bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the relationship between intraspecific competition and individual specialization across both behavior and diet
Authors: Adey Amaryllis K. , Larson Eric R.
Published: July 2021

Individual specialization within populations is increasingly recognized as important in both ecology and evolution, but researchers working on intraspecific variation in behavior and diet infrequently interact. This may be because individual specialization on diet and behavior was historically difficult to investigate simultaneously on the same individuals. However, approaches like stable isotope analysis that allow hindcasting past field diets for laboratory organisms may provide opportunities to unite these areas of inquiry. Here, we tested the role of intraspecific competition on individual specialization through analysis of both behavior and diet simultaneously. We focused on intraspecific competition as a mechanism that might drive individual specialization of both diet and behavior. We conducted this study in Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States (US), using rusty crayfish Faxonius rusticus from six lakes across a relative abundance gradient. We conducted six assays to measure individual specialization of behavior and used stable isotope analysis to measure individual specialization of diet. We then related both measures of individual specialization to relative abundance of F. rusticus using linear and quadratic models. We found a unimodal relationship between intraspecific competition and individual specialization of diet for F. rusticus, likely because some preferred resources are unavailable to specialize on at the highest densities of this well‐studied crayfish invader. Conversely, we found greater support for a linear relationship between individual specialization of behavior and intraspecific competition, perhaps because specialization by behavior is not inherently resource‐limited. Our results show that dietary and behavioral specialization may exhibit different responses to increased intraspecific competition, and demonstrate a potential technique that can be used to investigate individual specialization of diet and behavior simultaneously for the same individuals and populations.
Demographic determinants of the phenotypic mother–offspring correlation
Authors: Plard Floriane , Barthold Jones Julia A. , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Coulson Tim , Tuljapurkar Shripad
Published: July 2021

Phenotypic traits partly determine expected survival and reproduction, and so have been used as the basis for demographic models of population dynamics. Within a population, the distribution of phenotypic traits depends upon their transmission from parents to offspring, yet we still have a limited understanding of the factors shaping phenotypic transmission in wild populations. Phenotypic transmission can be measured using the phenotypic parent–offspring correlation (C), defined as the slope of the regression of offspring phenotypic trait on parental phenotypic trait, both traits measured at the same age, often at birth. This correlation reflects phenotypic variation due to both additive genetic effects and parental effects. Researchers seldom account for the possible influence of selection on estimates of the phenotypic parent–offspring correlation. However, because individuals must grow, survive, and reproduce before giving birth to offspring, these ,aphic processes might influence the phenotypic parent–offspring correlation in addition to the inheritance process, the latter being the direct relationship between parental and offspring phenotypic traits when the parental trait is measured at age of reproduction and the offspring trait is measured at birth. Here we used a female‐based population model to study the relative effects of fertility and viability selections, trait ontogeny and inheritance on C. The relative influence of each demographic process is estimated by deriving the exact formulas for the proportional changes in C to changes in the parameters of integral projection models structured by age and phenotypic traits. We illustrate our method for two long‐lived species. We find that C can be strongly affected by both viability and fertility selections, mediated by growth and inheritance. Generally, demographic processes that result in mothers reproducing at similar phenotypic traits regardless of their birth traits, such as high fertility selection or converging developmental trajectories, lead to a decreased C. More generally, our models show how the age and phenotypic dependence of fertility and viability selections can influence phenotypic mother–offspring correlation to a much larger extent than ontogeny and inheritance. Our results suggest that accounting for such dependence is needed to model the distribution of offspring phenotypic traits and the ecoevolutionary dynamics of phenotypic traits reliably.
DAMA: the global Distribution of Alien Mammals database
Authors: Biancolini Dino , Vascellari Vittorio , Melone Beatrice , Blackburn Tim M. , Cassey Phillip , Scrivens Sally L. , Rondinini Carlo
Published: July 2021

We developed the DAMA (Distribution of Alien Mammals) database, a comprehensive source reporting the global distribution of the 230 species of mammals that have established self‐sustaining and free‐ranging populations outside their native range due to direct or indirect human action. Every alien range is accompanied by information on its invasion stage, pathway, method of introduction, and date of introduction. We collected information from 827 different sources (scientific literature, books, risk assessments, reports, online biodiversity databases and websites), and used it to draw alien range maps for these species following the IUCN mapping framework. DAMA comprises 2,726 range polygons, covering 199 countries, 2,190 level 1 administrative areas, and 11 zoogeographic realms for the period 21500 BC–AD 2017. The most represented orders among introduced mammal species are Rodentia (n = 58, 25.22%), Cetartiodactyla (n = 49 species, 21.30%), Carnivora (n = 30 species, 13.04%), Diprotodontia (n = 28, 12.17%), and Primates (n = 26, 11.30%). Mammal species have been frequently introduced for hunting (n = 100), pet trade (n = 57), conservation (n = 51), and fauna improvement (n = 42). The majority of range polygons are placed on islands (n = 2,196, 80.56%), encompass populations that have moved beyond establishment and into the invasion stage (n = 1,655, 60.71%), and originated from 1500 AD to the present (n = 1,496, 54.88%). Despite inheriting literature biases towards more studied regions (e.g., developed countries), DAMA is the most up‐to‐date picture of alien mammal global distribution and can be used to investigate their invasion ecology across different biogeographical regions. There are no copyright or proprietary restrictions; IUCN range maps were modified into a derivative work according to the IUCN’s terms of service.
Parsimonious model selection using information theory: a modified selection rule
Authors: Yates Luke A. , Richards Shane A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: July 2021

Information‐theoretic approaches to model selection, such as Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and cross validation, provide a rigorous framework to select among candidate hypotheses in ecology, yet the persistent concern of overfitting undermines the interpretation of inferred processes. A common misconception is that overfitting is due to the choice of criterion or model score, despite research demonstrating that selection uncertainty associated with score estimation is the predominant influence. Here we introduce a novel selection rule that identifies a parsimonious model by directly accounting for estimation uncertainty, while still retaining an information‐theoretic interpretation. The new rule, which is a modification of the existing one‐standard‐error rule, mitigates overfitting and reduces the likelihood that spurious effects will be included in the selected model, thereby improving its inferential properties. We present the rule and illustrative examples in the context of maximum‐likelihood estimation and Kullback‐Leibler discrepancy, although the rule is applicable in a more general setting, including Bayesian model selection and other types of discrepancy.
A global longitudinal strain cut‐off value to predict adverse outcomes in individuals with a normal ejection fraction
Authors: Verdonschot Job A.J. , Henkens Michiel T.H.M. , Wang Ping , Schummers Georg , Raafs Anne G. , Krapels Ingrid P.C. , van Empel Vanessa , Heymans Stephane R.B. , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Knackstedt Christian
Published: July 2021

Aims

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has become an alternative to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to determine systolic function of the heart. The absence of cut‐off values is one of the limitations preventing full clinical implementation. The aim of this study is to determine a cut‐off value of GLS for an increased risk of adverse events in individuals with a normal LVEF.

Methods and results

Echocardiographic images of 502 subjects (52% female, mean age 48 ± 15) with an LVEF ≥ 55% were analysed using speckle tracking‐based GLS. The primary endpoint was cardiovascular death or cardiac hospitalization. The analysis of Cox models with splines was performed to visualize the effect of GLS on outcome. A cut‐off value was suggested by determining the optimal specificity and sensitivity. The median GLS was −22.2% (inter‐quartile range −20.0 to −24.9%). In total, 35 subjects (7%) had a cardiac hospitalization and/or died because of cardiovascular disease during a follow‐up of 40 (5–80) months. There was a linear correlation between the risk for adverse events and GLS value. Subjects with a normal LVEF and a GLS between −22.9% and −20.9% had a mildly increased risk (hazard ratio 1.01–2.0) for cardiac hospitalization or cardiovascular mortality, and the risk was doubled for subjects with a GLS of −20.9% and higher. The optimal specificity and sensitivity were determined at a GLS value of −20.0% (hazard ratio 2.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.71–3.61).

Conclusions

There is a strong correlation between cardiac adverse events and GLS values in subjects with a normal LVEF. In our single‐centre study, −20.0% was determined as a cut‐off value to identify subjects at risk. A next step should be to integrate GLS values in a multi‐parametric model.
Right ventricular hemodynamics and performance in relation to perfusion during first year after heart transplantation
Authors: Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt , Løgstrup Brian Bridal , Bjerre Kamilla Pernille , Tolbod Lars Poulsen , Harms Hendrik J. , Sörensen Jens , Eiskjær Hans
Published: July 2021

Aims

We aim to evaluate changes in invasive haemodynamics, right ventricular (RV) function, and perfusion during the first year after heart transplantation (HTx) and to determine the relation between RV function and myocardial perfusion.

Methods and results

Thirty patients were prospectively enrolled at the time of HTx. Right heart catheterization (RHC), comprehensive 2D and 3D echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers were performed at baseline (≤2 weeks after HTx) and at follow‐up 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after HTx. At 12 months, HTx patients were subjected to an exercise stress test with assessment of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). RV myocardial perfusion reserve was evaluated by 15O‐H2O positron emission tomography at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after HTx. A group of 43 healthy subjects served as echocardiographic controls and a subgroup comprising 16 healthy controls underwent exercise stress test with simultaneous RHC. At baseline, HTx patients had higher pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) and right atrial pressure (RAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) than healthy controls whereas cardiac index (CI) was reduced (PAWP; 14 mmHg [8;17] vs. 8 mmHg [7;10]; RAP: 7 mmHg [4;11] vs. 5 mmHg [4;6]; PVR: 1.9 wood units [1.3;2.6] vs. 1.1 wood units [1.0;1.4]; CI 2.4 L/min/m2 [2.2;2.8] vs. 3.3 L/min/m2 [2.8;.3.6], all P < 0.05). Normalization of filling pressures and CI was seen 3–6 months after HTx. During follow‐up, RV function in terms of 3D ejection fraction (EF) and longitudinal strain (LS) improved in HTx patients but remained reduced compared with healthy controls at 12 months follow‐up (3D RV EF: 52 ± 7% vs. 60 ± 8%; RV LS: 22 ± 4% vs. 28 ± 5%, both P < 0.001). During follow‐up, RV perfusion reserve improved (baseline 2.1 ± 0.9; 3 months follow‐up 3.2 ± 0.8; 12 months follow‐up 3.7 ± 1.1, P < 0.0001). RV perfusion reserve significantly correlated to cardiac markers in terms of troponin T (r = −0.62, P < 0.0001), NT‐proBNP (r = −0.65, P < 0.0001), RAP (r = −0.43, P < 0.01) and CI (r = 0.37, P < 0.01) and with VO2max 12 months after HTx (r = 0.75, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Normalization of left and right atrial filling pressures is demonstrated within the first 3 to 6 months after HTx. RV function and RV perfusion reserve correlated and gradually improved during the first year after HTx but RV function remained reduced in HTx patients compared with healthy controls.
Efficacy of dapagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction according to body mass index
Authors: Adamson Carly , Jhund Pardeep S. , Docherty Kieran F. , Bělohlávek Jan , Chiang Chern‐En , Diez Mirta , Drożdż Jarosław , Dukát Andrej , Howlett Jonathan , Ljungman Charlotta E.A. , Petrie Mark C. , Schou Morten , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Køber Lars , Kosiborod Mikhail N. , Martinez Felipe A. , Ponikowski Piotr , Sabatine Marc S. , Solomon Scott D. , Bengtsson Olof , Langkilde Anna Maria , Lindholm Daniel , Sjöstrand Mikaela , McMurray John J.V.
Published: July 2021

Aims

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), there is an ‘obesity paradox’, where survival is better in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) and weight loss is associated with worse outcomes. We examined the effect of a sodium–glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor according to baseline BMI in the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse‐outcomes in Heart Failure trial (DAPA‐HF).

Methods and results

Body mass index was examined using standard categories, i.e. underweight (<18.5 kg/m2); normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2); overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2); obesity class I (30.0–34.9 kg/m2); obesity class II (35.0–39.9 kg/m2); and obesity class III (≥40 kg/m2). The primary outcome in DAPA‐HF was the composite of worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death. Overall, 1348 patients (28.4%) were under/normal‐weight, 1722 (36.3%) overweight, 1013 (21.4%) obesity class I and 659 (13.9%) obesity class II/III. The unadjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for the primary outcome with obesity class 1, the lowest risk group, as reference was: under/normal‐weight 1.41 (1.16–1.71), overweight 1.18 (0.97–1.42), obesity class II/III 1.37 (1.10–1.72). Patients with class I obesity were also at lowest risk of death. The effect of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome and other outcomes did not vary by baseline BMI, e.g. hazard ratio for primary outcome: under/normal‐weight 0.74 (0.58–0.94), overweight 0.81 (0.65–1.02), obesity class I 0.68 (0.50–0.92), obesity class II/III 0.71 (0.51–1.00) (P‐value for interaction = 0.79). The mean decrease in weight at 8 months with dapagliflozin was 0.9 (0.7–1.1) kg (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We confirmed an ‘obesity survival paradox’ in HFrEF. We showed that dapagliflozin was beneficial across the wide range of BMI studied.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03036124.
Regulatory T cells reduce endothelial neutral sphingomyelinase 2 to prevent T‐cell migration into tumors
Authors: Akeus Paulina , Szeponik Louis , Langenes Veronica , Karlsson Viktoria , Sundström Patrik , Bexe‐Lindskog Elinor , Tallon Carolyn , Slusher Barbara S. , Quiding‐Järbrink Marianne
Published: July 2021

Endothelial cells are key regulators of transendothelial migration and their secretion of chemokines and expression of adhesion molecules facilitates lymphocyte entry into tissues. Previously, we demonstrated that Tregs can reduce transendothelial migration of T cells into tumors by decreasing endothelial CXCL10 secretion, but the mechanism by which this occurs is still not known. In this study, we aimed to define how Tregs decrease transendothelial migration into tumors. mRNA sequencing of intestinal tumor endothelial cells from Treg depleted mice identified neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) as a gene downregulated in the presence of Tregs. nSMase2 is expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and was decreased after coculture with Tregs. Furthermore, blocking of nSMase2 activity in vitro decreased VCAM1, CX3CL1, and CXCL10 expression in HUVECs, mirroring the same decrease found in Treg cocultures. In the APCmin/+ mouse model of intestinal cancer, nSMase2 is lower in tumor endothelial cells than in unaffected small intestine and chronic treatment with a nSMase2 inhibitor suppressed the increased migration that is otherwise seen in the absence of Tregs. We conclude that nSMase2 is an important mediator in endothelial cells supporting transendothelial migration, which may be targeted by Tregs to reduce T‐cell migration into tumors.
A Hafnium Oxide Based Voltammetric Platform for the Sensitive Determination of Octopamine
Authors: Teker Tuğçe , Aslanoglu Mehmet
Published: July 2021

An electrochemical sensor was constructed by modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with nanoparticles of hafnium oxide (HfO2) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for the sensitive determination of octopamine. The platform (HfO2NPs/MWCNTs/GCE) presented an improved anodic peak for octopamine at 0.65 V. The combination of HfO2 and MWCNTs resulted in outstanding catalytic activity and enhanced the magnitude of the peak response. Results suggest that a three‐electron oxidation occurs for the process of octopamine. Voltammetry of octopamine exhibited a dynamic linear response in the concentration range of 1.6×10−6∼4.8×10−5 M with a detection limit of 5.4×10−7 M for octopamine.
Lipidomic analysis and diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme with rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Jianfeng , Li Ting , Chen Huiyao , Wang Chengde , Wang Haixing , Li Qun
Published: July 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in the central nervous system. GBM patients have a very low 5‐year survival rate and most of them died within 1 year. Conventional histopathological examination for GBM diagnosis is complicated and time‐consuming, which always blocks the development of more precise and effective treatments in resection operation. Rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) is a MS technique in clinical medicine research, which combines the common diathermy device with MS to acquire the lipid profiles of tissue specimens for lipidomic analysis and real‐time tumor diagnosis. In this study, the REIMS method employing bipolar forceps was optimized and validated for high‐throughput lipidomics and diagnosis of GBM for the first time. Total 42 lipid metabolites were tentatively identified and 12 out of 13 lipid biomarkers showed higher intensities in GBM, which were consistent with previous studies. After this, a statistic model was built with the lipidomic data for the diagnosis of GBM tumor in real‐time. The diagnostic accuracy (94.74%), sensitivity (95.38%), and specificity (93.33%) were evaluated with histopathology validated brain tissue specimens that were not used in the training set. The proposed REIMS method for the lipidomic‐analysis and diagnosis of GBM tumor provides a new direction for MS‐based lipidomics and precision medicine and might be used to guide surgeons to precisely resect the GBM tissue and keep the normal brain tissue in operation.
An evolutionary Monte Carlo method for the analysis of turbidity high‐frequency time series through Markov switching autoregressive models
Authors: Spezia Luigi , Vinten Andy , Paroli Roberta , Stutter Marc
Published: July 2021

A turbidity time series, recorded every 15 min in a first‐order Scottish stream for more than a year, along with two covariates (stage height and rainfall), is considered. Turbidity time series have complex dynamics because they are nonlinear, nonnormal, nonstationary, with a long memory, and present missing values. Given these issues the turbidity process is analyzed by Markov switching autoregressive models under the Bayesian paradigm. Since the multimodality of the posterior density novel evolutionary Monte Carlo (EMC) algorithms incorporating a few original features are developed to better traverse the posterior surface and escape from local basins of attraction. This because a population of chains are processed in parallel exchanging information one another and with different temperatures attached to each chain. These advanced EMC algorithms allow performing both Bayesian inference and model choice. Hence, it is possible to efficiently fit the actual data, reconstruct the sequence of hidden states, restore the missing values, and classify the observations into a few regimes, providing new insight on turbidity dynamics. A comparison with different nonlinear time series models is also proposed. Finally, a simulation study on the selection of the tuning factors of the EMC algorithm is presented.
Implementation of mentalization‐based treatment in a day hospital program for eating disorders—A pilot study
Authors: Zeeck Almut , Endorf Katharina , Euler Sebastian , Schaefer Laura , Lau Inga , Flösser Kristina , Geiger Valeria , Meier Alexander Ferdinand , Walcher Peter , Lahmann Claas , Hartmann Armin
Published: July 2021

Objective

Aim of the pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a day hospital program for eating disorders (EDs) after implementation of mentalization‐based treatment (MBT), including a comparison to a historical matched control group.

Method

All consecutively admitted patients with an ED were included in a prospective, observational study over a period of 2 years. Main outcome criteria were eating and overall psychopathology. Furthermore, changes in the capacity to mentalize (reflective functioning [RF]), difficulties with affect regulation and interpersonal problems were assessed at admission, discharge and a three months follow‐up.

Results

Thirty‐eight out of fourty patients could be included. The program led to significant reductions in eating and general pathology. There was significant improvement in RF, difficulties in emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning. However, there was no advantage in comparison to a matched control group (main outcomes). ED symptoms showed a slight renewed increase after discharge, while body mass index further increased. RF change was predictive of change in overall psychopathology, but not ED symptoms. Drop‐out rate was 13.2%.

Conclusion

The program showed no advantage in comparison to a historical control group concerning a reduction in eating and overall psychopathology. However, it was associated with low drop‐out rates, and changes which MBT targets: An increase in RF and a reduction of interpersonal problems as well as difficulties in emotion regulation.
A new fixed‐point algorithm to solve the blade element momentum equations with high robustness
Authors: Jin Meng , Yang Xiaogang
Published: July 2021

The most common approach to solving blade element momentum (BEM) equations is through fixed point method. The fixed point method can provide reliable solutions with high precision, yet the robustness of the method has been challenged when infrequent failures of converging to a physical solution are found for some design space. Though the lack of robustness is alleviated by applying two improved algorithms, their shortcomings should not be of an understatement. Ning's method can result in a converged yet nonphysical solution, and Sun's method decreases the computational efficiency remarkably. To overcome these setbacks, a new algorithm has been proposed in this paper. A clear classification of a wind turbine operating states has been given first to correct the thrust relation for a > 1, followed by discussions of three failure cases encountered during solving BEM equations. Then, the new algorithm with three major modifications has been introduced and explained. The test of Section 4 reveals that the decreasing rf technique has a positive effect on improving the robustness. Besides, the first two tests in Section 5 prove that the new thrust equation can greatly enhance the robustness, and Aitken's squared process can significantly strengthen the efficiency. The results show that all three modifications contribute to offering a new FPA with high robustness and satisfactory computing efficiency, which serves as the best option for solving the BEM equations.
Comprehensive evaluation of waterflooding front in low‐permeability reservoir
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Sun Zexin , Sun Qiji , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xueqiang
Published: July 2021

Due to the development characteristics of low‐permeability reservoirs such as weak water absorption, slow development of water injection, and strong pressure sensitivity, the effect of water injection in low‐permeability reservoirs is quite different from that in medium and high‐permeability reservoirs. Therefore, in oilfield development, it is important to study the movement law of the waterflooding front in low‐permeability reservoirs. In this paper, taking the Jilin oilfield as an example, a geological model of Xinmin 23 Block was established for the numerical simulation analysis considering the heterogeneity of low‐permeability reservoirs. In addition, artificial cores were manufactured to conduct the physical experiment of the waterflood front advance of cores with different physical properties under the influence of various factors such as the fracture and the range by the constant‐velocity flooding. Based on the numerical simulation and the physical experiment, the movement law of the waterflood front was analyzed and a basic method for evaluating the waterflooding development in low‐permeability reservoirs was established to provide feasible insights for the waterflooding development in low‐permeability reservoirs. In this paper, numerical simulation and experimental studies were performed on the effect of the waterflooding development of Xinmin 23 Block in the Jilin oilfield. The evaluation results obtained were consistent with the actual oil production providing a theoretical basis for judging the accurate advance time from the waterflood front to the production well in actual oil production.
AI‐enabled trust‐based routing protocol for social opportunistic IoT networks
Authors: Nigam Ritu , Kumar Sharma Deepak , Jain Satbir , Krishna Bhardwaj Kartik , Banyal Siddhant
Published: July 2021

The emergence of the new applications in the realm of Opportunistic IoT networks brings exceptional levels of complexity with it; hence, Artificial Intelligence‐based approaches are envisioned for the design and optimization owing to the versatility and adaptability it assists in resolving complex real‐time problems. In these networks, messages are transmitted through node cooperation because of the nodes' random movement and a lack of network infrastructure. As it is an open network, message forwarding is susceptible to intervention from anomalous nodes that may attribute maliciousness or selfishness, which may cause network transmission disorder and makes routing complex in Social Opportunistic IoT networks. By leveraging AI's capability, these networks can be redesigned to enable a more secure and efficient routing for the nodes. In order to suppress various harmful impacts in the network from anomalous nodes, this paper proposes an AI‐Enabled Trust‐Based Routing Protocol using NSGA‐II for Social Opportunistic IoT Networks (TBRP), which uses the concept of multi‐objective optimization. TBRP employs a new Four Tier Protocol trust scheme based on contextual parameters. This AI‐enabled multi‐objective optimization scheme modifies the conventional NSGA‐II for amelioration through an intelligent chromosome representation, improved crossover, and mutation paradigm. TBRP is evaluated against several routing protocols and with trust‐based protocols TCAFE and MT‐SMRP on various performance metrics using the INFOCOMM dataset. TBRP outperforms Firefly PRoPHET, AntRouter, GAER, and PRoPHET by 1.66%, 10.66%, 25.44%, and 58.57%, respectively, in terms of the delivery success ratio while varying the time for which simulation is run.
A shift to shorter cuticular hydrocarbons accompanies sexual isolation amongDrosophila americanagroup populations
Authors: Davis Jeremy S. , Pearcy Matthew J. , Yew Joanne Y. , Moyle Leonie C.
Published: July 2021

Because sensory signals often evolve rapidly, they could be instrumental in the emergence of reproductive isolation between species. However, pinpointing their specific contribution to isolating barriers, and the mechanisms underlying their divergence, remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate sexual isolation due to divergence in chemical signals between two populations of Drosophila americana (SC and NE) and one population of D. novamexicana, and dissect its underlying phenotypic and genetic mechanisms. Mating trials revealed strong sexual isolation between Drosophila novamexicana males and SC Drosophila americana females, as well as more moderate bi-directional isolation between D. americana populations. Mating behavior data indicate SC D. americana males have the highest courtship efficiency and, unlike males of the other populations, are accepted by females of all species. Quantification of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles—chemosensory signals that are used for species recognition and mate finding in Drosophila—shows that the SC D. americana population differs from the other populations primarily on the basis of compound carbon chain-length. Moreover, manipulation of male CHC composition via heterospecific perfuming—specifically perfuming D. novamexicana males with SC D. americana males—abolishes their sexual isolation from these D. americana females. Of a set of candidates, a single gene—elongase CG17821—had patterns of gene expression consistent with a role in CHC differences between species. Sequence comparisons indicate D. novamexicana and our Nebraska (NE) D. americana population share a derived CG17821 truncation mutation that could also contribute to their shared “short” CHC phenotype. Together, these data suggest an evolutionary model for the origin and spread of this allele and its consequences for CHC divergence and sexual isolation in this group.
A meta‐analysis of the effects of global warming on rice and wheat yields in a rice–wheat rotation system
Authors: Zhou Yongjin , Xu Le , Xu Youzun , Xi Min , Tu Debao , Chen Jinhua , Wu Wenge
Published: July 2021

The effects of global warming on crop production have received great attention in recent years. However, inconsistent results have been obtained with regard to major crops such as rice and wheat in rice–wheat rotation systems of China. Therefore, we undertook a comprehensive meta‐analysis of literature data. The yield response to warming differed for rice and wheat in the rice–wheat rotation system. Overall, warming significantly increased wheat yield (by 4.8%) but significantly reduced rice yield (by 14.8%). A number of factors were responsible for these observations. For example, rice yield responses varied with the temperature increase, variety and nitrogen (N) rate. Of these, N was the most important variable influencing yield responses to warming. The yield loss for rice was lower at temperature increases of 0.40–1.40°C and at a high N rate than that at temperature increases of 1.60–2.49°C and at a low N rate, respectively. The yield loss of indica rice was lower than that of japonica rice. For wheat, however, yield responses to warming varied with the warming regime, ambient temperature, temperature increases, and CO2 concentrations. Of these factors, ambient temperature was the most important variable influencing yield in response to warming. Warming increased wheat yield at a mean growth season temperature ≤10°C, temperature increases of 0.80–1.50°C, and at ambient CO2 concentrations. In addition, either daytime warming or nighttime warming significantly increased wheat yield. However, all‐day warming had no effect on wheat yields. We conclude that global warming will benefit wheat production but result in a serious loss of rice yield in rice–wheat rotations in China.
Enhanced enteric neurogenesis by Schwann cell precursors in mouse models of Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Uesaka Toshihiro , Okamoto Mitsumasa , Nagashimada Mayumi , Tsuda Yoshihiro , Kihara Miho , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Enomoto Hideki
Published: July 2021

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by congenital absence of enteric neurons in distal portions of the gut. Although recent studies identified Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) as a novel cellular source of enteric neurons, it is unknown how SCPs contribute to the disease phenotype of HSCR. Using Schwann cell‐specific genetic labeling, we investigated SCP‐derived neurogenesis in two mouse models of HSCR; Sox10 haploinsufficient mice exhibiting distal colonic aganglionosis and Ednrb knockout mice showing small intestinal aganglionosis. We also examined Ret dependency in SCP‐derived neurogenesis using mice displaying intestinal aganglionosis in which Ret expression was conditionally removed in the Schwann cell lineage. SCP‐derived neurons were abundant in the transition zone lying between the ganglionated and aganglionic segments, although SCP‐derived neurogenesis was scarce in the aganglionic region. In the transition zone, SCPs mainly gave rise to nitrergic neurons that are rarely observed in the SCP‐derived neurons under the normal condition. Enhanced SCP‐derived neurogenesis was also detected in the transition zone of mice lacking RET expression in the Schwann cell lineage. Increased SCP‐derived neurogenesis in the transition zone suggests that reduction in the vagal neural crest‐derived enteric neurons promotes SCP‐derived neurogenesis. SCPs may adopt a neuronal subtype by responding to changes in the gut environment. Robust SCP‐derived neurogenesis can occur in a Ret‐independent manner, which suggests that SCPs are a cellular source to compensate for missing enteric neurons in HSCR.
Relating quantitative 7T MRI across cortical depths to cytoarchitectonics, gene expression and connectomics
Authors: McColgan Peter , Helbling Saskia , Vaculčiaková Lenka , Pine Kerrin , Wagstyl Konrad , Attar Fakhereh Movahedian , Edwards Luke , Papoutsi Marina , Wei Yongbin , Van den Heuvel Martijn Pieter , Tabrizi Sarah J , Rees Geraint , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: July 2021

Ultra‐high field MRI across the depth of the cortex has the potential to provide anatomically precise biomarkers and mechanistic insights into neurodegenerative disease like Huntington's disease that show layer‐selective vulnerability. Here we compare multi‐parametric mapping (MPM) measures across cortical depths for a 7T 500 μm whole brain acquisition to (a) layer‐specific cell measures from the von Economo histology atlas, (b) layer‐specific gene expression, using the Allen Human Brain atlas and (c) white matter connections using high‐fidelity diffusion tractography, at a 1.3 mm isotropic voxel resolution, from a 300mT/m Connectom MRI system. We show that R2*, but not R1, across cortical depths is highly correlated with layer‐specific cell number and layer‐specific gene expression. R1‐ and R2*‐weighted connectivity strength of cortico‐striatal and intra‐hemispheric cortical white matter connections was highly correlated with grey matter R1 and R2* across cortical depths. Limitations of the layer‐specific relationships demonstrated are at least in part related to the high cross‐correlations of von Economo atlas cell counts and layer‐specific gene expression across cortical layers. These findings demonstrate the potential and limitations of combining 7T MPMs, gene expression and white matter connections to provide an anatomically precise framework for tracking neurodegenerative disease.
Head and neck osteosarcomas: Analysis of treatment trends and survival outcomes in the United States (2004–2016)
Authors: Shim Timothy , Chillakuru Yeshwant , Darwish Christina , Chalif Eric , Strum David , Benito Daniel A. , Mulcahy Collin F. , Monfared Ashkan
Published: July 2021

Background

Head and neck osteosarcoma (HNOS) is a rare primary bone tumor with limited data to guide treatment approaches.

Methods

The NCDB was used to identify patients diagnosed with HNOS. Kaplan–Meier and Cox multivariate regression were used to examine the impact of each treatment on overall survival (OS).

Results

We identified 821 patients diagnosed with HNOS. Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery increased from zero cases in 2004 to 24% of cases in 2016. Among surgically treated patients, 5‐year OS was 55.8% (CI: 51.7–60.1%). No difference was seen in OS between each treatment cohort on multivariate analysis. However, neoadjuvant chemotherapy + surgery + adjuvant chemotherapy had improved 18‐month survival compared to surgery alone (95.8% vs. 78.5%, p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated no survival benefit in perioperative chemotherapy or radiation therapy; however, short‐term survival improvement in patients receiving both neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy displays promise and requires further investigation.
Spatial and temporal variability of water table dynamics in an afforested catchment of the Central Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Juez Carmelo , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Cammeraat Erik L. H. , Regüés David
Published: July 2021

Human‐induced afforestation has been one of the main policies for environmental management of farmland abandonment in Mediterranean areas. Over the last decades, several studies have reviewed the impact of afforestation activities on geomorphological and hydrological responses and soil properties, although few studies have evaluated the effects on water table dynamics. In parallel to human‐induced afforestation activities, natural revegetation occurred in abandoned fields and in fields where the intensity of human activity declined, driving the expansion of shrubs. This research addresses the spatial and temporal variability of water table dynamics in a small afforested sub‐catchment located in the Central Spanish Pyrenees. Differences between afforestation (Pinus nigra and Pinus sylvestris) and natural plant colonization (shrubs, mainly Genista scorpius, Buxus sempervirens, and Juniperus communis) and early abandoned meadows (G. scorpius), are analysed in terms of runoff generation and seasonal water table depth dynamics. Precipitation, runoff and water table datasets recorded for the 2014–2019 period are used. Results show a high temporal and spatial variability with large fluctuations in discharge and water table. Groundwater dynamics varied markedly over the year, identifying a wet and dry period with different responses suggesting different runoff generation processes (Hortonian flow during dry and wet periods, and saturation excess runoff during wet conditions). Furthermore, important differences are noted among the various land cover types: (i) in the natural revegetation area (shrubland and meadows) a marked seasonal cycle was observed with short saturation periods during winter and spring; and (ii) in the afforestation areas, the water table dynamics showed a seasonal cycle with a high variability, with fast responses and rapid oscillations. Likewise, the relationship between the depth of water table and hydrological variables was not straightforward, suggesting complex hydrological behaviour.
Rainfall, runoff and shallow groundwater response in a mixed‐use, agro‐forested watershed of the northeast, USA
Authors: Gootman Kaylyn S. , Hubbart Jason A.
Published: July 2021

Stream and shallow groundwater responses to rainfall are characterized by high spatial variability, but hydrologic response variability across small, agro‐forested sub‐catchments remains poorly understood. Conceivably, improved understanding in this regard will result in agricultural practices that more effectively limit nutrient runoff, erosion, and pollutant transport. Terrestrial hydrologic response approaches can provide valuable information on stream‐aquifer connectivity in these mixed‐use watersheds. A study was implemented, including eight stream and co‐located shallow groundwater monitoring sites, in a small sub‐catchment of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the Northeast, USA to advance this ongoing need. During the study period, 100 precipitation‐receiving days (i.e., 24‐hour periods, midnight to midnight) were observed. On average, the groundwater table responded more to precipitation than stream stage (level change of 0.03 vs. 0.01 m and rainfall‐normalized level change estimate of 3.81 vs. 3.37). Median stream stage responses, groundwater table responses, and response ratios were significantly different between sub‐catchments (n = 8; p < 0.001). Study area average precipitation thresholds for runoff and shallow groundwater flow were 2.8 and 0.6 cm, respectively. Individual sub‐catchment thresholds ranged from 0.5 to 2.8 cm for runoff and 0.2 to 1.3 cm for shallow groundwater flow. Normalized response lag times between the stream and shallow groundwater ranged from −0.50 to 3.90 s·cm−1, indicating that stormflow in one stream section was regulated by groundwater flow during the period of study. The observed differences in hydrologic responses to precipitation advance future modelling efforts by providing examples of how terrestrial groundwater response methods can be used to investigate sub‐catchment spatial variability in stream‐aquifer gradients with co‐located shallow groundwater and stream stage data. Additionally, results demonstrate asynchronous stream and shallow groundwater responses on precipitation‐receiving days, which may hold important implications for modelling hydrologic and biogeochemical fate and transport processes in small, agro‐forested catchments.
A comparative life cycle assessment of a cascade heat pump and a natural gas furnace for residential heating purposes
Authors: Addo-Binney Bismark , Agelin-Chaab Martin , Bamfo Efua , Koohi-Fayegh Seama
Published: July 2021

A cascade heat pump is proposed as an environmentally friendly alternative to natural gas heating systems used for space heating in the residential sector. A comparative life cycle assessment of a natural gas furnace and a cascade heat pump was conducted to show the reductions in environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, energy used, and cost savings. The analysis used environmental data from 2020 for Toronto, Ontario, Engineering Equation Solver, and Sustainable Minds. The results of this comparative assessment demonstrate that implementing a cascade heat pump for heating purposes reduces the global warming potential by 85.4% when compared to a typical natural gas furnace. Moreover, the negative impacts on human health are reduced in every category. Specifically, the factors that can cause harm to human respiratory systems are decreased by almost 10 times when using the cascade heat pump as an alternative heating system. This is important since such systems are used in high density residential areas where the impact on human health can be far greater. Lastly, it is found that the highest CO2-equivalent emissions are released during the usage life cycle stage in both heating systems at 18 883 kg of CO2-equivalent, and 104 CO2-equivalent for the furnace and heat pump, respectively. The cascade heat pump releases approximately 1% of carbon emissions than the emissions released by currently used heating systems, which are natural gas furnaces. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:572–580. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

A comparative life cycle assessment of a natural gas furnace and a cascade heat pump was conducted to show thereductions in environmental impacts, such as global warming potential, energy used, and cost savings. The results of this comparative assessment demonstrate that implementing a cascade heat pump for heating purposesreduces the global warming potential by 85.4% when compared to a typical natural gas furnace. The factors that can cause harm to human respiratory systems are decreased by almost 10 times when using the cascadeheat pump as an alternative heating system. The cascade heat pump releases approximately 1% of carbon emissions than the emissions released by currently used heating systems, which are natural gas furnaces.
Upcoming treatments for morphea
Authors: Wenzel Dan , Haddadi Nazgol‐Sadat , Afshari Khashayar , Richmond Jillian M. , Rashighi Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Morphea (localized scleroderma) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with variable clinical presentations, with an annual incidence of 0.4–2.7 cases per 100,000. Morphea occurs most frequently in children aged 2–14 years, and the disease exhibits a female predominance. Insights into morphea pathogenesis are often extrapolated from studies of systemic sclerosis due to their similar skin histopathologic features; however, clinically they are two distinct diseases as evidenced by different demographics, clinical features, disease course and prognosis. An interplay between genetic factors, epigenetic modifications, immune and vascular dysfunction, along with environmental hits are considered as the main contributors to morphea pathogenesis. In this review, we describe potential new therapies for morphea based on both preclinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials. We focus on different classes of therapeutics, including antifibrotic, anti‐inflammatory, cellular and gene therapy, and antisenolytic approaches, and how these target different aspects of disease pathogenesis.
Performance analysis of classification and segmentation of cysts in panoramic dental images using convolutional neural network architecture
Authors: Sivasundaram Sivagami , Pandian Chitra
Published: July 2021

Classification of oral cysts is a crucial task as the similarity between cysts exists which requires a computer‐aided diagnosis system. Panoramic dental image is one of the widely used images to identify dental cyst, periodontal bone defects, periapical lesions, and pathological jaw lesions. This article proposes a modified LeNet architecture in a convolutional neural network for classifying the oral cyst images and a morphology‐based segmentation method for segmenting the cyst regions in the classified cyst images. A traditional data augmentation approach and a threefold cross‐validation method are used to increase the number of input samples and evaluate the accurate results respectively. The proposed methodology is applied to the cyst images obtained from a dental hospital. This model achieves a classification rate of 99.63% for cyst classification and demonstrates a sensitivity of about 98.3% for cyst segmentation. The proposed work has been compared with state‐of‐the‐art algorithms.