Greatwood Colin , Clarke Robert , Thomas Rick , Wood Kieran , Freer Jim , Thomas Helen , Liu Emma , Salama Francis , Chigna Gustavo
Published: July 2019

This paper describes a series of proof‐of‐concept Beyond Visual Line Of Sight unmanned aerial vehicle flights which reached a range of up to 9 km and an altitude of 4,410 m Above Mean Sea Level over Volcán de Fuego in Guatemala, interacting with the volcanic plume on multiple occasions across a range of different conditions. Volcán de Fuego is an active volcano which emits gas and ash regularly, causing disruption to airlines operating from the international airport 50 km away and impacting the lives of the local population. Collection of data from within the plume develops scientists’ understanding of the composition of the volcano's output and is of use to scientists, aviation, and hazard management groups alike. This paper presents preliminary results of multiple plume interceptions with multiple aircraft, carrying a variety of sensors. A plume‐detection metric is introduced, which uses a combination of flight data and atmospheric sensor data to identify flight through a volcanic plume. Future work will develop the automation of plume tracking such that reliable scientific data sets can be gathered in a robust manner.
The local electrochemical behavior of the AA2098‐T351 and surface preparation effects investigated by scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: da Silva Rejane Maria P. , Milagre Mariana X. , de Oliveira Leandro A. , Donatus Uyime , Antunes Renato A. , Costa Isolda
Published: July 2019

In this work, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) measurements were employed to characterize the electrochemical activities on polished and as‐received surfaces of the 2098‐T351 aluminum alloy (AA2098‐T351). The effects of the near surface deformed layer (NSDL) and its removal by polishing on the electrochemical activities of the alloy surface were evaluated and compared by the use of different modes of SECM. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also employed to characterize the morphology of the surfaces. The surface chemistry was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface generation/tip collection (SG/TC) and competition modes of the SECM were used to study hydrogen gas (H2) evolution and oxygen reduction reactions, respectively. H2 evolution and oxygen reduction were more pronounced on the polished surfaces. The feedback mode of SECM was adopted to characterize the electrochemical activity of the polished surface that was previously corroded by immersion in a chloride‐containing solution, in order to investigate the influence of the products formed on the active/passive domains. The precorroded surface and as‐received surfaces revealed lower electrochemical activities compared with the polished surface showing that either the NSDL or corrosion products largely decreased the local electrochemical activities at the AA2098‐T351 surfaces.
A Short Review on Interface Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells: A Self‐Assembled Monolayer and Its Roles
Authors: Choi Kyoungwon , Choi Hyuntae , Min Jihyun , Kim Taewan , Kim Dohyun , Son Sung Yun , Kim Guan-Woo , Choi Jongmin , Park Taiho
Published: July 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are considered as potential candidates for next‐generation energy harvesting due to their advantages. A classic PSC has two charge transport layers (CTLs) above and below a perovskite layer, and these CTLs largely influence charge extraction and transport. Thus, an interface inevitably forms between the CTL and perovskite layer, and if the CTL and perovskite do not form a compact contact, these interfaces can become a nonradiative recombination center, which can degrade device efficiency and stability. Accordingly, interface engineering is considered an effective way to alleviate this issue. Herein, an overview of interface engineering methods on PSCs is provided, particularly with regard to types of self‐assembled monolayers and their roles in device energy level alignment and passivation effects.
PSMA PET ligands in prostate cancer: a game‐changer?
Authors: Dhawan Ranju T , Barwick Tara D , Khan Sameer , Lewington Valerie J , Dharmarajah Nishanth
Published: July 2019

A new imaging technique may provide a means of localising recurrent prostate cancer associated with low prostate‐specific antigen levels, which has hitherto been undetectable by conventional imaging methods. Here, the authors describe the technique and outline its potential to allow early intervention and improve outcomes.
Back to nature: a personal account of complex PTSD
Authors: Goldsmith Nick
Published: July 2019

Nick Goldsmith, former Royal Marine, 45 Commando, here provides a candid insight into his personal experience of complex post‐traumatic stress disorder and the treatment he received for it.
Anal fistulae: an ancient problem; a challenge today
Authors: Soliman Faris , Hargest Rachel
Published: July 2019

Fistula‐in‐ano (anal fistula) is a common proctological condition that has been recognised since ancient times. Symptomatic treatment and infection control are relatively straightforward, but surgical treatment has variable outcomes. This article describes the anatomy, classification and treatment options for men with this common but potentially embarrassing condition.
Whistleblowing: what progress since the Francis Inquiry report?
Authors: Nicholl David
Published: July 2019

Whistleblowing is established as an important aspect of safeguarding patients. Nevertheless, whistleblowers themselves have suffered as a result of their efforts to expose ‘wrongdoing’. In this paper, based on a presentation at the Royal Society of Medicine, in March 2019, the author considers what progress has been made since the Francis Inquiry report.
Whistling in the wind?
Authors: Duffy Peter
Published: July 2019

In this comment piece Peter Duffy, Consultant Urological Surgeon, details his personal experience of whistleblowing, including the punitive action and retaliation he received from NHS management and co‐workers.
Confocal three‐dimensional micro‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy used to retrieve the information covered in printed paper
Authors: Sun Xuepeng , Zhang Xiaoyun , Wang Xinyun , Wang Yabing , Li Yufei , Peng Shiqi , Shao Shangkun , Liu Zhiguo , Shang Hongzhong , Sun Tianxi
Published: July 2019

Confocal three‐dimensional micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (3D‐μXRF) spectroscopy based on laboratory X‐ray tube was employed to unravel the three‐dimensional (3D) distribution of metal element (Fe) inner the paper. According the distribution of the Fe in the paper, the information covered in the printed paper could be retrieved. Before the experiment, the performance of the confocal 3D‐μXRF setup was described. The two‐dimensional (2D) mapping of printed character covered by the opaque tape and contaminated by the black ink was scanned by confocal 3D‐μXRF setup. Furthermore, 2D and 3D mapping of a printed number covered by the paper with printed character was performed by micro‐X‐ray fluorescence and confocal 3D‐μXRF setup, respectively. The scanning results indicated that confocal 3D‐μXRF was more suitable for retrieving the information covered in the paper. Furthermore, the confocal 3D‐μXRF setup has potential application on the identification of unseen letter or painting that was covered by others, such as ink.
Blending under deconstruction
Authors: Confalonieri Roberto , Kutz Oliver
Published: July 2019

The cognitive-linguistic theory of conceptual blending was introduced by Fauconnier and Turner in the late 90s to provide a descriptive model and foundational approach for the (almost uniquely) human ability to invent new concepts. Whilst blending is often described as ‘fluid’ and ‘effortless’ when ascribed to humans, it becomes a highly complex, multi-paradigm problem in Artificial Intelligence. This paper aims at presenting a coherent computational narrative, focusing on how one may derive a formal reconstruction of conceptual blending from a deconstruction of the human ability of concept invention into some of its core components. It thus focuses on presenting the key facets that a computational framework for concept invention should possess. A central theme in our narrative is the notion of refinement, understood as ways of specialising or generalising concepts, an idea that can be seen as providing conceptual uniformity to a number of theoretical constructs as well as implementation efforts underlying computational versions of conceptual blending. Particular elements underlying our reconstruction effort include ontologies and ontology-based reasoning, image schema theory, spatio-temporal reasoning, abstract specification, social choice theory, and axiom pinpointing. We overview and analyse adopted solutions and then focus on open perspectives that address two core problems in computational approaches to conceptual blending: searching for the shared semantic structure between concepts—the so-called generic space in conceptual blending—and concept evaluation, i.e., to determine the value of newly found blends.
The effect of Merpol surfactant on the morphology and performance of PES/PVP membranes: antibiotic separation
Authors: Omidvar Maryam , Hejri Zahra , Moarefian Ahmad
Published: July 2019

The present study used modified nanofiltration (NF) membranes to remove the emerging contaminant of amoxicillin (AMX) from synthetic wastewater. For this purpose, Merpol surfactant and polyvinylpyrrolidone were added to the casting solutions to prepare flat sheet asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) NF membranes through phase inversion process. Then, the effect of adding Merpol surfactant at different concentrations on the morphology, hydrophilicity, and pure water flux (PWF) of the membranes, as well as the separation of AMX from aqueous solutions was investigated. The characteristics of the prepared membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), contact angle (CA) measurement and performance tests. The obtained results approved the improved hydrophilicity of the PES membranes after adding Merpol surfactant to the casting solution. The findings also revealed a gradual increase in the average size of the membrane pores in sub-layer and thinner top layer, proportional to the increase of surfactant content in the solution. The results also confirmed the increase of PWF under the influence of surfactant increase. As a result, for the membrane containing 8 wt% Merpol additive, the lowest CA (52.08°), the highest PWF (76.31 L/m2 h), and maximum AMX excretion (97%) were achieved.
Globalization and comparative compositional inequality
Authors: Philips Andrew Q. , Souza Flávio D. S. , Whitten Guy D.
Published: July 2019

Globalization has been one of the biggest driving forces of the last half century. There has been substantial disagreement about the impact that increased international integration has on income inequality. Though most agree that globalization positively affects economic output, it is no surprise that it leads to relative winners and losers within nations. The question that remains is where in the income distribution are these relative gains and losses occurring? We offer a broader picture of globalization's effects on inequality by using a dynamic compositional approach to test the impact of globalization and relative factor endowments on the composition of income. Using data from four countries, we model the effects of globalization on quantiles of the income distribution. Our findings suggest that globalization has substantial (and divergent) effects across income strata, and that these effects differ across nations based on relative factor endowments.
Preliminary Test of the EA-AGE3 System for 14C Measurement of CaCO3 Samples and Coral-Based Estimation of Marine Reservoir Correction in the Ogasawara Islands, Northwestern Subtropical Pacific
Authors: Saito-Kokubu Yoko , Mitsuguchi Takehiro , Watanabe Takahiro , Yamada Tsutomu , Asami Ryuji , Iryu Yasufumi
Published: July 2019

We conducted a preliminary test of the coupled system of an elemental analyzer and the automated graphitization equipment Ionplus AGE3 (EA-AGE3 method) for accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS 14C) measurements of CaCO3 samples, by comparing with the conventional method where the samples are hydrolyzed in phosphoric acid and resulting CO2 gas is manually graphitized in a vacuum line (HPA method). The samples used in the test were the IAEA C2 travertine, fossil and modern corals from the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Islands, respectively (both are located in the northwestern subtropical Pacific). Results indicate that, relative to the HPA method, the EA-AGE3 method tends to cause an increase of ~0.4–0.5 pMC with more widely scattered data. This is presumably due to 14C contamination in the EA (the most likely cause seems to be a memory effect of 14C); this effect could be reduced by careful optimization of conditions and procedures in the EA process. The 14C data of pre-bomb annual bands (1931–1949 AD) in the modern Ogasawara coral obtained by the HPA method were used to estimate the marine reservoir 14C-age correction (ΔR) of this region; it ranges from –109 yr to –28 yr with the mean value with standard deviation of –81 ± 29 yr.
Pharmacological treatment of violence in schizophrenia
Authors: Strassnig Martin T. , Nascimento Vanessa , Deckler Elizabeth , Harvey Philip D.
Published: July 2019

Chronic aggression and violence in schizophrenia are rare, but receive disproportionate negative media coverage. This contributes to the stigma of mental illness and reduces accessibility to mental health services. Substance Use Disorders (SUD), antisocial behavior, non-adherence and recidivism are known risk factors for violence. Treatment with antipsychotic medication can reduce violence. Aside from clozapine, long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) appear to be superior to oral antipsychotics for preventing violence, addressing adherence and recidivism. LAI also facilitate the implementation of functional skills training. For the high-risk recidivist target population with schizophrenia, better life skills have the potential to also reduce the risk for contact with the legal system, including an improved ability to live independently in supported environments and interact appropriately with others. High-risk patients who are resistant to treatment with other antipsychotics should receive treatment with clozapine due to its direct positive effects on impulsive violence, along with a reduction in comorbid risk factors such as SUDs.
An examination of teacher questioning in a Year 8 Classics class
Authors: Vale Eleanor
Published: July 2019

This assignment investigates the effects of various questioning strategies on the engagement and attainment of a Year 8 Classics class1. I became increasingly interested in questioning whilst reading more widely about Assessment for Learning (AfL) for my School Experience Report (SER), and decided that the omnipresence of questioning in every classroom would make it a valuable focus for this report. Building on my understanding of the importance of questioning as an AfL strategy, my aim was to devise a series of lessons making explicit use of different types of questioning and to analyse the relative successes and failures of each approach. This was measured by assessing overall class participation and by specifically studying the responses and involvement of five ‘focus’ students. Profiles of these students are below and each student has been allocated a pseudonym.
Comprehensible Input and Krashen's theory
Authors: Patrick Robert
Published: July 2019

Over the last 20 years in the United States a curious and likely unpredictable movement has been evolving in the way that we teach Latin and ancient Greek. A set of pedagogical principles known as Comprehensible Input (hereafter CI) has become a vehicle of change affecting our classrooms, our professional organisations and our teacher training programs as well as our relationships with and our positions in world language organisations. These changes to the teaching of classical languages were unpredictable because at the outset CI represented a set of hypotheses and then principles that even their progenitor, Stephen Krashen, thought of as the way into acquiring modern languages while teachers of classical languages had constructed a fortified wall around themselves built on the notion that Latin and ancient Greek were uniquely different from modern languages and, therefore, required different approaches. In many iterations of this wall, only a select cadre of students was thought (and easily demonstrated to be) capable of or even interested in mastering classical languages. This article will examine very briefly what this wave of change has been like in the Latin classrooms and institutions of the US and examine in particular the principles of Comprehensible Input: what they propose, how they are being practised in Latin classrooms, and the obstacles they encounter as well as opportunities they afford Latin programs which intend to survive and thrive in the coming years.
Working Class(ics): an immodest proposal
Authors: Moran Jerome
Published: July 2019

(The reader must decide whether to take the proposal seriously. It is no more of a maggot than Swift's modest proposal.)
Testing Orthopyroxene Diffusion Chronometry on Rocks From the Lanzo Massif (Italian Alps)
Authors: Jollands Michael C. , Müntener Othmar
Published: July 2019

Rocks from the northern and central zones of the Lanzo peridotite massif contain large (>3 mm) orthopyroxene crystals, often within a fine‐grained matrix. The rocks have been decompressed and cooled from the spinel peridotite field, via plagioclase peridotite to near the ocean floor. Orthopyroxene preserves evidence of the early part of this cooling history in the form of Cr and Al (plus various trace elements) loss profiles. Independent geological constraints can be placed on the cooling rates by considerations of absolute age (slowest possible cooling rate) and thermal modeling (fastest possible cooling rate), allowing a test of cooling rates retrieved from orthopyroxene diffusion chronometry. Quantitative profiles (mostly along the crystallographic c axis) and qualitative maps were measured for a series of orthopyroxene crystals, and the cooling rate extracted by diffusion modeling. It is possible to successfully extract reliable cooling rates from frozen Cr diffusion profiles in orthopyroxene, suggesting that the available experimental data are applicable to natural orthopyroxene. However, there are caveats related to the diffusion mechanism, boundary conditions when passing through the spinel‐plagioclase peridotite transition, and the potential effect of ubiquitous clinopyroxene exsolution lamellae on diffusion pathways and element partitioning. The usual issues of extracting 2‐D or 1‐D data from a 3‐D system apply, in addition to issues relating to shearing of orthopyroxene grains leading to moving boundaries. Al diffusion in orthopyroxene may be a more useful tool than Cr for assessing cooling rates, but its diffusivity is currently unconstrained.
Modeled Subglacial Water Flow Routing Supports Localized Intrusive Heating as a Possible Cause of Basal Melting of Mars' South Polar Ice Cap
Authors: Arnold N. S. , Conway S. J. , Butcher F. E. G. , Balme M. R.
Published: July 2019

The discovery of an ~20‐km‐wide area of bright subsurface radar reflections, interpreted as liquid water, beneath the Martian south polar layered deposits (SPLD) in data from the Mars Advanced Radar for Subsurface and Ionosphere Sounding (MARSIS) instrument, and the discovery of two geologically recent potential eskers (landforms produced by subglacial melt) associated with viscous flow features in Martian midlatitudes, has suggested recent basal melting of Martian ice deposits may be feasible, possibly due to locally elevated geothermal heating. Locations of terrestrial subglacial lakes and major drainage axes have been successfully predicted from subglacial hydraulic potential surfaces calculated from surface topography and ice thickness. Here, we use surface topography from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter and SPLD bed elevations derived from MARSIS data to calculate the subglacial hydraulic potential surface beneath the SPLD and determine whether the observed high reflectance area coincides with predicted subglacial lake locations. Given the sensitivity of terrestrial predictions of lake locations to basal topography, we derive over 1,000 perturbed topographies (using noise statistics from the MARSIS data) to infer the most likely locations of possible subglacial water bodies and drainage axes. Our results show that the high reflectance area does not coincide with any substantial predicted lake locations; three nearby lake locations are robustly predicted however. We interpret this result as suggesting that the high reflectance area (assuming the interpretation as liquid is correct) is most likely a hydraulically isolated patch of liquid confined by the surrounding cold‐based ice, rather than a topographically‐constrained subglacial lake.
Jumonji domain-containing 6 (JMJD6) identified as a potential therapeutic target in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Heng , Tie Yan , Fang Zhen , Wu Xiaoai , Yi Tao , Huang Shuang , Liang Xiao , Qian Yanping , Wang Xi , Pi Ruyu , Chen Siyuan , Peng Yong , Yang Shengyong , Zhao Xia , Wei Xiawei
Published: July 2019

Jumonji domain-containing 6 (JMJD6) is a candidate gene associated with tumorigenesis, and JMJD6 overexpression predicts poor differentiation and unfavorable survival in some cancers. However, there are no studies reporting the expression of JMJD6 in ovarian cancer, and no JMJD6 inhibitors have been developed and applied to targeted cancer therapy research. In the present study, we found that the high expression of JMJD6 in ovarian cancer was correlated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. A potential inhibitor (SKLB325) was designed based on the crystal structure of the jmjC domain of JMJD6. This molecule significantly suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in SKOV3 cell lines as detected by CCK-8 cell proliferation assays and flow cytometry. A Matrigel endothelial tube formation assay showed that SKLB325 inhibited capillary tube organization and migration in HUVECs in vitro. We also observed that JMJD6 colocalized with p53 protein in the nucleus, with mRNA and protein expression of p53 as well as its downstream effectors significantly increasing both in vitro and in intraperitoneal tumor tissues treated with SKLB325. In addition, SKLB325 significantly reduced the intraperitoneal tumor weight and markedly prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Taken together, our findings suggest that JMJD6 may be a marker of poor prognosis in ovarian cancer and that SKLB325 may be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of ovarian cancer.