bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information fraction estimation based on the number of events within the standard treatment regimen
Authors: Dang Ha M. , Alonzo Todd , Franklin Meredith , Mack Wendy J. , Krailo Mark D. , Eckel Sandrah P.
Published: July 2020

For a Phase III randomized trial that compares survival outcomes between an experimental treatment versus a standard therapy, interim monitoring analysis is used to potentially terminate the study early based on efficacy. To preserve the nominal Type I error rate, alpha spending methods and information fractions are used to compute appropriate rejection boundaries in studies with planned interim analyses. For a one‐sided trial design applied to a scenario in which the experimental therapy is superior to the standard therapy, interim monitoring should provide the opportunity to stop the trial prior to full follow‐up and conclude that the experimental therapy is superior. This paper proposes a method called total control only (TCO) for estimating the information fraction based on the number of events within the standard treatment regimen. Based on theoretical derivations and simulation studies, for a maximum duration superiority design, the TCO method is not influenced by departure from the designed hazard ratio, is sensitive to detecting treatment differences, and preserves the Type I error rate compared to information fraction estimation methods that are based on total observed events. The TCO method is simple to apply, provides unbiased estimates of the information fraction, and does not rely on statistical assumptions that are impossible to verify at the design stage. For these reasons, the TCO method is a good approach when designing a maximum duration superiority trial with planned interim monitoring analyses.
The influence of venous tumor thrombus combined with bland thrombus on the surgical treatment and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Zhang Li , Hong Peng , Li Liwei , Tang Shiying , Zhao Xun , Zhang Qiming , Zhu Guodong , Peng Ran , Wang Binshuai , Chen Zhigang , Sun Zhenghui , Yang Feilong , Wang Guoliang , Tian Xiaojun , Zhang Shudong , Huang Yi , Zhang Hongxian , Liu Cheng , Wang Shumin , Ma Lulin
Published: July 2020

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with venous tumor thrombus (VTT) and bland thrombus (BT), and to evaluate the influence of BT on surgical treatment and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of RCC with VTT.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 123 patients with RCC and VTT, who underwent surgical treatment in our center between February 2015 and May 2018. Patients were divided into the BT group (21 patients) and non‐BT group (102 patients). Chi‐square and Mann‐Whitney U test were used for categorical and continuous variables respectively. Univariable log‐rank tests and multivariable Cox regressions were conducted to evaluate the prognostic significance of each variable. Kaplan‐Meier plots were performed to evaluate the influence of BT.

Results

In the delayed phase of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), BT and VTT had difference. Patients were divided according to the relative position of BT: proximal end BT (one patients), contralateral renal vein BT (two patients), distal end BT (12 patients), and multiple BT (six patients). The average length of BT was 8.4 ± 5.8 cm (range: 0.6‐20.0 cm). Patients with BT had longer operative time (P = .001), more surgical blood loss (P = .004), higher proportion of open surgery (P = .006), more postoperative complications (P = .011). BT (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.323, P = .007) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.

Conclusions

In the delayed phase of enhanced MRI, BT showed no obvious enhancement, while VTT usually showed enhancement. This was an important basis for preoperative imaging diagnosis of BT. The presence of BT increases the difficulty of surgery, and is correlated with adverse survival outcomes in patients with RCC and VTT.
Associations of multimorbidity and patient‐reported experiences of care with conservative management among elderly patients with localized prostate cancer
Authors: Fiano Ryan M. , Merrick Gregory S. , Innes Kim E. , Mattes Malcolm D. , LeMasters Traci J. , Shen Chan , Sambamoorthi Usha
Published: July 2020

Background

Many elderly localized prostate cancer patients could benefit from conservative management (CM). This retrospective cohort study examined the associations of patient‐reported access to care and multimorbidity on CM use patterns among Medicare Fee‐for‐Service (FFS) beneficiaries with localized prostate cancer.

Methods

We used linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer Registry, Medicare Claims, and the Medicare Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (MCAHPS) survey files. We identified FFS Medicare Beneficiaries (age ≥ 66; continuous enrollment in Parts A & B) with incident localized prostate cancer from 2003 to 2013 and a completed MCAHPS survey measuring patient‐reported experiences of care within 24 months after diagnosis (n = 496). We used multivariable models to examine MCAHPS measures (getting needed care, timeliness of care, and doctor communication) and multimorbidity on CM use.

Results

Localized prostate cancer patients with multimorbidity were less likely to use CM (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.42 (0.27‐ 0.66), P < .001); those with higher scores on timeliness of care (AOR = 1.21 (1.09, 1.35), P < .001), higher education attainment (3.21 = AOR (1.50,6.89), P = .003), and impaired mental health status (4.32 = AOR (1.86, 10.1) P < .001) were more likely to use CM.

Conclusion(s)

Patient‐reported experience with timely care was significantly and positively associated with CM use. Multimorbidity was significantly and inversely associated with CM use. Addressing specific modifiable barriers to timely care along the cancer continuum for elderly localized prostate cancer patients with limited life expectancy could reduce the adverse effects of overtreatment on health outcomes and costs.
Comprehensive analysis of copy number variance and sensitivity to common targeted therapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: In silico analysis with in vitro validation
Authors: Li Yuqing , Shen Yanyun , Zhu Zhidong , Wen Hui , Feng Chenchen
Published: July 2020

Background

Chromosomal rearrangements are common in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and their roles in mediating sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and mTOR inhibitors (mTORi) remain elusive.

Methods

We developed an in silico strategy by screening copy number variance (CNV) that was potentially related to TKI or mTORi sensitivity in ccRCC by reproducing the TCGA and GDSC datasets. Candidate genes should be both significantly prognostic and related to drug sensitivity or resistance, and were then validated in vitro.

Results

ADCYAP1 loss and GNAS gain were associated with sensitivity and resistance and to Cabozantinib, respectively. ACRBP gain and CTBP1 loss were associated with sensitivity and resistance and to Pazopanib, respectively. CDKN2A loss and SULT1A3 gain were associated with sensitivity and resistance and to Temsirolimus, respectively. CCNE1 gain was associated with resistance to Axitinib and LRP10 loss was associated with resistance to Sunitinib. Mutivariate analysis showed ADCYAP1, GNAS, and CCNE1 remained independently prognostic when adjusted for the rest.

Conclusion

Here we show CNVs of several genes that are associated with sensitivity and resistance to commonly used TKIs and mTORi in ccRCC. Further validation and functional analyses are therefore needed.
Traces of cultural and personal values on sustainable consumption: An analysis of a small local swap event in Izmir, Turkey
Authors: Uckan Yuksel Can , Kaya Cigdem
Published: July 2020

A shift to the use of more eco‐friendly products and production methods is not sufficient to reverse the negative impacts of the Anthropocene period. Irrational overconsumption and production patterns should be abolished and redesigned to remain within the Earth's carrying capacity. Over‐consumption in Turkey is a part of the problem. At the juncture of Europe and Asia, Turkey has a wide variety of consumer behaviors, ranging from conservative habits to shopping sprees, especially with the rapid transition to an open economy in developing cities with contemporized lifestyles. On the one hand, consumption and material culture have quickly diffused among the younger population, who have an important share in the demographic structure and who adopt new information technologies and follow global trends. On the other hand, sharing and collaboration are core elements of the established culture. With that notion in mind, Karsiyaka municipality and the alternative education cooperation BBOM Izmir organized a swap event. The aim of the research, was to discover the views of participants on sustainability and swapping as an alternative collaborative consumption method. The results of the interviews and observations from the swap event revealed the traces of personal and cultural values on the participants' perspectives on sustainability concept and swapping. The results also showed correlations and differences with the literature. The perceptions and expectations of local consumers about swap and the concept of sustainability are mismatched with what we profoundly need for our goal of sustainability.
Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Biological Evaluation of New Emodin Anthraquinone Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Substances
Authors: Li Yuying , Guo Fang , Chen Tinggui , Zhang Liwei , Wang Zhuanhua , Su Qiang , Feng Liheng
Published: July 2020

The emodin anthraquinone derivatives are generally used in traditional Chinese medicine due to their various pharmacological activities. In the present study, a series of emodin anthraquinone derivatives have been designed and synthesized, among which 1,3‐dihydroxy‐6,8‐dimethoxyanthracene‐9,10‐dione is a natural compound that has been synthesized for the very first time, and 1,3‐dimethoxy‐5,8‐dimethylanthracene‐9,10‐dione is a compound that has never been reported earlier. Interestingly, while total seven of these compounds showed neuraminidase inhibitory activity in influenza virus with inhibition rate more than 50 %, specific four compounds exhibited significant inhibition of tumor cell proliferation. The further results demonstrate that 1,3‐dimethoxy‐5,8‐dimethylanthracene‐9,10‐dione showed the best anticancer activity among all the synthesized compounds by inducing highest apoptosis rate to HCT116 cancer cells and arresting their G0/G1 cell cycle phase, through elevation of intracellular level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, the binding of 1,3‐dimethoxy‐5,8‐dimethylanthracene‐9,10‐dione with BSA protein has thoroughly been investigated. Altogether, this study suggests the neuraminidase inhibitory activity and antitumor potential of the new emodin anthraquinone derivatives.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in cardiogenic shock: TAVI‐shock registry results
Authors: Fraccaro Chiara , Campante Teles Rui , Tchétché Didier , Saia Francesco , Bedogni Francesco , Montorfano Matteo , Fiorina Claudia , Meucci Francesco , De Benedictis Mauro , Leonzi Ornella , Barbierato Marco , Dumonteil Nicolas , Stolcova Miroslava , Maffeo Diego , Compagnone Miriam , Brito João , Chieffo Alaide , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Aim of this study is to evaluate safety, feasibility, and mid‐term outcome of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in cardiogenic shock (CS).

Background

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis (SAS) complicated by CS is indicated but associated with a grim prognosis. TAVI might be a more reasonable treatment option in this setting but data are scant.

Methods

From March 2008 to February 2019, 51 patients with severe aortic valvulopathy (native SAS or degenerated aortic bioprosthesis) and CS treated by TAVI in 11 European centers were included in this multicenter registry. Demographic, clinical, and procedural data were collected, as well as clinical and echocardiographic follow‐up.

Results

The mean age of our study population was 75.8 ± 13, 49% were women, and mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score was 19 ± 15%. Device success was achieved in 94.1%, with a 5% incidence of moderate/severe paravalvular leak. The 30‐day events were mortality 11.8%, stroke 2.0%, vascular complications 5.9%, and acute kidney injury 34%. Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 early safety endpoint was reached in 35.3% of cases. At 1‐year of follow‐up, the mortality rate was 25.7% and the readmission for congestive heart failure was 8.6%.

Conclusions

TAVI seems to be a therapeutic option for patients with CS and SAS or degenerated aortic bioprosthesis in terms of both safety and efficacy at early and long‐term follow‐up.
Contributions of a modified electrodynamics to the molecular biochirality
Authors: Santos Alana C. L. , Muniz Celio R. , Oliveira Leonardo T. , Souza Jefferson T.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we investigate the physical basis behind the molecular biochirality from the computation of a parity violation energy difference (PVED) in enantiomers of organic molecules (e.g., amino acids, which occur as levogyrous‐type in nature), by considering the influence of fundamental interactions beyond the standard model of elementary particles and interactions. Particularly, we study the role of a 4‐D Chern‑Simons theory at the origin of this PVED, the Carroll‑Field‑Jackiw electrodynamics, which violates both Lorentz and parity symmetries. Then, we consider terrestrial and Jovian scenarios where the influence of a modified (effective) magnetic field generated by the planets on the molecules is taken into account in the calculation of PVED. Besides this quantity, we also calculate the relative quantity excess of an enantiomer over the other in a thermal bath. Finally, we compare the obtained results with those ones from other models based on fundamental interactions.
Strictly periodic first: An optimal variant of LLF for scheduling tasks in a time‐critical cyber‐physical system
Authors: Kermia Omar
Published: July 2020

Cyber‐physical systems (CPSs) include time‐critical embedded systems where strict timing constraints are considered. These specific CPSs are dealing with close loop control functions, they are interfacing to sensors and actuators and have to fulfill safety critical real‐time constraints. To guarantee the timing correctness, a lot of work introduced the strict‐periodicity constraint. The latter is of great importance since it concerns sensors/actuators periodic tasks for which the relevancy of information they use is linked to the accuracy of their repetition. Applied to real‐time control systems, the strict‐periodicity constraint ensures much more stability and robustness. Therefore, the problem of scheduling real‐time strictly periodic tasks has been targeted by several works in the literature but all these works were interested in nonpreemptive systems. In this work, we consider as strictly periodic and nonpreemptive only the sensory subtask and the remaining portion of the task may be preempted. This way, input transaction of every task receives the highest priority when accessing processor resource which enhances system predictability. On the other hand, the preemption allows easing schedulability analysis and, most of the time, it leads to a better processor utilization. The article proposes an optimal such task scheduling algorithm, called SPF for Strictly Periodic First, based on the Least Laxity First (LLF) scheduler and an efficient schedulability analysis. Simulation experiments with randomly generated task sets allowed showing the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of behavioural treatments for pica in youths
Authors: Moline Rachel , Hou Sharon , Chevrier Julia , Thomassin Kristel
Published: July 2020

Pica is the persistent consumption of non‐nutritive, nonfood substances and is associated with adverse health complications. However, there is limited research on interventions for pica in youth. The objective of this study is to systematically review the empirical evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural interventions for pica in children and adolescents and to generate treatment recommendations. A systematic search yielded 823 articles extracted from five databases: CINALH, Family and Society Studies Worldwide, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Two reviewers completed initial sorting based on article titles and abstracts. Five reviewers completed sorting based on full article review. Thirty articles were included and double coded for demographic information, co‐morbid conditions, and intervention characteristics. These studies were case studies involving behavioural treatments for pica. Seventeen behavioural interventions were categorized into four treatment approaches: reinforcement‐based, response interruption, “other” interventions, and punishment‐based procedures. Interventions that resulted in near‐zero rates of pica were deemed effective. Findings showed support for contingent reinforcement, discrimination training as part of a combination treatment, physical restraint, time out, and contingent aversive stimulus. No evidence supported the effectiveness of response interruption procedures, including response blocking and visual facial screen. Other coded procedures did not appear effective. We recommend that the least restrictive procedures are implemented first, including a combination treatment with contingent reinforcement and discrimination training. As needed, more restrictive procedures can be added to the treatment package. This review will facilitate future empirical work and assist clinicians with treatment options for pica in youth. High‐quality trials are needed.
Mood‐Stabilizing Antiepileptic Treatment Response in Bipolar Disorder: A Genome‐Wide Association Study
Authors: Ho Ada Man‐Choi , Coombes Brandon J. , Nguyen Thanh Thanh L. , Liu Duan , McElroy Susan L. , Singh Balwinder , Nassan Malik , Colby Colin L. , Larrabee Beth R. , Weinshilboum Richard M. , Frye Mark A. , Biernacka Joanna M.
Published: July 2020

Several antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for use as mood stabilizers in bipolar disorder (BD), but not all BD patients respond to these AED mood stabilizers (AED‐MSs). To identify genetic polymorphisms that contribute to the variability in AED‐MS response, we performed a discovery genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of 199 BD patients from the Mayo Clinic Bipolar Disorder Biobank. Most of these patients had been treated with the AED‐MS valproate/divalproex and/or lamotrigine. AED‐MS response was assessed using the Alda scale, which quantifies clinical improvement while accounting for potential confounding factors. We identified two genome‐wide significant single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) signals that mapped to the THSD7A (rs78835388, P = 7.1E‐09) and SLC35F3 (rs114872993, P = 3.2E‐08) genes. We also identified two genes with statistically significant gene‐level associations: ABCC1 (P = 6.7E‐07; top SNP rs875740, P = 2.0E‐6), and DISP1 (P = 8.9E‐07; top SNP rs34701716, P = 8.9E‐07). THSD7A SNPs were previously found to be associated with risk for several psychiatric disorders, including BD. Both THSD7A and SLC35F3 are expressed in excitatory/glutamatergic and inhibitory/γ‐aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurons, which are targets of AED‐MSs. ABCC1 is involved in the transport of valproate and lamotrigine metabolites, and the SNPs in ABCC1 and DISP1 with the strongest evidence of association in our GWAS are strong splicing quantitative trait loci in the human gut, suggesting a possible influence on drug absorption. In conclusion, our pharmacogenomic study identified novel genetic loci that appear to contribute to AED‐MS treatment response, and may facilitate precision medicine in BD.
Tuning of the Oxygen Species Linker on the Surface of Polymeric Carbon Nitride to Promote the Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Performance
Authors: Lei Qin , Chen Rongzhi , Zhao Yurong , Chen Huanyu , Long Xinxin , Tan Jihua , Wang Xinming
Published: July 2020

Invited for this month's cover is the research group of Rongzhi Chen at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xinming Wang at Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The image proposes an effective strategy to tune bonded oxygen species of carbon nitride for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202001027.
Comparison of neck and waist circumferences for identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in a community‐based population
Authors: Xu Yiting , Jian Chaohui , Ma Xiaojing , Shen Yun , Wang Yufei , Bao Yuqian
Published: July 2020

Aims

Recently, neck circumference (NC) has been proposed as a new anthropometric index for assessing upper body fat, which has a close relationship with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of NC in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis, an early stage of CVD, in a Shanghai community population.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 1387 subjects (486 men and 901 women) from the Shanghai community. Anthropometric measurements, including NC and waist circumference (WC), were taken for all subjects. Carotid intima media thickness (C‐IMT) was determined by carotid ultrasonography. Elevated NC was defined as NC ≥ 38.5 cm in men and NC ≥ 34.5 cm in women.

Results

There was a positive correlation between NC and C‐IMT, and this association remained significant even after adjustment for BMI (P = .015; P = .038). After adjusting for confounding factors, the additional risks of elevated C‐IMT were 58% and 33% for each SD increase in NC in men and women, respectively (P = .003; P = .009). The NC cutoffs could identify 53.38% of men and 43.07% of women with elevated C‐IMT, which was comparable to the identification of 56.08% of men and 42.57% of women with elevated C‐IMT using WC cutoffs (P = .218; P = .920).

Conclusions

NC was significantly and positively correlated with C‐IMT. The cutoffs of NC could be helpful to identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in a community‐based population, and the identification showed no difference compared to that using WC cutoffs.
Forecast increase in invasive rabbit spread into ecosystems of an oceanic island (Tenerife) under climate change
Authors: Bello‐Rodríguez Víctor , Mateo Rubén G. , Pellissier Loïc , Cubas Jonay , Cooke Brian , González‐Mancebo Juana María
Published: July 2020

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a pest and a conservation problem on many islands, where its heavy grazing pressure threatens many endemic plants with extinction. Previous studies in its native and introduced range have highlighted the high spatial variability of rabbit abundance at local and landscape scales, depending on many factors such as the existence of different habitats. Modeling of the species can be useful to better understand spatial patterns and to prioritize actions, especially in those regions in which rabbits have become invasive. Here, we investigate the distribution of the European rabbit in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), where the species was introduced during the 15th century and has subsequently changed vegetation composition. Added to the direct effects of rabbits on vegetation, climate change could also have implications for rabbit populations, especially in the alpine ecosystem. To evaluate that, we estimated rabbit abundance in 216 plots randomly distributed on Tenerife island (61 in the alpine ecosystem), modeled the potential current spatial abundance of the species and considered how it might vary under different climate change scenarios. We associated rabbit abundance to a wide selection of abiotic, biotic, and human variables expected to influence rabbit abundance on the island. We found a positive correlation between rabbit abundance and temperature and a negative correlation in the case of precipitation. Hence, according to the models' projections, climate change is expected to enhance rabbit populations in the future. Current higher densities were related to land disturbance and open areas, and a remarkable increase is expected to occur in the alpine ecosystem. Overall, we consider that this study provides valuable information for land managers in the Canary archipelago as it reveals how global warming could indirectly exacerbate the conservation problems of the endemic flora in oceanic islands.
Exploring the functional meaning of head shape disparity in aquatic snakes
Authors: Segall Marion , Cornette Raphaël , Godoy‐Diana Ramiro , Herrel Anthony
Published: July 2020

Phenotypic diversity, or disparity, can be explained by simple genetic drift or, if functional constraints are strong, by selection for ecologically relevant phenotypes. We here studied phenotypic disparity in head shape in aquatic snakes. We investigated whether conflicting selective pressures related to different functions have driven shape diversity and explore whether similar phenotypes may give rise to the same functional output (i.e., many‐to‐one mapping of form to function). We focused on the head shape of aquatically foraging snakes as they fulfill several fitness‐relevant functions and show a large amount of morphological variability. We used 3D surface scanning and 3D geometric morphometrics to compare the head shape of 62 species in a phylogenetic context. We first tested whether diet specialization and size are drivers of head shape diversification. Next, we tested for many‐to‐one mapping by comparing the hydrodynamic efficiency of head shape characteristic of the main axes of variation in the dataset. We 3D printed these shapes and measured the forces at play during a frontal strike. Our results show that diet and size explain only a small amount of shape variation. Shapes did not fully functionally converge as more specialized aquatic species evolved a more efficient head shape than others. The shape disparity observed could thus reflect a process of niche specialization.
Shifting spaces: Which disparity or dissimilarity measurement best summarize occupancy in multidimensional spaces?
Authors: Guillerme Thomas , Puttick Mark N. , Marcy Ariel E. , Weisbecker Vera
Published: July 2020

Multidimensional analysis of traits are now common in ecology and evolution and are based on trait spaces in which each dimension summarizes the observed trait combination (a morphospace or an ecospace). Observations of interest will typically occupy a subset of this space, and researchers will calculate one or more measures to quantify how organisms inhabit that space. In macroevolution and ecology, these measures called disparity or dissimilarity metrics are generalized as space occupancy measures. Researchers use these measures to investigate how space occupancy changes through time, in relation to other groups of organisms, or in response to global environmental changes. However, the mathematical and biological meaning of most space occupancy measures is vague with the majority of widely used measures lacking formal description. Here, we propose a broad classification of space occupancy measures into three categories that capture changes in size, density, or position. We study the behavior of 25 measures to changes in trait space size, density, and position on simulated and empirical datasets. We find that no measure describes all of trait space aspects but that some are better at capturing certain aspects. Our results confirm the three broad categories (size, density, and position) and allow us to relate changes in any of these categories to biological phenomena. Because the choice of space occupancy measures is specific to the data and question, we introduced https://tguillerme.shinyapps.io/moms/moms, a tool to both visualize and capture changes in space occupancy for any measurement. https://tguillerme.shinyapps.io/moms/moms is designed to help workers choose the right space occupancy measures, given the properties of their trait space and their biological question. By providing guidelines and common vocabulary for space occupancy analysis, we hope to help bridging the gap in multidimensional research between ecology and evolution.
Do Chinese cavefish show intraspecific variability in morphological traits?
Authors: Lunghi Enrico , Zhao Yahui
Published: July 2020

Cavefishes represent one of the most bizarre and intriguing life forms inhabiting groundwater environments. One‐third of the known cavefishes worldwide is endemic to China, and almost half of those belongs to a single genus, Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae). Analyzing the morphometrics of three Sinocyclocheilus species, we aimed to assess whether variability among conspecific populations exists. We predict that populations inhabiting different subterranean habitats (shallow vs. deep) show divergences in specific morphological traits to better cope with the local ecological conditions. Our results showed that the populations showing bigger eyes and reduced humpback were those occurring close to the cave entrance (habitats with light and high food availability), while specimens with smaller eyes and increased humpback were collected from deeper groundwater areas (habitats laying in darkness with food scarcity). This explorative study paves the way for further researches aiming to collect novel data on Chinese cavefishes and highlights the usefulness of these species in evolutionary studies.
The legacy of biogeographic history on the composition and structure of Andean forests
Authors: González‐Caro Sebastián , Duque Álvaro , Feeley Kenneth J. , Cabrera Edersson , Phillips Juan , Ramirez Sebastián , Yepes Adriana
Published: July 2020

The biogeographic origin of species may help to explain differences in average tree height and aboveground biomass (AGB) of tropical mountain forests. After the Andean uplift, small‐statured trees should have been among the initial colonizers of the highlands (new cold environment) from the lowland tropics, since these species are pre‐adapted to cold conditions with narrow vessels that are relatively resistant to freezing. If the descendants of these small‐statured clades continue to dominate tropical highland forests, there will be a high co‐occurrence of close relatives at high elevations. In other words, this scenario predicts a systematic decline in tree size, AGB, and phylogenetic diversity with elevation. In contrast, the colonization of Andean forests by some large‐statured clades that originated in temperate regions may modify this expectation and promote a mixing of tropical and temperate clades, thereby increasing the phylogenetic diversity in tropical highland forests. This latter scenario predicts an increase or no change of tree size, AGB, and phylogenetic diversity with elevation. We assessed how the historical immigration of large‐statured temperate‐affiliated tree lineages adapted to cold conditions may have influenced the composition and structure of Andean forests. Specifically, we used 92 0.25‐ha forest inventory plots distributed in the tropical Andes Mountains of Colombia to assess the relationship between the phylogenetic diversity and AGB along elevational gradients. We classified tree species as being either “tropical affiliated” or “temperate affiliated” and estimated their independent contribution to forest AGB. We used structural equation modeling to separate the direct and indirect effect of elevation on AGB. We found a hump‐shaped relationship of phylogenetic diversity, AGB, and tree size with elevation. The high phylogenetic diversity found between 1,800–2,200 m above sea level (asl) was due to the mixing of highland floras containing many temperate‐affiliated species, and lowland floras containing mostly tropical‐affiliated species. The high AGB in highland forests, which contrasted with the expected decline of AGB with elevation, was likely due to the significant contribution of temperate‐affiliated species. Our findings highlight the lasting importance of biogeographic history on the composition and structure of Andean mountain forests.
Current knowledge on the extraction, purification, identification, and validation of bioactive peptides from seaweed
Authors: Cermeño Maria , Kleekayai Thanyaporn , Amigo‐Benavent Miryam , Harnedy‐Rothwell Pádraigín , FitzGerald Richard J.
Published: July 2020

Seaweed (macroalgae) is considered as a sustainable bioresource rich in high‐quality nutrients such as protein. Seaweed protein can be used as an alternative to other protein sources. Furthermore, these proteins are natural reservoirs of bioactive peptides (BAPs) associated with various health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. However, seaweed‐derived BAPs remain underexploited due to challenges that arise during protein extraction from algal biomass. Coupled with this, limited proteomic information exists regarding certain seaweed species. This review highlights the current state of the art of seaweed protein extraction techniques, e.g., liquid, ultrasound, microwave, pulsed electric field, and high hydrostatic pressure assisted extraction. The review also focuses on the enzymatic hydrolysis of seaweed proteins and characterization of the resultant hydrolysates/peptides using electrophoretic and chromatographic techniques. This includes reference to methods employed for separation, fractionation, and purification of seaweed BAPs, as well as the methodologies used for identification, e.g., analysis by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, a bioinformatics or in silico approach to aid discovery of seaweed BAPs is discussed herein. Based on the information available to date, it is suggested that further research is required in this area for the development of seaweed BAPs for nutraceutical applications.
Exploring astroturf lobbying in the EU: The case of responsible energy citizen coalition
Authors: Lits Brieuc
Published: July 2020

This paper explores the creation of an astroturf group, which is a fake grassroots movement, and looks at the strategies that were used to influence EU policies. The case under scrutiny is the Responsible Energy Citizen Coalition. This alleged citizen movement launched a campaign to influence two European Parliament reports regarding shale gas exploration in 2012. A quantitative text analysis offers insights regarding the astroturf group's communication strategy in comparison to 39 other interest groups who published position papers on the issue. This study shows how the astroturf group's communication is aligned with that of the organizations, which were behind its creation. Furthermore, the distinction between lobbying success and lobbying influence is discussed and a correspondence analysis shows how the astroturf group might have contributed to the success of the pro‐shale coalition on the outcome of one of the two policy proposals.
Future prospects research on offshore wind power scale in China based on signal decomposition and extreme learning machine optimized by principal component analysis
Authors: Liu Dunnan , Liu Mingguang , Xu Xiaofeng , Wang Jiani , Fan Chenkai , Li Xiaoyu , Han Jinshan
Published: July 2020

In recent years, China has promoted many new energy projects in order to meet the growing demand for electricity. Therefore, China's offshore wind power installed capacity has grown rapidly. China has a long coastline and abundant offshore wind energy resources. Offshore wind power is an important area for the development of renewable energy, which can promote wind power technology advancement and energy structure adjustment. Therefore, conducting effective research and forecast on the cumulative installed capacity of China's offshore wind power will help the government to rationally deploy and reduce the risk of investment in offshore wind power. In order to accurately predict the future prospects of offshore wind power in China, this paper firstly constructed a set of influencing factors and used gray correlation analysis to screen the main influencing factors. Then, this paper proposed a novel forecasting model named e‐VMD‐PCA‐RELM. The algorithm is based on the traditional RELM (robust extreme learning machine) algorithm, which effectively processes the noise information through the PCA (principal component analysis) algorithm, and extracted the feature elements of the RELM hidden layer to reduce the information redundancy. At the same time, the e‐VMD (variational mode decomposition optimized by entropy) algorithm is used to decompose the original time series to obtain multiple components. By comparing with the other forecasting algorithms, it is proved that the proposed forecasting model has strong generalization ability and has achieved good prediction result. Finally, the e‐VMD‐PCA‐RELM model is used to predict the scale of offshore wind farms in China from 2019 to 2035. We find that the cumulative installed capacity of China's offshore wind power will exceed 60 GW in 2035, and the installed capacity will increase year by year. In 2030, there will be a large increase, with a relative growth rate of 20%.
Do agricultural grasses bred for improved root systems provide resilience to machinery‐derived soil compaction?
Authors: Muhandiram Nuwan P.K. , Humphreys Mike W. , Fychan Rhun , Davies John W. , Sanderson Ruth , Marley Christina L.
Published: July 2020

The increasing frequency of droughts and floods on grasslands, due to climate change, increases the risk of soil compaction. Soil compaction affects both soil and forage productivity. Differing grasses may counteract some effects of compaction due to differences in their root architecture and ontogeny. To compare their resilience to soil compaction, three Festulolium (ryegrass and fescue species’ hybrids) forage grass cultivars comprising differing root architecture and ontogeny were compared in replicated field plots, together with a ryegrass and tall fescue variety as controls. Pre‐compaction soil and forage properties were determined in spring using > four‐year‐old plots to generate baseline data. Half of each field plot was then artificially compacted using farm machinery. Forage dry matter yield (DMY) was determined over four cuts. After the final harvest, post compaction soil characteristics and root biomass (RB) were compared between grasses in the non‐compacted and compacted soils. Pre‐compaction data showed that soil under Festulolium and ryegrass had similar water infiltration rates, higher than soil under tall fescue plots. Tiller density of the Festulolium at this time was significantly higher than fescue but not the ryegrass control. Forage DMY was significantly lower (p < .001) with compacted soil at the first cut but, by the completion of the growing season, there was no effect of soil compaction on total DMY. Tall fescue had a higher total DMY than other grasses, which all produced similar annual yields. Soil bulk density and penetration resistance were higher, and grass tiller density was lower in compacted soils. Root biomass in compacted soils showed a tendency for Festulolium cv Lp × Fg to have higher RB than the ryegrass at 0–15 cm depth. Overall, findings showed alternative grass root structures provide differing resilience to machinery compaction, and root biomass production can be encouraged without negative impacts on forage productivity.
How historical analysis can enrich scenario planning
Authors: Schoemaker Paul J. H.
Published: July 2020

Historians and scenario planners both examine societal developments over time, but from opposite vantage points. One group looks backward, the other forward. This paper argues that a deeper understanding of the methods and approaches of historical analysis can help scenario planners to develop better insights into the world ahead. The study of history stretches back millennia, while disciplined scenario planning has been around for half a century. By comparing historical analysis with scenario planning, the paper extracts lessons to improve narratives about possible futures, with linkages to the emerging field of counterfactual history. The practical challenges are examined using a 1992 scenario project about South Africa's future post‐apartheid. Reviewing the four scenarios developed then, with the benefit of hindsight now, shows how and why historical thinking can sharpen scenario‐oriented studies of the future.
On the analysis of policy control function of 4G LTE‐A
Authors: Mandal Priyatosh
Published: July 2020

Policy and charging rule function (PCRF) is a node in LTE‐A network for provisioning of policy and charging resources to policy and charging enforcement function. In roaming scenario, to provide policy to policy and charging enforcement function, there can be involvement of PCRF of visited network (V‐PCRF), PCRF of home network (H‐PCRF) and subscription profile repository (SPR) nodes. Depending on the implementation and operator policy, policy provisioning can involve all the nodes or may not involve all the nodes in roaming scenario. In this paper, we analyze and compare the delay performance of policy provisioning for various scenarios when all nodes are involved and all nodes are not involved. We use open queuing network model to analyze the performance of various policy provisioning scenarios.
Throughput maximization in discrete rate based full duplex wireless powered communication networks†
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Sadi Yalcin , Coleri Sinem
Published: July 2020

In this study, we consider a discrete rate full‐duplex wireless powered communication network. We characterize a novel optimization framework for sum throughput maximization to determine the rate adaptation and transmission schedule subject to energy causality and user transmit power. We first formulate the problem as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem, which is hard to solve for a global optimum in polynomial‐time. Then, we investigate the characteristics of the solution and propose a polynomial time heuristic algorithm for rate adaptation and scheduling problem. Through numerical analysis, we illustrate that the proposed scheduling algorithm outperforms the conventional schemes such as equal time allocation half‐duplex and on‐off transmission schemes for different initial battery levels, hybrid access point transmit power and network densities.
Cantharidin‐induced acute hepatotoxicity: the role of TNF‐α, IKK‐α, Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase3
Authors: Yu Yalei , Zhang Youyou , Zhang Jie , Guan Chuhuai , Liu Liang , Ren Liang
Published: July 2020

Cantharidin is of high medicinal value but has strong toxicity. Nowadays, multiple research has focused on the mechanism of its antitumor activity while research on toxicological profiles associated with cantharidin poisoning is still limited. Its hepatotoxicity has attracted attention recently for the crucial role of the liver in detoxification. Here, we aim to find a potential mechanism for cantharidin‐induced acute hepatotoxicity with a view to assisting subsequent research or clinical use or detoxification. Twenty‐one male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, low‐dose (1.34 mg/kg) and high‐dose (2.67 mg/kg) cantharidin exposure groups. We used hematoxylin‐eosin to observe pathological changes and used immunofluorescent staining, western blotting and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of the markers. The main pathological changes in livers of cantharidin‐treated rats were necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and hemorrhage. We found coexpression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), IkappaB kinase‐alpha (IKK‐α) and caspase3 by immunofluorescent staining in livers of cantharidin‐treated rats. Compared with the control, the levels of TNF‐α, IKK‐α and caspase3 increased significantly in the experimental groups (P < .05). The ratio of B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2)/Bax increased in the low‐dose group but decreased in the high‐dose group (P < .05). Cantharidin exposure raised IKK‐α mRNA and caspase3 mRNA levels (P < .05). In conclusion, the participation of TNF‐α, IKK‐α, Bcl‐2, Bax and caspase3 uncovered a novel mechanism underlying cantharidin‐induced acute hepatotoxicity, and the mechanism needs to be studied further.
Engineering HepG2 spheroids with injectable fiber fragments as predictable models for drug metabolism and tumor infiltration
Authors: Wei Jiaojun , Lei Dongmei , Chen Maohua , Ran Pan , Li Xiaohong
Published: July 2020

In vitro cell and tissue models are playing essential roles in the identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Though HepG2 cells have attractive profiles over primary hepatocytes in the availability and viability retention, the expression of metabolizing enzymes is quite low. In the current study, three‐dimensional (3D) HepG2 spheroids with smaller sizes of 150 μm (3Ds) and bigger sizes of 300 μm (3Db) are engineered using injectable fiber fragments as the substrate. In contrast to two‐dimensional (2D) culture, the enzyme activities for drug metabolisms are restored in 3Ds and the pathophysiological profiles of tumor tissues are rebuilt in 3Db spheroids. Compared with spheroid culture without fiber fragments, 3Ds spheroids show higher activities of metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP2A9, and phase II) and higher sensitivities to enzyme inducers (rifampicin and glutathione) and inhibitors (ketoconazole and probenecid). The drug clearance and toxicity to 3Ds spheroids predict better the clinical observations and drug–drug interactions. In addition, compared to scaffold‐free spheroid culture, stronger expressions of E‐cadherin and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and higher fibronectin secretions are determined in 3Db spheroids, displaying apparent hypoxic and apoptotic regions similar to those found in solid tumors. In contrast to the overestimated drug toxicity in other systems, the infiltrations of free drug and drug‐loaded micelles are apparently restricted in 3Db spheroids, exhibiting drug resistance just like in tumor tissues. Thus, this study demonstrates HepG2 spheroids with different sizes as predictable and physiologically relevant models for high‐throughput screening of drug metabolism and tumor infiltration.
A convenient approach by using poly‐(HEMA‐co‐NIPAM)/Cu2+ solution sol–gel transition for wound protection and healing
Authors: Wang Yansong , Chu Xin , Sun Yu , Teng Peng , Xia Tianzhi , Chen Yisheng
Published: July 2020

Rapid and convenient wound healing is crucial for reducing potential post‐traumatic wound complications. In this study, a temperature‐sensitive polymer of poly‐(HEMA‐co‐NIPAM) (PHN) was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization, in which the solution quickly underwent a sol–gel transition above 29°C, thus responding to a typical body temperature and facilitating wound sealing. PHN solution incorporated with copper ions (PHN‐Cu) not only exhibited excellent antibacterial properties, but also expedited wound closure and facilitated tissue angiogenesis. The in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the PHN‐Cu had a higher wound closure rate and demonstrated an ability to promote skin tissue angiogenesis. Such a versatile, convenient aqueous solution could enable nonprofessionals to promptly treat wounds in a short time after injury, thus providing suitable conditions for later treatment, and can be used as a convenient method to clean wounds.