bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for conservation
Authors: Klass Keren , Van Belle Sarie , Estrada Alejandro
Published: June 2020

For wild primates, demography studies are increasingly recognized as necessary for assessing the viability of vulnerable populations experiencing rapid environmental change. In particular, anthropogenic changes such as habitat loss and fragmentation can cause ecological and behavioral changes in small, isolated populations, which may, over time, alter population density and demographic structure (age/sex classes and group composition) in fragment populations relative to continuous forest populations. We compared our study population of Endangered black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in 34 forest fragments around Palenque National Park (PNP), Mexico (62 groups, 407 individuals), to the adjacent population in PNP, protected primary forest (21 groups, 134 individuals), and to previous research on black howlers in fragments in our study area (18 groups, 115 individuals). We usedχ2and Mann–WhitneyUtests to address the questions: (a) what is the current black howler demographic population structure in unprotected forest fragments around PNP? (b) How does it compare to PNP's stable, continuous population? (c) How has it changed over time? Compared to the PNP population, the fragment populations showed higher density, a significantly lower proportion of multimale groups, and significantly fewer adult males per group. The population's age/sex structure in the fragmented landscape has been stable over the last 17 years, but differed in a higher proportion of multifemale groups, higher density, and higher patch occupancy in the present. In the context of conservation, some of our results may be positive as they indicate possible population growth over time. However, long‐term scarcity of adult males in fragments and associated effects on population demographic structure might be cause for concern, in that it may affect gene flow and genetic diversity. The scarcity of adult males might stem from males experiencing increased mortality while dispersing in the fragmented landscape, whereas females might be becoming more philopatric in fragments.
Estimation of adult age‐at‐death from entheseal robusticity: A test using an identified Italian skeletal collection
Authors: Milella Marco , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Mariotti Valentina , Nikita Efthymia
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The present study tests the effectiveness of entheseal robusticity (ER) as a potential predictor of adult age‐at‐death by applying multiple regression models to a large contemporary identified skeletal sample.

Materials and Methods

ER was recorded for 23 bilateral postcranial entheses on 481 adult individuals (271 females and 210 males) from the Frassetto identified skeletal collection of Sassari (Italy), following the method of Mariotti et al. 2007. ER scores were used as predictors in multiple regression analyses with age as the dependent variable; the performance of the resulting models was tested through standard error of estimate, the correlation coefficient between predicted and documented age, and the percentage of correctly classified individuals.

Results

ER show a higher correlation with age in females, resulting in more accurate estimates when compared with those obtained for males. Age‐at‐death is overestimated for male individuals under 45 years old and underestimated for older individuals. Regression models including a reduced set of ER sites result in better estimates compared with those using the complete set of variables.

Discussion

Results suggest the potential usefulness of ER for the estimation of age, especially for female skeletal remains. If used with caution, ER may be a valid complement to existing methods for the reconstruction of the biological profile of skeletal remains of archaeological and forensic interest.
Cellulose acetate (CA) hybrid membrane prepared by phase inversion method combined with chemical reaction with enhanced permeability and good anti‐fouling property
Authors: Khan Bushra , Zhan Wang , Lina Cheng
Published: June 2020

The CA hybrid membrane with enhanced anti‐fouling property and higher permeability was prepared by nonsolvent induced phase separation method combined with chemical reaction. The impacts of different solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N, N‐ Dimethylacetamide, Dimethyl sulfoxide and N, N‐Dimethylformamide), organic acids (citric acid/fumaric acid) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on the separation performance and thermal stability of CA hybrid membranes were investigated. Results showed that the introduction of organic acids to membrane matrix caused asymmetry in the membrane structure with more uniform pore size distribution and higher porosity (82.5%). This is attributed to the production of CO2 bubbles by a reaction between organic acid in the casting solution and salt in the coagulation bath. Meanwhile, a tremendous rise in anti‐fouling property (from 89.7% to 94%), pure water flux (from 329.7 to 821.5 L/m2 h) and permeation flux (from 265.8 to 546.3 L/m2 h) indicates a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity and the permeability of prepared membranes. In addition, a significant improvement in thermal stability (by 90°C) was achieved owing to the formation of dative bonds between TiO2 NPs and CA polymer. Therefore, this approach can significantly improve the anti‐fouling property and the separation performance of the CA membrane.
An in situ hybridization study of the Syndecan family in the developing condylar cartilage of fetal mouse mandible
Authors: Fujikawa Kaoru , Shibata Shunichi , Nakamura Masanori
Published: June 2020

Mandibular condylar cartilage is a representative secondary cartilage, differing from primary cartilage in various ways. Syndecan is a cell‐surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan and speculated to be involved in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of the syndecan family in the developing mouse mandibular condylar cartilage. At embryonic day (E)13.0 and E14.0, syndecan‐1 and ‐2 mRNAs were expressed in the mesenchymal cell condensation of the condylar anlage. When condylar cartilage was formed at E15.0, syndecan‐1 mRNA was expressed in the embryonic zone, wherein the mesenchymal cell condensation is located. Syndecan‐2 mRNA was mainly expressed in the perichondrium. At E16.0, syndecan‐1 was expressed from fibrous to flattened cell zones and syndecans‐2 was expressed in the lower hypertrophic cell zone. Syndecan‐3 mRNA was expressed in the condylar anlage at E13.0 and E13.5 but was not expressed in the condylar cartilage at E15.0. It was later expressed in the lower hypertrophic cell zone at E16.0. Syndecan‐4 mRNA was expressed in the condylar anlage at E14.0 and the condylar cartilage at E15.0 and E16.0. These findings indicated that syndecans‐1 and ‐2 could be involved in the formation from mesenchymal cell condensation to condylar cartilage. The different expression patterns of the syndecan family in the condylar and limb bud cartilage suggest the functional heterogeneity of chondrocytes in the primary and secondary cartilage.
Fissures, folds, and scrolls: The ontogenetic basis for complexity of the nasal cavity in a fruit bat (Rousettus leschenaultii)
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Curtis Abigail , Bhatnagar Kunwar P. , Santana Sharlene E.
Published: June 2020

Mammalian nasal capsule development has been described in only a few cross‐sectional age series, rendering it difficult to infer developmental mechanisms that influence adult morphology. Here we examined a sample of Leschenault's rousette fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) ranging in age from embryonic to adult (n = 13). We examined serially sectioned coronal histological specimens and used micro‐computed tomography scans to visualize morphology in two older specimens. We found that the development of the nasal capsule in Rousettus proceeds similarly to many previously described mammals, following a general theme in which the central (i.e., septal) region matures into capsular cartilage before peripheral regions, and rostral parts of the septum and paries nasi mature before caudal parts. The ossification of turbinals also generally follows a rostral to the caudal pattern. Our results suggest discrete mechanisms for increasing complexity of the nasal capsule, some of which are restricted to the late embryonic and early fetal timeframe, including fissuration and mesenchymal proliferation. During fetal and early postnatal ontogeny, appositional and interstitial chondral growth of cartilage modifies the capsular template. Postnatally, appositional bone growth and pneumatization render greater complexity to individual structures and spaces. Future studies that focus on the relative contribution of each mechanism during development may draw critical inferences how nasal morphology is reflective of, or deviates from the original fetal template. A comparison of other chiropterans to nasal development in Rousettus could reveal phylogenetic patterns (whether ancestral or derived) or the developmental basis for specializations relating to respiration, olfaction, or laryngeal echolocation.
Does Pain at an Earlier Stage of Chondropathy Protect Female Mice Against Structural Progression After Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis?
Authors: von Loga Isabell S. , Batchelor Vicky , Driscoll Clare , Burleigh Annika , Chia Shi‐Lu L. , Stott Bryony , Miotla‐Zarebska Jadwiga , Riley David , Dell’Accio Francesco , Vincent Tonia L.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Female C57BL/6 mice exhibit less severe chondropathy than male mice. This study was undertaken to test the robustness of this observation and explore underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Osteoarthritis was induced in male and female C57BL/6 or DBA/1 mice (n = 6–15 per group) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or partial meniscectomy (PMX). Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX) (n = 30). In vivo repair after focal cartilage defect or joint immobilization (sciatic neurectomy) following DMM was assessed. Histologic analysis, evaluation of gene expression in whole knees, and behavioral analysis using Laboratory Animal Behavior Observation Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS) and Linton incapacitance testing (n = 7–10 mice per group) were performed.

Results

Female mice displayed less severe chondropathy (20–75% reduction) across both strains and after both surgeries. Activity levels after PMX were similar for male and female mice. Some repair‐associated genes were increased in female mouse joints after surgery, but no repair differences were evident in vivo. Despite reduced chondropathy, female mice developed pain‐like behavior at the same time as male mice. At the time of established pain‐like behavior (10 weeks after PMX), pain‐associated genes were significantly up‐regulated in female mice, including Gdnf (mean ± SEM fold change 2.54 ± 0.30), Nrtn (6.71 ± 1.24), Ntf3 (1.92 ± 0.27), and Ntf5 (2.89 ± 0.48) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively, versus male mice). Inflammatory genes were not regulated in painful joints in mice of either sex.

Conclusion

We confirm strong structural joint protection in female mice that is not due to activity or intrinsic repair differences. Female mice develop pain at the same time as males, but induce a distinct set of neurotrophins. We speculate that heightened pain sensitivity in female mice protects the joint by preventing overuse.
Use of Anakinra to Prevent Mechanical Ventilation in Severe COVID‐19: A Case Series
Authors: Navarro‐Millán Iris , Sattui Sebastian E. , Lakhanpal Amit , Zisa Diane , Siegel Caroline H. , Crow Mary K.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To report the clinical experience with anakinra in preventing mechanical ventilation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Methods

To be included in this retrospective case series, patients must have had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV‐2), fever, ferritin levels >1,000 ng/ml with 1 additional laboratory marker of hyperinflammation, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure was defined as requiring 15 liters of supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather mask combined with 6‐liter nasal cannula or use of ≥95% oxygen by high‐flow nasal cannula. We excluded patients in whom there was suspicion of bacterial infection or who were receiving immunosuppressants. Subcutaneous anakinra was initiated at 100 mg every 6 hours and gradually tapered off completely. The primary outcome was the prevention of mechanical ventilation.

Results

Of the 14 patients who met the criteria, 11 patients received anakinra for a maximum of 19 days. Seven of the patients who started anakinra treatment ≤36 hours after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure did not require mechanical ventilation, and all were discharged home. Four patients who started anakinra ≥4 days after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure required mechanical ventilation. Of those, 3 patients were extubated (2 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 died. All 3 patients who met the criteria but did not receive anakinra required mechanical ventilation. Two patients were extubated (1 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 remained on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that anakinra could be beneficial in treating COVID‐19 patients with evidence of cytokine storm syndrome when initiated early after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Our patient selection and treatment approach should be considered for investigation in a clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of anakinra in treating patients with COVID‐19 and symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Critically Ill Patients With COVID‐19
Authors: Xiao Meng , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shulan , Qin Xuzhen , Xia Peng , Cao Wei , Jiang Wei , Chen Huan , Ding Xin , Zhao Hua , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Chunyao , Zhao Jing , Sun Xuefeng , Tian Ran , Wu Wei , Wu Dong , Ma Jie , Chen Yu , Zhang Dong , Xie Jing , Yan Xiaowei , Zhou Xiang , Liu Zhengyin , Wang Jinglan , Du Bin , Qin Yan , Gao Peng , Lu Minya , Hou Xin , Wu Xian , Zhu Huadong , Xu Yingchun , Zhang Wen , Li Taisheng , Zhang Fengchun , Zhao Yongqiang , Li Yongzhe , Zhang Shuyang
Published: June 2020

Objective

Coagulopathy is one of the characteristics observed in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) contribute to coagulopathy, though their role in COVID‐19 remains unclear. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and characteristics of aPLs in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Sera collected from 66 COVID‐19 patients who were critically ill and 13 COVID‐19 patients who were not critically ill were tested by chemiluminescence immunoassay for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs), anti–β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI) (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and IgG anti‐β2GPI–domain 1 (anti‐β2GPI–D1) and IgM and IgG anti–phosphatidylserine/prothrombin (anti‐PS/PT) antibodies were detected in the serum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Of the 66 COVID‐19 patients in critical condition, aPLs were detected in 31 (47% ). Antiphospholipid antibodies were not present among COVID‐19 patients who were not in critical condition. The IgA anti‐β2GPI antibody was the most commonly observed aPL in patients with COVID‐19 and was present in 28.8% (19 of 66) of the critically ill patients, followed by IgA aCLs (17 of 66, or 25.8%) and IgG anti‐β2GPI (12 of 66, or 18.2%). For multiple aPLs, IgA anti‐β2GPI + IgA aCLs was the most common antibody profile observed (15 of 66, or 22.7%), followed by IgA anti‐β2GPI + IgA aCL + IgG anti‐β2GPI (10 of 66, or 15.2%). Antiphospholipid antibodies emerge ~35–39 days after disease onset. A dynamic analysis of aPLs revealed 4 patterns based on the persistence or transient appearance of the aPLs. Patients with multiple aPLs had a significantly higher incidence of cerebral infarction compared to patients who were negative for aPLs (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

Antiphospholipid antibodies were common in critically ill patients with COVID‐19. Repeated testing demonstrating medium to high titers of aPLs and the number of aPL types a patient is positive for may help in identifying patients who are at risk of developing cerebral infarction. Antiphospholipid antibodies may be transient and disappear within a few weeks, but in genetically predisposed patients, COVID‐19 may trigger the development of an autoimmune condition similar to the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), referred to as “COVID‐19–induced APS‐like syndrome.” Long‐term follow‐up of COVID‐19 patients who are positive for aPLs would be of great importance in understanding the pathogenesis of this novel coronavirus.
Early operative management in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction: population-based cost analysis
Authors: Behman R , Nathens A B , Pechlivanoglou P , Karanicolas P , Jung J , Look Hong N
Published: June 2020

Background

Adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) is a potentially recurrent disease. Although non-operative management is often successful, it is associated with greater risk of recurrence than operative intervention, and may have greater downstream morbidity and costs. This study aimed to compare the current standard of care, trial of non-operative management (TNOM), and early operative management (EOM) for aSBO.

Methods

Patients admitted to hospital between 2005 and 2014 in Ontario, Canada, with their first episode of aSBO were identified and propensity-matched on their likelihood to receive EOM for a cost–utility analysis using population-based administrative data. Patients were followed for 5 years to determine survival, recurrences, adverse events and inpatient costs to the healthcare system. Utility scores were attributed to aSBO-related events. Cost–utility was presented as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as Canadian dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

Results

Some 25 150 patients were admitted for aSBO and 3174 (12·6 per cent) were managed by EOM. Patients managed by TNOM were more likely to experience recurrence of aSBO (20·9 per cent versus 13·2 per cent for EOM; P < 0·001). The lower recurrence rate associated with EOM contributed to an overall net effectiveness in terms of QALYs. The mean accumulated costs for patients managed with EOM exceeded those of TNOM ($17 951 versus $11 594 (€12 288 versus €7936) respectively; P < 0·001), but the ICER for EOM versus TNOM was $29 881 (€20 454) per QALY, suggesting cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

This retrospective study, based on administrative data, documented that EOM may be a cost-effective approach for patients with aSBO in terms of QALYs. Future guidelines on the management of aSBO may also consider the long-term outcomes and costs.
A distance learning enzyme assay and kinetics laboratory in the time of COVID‐19
Authors: Papaneophytou Christos
Published: June 2020

This article describes a straightforward approach to deliver an enzyme assay and kinetics laboratory via online delivery methods in the time of COVID‐19.
CoViD‐19 epidemic follows the “kinetics” of enzymes with cooperative substrate binding
Authors: Silverstein Todd P.
Published: June 2020

The Hill equation, which models the cooperative ligand‐receptor binding equilibrium, turns out to be useful in modeling the progression of infectious disease outbreaks such as CoViD‐19. The equation fits well the data for total and daily case numbers, allows tentative predictions for the half‐point and end point of the epidemic, and presents a mathematical characterization of how social interventions “flatten the curve” of the disease progression.
Ambivalence and the working alliance in variants of cognitive‐behavioural therapy for generalised anxiety disorder
Authors: Norouzian Nikoo , Westra Henny A. , Button Melissa L. , Constantino Michael J. , Antony Martin M.
Published: June 2020

Client characteristics are widely understood to influence alliance development. However, few studies have examined the role of client ambivalence about therapeutic change. Building on past research demonstrating associations between ambivalence and therapy relationship variables, such as resistance, this study examined whether greater ambivalence was associated with poorer alliance quality. Further, it examined whether motivational interviewing (MI), which involves strategies for managing ambivalence, moderated this relationship. Using data from a randomised controlled trial of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) for 71 individuals who completed treatment for generalised anxiety disorder, this study tested whether ambivalence, operationalised as observed motivational language against change (counter‐change talk; CCT), in session 1 was related to client‐rated alliance quality over time, and whether this relationship varied between two treatments: MI integrated with CBT (MI‐CBT) or CBT alone. CCT predicted lower client alliance ratings at the early, middle and late stages of therapy. At the late stage, treatment group was a significant moderator, such that CCT was associated with poorer alliances for CBT alone, but not for MI‐CBT. Results suggest that early ambivalence can predict early and middle phase alliance problems in both treatments and that, without explicit strategies for managing ambivalence, early CCT is strongly associated with poorer alliances during the late stage of CBT treatment. This research highlights the importance for clinician responsivity to early motivational markers.
Identification of Infant Victims of Abusive Head Trauma Hospitalised in France from 2015 to 2017
Authors: Paget Louis‐Marie , Gilard‐Pioc Séverine , Cottenet Jonathan , Beltzer Nathalie , Quantin Catherine
Published: June 2020

To our knowledge, there are no recent national epidemiological studies in France on abusive head trauma (AHT). The objective of this study was to quantify cases of AHT as a result of child abuse admitted to French hospitals, based on the French hospital discharge database (PMSI) from 2015 to 2017. Among infants aged between one and 11 months who were hospitalised for subdural haematoma or traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage, we distinguished probable cases (stays with International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision codes suggestive of child abuse or retinal haemorrhage) from possible cases (all other children), in order to make comparisons and estimate hospital incidence rates. We identified 512 probable cases and 703 possible cases. The incidence was 22.1 cases (20.2–24.0) per 100 000 live births for probable cases, and 52.4 cases (49.5–55.4) per 100 000 live births for combined probable and possible cases. The overall median age was four months with a male predominance. Among probable cases, lesions suggestive of abuse were more frequent, and there were fewer skull fractures and accidental falls than in possible cases. This exploratory analysis shows that it is complicated to determine precisely the number of cases of AHT from PMSI data. The implementation of a specific code for AHT in this database would identify these cases more accurately.

Key Practitioner Messages

Among probable cases, lesions suggestive of abuse were more frequent, and there were fewer skull fractures and accidental falls than among the possible cases.

Implementation of a specific code for AHT in hospital discharge databases would identify these cases more accurately.
Kinetic relationship in parallel autocatalytic amplifications of pyridyl alkanol and chiral trigger pyrimidyl alkanol
Authors: Romagnoli Carlo , Sieng Bora , Amedjkouh Mohamed
Published: June 2020

Experimental and kinetic analysis of a chemical system combines autocatalytic amplification of 2‐alkynyl‐5‐pyrimidyl alkanol 2 and 6‐alkynyl‐3‐pyridyl akanol 4 in which 2 acts as a chiral trigger and 4 being the subsequent autocatalyst. Starting from a very low initial ee, both alkanols are produced with high enantiopurity in one single cycle. This provides insight into a dual nonlinear amplification of chirality observed with amplifying trigger 2 and accelerated amplification of autocatalyst 4. These kinetic studies reveal a five‐fold magnitude superior amplification rates of 4 associated with trigger's enantiopurity at the outset.
Input–output connections of LJA5 prodynorphin neurons
Authors: Agostinelli Lindsay J. , Mix Madison R. , Hefti Marco M. , Scammell Thomas E. , Bassuk Alexander G.
Published: June 2020

Sensory information is transmitted from peripheral nerves, through the spinal cord, and up to the brain. Sensory information may be modulated by projections from the brain to the spinal cord, but the neural substrates for top‐down sensory control are incompletely understood. We identified a novel population of inhibitory neurons in the mouse brainstem, distinguished by their expression of prodynorphin, which we named LJA5. Here, we identify a similar group of Pdyn+ neurons in the human brainstem, and we define the efferent and afferent projection patterns of LJA5 neurons in mouse. Using specific genetic tools, we selectively traced the projections of the Pdyn‐expressing LJA5 neurons through the brain and spinal cord. Terminal fields were densest in the lateral and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (PAG), lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB), caudal pressor area, and lamina I of the spinal trigeminal nucleus and all levels of the spinal cord. We then labeled cell types in the PAG, LPB, medulla, and spinal cord to better define the specific targets of LJA5 boutons. LJA5 neurons send the only known inhibitory descending projection specifically to lamina I of the spinal cord, which transmits afferent pain, temperature, and itch information up to the brain. Using retrograde tracing, we found LJA5 neurons receive inputs from sensory and stress areas such as somatosensory/insular cortex, preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus and lateral hypothalamus, PAG, and LPB. This pattern of inputs and outputs suggest LJA5 neurons are uniquely positioned to be activated by sensation and stress, and in turn, inhibit pain and itch.
From bits to bites: Advancement of the Germinate platform to support prebreeding informatics for crop wild relatives
Authors: Raubach Sebastian , Kilian Benjamin , Dreher Kate , Amri Ahmed , Bassi Filippo M. , Boukar Ousmane , Cook Douglas , Cruickshank Alan , Fatokun Christian , El Haddad Noureddine , Humphries Alan , Jordan David , Kehel Zakaria , Kumar Shiv , Labarosa Sandy Jan , Nguyen Loi Huu , Mace Emma , McCouch Susan , McNally Ken , Marshall David F. , Mikwa Erick Owuor , Milne Iain , Odeny Damaris Achieng , Plazas Mariola , Prohens Jaime , Rieseberg Loren H. , Schafleitner Roland , Sharma Shivali , Stephen Gordon , Tin Huynh Quang , Togola Abou , Warschefsky Emily , Werner Peter ,   All our CWR Pre‐Breeding Partners and Collaborators, Shaw Paul D.
Published: June 2020

Management and distribution of experimental data from prebreeding projects is important to ensure uptake of germplasm into breeding and research programs. Being able to access and share this data in standard formats is essential. The adoption of a common informatics platform for crops that may have limited resources brings economies of scale, allowing common informatics components to be used across multiple species. The close integration of such a platform with commonly used breeding software, visualization, and analysis tools reduces the barrier for entry to researchers and provides a common framework to facilitate collaborations and data sharing. This work presents significant updates to the Germinate platform and highlights its value in distributing prebreeding data for 14 crops as part of the project ‘Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Collecting, Protecting and Preparing Crop Wild Relatives’ (hereafter Crop Trust Crop Wild Relatives project) led by the Crop Trust (https://www.cwrdiversity.org). The addition of data on these species compliments data already publicly available in Germinate. We present a suite of updated Germinate features using examples from these crop species and their wild relatives. The use of Germinate within the Crop Trust Crop Wild Relatives project demonstrates the usefulness of the system and the benefits a shared informatics platform provides. These data resources provide a foundation on which breeding and research communities can develop additional online resources for their crops, harness new data as it becomes available, and benefit collectively from future developments of the Germinate platform.
Environmental management system according toISO14001:2015 as a driver to sustainable development
Authors: Bravi Laura , Santos Gilberto , Pagano Alessandro , Murmura Federica
Published: June 2020

The Environmental Management System (EMS) became a critical success factor in order to compete on the market. The aim of this study is to investigate how companies that have implemented an EMS based on the ISO 14001:2015 certification have perceived the changes due to the revision of the standard. The research was conducted through the administration of a questionnaire to 1,508 Italian ISO 14001 certified companies. Two hundred and eighty‐four companies constituting the sample of our study. As main benefits achieved by surveyed companies we highlight, risk prevention, better management of environmental activities, and creation of new targets for reducing energy and waste. As main barriers to ISO 14001 implementation we highlight, increased bureaucracy, increased complexity of environmental procedures and difficulty in increasing employee environmental awareness. The main contribution of this research is given by the analysis on how companies have dealt with the changes required by the new version of the standard.
A Cancer Biologist's Primer on Machine Learning Applications in High‐Dimensional Cytometry
Authors: Keyes Timothy J. , Domizi Pablo , Lo Yu‐Chen , Nolan Garry P. , Davis Kara L.
Published: June 2020

The application of machine learning and artificial intelligence to high‐dimensional cytometry data sets has increasingly become a staple of bioinformatic data analysis over the past decade. This is especially true in the field of cancer biology, where protocols for collecting multiparameter single‐cell data in a high‐throughput fashion are rapidly developed. As the use of machine learning methodology in cytometry becomes increasingly common, there is a need for cancer biologists to understand the basic theory and applications of a variety of algorithmic tools for analyzing and interpreting cytometry data. We introduce the reader to several keystone machine learning‐based analytic approaches with an emphasis on defining key terms and introducing a conceptual framework for making translational or clinically relevant discoveries. The target audience consists of cancer cell biologists and physician‐scientists interested in applying these tools to their own data, but who may have limited training in bioinformatics. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Efficient and low‐cost defense against distributed denial‐of‐service attacks in SDN‐based networks
Authors: Wang You‐Chiun , Wang Yi‐Chuan
Published: June 2020

Distributed are common threats in many networks, where attackers attempt to make victim servers unavailable to other users by flooding them with worthless requests. These attacks cannot be easily stopped by firewalls, since they forge lots of connections to victims with various IP addresses. The paper aims to exploit the software‐defined networking (SDN) technique to defend against DDoS attacks. However, the controller has to handle lots of connections launched by DDoS attacks, which burdens it with a heavy load and degrades SDN's performance. Therefore, the paper proposes an efficient and low‐cost DDoS defense (ELD) mechanism for SDN. It adopts a nested reverse‐exponential data storage scheme to help the controller efficiently record the information of packets in the limited memory. Once there are many packets with high IP variability sent to a certain server and this situation lasts for a while, then a DDoS attack is likely happening. In this case, the controller asks switches to block malicious connections by installing flow rules. Experimental results verify that the ELD mechanism rapidly recognizes protocol‐based DDoS attacks and stops them in time, including TCP SYN flood, UDP flood, and ICMP flood, and also greatly reduces the overhead for the controller to defend against attacks. Moreover, ELD can distinguish DDoS flows from legitimate ones with similar features such as elephant flows and impulse flows, thereby eliminating false alarms.
Software‐defined networking to improve handover in mobile edge networks
Authors: Ahmadi Kaveh , Miralavy S. Pourya , Ghassemian Mona
Published: June 2020

Mobility management and handover for a seamless connection are among all‐time challenges of wireless networks. Software‐defined networking (SDN) has opened new horizons toward research by adding intelligence in edge networks while decoupling the control and data planes. The flexibility and centralized nature of SDN further improve the handover decision algorithms. In this paper, we have improved the network performance with respect to the number of handovers and the handover delay by applying an LTE‐SDN architecture and a novel handover decision algorithm based on predicting the future locations of a moving vehicle. The proposed algorithm decouples the handover procedure into two phases of preparation and execution. In the preparation phase, which occurs in the control plane, the handover decision and resource allocation take place, and in the execution phase, handover gets executed similar to the LTE architecture. The results of our research indicate that our proposed LTE‐SDN performance is improved with respect to the number of handovers, handover delay, and signaling overhead by 24%, 16%, and 20%, respectively. On the other hand, average Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) value is decreased by 4% as a tradeoff for the improvements gained.
Application of SPME‐GC‐TOFMS, E‐nose, and sensory evaluation to investigate the flavor characteristics of Chinese Yunnan coffee at three different conditions (beans, ground powder, and brewed coffee)
Authors: Cui Dan Dan , Liu Yuan , Chen Yan Ping , Feng Xi , Lu Yu , Yu Bo
Published: June 2020

SPME‐GC‐TOFMS, E‐nose, and sensory evaluation were used to explore the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in four Chinese Yunnan coffee at three conditions (beans, ground powder, and brewed coffee). VOCs were detected by GC‐TOFMS and compared the difference between all samples, depending on the VOCs in the coffee sample. The E‐nose was used for rapid detection to differentiate the sample. The two results are analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). Quantitative description analysis (QDA) was used to evaluate the flavor profiles of coffee samples. The results shown that GC‐TOFMS detected 412, 498, and 294 VOCs in roasted, ground powder, and brewed coffee, respectively. The PCA of SPME‐GC‐TOFMS results shown that Nankang coffee was mainly related to ketone compounds; the aroma of Hongguang coffee was determined by dimethyl disulfide and acetic acid; pyrazine and ketone compounds were important to Hainan coffee; ketone and ester compounds were dominated in Xinghuan coffee. The results of E‐nose shown that the first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 97.3%, 92.5%, and 93.8% of variances in roasted, ground powder, and brewed coffee, respectively. The different brands of coffee samples at the same condition shown separated locations on the PCA results of E‐nose. Sensory evaluation shown the special flavor of coffee samples, Nankang coffee with a bake flavor, Hongguang coffee had chocolate and nutty flavors, Hainan coffee had the caramel‐like aroma, and the aroma Xinghuan coffee was sweet. This study could provide a better understanding of Chinese coffee produced in Yunnan province.
Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activities of naphthoquinones‐enriched ethanol extracts from the roots of Onosma hookeri Clarke. var. longiforum Duthie
Authors: Wu Qiang , Er‐bu Aga , Liang Xiaoxia , Luan Shangxian , Wang Yue , Yin Zhongqiong , He Changliang , Yin Lizi , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Song Xu
Published: June 2020

In this study, the optimal naphthoquinones‐enriched ethanol extract from the roots of Onosma hookeri Clarke. var. longiforum Duthie (OHC‐LD) was obtained under an optimal condition (69% ethanol, material to solution ratio of 27:1 at 60℃ for 59 min) by the ultrasound‐assisted extraction, according to four‐variable three‐level Box–Behnken design‐response surface methodology. The experimental yield of ethanol extract was 42.08 ± 0.65%, and the contents of naphthoquinones reached to 1.07 ± 0.004%. The optimal extract exhibited similar scavenging activity against ABTS (2,2'‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical as BHT(butylated hydroxytoluene) at 1,250 µg/ml, and better DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity than BHT at 250 µg/ml. However, the optimal ethanol extract was not sensitive to MCF‐7 cell line ( IC50 of 321.849 µg/ml). The results revealed the naphthoquinones‐enriched ethanol extract from the roots of OHC‐LD had could be used as a potential natural antioxidant.
Effects of a ready‐to‐eat cereal formula powder on glucose metabolism, inflammation, and gut microbiota in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Li Caina , Wang Xing , Sun Sujuan , Liu Shuainan , Huan Yi , Li Rongcui , Liu Quan , Cao Hui , Zhou Tian , Lei Lei , Liu Minzhi , Shen Zhufang
Published: June 2020

The cereal formula powder, Zhengda Jingshan (ZDJS), comprises dietary fiber, multivitamins, fine protein, and various cereal ingredients. The present study evaluated the effects of ZDJS on glucose metabolism and explored the corresponding mechanisms in terms of modulating gut microbiota and the fecal metabolome. Type 2 diabetic db/db mice were given ZDJS (1 g/kg) orally twice daily for 55 days, after which glucose metabolism, inflammation, gut microbiota, and fecal metabolomics were assayed. Repeated administration of ZDJS was associated with a trend toward decreasing fasting blood glucose and a 0.12% decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), as well as statistically significant increases in the insulin sensitivity index and decreases in serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and ileum expression of mucin‐2. ZDJS also ameliorated the compensatory enlargement of islets and decreased the ratio of the α‐cell area to total islet area; however, this amelioration of impaired oral glucose tolerance became less pronounced as treatment continued. In addition, ZDJS remarkably decreased the abundance of phylum Proteobacteria and the phylum ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, as well as altered the fecal metabolic profile. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that ZDJS improved glucose metabolism and reduced inflammation in type 2 diabetic db/db mice, which may be associated with a reshaping of the gut microbiome and fecal metabolome in db/db mice. Thus, our study suggests that ZDJS may represent a complementary therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Features of Patients Infected With Coronavirus Disease 2019 With Elevated Liver Biochemistries: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study
Authors: Fu Yu , Zhu Rui , Bai Tao , Han Ping , He Qin , Jing Mengjia , Xiong Xiaofeng , Zhao Xi , Quan Runze , Chen Chaoyue , Zhang Ying , Tao Meihui , Yi Jianhua , Tian Dean , Yan Wei
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

In December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in Wuhan, China. Although it has been reported that some patients with COVID‐19 showed elevated liver biochemistries, there are few studies regarding the clinical features and prognosis of these patients.

Approach and Results

In this multicenter, retrospective study, we collected data on laboratory‐confirmed patients with COVID‐19 from three hospitals in Wuhan, China, who died or were discharged between February 1, 2020, and February 20, 2020. Data on demographics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, laboratory examinations on admission, complications, treatment, and outcome were collected. A total of 482 patients were enrolled in this study. Of those, 142 (29.5%) patients showed abnormal liver biochemistries on admission, and patients with elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) accounted for 67.6%, 69.0%, and 16.2%, respectively. Those with abnormal liver biochemistries showed higher percentages of severe cases and comorbidities and were more likely to have dyspnea, chest distress or pain, and increased hemoglobin (Hb) on admission. Higher rates of complications and mortality and worse recovery when discharged were observed in patients with abnormal AST or TBIL. Multivariable regression analysis showed that chest distress or pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.765; P = 0.018), dyspnea (OR, 2.495; P = 0.001), elevated C‐reactive protein level (OR, 1.007; P = 0.008), elevated white blood count (OR, 1.139; P = 0.013), and elevated Hb concentration (OR, 1.024; P = 0.001) were independent factors associated with elevated liver biochemistries in patients with COVID‐19.

Conclusions

Elevated liver biochemistries were common in patients with COVID‐19. Patients with hypoxia or severe inflammation are more likely to experience increased liver biochemistries on admission. Those with abnormal AST or TBIL on admission are more likely to suffer from severe complications and death.
Early serum TARC reduction predicts prognosis in advanced‐stage Hodgkin lymphoma patients treated with a PET‐adapted strategy
Authors: Viviani Simonetta , Mazzocchi Arabella , Pavoni Chiara , Taverna Francesca , Rossi Andrea , Patti Caterina , Romano Alessandra , Trentin Livio , Sorasio Roberto , Guidetti Anna , Gottardi Daniela , Tarella Corrado , Cimminiello Michele , Zanotti Roberta , Farina Lucia , Ferreri Andrés José Maria , Galbiati Marina , Corradini Paolo , Gianni Alessandro Massimo , Gallamini Andrea , Rambaldi Alessandro
Published: June 2020

Among patients with advanced‐stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) receiving ABVD chemotherapy, PET performed after the first two treatment cycles (PET‐2) has prognostic value. However, 15% of patients with a negative PET‐2 will experience treatment failure. Here we prospectively evaluated serum thymus and activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC) levels, to improve risk assessment in patients treated according to HD0607 PET‐driven trial (#NCT00795613). In 266 patients with available serum samples, who have agreed to participate in a sub‐study for assessment of the role of TARC monitoring, serum TARC levels were measured at baseline and at time of PET‐2 by commercially available ELISA test kits. The primary end‐point was to evaluate the association between TARC after 2 ABVD cycles and PFS. Median TARC‐2 values were significantly higher in PET‐2‐positive patients compared to PET‐2‐negative patients (P = .001), and in patients with treatment failure compared to those in continuous CR (P = .01). The 4‐year PFS significantly differed between patients with TARC‐2 >800 pg/mL vs ≤800 pg/mL (64% vs 86%, P = .0001). Moreover, among PET‐2‐negative patients, elevated TARC‐2 identified those with a worse prognosis (74% vs 89%; P = .01). In multivariable analysis, TARC‐2 >800 pg/mL was a significant independent predictor of PFS in the whole study population (HR 2.39, P = .004) and among the PET‐2‐negative patients (HR 2.49, P = .02). In conclusion, our results indicate that TARC‐2 serum levels above 800 pg/mL suggest the need for a stringent follow‐up in PET‐2‐negative patients, and the evaluation of new drugs in PET‐2‐positive, who will likely fail to respond to intensification with escalated BEACOPP.
Convective instability in binary nanofluids with an internal heat source in the presence of thermodiffusion and nanoparticles
Authors: Gaikwad Sravan Nayek , Surwase Dnyaneshwar Madhav
Published: June 2020

This paper investigates the effect of internal heat source on the convective instability under the effect of thermodiffusion of nanoparticles and solute in binary nanofluids theoretically using stability criterion based on linear stability theory. A horizontal layer of binary nanofluid at constant and different temperatures is considered, and the problem is modeled by the system of highly nonlinear partial differential equations. These coupled equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using nondimensional variables. To study the convective instability of a binary nanofluid, the Rayleigh numbers are derived analytically for stationary and oscillatory convections and the addition factor Fa is proposed. The comparison of the obtained results is favorable with previously published results. The Brinkman model for viscosity and the Bruggeman model for thermal conductivity are used to study the effect of nanoparticle on the system. The effects of various parameters, namely internal Rayleigh number, volume fraction of nanoparticles, Soret coefficients of nanoparticles, and solute on the system are shown through graphs. To check the variation in stability, we have considered NH3/H2O+Ag binary nanofluid and the effect of addition factor on the concentration profiles are explained with the help of a graph.
Thermoconvective instability in a vertically oscillating horizontal ferrofluid layer with variable viscosity
Authors: Aanam A Neha , Siddheshwar P. G. , Nagouda Smita S. , Pranesh S.
Published: June 2020

The paper sheds light on the linear and nonlinear stability of a ferrofluid with the temperature and magnetic‐field‐dependent viscosity subjected to an imposed time‐periodic gravity modulation. The perturbations in the system due to external reasons are expanded in terms of the amplitude of modulation in the case of linear stability and a truncated representation of the Fourier series in the case of nonlinear stability. A nonautonomous Lorenz model for the problem is first obtained, and both linear and nonlinear analyses of the system are performed using this. The expression for the critical Rayleigh number, , and the correction Rayleigh number, , is found from the linearized Lorenz model. The Lorenz system of equations is solved for the amplitude to arrive at the Nusselt number (Nu), which quantifies the heat transport. In the study we find that the thermorheological effect and the magnetization effect work in unison to destabilize the system, while the magnetorheological effect and the effect of vertical oscillations stabilize the system. The influence of the parameters on the heat transport is the opposite to their effect on the critical Rayleigh number. The results of the paper agree quite well with those of limiting cases.
Study on effect of diverse air inlet arrangement on thermal management of cylindrical lithium‐ion cells
Authors: Sharma Abhinav , Patil Yashodhan , Krishnaiah Ravi , Ashok B. , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang
Published: June 2020

Lithium‐ion cells are preferred in the electrical powertrain due to high‐power density, compactness, and modularity. In real driving conditions, the cells undergo discharge rates as high as 4 C resulting in high heat generation affecting the performance. To obtain the maximum performance the pack construction and thermal management of cells are crucial parameters. In our work, air‐cooled technique with diverse air inlet and staggered scheme with a two‐channel partition approach for thermal management of the cylindrical lithium‐ion cells are studied in computational fluid dynamics. The simulation model is validated with experimental results. The obtained results demonstrate that the cells in the dual‐directional air inlet arrangement had low maximum temperature difference among and within the cells and required least fan work. This arrangement required least fan work to generate optimal air inlet velocity of 2 m/s for 1, 2, and 3 C and 4 m/s for 4 C discharge rates. There is a reduction of 50% and 33% fan work for 3 and 4 C discharge rates, which are the majority operating points. Also, it shows that the temperature uniformity within the cells has improved. The results of this study can used to optimize parameters for designing an enhanced thermal management system.