bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Well‐developed muscle attachments in British Albian inoceramids (Inoceramidae, Bivalvia): implications for inoceramid palaeobiology, evolution and taxonomy
Authors: Knight Robin I. , Morris Noel J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWell‐developed muscle scars and associated thickened myostracum preserved in the umbones of phosphatized Gnesioceramus anglicus (Woods) provide insights into the palaeobiology of the Inoceramidae. Deeply anchored pedo‐byssal (anterior and posterior) and gill retractor muscle scars are identified amongst the umbonal scars. Comparison with modern bivalves indicates that the remainder of the umbonal scars, and other deeply incised muscle scars around the pallial line in G. anglicus were attachment sites for mantle muscles that were used to aid soft‐part manipulation. Unusually thick umbonal pallial myostracum in G. anglicus, comprising stacked growth increments, indicates that the mantle musculature was well developed and strongly anchored, and therefore that inoceramid soft tissues represented a significant body mass. This suggests that the complex gill, with unusual number of filament components per plica, observed in gigantiform inoceramids, may have also been present in moderate‐sized species of the family. The muscle scars observed in G. anglicus and Actinoceramus concentricus (Parkinson) are found in several extant families within the Pteriomorphia, notably Isognomonidae and Pteriidae, further strengthening the argument for their place in this infraclass. More specifically this is additional evidence for the Inoceramidae being part of the Ostreida. However, the muscle scar organization observed in this study does not provide further evidence in the conundrum that is the superfamily affiliations of this family.
Designing Alternative Non‐Fullerene Molecular Electron Acceptors for Solution‐Processable Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Sauvé Geneviève 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUntil recently, solution‐processable organic photovoltaics (OPVs) mainly relied on fullerene derivatives as the n‐type material, paired with a p‐type conjugated polymer. However, fullerene derivatives have disadvantages that limit OPV performance, thus fueling research of non‐fullerene acceptors (NFAs). Initially, NFAs showed poor performance due to difficulties in obtaining favorable blend morphologies. One example is our work with 2,6‐dialkylamino core‐substituted naphthalene diimides. Researchers then learned to control blend morphology by NFA molecular design. To limit miscibility with polymer while preventing excessive self‐aggregation, non‐planar, twisted or 3D structures were reported. An example of a 3D structure is our work with homoleptic zinc(II) complexes of azadipyrromethene. The most recent design is a planar A‐D‐A conjugated system where the D unit is rigid and has orthogonal side chains to control aggregation. These have propelled power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) to ∼14 %, surpassing fullerene‐based OPVs. These exciting new developments prompt further investigations of NFAs and provide a bright future for OPVs.
Surface Compositions of Oxide Supported Bimetallic Catalysts: A Compared Study by High‐Sensitivity Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy and X‐Ray Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yangyang , Huang Junjie , Zheng Yanping , Chen Mingshu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIt is well known that there is a critical relationship between the surface composition and catalytic performance for a bimetallic catalyst. However, in most cases, the surface composition is obviously different from that of the bulk. Moreover, the surface is normally reconstructed under reaction conditions. In this personal account, our recent progresses in determining the surface compositions of oxide supported bimetal catalysts by high‐sensitivity low energy ion scattering spectroscopy (HS‐LEIS) and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) are summarized. Phase diagrams of the surface compositions under various conditions as a function of the bulk composition are established and compared. It is found that oxidation induces de‐alloying and enrichment of PdO, CuO, SnO2 on the surface, while H2 reduction results in re‐alloying. The addition of the second component not only modifies the nature of the active site, but also varies the dispersion of the active components. The support effects are discussed. The compared studies reveal that HS‐LEIS can achieve a more reliable surface composition for oxide supported catalysts.
Gold‐Palladium Nanocluster Catalysts for Homocoupling: Electronic Structure and Interface Dynamics
Authors: Ehara Masahiro , Priyakumar U. Deva 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe gold‐palladium (Au−Pd) bimetallic nanocluster (NC) catalyst in colloidal phase performs the homocoupling reaction of various aryl chlorides (Ar−Cl) under ambient conditions. We have systematically investigated various aspects of the Au−Pd NC catalysts with respect to this homocoupling reaction by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, genetic algorithm (GA) approaches, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our findings include the geometric and electronic structures of the Au−Pd NC, the reactive Pd sites on the NC surface, the electron‐donating effects of surrounding polymer matrix, the reaction mechanism of homocoupling reaction and rate‐determining step, the inverse halogen dependence of the reaction, and the solvation dynamics at interface region between NC and polymer matrix in aqueous solution.
Male and female anatomical homologies in the perineum of the dog (Canis familiaris)
Authors: Hall Margaret I. , Plochocki Jeffrey H. , Rodriguez‐Sosa José R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the homologies between male and female perineal structure helps both evolutionary biologists and clinicians better understand the evolution and anatomy of canines. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) play an important role in human society, and canine perineal anatomy is important for maintaining dogs’ reproductive health for successful breeding and a wide variety of pathologies. Here, we investigate homologies between male and female perineal structure, identifying structures based on common function, anatomical relationships and attachments. In this investigation we dissected 21 male and female large‐breed dogs. We find broad structural homologies between male and female dogs related to erection, micturition and defecation, including muscles, fasciae and erectile tissue. Using these homologies will help anatomists and clinicians interpret the anatomical organization of the perineum, a notoriously difficult area of anatomy.
Effect of immunosuppressive drugs on cytokine production in canine whole blood stimulated with lipopolysaccharide or a combination of ionomycin and phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate
Authors: Dandrieux Julien R.S. , Narayanan Lakshmi , Firestone Simon , Archer Todd M. , Mansfield Caroline S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA pharmacodynamic assay has been previously developed to monitor ciclosporin treatment in dogs by assessing inhibition of cytokine transcription after whole blood stimulation with 12‐myristate 13‐1 acetate and ionomycin (PMA/I). In this study, whole blood stimulation with either PMA/I or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to assess the effect of multiple drugs (azathioprine, ciclosporin, mycophenolate, leflunomide and prednisone) after a 7‐day treatment course on production of cytokines measured with a multiplex assay in healthy dogs (n = 4 for each treatment). Interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), interferon gamma (IFNγ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were significantly activated by PMA/I stimulation and IL‐6, IL‐10 and TNFα by LPS stimulation, in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs. After ciclosporin treatment, IL‐10, IFNγ and TNFα production was significantly reduced after stimulation with PMA/I compared to pre‐treatment. After prednisone treatment, TNFα production was significantly reduced after stimulation with PMA/I or LPS compared to pre‐treatment. No significant change was observed after treatment with azathioprine, leflunomide or mycophenolate. This methodology may be useful to monitor dogs not only treated with ciclosporin, but also with prednisone or a combination of both. Further studies are needed to assess the use of this assay in a clinical setting.
First report of caprine abortions due to Chlamydia abortus in Argentina
Authors: Di Paolo Leandro A. , Alvarado Pinedo María F. , Origlia Javier , Fernández Gerardo , Uzal Francisco A. , Travería Gabriel E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractInfectious abortions of goats in Argentina are mainly associated with brucellosis and toxoplasmosis. In this paper, we describe an abortion outbreak in goats caused by Chlamydia abortus. Seventy out of 400 goats aborted. Placental smears stained with modified Ziehl‐Neelsen stain showed many chlamydia‐like bodies within trophoblasts. One stillborn fetus was necropsied and the placenta was examined. No gross lesions were seen in the fetus, but the inter‐cotyledonary areas of the placenta were thickened and covered by fibrino‐suppurative exudate. The most consistent microscopic finding was found in the placenta and consisted of fibrinoid necrotic vasculitis, with mixed inflammatory infiltration in the tunica media. Immunohistochemistry of the placenta was positive for Chlamydia spp. The results of polymerase chain reaction targeting 23S rRNA gene performed on placenta were positive for Chlamydia spp. An analysis of 417 amplified nucleotide sequences revealed 99% identity to those of C. abortus pm225 (GenBank AJ005617) and pm112 (GenBank AJ005613) isolates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of abortion associated with C. abortus in Argentina.
What Is Unfair about Unequal Brute Luck? An Intergenerational Puzzle
Authors: Beard S. J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAccording to Luck egalitarians, fairness requires us to bring it about that nobody is worse off than others where this results from brute bad luck, but not where they choose or deserve to be so. In this paper, I consider one type of brute bad luck that appears paradigmatic of what a Luck Egalitarian ought to be most concerned about, namely that suffered by people who are born to badly off parents and are less well off as a result. However, when we consider what is supposedly unfair about this kind of unequal brute luck, luck egalitarians face a dilemma. According to the standard account of luck egalitarianism, differential brute luck is unfair because of its effects on the distribution of goods. Yet, where some parents are worse off because they have chosen to be imprudent, it may be impossible to neutralize these effects without creating a distribution that seems at least as unfair. This, I argue, is problematic for luck egalitarianism. I, therefore, explore two alternative views that can avoid this problem. On the first of these, proposed by Shlomi Segall, the distributional effects of unequal brute luck are unfair only when they make a situation more unequal, but not when they make it more equal. On the second, it is the unequal brute luck itself, rather than its distributional effects, that is unfair. I conclude with some considerations in favour of this second view, while accepting that both are valid responses to the problem I describe.
Hydro-Jet Dissection of the Cavernous Nerves Preserves Erection Function in a Radical Prostatectomy Animal Model
Authors: Campbell Jeffrey D. , Alenezi Husain , DeYoung Ling X. , Brock Gerald B. , Pautler Stephen E. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Background
Postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a prevalent consequence of radical prostatectomy (RP) that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Water-jet technology is widely used for dissection in neurosurgical procedures but novel to urologic surgery.

Aim
To establish the impact of hydro-jet dissection (HJD) of the cavernous nerves (CN) on postoperative erectile function in an animal model of RP-induced ED.

Methods
32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 4 groups: Sham surgery (n = 8), bilateral HJD of CN (n = 8), blunt CN injury (n = 8), or stretch CN injury (n = 8). After 4 weeks, erectile function was assessed by measuring intracavernous pressure (ICP), and penile tissues were harvested for immunohistologic studies.

Main Outcome Measure
The peak ICP and the area under the curve were calculated for each group. Immunohistologic studies were performed for α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase on cross-sections of penile tissue.

Results
Rats in the HJD group demonstrate a significantly higher mean peak ICP and area under the curve compared with both CN injury groups (P = .001). Postoperative erectile function in the HJD group returned to baseline function. Preservation of α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase was observed in the HJD group compared with the other surgical trauma groups.

Clinical Implications
Hydro-jet dissection used in an RP animal model maintains erectile function and offers a potential benefit that warrants further human studies.

Strengths & Limitations
This is a novel animal study comparing a new technology to established CN dissection techniques. This study uses an animal model, which may not completely translate to post-RP ED in humans.

Conclusion
Hydro-jet dissection of the CN during RP in an animal model is associated with significantly better postoperative erectile function when compared with other CN injury. Clinical studies are needed to further investigate the putative benefit of HJD on erectile function in patients undergoing RP.
Compromised Sexual Health Among Male Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Palm Pernille , Zwisler Ann-Dorthe , Svendsen Jesper Hastrup , Giraldi Annamaria , Rasmussen Marianne Linnet , Berg Selina Kikkenborg 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction
In cardiac patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), sexual function is sparsely described.

Aim
To determine the prevalence and distribution of sexual dysfunction, and to describe whether primary or secondary prophylactic ICD indication and antitachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock is associated with sexual function.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of men with an implanted ICD was conducted at 2 university hospitals in Denmark. Inclusion criteria were men over the age of 18 with an ICD. Exclusion criterion was no partner.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual function was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and data on implantation indication (primary/secondary prevention) and therapy such as ATP and shock (both appropriate and inappropriate) was obtained from the Danish ICD Register.

Results
Data from 415 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate 50.2%). Patients had a mean age of 63.9±12.1 years. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was present in 70% of patients, orgasmic dysfunction was present in 57.9% of patients, 82.8% had reduced sexual desire, 85.8% had intercourse satisfaction problems, and 76.9% experienced overall satisfaction problems (non-validated metric except for ED). Patients with an ICD on primary prophylactic indication had more sexual dysfunction and ED compared with patients with an ICD on secondary prophylactic indication. ATP therapy, but not shock, was associated with more ED.

Conclusion
Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with ICD and is not limited to ED, but also orgasmic function, desire, intercourse, and overall satisfaction are affected. Primary prophylactic ICD indication and ATP, but not shock therapy, is associated with compromised sexual function.
Sexual Activity the Night Before Exercise Does Not Affect Various Measures of Physical Exercise Performance
Authors: Zavorsky Gerald S. , Vouyoukas Eleftherios , Pfaus James G. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Introduction
The idea that sexual activity can affect athletic performance has been a matter of conjecture for the past several decades.

Aim
To provide preliminary data on whether sexual activity the evening before several physical exercise performance tests affects performance the next day.

Methods
Eight participants (mean age, 28 ± 5 years) underwent several physical exercise performance tests on 3 different mornings, under 3 conditions: (i) no sexual intercourse the night before the tests (control), (ii) sexual intercourse the night before the tests, and (iii) yoga the night before the tests (randomized, single-blinded).

Main Outcome Measures
Physical work capacity, lower body muscular power (standing vertical jump), upper body strength (handgrip strength), reaction time, and upper body musculoskeletal endurance (number of push-ups completed).

Results
All participants experienced orgasm through intercourse. The more pleasurable the orgasm, the lower the systolic blood pressure (SBP) on the day after intercourse (Spearman’s rho = -0.86; P = .007). For every 2% increase in the total orgasm score, SBP decreased by 1 mmHg. Intercourse lasted 13 minutes; mean heart rate (HR) and caloric expenditure ranged from 88 to 145 beats/minute and from 53 to 190 kcal, respectively. There were no significant differences in the physical working capacity that elicited an HR of 170 beats/minute, number of push-ups completed, vertical jump height, grip strength, or reaction time across the 3 conditions.

Conclusion
Orgasm through sexual activity on the night before physical exercise may reduce SBP; however, we were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant difference in physical exercise performance in any of the 3 conditions.
Characterization of Mood Instability through Bipolar Disorders: A cluster-analytic approach using weekly prospective life-chart methodology
Authors: Szmulewicz A.G. , Martino D.J. , Strejilevich S.A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterize mood instability (MI) in Bipolar Disorder (BD) and to investigate potential differences between subtype I and II.MethodsLife-charts from weekly mood ratings of 90 patients were used to compute: weeks spent with symptoms, number of episodes, and MI. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between BD subtype and MI adjusting by all potential confounding factors. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to determine the appropriate number of clusters that described the data and to assign subjects to a specific cluster based on their MI. We then compared clusters on clinical and psychosocial outcomes.ResultsMedian follow-up was 5 years (IQR: 3.6–7.9). Patients spent 15.2%, 5%, and 3% of follow-up with depressive, manic, and mixed symptoms, respectively. BD type II presented higher MI (β = 1.83, 95% CI: 0.66–3.00) and subsydromal symptoms than BD type I patients. No differences in functioning or recurrences were found between subtypes. Differences in MI between the two clusters mimicked those between type I and II but enhanced (β = 3.86, 95%CI -4.72, -2.66). High MI (n = 43) patients presented poorer functioning and higher recurrences compared to Low MI patients (n = 43).ConclusionBD type II presented higher MI and subsyndromal symptoms than BD type I patients. However, these differences did not translate into clinically relevant outcomes. A classification based on MI may provide useful clinical insights.
Evaluation of DNA damage and mutation screening of exon 26 of SCN1A gene in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Sekar Nishu , Ramgir Shalaka , Prabhu D , Renu Kaviyarasi , V.G Abilash 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Background Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders. Around 50 million people worldwide suffer from Epilepsy, 85% of them are from the developing countries. It is a most significant as well as common brain disorder worldwide. Sodium channel alpha 1 subunit gene (SCN1A) is most commonly mutated the gene in different forms of epilepsy.
Objective To screen the genomic damage and SCN1A gene mutation in patients with epilepsy.
Methods To screen the genetic instability of SCN1A gene using Buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay and molecular analysis with Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) technique was used to observe the variations in SCN1A gene.
Results We found significant differences in buccal cells of patients than controls. So, we can interpret that BMCyt assay would be a minimally invasive biomarker to detect DNA damage and mutation screening in the SCN1A gene with SSCP technique showed no variation in epileptic patients.
Conclusion These data confirmed that there is certainly DNA damage and no mutations in the SCN1A gene; hence the genetic instability has occurred in epileptic patients.
The role of decoupling factor on sugarcane crop water use under tropical conditions
Authors: Nassif Daniel Silveira Pinto , da Costa Leandro Garcia , Vianna Murilo dos Santos , dos Santos Carvalho Kassio , Marin Fabio Ricardo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe expansion of sugarcane crop to regions with lower water supply in Brazil has increased the importance of correct estimation of crop water requirements. Currently, the irrigation management is generally done using the crop coefficient (Kc) based on the FAO 56 bulletin. Kc is used to determine the potential water demand of the crop for a given period of time and is considered constant for each crop stage. However, some recent studies have shown that Kc can be significantly variable under different evapotranspiration (ETo) rates. This paper aimed to analyse sugarcane water consumption at different scales: plant (sap flow measurements by energy balance method); canopy (Bowen ratio energy balance method); and plant–atmosphere coupling (infrared gas analyser) to reduce the uncertainties on the irrigation practices. Measurements were taken at two experimental sites, where a modern Brazilian cultivar CTC 12 was grown under drip irrigation and an old main Brazilian cultivar (RB867515) was grown under sprinkler irrigation by a central pivot. The mean crop evapotranspiration (ETc) values by the Bowen ratio energy balance method were 2.92 and 3.68 mm d−1 for RB867515 and CTC 12, respectively, resulting in a mean Kc of 0.99 at the full vegetative growth stage. Kc values were dependent on ETo and varied between 0.2 and 1.7 for both cultivars. This occurred in a crop coupled to the atmosphere (Ω = 0.37) and was the same found in other coupled crops such as coffee and citrus. In conclusion, the sugarcane Kc for southeast Brazil presented temporal variability due to coupling conditions according to reference evapotranspiration, and this should be considered in irrigation management.
A drift of Langmuir waves in a magnetized inhomogeneous plasma
Authors: Erofeev Vasily I. 
Published: January 2019

The concept of informativeness of nonlinear plasma physics scenarios is explained. Natural ideas of developing highly informative models of plasma kinetics are spelled out. They are applied to develop a formula that governs the drift of long Langmuir waves in spatial positions and wave vectors in a magnetized plasma due to the plasma inhomogeneity. Together with previous findings (Erofeev, Phys. Plasmas, vol. 22, 2015, 092302), the formula evidences the need for an intelligent generalization of the notion of wave energy density from usual homogeneous plasmas to inhomogeneous ones.
Inclusion of neural effort in cost function can explain perceptual decision suboptimality
Authors: Shimansky Yury P. , Dounskaia Natalia 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA more general form of optimality approach applied to the entire behavioral paradigm should be used instead of abandoning the optimality approach. Adding the cost of information processing to the optimality criterion and taking into account some other recently proposed aspects of decision optimization could substantially increase the explanatory power of an optimality approach to modeling perceptual decision making.